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Dispatch for May 15 , 2013 ( Wednesday) , 7 Photonews , 1 Weather Watch, 17 Online News

Weather Watch

19 hours ago

PAGASA: Thunderstorm Advisory No. 1 Issued at 3:58PM

Thunderstorm with moderate to heavy rains over QC, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Makati Taguig and Marikina and would persist

for the next 1-2 hours.

All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains,strong gusty winds, lightning and possible flash floods.

Keep monitoring for updates.

Weather Watch

May 15 , 2013 (Wednesday) as of 11:30 AM

CAVITE : LAGUNA : BATANGAS : RIZAL :

QUEZON : Mostly cloudy with light scattered rainshowers

in Lucena City

14 MAY 2013.

President Aquino cites Philippine Medical Association

President Aquino declares May 21 as a special (non-working) day in the City of Malabon in

celebration of its 414th Foundation Day

Malacanang satisfied with conduct of 2013 midterm elections

Government aims to repatriate Filipinos in Saudi Arabia soon

President Aquino cites Philippine Medical Association

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) for its efforts in providing excellent healthcare delivery to its patients and the rest of the Filipinos. "For more than a century, your association has been a crucial stakeholder in our health care sector, and we in government count on your constant pursuit of excellence as we secure our people‘s welfare," the Chief Executive said in his message to PMA on the occasion of its 106th Annual Convention and Scientific Meetings. The PMA opened on Tuesday its 106th Annual Convention and Scientific Meetings which has for its theme ―PMA: Nagkakaisang Manggagamot Tungo sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan‖ at the Manila Hotel. The convention will end on May 17. "May this occasion serve as both a seedbed of knowledge, and a launch pad for scientific research and interactive discussions that would elevate the standards of your profession. Let the momentum created by this event infuse and inspire you to further empower our most vital resource, our citizenry," the President said. "Universal health care emphasizes our thrust towards a more equitably progressive Philippines. We are committed to achieving this goal with the help of medical professionals like you. Together, let us work as one collective and demonstrate passion, integrity, and accountability in our endeavors in pursuit of our national aspirations," he noted. The Philippine Medical Association is the premier medical association of the Philippines, covering medical practitioners and component medical groups from the entire country. It is a member of the World Medical Association and is a co-founder of the Confederation of Medical Associations of Asia and Oceania. It is also the co-founder of Medical Associations of South East Asian Nations. PND (js)

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President Aquino declares May 21 as a special (non-working) day in the City of Malabon in celebration of its 414th Foundation Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared May 21, which falls on a Tuesday, as a special (non-working) day in the city of Malabon in celebration of its 414th Foundation Day. The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 576 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on May 10 to give the people of Malabon the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. Malabon was once called Tambobong and was established more than four hundred years ago. The former name originated from the numerous tambo trees growing in the area. In 1599, Tambobong came under the administration of the Augustinian Friars as a parish along with the town of Navotas. During the Spanish Era, the place became known as Malabon. The name came from the phrase "maraming labong" which means "plenty of labong," referring to the edible bamboo shoots. After the American Revolution (1896-1898), Malabon became a town of Rizal Province through the Philippine Commission Act No. 137. It was reunited with the town of Navotas through the Philippine Commission Act No. 942. Six years later, in January 6, 1906, Malabon and Navotas were reestablished as two distinct towns. PND (js)

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Malacanang satisfied with conduct of 2013 midterm elections

Malacanang expressed satisfaction on Tuesday over the conduct of the 2013 midterm elections, saying the Commission on Elections and its ―deputized agencies came together and did their utmost to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.‖ In a statement read during his regular press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also lauded the Filipino people whom he said ―undertook this exercise and the right of suffrage with tenacity and good cheer.‖ ―By all accounts, this second automated election has proceeded in a satisfactory manner, with the system and the vast majority of machines working as they were intended. While there were isolated incidents of violence and equally isolated hitches in the voting process, our institutions—from the COMELEC to its deputized agencies—volunteers for poll-watching, media, and the public came together and did their utmost to ensure free, fair, and credible elections,‖ Lacierda said. ―The President led the administration into what he himself has described as a referendum on this administration—one that will determine whether there will be a continuation and acceleration of reform, or a regression to the old, selfish ways that had harmed our country. As the counting is completed and the official proclamations take place, it seems clear that our countrymen have spoken overwhelmingly to confirm and expand the mandate for reform and change that they first granted in 2010 to President Aquino,‖ he added. According to the Comelec, nine out of the 12 seats for Senators are from the ruling party – Liberal Party also known as Team Pnoy. Lacierda said the strong showing of Team Pnoy ―is a renewed mandate for tuwid na daan, and a vote of confidence for good governance, the continuity of reforms, and a brighter future to come.‖ He said this ―greater majority in the Senate…means we will be able to push our reform agenda.‖ ―Since we will have a greater support in the Senate, that means we will be able to push our reform agenda, the laws that we feel are our priorities for the country, and so it is certainly a desire that we wanted during the campaign and it seems like it is going that way,‖ Lacierda said. ―We thank the Filipino people for the support they have shown President Aquino‘s agenda of reform and positive

change, and we also thank them for doing their part and contributing to the success of these elections. "As we in government continue to fulfill the mandate entrusted to us by our Bosses, the Filipino people, it is our hope that the next three years will see our country taking even greater strides along the straight path towards equitable progress, peace, and stability for all,‖ he added. PND (rck)

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Government aims to repatriate Filipinos in Saudi Arabia soon

The Philippine government continues to track down and assist Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to eventually bring them home, a Palace official said. In a press conference in Malacanang on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said 37 workers from Saudi Arabia were brought home by the Philippine government last Friday from Saudi Arabia. ―We are in the process of helping them complete their documents in order for them to be brought home,‖ Lacierda told reporters. ―We are committed to helping our Philippine nationals in Saudi Arabia, whether you are in Riyadh or in Saudi—whether they are in Riyadh or in Jeddah, we are making all the efforts to do that. We are tracking them down.‖ The Philippine government is completing the requirement processes and it is in touch with the Saudi Arabia government to ensure that it can bring home the stranded Filipinos who would like to come home. Recent reports said some 10,000 Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia may avail of the recent concessions by the Kingdom‘s government for them to go home. The Saudi Ministry of Labor instructed all labor offices to work double time to handle the applications of those availing of the concessions. PND (as)

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14 MAY 2013

Pinapurihan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Philippine Medical Association

Idineklara ni Aquino ang Mayo 21 na special non-working day dahil sa ika-414 taon ng pagkatatag ng Lungsod ng Malabon

Nagpahayag ng kasiyahan ang Malacanang sa maayos na naidaos na midterm elections

Pinapurihan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Philippine Medical Association

Pinuri ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang pagsisikap ng Philippine Medical Association na mabigyan ng mahusay na pangangalagang pangkalusugan ang mga may karamdaman at ang sambayanang Pilipino. ―Sa loob nang mahigit na isang daang taon, mahalaga ang ginagampanan ng kapisanang ito sa sektor ng kalusugan ng bansa at kaming nasa pamahalaan ay umaasa sa inyong palagiang pag-aalay nang lahat ng makakaya at kaalaman upang pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng sambayanan,‖ sabi ng Pangulo sa mensahe sa PMA kaugnay ng idinaraos nilang 106th Annual Convention and Scientific Meetings. Sinimulan ang taunang kombensiyon ng PMA Martes sa Manila Hotel na ang paksang-diwa ay ―PMA: Nagkakaisang Manggagamot Tungo sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan.‖ Hanggang sa Mayo 17 ang kumbensiyong ito. ―Ang pagtitipon nawang ito ay maging punlaan ng kaalaman at lunsaran ng puspusang talakayan tungkol sa maagham na panamaliksik na magpapaangat pang lalo ng pamantayan ng inyong propesyon. Ang kapulungan sanang ito ay magsilbi ring ispirasyon ninyong lahat upang lalo pang maging higit na masigasig sa pagkalinga sa pinakamahalagang yaman ng bansa natin, walang iba kundi ang ating mga mamamayan,‖ sabi pa ng Pangulo.. ―Binibigyang diin ng pandaigdig na pangangalagang pangkalusugan ang malasakit natin tungo sa pantay na kasaganaan sa Pilipinas. Sa tulong ng mga manggagamot na katulad ninyo, tinitiyak naming hindi mabibigo ang aming hangaring makamtan ang adhikaing ito. Magkasama sana nating isulong ang mithiing ito nang higit na masigasig, marangal at walang pasubali alang-alang sa ating mga pambansang mithiin,‖ dugt5ong pa ng Pangulo. Ang Philippine Medical Association ay pangunahing samahan ng mga manggagamot sa Pilipinas na katipunan ng mga duktor at ng iba pang may kaugnayan sa panggagamot sa bansa. Ang PMA ay kasapi ng World Medical Association at kasama sa nagtatag ng Confederation of Medical Associations of Asia and Oceania. Kabilang din ito sa nagtatag ng Medical Associations ng mga bansa sa Timog Silangang Asya. PND

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Idineklara ni Aquino ang Mayo 21 na special non-working day dahil sa ika-414 taon ng pagkatatag ng Lungsod ng Malabon

Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Mayo 21, natapat sa araw ng Martes, bilang special non-working day sa Lungsod ng Malabon kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng ika-414 taon ng pagkatatag ng naturang lungsod. Inilagda ng Pangulo ang deklarasyon sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon 576 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Mayo 10 upang bigyan nang lubos na pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Malabon na masayang ipagdiwang at lahukan ang mga seremonya at palatuntunang gagawin sa Araw ng Pagkatatag ng nabanggit na lungsod. Ang Malabon na dating kilala bilang Tambobong ay itinatag apat-na-raan at labing-apat na taon na ang nakalilipas. Ang dati nitong pangalan ay hango sa napakaraming puno ng tambo sa nasabing pook. Noong 1899, napailalaim ang Tambobong sa pamamahala ng mga Prayleng Agustino bilang parokya, kasama ng kalapit-bayan nitong Navotas. Nang panahon ng mga Kastila, ang nasabing pook ay nakilala bilang Malabon. Ang pangalang ito ay hango sa pariralang "maraming labong" o sumisibol na mga puno ng kawayan. Ang labong ay iniuulam ng mga Pilipino kahit sa panahong ito.

Nang matapos ang Himagsikang Pilipino-Amerikano noong 1900. Ang Malabon ay naging bayan ng lalawigan ng Morong (Rizal na ngayon) sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Commission Act No. 137. Sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Commission Act No. 942, ang Malabon ay naging bahagi ng bayan ng Navotas. Anim na taon ang nakalipas, noong Enero 6, 1906, ang Malabon at Navotas ay itinatag bilang magkahiwalay na bayan. PND

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Nagpahayag ng kasiyahan ang Malacanang sa maayos na naidaos na midterm elections

Nagpahayag ng kasiyahan ang Malacanang Martes sa magkakatuwang na pagkilos ng Komisyon sa Halalan (COMELEC) at ng mga ―ahensiyang kabalikat nito upang matiyak na magiging malaya, parehas at kapani-paniwala ang halalang idinaos Mayo 13.‖ Sa pahayag sa pulong-balitaan Miyerkoles, pinapurihan ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda ang sambayanang Pilipino na ayon sa kanya ay ―nagsagawa ng kanilang tungkulin at karapatang bumoto nang masigasig at masigla.‖ ―Ang ikalawang automated election na ito ay nagawa sa paraang tunay na kasiya-siya at ang sistema at karamihan sa makinarya ay nagamit nang tulad sa inaasahan. Bagaman may mangilan-ngilang karahasan at hindi kainamang pangyayari sa proseso ng pagboto, ang mga istitusyon natin—buhat sa COMELEC hanggang sa kabalikat nitong mga ahensiya—mga boluntaryong bantay-halalan, media at ang sambayanan ay nagsama-sama upang gawin ang lahat ng magagawa nang maisakatuparan ang isang malaya, parehas at kapani-paniwalang halalan,‖ sabi pa ni Lacierda. ―Pinangunahan ng Pangulo ang administrasyon niya sa tinagurian niyang reperendum sa kanyang administrasyon—isang bagay na sukatan kung maipagpapatuloy at mapabibilis ang mga reporma, o manunumbalik sa dating mapag-imbot na paraang puminsala sa ating bansa. Habang tinatapos ang bilangan at naisasagawa ang mga opisyal na proklamasyon, buong pagkakaisa na manding nangusap ang ating mga kababayan upang patibayin at palawaikin ang mandato sa reporma at pagbabagong una nilang ipinagkaloob sa Pangulong Aquino noong 2010,‖ dugtong ni Lacierda. Alinsunod sa COMELEC, siyam sa 12 luklukan sa pagka-senador ay buhat sa Partido Liberal na kilala rin bilang ―Team Pnoy.‖ Sinabi ni Lacierda na ang lakas na ipinakita ng ―Team Pnoy‖ ay bagong mandato sa tuwid na daan, at isang boto ng pagtitiwala sa mabuting pamamahala, pagpapatuloy ng reporma at ng isang higit na magandang kinabukasang darating. Idinugtong niyang ang ―dagdag na mayorya sa Senado ay mangangahulugang maisusulong natin ang ating adyendang reporma.‖ ―Dahil higit na suporta ang makukuha natin sa Senado, nangangahulugang maisusulong natin ang ating adyendang reporma, ang mga batas na sa palagay natin ay dapat unahin alang-alang sa ating bayan, at ito ay isang bagay na ninais natin noong panahon ng kampanya at palagay ko, ito na nga ang nangyayari,‖ sabi pa ni Lacierda. ―Nagpapasalamat tayo sa sambayanang Pilipino sa suportang ipinagkaloob nila sa adyendang reporma at positibong pagbabago ng Pangulong Aquino at salamat din po sa kanila sa pagtulong nila upang maging matagumpay ang nakalipas na halalan,‖ dagdag ni Lacierda. ―Habang kaming nasa pamahalaan ay patuloy na tumutupad sa tungkuing ipinagkatiwala ng aming mga Boss, walang iba kundi ang sambayanang Pilipino, umaasa tayong sa susunod na tatlong taon ay makikita ng ating bansa ang higit na masigasig na pagtahak sa tuwid na landas tungo sa malaganap na kasaganaan, kapayapaan at kapanatagan nang lahat,‖ wika pa ni Lacierda. PND (rck/zaf)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Ceremonial Signing of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12 Bill) ,Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace, Manila , 15 May 2013

Maraming salamat po. Maupo ho tayong lahat, lalo na sa mga mag-aaral na nadagdagan ng two years. [Laughter] Pumapalakpak pa naman kayo, kaya nga naiintindihan n‘yo yata ang ginagawa natin. Magandang umaga, lalong-lalo na sa inyo. Magandang umaga po sa lahat. Speaker Sonny Belmonte; His Excellency Jorge Domecq, Ambassador of Spain; Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa; Secretary Armin Luistro; Senator Frank Drilon; Senator Ralph Recto; Representative Sandy Ocampo; Representative and Majority Floor Leader Boyet Gonzales; Representative, soon to be senator, Sonny Angara; Representative Jun Piamonte; other members of the Cabinet present; other members of the House of Representatives present; development partners, the steering committee and technical working group of the K to 12; elementary and high school students present, and their teachers; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen: Again, good morning. Nagtitipon po tayo ngayon upang saksihan ang isa na namang makasaysayang araw sa ating bansa—ang paglagda natin sa batas na magsisilbing pundasyon para sa mas maaliwalas na bukas ng bawat kabataang Pilipino: ang Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 o mas kilala bilang ang K to 12 Act. Dahil na rin sa tiwala ng sambayanan, matagumpay nating nakamit ang adhikang magkaroon ng isang sistemang pang-edukasyon na tunay na pumapanday sa kakayahan ng ating mga kabataan, at naglalapit sa kanila tungo sa katuparan ng kanilang mga pangarap. Malinaw ang batayang prinsipyo ng batas na ito: karapatan ng bawat Pilipinong mamuhay nang marangal; tungkulin naman ng estadong siguruhing may patas na oportunidad ang ating mamamayan, lalo na ang pinakamahihirap nating kababayan. At isang matatag na haligi ng kanilang pag-ahon ang pagkakaroon ng mataas na antas ng edukasyon. Sa pagsasabatas ng K to 12, hindi lang tayo nagdaragdag ng dalawang taon para sa higit pang pagsasanay ng ating mga mag-aaral; tinitiyak din nating talagang nabibigyang-lakas ang susunod na henerasyon na makiambag sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at lipunan. Mulat po tayo sa mga kakulangan ng kinalakihan nating ten-year basic education cycle. Bukod sa lugi ang ating mga mag-aaral sa bilang ng taon para lubusang maunawaan ang kanilang mga leksyon, puwersado pa silang makipagkompetensya sa mga graduate mula sa ibang bansa na ‗di hamak na mas matagal at mas malalim ang naging pagsasanay. Kung sa basic education pa lang, dehado na ang ating kabataan, paano pa sila makikipagsabayan para sa empleyo at ibang mas mataas na larangan?

Kaya naman, mula sa pagtatatag ng universal kindergarten sa mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan, hanggang sa pagtuturo ng mga batayang aralin gamit ang mother tongue sa unang tatlong taon sa elementarya, at maging sa higit pang paglinang sa kaalaman sa Filipino, Ingles, Matematika, at Agham ng ating kabataan sa junior high school, tinitiyak nating sapat at kapaki-pakinabang ang kasanayang naibabahagi sa ating mga mag-aaral. Sa pagkakaroon naman ng senior high school kung saan makakapili ang kabataang Pilipino ng specialized tracks para sa akademya, technical education, at sports and arts, ginagarantiya nating talagang handa silang humakbang para abutin ang kanilang mga mithiin. Totoo po: hindi nalilihis ang tutok natin sa pagsusulong ng de-kalidad na edukasyon. Mula nang tayo‘y manungkulan, taon-taon nating inaangat ang budget ng basic education. Sa katunayan mula sa mahigit 161 billion pesos na budget noong 2010, naitaas na natin ito sa mahigit 232 billion pesos ngayong 2013. Sa Technical Education naman, nariyan ang Industry Based Training for Work Scholarship Program ng TESDA, na may higit sa 150,900 scholars nang hinasa at natulungan sa pamumuno ni Joel Villanueva, at habang nagawa niya iyon kaya pa niyang nakangiti—dadagdagan pa natin iyan, Joel. [Laughter] Samantala, para sa ating mga state universities and colleges, umaarangkada na ang Public Higher Education Roadmap ng CHED na ang isa sa mga layunin ay paunlarin ang mga pasilidad panturo ng ating mga State Universities and Colleges. Saludo po tayo kina Secretary Joel Villanueva ng TESDA at Secretary Patricia Licuanan ng CHED para sa kanilang di-matatawarang pagsisikap para palakasin ang technical at higher education sa ating bansa. Siyempre, nariyan din po ang maaasahang pamumuno ni Bro. Armin Luistro. Ang good news nga po: tuluyan na nating nabura noong nakaraang taon ang minana nating backlog sa textbooks at upuan para sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan. Ngayong pong 2013, napipinto na ring matugunan ang minana nating kakulangan na 66,800 na silid-aralan. Talaga nga pong heaven sent sa atin si Bro. Armin, lalo na pagdating ng December 31. [Laughter and applause] Brother, inaasahan ko pong mag-i-inaugurate ng 66,800 classrooms preferably before December 31. [Laughter] Nagpapasalamat din po tayo siyempre kina Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senador Ed Angara, Senador Ralph Recto, Senador Loren Legarda, at Senador Frank Drilon na nagtimon sa pagpasa sa K to 12 Act sa Senado; sa mga kabalikat nating kongresista—mula kay Speaker Sonny Belmonte, siyempre si Congresswoman Sandy Ocampo, Congressman Sonny Angara, Congressman Mariano Piamonte, Congresswoman Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, Congressman Mel Sarmiento, ang atin pong Majority Floor Leader Boyet Gonzales, at sa iba pang kasangga natin sa Mababang Kapulungan para sa K to 12. Taos-puso din po tayong nagpapasalamat sa namayapang congressman na si Salvador Escudero III, ang isa sa mga nagsulong ng repormang pang-edukasyon sa Kamara. Wala po siyang ibang hinangad kundi ang pangalagaan ang interes at kapakanan ng ating kabataan. Maraming salamat din po sa mga development organizations, civic groups, at sa mga indibidwal na walang patid ang pagsuporta sa ating agenda na iangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa ating bansa. Higit sa lahat, nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga guro, lalo na sa mga nagsisilbi sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan; tunay pong hindi mapapantayan ang inyong sakripisyo, pagkalinga, at pagsusumikap na gabayan ang bawat batang Pilipino. Walang duda: ang K to 12 Act ay bunga ng ating patuloy na pagsisikap na itulak ang makabuluhan at positibong reporma hindi lang sa sistemang pang-edukasyon sa ating bansa, kundi maging sa lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan. Ito‘y tagumpay na sumasalamin sa ating nagkakaisang hangarin na mamuhunan sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman—ang mamamayang Pilipino. Patunay ito sa isang panata: na walang maiiwan sa pagtahak natin sa landas tungo sa kaginhawaan. Sa ating mabuting pamamahala, abot-kamay na po ng bawat Juan at Juana de la Cruz ang mga pangarap na dati‘y ‗di man lang natin matanaw. Patuloy po tayong humakbang sa iisang direksyon at sama-sama nating iangat ang ating minamahal na bayan. Sa paglalatag natin ng tamang balangkas para sa ating sistemang pang-edukasyon, nilalatag din po natin ang saligan para sa isang Pilipinas na maunlad, mapayapa, at bukal ng pagkakataon para sa bawat Pilipino. Muli po, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.

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ONLINE NEWS

14 MAY 2013

1. DFA to undocumented OFWs in Saudi Arabia: Avail of new Saudi Government Program

2. Philippine Center in New York holds Forum on Medicare for Filipino-Americans

3. Task Force SAFE reports poll generally peaceful

4. CSC offers human resource and organization development trainings

5. NAIA-BI men arrest 2 fake SINO tourists

6. Phl agri grows by 3.3% in 1st Qtr 2013

7. Attempt to buy back carped land remote - DAR chief

8. DAR provides farm implements to farmers' orgs

9. DSWD streetlight project paves way for peace

10. BSP Governor Tetangco, Jr. chairs global discussion on Financial Inclusion and Standard-Setting

11. SOCGUATODA is SSS' first AlkanSSSya beneficiary in Makati

12. CSC remembers Teacher Nelly, reminds public servants to remain neutral in the elections

13. Consumer loans continue to rise

14. PDIC files criminal complaint vs ex-Chair, officers of Export & Industry Bank for unsafe and unsound banking practice

15. DBM rolls out P1.4-B for PNP retiree perks

16. DA allots P28.8M for agri-tourism

17. Foreign Direct Investments reach US$436 million in February 2013

DFA to undocumented OFWs in Saudi Arabia: Avail of new Saudi Government Program

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

14 May 2013 – The Department of Foreign Affairs is urging irregular overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia to heed the advice of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and take advantage of the opportunity given by the Saudi Government to correct their residency and labor status. The guidelines which were announced by the Saudi Ministries of Interior and Labor last May 10 allow irregular workers to correct their status or leave the country without obtaining No Objection Certificates Irregular OFWs have the following options: Workers can return to their original employer upon mutual agreement, or transfer to a new employer even without permission or consent of the original employer. Companies can correct the occupations of their workers during the grace period, free of charge. Runaway household workers (―huroob‖) can return to their original individual employer or transfer to a new individual employer. The prospective individual employer may complete the procedure for the transfer of the worker through the Jawazat Offices (Saudi Passport Office). Household workers can also transfer to a private sector company through the Saudi Labor Offices. Illegal Filipino workers have the option to leave the country (final exit) instead, without the need to obtain No Objection Certificates from their current employers, provided that they do not have criminal charges or records against them. They will also be allowed to return to the country in the future if they are able to obtain valid working visas. Hajj and Umrah (pilgrims) overstayers who arrived in the Kingdom before July 04, 2008 can correct their status as

either a household service worker or as private sector company worker. Overstaying Hajj and Umrah who arrived after that date may leave without penalties. All penalties and fines accruing to an illegal worker before April 06, 2013 will be waived, except for regular processing charges. Private rights claims between a Filipino worker and his/her current employer will be settled through the court, and will not prevent the Filipino worker from transferring to a new employer. Employers are now clearly obligated to hand over to the worker all his personal documents – such as passports and residency permit (iqama) – upon request. Employers are also obligated to make sure that the residency permit (iqama) of workers are valid. Failure to do so is sufficient grounds for a worker to end their contractual relationship. The deadline to avail of these concessions is July 03, 2013. After this deadline, the Saudi Government will resume its inspections and arrest and / or apply fines against violators – both employers and employees. Specific details of the guidelines are available in both Filipino and English on the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh‘s website: www.philembassy-riyadh.org Affected OFWs may also contact the Saudi Ministry of Labor‘s (MOL‘s) customer service number, 920 001 173. Irregular Filipino workers are advised to read the guidelines carefully and make their way to the nearest Passports Office (Jawazat) or Labor Office as follows:

CATEGORY OFFICE TO PROCEED TO Illegal Filipino worker wanting Final Exit Passports Office (Jawazat) Absconded (―huroob‖) workers wanting to return to their original employer or transfer to a new employer

Labor Office

Runaway household service worker wanting to return to their original individual employer or transfer to a new individual employer

Passports Office (Jawazat)

Runaway household service worker wanting to transfer to a private sector company

Labor Office

Hajj and Umrah overstayers wanting to correct their status with original individual employer

Passports Office (Jawazat)

Hajj and Umrah overstayers wanting to correct their status with private sector companies

Passports Office (Jawazat),

then Labor Office

For futher inquiries, irregular OFWs may call the following numbers in their respective regions:

Region Contact No. Riyadh, Hail, Qassim, Northern Border, Al-Jouf 054-591-7834 Eastern Region 050-126-9742 Jeddah, and regions under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Tabuk, Al-Madinah, Abha, Jizan, Najran)

0555-219-613

0561-956-14

The MOL has announced that it will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in addition to regular working hours. In addition, it has encouraged companies to use its e-services portal.

The Embassy is confirming if the Jawazat Offices will extend their hours, and will inform Filipinos accordingly.

There is no need to coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) for the transfer to a new employer or verify the new employment contract prior to the transfer. The priority is for the new employer to transfer the services through the concerned Saudi authority as soon as possible.

Filipinos who need to look for a prospective employer may also wish to check the Ministry of Labor‘s

www.redyellow.com.sa which has jobs posted with entities that are in the green or excellent zone. They may also call MOL customer service hotline, 920011884.

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Philippine Center in New York holds Forum on Medicare for Filipino-Americans

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

14 May 2013 – A forum entitled, ―Connecting Filipino-Americans to Medicare,‖ was held on May 11 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. The forum was organized by the Kalusugan Coalition Inc., Filipino American Human Services Inc (FAHSI), the Filipino American Senior Citizens Association of Queens (FASCAQ) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York. Kalusugan Coalition‘s Acting Executive Director Rhodora Ursua acted as the moderator for the event. In his message to participants, Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. noted the importance of events such as the Medicare Forum in reaching out to vulnerable sectors in the migrant community, such as seniors, who may not have access to information on health services. The main speaker for the forum was Mr. Thomas Bane of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services who provided important updates on medicare coverage, the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and how to maximize access to these two resources. During the open forum, participants eagerly asked questions about Medicare access, portability, reimbursements and other critical matters. The participants, mostly seniors who have recently retired, requested concerned Filipino-American community groups to hold a separate forum on working for Medicare portability. The co-organizers of the forum likewise presented their different programs for senior citizens and invited community members to take part in these activities such as yoga, dance exercises, wellness clinics, health screenings, consultations and other related activities.

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Task Force SAFE reports poll generally peaceful

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

Manila, Philippines The National Task Force SAFE 2013 of the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police on Monday/May 13 reported a generally peaceful conduct of the 2013 mid-term elections, with only one reported election-related violent incident in Sulu. Data culled from 5am to 6pm at the Task Force SAFE at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame showed that shooting incidents occurred in Cavite City; Bgy. Abra, Santiago City, Isabela and Sulu. One fatality and six wounded persons were reported in the Sulu incident while one was wounded in the Santiago City incident. Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino‘s political adviser, Manuel Mamba, escaped unharmed after his convoy was attacked in the town of Alcala in Cagayan province. Mamba was in the area to support a brother who was a candidate for provincial governor under Aquino‘s Liberal Party. At least six civilian agents of the National Bureau of Investigation were arrested in Bacoor , Cavite in the vicinity of Sen. Bong Revilla‘s residence and the local police applied for search warrants against the suspects‘ four vehicles seen as bearing high-powered firearms. They would be charged with violating the Comelec-imposed gun ban. A case of election paraphernalia-snatching was recorded in Basilan but the items were later recovered by the elements of the Armed Forces assigned in the area. In Maguindanao, there were two cases of alleged intentional damaging of the PCOS machines in Bgy. Oring Barira

and Bgy. Korosoya, both in Barira town. One suspect was arrested in both incidents. Unidentified men also detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kabakan, Cotabato; Sariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Tawi-Tawi. The report did not indicate fatalities or wounded in said three incidents. In the implementation of the liquor ban, a total of 181 suspects have been arrested since 12 midnight of Sunday. A total of 132 persons were arrested in the Davao region for violating the liquor ban; seven in Batangas; three in Pasay City; seven in Pasig City; six in Navotas City; 14 in Quezon City; six in Caloocan City; two in Paranaque City; and five in Makati City. All the liquor ban violators were placed under police custody while appropriate charges are being prepared against them. Vote-buying incidents were recorded in Iloilo; Cebu; South Cotabato; Agusan del Sur and Dipolog. One was arrested in Iloilo; six in Cebu; one in South Cotabato; two in Agusan del Sur; and four in Dipolog. Twelve suspected flying voters were arrested by local tanods and turned over to the Mandaluyong City PNP office. The suspects were later released after they have been verified to be registered voters in the area but had transferred residences outside of Mandaluyong City.

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CSC offers human resource and organization development trainings

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

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is inviting all agencies in all sectors of government to attend its human resources and organization development interventions. The CSC will offer training programs through its research and development arm, the Civil Service Institute (CSI). The CSI closes the semester with training programs on Employee Engagement, which provides an in-depth discussion on the drivers that impact on employee engagement and centers on practical tools for managers to keep a team focused and productive. It is ideal for executives, managers, division heads, and supervisors. The Art of Negotiation is an organizational development program that develops participant‘s ability to negotiate effectively, to create win-win scenarios, to maximize gains, to improve working relationships, and build networks. It is recommended for executives, managers, and division heads. The Employee Engagement Program will be held on May 14-15 while The Art of Negotiation will span from May 21-22. The CSI also offers four year-round leadership programs: the Leading Employees Well program; the Delivering Customer Satisfaction program; the Communication and Building Relationships program; and the Continuous Learning program. The Leading Employees Well program spans only two days while the remaining programs run for three days. The Leading Employees program provides participants cutting-edge techniques and tools in managing and leading strategic change to meet their organizational goals. The course culminates in participants‘ development of their Agency‘s Strategic Change Management Action Plan. Its target audiences are incumbent and emerging leaders in government. The Delivering Customer Satisfaction program is designed to help participants gain knowledge in creating service excellence environments and developing a Client Satisfaction Improvement Plan. The Communication and Building Relationships course provides participants with structured learning opportunities for developing strategies on effective communication internal and external to the organization. It will best help incumbent and emerging leaders in government, including heads of information and communication units. The Continuous Learning program raises the consciousness of staying on the learning mode all the time and contributing to the success of his or her organization in an environment of accelerating change and complex demands. Incumbent and emerging leaders in government are its target audience. Responding to the need of shaping a new generation of civil servant and leaders, the CSI was instituted in July 2011 to provide quality training programs to government officials and employees. Last year, the CSI has trained almost

1,000 Human Resource Management Professionals (HRMPs), lawyers, supervisors, division heads, manages, and executives. The CSI boasts of 17 HR programs, 10 OD programs, and five modules of the Leadership Program. For the coming semester, there will be eight HR programs, five OD programs, and five leadership programs. The Certificate Leadership Program includes all five leadership programs and runs for 25 days spread out in three months. For inquiries regarding training fees and training programs, please call the CSI at (02) 931-4182 or telefax (02) 931-8019. You may also call the Civil Service Commission at (02) 931-7035 local 301 to 305 or personally inquire in the CSI at 3/f CSC Central Office, Batasan Hills, Diliman, Quezon City.

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NAIA-BI men arrest 2 fake SINO tourists

Source: http://immigration.gov.ph

Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) arrested two Chinese nationals for being ―fake‖ tourists. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. ordered the detention of Wen Shiyuan, 28, and Shi Qingda, 54, hours after they arrived aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Xiamen, China. David ordered the aliens‘ inclusion in the immigration blacklist to prevent them from returning to the Philippines. They will remain detained at the BI jail in Bicutan, Taguig pending conduct of further investigation and exclusion proceedings. ―These are fake tourists. While we welcome tourists they should desist from using spurious documents to gain entry to the Philippines,‖ the BI chief said of the aliens who presented spurious return plane tickets. Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief, disclosed that the passengers‘ itinerary purportedly show they are scheduled to leave and return to China on June 25. But she said a check with the PAL office found the said itineraries to be non-existent and thus fictitious. ―It is obvious they have no intention to leave the country if they were allowed entry,‖ Under immigration rules, a foreign tourist entering the Philippines must have a valid visa, a passport valid for at least six months, and return ticket. The return ticket is required as it evidences a passenger‘s intention to leave the country before the lapse of his or her authorized stay. ―Thus, tourists who present fraudulent documents will be arrested and deported for violating our immigration laws,‖ Mangrobang said.

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Phl agri grows by 3.3% in 1st Qtr 2013

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

The Philippine agriculture industry grew by 3.3 percent (%) in the first three months of 2013, as all four subsectors — crops, fishery, poultry and livestock — posted respective increases, grossing a total of P352.5 billion at current prices. Citing estimates of the Department of Agriculture‘s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the crops subsector, accounting for more than one-half (54.1%) total agricultural production, increased by 3.6%. It was bannered by palay and corn, which grew by 4.45% and 11.43%, respectively. For the first quarter of the year, the country‘s farmers harvested a total of 4.17 million metric tons (MMT) of palay (unmilled rice) and 2.25 MMT of corn, valued at P66 billion (B) and P27.8 B, respectively, at current prices.

The DA chief said the increased harvests of palay and corn were mainly due to early plantings, adequate supply of irrigation water, higher average yields as a result of increased usage of hybrid and certified rice seeds, hybrid and OPV corn seeds, and additional areas planted to both rice and corn. ―Our efforts are paying off, and we hope to attain our sufficiency targets by year-end,‖ said Secretary Alcala. ―For these achievements, we thank our country‘s farmers and fishers for their continuous hard work and perseverance, and strong cooperation of local government units and the private sector,‖ he added. The DA targets to produce 20 MMT of palay and 8.4 MMT of corn by end of 2013, making the Philippines sufficient in both staples. Last year‘s output totaled 18 MMT of palay and 7.4 MMT of corn. Just recently, the country started exporting 35 MT of aromatic and organic black rice to Dubai. Another batch of 80 MT of premium and organic, colored rice varieties is being readied for shipment to other countries. The DA in partnership with the private sector also exported 24 metric tons (MT) of corn feed silage for cattle to South Korea. It is part of a total 15,000 MT of corn silage to be shipped to that country this year. Several major crops also posted positive gains during the first three months of 2013, which included pineapple (increased by 5.8%), mango (4.5%), tobacco (4%), sugarcane (2.5%), and onions (8.5%), among others. The fisheries subsector, which shared 16.3% to total agricultural production, rebounded with a 5.6% growth, as production of aquaculture species like milkfish (bangus) and tilapia has increased. Larger catch of marine species like roundscad (galunggong) and tuna were also recorded, as result in part of the conservation measures imposed in Zamboanga and Visayan Seas, and lifting of the tuna ban in the Pacific Ocean. Total value of fishery production amounted to P59.5 B at current prices. The poultry subsector, accounting for 14.4% to total agricultural production, posted a 2.8% growth, with total value of production at P45.8B at current prices. The subsector was led by chicken, whose output grew by 3.3%, worth P34.6B. The livestock subsector, which contributed 15.3% to total agricultural output, barely grew, at 0.3%, with total production value of P54.3B at current prices. The hog industry grew by 0.36%, valued at P44.87B at current prices.

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Attempt to buy back carped land remote - DAR chief

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

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Gil de los Reyes has reiterated that there is a remote possibility that farmlots awarded to farmer-beneficiaries would end up in the hands of its previous owners unless the latter are found to be landless themselves. De los Reyes said that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) sets the limit to five hectares of farmland any individual could own. Anything that exceeds that limit is subject to agrarian reform program. De los Reyes stressed, however, that selling of farmland, covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), is prohibited unless the 10-year holding period elapsed, which commence from the time the land is awarded to a farmer-beneficiary. ―Any premature selling of farmlands is prohibited by law,‖ De los Reyes said. He added that his office had forged an agreement with the Registry of Deeds to reject any application for registration of land transfer title involving CARP-covered land without clearance from the DAR. After the 10-year holding period elapsed, De los Reyes said a farmer-beneficiary could sell his CARP-acquired land to any individual regardless of whether the buyer is an ordinary individual or a previous owner since the law does not distinguish who are eligible to buy CARP-covered land. ―For as long as the buyer (cumulatively) owns no more than five hectares,‖ De los Reyes stressed. This means that if

an individual owns two hectares of farmland he could buy no more than three hectares, he explained. De los Reyes issued this statement apparently to allay fears that the 4,916-hectare portion of the Hacienda Luisita to be awarded to its 6,296 former tenants would end up in the hands of the family of President Benigno Simeon ―Noynoy‖ C. Aquino III through ―buy-back‖ scheme. The DAR chief also said that CARP-covered land could be converted five years after it was awarded, provided that a farmer-beneficiary filed an application for its conversion to non-agricultural uses and the DAR subsequently approved it.

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DAR provides farm implements to farmers' orgs

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

At least 60 farmers‘ organizations in Eastern Visayas are upbeat about the prospect of their future after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over to them P19 million worth of modern farm equipment. DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes said these multi-million-peso worth of modern farm equipment include 37 hand tractors, 30 threshers, 10 cultivators, 8 water pumps, 6 flat-bed driers, 2 reapers, 2 mechanical transplanters, and 2 combine harvesters. Tolosahay Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TOFAMCO) Chairman Balbino Leona said the farm equipment are of great help to farmers like him for these would help reduce cost of farm production. ―There‘s no need to rent farm equipment as these are now readily available for a token fee for the maintenance of the said equipment,‖ Leona said, adding that it would also make farming more convenient. TOFAMCO is one of the two recipients in the region of the P1.2 million combine harvester, which functions as harvester and thresher. The provision of farm machineries to ARBOs is being implemented under the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS). ARCCESS is DAR‘s new strategy conceptualized by DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes to enhance the delivery of support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

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DSWD streetlight project paves way for peace

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

In the remote village of Barangay Sto. Niño in Upper Nanaga, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, residents are already home right after the sun has set. By 6 pm, the whole village is pitch black with nary a sound. According to villager Antonio Villanueva, this is not unusual especially for Barangay Sto. Nino, which is a conflict-affected area. In this village, theft is common and the ―pangayaw,‖ a traditional tribal war of vengeance, is a daily fare. Roughly 70 percent of the residents of Talaingod belong to the Manobo tribe. Today, Barangay Sto. Nino is a picture of a happy village. Even after the sun has set, children are still out on the streets playing. Mothers are still busy with their daily household chores, while the fathers gather in one corner for a light banter after a day‘s work. By 6 pm, the whole village is still bright and lively with four units of solar-led streetlights and 24 units of solar home lightings put up through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or the KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA. Villanueva, who is also a KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA community project management committee (CSPMC) chair, said that the P360,075 lighting project will allay the fears of residents since it will deter crimes. ―Tungod sa kangitngit, daghan ang kawat. Dili pud namo makita kung kinsa ang mangagi tunga sa kagabhion (Burglary and theft are usually committed as it used to be very dark at night. Also, we could not see those people who pass by our village in the middle of the night),‖ he explained.

―Kining among napili nga project gumikan kay kana among lugar diha sa Upper Nanaga, hilit gani (We chose this project because our place in Upper Nanaga is very remote),‖ Villanueva added, pointing out that just recently there was even a ―pangayaw.‖ ―Pangayaw is a big problem for the people in the community.‖ ―Kasagaran sa mga trahedya sa mga lumad, kining pangayaw. Kung naa‘y makasala sa ilang paryente, mopataka lang og patay. Tanan makit-an patyon (The usual tragedy for the lumads happens during pangayaw. The aggrieved party will not stop seeking revenge until they kill somebody. Anyone who crosses their path will also be killed),‖ Roger Son, KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA Bids and Awards Committee chair, explained. ―Karon nga naa na‘y solar, mawala gyud ang kagubot kay maalanganin na sila moduol kay hayag na man (Now that we have solar panels, we can prevent crimes from happening. People with ill intentions will be hesitant to go near us since our surroundings are now well-lighted. Our community will now be peaceful),‖ Villanueva added. Conflict-sensitive PAMANA is the national government‘s framework and program for peace and development in conflict affected areas. It is implemented by various government agencies with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAAP) as lead agency. For its part, the DSWD implements PAMANA using the KALAHI-CIDSS modality. KALAHI-CIDSS is a community-driven development project that aims to empower communities through their enhanced participation in local governance and poverty alleviation. Under KALAHI-CIDSS, beneficiaries decide on projects that they need most. The KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA aims to improve access of conflict affected and vulnerable areas to basic social services and accountable governance in identified PAMANA zones utilizing the community-driven development (CDD) strategy. It has an open menu system of interventions and activities, so communities themselves can choose what conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting projects to implement. Implemented under KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA are livelihood projects, healing sessions for those who need counseling after exposure to conflict, and social service facilities like day care centers, health stations, among others. The DSWD started to implement KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA in 2011 in 149 barangays in Regions IV-A, V, VIII, IX,X,XI, XII, and CARAGA with a budget of P51.7 million. In 2012, it covered 708 barangays with a budget of P268 million. For 2013, a total of 1,391 barangays are covered with a budget of P483.5 million. Under KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA, each conflict affected barangay is given P300,000.00 for its chosen peace development project. Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that ―engaging people to decide on how to restore order in their own communities is the best way to achieve lasting peace. This is why we used the KALAHI-CIDSS process, so that the beneficiaries themselves are instrumental in their own development.‖

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BSP Governor Tetangco, Jr. chairs global discussion on Financial Inclusion and Standard-Setting

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

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. (center), as chairman of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Steering Committee, delivers his welcome address during the 5th Annual AFI/G24 Policymakers‘ Roundtable on Financial Inclusion on 17 April 2013 in Washington DC, USA. AFI, with a membership of over 100 institutions from 83 countries, is the largest network of regulators and policymakers committed to promote financial inclusion. With Governor Tetangco, Jr. are Mr. Luis Madrazo from the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, representing Mexico as chair of the G24 (left) and Dr. Alfred Hannig, AFI Executive Director (right). The Roundtable focused on the importance of establishing a peer learning platform between AFI/G24 members and international standard-setting bodies (SSBs) to ensure that financial inclusion, its risks as well as benefits, are duly considered in setting standards that equally promote financial stability and integrity. The Roundtable, attended by high-level representatives from over 30 AFI member institutions, was held as part of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

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SOCGUATODA is SSS' first AlkanSSSya beneficiary in Makati

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

The Social Security System (SSS), thru its Makati-JP Rizal Branch, launched its first SSS AlkanSSSya Program in Makati in cooperation with AB-Matrifed, which has a total membership of 63 tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODAs) with 10,000 combined active members. The South Cembo-Guadalupe Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (SOCGUATODA) is its first beneficiary with full support from the barangay officials and employees. Under the program, SOCGUATODA members can drop as little as 10 to 15 pesos a day to their respective coin slots. At the end of every month, SSS account officers would open the individual boxes and count the amounts saved to cover the monthly contribution of the member, which will be remitted to the SSS through a third party collecting agent. Photo shows the ceremonial turn-over of the AlkanSSSya key by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros Jr. (center) to SOCGUATODA Treasurer Edelyn Liberato (third from right). Also in photo are (L-R) SSS Makati JP Rizal Accounts Management System (AMS) Head Angelita O. Grey, NCR-TODA Coalition and AB-Matrifed President Alberto Galisim, South Cembo Brgy. Chairman Richard Raymond R. Rodriguez, SOCGUATODA Secretary Paolo Barrameda and SSS Management Information Services Department Head Arnold A. Tolentino. Inset shows members of SOCGUATODA dropping coins to their respective coin slots. Simultaneous with the launching of the AlkanSSSya Program is a coverage and information drive conducted by the AMS Team of SSS Makati-JP Rizal Branch.

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CSC remembers Teacher Nelly, reminds public servants to remain neutral in the elections

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

As the nation readies for the upcoming national elections, state workers are hard at work in preparation for the functions they will take on come Monday. Aside from the Commission on Elections, public school teachers play a vital role in the elections as poll watchers and members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI). They serve as frontliners in making clean and honest elections possible, sometimes even faced with life or death situations. One teacher who died in line of duty on election day is 2008 Dangal ng Bayan posthumous awardee Nelly B. Banaag, Teacher III of Pinagbayanan National High School, Taysan, Batangas. In the 2007 national elections at Pinagbayanan National High School, in an attempt to tamper with election results, armed men stormed precincts where the canvassing of votes was taking place, poured gasoline, and set the classroom on fire. Teacher Nelly died in this unfortunate incident. ―Every election, our public school teachers put their lives on the line to ensure that elections run smoothly. We recognize their dedication to public service especially on election day when they are exposed to many risks and threats. Teacher Nelly represents the thousands of public school teachers who risk their lives to perform a very important job,‖ said Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. Duque III. Political neutrality Government workers in the career service are reminded to avoid engaging in partisan political activities as part of their sworn duty as public servants. Republic Act No. 4880 defines ‗partisan political activity‘ as acts designed to have a candidate elected or not or promote the candidacy of a person or persons to a public office. ―While we encourage Filipinos to exercise their right to vote, we would like to remind government employees to remain committed to public service. The law requires government employees to practice political neutrality,‖ said Chairman Duque.

Section 4 (d) of Republic Act No. 6713 or the ―Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees‖ lists political neutrality as one of the eight norms of conduct of public servants. Public officials and employees are mandated to provide service to everyone without discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference.

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Consumer loans continue to rise

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

Consumer loans (CLs) by universal, commercial (U/KBs) and thrift banks (TBs) stood at Php 629.3 billion at end-2012, 4.7 percent higher than the Php 601 billion posted during the third quarter last year. The end-December figure is also a 15.3 percent increase from the Php 545.9 billion recorded a year earlier. The rise in credit card, auto, residential real estate and other consumer loans was spurred by low and stable interest rates, managed inflation, the continued strength in the remittances of Overseas Filipinos, the growth in the Business Process Outsourcing industry and a healthy consumer outlook for the year. Said banks‘ non-performing CLs at end-2012 stood at Php 42.2 billion, up from the Php 41 billion registered during the third quarter of 2012 and the Php 37.5 billion at end-2011. Risks from these soured loans are adequately provisioned for as U/KBs and TBs set aside 70 percent in loan loss reserves for non-performing CLs, which account for about one percent of their total loans in December. Moreover, the CL exposures of banks are lower compared to their ASEAN counterparts. CL exposure in Malaysia is 55.6 percent; Indonesia, 30 percent; and Singapore, 27.5 percent. BSP continues to monitor banks‘ loan portfolio in line with its efforts to keep credit standards at high levels. This is vital to mitigating risks in the industry which is a key policy objective under the BSP‘s Financial Stability agenda.

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PDIC files criminal complaint vs ex-Chair, officers of Export & Industry Bank for unsafe and unsound banking practice

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

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) filed with the Department of Justice on May 9, 2013 a criminal complaint against the former Chairman and five other officers of the closed Export and Industry Bank (EIB) for conducting business in an unsafe and unsound manner, in violation of the PDIC Charter and the General Banking Law (GBL) of 2000. Charged for the commission of irregularity and for conducting business in an unsafe and unsound manner and for violation of the GBL were Jaime C. Gonzales, former Chairman of EIB; Juan Victor S. Tanjuatco and Nilo L. Pacheco, Jr., former Presidents of EIB; Teresita Q. de Ocampo, former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Alex Luis M. Pesigan, former Senior Vice President and Head for Treasury Group; and Adeline L. Grimares, former First Vice President, Risk Management Group. PDIC‘s complaint alleged that ―respondents authorized and allowed the payment of a success fee when the obligation to pay such a fee has not arisen‖. The complaint stated that the success fee amounted to US$4.8 million. Of this amount, US$3.0 million was received by AO Capital Partners Limited, where Gonzales was also the Chairman. When sought for comment, Finance Secretary and PDIC Chairman Cesar V. Purisima highlighted the importance of the filing in fulfilling the spirit of the PDIC‘s mandate. ―The filing of these charges by the PDIC highlights our commitment to protecting the interests of the Filipino depositor. We in the DOF, PDIC, and attached agencies will not abide by practices that selfishly endanger the savings of Filipinos for the personal gain of a few. We intend to pursue the full application of justice in this case and, most importantly, we intend to uphold the faith of the Filipino people in a government that will protect them from malicious corporate interests,‖ Purisima said.

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DBM rolls out P1.4-B for PNP retiree perks

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

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P1.39 billion to cover the pension benefits of additional Philippine National Police (PNP) retirees, whose names have already been cleared and verified for enrolment in the Land Bank‘s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) system. Of the full amount, P715 million will cover the pension requirements of the additional 8,890 retired officials and personnel for the period of January to December 2013. Meanwhile, the remaining P675.5 million will support the adjustment of pension perks for 15,899 retired policemen, whose names were recently mapped and verified in the PNP‘s retiree database. The adjustment was based on the rates from the second tranche of the Salary Standardization Law III for January to December 2011. As of May 6 this year, 95% of the 63,550 entries in the PNP‘s retiree database has already been cleared and validated, in line with the Aquino administration‘s goal of cleansing the retiree roster under the national police force. ―Even as we push for the timely release of pension payments for our PNP retirees, we also need to ensure that public funds are being spent with full transparency and accountability. This required a thorough cleansing of the PNP‘s retiree roster, which used to contain a significant number of fictional or ‗ghost‘ entries. In other words, we were looking at several names that belonged to either long-deceased policemen, or those who, very simply, did not exist,‖ Budget and Management Secretary Florencio ―Butch‖ Abad said. Earlier this year, the DBM released P19.3 billion for the pension requirements of 54,660 PNP retirees for the period of January to December 2013, after their names were properly verified for enrolment into ATM accounts. ―Electronic banking doesn‘t just facilitate the quick and efficient release of our retirees‘ pensions. It also helps us preempt and avert irregularities that check payments are very prone to. With ATMs, retirees are assured of the regular release of their pension payments, and the Administration, from its end, can assure the Filipino public that government funds are being used exactly for their intended purpose,‖ Abad said.

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DA allots P28.8M for agri-tourism

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

The Department of Agriculture is allotting an initial P28.8 million (M) to help develop and promote agri-tourism sites under a multi-sectoral collaboration, aptly called ―Green Initiative,‖ involving other concerned government agencies, academe and private institutions. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA is privileged to be a part of the ‗Green Initiative,‘ which aims to protect the country‘s biodiversity, create livelihood opportunities and thus eradicate poverty in agri-tourism communities. It is spearheaded by the ABS-CBN Corporation and ABS-CBN Foundation, in partnership with the DA, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Ateneo de Manila University School of Science and Engineering (ADMUSSE). Secretary Alcala joined the respective head of the five agencies and institutions during a memorandum of agreement signing, May 6, 2013, at the ABS-CBN complex in Quezon City. They included ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, and ADMUSSE Dean Evangeline Bautista. The DA‘s P28.8-M counterpart will be used initially to develop agri-tourism sites in Regions IV-B (MiMaRoPa) and V (Bicol). Of the total amount, P20 M is allotted for the construction of farm-to-market roads, and the rest for irrigation systems (P1.2M), and implementation of agricultural production and livelihood projects for livestock (P3.9M), organic

vegetables (P1.15 M), fisheries and seaweeds (P740, 000), high value crops (P630, 000), rice (P610, 000), and coconut (P333, 000). The DA chief is particularly keen on putting up commercial-scale organic vegetable production gardens, and livestock pens where native pigs and chicken are raised. These should be established near existing or planned agri-tourism sites. He said the vegetable gardens, and native pig and chicken farms would serve as additional attraction, where tourists could ‗pick-and-harvest‘ fresh organic vegetables. For its part, the DENR through its Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau will provide needed infrastructure, inputs and personnel to preserve and protect the forests and watersheds in selected agri-tourism sites. The DOT will encourage the private sector to invest in putting up tourism infrastructure and complementary facilities in agri-tourism sites. It will also take the lead in promoting the agri-tourism sites to attract as many Filipino and foreign visitors as possible. Both the ABS-CBN Corporation and Foundation will manage and facilitate media exposures of the ‗Green Initiative‘ projects to create awareness among the general public and tourists. Finally, the ADMUSSE is tasked to mainstream the agri-tourism projects as part of its curriculum, as well as monitor and evaluate the progress of the ‗Green Initiative.‘ (Cath Nanta, DA-Information Service)

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Foreign Direct Investments reach US$436 million in February 2013

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

Foreign direct investments (FDI) rose to US$436 million in February 2013 from US$192 million posted in the same month last year.1,2 By FDI component, gross equity capital placements aggregated US$230 million, significantly higher by 74.2 percent from its year-ago level of US$132 million. The bulk of these equity capital investments—which came from Japan, the U.S., and Hong Kong—were directed to water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; manufacturing; arts, entertainment and recreation; and real estate. These gross equity capital placements were partly offset by the US$15 million withdrawals of investments, resulting in US$215 million net inflows of equity capital during the month. The sustained inflows of FDI reflect investors‘ increasing optimism over the country‘s growth potential notwithstanding the uncertainties on the strength of the global economy. These developments are also an indication of improved investment climate in the country on the back of sound macroeconomic fundamentals. Reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$60 million in February 2013 as foreign investors opted to retain their earnings locally on account of favorable domestic economic prospects amid low and stable inflation, as well as a strong external payments dynamics. Non-residents‘ net placements in debt instruments issued by local affiliates (or intercompany borrowings between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries/affiliates in the Philippines in the form of loans and debt securities) reached US$161 million in February 2013. This level was more than five times the US$30 million intercompany borrowings recorded in the same period last year. Parent companies abroad continue to lend funds to their local subsidiaries/affiliates to sustain existing operations or expand their businesses in the country. As a result of these developments, cumulative FDI for the first two months of 2013 totaled US$1 billion. This was slightly lower however by 18.7 percent relative to the US$1.2 billion recorded in the same period last year. In particular, cumulative net inflows of equity capital settled at US$377 million, down by 55.8 percent compared to the US$852 million posted in the same period in 2012. This came about as gross equity capital placements of US$1.1 billion for the first two months of 2013 were offset by equity capital withdrawals of US$726 million. Gross equity capital placements came mostly from Mexico, Japan, the U.S., Malaysia and the Netherlands and were channeled mainly to manufacturing; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; financial and insurance activities; and real estate sectors. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings summed up to US$145 million, also lower by 19 percent than the year-ago level of US$179 million. By contrast, non-residents‘ placements in debt instruments issued by local affiliates reached US$490 million, more than twice the US$214 million registered in the comparable period a year ago.

----------------------- 1 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSP‘s FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP‘s FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the IPAs‘ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals. 2 The BSP adopted the Balance of Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22 March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011 BOP statistics. The major change in FDI compilation is the adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of liabilities/non-residents‘ investments in the Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents‘ investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial assets/residents‘ investments abroad (previously presented as negative entry under liabilities/non-residents‘ investments in the Philippines).

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Last Updated: 13 MAY 2013

Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy

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President Benigno S. Aquino III casts his ballot for the 2013 midterm elections at precinct 175-A at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City on Monday (May 13). (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 52 million Filipino registered voters in casting the vote for the 2013 midterm elections at precinct 175-A at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City on Monday (May 13). (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Presidential Sisters Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz and Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada and Presidential Brother-in-Law Manuel Abellada, awaits for their turn to cast the ballot for the 2013 midterm elections at precinct 175-A at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City on Monday (May 13). (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III casts his ballot for the 2013 midterm elections at precinct 175-A at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City on Monday (May 13). (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 52 million Filipino registered voters in casting the vote for

the 2013 midterm elections at precinct 175-A at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City on Monday (May 13). (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Presidential Brother-in-Law Manuel Abellada while awaiting for their turn to cast their ballot for the 2013 midterm elections at precinct 175-A at the

Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City on Monday (May 13). (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III awaits for his turn to cast his ballot for the 2013 midterm elections at precinct 175-A at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel,

Tarlac City on Monday (May 13). (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Burea

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