Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for November 11 , 2013 (Monday) , 4 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 18 Weather Watch,

2 Reg’l. Watch , 2 OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech , 16 Online News , 7 Photonews

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 11 November 2013

Valid

Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure

Analysis for 8 a.m., 11 November

2013

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind

Analysis for 8 a.m., 11 November

2013

Satellite Image

for 5:30 a.m., 11

November 2013

Synopsis:

At 4:00 am today, the center of Tropical Depression ZORAYDA was estimated based on all available data at at 950 km

Southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur (5.0°N, 135.0°E) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph. It is forecast to

move Northwest at 28 kph.

Forecast:

Mindanao and Eastern Visayas will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of

Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest

of Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast will prevail over Luzon and and coming from the Northeast to

North over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be with moderate to rough.

Gale Warning

Issued at: 5:00 a.m., today, 11 November 2013

Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon and Central

Luzon.

1. Weather Watch

13 hours ago

ANC: PAGASA: Low pressure area southwest of Mindanao is now a tropical depression. Once it enters PAR

in next 24 to 48 hours, it will be named Zoraida.

2. Weather Watch

24 minutes ago near Quezon City

Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almedras:

Re: Update in typhoon-stricken areas

-Kailangan ko liwanagin, wala ako sa Tacloban meeting kasi nagpa-iwan ako sa Tacloban airport.

-There are so many operational details that need to be worked out.

-Every pound of C-130 from Manila-Tacloban is critical.

-The President is very critical on what do we do moving forward.

-Sinabi ng Presidente na gusto ko sabihin n‟yo sa akin ano ang gagawin at paano ang gagawin.

-Hirap na hirap po ang national government to penetrate the locality.

-Kapag ang national gov‟t at local gov‟t maayos ang coordination, mas madaling magpatupad ng tulong.

-Importante sa atin ang local knowledge para makagalaw tayo.

-Ang daming bigas na nasa Tacloban, ang problema how to give it around.

-Ang unang problema natin sa Tacloban is how to get there, the only way so far is by air.

-The fastest way to go to Tacloban is by land. (via San Juanico bridge)

-Kahapon may dumating na tons of relief items and water filter.

-I am grateful maraming nagbigay ng bottled water.

-Kailangan nila ng relief goods and medicines.

-Kahapon dumating doon si Sec. Ona at may dala na silang resources.

-As of 8AM today, one gas station was opened in Palo.

-Meron na pong cellular signal sa Tacloban.

-As we speak, the COMELEC agreed to lend generators.

-They need food, they need water.

-The good news is hindi naman natumba lahat and there are still structures na pwedeng silungan.

-Signal ng Smart at Globe sa Tacloban, naibalik na. Ang problema lang ay walang charge ang mga cellphone.

-DOTC is arranging buses para makabyahe mula Tacloban to Manila.

-Lahat ng buildings sa airport sira, I think there is so much opportunity to help.

-There are other areas that have survivors that need attention.

-We are moving to augment every resource they (other areas) needed.

-There is more than enough in affected areas.

-It‟s more important for the local government to declare it (state of emergency).

-30-35 days needed before we can start rehab. We want to focus on immediate needs first.

-Don't send us something we cannot use now. We need resources, relief operations, food, and medicine.

-We do not claim brilliant na alam namin lahat ng solusyon, napaka unfair naman ang criticism for the people

trying to work in the field.

-We tried our very best to warn everybody, overwhelming lamang po talaga ang storm surge.

-By this afternoon there will be two tanker trucks that will reach Tacloban.

-Either today or tomorrow, Taiwan will give one plane load of goods.

3. Weather Watch

about an hour ago near Quezon City

DZMM: Nakatutok na rin ngayon ang NDRRMC dahil sa pagpasok sa Pilipinas ng bagyong Zoraida. Ayon

kay Maj. Reynaldo Balido, inalerto na nila ang kanilang mga tauhan sa dadaanan ng bagong bagyo. Naka-

monitor na aniya ang PDRRMC Region 13 para agad na makatugon sa mga maaapektuhan ng nasabing bagyo.

4. Weather Watch

about an hour ago near Quezon City

PAGASA 11AM update live on DZRH:

-Napanatili ng bagyong Zoraida ang kanyang lakas habang kumikilos ito pakanluran, hilagang-kanluran sa

bilis 30 ph.

-Taglay nito ngayon ang hanging umaabot sa 55kph malapit sa gitna at „pag nagtuloy-tuloy ito bukas ng hapon

ay maaari na itong mag-landfall sa may Surigao del Sur.

-Kung tuloy-tuloy, sa Huwebes ng umaga ay lalabas na rin ito ng PAR.

-Nakataas ngayon ang Signal No. 1 sa Dinagat province, Siargao Island, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur,

Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Samal Island, Bukidnon, Misamis

Oriental, Camiguin, Siquijor, Southern Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, at southern part ng Negros Occidental.

-Mayroon tayong nakataas na gale warning sa northern seaboard ng Northern Luzon at eastern seaboard ng

Northern at Central Luzon.

5. Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City

GMA News TV: Simula ngayong araw, itinigil ang mga commercial flights sa Tacloban Airport dahil sa tindi

ng pinsalang natamo nito. Ang PAL at PAL Express, inilipat ang mga operations papuntang Tacloban sa Cebu

City. May special flight rin ang PAL papuntang Tacloban mamaya para maghatid ng mga relief goods.

6. Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City

PAGASA weather forecaster Mario Palafox on DZBB:

Re: Tropical Depression „Zoraida‟

-Kaninang 8AM, ito ay nasa lokasyon 925km east southeast ng Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at patuloy na

kumikilos ng pa-west northwest sa bilis na 28kph.

-Masasabi natin na mabilis ang pagtakbo ni Zoraida.

-Kapag hindi nagbago ang kanyang takbo ay inaasahan natin bukas ng gabi, ito ay maaari nang mag-landfall

bandang Surigao Del sur area.

-Maaapektuhan pa rin ang Visayas although mas mababa ang track o tatahakin ni Zoraida.

-Sa ngayon po mahina pa ang dalang hangin ni Zoraida ngunit inaasahan natin na lalakas ito habang tinatahak

ang Northern Mindanao.

-55kph ang kanyang center wind.

7. Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City

DZMM: Ipinag-utos ng DOTC sa LTFRB na mag-isyu ng special permit sa mga bus na may rutang RoRo

patungong Samar at Leyte upang maihatid ang mga pasaherong gustong magtungo doon upang malaman ang

kalagayan ng kanilang mahal sa buhay na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Ang special permits ay para sa may

rutang Metro Manila, Cebu at Davao na patungong Samar at Leyte.

8. Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City

DZMM: Nakarating na ang isa pang barko ng PCG sa Iloilo City. Ayon kay Commander Arman Balilo, lulan

ng barko ang mga pagkain, tubig, gamot, sleeping kits at mga rescue at medical teams ng PCG. Parating din sa

Tacloban ang BRP EDSA 2 habang nagkakarga rin ng relief items sa Maynila ang BRP Corregidor.

9. Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City

NDRRMC spokesman Maj. Rey Balido on ANC:

-As of 6AM ay 255 na ang patay. This data came from our regional offices.

-Nagpadala na tayo ng augmentation team sa Region 8 dahil ang mga opisina natin diyan ay hindi ma-contact,

hindi nagpa-function.

-May mga lugar na hindi pa talaga nagpa-function (ang linya ng komunikasyon) partikular sa Eastern Visayas,

dito sa Biliran, Northern Samar at Ormoc sa Leyte. Mayroon na sa part ng Palo at Tacloban (linya ng

komunikasyon) then sa other areas wala pang contact.

-May pauna na tayong na-receive na information sa casualties sa Antique at Capiz.

-Base sa mga ulat ng ating nasa field, badly devastated ang Region 8 partikular sa Tacloban, Samar areas.

Partikular sa mga coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean.

-Wala pa kaming binabago (on NDRRMC Executive Dir. Del Rosario report that 95% of Tacloban City

devastated by typhoon) but we will have to check after ng extensive assessment. We will look if that figure are

still the same.

-Kung kinakailangan i-inform namin ang PNP to send more troops to that (Tacloban) area.

-Magpapadala ng relief goods from Manila, Bicol, Cebu and CARAGA doon sa Tacloban.

10. Weather Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City

NDRRMC | A total of 2,095, 262 families or 9, 679,059 persons were affected due to Typhoon #YolandaPH --

@NDRRMC_OpCen | via @PanahonTV

11. Weather Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City

NDRRMC update as of 6AM, Nov. 11: 255 dead, 71 injured, 38 missing; more than 4.5 million people affected | via

@NDRRMC_OpCen

12. Weather Watch

5 hours ago near Quezon City

DZBB: Nananawagan ang DSWD sa lahat ng puwedeng mag-volunteer sa pagre-repack ng mga relief goods. Ayon kay

DSWD Sec. Soliman, hanggang sa ngayon ay patuloy ang repacking nila ng food packs sa kanilang tanggapan sa Pasay

City maging sa kanilang mga regional office upang maipadala ang tulong sa mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda. Maaaring

tumawag sa 851-2681 at 511-1259 para sa mga shifting schedule ng mga mag-re-repack ng relief goods.

13. Weather Watch

5 hours ago near Quezon City

Tacloban City Network Advisory

As of November 11, 2013, 0700H

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has restored its cellular service in downtown area of Tacloban City as part of its

efforts to support emergency relief operations of the government and humanitarian agencies.

Smart is now working on restoring coverage in other areas of Tacloban City which was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.

14. Weather Watch

5 hours ago near Quezon City

ANC: Globe Telecom has finally opened its network connection in Tacloban City. Meantime, police visibility there was

increased to minimize looting incidents.

15. Weather Watch shared a link.

6 hours ago near Quezon City

Statement by US President Barrack Obama on Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda

"Michelle and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage done by Super Typhoon Yolanda. But I

know the incredible resiliency of the Philippine people, and I am confident that the spirit of Bayanihan will see you

through this tragedy. The United States is already providing significant humanitarian assistance, and we stand ready to

further assist the Government's relief and recovery efforts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of people

affected by this devastating storm."

The White House www.whitehouse.gov.

Office of the Press Secretary

November 10, 2013

The White House

www.whitehouse.gov

President Obama commemorates Veterans Day Weekend by thanking the brave men and women who have worn this

country’s uniform.

16. Weather Watch

6 hours ago near Quezon City

INQUIRER: PNoy has called Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone to assure Estehanons of full gov't support following

extensive damage caused by Yolanda. Meanwhile, Evardone, DILG Sec. Roxas, DSWD Sec. Soliman and DND Sec. Gazmin

will fly today to Guiuan and other towns of the province that were badly hit by the supertyphoon.

17. Weather Watch shared a link.

7 hours ago

PIA-13: The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga has created a special portal for news & photos & other relevant

articles of the aftermath of the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) which affected thousands of people in the Visayas. You

can visit the link via http://www.piacaragayolandaph.blogspot.com/ or thru the region's official website,

www.piacaraga.com.

Typhoon Yolanda Aftermath

www.piacaragayolandaph.blogspot.com

18. Weather Watch

14 hours ago

DZMM: PNoy at NDRRMC press briefing:

- Umasa kayong nakatutok ang buong gobyerno na gawin lahat ng magagawa sa madaling panahon para maabot ang

mga komunidad.

- Ready ang DPWH gumawa ng bunk houses para sa Tacloban residents.

- Huwag munang ibalita ang bilang ng mga namatay sa Leyte kung hindi pa ito kumpirmado.

- Pinangako ng Petron at Shell na may 3-4 days supply ng fuel sa Tacloban. Bukas, magdadala ng mga tanker pandagdag.

- Over 3 million sacks of rice available, waiting to be repacked.

- Nagpaabot na rin ng tulong ang Australia, Singapore at Indonesia.

Weather Watch

November 11 , 2013 ( Monday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE : Cloudy and Drizzling LAGUNA : Cloudy BATANGAS : Rainy RIZAL : Sunny QUEZON : Rainy

PIA Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The provincial government of Quezon has established donation center at the Quezon provincial

capitol, Lucena City. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) thru the office of PSWDO

will handle the collection of relief goods to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

2. PIA Regional Watch

November 9 near Quezon City

ABS-CBN: Shell, may ipatutupad na rollback ngayong Linggo; P0.60/litro ng gasolina, P0.70 sa kerosene at P0.60

sa diesel

Price rollback ng Shell sa Cebu at Bohol ngayong Linggo: P0.60/ litro ng gas, P0.50 sa kerosene at P0.25 sa diesel

.

1. PIA OFW Watch

15 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Nakatakdang bitayin anumang araw ngayong Nobyembre sa Saudi Arabia ang OFW na si Carlito

Lana. Kuwento ng magulang ni Carlito, tinangka umano nitong umalis sa kanyang amo dahil sa pagmamalupit

nito sa kanya. Disyembre 2010 nang mabaril at masagasaan pa ni Carlito ang kanyang amo. Depensa naman ng

ina ng OFW, ipinagtanggol lang daw ni Carlito ang kanyang sarili. Ayon sa DFA, hindi pumayag ang pamilya

ng biktima na magbayad ng blood money si Carlito kaya anumang araw ay maaaring ihatol ang pagpugot sa

OFW. Humihiling naman ang pamilya ni Carlito ng dasal mula sa ating mga kababayan.

2. PIA OFW Watch

15 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Ayaw nang pumasok sa trabaho ng mga OFW sa Jeddah, Saudi Arabia dahil sa takot na arestuhin

sila. Tatlong araw matapos ipatupad ang crackdown ay lalo pang dumami ang mga stranded na Pinoy sa Tent

City.

A. QUEZON

1. Tagalog news: 1,458 katao, inilikas ng LDRRMC

bilang paghahanda sa bagyong 'Yolanda'

BY: RUEL M. ORINDAY

Friday 8th of November 2013

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Nob 8 (PIA) --May 1,458 katao ang nailikas na

sa mga evacuation centers kaninang umaga ng mga Local Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Council (LDRRMCs) sa iba‟t-ibang bayan ng Quezon upang

matiyak ang kaligtasan sa inaasahang pananalasa ng bagyong „Yolanda‟.

Sinabi ni Dr. Henry Buzar ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council (PDRRMC) na kabilang sa mga bayan na naunang nagsagawa ng paglilikas

ay ang San Narciso, 180 katao; Unisan, 597; Alabat, 137; Calauag, 60; Guinayangan,

246; Tagkawayan, 138 at Pagbilao, 100.

Ang mga inilikas, ayon kay Buzar, ay ang mga residenteng malalapit sa mga ilog at

naninirahan sa mga mabababang lugar na kalimitang binabaha kapag may bagyo.

Kaugnay nito, ang PDRRMC- Quezon ay nakabili na rin ng mga relief goods at mga

gamot na ipamimigay sa mga biktima ng bagyo sa mga bayan ng lalawigan ng

Quezon.

Samantala, dahilan sa malalaking alon dulot ng bagyong „Yolanda‟, libong pasahero

na patungong Marinduque ang stranded sa Dalahican port, sa lungsod na ito.

Idineklara naman ng pamahalaang panlalawigan kahapon, Nobyembre 7 na walang

pasok ang mga empleyado ng mga lokal na pamahalaan kasama na ang mga

empleyado ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at pribado upang maseguro ding ligtas ang

mga empleyado sa posibleng idulot ng bagyo sa mga kawani.

Gayundin, una nang ipinahayag kahapon ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang

suspensiyon ng mga klase sa lahat ng antas ng paaaralan, ito man ay pampubliko o

pribado.

Nakahanda ngayon ang PDRRMC-Quezon lalo na ang rescue team na tumulong o

umalalay sa pagliligtas ng buhay sa mga posibleng maging biktima ng bagyo sa

lalawigan ng Quezon. (RMO/ PIA- Quezon)

B. CAVITE

1. Gen. Trias athletes, overall champion at West Cavite

sports meet

BY: RUEL B. FRANCISCO

Friday 8th of November 2013

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Nov. 8 (PIA) --Team Gen. Trias composed of

young athletes from public and private schools, emerged overall champion at the

annual West Cavite sports meet held recently at various sports complex in Naic town.

Bienvenido Ferrer, Jr., DepEd District I physical education and school sports

administrator said Team Gen. Trias was the overall champion in the elementary

division. The delegation prevailed in the following events: Athletics (Boys & Girls),

Volleyball (Boys), Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Tennis (Boys & Girls), Table Tennis

(Boys & Girls), Chess (Boys & Girls), Football, and Swimming (Boys & Girls).

On the other hand, Team Gen. Trias asst. athletic manager Jun Paraiso claimed their

overall victory at the high school division in these events: Basketball (Boys & Girls),

Volleyball - Boys, Boxing, Swimming, Arnis, Baseball, Gymnastics (Boys & Girls),

Athletics (Boys & Girls), Badminton (Boys & Girls), Chess (Boys & Girls) and Table

Tennis (Boys & Girls).

The two Team Gen. Trias sports officials boasts of their victories, holding the

distinction of overall champion in the elementary division for 13 consecutive years and

at high school division for five straight years.

Naic Mayor Antonio Ferrer commended the whole delegation for the victory.

“The local government will always support the young athletes. The honor they brought

home is also an achievement of the community,” the Mayor said.

The annual West Cavite sports event aimed to enrich and enhance the abilities of the

Caviteño youths in sports development. Winners at the sport meet will represent West

Cavite in the forthcoming provincial sports meet scheduled Nov. 20-23, 2013 at

Tagaytay City. (RBF, PIA-Cavite)

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: 25 estudyante sa kolehiyo,

magtatagisan sa PSQ regional champion

Friday 8th of November 2013

LUNGSOD NG LIPA, Batangas, Nob 8 (PIA) --Nakatakdang magtatagisan ng talino

sa Estadistika ang 25 estudyante sa kolehiyo sa darating na Nob. 14 sa Philippine

Statistics Quiz regional champion.

Ang mga estudyante ang kabuuan ng limang nanguna sa PSQ provincial elimination

na ginanap sa bawat probinsiya bilang tampok sa pagdiriwang ng Statistics month

noong isang buwan.

Sa provincial eliminations, nagwagi ng unang karangalan sina John Heraldace H.

Tubigan ng De La Salle-Lipa sa Batangas, Joysha Marie Franco ng Cavite State

University – Rosario, Daniel Joseph N. Pisano ng University of the Philippines at Los

Baños sa Laguna, Florentino I. De Guzman ng Southern Luzon State University –

Lucban Campus sa Quezon, at Zamwelle L. Rodriguez ng University of Rizal System

– Antipolo sa Rizal.

Makatatanggap ng cash prize at certificate of recognition ang tatanghaling PSQ

regional champion at ang kanyang coach. Ang regional champion noong isang taon

ay nakatanggap ng P5,000 cash prize habang ang kanyang coach ay tumanggap ng

P2,500 premyo. Ang nagwagi naman ng ikalawa at ikatlong puwesto ay nakatanggap

ng P3,000 at P2,000. Sila rin ay nakatanggap ng mga karagdagang mga regalo.

Ang magwawaging PSQ regional champion ang siyang magiging kinatawan ng

rehiyon sa PSQ national champion na nakatakda sa Disyembre 5. Sa lebel na ito,

magtatagisan ng talino sa Estadistika ang bawat kinatawan ng rehiyon sa buong

bansa. Naghihintay sa tatanghaling PSQ national champion premyong P30,000

habang ang kanyang coach naman ay makatatanggap ng P15,000.

Sinabi ni regional director Rosalinda P. Bautista ng National Statistics Office (NSO)

Calabarzon na halos 15 taon na ang nakalipas simula ng huling nakamit ng rehiyon ang

medalya bilang PSQ national champion.

“Kung sakaling masungkit ang gintong medalya ng ating magiging kinatawan sa nasyonal

campion, siya ang magiging ika-anim na kampeon mula sa rehiyon. Ang ating pambato

sa nasyonal noong isang taon na si Carl Jervin R. Magtira ng UP Los Baños ay nakamit

ang ika-limang karangalan at nanguna sa kompetisyon ang kinatawan mula sa Northern

Mindanao (Rehiyon X),” sabi ni Bautista.

Ang taunang paligsahan ng talino sa Estadistika ay naglalayong malaman ang kakayahan

ng mga estudyanteng nasa unang taon sa kolehiyo tungkol sa Estadistika na napag-aralan

nila noong sila ay nasa haiskul. Nilalayon din nito na malaman ng publiko ang

kahalagahan ng estadistika (o datos) sa pagpaplano para umunlad ang ating bansa.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, magsadya sa opisina ng NSO Region IV-A sa Ground

Flr. Bldg. C Fiesta World Mall, Maraouy, Lipa City o magpadala ng email sa

nso4lipa@pldtdsl.net. (NSO4A/PIA4A)

E. RIZAL

1. Rizal-based food companies orient on good

manufacturing practices

BY: GIDEON GAPAYAO

Friday 8th of November 2013

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Nov. 8 (PIA) --Several Rizal-based food companies and

members of the Samahan ng Rizalenyo sa Sektor ng Agrikultura at Pagkain

(SARAP) were familiarized on good manufacturing practices recently.

Jointly organized by the provincial offices of the Department of Trade and Industry

(DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the two-day activity

held last Oct. 8-9, acquainted local entrepreneurs on proper hand washing, food

handling and food contamination threats.

Resource speaker Jason San Juan of DTI-Rizal said the lectures on the first day

focused on the discussions on the importance of proper hand washing and the

possible threats of salmonella and e.coli in food processing and preparation.

“On the second day, the discussions zero in on the production side and the practices

to avoid in the food industry,” said San Juan, adding that cross contamination is the

major point reiterated.

San Juan, said, cross contamination is caused by improper food preparation usually

involving salmonella. “Cross contamination is a major source of food poisoning

which can be avoided through observance of proper food handling.”

Representatives of Quiang‟s Food Corporation, Montealba Producers Cooperative,

Sonjo Kitchen, Maflor House of Healthy Food, Crust Magic Pastry Shop, CGV

Food Enterprise and Mullberry Hillfarms Enterprise attended the seminar.

DTI-Rizal provincial director Mercy Parreno, DOST-Rizal provincial director

Fernando Ablaza and DTI and DOST provincial staff were also in attendance during

the entire duration of the activity. (GG-PIA4A)

10 NOVEMBER 2013.

President Aquino assures enough funds to help Yolanda victims

President Aquino says international community helping Yolanda victims

President Aquino orders agencies to focus on post-Yolanda work

President Aquino visits 'Yolanda' hardest-hit areas

Palace welcomes Ariella Arida's 'Miss Universe' third runner-up finish in Moscow, Russia,

Donaire's win in Texas, USA

Palace reassures government ready to help OFWs in Saudi Arabia

President Aquino visits Typhoon-hit Roxas City

Palace Exec: Tacloban City now accessible by land

President Aquino: Armored vehicles, added security troops to foil looting in Tacloban

President Aquino assures enough funds to help Yolanda victims

President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday evening reassured the public that government has enough funds to help those affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The President said the funds include some P16 billion in savings, P6 billion from the President's Social Fund, and P1 billion from the calamity and contingency funds. "And yung sa reconstruction phase naman (As for the reconstruction phase), most of that would occur next year wherein the new budget hopefully will have been approved and there will be new funding for the rehabilitation," he said after getting a briefing on the situation at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. On the other hand, the President said the government can draw from the Quick Response Funds of agencies such as the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He noted that the bulk of the DPWH's work for now is clearing roads. "At isama ko na rin pala. Sinasabi ng DOST, DENR, na parang itong event na 'Yolanda' ay tapos na,‖ he added. Meanwhile the President reiterated that the government's priority now is to restore power and communications to affected areas. He said the DPWH will clear roads to facilitate relief efforts, while the DSWD and agencies like the National Food Authority go full blast in repacking operations. For their part, the military's C-130 planes and seacraft are going all-out in bringing relief goods to affected areas. The President also cited the Armed Forces of the Philippines for conducting aerial surveys despite dangerous weather conditions. He said the Department of Science and Technology had said the weather at the time was dangerous, especially for helicopters. "But, to the credit more of our men in uniform, and the Air Force helicopters have been flying, conducting aerial surveys and also delivering relief to areas that are presently inaccessible," the President said. PND (jl)

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President Aquino says international community helping Yolanda victims

The international community is pitching in to help victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), President Benigno S. Aquino III said Saturday evening.

The President said the offers include those from Israel and New Zealand, with the prospective aid ranging from personnel to mobile clinics. "Ang pagkaintindi ko, ang nag-offer na Israel. (Foreign Affairs) Secretary del Rosario tells us na teams actually, personnel ang inaalok ng Israel (From what I understand, Israel offered personnel)," the President said after getting a briefing on the situation at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. These may include rescue teams, humanitarian missions, and medical emergency missions, he added. The President said the offer was coursed through the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, who he said was "relaying direct instructions" from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Also, President Aquino said Health Secretary Enrique Ona told him New Zealand may send a mobile hospital. This will complement a similar facility the Philippine government already has, he said. "There are other countries that have already pledged their personnel, equipment and assistance," the President said. Typhoon 'Yolanda' lashed the Philippines Friday before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday. As of Saturday evening, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said at least 138 had been left dead in Yolanda's wake. PND (jl)

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President Aquino orders agencies to focus on post-Yolanda work

With Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) having exited the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Saturday evening instructed government agencies to focus on providing those affected with food, water and shelter. But the President also said he wants some local government units to explain their seeming lack of preparation for Super Typhoon Yolanda. "So actually the last instruction to this meeting was: Nalagpasan natin yung hagupit ng bagyo; tragedy naman kung yung post, doon tayo talagang pumalpak (My last instruction to the agencies concerned after the meeting was that we have survived the worst of Yolanda. It would be a tragedy if many people died because we failed to provide them with care)," the President said after getting a briefing on the situation at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. He said the priorities for those affected include food, water and shelter to protect them from the elements. Those exposed to the elements run the risk of getting diseases, he noted. "Ayaw naman nating dumami pa ang casualties dito (We don't want casualties to increase)," the President said. For now, President Aquino said the Department of Public Works and Highways is coordinating with local government units to identify land for constructing bunkhouses that will serve as temporary shelters. This is aside from clearing roads that are blocked by debris, a situation that hampers the transport of relief goods. On the other hand, the Department of Health is assessing health risks, including the lack of clean drinking water, the President added. Also, he said the DOH is on the lookout for cases of upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, and injuries that have to be treated right away. The Department of Science and Technology is tracing the path of Yolanda to determine which areas may have been affected, so the concerned local officials can be contacted. Meanwhile, the President said some LGUs that failed to prepare properly may have to explain especially since he is taking issue with any casualty. He reminded LGUs that they are the first responders, with the national government coming in to replenish and to augment whatever the LGUs lack. "They will have to explain. You have all the data needed. And as you know, any casualty is an issue with me," the President said. PND (jl)

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President Aquino visits 'Yolanda' hardest-hit areas

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday went to some areas hit hardest by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) to personally inspect the extent of the damage caused by the cyclone. In her briefing over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President‘s itinerary included Tacloban City in Leyte and Roxas City in Capiz. ―Umalis po ang Pangulong Aquino ng 8:40 ng umaga, mula sa Villamor Air Base. Patungo po ang Pangulo sa Tacloban City sa Leyte at papunta rin po siya ng Roxas City sa Capiz para naman po tingnan yung naging lawak po ng naging pinsala nitong typhoon 'Yolanda' (The President‘s plane left Villamor Air Base at 8:40 a.m. He was scheduled to be in Tacloban City in Leyte and Roxas City in Capiz, to see for himself the devastation caused by 'Yolanda'),‖ she said. She said President Aquino was also scheduled to get briefings in both Tacloban and Roxas Cities on the efforts made by concerned government agencies to assist those affected by 'Yolanda.' 'Yolanda' battered parts of the country on Friday, making landfall six times before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that as of Sunday morning, 151 were confirmed dead while 982,252 families or 4,459,468 people in 1,741 villages in 343 towns and 39 cities in 36 provinces were affected. Joining the President are Cabinet members including Secretaries Voltaire Gazmin (defense), Corazon Soliman (social welfare), Manuel Roxas II (interior), Jericho Petilla (energy), Rogelio Singson (public works) and Joseph Emilio Abaya (transportation), and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. Also, Valte said that Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima led a batch of police personnel to Tacloban City to maintain peace and order, amid reports of looting and lawlessness there. ―It‘s important at this point in time, hindi lang ang pagtulong at pagbigay ng relief sa mga kababayan natin, it‘s also important to keep the peace in these areas (It‘s important at this time to not just give relief to our fellow Filipinos. It‘s also important to keep the peace in these areas),‖ she said. Valte pointed out that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office reported another special flight to Tacloban carried medical volunteers, telecom technicians and an air traffic controller. Valte reiterated the President Aquino wants power and communications restored soonest, with telecommunications companies assuring they are doing restoration work as quickly as they can. PND (jl)

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Palace welcomes Ariella Arida's 'Miss Universe' third runner-up finish in Moscow, Russia, Donaire's win in Texas, USA

Malacañang on Sunday welcomed the third runner-up finish of Ariella Arida in this year‘s Miss Universe beauty pageant in Moscow, Russia and the victory of Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire Jr. over Vic Darchinyan in Texas, USA. In a briefing over goverment-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said these two pieces of good news are a much-needed shot in the arm for Filipinos going through so much in the aftermath of the recent calamities. ―We appreciate the efforts to bring a little bit of a smile to the faces of countrymen who are going through so much in the aftermath of the typhoon,‖ she said. Arida and Donaire had dedicated their efforts to Filipinos affected by Super Typhoon 'Yolanda' (Haiyan), with Donaire also dedicating his fight to the victims of last month‘s magnitude-7.2 quake. ―I think any sort of positive news to us is very welcome at this point,‖ Valte said as she congratulated the two for bringing honor to the Philippines especially in these trying times. Meanwhile, Valte agreed with observations that Filipinos are a hardy race, saying there is no doubt Filipinos will get up and rise again. ―We have no doubt that our citizens will get up and rise again. We have no doubt about it. We‘ve seen that in the past. No matter how heavy the calamity we always manage to pick ourselves up and get back to our normal lives,‖ she said. PND (jl)

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Palace reassures government ready to help OFWs in Saudi Arabia

The government on Sunday reassured overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia it is ready to help them amid an

ongoing crackdown there on illegal workers. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte gave the reassurance amid reports that 15 OFWs had been arrested by authorities on the sixth day of the crackdown. ―If that is true, our fellow workers in the (Philippine) Embassy would be more than ready to render the assistance that is necessary,‖ Valte said on government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. A migrant workers‘ group earlier claimed 15 undocumented OFWs were arrested. Saudi authorities last Monday started cracking down on illegal workers who failed to correct their status or leave the Kingdom before the Nov. 3 deadline. PND (jl)

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President Aquino visits Typhoon-hit Roxas City

ROXAS CITY, Capiz) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday visited Roxas City following the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. Upon his arrival at 4 p.m., the President went straight to Barangay Culasi and led the distribution of relief goods at the barangay's covered court to some 478 families or around 2,400 evacuees temporarily housed at the nearby Culasi Elementary School. The Chief Executive was accompanied by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Public Work and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Transportation and Communications Secretary Emilio Abaya, and Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras. Local government officials were also present namely Capiz Governor Victor Tanco Sr., Vice Governor Evan Contreras, Roxas City Mayor Alan Celino, Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas and several city councilors. Culasi was one of the areas here that was badly damaged by the typhoon, leaving at least 100 people dead in various provinces in the Visayas including Leyte and Samar. As of 7 a.m., the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council recorded 12 casualties, 30 injured, and 10 missing in the province of Capiz. While on his way to Culasi, the President witnessed the wrath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in this city where he saw toppled electric posts and fallen trees blocking the roads, wrecked cars, and heavily damaged houses mostly those made of lightweight materials. The power lines here are still cut and the communication lines are not yet fully restored as some cell sites were toppled by the powerful winds brought about by the typhoon. President Aquino stressed the need for immediate restoration of power and communication here. The President, meanwhile, assured that the government has enough funds to provide necessary assistance for the people of Roxas City. He earlier said that the funds to restore and rehabilitate Eastern Visayas will come from various funding sources such as calamity fund, contingency fund, lump sum fund, Presidential Social Funds and even the Quick Response Funds of various agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), among others. The Chief Executive said the government has some P16-billion in savings that can assist and help those affected by the recent calamities in rebuilding their lives. Prior to his visit here, President Aquino also inspected some areas in worst-hit Tacloban City in Leyte where he led the distribution of relief goods to hundreds of evacuees displaced by the typhoon. The President was assisted by the DSWD during the distribution of relief goods. President Aquino earlier reported some pledges from the international community such as Israel and New Zealand following the devastating typhoon. PND (jb)

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Palace Exec: Tacloban City now accessible by land

After being hit hard by Super Typhoon 'Yolanda' (Haiyan), Tacloban City is now accessible by land, a

Malacañang official said Sunday.

Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said at a media briefing in Roxas City in Capiz that Tacloban

City can now be reached via the San Juanico Bridge through southern Luzon.

“I hope all of you, please let the rest of the country know that Tacloban is now accessible through the road

from southern Luzon,” Almendras told media representatives at the briefing.

He added Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya will talk to representatives of bus companies when

he returns to Manila to schedule trips to Tacloban City.

Almendras and Abaya were among the Cabinet members who accompanied President Benigno Aquino III to

'Yolanda'-hit areas to inspect the extent of the damage.

On the other hand, Almendras said there is a need to step up the repacking of relief goods from Cebu, which

he said is the closest logistics center to support the needs of Tacloban.

Also, he expressed optimism the telecommunications situation in Tacloban City will “continue to improve,”

now that telecommunications equipment are being brought in.

Tacloban City was one of the areas hit hard by 'Yolanda,' which lashed parts of Visayas and Luzon last

Friday before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility.

Meanwhile, Almendras said the northern part of Samar was not adversely affected by the typhoon, adding it

was the southeast part that was affected.

"The problem of Samar is going to be on the southeast portion. But Borongan is okay also, so it is between

Borongan all the way down to Guiuan where we are presently trying to operate," he said.

Also, Almendras said the government learned much from the experience with Tropical Cyclone Pablo,

particularly the need to have forward command centers for rescue, relief and eventual rehabilitation.

He said Roxas City was selected as the forward command center for Western Visayas. From that command

center, he said the police, military and other government agencies will be working out of Roxas City.

"From here, we want to reach to all the other areas that are affected," he said.

He added Iloilo City has been designated as a logistics center from where goods and resources may be sent to

Roxas City. For now, he said they are rushing the repacking of relief goods.

Almendras also said the government‟s immediate concern is still on those who survived the storm surges.

He said that while there are still many who are missing, there is still hope since some had survived the waves

when the water hit the airport in Tacloban City. PND (jl)

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President Aquino: Armored vehicles, added security troops to foil looting in Tacloban

Armored vehicles and government security forces are now in place in Tacloban City to deter looting and lawlessness following the destruction caused by Super Typhoon 'Yolanda' (Haiyan), President Benigno Aquino III said Sunday. In an interview, the President said he expects the reinforcements to restore peace and order in the city starting Sunday evening. "So meron na tayong itinalagang mga 300 kapulisan at kasundaluhan na handang pumalit at ibalik ang kaayusan dito. Mamayang gabi, may darating na mga armored vehicle at saka ang ating Sandatahang Lakas para magpakita nga ng lakas ng estado at matigil iyong mga pasimuno nitong looting na ito (So now we have 300 police and military personnel who will restore order. Tonight, there will be armored vehicles and the Armed Forces to show the strength of the state and deter further looting)," he said. Incidents of looting and lawlessness had been noted since Tacloban City was devastated by Yolanda, which exited the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday.

Earlier Sunday, Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima led a batch of police personnel in flying to Tacloban City to maintain peace and order there. Also, the President cited initial reports reaching him showing the looting was partly due to the absence of police personnel in the city after Yolanda's onslaught. Meanwhile, the President said the national government is considering temporarily putting in people to fill up some local government posts that he said were "vacated suddenly." PND (jl)

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09 NOVEMBER 2013.

President Aquino orders concerned agencies to intensify search, rescue, relief operations to make

sure aid reaches 'Yolanda' victims

Coloma to head Phl delegation to UNESCO General Conference meeting

Government has enough resources to rebuild Leyte, says Palace

President Aquino orders concerned agencies to intensify search, rescue, relief operations to make sure aid reaches 'Yolanda' victims

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered all concerned government agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations and make sure aid reaches people affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

In an interview on People's Television 4, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said their top concern is people's lives and safety.

"Sa ngayon, ang prayoridad ay ang buhay at kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan. Kaya pag-iibayuhin ang search and rescue and relief operations dahil nga sa pangamba na mayroon pang hindi natutunton na mga casualties dahil sa mga lugar kung saan ay walang kuryente at walang komunikasyon. (For now, our priority is the lives and safety of people. That is why search, rescue and relief operations are intensified. We want to make sure we don't miss anyone, especially those in isolated areas where power and communications are cut off)," Coloma said.

He said President Aquino received an update from Secretaries Voltaire Gazmin (defense) and Manuel Roxas II (interior), who were sent to Tacloban City in Leyte.

The two secretaries reported heavy damage there, along with disruptions in power and communications services.

Coloma said President Aquino ordered the two to intensify the search, rescue and relief operations on the ground, and ensure no area will be cut off.

He added the President instructed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista to ensure sufficient logistical support.

On the other hand, he said the President instructed Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to release P365 million to the Philippine Air Force for maintenance and lubricants for planes.

Coloma also said President Aquino ordered Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo to "retrace the storm path" and determine areas of greatest impact. Montejo was also instructed to recommend concrete solutions to address the problem of disrupted communications during calamities.

"Kaya ang atas sa DOST is to propose a secure, all-weather communication system na puwedeng magamit para sa mga kalamidad na ating kinahaharap na madalas sa buong taon (The President wants the DOST to propose a secure, all-weather communication system that can be used during calamities)," he said.

Coloma said President Aquino ordered Secretaries Rogelio Singson (public works) and Corazon Soliman (social welfare) to make sure relief goods, especially food, reaches the victims.

Singson was particularly instructed to make sure roadblocks are removed.

Meanwhile, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said President Aquino expects power and communications to be restored in affected areas soonest.

―Ang instruction ng Pangulo, unahin ang biktima. Ito ang prayoridad ng kanyang naging utos ... Ang una ay abutin ang lahat na lugar na naapektuhan. Pangalawa, siguraduhin na maibalik kuryente at komunikasyon (President Aquino‘s instructions were to prioritize the victims. First, he wants aid to reach all those affected. Second, he wants to make sure power and communications are restored),‖ Valte said Saturday on government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

She said two C-130 planes had left for Tacloban City early Saturday. The planes are loaded with AFP medical teams, 12,000 pounds of relief goods, and power generators, communications equipment and water purifiers.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also transported telecommunications equipment to the Visayas.

―Nakikipag-coordinate tayo sa tatlong telecommunication companies, nag-assure sila they are doing their best to restore signals in the area (We are also coordinating with the three telecommunications companies. They assured us they are doing their best to restore signals in the area),‖ Valte said.

Meanwhile, Valte said the Philippine government thanks US Secretary of State John Kerry for his statement of sympathy and solidarity with Filipinos amid Typhoon Yolanda‘s destruction.

―Nagpapasalamat tayo sa kaibigan natin na nagpapahayag ng kanilang kakayanang tumulong sa ating mga kababayang nasalanta (We thank our friend who has expressed readiness to help our fellow Filipinos who were affected),‖ she said. PND (jl)

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Coloma to head Phl delegation to UNESCO General Conference meeting

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. will lead a Philippine delegation to France this coming week for meetings of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference.

The Philippine delegation will take part in meetings of the communication and information sector in the 37th session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris on Nov. 12 and 13.

The meetings will focus on sustaining peace and development through freedom of expression and access to knowledge.

Coloma is vice-chair of the governing council on UNESCO's Information for All Programme. He will speak at the opening of the conference on pioneering programs conducted by the Philippines as the lead country in the promotion of media and information literacy.

He will also discuss the Philippine government's program for creating an enabling environment for press freedom and safety of journalism practitioners.

The Information for All Programme is an intergovernmental program created in 2000.

Through it, the world's governments pledged to harness new opportunities of the information age to use better access

to information to create equitable societies.

It seeks to promote international reflection and debate on the ethical, legal and societal challenges of the information society; promote access to information in the public domain through the organization, digitization and preservation of information; and support training, continuing education and lifelong learning in the fields of communication, information and informatics.

Also, it aims to support the production of local content and foster the availability of indigenous knowledge through basic literacy and ICT literacy training; promote the use of international standards and best practices in communication, information and informatics in UNESCO's fields of competence; and promote information and knowledge networking at local, national, regional and international levels. PND (jl)

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Government has enough resources to rebuild Leyte, says Palace

Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday that the government has enough resources to rehabilitate damaged infrastructures in Leyte and other areas following the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda this week. Typhoon Yolanda, considered by experts as super typhoon, has damaged many infrastructures in Leyte including its airport. In a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government has enough resources to help rebuild the province. ―Handa naman tayo. Clearing operations ngayon sa Tacloban; sa Tacloban airport mismo ay ongoing,‖ Valte said. ―At handa naman din tayong magpaluwal ng pondo kung ano iyong kakailanganin for rehabilitation.‖ Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas have reported to President Aquino the heavy property damage in Leyte not only its airport but also other infrastructures. The government is also ready to respond to typhoon victims in Iloilo, she said. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide the assistance such as food and temporary shelters to affected families. ―Meron tayong programa ‗yung tinatawag nating ‗Core Shelter Assistance‘ para naman doon sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo na talagang either partially damaged iyong mga bahay or totally damaged,‖ she said. PND (as)

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08 NOVEMBER 2013.

President Aquino declares November 12 as special non-working day in Valenzuela City in

celebration of ‘Araw ng Valenzuela’

Palace says proactive efforts continue to minimize damage from Yolanda

Palace: Efforts continuing to resolve Manila hostage tragedy row despite Hong Kong lawmakers'

motion for visa sanction

President Aquino says securing people’s health remains the most important national agenda

Government to prioritize restoring power, communication in typhoon-ravaged areas, says Palace

Aquino wants continuous search, rescue efforts in areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda

President Aquino declares November 12 as special non-working day in Valenzuela City in celebration of ‘Araw ng Valenzuela’

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared November 12, which falls on a Tuesday, as a special (non-working) day in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila in celebration of "Araw ng Valenzuela." The Chief Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 678 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on November 6 to give the people of Valenzuela the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. The city marks the celebration of its 390th Foundation Day. During the Spanish colonization, Valenzuela, then known as sitio Polo, was then incorporated into the township of Catangalan (now Meycauayan) in the Bulacan alcaldia. In 1623, Spanish Governor-General Alonso Fajardo de Entenza ordered the separation of sitio Polo from Catangalan and its establishment as an independent town. Polo was changed into its present name in honor of Dr. Pio Valenzuela, the city‘s most distinguished son who had figured prominently in the Philippine revolution against Spain during the late 19th century. PND (js)

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Palace says proactive efforts continue to minimize damage from Yolanda

Amid efforts to assist those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and to restore power and communications, the government continues to employ proactive efforts to minimize the loss of lives, Malacañang said Friday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. also said an additional P53.24 million has been earmarked for assistance to those affected by Yolanda.

"Sa ngayon, walang dahilan para mabahala. Ang mapapansin natin, ang pagsisikap ng pamahalaan ay maging proactive ang mauna tayo sa sitwasyon at magkaroon ng sapat na inpormasyon ang ating mga kababayan para huwag na maulit ang naganap noong nakaraan dahil sa kulang ang impormasyon, maraming nasawi o naapektuhan ng kalamidad (What we in government have been doing is to be proactive. We are giving information to the public in advance so they can make informed choices and prevent loss of lives)," Coloma said at a media briefing in Malacañang.

He also said the government had already conducted preemptive actions with the early evacuation of some 26,675 families or 125,604 people in potential danger zones.

He added the government continues to monitor the movement of Yolanda so it can warn people in areas in the typhoon's path.

"Ang bulk ng aming nakuhang report at mino-monitor pa ngayon ay yung movement ng typhoon, so that we can still give adequate warning to our people (Our efforts to monitor Yolanda's movements are meant to give people adequate

warning)," Coloma said.

"Nakatuon ang buong puwersa ng pamahalaan sa pagtulong sa ating mga mamamayan at paglalayo sa kanila sa panganib sa pinsalang hatid ng Super Typhoon Yolanda (The government is going all-out to help protect people from the effects of Super Typhoon Yolanda)," he said.

Super Typhoon Yolanda had made several landfalls in various parts of the country Friday. State weather forecasters said it may exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday.

Coloma said concerned government agencies remain on full alert, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development earmarking an additional P53.24 million for relief operations.

The DSWD is also calling on volunteers to help repack relief goods. For his part, Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona has ordered government hospitals to tend to those affected.

Government agencies are also monitoring the water level of dams in areas where heavy rain from Yolanda had fallen.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines is working to restore power in Catbalogan, Samar; Southern Leyte; parts of Western and Eastern Leyte; Calbayog City in Samar; Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte; and part of Surigao del Norte.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines had ordered the suspension of operations of airports in areas affected by Yolanda.

On the other hand, Coloma said the government is not giving up on its zero casualty goal, and is aiming to improve its disaster response mechanism.

"Hindi tayo natitinag sa layuning zero casualty ... Yan pa rin ang gusto nating matamo (We are not abandoning our goal of zero casualty. That is still our target)," he said. PND (jl)

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Palace: Efforts continuing to resolve Manila hostage tragedy row despite Hong Kong lawmakers' motion for visa sanction

Despite a reported motion from Hong Kong lawmakers to scrap Filipinos' visa-free access to Hong Kong, the Philippine government continues to quietly work to resolve the situation, Malacañang said Friday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said the Philippine government's position to quietly work toward a "mutually satisfying conclusion" to the row has not changed.

"Our position remains the same. Both sides are working quietly to address these concerns and reach a mutually satisfying conclusion," Coloma said at a media briefing.

He added the Philippines remains focused on working with Hong Kong to achieve a resolution.

In the meantime, Coloma appealed to Filipinos who may be affected by such a sanction to remain calm as the government will continue to look after their welfare.

"Ang gobyerno natin ay tuwirang nakikipag-ugnayan sa kanila. Habang patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan, patuloy ang focus na matamo ang ultimate objective (Our government continues to work with the Hong Kong government. While this is going on, we remain focused on achieving our ultimate objective)," he said.

Coloma pointed out that the Philippine Consulate General continues to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs to achieve this goal.

Besides, Coloma said President Benigno S. Aquino III and Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying had agreed at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meet in Indonesia to reach a mutually satisfactory closure.

"Mutual yan. Nagsimula sa mutual agreement from the face-to-face meeting. Doon galing ang daloy ng kasalukyang pangyayari (We are undertaking mutual efforts. We have a mutual agreement that stemmed from President Aquino and Chief Executive Leung's face-to-face meeting. That is what our ongoing efforts are based on)," he said. The row stemmed from a hostage taking incident in Manila on Aug. 23, 2010, when a dismissed policeman took a busload of Hong Kong tourists hostage to demand his reinstatement in the police force.

But a botched police rescue attempt resulted in the death of the policeman and many of his hostages.

Following the incident, Hong Kong has imposed a black travel warning that discourages its residents from visiting the Philippines.

Earlier this week, a Hong Kong news site reported that Hong Kong lawmakers voted in favor of a non-binding motion to press the Hong Kong government to impose sanctions on Manila, and to cancel visa-free access of Filipinos to Hong Kong. PND (jl)

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President Aquino says securing people’s health remains the most important national agenda

President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated that securing the people's health remains the most important national agenda. In his message to the Philippine Naturopathic Society Inc. (PNSI), the Chief Executive cited the naturopathic sector for efforts to help the government in realizing its goal to provide better health for the Filipinos. "We consider groups who help us realize this responsibility as important partners in nation-building. As advocates of naturopathy, you introduce various methods that expand our current approaches to healing, complementing traditional medicine," the President said to PNSI on the occasion of the Second Philippine Naturopathic Practitioners‘ Convention and Exhibition. "May this convention lead to an even greater understanding and awareness of your field, establishing for it a bigger role in national rejuvenation, that your practice may gain wider approval among our people and earn greater acceptance among medical professionals," the President said. He said the Philippines's collective success as a nation depends on the commitment of all sectors of society to rise to the challenge of citizenship and contribute resources and skills towards securing the welfare of the Filipino people. "As long as integrity, excellence, and service define our pursuits, we will succeed in our endeavors as we continue our journey on the straight and righteous path towards a more equitably progressive Philippines," he said. Naturopathic doctors are health practitioners trained in family practice with a specialty in natural medicine. PND (js)

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Government to prioritize restoring power, communication in typhoon-ravaged areas, says Palace

Malacanang said the government will ask telecommunications companies to make their system available particularly in areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda so that people could easily communicate with their families. The priority is to restore power in those areas so that the communication system could work, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday. ―Bibigyan po ng prayoridad ng National Grid Corp. ang restoration of power kasi mahalagang elemento po ito sa connectivity. Nakikipag-ugnayan din tayo sa mga telecommunications company dahil kahit walang kuryente maaari pong magamit ang mga mobile phones,‖ Coloma told reporters. The National Grid Corp., according to Coloma, is working double time to restore power services in Catbalogan, Samar; Southern Leyte; the province of Leyte; Calbayog City in Samar; Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte; and parts of Surigao del Norte. The government is also working closely with the telecommunications companies to ensure minimal disruption of services, he said noting that in times of calamities, it is important for the people to have means of communication to assure the safety of their families. As to the concerns for weak telecommunication signals by some telecom providers, Coloma said the Palace will ask the National Telecommunications Commission to look into the problem. Typhoon Yolanda continues to hit several provinces in the Visayas region. Coloma said the fifth landfall was in Concepcion, Iloilo; the fourth was in Bantayan Island, Cebu; the third in Daanbantayan, Cebu; the second in Dulag-Tolosa, Leyte; and the first in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. He said the government will continue to provide the public updates on the typhoon until it exits the country. PND (as)

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Aquino wants continuous search, rescue efforts in areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda

President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed all government agencies to conduct extensive search and rescue operations to ensure that everyone along the path of Typhoon Yolanda, which hit the country Friday, is accounted for.

In a statement on Friday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the President instructed agencies to pay special attention to areas that may have been isolated from town centers in the aftermath of the typhoon. At the same time, Coloma advised everyone to remain vigilant until the exit of the storm from the Philippine Area of Responsibility, which according to PAGASA will be on Saturday morning, November 9. Also, Coloma commended the people along the typhoon path for heeding the call of the government to evacuate and take the necessary precautions as the typhoon approached. ―We commend our countrymen for heeding the call of the government to take the necessary safety precautions and for following by the evacuation measures that have been put in place by local government officials especially those residing in danger zones and high-risk areas,‖ he said. Coloma said that based on the latest update from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) there is still a low number of reported casualties from the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda. Only three casualties have been reported, two were electrocuted in separate areas in San Jacinto, Masbate and Surigao del Sur, Coloma said, adding the last fatality was struck by lightning in Zamboanga City. The NDRRMC also reported seven people were injured because of the typhoon, he said. Typhoon Yolanda hit several provinces in the Visayas region including Iloilo, Cebu, Leyte and Eastern Samar. The typhoon is expected to affect Mindoro province around 7 p.m. Friday. He said in a press briefing earlier that the government will continue to provide the public updates on the typhoon until it exits the country. PND (as)

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08 NOBYEMBRE 2013

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na pista opisyal ang Nobyembre 12 sa Lungsod ng Valenzuela upang ipagdiwang ang ‘Araw ng Valenzuela’

Patuloy ang maagap na pagsisikap para hindi lubos na makapaminsala ang bagyong Yolanda, sang-ayon sa Malacanang

Patuloy ang pagsisikap na malutas ang ‘Manila hostage tragedy’ sa kabila ng mungkahi ng mambabatas ng Hong Kong na ‘visa sanction’

Uunahin ng gobyerno ang pagbabalik ng koryente, komunikasyon sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda, sabi ng Malacanang

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na pista opisyal ang Nobyembre 12 sa Lungsod ng Valenzuela upang ipagdiwang ang ‘Araw ng Valenzuela’

Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Nobyembre 12, natapat sa araw ng Martes, bilang pista opisyal (non-working day) para sa Lungsod ng Valenzuela, Metro Manila upang ipagdiwang ang ―Araw ng Valenzuela.‖ Ang deklarasyon ng Pangulo ay ginawa sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 678 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Nobyembre 6 upang bigyan ng lahat ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Valenzuela na maipagdiwang nang angkop at malahukan ang mga programa at seremonyang idaraos sa nabanggit na araw na ika-390 Taon ng Pagkakatatag nito. Noong panahong sakop ng Espanya ang Pilipinas, ang Valenzuela ay kilala bilang sitio Polo na isinama nang maging bayan ang Catangalan (Meycauayan ngayon) sa alkaldiya ng Bulakan. Noong 1623, iniutos ni Gobernador Heneral Alonso Fajardo de Entenza na ihiwalay ang sitio Polo sa Catangalan at gawin itong isang bayan. Matagal na nakilala ang bayan ng Polo bilang isa sa 24 na bayan ng Bulacan. Hinati ang bayan ng Polo at ang malapit sa Ubando ay nanatiling Polo samantalang ang malapit sa Lungsod ng Quezon ay tinawag na bayan ng Valenzuela na nang malaunan ay ginawang lungsod at ang pangalan ay isinunod bilang pagpapahalaga sa kagitingan ng anak ng lungsod na si Dr. Pio Valenzuela na mahalaga ang ginampanan sa Himagsikang Pilipino laban sa Espanya noong magtatapos ang ika-19 na dantaon. Si Dr. Pio Valenzuela ang isinugo ni Gat Andres Bonifacio, Ama ng Katipunan, sa Dapitan sa Zamboanga upang ipaalam ang gagawin nilang himagsikan upang mapalaya ang Pilipinas sa nakasasakop na Kastila. PND(js/zaf)

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Patuloy ang maagap na pagsisikap para hindi lubos na makapaminsala ang bagyong Yolanda, sang-ayon sa Malacanang

Sa gitna ng pagsisikap na masaklolohan nang mabilis at maibalik ang koryente at komunikasyong napinsala ng Bagyong Yolanda, ipagpapatuloy ng pamahalaan ang maagap at masigasig na pagsisikap upang mabawasan ang pagkaputi ng buhay dahil sa bagyo, sang-ayon sa pahayag ng Malacanang Biyernes. Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communciations Operations Office na pinaglaanan ng dagdag na P53.24 milyon ang tulong sa mga apektado ng Bagyong Yolanda. ―Sa ngayon, walang dahilan para mabahala. Ang mapapansin natin, ang pagsisikap ng pamahalaan ay maging proactive, ang mauna tayo sa sitwasyon at magkaroon nang sapat na impormasyon tungkol sa nasawi at naapektuhan ng kalamidad,‖ paliwanag ni Coloma sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang. Idinugtong niya na nakagawa na ang pamahalaan ng maagap na mga hakbang nang ilikas agad ang may 26,675 pamilya o 125,604 kataong nasa mapapanganib na mga pook. Ayon pa kay Coloma, masusi pa ring sinusubaybayan ng pamahalaan ang galaw ni Yolanda upang maagap na mababalaan ang mga taong nasa landas na daraanan ng bagyo. ―Ang malaking bahagi ng aming nakuhang mga ulat at pagsubaybay pa ngayon sa galaw ng bagyo ay agad ipinaaalam sa taong bayan upang mailigtas sila sa ano mang kapahamakan,‖ wika pa ni Coloma. ―Nakatuon ang buong puwersa ng pamahalaan sa pagtulong sa ating mga mamamayan at paglalayo sa kanila sa panganib at pinsalang hatid ng Super Typhoon Yolanda,‖ dagdag pa ni Coloma. Ang napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda ay dumaan sa iba-ibang pook ng bansa Biyernes. Ayon sa mga tagataya ng panahon ng bansa, maaaring lisanin na nito ang Philippine area of responsibility sa Sabado. Idinagdag ni Coloma na ang mga kinauukulang ahensiya ng pamahalaan ay nakaalerto, sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran na naglaan pa ng dagdag na P53.24 milyong pantulong sa mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda. Nananawagan ang DSWD sa sino mang nagnanais na boluntaryong tumulong sa pag-aayos ng mga relief goods.

Iniutos naman ni Kalihim Enrique Ona ng Kalusugan sa mga pagamutan ng pamahalaan na lapatan ng lunas ang mga biktima ng bagyo. Kasalukuyan ding sinusubaybayan ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang tubig sa mga dam kung saan malakas na ulan ang dinala ni Yolanda. Samantala, sinisikap na ng National Grid Corporation ng Pilipinas na maibalik ang koryente sa Catbalogan, Samar; Timog Leyte, mga bahagi ng Kanluran at Silangang Leyte; Lungsod ng Calbayog sa Samar; Lungsod ng Tacloban at Palo sa Leyte at ilang pook sa Surigao del Norte. Iniutos naman ng Civil Aviation Authority ng Pilipinas na suspindihin ang operasyon ng mga paliparan sa mga pook na apektado ng Bagyong Yolanda. Sa kabilang dako, sinabi ni Coloma na hindi pa rin tinatalikuran ng pamahalaan ang pakay nitong zero casualty goal at lalo pang pagbubutihin ang disaster response mechanism.― Hindi tayo natitinag sa layuning zero casualty. Iyan pa rin ang gusto nating matamo.‖ PND(jl/zaf)

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Patuloy ang pagsisikap na malutas ang ‘Manila hostage tragedy’ sa kabila ng mungkahi ng mambabatas ng Hong Kong na ‘visa sanction’

Sa kabila ng mosyon ng mga mambabatas ng Hong Kong na alisan ng visa-free access sa Hong Kong ang mga Pilipino, patuloy ang pamahalaang Pilipino sa tahimik na pagsisikap na malutas nang maayos ang bagay na ito. Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na hindi nagbabago ang paninindigang ito ng Pilipinas tungo sa ―kasiya-siyang pagwawakas‖ ng sigalot. ―Hindi nagbabago ang aming paninindigan. Ang dalawang panig ay kumikilos upang tugunan ang mga bagay na ito upang ang wakas ay maging kasiya-siya sa isa‘t isa,‖ wika ni Coloma sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes. Idinugtong ni Coloma na ang Pilipinas ay nakikiisa sa Hong Kong para sa kalutasang hangad. Samantala, nanawagan si Coloma sa mga Pilipino na maaaring maapektuhan ng ano mang ―sanction‖ na maging mahinahon sapagka‘t patuloy na aalagatain ng pamahalaan ang kanilang mga kapakanan. ―Ang gobyerno natin ay tuwirang nakikipag-ugnayan sa kanila. Habang patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan, patuloy ang focus na matamo ang hangaring nasabi,‖ wika ni Coloma. Idinagdag ni Coloma na patuloy ang Konsulado Heneral ng Pilipinas sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas upang matamo ang pakay na ito. Bukod dito, sabi ni Coloma, ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at si Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Leung Chun-ying ay nagkasundong sisikaping magkaroon ng kasiya-siyang kalutasan ang bagay na ito nang magkita sila sa Indonesia kaugnay ng Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Meeting. ―Mutual iyan. Nagsimula sa kasunduan nang magkita sila sa pulong. Doon galing ang daloy ng kasalukuyang pangyayari. Nagkaroon tayo ng mutual agreement,‖ sabi ni Coloma. Ang sigalot na ito ay bunga ng hostage taking incident sa Maynila noong Agosto 23, 2010 ng isang natanggal na pulis na bumihag sa bus na may sakay na turistang buhat sa Hong Kong upang hinging mabalik siya sa pulisya. Kamakailan, lumabas ang balita na katig ang mga mambabatas na taga-Hong Kong na kanselahin ang visa-free access ng mga Pilipino sa Hong Kong. PND(jl/zaf)

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Uunahin ng gobyerno ang pagbabalik ng koryente, komunikasyon sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda, sabi ng Malacanang

Aatasan ng Malacanang ang mga kompanya ng telekomunikasyon upang ayusin at magamit ng sambayanan, lalo na sa mga pook na malubhang sinalanta ng Bagyong Yolanda upang madaling makaugnay ng mga ito ang kanilang mga pamilya. Ang uunahin ay ang pagbabalik ng koryente sa mga pook na ito upang ang sistema ng komunikasyon ay umandar, wika ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes. ―Bibigyan po ng prayoridad ng National Grid Corporation ang panunumbalik ng koryente. Kasi mahalagang element po ito sa ugnayan. Nakikipag-ugnayan din tayo sa mga kompanya ng telekomunikasyon dahil kahit walang koryente, maaari pong magamit ang mga mobile phones,‖ sabi ni Coloma sa mga reporter.

Sinabi ni Coloma na ginagawa na ng National Grid Corporation ang lahat para maibalik ang koryente sa Catbalogan, Samar, Timog Leyte, lalawigan ng Leyte, Lungsod ng Calbayog sa Samar; Lungsod ng Tacloban at Palo sa Leyte at ilang bahagi ng Surigao del Norte. Nakikipag-ugnayan ang pamahalaan sa mga kompanyang telekomunikasyon upang matiyak na hindi magtatagal ang pagkaputol ng serbisyo ng mga ito dahil napakahalaga ng komunikasyon sa panahon ng kalamidad para sa kaligtasan ng mga pamilya. Tungkol sa mahinang communication signals, sinabi ni Coloma na hihingin ng Palasyo sa National Telecommunications Commission na alamin at lunasan ang problemang ito. Patuloy ang Bagyong Yolanda sa pagdaraan sa mga lalawigan ng Kabisayaan, sabi ni Coloma at ang huling dinaanan nito ay ang Concepcion, Iloilo; pang-apat ang Pulo ng Bantayan sa Cebu; pangatlo ang Daanbantayan sa Cebu; pangalawa ang Dulag-Tolosa sa Leyte at ang una ay sa Guiuan, Silangang Samar. Binigyang diin ni Coloma na ang pamahalaan ay patuloy na magbibigay ng mga ulat at balita tungkol sa Bagyong Yolanda hanggang sa makalabas ito ng bansa. PND(as/zaf)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Statement on Typhoon Yolanda Malacañang Palace 07 November 2013

Magandang gabi po sa lahat.

Kakatapos lang nating kausapin ang mga dalubhasa mula sa DOST, PAGASA, at Mines and Geosciences Bureau kung saan natin kinuha ang pinakahuling datos at inaasahang gagawin ng bagyo. Alam naman po ninyo na si Yolanda ay pumasok na sa ating Area of Responsibility. Tulad ng ginawa natin noong pagdating ni Pablo noong nakaraang taon, minabuti ko pong humarap sa inyo upang ipabatid kung gaano kaseryoso ang peligrong kakaharapin ng ating mga kababayan sa darating na mga araw, at upang manawagan ng bayanihan at kooperasyon. Umabot na, at aabot pa, sa storm signal number 4 ang lakas ng hangin sa ilang mga lugar dulot ng bagyong ito. Sa kasalukuyang datos, mukha pong mas matindi ang hagupit ni Yolanda kaysa kay Pablo; nagdarasal na lang nga po tayo na dahil sa tulin ng takbo nito, ay hindi na siya pumirmi sa ating mga lalawigan upang gumawa ng mga mas marami pang pinsala. Nasa 600 kilometro po ang diameter ng bagyong ito. Inaasahan pong tatama si Yolanda sa mga probinsya ng Samar at Leyte simula mamayang hatinggabi; babagtasin nito ang mga probinsya ng Masbate, Cebu, Panay, Romblon, Mindoro, at Palawan, bago tuluyang lumabas sa Philippine Area of Responsibility sa Sabado ng gabi. Bukod sa inaasahang bugso ng hangin, ulan, pag-apaw ng mga ilog, pati ang posibilidad ng pagdagsa ng lahar sa mga pook malapit sa bulkan ng Mayon at Bulusan, mino-monitor din po natin ang banta ng mga storm surge sa mahigit isandaang mga pook. Matindi ang panganib ng storm surge sa Ormoc, Ginayangan Ragay Gulf sa Albay, at Lamon Bay sa Atimonan. Maaaring umabot ng lima hanggang anim na metro ang taas ng alon sa mga lugar na ito. Nasa Leyte na po sina Secretary Volts Gazmin at DILG Secretary Mar Roxas upang pamunuan ang paghahanda sa paglapag ni Yolanda. Ang lahat ng ating mga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils—mula sa pambansa, hanggang sa rehiyonal, pababa sa antas ng mga munisipyo‘t lungsod, ay naghahanda na rin po. Siyempre, kooperasyon ng mga mamamayan ang inaasahan para magampanan nila ang kanilang trabaho. Nariyan po ang NDRRMC na nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga apektadong lalawigan, munisipyo, at lungsod, upang paghandaan ang bagyo, tulad ng pagbibigay ng lahat ng impormasyong maaaring ibigay, nang mapaghandaan nang sapat si Yolanda. Para sa dagdag pong kaalaman, pumunta po tayo sa mga website ng PAGASA, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, at ng Project NOAH upang makita kung gaano kaapektado ang inyong komunidad sa pagdating ng bagyo. Magsilbi rin po sanang babala ang pahayag na ito sa ating mga LGU: Seryosong peligro po ang kinakaharap ng inyong mga nasasakupan. Gawin na po natin ang ating magagawa habang hindi pa lumalapag si Yolanda. Uulitin ko po: Seryosong peligro ito, at maaaring mabawasan ang epekto kung gagamitin natin ang impormasyon upang maghanda. Fully mission capable po ang tatlo nating C130 upang rumesponde sa nangangailangan. Naka-standby na rin po ang 32 na eroplano at helicopter ng ating Air Force. Nakaposisyon na po ang 20 barko mula sa ating Philippine Navy sa Cebu, Bicol, Cavite, at Zamboanga. Ang mga relief goods ay naka-preposition na rin sa karamihan ng mga apektado o maaaring maapektuhang lalawigan; sa mga hindi pa po naaabot dahil pinagbawalan nang pumalaot ang mga barko dahil sa peligro, umasa po kayong darating agad ang tulong paghupa ng bagyo. Maaari pong maibsan ang epekto ng bagyong ito kung magtutulungan tayo. Magpamalas po sana tayo ng hinahon, lalo na sa pagbili ng ating mga pangunahing bibilhin, at sa paglikas tungo sa mas ligtas na mga lugar. Makipag-ugnayan at sundin po natin ang awtoridad. Lumikas na po tayo kung alam nating nasa peligro ang ating pook. Sa mga nasa baybayin: Huwag na po tayong pumalaot; huwag na po tayong sumugal upang hindi na rin malagay sa peligro ang buhay ng ating mga rescuers. Marami na po tayong pinagdaanan sa taong ito; tulungan na po sana natin at huwag nang pahirapan ang ating mga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at kanilang mga personnel. Gaya po ng lagi, alam nating walang bagyong maaaring magpaluhod sa Pilipino kung tayo‘y magbabayanihan. Nawa‘y maging ligtas po ang lahat sa mga susunod na araw. Maraming salamat at magandang gabi po sa lahat.

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07 NOVEMBER 2013

09 NOVEMBER 2013

DSWD asks village heads to identify shelter beneficiaries

GSIS pays out Php52 B in claims and benefits for first 9 months of 2013

Nov. 10 CSC Special Career Service Exams reset to Dec. 15

BSP issues Circular on amendments to Foreign Exchange (FX) regulations

DSWD completes distribution of bigger relief in 12 quake-hit towns in Bohol

DOLE to prioritize children of sugar workers as SPES beneficiaries--Baldoz

Baldoz encourages OFWs to study Bahrain's Foreign Employees' Guide--in Tagalog

Trading company padlocked for underdeclaration of taxable sales

DILG Region 3 culminates the 22nd Local Government Code anniversary celebration

Ombudsman clarifies conviction rate

2013 Circle Forum culminates in the City of Tuguegarao

Phl Ambassador delivers keynote address at ASEAN Business Conference

GSIS clarifies application of conso-loan interest rate

Honor graduates qualify for civil service eligibility

Improving agri productivity, competitiveness still viatl in PDP Midterm update - NEDA

DTI: Buy only ICC-marked Christmas lights

DSWD asks village heads to identify shelter beneficiaries

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

Zamboanga City — With the ten bunkhouses at the Joaquin F. Enriquez (JFE) Sports Complex about to be completed, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) met with officials of Barangays Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina and Kasanyangan to seek their assistance in identifying priority family-beneficiaries. DSWD Region IX Assistant Regional Director Riduan Hadjimuddin explained that barangay officials are the best persons to determine the families who need the temporary shelters most as they know the circumstances of their constituents. He added that priority families are those whose houses were partially or totally damaged during the armed conflict, with female heads, pregnant women, lactating mothers, persons with disabilities, and sick persons. The bunkhouses will have 12 rooms, each accommodating 10-15 persons. During the meeting, DSWD Region IX Protection Services Chief Ma. Socorro Roxas also asked the help of the officials in maintaining security as well as hygiene and cleanliness at the grandstand. The officials committed to assist in identifying the beneficiaries and to help in the overall maintenance of the bunkhouses and the evacuation center. They also committed to help in the provision and distribution of family food packs to the evacuees at the grandstand. To date, there are still 17 evacuation centers in the city providing temporary shelter to 7,243 families. Some 4,305 families are staying at the JFE.

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GSIS pays out Php52 B in claims and benefits for first 9 months of 2013

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

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) disbursed P52 billion in claims and benefits to its members and pensioners as of September 2013, a 31% increase over the Php40 billion disbursed in the same period in 2012.

These benefits cover life insurance, retirement, pension, survivorship, disability, and funeral. Of the total amount, the combined pension and retirement claims account for 80%, at Php22.3 billion and Php18.5 billion, respectively. GSIS President and General Manager Robert Vergara attributed the increased release of benefits to the implementation of agencies' rationalization programs across the bureaucracy. For the first 10 months of the year, GSIS processed a total of 34,402 retirement claims with a gross amount of Php24.8 billion. He said that another reason for the rise in the pay-outs is "that GSIS has become more efficient in resolving the pending requests of our members and pensioners, some of which date as far back as 2010." The backlog in pending transactions which reached 240,000 as of last year declined fourfold to about 60,000 pending transactions as of October 2013. The pension fund chief said that the continuing reconciliation of agencies' accounts to address disparities in the records of members, also contributed to the "greater efficiency in the processing of claims and benefits." GSIS also enlists the cooperation of suspended agencies to settle their outstanding premium obligations by signing a memorandum of agreement with the pension fund. As of September this year, 144 suspended agencies have signed agreements with GSIS and updated their accounts, which enabled close to 800,000 employees of these agencies, to exercise once again, their loan and dividend privileges. A total of 86 agencies already paid 90% of their premium obligations which restored the loan and dividend privileges of their employees. The collection efficiency for premium contributions also improved to 96% for the first semester of 2013 from 89% in 2010.

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BSP issues Circular on amendments to Foreign Exchange (FX) regulations

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

BSP Officer-In-Charge Vicente S. Aquino announced today the issuance of the implementing circular covering further amendments to the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions (FX Manual) involving, among others, the following: (a) Allowing of prepayment of BSP-registered short-term loans, subject to standard documentary requirements for foreign exchange (FX) purchases; (b) Waiver of the submission by banks of documents to support reports on importations under documents against acceptance and open account arrangement, provided banks maintain adequate records for BSP verification; (c) Lifting of the BSP approval requirement for private sector loans to be granted by FCDUs/EFCDUs that are specifically or directly funded from, or collateralized by, offshore loans or deposits of the lending bank; and (d) Clarification of the prescriptive period for filing of requests for BSP registration of foreign direct investments and rules on cross currency swaps. The Officer-In-Charge added that the BSP will continue to review rules on FX transactions and make amendments thereto as necessary to ensure that the FX regulatory framework is appropriate considering current economic conditions.

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DSWD completes distribution of bigger relief in 12 quake-hit towns in Bohol

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

Twelve out of the 17 worst quake-hit towns in Bohol have already received the two-week worth relief supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), World Food Programme (WFP) and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). These towns are Antequerra, Balilihan, Buenavista, Carmen, Catigbian, Cortes, Corella, Danao, Inabanga, Sagbayan, San Isidro, and Sevilla. A total of 41,186 family food packs were distributed to the affected families in these towns. The food packs contain 20 kilograms of rice, 10 cans of sardines, 10 cans of beef loaf, 10 packs of noodles, 10 packs of coffee, and 10 packs of chocolate drink. Meanwhile, DSWD will complete the delivery of 14,156 food packs to the five remaining towns of Calape, Clarin, Loon,

Maribojoc and Tubigon after Typhoon Yolanda. ―We may not be able to deliver the food packs perhaps until Saturday due to Typhoon Yolanda. But we have prepositioned regular food packs in our warehouse in Tagbilaran City and in Tubigon which can be provided to quake and typhoon-affected families, if the need arises,‖ DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. The Secretary vowed that relief distribution will continue until such time that the affected families are ready and able to meet their own basic needs.

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DOLE to prioritize children of sugar workers as SPES beneficiaries--Baldoz

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

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday instructed all DOLE regional directors and Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) managers, particularly in sugarcane-producing regions, to consider children of sugar workers, as part of the list of SPES beneficiaries, a move which she said will ensure social protection of vulnerable groups. In a memorandum, Baldoz said the District Tripartite Council of Ormoc-Kananga, through the DOLE Regional Office No. 7 and the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, has requested the Bureau of Local Employment, to give priority to the children of sugar workers as beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students. "The BLE has found the request to be reasonable and to be consistent with the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016 which, among others, promotes social protection of vulnerable groups," said Baldoz. She said the inclusion of children of sugar workers as SPES beneficiaries will help curb child labor and ensure that they go to school which could earn them a bright future. It will also allow the DOLE regional offices to cover more SPES beneficiaries. Baldoz's instruction comes with a condition and this is compliance with the requirements and conditions in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9547. Under Section 2, Rule V of the IRR, "the DOLE shall serve a program manager of the SPES". It also states that the DOLE shall provide the necessary technical and administrative assistance to all its regional and field offices. Established in 1992 under Republic Act No. 7323, which was amended by RA 9547, the SPES assists poor, but deserving, students pursue their education by encouraging employment of those in secondary level during summer and/or Christmas vacations and of those in the tertiary, technical, or vocational education levels any time of the year. The SPES is open to all qualified high school, college, or vocational/technical students, and out-of-school youth of poor families who seeks to develop their intellectual capabilities and harness their potential for the country‘s development. In 2012, the DOLE fully utilized its SPES budget of P340-M by providing short-term work to 138,635 students. In the first half of this year, 132,052 beneficiaries have already been enrolled in the SPES, reflecting 88 percent of the expected 200,000 SPES babies targeted under the P441.5-M program.

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Baldoz encourages OFWs to study Bahrain's Foreign Employees' Guide--in Tagalog

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

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended the Minister of Labour of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H. E. Jameel Bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan and the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) which Minister Humaidan chairs for coming up with a Tagalog version of Bahrain's Foreign Employees' Guide and encouraged OFWs in Bahrain and prospective OFWs intending to work in Bahrain to study the document. "Bahrain is committed to ensure decent and productive work in respect of human dignity and social justice, and ensure the welfare and protection of migrant workers, including OFWs, who work in the Kingdom and a demonstration of this commitment is its effort to communicate in migrant workers' own languages its new labor regulations," said Baldoz at the last day of the official visit of the Bahrain labor delegation which Minister Humaidan leads. Baldoz has warmly welcomed the Bahraini Labour Minister‘s delegation which visited the Philippines from 4-8 November to strengthen bilateral labor relations and cooperation between the Philippines and Bahrain. She especially commended the effort of the LMRA to disseminate clear guides and rules both in the English, Arabic, and Filipino languages for migrant workers, noting that prior to the visit, Bahrain had uploaded in its website its Foreign Employees Guide with a translation in Filipino, ―Gabay para sa mga Dayuhang Manggagawa‖ accessible at http://portal.lmra.bh/english/page/show/101#.UnoQV-w43Co. The Guide is based on Bahrain's new Labor Law, Law No. 36 of 2012, which now includes domestic staff, such as gardeners, drivers, and cooks. Under the amended law, all employees in the private sector are now entitled to annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and other benefits. Penalties in case of delay in salary payment, summary dismissal, and discriminatory practices, are also provided in the new law. Baldoz thus urged OFWs in Bahrain and prospective OFWs going to work in Bahrain to be aware and be guided Guide which features the following: (a) Mga Serbisyong ibinibigay ng LMRA para sa mga

dayuhang manggagawa: Pag-isyu ng visa para sa manggagawa at muling pagbigay bisa dito (renewal); paglipat ng visa mula sa isang amo patungo sa iba (transfer); pagkakaloob ng visa para makapasok (entry visa), pahintulot para manirahan (residence permit), maramihang pagpasok (multiple entry), at mga patunay ng pagkakakilanlan (ID cards) para sa manggagawa at kanyang pamilya, sa tulong ng ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan; at pagpabilis ng pagkuha ng iskedyul ng pangkalusugang tsek-up, sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kagawarang Pangkalusugan (Ministry of Health); and, (b) Mahahalagang tagubilin bago umalis sa iyong bansa: I-tsek sa LMRA website (www.lmra.bh) kung hanggang kailan mo maaring gamitin ang visa na ipinagkaloob sa iyo. lsulat lamang ang numero ng iyong visa sa http://portal.lmra.bh/english/express_services; Kung ikaw ay dati nang nagtrabaho sa Bahrain, ipakita mo ang luma mong ID card sa iyong employer bago siya mag-aplay ng visa para sa iyo; Siguraduhin mo na dala mo ang mga sumusunod na dokumento; Dalawang kopya ng iyong pasaporte, na may bisa ng higit sa anim (6) na buwan; kopya ng visa para sa manggagawa na ipinagkaloob ng LMRA; kopya ng iyong kontrata; lisensya sa pagmamaneho, kung meron; diploma at mga patunay ng kasanayan, kung meron; kopya ng kontrata sa kasal, kung may balak kang dalhin ang iyong asawa at mga anak; Tingnan mo ang listahan ng mga aprubadong ospital o klinikang medikal sa iyong bansa kung saan duon ka lang maaring magsagawa ng iyong tsek-up Upang mai-tsek mo ito, isulat lamang ang sumusunod: http://portal.lmra.bh/english/clinics/index. The translated guide also contains onsite provisions entitled, ―Pagdating mo sa Kaharian ng Bahrain‖ and ―Pagkatapos ng Iyong Pagdating sa Kaharian ng Bahrain‖. The LMRA website also has a ―Portal para sa mga Dayuhan‖ which provides the following instructions on linkage numbers/emails--https://www.lmra.bh/expatportal/login.php). It also has a tab, ―Serbisyo para sa mga Kliyente‖ (Client Services); and appropriate contact information: Bumisita sa LMRA o kaya tumawag sa call center na may numerong 17506055, o bumisita na lamang sa inyong Embahada. Maari kayong bumisita sa LMRA guide (http://portal.lmra.bh/english/page/show/105), at para sa karagdagan kaalaman, tumawag sa 17506055 o bumisita sa www.lmra.bh. "Bahrain's deliberate effort to popularize its Foreign Employees' Guide and make it understandable and accessible will surely help protect migrant workers," Baldoz said, adding this makes Bahrain a safer work destination for OFWs. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said that in first semester of 2013, Bahrain accepted 6,186 OFWs. In 2012, the Kingdom was counted as one of the top 10 destinations of OFWs, hosting some 22,271 documented overseas Filipino workers, on top of 18,230 in 2011. Most OFWs in Bahrain are in the high-skilled occupational categories.

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Trading company padlocked for underdeclaration of taxable sales

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

NOVALICHES, Quezon City – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today padlocked a registered trading corporation and its four (4) branches located in Quezon City and Caloocan City for violating the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code) on Value Added Tax (VAT). A.R. VITUG TRADING, INC., a registered taxpayer located in Novaliches, Quezon City, was shuttered for understatement of taxable sales or receipts by thirty percent (30%) or more of correct taxable sales or receipts for the subject taxable period pursuant to Sec. 115(a)(3) of the Tax Code as implemented by Revenue Memorandum Order No. 3-2009. Likewise closed were its four (4) branch offices, namely: V&W Trading in Novaliches; A.R. Vitug Trading, Inc. in Novaliches; Pangarap Trading in Caloocan City; and Vi-Will Trading in Caloocan City. The subject business establishment and its four (4) branches were the subject of overt surveillance operations conducted by a team of Revenue Officers of Revenue District Office No. 28, Novaliches for the period covering August 27, 2013 to September 6, 2013. Records of the BIR showed that A.R. VITUG TRADING, INC. is registered as a VAT taxpayer and has filed VAT returns and declared therein taxable sales or receipts, particularly taxable year 2012 and 2013 (first two quarters). Monitoring of its sales for the said taxable periods, however, disclosed that the said trading corporation underdeclared its sales by 82.21% in 2012 and by 78.10% in 2013 (first two quarters). The closure came after the refusal and neglect of A.R. VITUG TRADING, INC. to comply with the requirements specified in the 48-hour Notice and the 5-day VAT Compliance Notice. Said closure was implemented through a Closure Order signed by BIR Deputy Commissioner for the Operations Group Nelson M. Aspe. Revenue District Officer Aldo B. Esmeña said that he recommended the closure of the said establishments after A.R. VITUG TRADING, INC. failed to rectify its violations and settle its tax liabilities per surveillance operations. The recommendation was concurred by Revenue Region No. 7, Quezon City Regional Director Jonas DP. Amora. The closures were made under the Oplan Kandado flagship project of the BIR under the current leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares.

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DILG Region 3 culminates the 22nd Local Government Code anniversary celebration

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

Clarkfield, Pampanga - As a culminating activity of the Local Government Code 22nd Anniversary Celebration, DILG Region 3 conducted a Regional Congress at the Oxford Hotel here recently which was participated in by 267 DILG R-3 organic personnel from the regional and field operating units. In her message, RD Florida M. Dijanexpressed overwhelming thanks and appreciation to the whole DILG R-3 workforce for the support and commitment each had shown that led to the accomplishment of the tasks in the last 3 quarters and likewise contributed to the success of the congress. She urged everyone to continue to unite efforts in the achievement of the tasks ahead, stressing that unity and teamwork are truly indispensable towards the effective implementation of DILG programs in the different field operating units. To gauge how far the region has sailed in terms of 2013 DILG PPA implementation, Asst. Regional Planning Officer Miriam Gaviola discussed the regional and field integrated accomplishments on the different programs for the period January to September of this year. On the other hand, division chiefs and representatives presented the way forward to the accomplishment of the remaining targets for the fourth quarter. Atty. Myron Cunanan,Regional Legal Officer, led the Continuing Legal Education activity in order to keep both the regional and field office personnel abreast of legal issues that they may be confronted with especially on the recently conducted barangay election last October 28, 2013. A Battle of the Brains – an LG Code Challenge, a question and answer competition on the salient features and provisions of the LG Code, was later administered by Atty. Cunanan in the afternoon. Three contestants from each province joined the contest in their attempt to hurdle 3 categories or rounds: a. easy, b. average, and c. difficult. The winners were Bulacan (1st place), Zambales (2nd place) and Pampanga (3rd place). In the evening, cultural presentations depicting the rich culture and tradition of each province were rendered. Also, there was a chorale competition amongst the 7 provinces.Emerging winners were Tarlac(1st place), Bulacan (2nd place), and Aurora (3rd place). The congress was also highlighted by the regional awarding of best performing field offices in DILG program implementation including finance and administrative management.

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Ombudsman clarifies conviction rate

Source: Career Executive Service Board

The Office of the Ombudsman computes its case conviction rate at 46.67%. The Office explained that out of the 44 ponencias or judgments/decisions in criminal cases promulgated by the Sandiganbayan for this year as of August 31, 2013, the Office was successful in securing a conviction of at least one accused in each of the 21 ponencias, resulting in a 46.67% case conviction rate based on the following formula: Number of Judgments that convicted at least one accused divided by the total number of judgments on the merits that resulted in conviction or acquittal times 100% The Office issued the clarification after media reports computed a 12.83% accused conviction rate based on raw figures listed in a Sandiganbayan report. The Ombudsman‘s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Research and Special Studies Bureau (RSSB), and Statistics and Monitoring Division (SMD) found that the media computation does not relate to the performance of the Office because certain entries/figures should not have been considered ―It is non-sequitur to arrive at 12.83 % and then translate it to dismal performance. That conclusion is unfair to our Ombudsman prosecutors,‖ Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated. Ombudsman Morales raised the following observations: (i) There were 18 accused whose cases were archived. The archiving should not be taken against the Office since mostly in those cases, the accused have remained at large, a situation which is beyond the control of the Office. Besides, these cases can still proceed or be revived once the accused are apprehended, which may eventually result to double entries in statistics. (ii) There were 15 accused who died before or during trial, resulting in the dismissal of the cases as against them. The death of an accused should not be faulted on the Office. (iii) There were 43 accused whose cases were withdrawn on grounds including amendment of the Information and grant of motions for reconsideration, with the possibility of re-filing with the Sandiganbayan or with the regular courts. These criminal cases have not resulted in a disposition on the merits. Neither party (prosecution or defense) is defeated in this case which could also eventually result to double entries in statistics. (iv) There was one (1) accused who turned state witness, which, in effect, strengthened the prosecution evidence.

―So even from the same data used by the media, we arrive at a rate of 21.8% after deducting the above-described accused totalling 77 from the 187 accused-basis of the media report (24 / 110 x 100%). And this does not include at least 12 more accused who have been convicted in September and October this year,‖ Atty. Alan Cañares, RSSB Acting Director, explained. ―Rather than computing on a ―per accused‖ basis which situation may differ from one accused to another, it is ideal to also consider statistics on a ―per case‖ basis since that could more precisely determine whether there was a crime indeed committed, regardless of how many were held criminally liable,‖ Cañares added. The Office also observed that out of the cases so far decided this year, there were eight (8) cases which were filed more than 20 years ago, the oldest having been filed in 1990.

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2013 Circle Forum culminates in the City of Tuguegarao

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

The Career Executive Service Board (CESB) conducted the 8th and last session of the CES CIRCLE Forum for 2013 and the 45th in the series at the Holiday Plaza Hotel in Tuguegarao City last 29 October 2013. The CESB organized the forum in partnership with the Cagayan Valley Association of Career Executives (CV-ACE). With ―Excellence in the CES‖ as the theme, the forum served as a learning session which examined, edified and celebrated the lives, achievements and significant contributions of CES executives who have distinguished themselves as exemplary professionals and public servants. The forum dissected the ―hearts, minds and lives‖ of the executives as individuals, as public officials, and as visionary leader-heroes. The forum featured two (2) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) executives who were both conferred the Gawad CES Presidential Award, namely: Central Office Dir. Margarita V. Sampang (conferred in 2008) and Reg. Dir. Arnel B. Garcia of Regional Office V (2012). CV-ACE President and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office-II Dir. Urdujah A. Tejada welcomed the guests and participants. In her message, she noted that public officials should continuously ―reinvent‖ themselves. Not all change may be good, but being static can‘t be good either, as affirmed by the philosopher, Aristotle, who said ―we are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act but a habit‖. Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano also warmly welcomed the participants to the City and congratulated the CESB and CV-ACE for organizing the learning event. CESB Exec. Dir. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones formally opened the forum and acknowledged the consistent support of the CV-ACE and its enduring partnership with CESB. She reminded the executives that they work and live with the cliché - ―when we know each other, half of the work is done‖. Reg. Dir. Marlo L. Iringan, Regional Office II of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) presided over the forum. The first plenary speaker, Dir. Sampang, highlighted the importance of the family and its relationship with an official‘s career. In contrasting between a ―good‖ and a ―not good boss‖, she observed that anybody who ―hurts‖, degrades or de-motivates subordinates manifests ―not good leadership or management‖ while an official who satisfies the beneficiaries/ end-users of public services, brings out the best in every subordinate, and serves as an inspiration to others manifests ―good leadership/ management‖. In stressing the importance and influence of a leader, she noted that a leader has the capacity to either ―make or break‖ a person. A leader either treats others well, earns their trust, respect and loyalty, or you not at all. Leaders either see people as capital to be leveraged or as humans to be developed and fulfilled. They either view themselves as superior to other employees, or as co-professionals whose job is to serve, learn from, and leave others in a better state after leading them. DSWD Reg. Dir. Garcia, for his part, contrasted innovations and best practices. He said, ―innovations may not necessarily be best practices but are often borne out of the necessity to facilitate an organization‘s operations‖. He discussed an innovation he developed when he headed DSWD Reg. Office II - the Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Program (CDRP) for the Cagayan Valley Region. The CDRP strengthened the existing Philippine Disaster Management Strategy and supplemented the operations, systems, programs and services attuned to post-disaster restoration or rehabilitation to attain a higher level of post-disaster recovery. It sought to bring affected families, communities and infrastructures from their original vulnerable situations to an ―upgraded‖ state which minimized and at best prevented the impact of another disaster. Another innovation he initiated and steered was the creation of the Regional Convergence Committee on Poverty Reduction (RCCPR) which supported DSWD‘s Reviving the Poor program. The RCCPR gave life to the concept of convergence of strategies/ approaches which aimed to harmonize social protection programs resulting in maximized use of resources, minimized duplication, and optimized results. Reg. Dir. Garcia also briefly expounded on other creative innovations he pioneered such as: ―Trabahong Turismo,‖ ―Public Assistance Desk,‖ ―TEV Claims Direct to ATM,‖ ―SSS Payments c/o DSWD‖, and ―PHILHEALTH Payments for MOA/Job Orders c/o DSWD – Ihealth‖. He concluded with the truism that innovations are borne out of needs and should be disseminated and decentralized to the field; and that a leader manages the organization not as what it should be but what it can be. Before closing the forum, Exec. Dir. Allones stressed that experience has no substitute and that reading books is an effective way to stimulate and cultivate ideas. She encouraged the executives to ―dare to dream‖ and to ―challenge others to dream‖. She inspired the executives in saying, ―As executive leaders we all need it, dare to dream and chase it,

whatever it is. And don‘t be afraid to innovate‖. In closing, she cited Randy Pausch, who, in his book, said, ―you can never change the cards you‘re de alt with, in life or in work, but you can always change the way you deal with the card.‖ Fifty-eight (58) government executives from various agencies in the Cagayan Valley region earnestly participated in the forum and contributed to the success of the learning experience.

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Phl Ambassador delivers keynote address at ASEAN Business Conference

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

08 November 2013 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Enrique A. Manalo delivered on November 06 the keynote address at the ―Trading with and Exporting to South East Asia‖ conference organized by Clydesdale Bank, the ASEAN-UK Business Forum(AUBF), and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). The Ambassador cited the booming economies within the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), particularly the Philippines‘ remarkable performance, and the tremendous opportunities for British and global businesses as the region moves closer to economic integration. ―The stage is set for the establishment of a seamless movement of goods, services, investments, labour and capital flow within ASEAN,‖ said Ambassador Manalo. ―This integration will only sustain the phenomenal growth and success of the individual ASEAN nations, such as the Philippines, and those who do business with them.‖

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GSIS clarifies application of conso-loan interest rate

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

State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) today said that the pension fund has already explained to the Commission on Audit (COA) how the 12% interest rate on the consolidated loan (conso-loan) is being applied. The conso-loan is a loan program created in 2006 that merged five different loans under one account. "COA and GSIS differ on the interpretations of our guidelines on the conso-loan program. The payment for the first monthly amortization for the loan will be due only after the three-month grace period following the month of loan granting. If the conso-loan is thus granted in January, the payment becomes due in April, and not in March as COA interpreted," President and General Manager Robert Vergara pointed out. Vergara added that as a result of the three-month grace period, the loan will necessarily be extended by three months and not two months, per the understanding of COA. "Using the same example, the agency payment in fact, will only be remitted to GSIS on the 10th day of the following month, which is May. Note that GSIS should have received the payment in April but we no longer charge additional interest while the payment is in transit," he added. GSIS said that the pension fund has always been transparent to its conso-loan borrowers. "Under the terms and conditions of the conso-loan, the interest rate is 12% and that the fraction of a month will be considered as one month". The pension fund chief said the provision has always been stated in the application form and in the GWAPS kiosks. Further, he said that the governing board of GSIS has issued in September 2012, the guidelines prescribing the disclosure of interest charges on conso-loan accounts for the first three months of the loan term, in compliance with the "Truth in Lending Act", or Republic Act 3765. On the overpayment of previous loan and lower proceeds of new loans because of the delayed posting of payment, Vergara explained there is no such overpayment in the case of loan renewal because all unposted payments for the previous loan are being applied against the principal balance of the renewed loan. "Where there is no existing loan, we will refund the amount to the member," he said. In addition, he said that beginning last September, GSIS waived the penalties and surcharges on all renewed and restructured conso-loan accounts of members while in active service. "For as long as a member is in active service, GSIS will no longer impose a penalty and surcharge for a loan that is due and demandable, that is, with six months arrears." Retiring members, on the other hand, will be charged a six percent penalty per annum, if the last conso-loan is due and

demandable.

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Honor graduates qualify for civil service eligibility

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

Summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude graduates may qualify for the Honor Graduate eligibility of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), depending on the status of their completed degree. CSC Resolution No. 1302214 clarified that the bachelor‘s degree must be recognized by the Commission on Higher Education for those who graduated in private universities and colleges in the country; for those of state and local universities and colleges, the degree should be included in their charter or approved by their Board of Trustees/Regents. The eligibility grant shall cover college graduates with Latin honors summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude. Honors or distinctions other than the said Latin honors are not covered. Moreover, honor graduates of master‘s and doctorate degrees are also not covered. The CSC added that those who completed their college degrees less than the usual four or five years would still qualify as the eligibility grant shall apply ―regardless of the number of years of completion.‖ Applications for the grant of Honor Graduate eligibility are processed by the CSC Regional Office with jurisdiction over the university or college in which the applicant has graduated. The directory of CSC Regional Offices may be accessed at the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. The Honor Graduate eligibility is a civil service eligibility granted pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 907 upon fulfilling the prescribed qualification and documentary requirements. Comparable to the Career Service Professional eligibility which results from passing the Career Service Professional examination, the Honor Graduate eligibility is appropriate for first level (clerical) and second level (technical) positions in the government that do not involve practice of profession and are not covered by bar/board/other laws. It is also appropriate for executive/managerial positions in the second level.

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Improving agri productivity, competitiveness still viatl in PDP Midterm update - NEDA

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

MANILA—Growth in productivity and competitiveness of the agriculture and fisheries sector remains a key goal of the Philippine government for poverty reduction towards inclusive growth, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). ―In the updating of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, the government continues to uphold the elements that will meet the challenges of transforming agriculture and fishery into a highly productive and competitive sector that not only meets the country‘s food requirements but also offers better income and employment opportunities,‖ said NEDA Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Staff Director Mercedita A. Sombilla. Sombilla, who spoke on behalf of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan during the 49th Biennial Convention of the Philippine Agricultural Economics and Development Association (PAEDA) in Bukidnon, identified the main constraints to further increasing productivity in agriculture. These constraints, she said, include inadequacy of efficient infrastructure system, degradation of natural resources that has been further threatened by climate-related risks, and slow development of agri-business opportunities. ―In this regard, improving agricultural productivity requires measures and strategies such as investing in human capital development and research and development,‖ she added. Sombilla said that the updated PDP 2011-2016 calls for appropriate policies and more investments in agricultural public goods and support services that would increase production, enhance the capacity of the sector for value adding, diversifying production, and establishing market linkages throughout the supply chain. ―To encourage farmers to invest, policies will be enhanced to secure long-term individual property rights and to insure farmers against risks such as weather-related shocks,‖ she said. Sombilla also emphasized that to establish strong market linkages, the government needs to find ways to encourage the private sector to have a greater role especially in areas where they have the competitive advantage like in processing and marketing. ―We need to innovate to strengthen government institutions and make them responsive and effective in facilitating markets,‖ she said. Sombilla further stressed that the updated PDP 2011-2016 advocates for a new development paradigm that consolidates efforts of various agencies to generate quality employment and increase incomes in the agriculture and fishery sector.

―For example, integrated programs on two key commodities, coconut and the fisheries, which are major sources of livelihood of a great number of the poor, are now being developed so that a comprehensive menu of services will be delivered by various agencies to enhance productivity and add value to the raw product,‖ she said. An integrated program has been developed to strengthen the coconut industry‘s potentials not only for domestic but also for the international market. The Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Science and Technology, and Public Works and Highways, the National Anti-Poverty Commission, among other agencies, will jointly implement this program. ―These agencies will have to work together to strengthen the commodity supply chain to get the small farmers involved and to maximize benefits from development gains,‖ the NEDA official said. Finally, Sombilla emphasized that agriculture will remain a priority sector to address the needs of the country‘s growing population and to take advantage of market opportunities in fast growing economies in Asia. ―Increasing agricultural productivity will support the necessary structural transformation of the economy and is a key factor to poverty reduction in rural areas,‖ she stressed.

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DTI: Buy only ICC-marked Christmas lights

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

The Philippines is believed to have the longest Christmas season in the world, starting as early as September and lasts up to January. And as we glide along this merry-making time of year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds again Filipino consumers to be cautious when buying their Christmas lights to deck the season. ―When buying Christmas lights, always look for the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker either on the wire or on the package of the Christmas lights to ensure that the product has passed safety tests. Substandard Christmas lights are prone to fires,‖ DTI- Bureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Engr. Gerardo Maglalang reminded. Other important labels that consumers should check on the package of Christmas lights are the name, address and trademark of the importer or the distributor of the product to easily track the distributor for possible complaints. ―For those who will be recycling Christmas lights from last year, carefully inspect the plug and wires of the lighting set for brittle and dented parts as the insulation material made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) plastic deteriorates over time. The recommended usability period for Christmas lights is three (3) years,‖ Maglalang added. A set of Christmas lights (also known as mini lights; series lights or string lights) is one of the 62 critical products that are required to undergo the BPS Product Certification Scheme. Under this scheme, manufacturers and importers of the products under mandatory certification are required to apply for the Philippine Standard (PS) license and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate, before their products are distributed and sold in the market. Only manufacturers and importers whose products have passed the Philippine National Standard (PNS) requirements relevant to their product will be issued the PS license and ICC certificate. BPS requires the manufacturers and importers to place the PS and ICC marks on the products prior to distribution to their retailers for sale. Manufacturers, importers and retailers found not complying with the scheme will be filed administrative charges for violation of the DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2:2007; Republic Act (RA) 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines; and RA 4109 or the Standards Law. If found guilty, the owners/operators of erring establishments will be imposed with monetary fine up to P300,000 and cancellation of any DTI-issued permit or license. As of October 31, 2013, the DTI-BPS has issued the ICC certificate to 23 importers, distributing 40 brands. The BPS has not issued the PS Certificate to any local or foreign manufacturer of Christmas lights. Thus, no set of Christmas lights should bear the PS mark. Below is the complete list of DTI-certified Christmas lights brands as of October 25, 2013.

IMPORTER BRAND

DSL Gam Enterprises DSL GAM/ DSL LED

Eastrend Enterprises WILL POWER / JANXIN NANHAI

Golden Seasons Corporation GOLDEN SEASONS

Hyrax Enterprises STAR

Jwer International Trading LUCK DEER / 7 STAR / NORTHSTAR

Nortek Dale International Merchandising

Corp. AKO

Pinecrest Enterprises GOLDCREST

Rockford Marketing Corp. LED LIGHT

Wan Da Xin Trading International Inc. MABUHAY STAR

Wexford International Sales Inc. DIAMOND BRIGHT

Carlson Trading AKARI

Ikhea Lighting, Inc. E.T. / GHC / LUCKYSTAR

Fuh Maw Gen. Enterprises Inc. SUPER BRIGHT

Kang-Fa Marketing BIGLITE

Macgabe International Trading NORTH STAR / SEVEN STAR

P&J Multitrade Venture, Inc. ANDREW

Repsolutions Philippines Inc. JF

Shining East Marketing Corporation

YULETIDE FANTASY / THE MAGIC OF LIGHTS / SEASON OF LIGHTS / SUPER

BRIGHT / MILLENIUM LIGHTS / MERRY LIGHTS / XMAS LITES / THE JOY OF

LIGHTS / LIGHTS & SHINE / HAWAII LIGHTS / CHRISTMAS STAR / SHINING

STAR

Great Circles Trading AKO

Highest Regard Enterprises MABUHAY STAR

Madison International Sales LAMPE

Sheratone Industries Inc. FUJI - BRIGHT / ECO BRIGHT

Landlite Philippines Corporation LANDLITE

―We urge the retailers to make certain that the Christmas lights they sell were acquired from legitimate DTI-certified importers; and ensure as well that all their stocks bear the ICC sticker. Let’s work together in protecting our consumers’ right to safety,‖ advised DTI - Consumer Welfare and Business Regulations Group (CWBRG) Officer-in-Charge, Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba

Proper usage of Christmas lights is also vital in guaranteeing the safety of the product. Avoid overloading Christmas lights by not cascading more than three sets in a row. It is also highly recommended to not leave the Christmas lights on overnight or unattended to prevent overheating. Visit www.bps.dti.gov.ph for more information on the BPS Product Certification Scheme. To report establishments that sell substandard Christmas lights, call DTI Direct 751.3330 or 0917.8343330.

Last Updated: 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy

Please click on thumbnails to magnify

President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes relief goods to families displaced by Super Typhoon

Yolanda (Hainan) at the evacuation center during his visit to the Roxas City to personally assess

the extent of the damage in the area on Sunday (November 10). Typhoon Yolanda is the world's

most powerful typhoon in 2013. (Photo by:Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)

Aerial shot of the province of which was heavily damaged by super typhoon yolanda (Photo

by:Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III personally distributes water to the families displaced by Super

Typhoon Yolanda (Hainan) at the evacuation center during his visit to the province of Leyte to

assess the extent of damage in the area on Sunday (November 10). Typhoon Yolanda is the

world's most poerful typhoon in 2013. (Photo by:Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III personally check the condition of the families displaced by

Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hainan) at the evacuation center during his visit to the province of

Leyte to assess the extent of damage in the area on Sunday (November 10). Typhoon Yolanda,

the world's most poerful typhoon in 2013. (Photo by:Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas

personally inspect the extent of damage wrought by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hainan) during

his visit to Tacloban City, Leyte on Sunday (November 10). Typhoon Yolanda is the world's

most powerful typhoon in 2013. (Photo by:Ryan Lim/ Malacanang Photo Bureau)

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. answers

questions from the media in a press briefing on Malacanang Friday when he advised people to

remain vigilant until the exit of Typhoon Yolanda from the Philippine area of responsibility. He

also commended the people along the typhoon path for heeding the call of the government to

evacuate and take the necessary precautions as the typhoon approached. (Photo by Robert

Viñas/Rodolfo Manabat/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III in a statement , asks Filipinos to cooperate with authorities and

exercise "bayanihan" amid the threat of Super Typhoon Yolanda as all government agencies

were placed on heightened alert and classes suspended. Yolanda is expected to landfall on

Friday which is touted to be the strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year. In photo are

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Executive Sec. Paquito Ochoa Jr. (Photo

By: Robert Vinas/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!