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Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch ,...

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Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News
Transcript
Page 1: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch,

5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Page 2: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Weather Watch

2 hours ago

GMA 7 resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on DZBB:

-Para po sa mga pumasok at papasok na. Wala po tayong bagyo na nakita sa loob o labas ng PAR .

-Ang ating nakikita at ayon din sa PAGASA ang ITCZ ang siyang magpapaulan sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao, pero sa Luzon

at Visayas may mga pag-ulan sa hapon.

-Halos nandito na ang tag-ulan mayroon lang na criteria ang PAGASA bago maideklara na nagsimula na ang tag-ulan na dala-

dala ng hanging Habagat.

-Isang pangkaraniwan dyan kahit umaga may pag-ulan na (paano masasabi na tag-ulan na). Kapag nagkaroon na tayo ng

bagyo sa ating PAR at tuloy-tuloy na ang mararanasan nating pag-ulan.

-Sa linggong ito posibleng magkaroon ng LPA sa silangang bahagi ng Visayas.

Weather Watch

4 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Magkahalong init at ulan ang sasalubong sa mga estudyante ngayong araw. Ang Metro Manila ay aabot sa 34

degree Celcius ang temperatura ngayong araw at 37 degree Celcius naman sa Tuguegarao City. Pagdating naman sa hapon ay

malaki ang posibilidad na umulan dulot ng mga thunderstorm. Sa Mindanao magiging maulan dahil sa ITCZ, partikular sa

Davao, Cagayan de Oro at Zamboanga. Magiging makulimlim diyan na magdadala ng ulan. Sa Visayas, partikular sa Iloilo,

Bacolod at Cebu ay makakaranas rin ng mga isolated rainshowers.

Weather Watch

4 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Jori Lois on DZMM

-Magiging maaliwalas po ang panahon dito sa Metro Manila kasama ang buong Luzon maliban na lamang sa isolated rain

showers at thunderstorms.

-Sa Mindanao inaasahan natin na magkakaroon ng light to moderate rain dulot ng ITCZ.

Page 3: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Weather Watch

4 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Jori Lois on DZMM

-Magiging maaliwalas po ang panahon dito sa Metro Manila kasama ang buong Luzon maliban na lamang sa isolated rain

showers at thunderstorms.

-Sa Mindanao inaasahan natin na magkakaroon ng light to moderate rain dulot ng ITCZ.

Weather Watch

10 hours ago

GMA News: A strong earthquake hit Taiwan on Sunday, leaving two dead, one missing and 21 others injured, officials said.

The quake, which violently shook buildings in the capital Taipei, sent people running into the streets and was also felt in Hong

Kong, more than 700 kilometers (435 miles) away. Taiwan's Seismology Centre measured the quake's magnitude at 6.3, while

the US Geological Survey put it at 6.2. The tremor hit at 1:43 pm (0543 GMT), centered 32 kilometers east of the central

county of Nantou at a depth of 10 kilometers, followed by a series of aftershocks, the Seismology Centre said.

Weather Watch shared Space.com's photo.

11 hours ago

Astrophotographer Mike Dillinger sent in this beautiful photo of the planetary conjunction of Mercury, Venus and Jupiter,

taken from Haleakala Summit on Maui, HI, May 26, 2013. See more photos of the 3 planet conjunction and May full moon:

http://bit.ly/15lkQfk

Weather Watch

20 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

GMA: OCD lined up ocular inspections of areas affected by a magnitude-5.7 quake that hit North Cotabato Saturday night.

OCD teams were scheduled to conduct the inspections after they could not do so Saturday night as it was dark at the time,

radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported. PHIVOLCS said the magnitude 5.7 quake was recorded at 10:10pm with epicentre at 10 km

Page 4: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

northwest of Carmen town. It was felt at:

Intensity V: Carmen, North Cotabato

Intensity IV: Roxas, North Cotabato; Tacurong City; Midsayap, North Cotabato

Intensity III: Misamis City; Cotabato City; Tampakan, South Cotabato; Makilala, North Cotabato; Magpet, North Cotabato;

Valencia City; Marawi City

Intensity II: MLang, North Cotabato; Tulunan, North Cotabato; Camiguin; General Santos City; Malaybalay, Bukidnon;

Misamis Oriental; Padada, Davao del Sur

Intensity I: Dipolog City

Damage and aftershocks may be expected from the quake, Phivolcs had said. Meanwhile, Phivolcs detected at least two

aftershocks from the quake Saturday and Sunday.

These included: 11:45 p.m., magnitude 4.3; 7:58 a.m., magnitude 4.3

Weather Watch

20 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

DZMM: May 200,000 kabahayan ang nagkaroon ng mga bitak dahil sa lindol kagabi na naranasan sa North Cotabato.

Nadadaanan naman ang Mutian bridge sa lalawigan bagaman paisa-isa lang ang pinadadaan dahil baka bumigay ang tulay.

Samantala, muntik nang matabunan ang sasakyan ni Ortega ng local OCD doon nang gumuho ang lupa sa bundok na

nadaanan nila sa highway. Ito ay matapos makaramdam ng 3 aftershocks sa North Cotabato.

Weather Watch

21 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

DZMM: Walang namataan na LPA sa loob ng PAR. Pero may ITCZ na nakakaapekto sa Southern Mindanao. Magiging maulap

at makakaranas ng light to moderate rains sa Davao, Zamboanga Peninsula at iba pang lugar. Sa Metro Manila ang

temperature ay maglalaro sa 23-34 degree Celcius at makakaranas ng isolated rains.

Weather Watch

22 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

DZMM: Walong bata ang nasugatan sa 5.7 magnitude quake na tumama sa North Cotabato kagabi. Ang sentro ng pagyanig

ay nagmula sa bayan ng Carmen sa naturang lalawigan. Samantala, apat sa pitong school buildings ng lalawigan ang totally

damaged dahil sa lindol at ito ang malaking problema sa pagbubukas ng klse bukas sa bayan. Ang mga social hall, buong

Page 5: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

school buildings at covered court ang puwedeng matuluyan ng mga apektadong residente sa lindol.

Weather Watch

Yesterday near Quezon City, Philippines

DZMM: Isang bata ang na-rescue matapos na magbagsakan ng debris a Carmen, North Cotabato. Ito ay makalipas na tamaan

ng 5.7 magnitude na lindol ang lalawigan kagabi. Niyanig din ng magnitude 4 na lindol ang South Cotabato. Ang sentro ng

lindol ay naitala sa Carmen, N. Cotabato at tectonic in origin.

Weather Watch

June 3 , 2013 (Monday)

CAVITE : Cloudy LAGUNA : Cloudy

BATANGAS : RIZAL : Fair Weather

QUEZON : Partly Cloudy in Lucena City

Page 6: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that there will be a scheduled power interruption

in some parts of Quezon province tomorrow, June 4. The affected distribution ulility is Quezon electric cooperative 2 or

Quezelco 2. Power interruption is due to preventive maintenance along kalayaan EHV-kalayaan 230KV line. Normal

operations will immediately resume after work completion.

PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-IVA/QUEZON: Eight fishermen were caught in the act of using 'taksay', (an illegal way of fishing) within the restricted

seawaters in Alabat, Quezon during the joint operation conducted by Alabat police station and 'Bantay Dagat'. The

apprehension was the result of the massive campaign of the local government against illegal fishing.

PIA Regional Watch

3 hours ago

PIA-IV-A/CAVITE: The Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cavite Chapter will be having their 5th compliance period on

Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Seminar from June 10-11 at the Cavite Civic compound, Aguinaldo Highway, Barangay

Palico, Imus City.

Page 7: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday via mobile

PIA4A/LAGUNA: The Department of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the Calamba City Cooperative and Livelihood

Development Office, recently held its flagship ptoject Diskwento Caravan at the Calamba City Hall. The caravan is aimed at

providing consumers an alternative choice of low priced items particularly basic commodities and school supplies in time for

the opening of school classes this coming June.

PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday via mobile

PIA4A/LAGUNA: Isang state auditor ng Commission on Audit na nakatalaga sa CABARZON ang nagsabing ang Laguna 3rd

District Engineering Office na naka base sa Brgy. Del Remedio sa lunsod nd San Pablo ang may magandang record na pawang

hayagan o transparent ang pasubastang isinasagawa para maipatupad ang ibat ibang mga proyekto ng pamahalaan sa

distrito.

PIA OFW Watch

Consul General to Chicago Leo Herrera-Lim on GMA News TV

Re: Situation of Pinoys in Oklahoma

-So far, yung mga kababayan natin ay okay ang kalagayan dito. Yung iba ay nasira ang mga

bintana ng bahay pero wala naman tayong nabalitaan na grabe ang pinsala nitong huling

buhawi.

41 minutes ago

Page 8: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

A. QUEZON

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS

Page 9: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

E. RIZAL

02 JUNE 2013.

Malacanang announces new appointees

President Aquino signs Republic Act amending earlier law regulating the cutting of coconut trees

Malacanang announces new appointees

Malacanang announced on Sunday President Benigno S. Aquino III‘s new set of appointees who will serve in various government offices soon. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte made the announcement over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Among the new appointees were: Veridigno P. Atienza – General Manager/CEO, Philippine Retirement Authority; Alvin P. Diaz – Acting Director IV, Governance Commission for Government Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG); Joselito S. Enot – Director II/Provincial Director, Department of Trade and Industry; Abraham P. Sakili – Member of the Board, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (four-year term); Lucita P. Reyes – Member of the Board of Governors, Board of Investments, Department of Trade and Industry (term until December 5, 2016); and Januario C. Aliwalas – Member of the Board of Directors, LBP Insurance Brokerage, Inc. (term of office: July 1, 2012 to 30 June 2013). Other appointees were: Conrado K. Tolentino, Jesus Enrico Moises B. Salazar, Ernesto L. Albano, Roberto Eugenio T. Cadiz, and Reagan F. de Guzman as Board of Directors, North Luzon Railways Corporation;

Page 10: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Gilda E. Pico, Crispina T. Aguelo (representing the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries), Victor Gerardo J. Bulatao (representing the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries), Tomas T. de Leon, Jr. and Domingo I. Diaz (representing the private sector) as Board of Directors of the Land Bank of the Philippines; Gil A. Buenaventura, Gilda M. Velez, Maria Teresa M. Jesudason, Roberto F. Viray, and Roda T. Celis as Board of Directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines Management Corporation. ―So, congratulations po sa inyong lahat. Sila po ang mga bagong naitalaga ng Pangulong Aquino sa iba‘t ibang mga posisyon sa pamahalaan,‖ Valte said. PND (rck)

TOP

President Aquino signs Republic Act amending earlier law regulating the cutting of coconut trees

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law a Bill amending an earlier Republic Act regulating the cutting of coconut trees, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced on Sunday. Speaking at a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Valte said President Aquino signed last May 29 Republic Act 10593 ―amending certain provisions of Republic Act 8048 or an Act Providing for the Regulation of the Cutting of Coconut Trees, Its Replenishment, and Providing Penalties Therefore.‖ Valte pointed out that the salient points of the new law not only prohibits but also allows for certain exemptions for the cutting down of coconut trees. ―Una po diyan, when a tree is 60 years old in the case of tall varieties and at least 40 years in dwarf varities; kapag hindi na daw po economically productive ‗yung puno; kapag ang puno po ay severely disease-infested and beyond rehabilitation; when the tree is severely damaged by typhoon or lightning; when the agricultural land devoted to coconut production shall have been converted in accordance with law into either a residential, commercial or an industrial area; at kapag na-devote na daw po ang land to coconut production at na-convert na po ito sa iba pang gamit na pang-agrikultura, provided na humingi ang may-ari ng pahintulot para sa conversion,‖ Valte said. She added that exemptions to cutting down coconut trees apply ―if the tree would cause hazard to life and property.‖ ―So nakalagay din po dito ang mga corresponding penalties kapag nagkaroon ng paglabag doon sa mga pagbabawal na ito,‖ Valte said. PND (rck)

TOP

01 JUNE 2013.

Aquino signs Comprehensive Gun Law

President Aquino approves amendments to revised penal code

Page 11: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Aquino wants thorough inquiry into Serendra blast

DOH working with World Health Organization in tackling with new coronavirus, says Palace

Aquino signs Comprehensive Gun Law

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed on May 29 Republic Act 10591 ―An Act Providing for Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof,‖ the Palace announced on Saturday.

Among the salient features of the new law are the standards and prerequisites for the issuance or obtaining a license to own and possess a firearm, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Saturday in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The standard requires an applicant for a gun license to be a Filipino citizen; at least 21 years old; has gained full work occupation or business or has filed an income tax return for the preceding year as proof of income, profession, business or occupation.

The applicant has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, has passed the psychiatric test administered by a Philippine National Police (PNP) accredited psychologist or psychiatrist.

The applicant must also pass the drug test conducted by an accredited and authorized drug testing laboratory or clinic.

Those applying for a gun license must also pass the gun safety seminar administered by the PNP or a registered or authorized gun club. The applicant has to file in writing the application to possess a registered firearm indicating the personal circumstances why he or she needs to own a firearm.

Applicants must get a police clearance to prove that they weren‘t convicted or accused in a pending criminal case punishable with a penalty of more than two years. They must also pay the reasonable gun licensing fees.

The law also has a provision for carrying firearms outside of residence or place of business and gun owners must have a permit to carry (PTC) firearms. A qualified person may apply for a PTC if he or she is under actual threat or is in imminent danger due to the nature of his or her profession, occupation or business.

The law specifies professionals who are considered to be in imminent danger due to the nature of their profession, occupation or business and these include the members of the Philippine Bar, certified public accountants (CPA), accredited media practitioners, cashiers, bank tellers, priests, ministers, rabbis and imams, physicians, nurses, and engineers. Businessmen, who by nature of their business or undertaking, are exposed to the high risk of being targets of criminal elements are also allowed to apply for PTC.

Section 10 of the Republic Act 10591 also specifies the firearms that may be registered, Valte said. Only small firearms may be registered by licensed citizens or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession and concealed carrying.

A light weapon shall be lawfully acquired or possessed exclusively by the AFP, the PNP and other law enforcement agencies authorized by the President in the performance of their duties. All firearms must be registered at the PNP.

Firearms for use in sports and competitions also require licensing.

Firearms and ammunitions manufacturers must also apply for licenses, Valte explained. Both locally manufactured and imported firearms must also be registered as mandated by the new law.

Page 12: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Gun stores are also required to have a license to deal based on the new law for the purchase and sale of guns, as well as general business in handling firearms and ammunitions. Gunsmiths must also apply for a license for them to repair registered firearms.

The new law also requires gun owners to renew their licenses every two years on or before the date of expiration. If they fail to renew their licenses, the PNP will revoke them and this also entails confiscation of the fire arm.

The new law will take effect 15 days from its publication in a newspaper of nationwide circulation. PND (as)

TOP

President Aquino approves amendments to revised penal code

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed on May 29 Republic Act 10592, or ―An Act Amending Articles 29, 94, 97, 98, and 99 of Act 3815, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Revised Penal Code, the Palace said Saturday.

Under Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code, the local jail shall entitle a prisoner to the following deductions from the period of his sentence for good behavior:

During the first two years of imprisonment, the prisoner shall be allowed a deduction of 20 days for each month of good behavior during detention;

In the third to the 5th year, inclusive, of his imprisonment, he shall be allowed a deduction of twenty-three days for each month of good behavior during detention;

During the following years until the 10th year, inclusive, of his imprisonment, the prisoner shall be allowed a deduction of 25 days for each month of good behavior during detention;

And in the 11th and successive years of his imprisonment, he shall be allowed a deduction of 30 days for each month of good behavior during detention; and

At any time during the period of imprisonment, he shall be allowed another deduction of 15 days, in addition to numbers one to four for each month of study, teaching or mentoring service time rendered.

The law states that an appeal by the accused shall not deprive him of entitlement to the allowances for good conduct.

The implementing rules and regulations of the amended law will be promulgated by the secretary of the Department of Justice and the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government within 60 days from the approval of the act. PND (as)

TOP

Aquino wants thorough inquiry into Serendra blast

President Benigno S. Aquino III wants government agencies to pool their expertise to determine the cause of an explosion in Serendra Place in Global City, Taguig that killed six people.

―Ang mahigpit na bilin ng Pangulo sa mga concerned government agencies ay kailangan nating malaman kung ano ang nangyari, ano ang source ng explosion, at kailangan ‗yung mga findings nila, it must stand the scrutiny of anybody,‖ Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Valte said that among those who rushed to Taguig Friday night were the members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police‘s SOCO, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),

Page 13: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Bureau of Fire Protection and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

―The President also stressed na kailangan there must be great cooperation between all the agencies who are there. At sinabi niya na as soon as possible, dapat magkaroon na sila ng mga resulta at siguraduhin nila na base sa ebidensiyang makakalap ang kanilang magiging conclusion,‖ she added.

The Palace official said President Aquino also wanted the public to stop making speculations and wait for the result of the ongoing investigation.

Valte said that since the investigation is already ongoing at this point, it would be counterproductive if people hurled baseless allegations regarding Friday‘s incident.

―So it is good for everybody at this point to allow the investigators to do their work, at hintayin natin. Kasi mahigpit talaga ang bilin ng Pangulo sa kanila na kung ano man ang mahanap nila ay siguraduhin na ang konklusyon ay magiging base doon sa mga makakalap na ebidensya,‖ she said.

Valte also made an assurance that there will be no cover-up in the ongoing inquiry and the government will make the result public once investigators piece together evidence of what caused the blast in Serendra Place.

Asked if there‘s a need to implement additional safety measures in condominiums in Metro Manila, Valte said such move will depend on the outcome of the investigation. ―If there are any specific measures to be undertaken in light of what had happened Friday night that will depend on the findings of the investigative team,‖ Valte said.

Reports said the death toll in the explosion has risen to six, including the crew of a passing delivery van that was hit by debris, authorities said Saturday.

The explosion created a large hole in the wall in Serendra Place building and sent concrete chunks flying into the street below killing three people in the delivery van.

The Office of Civil defense reported recovering three more bodies at the Serendra Place building. Five others, including a 9-year-old, were injured.

Authorities are looking into a gas supply issue as the possible cause of the explosion. Residents were evacuated as officials conducted their investigation. PND (as)

TOP

DOH working with World Health Organization in tackling with new coronavirus, says Palace

The Department of Health (DOH) is aware of the spread of a SARS-like virus particularly in the Middle East and the department is closely coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) to fight the disease, the Palace said.

―I will defer to the Secretary of Health for the explanation on what it is. But essentially, we want to assure the public that the DOH is already aware of this situation, and that it is closely working with the WHO on any updates or any progress in the situation,‖ Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Airport and port scanners remain in place to check passengers arriving in the country particularly those coming from the Middle East, where most of the cases were reported, Valte said.

There is still no need for the government to issue heightened alert at this point and the normal procedures in the country‘s airports will continue, she added.

Page 14: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Some quarters have expressed fear about the spread of the infection because many Filipinos work in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and other countries.

The WHO said this week that the new SARS-like virus recently found in humans is ―a threat to the entire world.‖

The so-called novel coronavirus is not a problem that any single affected country can keep to itself or manage all by itself and the world must pull together its resources to properly address the virus, WHO said.

Novel coronavirus is part of a family called coronaviruses, which cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, as well as a variety of animal diseases. The new virus however is different from SARS.

The virus had infected 44 people worldwide as of last week, most of them in the Middle East, according to the WHO. The world health body has called the novel coronavirus Middle East respiratory symptom coronavirus, or MERS-CoV.

Novel coronavirus acts like a cold virus and attacks the respiratory system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia.

The symptoms are severe and can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea have also been seen, according to the WHO.

Experts said it‘s not yet known how humans contract the virus but they observed that most of the cases so far have been seen in older men with other medical conditions.

Cases have been identified in eight countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, according to the World Health Organization. PND (as)

TOP

31 MAY 2013.

President Aquino declares June 11 as special non-working day in Rizal province in celebration of its 112th

Foundation Day

Aquino approves laws converting two colleges into state universities

Aquino cites role of geodetic engineers in sustaining the growth of the country’s thriving property market

President Aquino declares the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque as national historical landmark in

Tawi-Tawi

President Aquino signs new law declaring December of every year as ‘Anti-Corruption Month’

President Aquino signs a new law institutionalizing the Palarong Pambansa

President Aquino inaugurates semiconductor testing facility in Taguig

Palace says ongoing defense upgrade to boost Philippine Military capability

President Aquino signs into law a bill repealing Presidential Decree No 1308 in order to make the law to be

in tune with recent developments in environmental planning

Page 15: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

President Aquino declares June 11 as special non-working day in Rizal province in celebration of its 112th Foundation Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared June 11, which falls on a Tuesday, as a special (non-working) day in the province of Rizal in celebration of its 112th Foundation Day. The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 583 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on May 28, to give the people of Rizal the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. On June 11, 1901, the province of Rizal was created by virtue of Act No. 137. It was composed of 19 towns of Manila Province, and 14 municipalities of Morong Politico-Military District or a total of 33 towns. On November 7, 1975, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824, the 12 most progressive towns of Rizal namely: Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Parañaque, Pateros, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Malabon, Navotas, Pasig and Marikina were incorporated in the newly formed Metro Manila Area. The Metro Manila also included the Valenzuela (formerly part of Bulacan), and the four cities of Manila, Quezon, Caloocan and Pasay. At present, Rizal province is composed of Antipolo City, Angono, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jalajala, Morong, Pililla, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay and Teresa. PND (js)

TOP

Aquino approves laws converting two colleges into state universities

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed on May 24 two laws converting two colleges into state universities in Mountain Province and Cotabato City. The President signed Republic Act 10583 ―An Act Converting the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College in the Municipality of Bontoc, Mountain Province Into a State University to be Known as the Mountain Province State University, with the Campuses in the Municipalities of Tadian, Bauko, Paracelis, and Barlig, all located in Mountain Province and Appropriating Funds Therefor.‖ The newly created state university will have a main campus in the municipality of Bontoc in the Mountain Province. As mandated by the law, the university will provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in forestry and agriculture, teacher education, engineering and technology. It will also focus on arts, humanities, sciences and other relevant fields of study. The academic institution will also promote and undertake research, extension services and production activities in support of the socioeconomic development of Mountain Province and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The President also signed Republic Act 10585 ―An Act Converting the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College in Cotabato City into a State University to be Known as the Cotabato State University and Appropriating Funds Therefor.‖ The newly converted state university will have a main campus in Cotabato City. Under the law, the Cotabato State University will focus on providing advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in arts and sciences, psychology, and social work. It will also extend training on community development, teacher education, agriculture, forestry, fishery, engineering, industrial technology, information technology, public administration, peace and development, business administration, health sciences, political science and law. The university will promote and undertake research and extension services and provide progressive leadership in its areas of

Page 16: Dispatch for June 3 , 2013 Monday, 9 Photonews , 11 Weather Watch, 5 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

specialization. The two laws will take effect 15 days after being published in two major newspapers of general circulation. PND (as)

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Aquino cites role of geodetic engineers in sustaining the growth of the country’s thriving property market

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the role of geodetic engineers in sustaining the growth of the country's thriving property market in this time of greater economic prospects. "Land is among our most vital resources; ensuring its development into useful, productive spaces is essential to our country‘s progress," the Chief Executive said in his message to the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines on the occasion of its 39th Annual National Directorate Meeting and Convention. The Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines opened on Friday its 39th Annual National Directorate Meeting and Convention which has for its theme "Steering the Geodetic Engineering Profession Towards Global Competitiveness." The event will end on Sunday. "This meeting and convention is an opportune time to look at new innovations and best practices that can advance your profession, assuring its relevance and competitiveness in a globalized milieu," President Aquino noted. "Our administration counts on you, our geodetic engineers, to perform your duties with excellence and integrity, that we may secure a better future for our people," he stressed. He called on the geodetic engineers to help his administration sustain the gains achieved by the entire Filipino nation and empower our citizenry with the opportunities to lead the meaningful, dignified lives they rightfully deserve. PND (js)

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President Aquino declares the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque as national historical landmark in Tawi-Tawi

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, which is considered as one of the country‘s oldest existing Muslim Houses of Prayer or Mosques located in Tawi-tawi, as a national historical landmark. The Chief Executive signed on May 24 the Republic Act No. 10573 otherwise known as "An Act Declaring the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, considered as the site of one of the oldest existing Muslim houses of prayer or mosques in the Philippines, at Tubig Indangan, Simunul, province of Tawi-Tawi, as a National Historical Landmark and for other purposes." The Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on March 23, 2011 and February 4, 2013, respectively. President Aquino said it is the policy of the State to preserve historical sites, monuments and other relics that represent the Filipino heritage and culture and should therefore be under the protection of the State. Consistent with the constitutional mandate to conserve, promote and popularize the nation‘s historical and cultural heritage, President Aquino declared the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque located at Tubig Indangam, Simunul, province of Tawi-Tawi a national historical landmark to underscore the immense contribution of the Islamic faith to the enrichment, vibrance and diversity of our culture and civilization. The newly-declared national historical landmark Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque was constructed in 1380 A.D. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall exercise supervision over the preservation of the site and shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to fulfill its functions, the President noted. The President tasked the chairman of the NHCP to immediately include in the Commission‘s program the operationalization of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque as a national historical landmark, the funding of which shall be included in the

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annual General Appropriations Act. In order to afford the people an opportunity to participate in financing the preservation, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of the shrine, President Aquino authorized the NHCP to organize and undertake a national fund campaign for the purpose of raising funds from private sources. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. PND (js)

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President Aquino signs new law declaring December of every year as ‘Anti-Corruption Month’

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed a new law declaring December of every year as "Anti-Corruption Month" in the entire country in a bid to create awareness among the Filipino people on the adverse effects of corruption. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday that the Chief Executive signed on May 27 the Republic Act No. 10589 entitled "An Act Declaring December of every year as 'Anti-Corruption Month' in the entire country." The new law is also known as the "Anti-Corruption Month Act." The Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3376 and House Bill No. 3005, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 5, 2013 respectively. President Aquino mandated all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units and employers in the private sector, to conduct activities designed to create awareness among the people on the adverse effects of corruption. "The awareness campaign must not only contain information on what constitutes an act of corruption, but also what citizens must do when faced with such corruption," the President noted. The President designated the Office of the Ombudsman as the lead agency for coordination purposes. The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. PND (js)

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President Aquino signs a new law institutionalizing the Palarong Pambansa

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed a new law institutionalizing the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa to improve the physical, intellectual and social well-being of the youth. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday the Chief Executive signed on May 27 the Republic Act No. 10588 entitled "An Act Institutionalizing the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and Appropriating Funds Therefor" or otherwise known as the ―Palarong Pambansa Act‖. The Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill 3377 and House Bill 6119, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 5, 2013, respectively. The President said it is the policy of the State to promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry through the institutionalization of the Palarong Pambansa as the country‘s premier national sporting event. The state shall support programs that will improve and promote the Palarong Pambansa as the primary avenue for providing

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in-school sports opportunities to improve the physical, intellectual and social well-being of the youth. He directed all educational institutions to promote physical education and undertake regular sports activities as well as support the local meets and the Palarong Pambansa. The law aims at institutionalizing the Palarong Pambansa as the premier national sporting event of the country under the Department of Education (DepED) as a venue for talent identification, selection and recruitment of student athletes. It also seeks to improve the DepED‘s national school sports program and give more prestige to the annual sports event by encouraging better participation of schools through incentives and rewards. The law also encourages the local government units (LGUs) to take a proactive role in the promotion of the Palarong Pambansa locally and nationally by providing incentives and rewards. The law mandates the creation of a Palarong Pambansa Board as the lead policy-making and coordinating body for the preparation and conduct of the Palarong Pambansa. The Board shall be attached to the DepED and shall be the proprietary owner of the words Palarong Pambansa and its related symbols, logos and concept. The Board shall have seven (7) members composed of the Secretary of the DepED as Chairperson, Undersecretary of the DepED, two (2) Assistant Secretaries of the DepED, the Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). A Secretary General shall be appointed by the Board from among the members of the Board representing the DepED. The DepED Regional Offices shall organize the Regional Athletics Associations (RAAs) which shall supervise the conduct of the regional meets and organize their respective regional delegations to the Palarong Pambansa. The hosting of the Palarong Pambansa shall be determined by bidding and guided by the principle of rotation among the geographical clusters: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. "The Board shall formulate the criteria for the selection of the host LGU and shall take into consideration the existing sports facilities, their capacity to accommodate participants and guests, the security and peace and order situation of the area, and the need of the LGU for an opportunity to promote and showcase its socioeconomic-cultural uniqueness through the Palarong Pambansa: Provided, That existing sports facilities shall be given the highest weight among the criteria to be formulated," the law stated. Under the law, the official sports events in the Palarong Pambansa shall include, but not be limited to athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, chess, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball and arnis for elementary division. In addition to the aforesaid sports events, archery, billiards, boxing, futsal, wrestling and wushu shall be included in the Palarong Pambansa for the secondary division. The law also provides that appropriate sports events shall be organized for students with disability. The Board is mandated to conduct a review of the current rules and regulations and an inventory of existing sports facilities, venues and equipment being used in the Palarong Pambansa. All sports events must be played according to international rules and regulations and the sports venues, facilities and equipment to be used shall be in accordance with international standards. The Board shall consult the National Sports Associations (NSAs) in the review of the rules and regulations of each sports event. The Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government were also tapped to help in the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa. The amount currently appropriated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa including pre-national Palaro activities under the DepED shall be allocated and utilized for the initial implementation of this

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Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included under the budget of the DepED in the annual General Appropriations Act. Within ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act, the DepED, together with the concerned agencies, shall prepare and promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to carry out the provisions of this Act. The IRR shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in a major daily newspaper of general circulation. The implementation of this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation. PND (js)

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President Aquino inaugurates semiconductor testing facility in Taguig

President Benigno S. Aquino III inaugurated Friday the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) compound in Bicutan, Taguig, pledging government‘s full support to the country‘s semiconductor industry.

In his message during the inauguration, the President said the newly opened facility will pull the country‘s semiconductors industry up the value chain, moving it closer to becoming a 50-billion dollar industry by 2016.

―To fast track this growth, we need to become the country that not only has the capacity to build semiconductors—and build them well at that—but that which has the capacity to design, and test them here,‖ The President said.

―And I can promise you: you have a government committed to helping you do just that,‖ he added.

The President said his administration always believed in the inherent skill and talent of the Filipino people, and given every opportunity available, he said the country must capitalize on those talents to help upgrade local jobs.

But this can‘t happen overnight, he said adding that if the country puts a premium on innovation, dreams big, does better, and enriches local talents, it‘s only a matter of time before overall progress is attained.

―So I encourage all those who will be working on this facility, or working with it: Keep working at it every day. Persevere and improve,‖ he said, noting that the progress of Philippine technology lies in the talents of these people.

Aside from the newly inaugurated facility, the President announced that the DOST is working on the Philippine Product Development Center that will open next year, which will improve the industry‘s testing and prototyping capabilities.

This is in addition to the Philippine Microelectronics Center that will be opened later this year in cooperation with several universities. The facility aims to train engineers in integrated circuit design, simulation, and lay outing, he said.

Officials of the Semiconductor Electronics Industry of the Philippines (SEIPI) welcomed ADMATEL‘s opening hoping that that facility would help the country gain bigger slice of the world market for semiconductors. The laboratory houses state-of-the-art facilities for failure analysis and advanced materials characterization which are vital steps in detecting defects and checking the reliability of the electronic device components coming out from production line.

Currently, local semiconductor firms send their samples abroad for testing, spending around $9 million to $18 million each year for material testing alone.

With the ADMATEL‘s operation, testing cost could drop significantly and this will also reduce the turnaround time from one month to just four days.

At present, the Philippines only captures 10 percent of the total world semiconductor market earning $30 billion in 2011. The

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country‘s semiconductor industry mainly assembles integrated circuits, chips, rectifiers, capacitors, and resistors.

Based on government figures, the semiconductor industry contributes 71.3 percent of electronics exports and 61 percent of the country‘s total exports in 2010. PND (as)

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Palace says ongoing defense upgrade to boost Philippine Military capability

Malacanang sees the ongoing military upgrade a big improvement in the country‘s defense capability particularly when the minimum credible defense posture goal is achieved.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Friday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the procurement of various defense equipment is currently in different stages of acquisition.

Judging by the equipment that the country is looking to upgrade, Valte said she believes that once the acquisition is completed it would be a huge improvement in the country‘s military capability.

The goal is to defend the country‘s waters and territory, given the Philippines‘s unique position, she said.

Asked by reporters how soon the country could achieve the minimum credible defense posture, Valte said they expect BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the second naval ship from the US will arrive in the next few months.

The military is also awaiting the arrival of additional helicopters after the country received initial delivery of new Polish-made combat choppers. The Philippines is also eyeing for the procurement of 12 T-50 trainer/fighter jets from South Korea.

But Valte clarified that buying modern military hardware is different from deciding to send a stronger force in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea.

―You know having the hardware is one thing. The strategy is not borne out of just wanting to send something there. Of course, it is a coordinated effort between all agencies in the government,‖ Valte said when asked if those equipment would be used to fend off intruders in the country‘s waters.

The Palace official also said that it‘s a deliberate choice in the part of the Philippine government not to respond to any provocative actions regarding disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

―It‘s a deliberate step taken not to respond to any provocative actions but whether it will achieve the minimum credible defense posture we want to achieve is something that need to assess military and security officials,‖ she said. PND (as)

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President Aquino signs into law a bill repealing Presidential Decree No 1308 in order to make the law to be in tune with recent developments in environmental planning

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law a bill repealing Presidential Decree 1308 entitled "Law Regulating the Environmental Planning Profession in the Philippines" in order to make the law to be in tune with recent developments in the field of environmental planning. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday the Chief Executive signed on May 27 Republic Act 10587 entitled "An Act Regulating the Practice of Environmental Planning, Repealing for the Purpose Presidential Decree 1308, entitled ―Law Regulating the Environmental Planning Profession in the Philippines,‖ and for Other Purposes. The new Act is otherwise known as the "Environmental Planning Act of 2013."

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The Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill 3138 and House Bill 4692, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 5, 2013 respectively. The law creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Environmental Planning tasked to regulate the practice of environmental planning in the Philippines. The Board shall be composed of a Chairperson and two members under the administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The chairperson and two members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years from the date of their appointment by the President or until their successors shall have qualified and been appointed. The Board shall prescribe and adopt the rules and regulations; supervise the registration, licensure and practice of environmental planning in the Philippines; administer oaths, issue, suspend, revoke or reinstate Certificate of Registration for the practice of environmental planning; adopt an official seal of the Board; prepare contents of licensure examination, score and rate the examination papers and submit the results thereof to the PRC, and adopt and promulgate a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards issued by the Accredited Professional Organization (APO). The Board shall also assist the Commission on Higher Education to ensure that all instruction and offering of environmental planning comply with the policies, standards and requirements of the course prescribed by the CHED or other authorized government offices in the areas, among others, of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; adopt measures necessary for the enhancement of the profession; investigate officially reported violations of the Act, its rules and regulations, Code of Ethics, Code of Technical Standards, policies and measures and for this purpose issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to secure appearance of witnesses and submission of the documents and other pieces of evidence; seek assistance of the PRC in the conduct of the hearing or investigation of administrative cases filed before the Board; promulgate decisions on such administrative cases, discharge such other powers and duties that may affect professional, ethical and technological standards of the environmental planning profession, among others. The law also provides for a foreign reciprocity policy which would enable foreign environmental planners to practice in the country, provided that their countries of origin provide the same privilege to Filipino environmental planners. Violators of this law may face imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than five years or a fine of not less than P100,000 nor more than P500,000, or both, at the discretion of the court. The chairperson of the PRC shall include in its programs the implementation of the Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Acts and thereafter. The Board, subject to the approval of the PRC, shall prescribe, promulgate and issue the implementing rules and regulations of this Act, after consultation with the APO, other agencies and concerned private organizations within 120 days from the constitution of the Board. The implementation of this Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in 2 newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. PND (js)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the inauguration of the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL)

DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City 31 May 2013

Please sit down. Good afternoon. Secretary Mario Montejo; officials and employees of the Department of Science and Technology; partners from the semiconductor and electronics industry; fellow workers in government; honored guest; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Talagang isang mainit na pagbati sa inyong lahat. Noong sinasabi lang ho ang resources ng DOST—napupunta sa taongbayan at hindi sa pansarili. Congratulations. Hihingi muna ako ng paumanhin sa inyo, na-late po tayo. Hindi inaasahan. Friday—ma-traffic. Hindi ko inaasahan, ma-traffic everywhere. Tinawagan ko na po si Chairman Tolentino na baka gusto niyang mag-traffic at mabawasan ang abala sa ating mga kabuhayan. Ngayon ko lang inakala na galing pong Malacañang kailangang dumaan ng Roxas Boulevard para umabot ng Taguig. We came into office with a promise of change. Today, few will deny that have made great headways in fulfilling this promise. In less than three years, we have managed to change the world‘s perception of the Philippines; we continue to accelerate our pursuit of inclusive economic growth; and we have reversed the psychic make-up of our people, from one bogged down by negativity to one revitalized by solidarity and hope. But one of the key factors in maintaining the momentum we have gained is expanding the toolkits of our people and our industries to better utilize their strengths—giving them the technological wherewithal to compete and, more importantly, to succeed in our ever-modernizing world. Innovation is the engine of any modern economy; and one look around the Philippines tells us that we have the natural inventiveness to be one of the world leaders in this regard. What had been lacking in the past, however, was support. This is precisely why our administration has focused on giving our people the necessary resources and opportunities to truly exercise their creativity in advancing their respective fields and industries. Since we believe that this is the way to further accelerate the

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growth of our economy—which, as you have probably heard, grew by 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013, [applause] making us the fastest growing economy in Asia—we have nearly doubled the budget of the Department of Science and Technology since coming into office, from 5.2 billion in 2010 to 9.9 billion in 2013, obviously without wasting taxes except for the sin products. And already, we have seen the fruits of betting such a large sum on the creativity of the Filipino. The results are clear: For example, we were able to harness the vast talents of our scientists, programmers, cartographers, and other public servants in order to launch a program called Project NOAH, or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards. [Applause] This, as you well know, involves a website that allowed any Filipino to access real-time information about potential weather hazards, which has saved countless lives and livelihoods and prepares them for a risk-reduced future. This also included putting up more Doppler radar systems in strategic parts of the country, among other developments. This lab is no different. I know that many of you in the semiconductors industry have spent decades asking for a facility such as this one to be built. And knowing what you contribute to our economy—knowing how much more you can contribute—we made absolutely certain that this got done. For that, we thank Secretary Mario Montejo and the DOST family, [applause] as well as our partners from the semiconductors industry. Now that this lab is fully operational, companies here will not have to send their products for failure analysis to the United States or Singapore. They can do it here in their own backyard, with the tests conducted by our very own scientists—and I understand we have five PhDs and five MScs in Material Science that will man this facility. Without doubt, this facility will pull our semiconductors industry up the value chain, and move them closer to their target of becoming a 50-billion dollar industry by 2016. [Applause] To fast track this growth, we need to become the country that not only has the capacity to build semiconductors—and build them well at that—but that which has the capacity to design, and test them here. And I can promise you: you have a government committed to helping you do just that. In fact, right now, the DOST is working on the Philippine Product Development Center that will open next year, which will improve your industry‘s testing and prototyping capabilities in this country. [Applause] Not to mention the Philippine Microelectronics Center to be opened later this year in cooperation with several universities, which will train engineers in integrated circuit design, simulation, and lay outing. I‘m smiling because I remembered when I was in high school, we were tasked to build an electronics project. So, we bought, in my case, a radio kit from Raon. And after getting numerous burns from soldering the same, having the difficulty of laying out the circuit, we managed to pull in one radio station on the AM band. [Laughter] Unfortunately, it wasn‘t even the most popular radio station at that time. Our administration has always believed in the inherent skill and talent of the Filipino people, and, every opportunity we get, we will capitalize on that talent and help upgrade the type of jobs that are available here. This comes from a strong belief that we can do much more than assemble items or answer phones; that, if we continue down this path of making the most of our inherent talents, the next great developments of human civilization can conceivably come from this archipelago. This will not happen overnight, but if we put a premium on innovation—in dreaming bigger, doing better, and always reaching further with our talents—then it will only be a matter of time until we get there. The road to the Philippines we all dream of starts in places like this. So I encourage all those who will be working on this facility, or working with it: Keep working at it every day. Persevere and improve. The progress of Philippine technology lies in your very capable hands; it lies in the hands of all those in your field who have the opportunity and the dedication to show the whole world that, indeed, the Philippines works. Thank you and good day.

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ONLINE NEWS

JUNE 1 2013

1. DOE, EU meet on energy efficiency

2. BOC's anti- amuggling campaign scores anew

3. SSS to open offices on Saturdays of June for ‘kasambahay’ registration

4. Bank Lending Continues to Expand in April

5. PhilHealth benefit for mother and child

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6. MB places Rural Bank of Naval under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid

7. Ombudsman, World Bank to install electronic SALN system

8. Deadline of CSC exams application set on Aug. 30

9. DSWD, NCIP orient indigenous peoples on community-driven development

10. OWWA RWO III conducts Mid-Year Performance Assessment

11. OWWA-RWO8 calls for nominations for Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) 2013

12. BSP adopts the Revised Trust Rating System

13. PDIC files P208.55-M economic sabotage case vs. 20

14. No demolition pact signed between DILG, estero families

15. DAR distributes 1,936 HAS. of land in Butuan

DOE, EU meet on energy efficiency

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

(Taguig City) In view of promoting energy efficiency and conservation in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE), together with the European Union (EU), conducted the second EU - Philippines Meeting on Energy last May 29 at the New World Hotel, Makati City. Experts and representatives from different government agencies, academe, media, industry, private sector, and civil society in the country held productive exchanges during the event, under its banner theme ―Energy Efficiency to Boost Economic Growth.‖ DOE Undersecretary Loreta Ayson, in the meeting, assured energy stakeholders that the government is committed to providing sustainable energy to the people. ―We highly encourage both the public and private sectors to contribute to our energy conservation efforts,‖ she said in her speech. The DOE implements the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), and the National Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP), among other initiatives that encourage energy efficiency. The GEMP mandates all government institutions to reduce their electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10% while the NEECP aims to make energy conservation a lifestyle among Filipinos to achieve energy savings. EU Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Guy Ledoux acknowledged the role of energy efficiency in economic growth. ―It is potentially a solution to the energy and climate challenges,‖ he said. This was echoed by the Chair of the Congress Committee on Energy, Congresswoman Henedina Abad, who conceded the need for a law on energy efficiency in the country. Meanwhile, ambassadors from the EU Member States Embassies to the Philippines were also at hand to present their respective countries‘ situation in the field of energy efficiency. This meeting is part of the EU-funded SWITCH Policy Support Programme that promotes energy efficiency and conservation as well as clean energy and green growth policies in the Philippines through a P180 million grant to the government.

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BOC's anti- amuggling campaign scores anew

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

If the Bureau of Customs anti-smuggling campaign is all about who gets tired and whose resources get exhausted first, then smugglers are on for a long haul at the BOC as the Bureau‘s tightened anti-smuggling campaign, in compliance with Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon‘s instruction to closely monitor the movements of cargoes on all BOC ports, resulted in the BOC‘s third seizure of three (3) container vans of illegally imported sugar worth of Php 5 million pesos within a period of only three weeks, by BOC Intelligence Group (IG) operatives under Deputy Commissioner Danilo

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Lim.. In today‘s (May 31, 2013) inspectionof thethree (3) container vans of hot sugar that arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on February 21, 2013 and were seized by virtue of the Alert Orders issued by Lim, followed by the subsequent issuance of the Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) by MICP District Collector Ricardo Belmonte on May 14, 2013, Biazon said the illegally imported sugar which actually came from Thailand and Malaysia but were shipped to the Philippines through Singapore, were misdeclared by its consignee, Classical Star Commercial, as pistons, gas combustion, VLinear cylinders and aircon machine parts and accessories to avoid the required sugar import permit from the Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA), in violation of Section 2503, in relation to Section 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) and other sugar importation regulatory laws and provisions. ―We will seize all illegal importationsno matter how often we need to do that, until the resources of smugglers are depleted and exhausted, even as we will also aggressively pursue the filing of cases against all those involved in smuggling.‖ Biazon said while congratulating the IG operatives at the same, for their series of successful anti-smuggling operations within a period of only three weeks. ―The notable accomplishments of the IG are products of its operatives‘ commitment and dedication for work. Clearly, the BOC officials and employees‘ renewed commitment and dedication for work such as the one displayed by the IG cooperatives shall be the BOC‘s best weapon against smuggling and corruption in the Customs industry.‖ Biazon said. For his part, Lim said his operatives‘latest seizure of three container vans with 1,521 bags of hot refined sugar has given his unit a big moral boost and inspiration to work even more. ―We cannot afford to lie low on our anti-smuggling campaign as we have a collection target to meet and a Filipino nation to protect from the entry of anti-social goods.‖ Lim said.

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SSS to open offices on Saturdays of June for ‘kasambahay’ registration

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

Social Security System (SSS) branches nationwide will open for business on four consecutive Saturdays in June to enable household employers and domestic workers or ‗kasambahay‘, such as maids, nursemaids or yaya, gardeners, cooks and laundry women, to register with SSS. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said all its branches will be open to issue social security (SS) numbers for domestic workers as well as household employer ID numbers on June 8, 15, 22 and 29 to facilitate their mandatory SSS membership as provided under the Kasambahay Law and the Social Security Law. "As active SSS members, domestic workers realize the fruits of their hard work in the form of SSS benefits for sickness, maternity, disability, retirement and death. SSS also helps household employers from solely shouldering the burden when their househelp faces financial difficulties," he added. The Kasambahay Law, or Republic Act No. 10361, was signed into law on January 19, 2013 to ensure the social protection of household employees under various government agencies, which include the SSS, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Pag-IBIG Fund. To get an SS number, domestic workers, including family drivers who are considered household employees under the SSS charter, must fill out and submit the Personal Record Form (SSS Form E-1) to any SSS branch, along with a photocopy of any of the primary documents such as the birth or baptismal certificate, driver‘s license, passport, Professional Regulation Commission card or seaman‘s book. Those without any primary document can give two secondary documents, both citing their name and at least one indicating their birthdate. SSS branches provide a comprehensive list of accepted secondary documents such as the ATM card, bank passbook, marriage contract, NBI or police clearance, voter‘s ID or postal ID card. "Only the Form E-1 and a photocopy of the supporting documents need to be submitted, but they should present to us the original copy for authentication purposes," de Quiros said. "Without the documents, they will be issued a number that may be used for paying contributions and reporting for SSS coverage but not for availment of benefits and loans. They will attain permanent SSS membership status upon submission of these required documents."

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To secure a Household Employer ID Number, the employer only needs to fill out and submit the Employer Registration Form (SSS Form R-1). Existing household employers who still use their personal SS numbers in paying the contributions of their domestic workers will be given their Household Employer ID Number during their branch visit, via email or mail. Household employers reporting workers for SSS coverage must submit the Employment Report Form (SSS Form R1-A), the Specimen Signature Card (SSS Form L-501), and the SSS Form E-1 of household employees with no prior SSS coverage. De Quiros said the domestic worker‘s effective date of coverage, which is the same as the date of employment, marks the start of the respective household employer‘s obligation to remit monthly contributions for the household employee. "If the effective date of coverage is earlier than the date of registration, the household employer must submit a ‗Statement of Monthly Salaries‘ received by the domestic worker starting from the date of employment indicated in the SSS Form R1-A," he said. "This will be the basis for the computation of the accruing contributions that the household employer has to settle." Apart from registration services, SSS offices with branch tellering facilities will also accept contribution payments of household employers during the four selected Saturdays. SSS forms are available at SSS branches and may be downloaded from the SSS website.

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Bank Lending Continues to Expand in April

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

Outstanding loans of commercial banks, net of banks‘ reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, continue to expand in April but at a slower pace of 12.0 percent relative to the growth of 14.2 percent in March. Likewise, growth of bank lending inclusive of RRPs in the same month decelerated to 13.7 percent from 14.7 percent in the previous month. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank lending in April decreased by 0.1 percent for loans net of RRPs but loans inclusive of RRPs rose by 0.1 percent. Loans for production activities—which comprised more than four-fifths of banks‘ aggregate loan portfolio—grew at a slower pace of 12.0 percent in April from 14.2 percent in March. Meanwhile, the growth in consumer loans in the same month rose to 11.5 percent from 10.8 percent a month earlier due mainly to the expansion in credit card receivables and auto loans. The expansion in production loans was driven primarily by increased lending to the following sectors: real estate, renting, and business services (22.7 percent); wholesale and retail trade (10.0 percent); financial intermediation (15.9 percent); electricity, gas and water (12.9 percent); and transportation, storage and communication (13.0 percent). Meanwhile, lending to agriculture, hunting, and forestry continued to decline in April but at a slower pace of -5.6 percent. The continued growth in bank lending, particularly to the productive sectors, is expected to support sustainable levels of economic growth. Going forward, the BSP will continue to ensure that liquidity and credit conditions keep at pace with overall economic activity while remaining consistent with its price stability objective.

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PhilHealth benefit for mother and child

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

The United Nations reports that 11 Filipino mothers die everyday as a result of pregnancy or childbirth. This translates to more than half a million women dying each year due to childbirth complications such as hemorrhage, hypertension and sepsis, among others. Japan International Cooperation Agency-Department of Health (DOH) Project Maternal and Child Health Specialist Roland Eric Macanas said that mismanagement on the part of childbirth attendants such as 'manghihilots' and 'comadronas' also contribute to the rate of maternal and infant deaths. The solution to such problem may lie not only with the government but with the many pregnant women as well who remain uninformed of the risks of childbearing. It is expected that with correct information as well as observing prenatal

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to postnatal care, childbirth survival rates will improve progressively. The DOH earlier issued an order authorizing only skilled and trained midwives, doctors and nurses to help pregnant women give birth. This in turn is supported by the Local Government Units by upgrading the conditions of their health centers, not only to entice pregnant women to give birth in healthcare facilities instead at home, but also, to be able to avail of the benefits of PhilHealth for maternity cases. Under the case rate packages of PhilHealth, all member-types admitted in any of the accredited healthcare facilities nationwide will be able to know how much PhilHealth will be paying for services provided to birthing mothers. Members are entitled to a cost benefit of P8,000 for Maternity Care Package (MCP) in non-hospital facilities (health centers, lying-in clinics, birthing homes or midwife-managed clinics), and in Level 1 hospitals. Normal Spontaneous Delivery (NSD) in accredited Levels 2 to 4 hospitals, members are entitled to a cost benefit of P6,500; while coverage for Caesarian Section(CS) delivery in said facilities and performed by accredited health professionals is P19,000. Babies of members are also assured of the Newborn Care Package (NCP) provided for in accredited hospitals and lying-in clinics for a cost benefit of P1,750, which would include physical examination, eye prophylaxis, Vitamin K administration, BCG vaccination, first dose of Hepatitis B immunization, newborn screening tests, and breastfeeding advice. For Sponsored Program members admitted in government hospitals, the ―No Balance Billing‖ (NBB) policy applies where no other fees or expenses shall be charged to or paid for by the patient-member above and beyond the package rate for maternity care. The same policy shall also apply to any other member type such as the employed, individually paying and overseas workers, who will avail themselves of the MCP and NCP in all accredited MCP non-hospital providers such as maternity clinics and birthing homes. Health Secretary, PhilHealth Chairman of the Board and OIC President and CEO, Dr. Enrique T. Ona urged women who are members to utilize the benefits in accredited health care facilities and for those who are not yet members to enroll themselves in PhilHealth so that they and their babies may avail of the medical attention needed for a safe and effective delivery tended by professional providers.

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MB places Rural Bank of Naval under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid

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

The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Rural Bank of Naval, Inc. under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) by virtue of MB Resolution No. 866.A dated May 30, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on May 31, 2013. Rural Bank of Naval is a two-unit bank with Head Office located at P. Burgos St., Naval, Biliran, Leyte. Its lone branch is in Carigara, Leyte. Latest available records show that as of March 31, 2013, Rural Bank of Naval had 2,984 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P137.97 million. A total of 2,944 deposit accounts or 98.7% of the accounts have balances of P500,000 or less and fully covered by deposit insurance. Total insured deposits amounted to P79.48 million or 57.6% of the total deposits. PDIC said that upon takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00. The PDIC also announced that it will conduct Depositors-Borrowers Forums on June 5 and 6, 2013 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims. Claim forms will be distributed during the Forum. The schedule and venue of the Forum will be posted in the bank premises and in the PDIC website,www.pdic.gov.ph. The claim forms and the requirements and procedures for filing are likewise available for downloading from the PDIC website. Depositors may update their addresses with the PDIC representatives at the bank premises or during the Forum using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be furnished by PDIC representatives. Duly accomplished Mailing Address

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Update Forms should be submitted to PDIC representatives accompanied by a photo-bearing ID of the depositor with signature. Depositors may update their addresses until June 7, 2013. Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P15,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims. But depositors who have outstanding obligations with the Rural Bank of Naval including co-makers of the obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank, regardless of amount, should file deposit insurance claims. For depositors that need not file deposit insurance claims, PDIC targets to start mailing payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the bank no later than the second week of June. For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to start claims settlement operations for these accounts no later than the fourth week of June. The schedule of the claims settlement operations will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises and other public places as well as through the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of December 31, 2012 filed by the Rural Bank of Naval with the PDIC, the bank is majority-owned by Jane Jean Diu (7.94%), Demetrio A. Jaguros (7.79%), Catalina T. Velasquez (7.33%), Cecilia T. Junia (6.57%), Cherry B. Enage (4.71%), Rizalito V. Curso (4.67%), Tomas Matiga (4.38%), Juan V. Pastor (4.05%) and Vicente C. Curso, Sr. (3.94%). Its Chairman and President/Manager is Rizalito V. Curso. For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC(7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to [email protected].

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Ombudsman, World Bank to install electronic SALN system

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

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and World Bank (WB) Country Director Motoo Konishi signed today a $230,000 Grant Agreement on ―Enhancing the Income and Asset Declaration System Project.‖ The Project aims to improve the effectiveness of the system of filing and analyzing Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), by transforming the manual-based system into an electronic or IT-based system, streamlining business processes and procedures, enhancing the monitoring and enforcement of the SALN requirements, and improving transparency and access to the SALNs. In the signing ceremonies held at the Ombudsman Function Room in Quezon City, Ombudsman Morales stated that equipping the office with proper tools and systems complement the enhanced techniques and strategies of its graft investigators in the conduct of lifestyle check. She remarked that ―bad elements are keeping up with the times and employing the most sophisticated means of acquiring and hiding their ill-gotten wealth‖ and it ―behooves any anti-graft body to arm itself with upgraded weapons and superior counter-tactics to crush the enemy.‖ In his message of support, Mr. Konishi stated that the signing of the grant ―represents the World Bank‘s support to the Government‘s broader effort to build stronger and more accountable institutions and promote inclusive growth.‖ ―We share the Aquino Government‘s commitment to ensure that scarce resources are spent honestly and wisely. When public funds are rightly spent, citizens get the education, health care and social services they have paid for and deserve; roads lead to markets; businesses flourish and more people get decent jobs," he added. The WB has approved the grant under its Institutional Development Fund, as it recognizes that the system of income and asset declaration is an important tool in detecting and preventing corruption. Under Republic Act (RA) No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), government officials and employees are required to file their SALNs ―(a) within thirty (30) days after assumption of office; (b) on or before April 30, of every year thereafter; and (c) within thirty (30) days after separation from the service.‖

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The law imposes a penalty of suspension of one month to six months for the first offense, and dismissal from service for the second offense, for failure to file a SALN declaring under oath their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.

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Deadline of CSC exams application set on Aug. 30

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

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is currently accepting applications for the second Career Service Examinations Paper-and-Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) of this year in both the Professional and Sub-Professional levels slated October 13. Applicants should file their applications at any of the CSC regional or field office. Deadline for the submission of applications is Aug. 30. However, acceptance of applications may be closed once target number of applicants has already been reached. The Career Service Examination is a general ability test designed to measure an individual‘s preparedness to enter government service. The examinations cover the subject areas of English, Filipino, and General Information, which includes items on the Philippine Constitution, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), Peace and Human Rights Issues and Concepts, and Environment Management and Protection. To pass, examinees should get a general rating of at least 80 percent. Applicant must (a) be a Filipino citizen; (b) must be at least 18 years on the date of the filing of the application; (c) must be of good moral character; (d) must have not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or addiction to drugs; (e) must not have been dishonorably discharged from military service, or dismissed for cause from any civilian positions in the government; and (f) must not have taken the same level of CSC Examination in less than three months. Examinees should submit the following: (a) a fully-accomplished application form with the spaces for ―Signature of Applicant‖ and ―Right Thumb Mark‖ left blank; (b) four copies of identical ID pictures in accordance with the specifications on the CSC‘s website; (c) original and photocopy of any valid ID containing applicant‘s clear picture, date of birth, signature, and signature of the authorized head of the issuing agency (ex. driver‘s license, SSS ID, etc.); and examination fee of P500. Application forms are available in the CSC‘s regional and field offices and in the CSC‘s website (www.csc.gov.ph). For further questions and inquiries on the CSE-PPT, call the CSC at (02) 931-7939, (02) 931-7935, and (02) 931-8092, or the Contact Center ng Bayan at 1-6565, or send an e-mail to [email protected], or text 0917-TEXTCSC (0917-8398272). Examinees may also inquire at any CSC regional or field office nearest them or visit the Central Office at Batasang Pambansa Complex, Diliman, Quezon City.

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DSWD, NCIP orient indigenous peoples on community-driven development

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

In an effort to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and to prepare them to be actively involved in decision-making processes for local development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) oriented yesterday IP leaders on the soon to be launched National Community Driven Development Project (NCDDP). The NCDDP is the scaling up of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), one of the national government‘s flagship poverty alleviation programs being implemented through the DSWD. The ten-year implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS has shown that IPs have high attendance and participation in the project‘s community activities. As a community-driven development (CDD) program, one of the main areas of focus of NCDDP is the empowerment of ordinary citizens by way of their inclusion and active participation in local governance and key community activities meant to address local poverty issues. The approach ensures the inclusion of IPs and other vulnerable sectors in

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community decision-making. The IP leaders who attended the national orientation were the head claimants of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) in NCDDP municipalities from the seven ethnographic regions. These are: Region CAR and I, CAR II, CAR III and the Rest of Luzon, Region Island Groups and the Rest of Visayas Region, Central Mindanao, Region Northern and Western Mindanao, and Region South and Eastern Mindanao. The orientation also focused on key issues that may affect the design and implementation of NCDDP, such as culture, ancestral domain, and human rights. Likewise, it provided information on the Department of the Interior and Local Government‘s (DILG) legal instruments that are relevant to IP-related concerns, particularly those that protect and promote IPs‘ rights over their ancestral domain and in their participation in Local Planning Processes. According to DSWD Secretary Corazon ―Dinky‖ Juliano-Soliman, ―IPs are some of the most marginalized and vulnerable in society. Through the NCDDP, they will have access to health care, schools, and other services. They will also have the voice to articulate their unique needs. The NCDDP empowerment platform will facilitate their growth so they can work together with other members of society while preserving their indigenous culture.‖ Targeted to begin implementation by late 2013, the NCDDP will expand Kalahi-CIDSS‘ coverage of 364 municipalities to 900. Of these, 768 municipalities, or 85% of the total coverage of the program, have barangays with IP populations.

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OWWA RWO III conducts Mid-Year Performance Assessment

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

San Fernando City – OWWA RWO III conducted its Mid-Year Performance Assessment (MYPA) last May 24, 2013. The activity, attended by ten (10) officers and staff, included the reporting and evaluation of the performance of the regional welfare office for the first five months of the year. Promotion of education and training programs was identified as a major promotional activity. Target accomplishments and proposed budget for 2014 were also discussed. Plans of the RWO especially this coming opening of classes and for the conduct of the upcoming Migrant Workers‘ Day on June 7 were discussed and agreed upon.

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OWWA-RWO8 calls for nominations for Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) 2013

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

10 May 2013, Tacloban City – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 8 is once again inviting Non-Government Organizations (NGO‘s), People‘s Organizations (PO‘s), Religious Organizations, Community-based Socio-Civic Organizations, and Local Government Units (LGU) to submit their nominations for the nationwide search for the Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) 2013.

MOFYA is on its ninth (9th) year now. This search aims to give due recognition to the valuable efforts and hard work of the OFWs and their families in overcoming the challenges of migration. The award-giving program showcases the success stories of model OFWs and their families who have maintained close and strong family ties and have commendable and valuable contributions to the community where they belong.

For the first time last year, OWWA-RWO8 MOFYA representative Capt. Manuel D. Gabornes and family was awarded with the National MOFYA Award for the sea-based category.

This year, OWWA-RWO8, through a screening committee will be selecting two regional winners (one land-based and one on the sea-based category) who will compete at the national level. Representatives from the DOLE (acting as Committee Chair), OWWA (Vice-Chair), NGO‘s and church-based Organizations will compose the screening committee.

Tentative screening schedule is on September 24, 2013. Regional winners will be named on October 1, 2013 while the National Awardees will be proclaimed on November 15, 2013.

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The criteria for nomination consist the following: family is headed by an OFW (land-based or sea-based), either married or single, and presently working abroad with valid proof of OWWA membership; OFW does not have an immigrant status in the foreign country and must possess valid working permit or employment documents; he/she must have worked abroad for at least four years; the family must be known as a solid/stable family in the community; and the family should have established financial stability. Individual nomination is invalid. It should be made by the aforementioned organizations or associations. Nomination forms and details about MOFYA are available and downloadable from OWWA‘s website www.owwa.gov.ph or visit OWWA-RWO8 office at DOLE RO8 Compound, Tacloban City for more details and clarifications.

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BSP adopts the Revised Trust Rating System

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

In line with the thrust of the BSP to implement regulatory reforms geared towards an effective risk-focused supervision, the Monetary Board, in its meeting held on 23 May 2013, approved the adoption of the revised Trust Rating System, an assessment tool to comprehensively and uniformly evaluate the administration of fiduciary activities of all trust entities1 . The Trust Rating System is one of the several assessment tools developed to complement BSP‘s on-site examination. Similar tools were developed earlier to assess compliance with anti-money laundering rules as well as the quality of corporate governance in banks and other supervised institutions. Just this month, the BSP adopted the Compliance Rating System which will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the compliance system in mitigating business risk of a bank and other supervised institutions. The Trust Rating System was first adopted in 2008. However, there was a need to re-calibrate the rating system to remain effective in assessing the risk management practices of trust entities in light of the evolving sophistication and complexities of fiduciary activities. The revisions include, among others: a shift from a 5-point to a 4-point rating scale, incorporation of relevant regulatory issuance after the adoption of the Trust Rating System, integration of the risk assessment framework, and imposition of enforcement actions based on existing regulations. The revised Trust Rating System takes into consideration key factors essential in the operations of a trust entity and at the same time evaluates risk management practices and capability to handle relevant exposures in its fiduciary dealings. Under this rating system, the BSP endeavors to ensure that all trust entities are evaluated in a comprehensive and consistent manner, and that proper supervisory attention is focused on those engaging in fiduciary business that are not consistent with sound fiduciary principles. Trust entities will be assigned a composite rating based on the evaluation and assessment of five essential components of an institution's fiduciary activities: 1) Capability of board of directors, trust committee and senior management responsible in the administration of fiduciary business; 2) Soundness of operations, controls and audits; 3) Adequacy of compliance with governing instruments, applicable laws, rules and regulations and sound fiduciary principles; 4) Prudent management of fiduciary assets; and 5) Earnings performance. Composite and component ratings are assigned based on a numerical scale of 1 to 4. A rating of ―4‖ indicates strongest performance and risk management practices, and the least degree of supervisory concern. On the other hand, a rating of ―1‖ indicates the weakest performance and risk management practices and, therefore, warrants the highest degree of supervisory attention. Although the composite rating bears a close relationship to each component ratings assigned, it is not derived by computing an arithmetic average of the component ratings. Similar with the other assessment tools, the BSP shall assess which areas place the greatest impact on safety and soundness of the trust entity. Enforcement actions to be imposed on institutions will be based on existing regulations and are directed to address the underlying causes of the weaknesses/deficiencies and violations of BSP rules and regulations. The revised Trust Rating System will be adopted in examinations commencing 1 July 2013. ------------- 1 A bank or a non-bank financial institution, through its specifically designated business unit, to perform trust functions authorized by the BSP to engage in trust and other fiduciary business under Section 79 of R. A. No. 8791 (the General Banking Law of 2000) or to perform investment management services under Section 53 of R. A. No. 8791

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PDIC files P208.55-M economic sabotage case vs. 20

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

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) has filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) charges of syndicated estafa and economic sabotage against 19 former directors, officers and employees of the closed G7 Bank, Inc. and an individual who is a relative of one of the bank‘s officers. The case was filed on May 9, 2013. Charged for conspiring to misappropriate, convert and divert G7 Bank‘s funds solicited from the general public for a total amount of P208.55 million were former G7 Bank Chairman Fidel L. Cu; Directors Allan S. Cu, Marietta C. Cu, Norma B. Cueto (also Senior Vice President [SVP]/Treasurer), Lucia C. Pascual (also SVP and Treasurer; and Credit Committee Member); Independent Directors Ramon C. Borja and Candelaria R. Soler; Naga Business Center Head Dennis P. Cu (also Credit Committee Chairman); Branch Manager Ma. Lourdes Ang; Assistant Treasurer Marilyn Manaog; Loan Division Head Jose Eduardo Imperial; Credit Committee Members Oscar P. Ubalde and Cristeta R. Calinog; Accounts Servicing Head Gloria M. Templonuevo; Credit Services Head Eduardo B. Samo, Jr.; Account Officer Sancho E. Zate; Processing Staff Gaudencia R. Recoso; Messenger Eduardo dela Peña; and George Lim, father-in-law of Allan Cu. PDIC‘s complaint arose from the findings of the forensic accounting team from SGV that from the period May to October 2007, Cu, et al. falsified commercial documents and made it appear that 19 individuals and two corporations applied for 37 loans for an aggregate amount of P208.55 million. These fictitious loans endorsed by the Credit Committee were shown to have been processed to give a semblance of legitimacy. Respondents were accused of conspiring to make it appear that the borrowers on record received net loan proceeds amounting to P191,740,250.30 through Cashier‘s checks and checks but these were found to be payable to ―Cash‖ and to respondents, Lim and Recoso. Said loan proceeds were received by respondents Recoso, Lim, dela Peña and Manaoag. The alleged borrowers denied applying for the loans and this was supported by investigation findings that the loan proceeds were actually received by the respondents themselves. The complaint also alleged that the Bank‘s Board members knew about the fictitious nature of these loans which the Board approved even before the loan applications were submitted by the alleged borrowers. The PDIC continues to pursue legal actions against bank officials and personnel who engage in unsafe and unsound banking practices that pose grave threats to the stability of the country‘s banking system. Republic Act 3591, as amended, or the PDIC Charter mandates the PDIC to strengthen the mandatory deposit insurance coverage system to generate, preserve and maintain confidence in the stability of the banking system as well as protect it from illegal schemes and machinations. In relation to its functions as co-regulator of banks, deposit insurer and receiver/liquidator of closed banks, the PDIC is authorized to conduct investigations and file necessary cases against erring bank officials and unscrupulous individuals. The quest for justice against erring bank owners, officers and employees is an important undertaking of PDIC to protect the Deposit Insurance Fund, PDIC‘s funding source for payment of insured deposits.

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No demolition pact signed between DILG, estero families

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

Manila, Philippines There‘s nothing that a good dialogue cannot do. Rallying urban poor groups opposing the government‘s planned relocation of families living along the waterways of Metro Manila found this out to their heart‘s content Wednesday May 29 when the Department of Interior and Local Government agreed to some sort of a ceasefire: the government will not demolish. A memorandum of agreement was signed between the two parties calling for the joint implementation of on-site or near-site relocation for those residing in danger areas in the National Capital Region. It also stated that there will be no forcible demolition of the riverside dwellers until after both parties have met anew. Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez signed the MOA in behalf of the DILG while AnakPawis Party-list Rep. Fernando Hicap led the signatories for the urban poor group which included representatives of Buklod, Kadamay, KPMM,

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Courage, Gabriela and Kilusang Mayo Uno. The urban poor groups under the Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon were rallying infront of the DILG office along EDSA when Fernandez, on instructions of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, invited the leaders for a dialogue and explain the government‘s plan to clear the waterways before the rainy season sets in. ―Nais ko pong tiyakin sa lahat na hindi kayo lilipat sa lugar na malayo sainyong hanapbuhay,‖ Fernandez explained to the group. ―Sa ilalim ng programang ―Daang Matuwid‖ ni Pangulong Aquino, hindi kayo aalisin sa inyong kasalukuyang tirahan na walang disente, maayos at ligtas na paglilipatan.‖ Some 20,000 families in six major esteros in Metro Manila have been identified for relocation in phase one of a three-year relocation plan by the government under a policy which gives residents options on where they would like to be relocated. Fernandez pointed out to the group that the government is their partner in finding relocation sites acceptable to all. After being assured that there will be no forcible demolitions, the group agreed to sign the MOA which Fernandez believes will go a long way towards a peaceful resolution of the issue. ―This covenant will go a long way in promoting harmony between the government and the river dwellers. Tao ang dapat laging panalo,‖ he said. It is estimated that over 60,000 families live along riverbanks in Metro Manila alone.

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DAR distributes 1,936 HAS. of land in Butuan

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

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently distributed 1,936 hectares of agricultural lands to 632 farmer-beneficiaries in Butuan City. Caraga Assistant Regional Director Andre Atega said the certificates of landownership awards (CLOAs) handed out to the farmers covered public lands from Barangay Sumile in the said municipality. Sumile Barangay Chairman Andy Ecleo said the farmers are very grateful to the department for giving them agricultural lands to cultivate that they could call their own. Ecleo added that the farmers assured the DAR that they would make their lands productive and would honor their obligations by paying their regular amortizations as well as real estate tax as a way of reciprocating the government‘s good gesture of providing them farmlots they were aspiring for years. Atega, on the other hand, said that DAR is not merely concerned in land distribution. ―The department also provides support services, to help the farmers raise their incomes and their living standards,‖ he added. Atega explained that the provision of support services in the form of basic rural infrastructures, credit assistance and livelihood trainings, among others, is one of the major components of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

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Last Updated: 01 JUNE 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III rushed to the blast site in Serendra Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Friday (May 31) two hours after the explosion reportedly killed six people. With the President on the site were DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, architect consultant Manny Dimaculangan and structural engineers from DPWH. (Photo by Gil Natea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the inauguration of the Advance Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) at the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology compound in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (May 31). ADMATEL is the most advanced failure analysis and materials characterization testing facility in the country. This will enhance global competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics industries. (Photo by: Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the inauguration of the Advance Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) at the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology compound in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (May 31). ADMATEL is the most advanced failure analysis and materials characterization testing facility in the country. This will enhance global competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics industries. (Photo by: Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, tours and inspects the facilities of the Advance Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) during the Inauguration Ceremony at the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology compound in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (May 31). ADMATEL is the most advanced failure analysis and materials characterization testing facility in the country. This will enhance global competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics industries. (Photo by: Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, unveils the marker during the inauguration of the Advance Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) at the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology compound in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (May 31). ADMATEL is the most advanced failure analysis and materials characterization testing facility in the country. This will enhance global competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics industries. (Photo by: Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo upon his arrival for the inauguration of the Advance Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) at the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology compound in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (May 31). ADMATEL is the most advanced failure analysis and materials characterization testing facility in the country. This will enhance global competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics industries. (Photo by: Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Indonesia Presidential Special Adviser / Envoy His Excellency T.B. Silalahi and the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises His Excellency Dahlan Iskan during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 30). (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Indonesia Presidential Special Adviser / Envoy His Excellency T.B. Silalahi a native hand carved wood statue during for the courtesy call at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 30). (Photo by: Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Indonesia Presidential Special Adviser / Envoy His Excellency T.B. Silalahi and the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises His Excellency Dahlan Iskan a native hand carved wood statue during for the courtesy call at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 30). (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!


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