Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for October 21 , 2013 ( Monday) , 4 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 12 Weather Watch,

9 Reg’l. Watch , 2 OFW Watch, 2 PNOY Speech , 17 Online News , 18 Photonews

1. Weather Watch

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 21 October 2013

Valid

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

Predicted Mean Sea Level

Pressure

Analysis for 8 a.m., 21 October

2013

Predicted Mean Sea Level

Wind

Analysis for 8 a.m., 21 October

2013

Satellite Image

for 5:32 a.m., 21 October 2013

Synopsis:

Northeast Monsoon affecting the Northern and Central Luzon.

Forecast:

Metro Manila And the regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon will experience parlty cloudy

to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. The rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy

with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be

moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to northwest with slight

to moderate seas.

2. Weather Watch

GALE WARNING

For: Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the Northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 21 October 2013

Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the Northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.

SEABOARD WEATHER WIND

FORCE

(KPH)/(K

NOTS)

SEA

CONDITIO

N

WAVE

HEIGHTS

(meters)

The northern seaboard of

Northern Luzon

(Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan,

Northern coast of Cagayan,

Partly

cloudy to

cloudy

skies with

(52 - 63) /

(28 - 34)

Rough to

very

rough

3.4 to 5.0

Northern coast of Ilocos Norte) light rains

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are

alerted against big waves.

The next update will be issued at 5:00 PM today.

3. Weather Watch

3 hours ago

DZBB: Nagpaabot na ng $80,000 na tulong ang Chinese Embassy sa Maynila para sa mga biktima ng lindol

sa Visayas. Bukod dito, ang ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance mula sa Jakarta,

Indonesia ay nag-deploy na ng kanilang disaster response habang ang Asian Emergency Rapid Assessment

Team ay naghahanda na para sa kanilang relief operation. Ang Malaysia naman ay nagpadala na rin ng

dalawang C-130 para ilipad ang mga relief goods mula sa ASEAN. Maging ang South Koea ay nagbigay na

ng $300,000, Taiwan $100,000, US $50,000 habang aabot naman sa P8.05M ang tulong na naibibigay na ng

DSWD sa mga naapektuhan ng lindol.]

4. Weather Watch

3 hours ago

DZMM: Nasa 185 na ang patay sa lindol sa Visayas kung saan mahigit 2,000 na rin ang naitalang

aftershocks ayon sa NDRRMC. Mahigit 3.5M residente naman ang naapektuhan sa regions 6 at 7. Nasa

P750M umano ang kailangan ng gobyerno para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasirang imprastruktura roon.

Samantala, suspendido pa rin ang klase sa elementary at highschool sa Bohol at Cebu.

5. Weather Watch

4 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Connie Rose Dadivas on DZMM

- Dahil sa pag-iral ng Amihan, ang Metro Manila, Ilocos region, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley at Gitnang

Luzon ay magiging bahagya hanggang maulap na may pulo-pulo at mahinang pag-ulan.

- Ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap na may pulo-pulong pag-ulan o

pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa hapon o gabi.

- Nakataas na gale warning sa northern Luzon partikular sa Itbayat, Batanes.

-Samantala dahil sa mabagal ng pagkilos ng Typhoon Franciso (international name), Lunes ng gabi o Martes

ng umaga pa ito inaasahang papasok ng Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

- Kung hindi pa rin magbabago ng direksyon, gigilid ng border at tutungo ito ng Japan. Sakaling pumasok

ito ng PAR ay tatawaging "Urduja".

6. Weather Watch

21 hours ago

DZMM: Ayon sa MMDA, mas malaki ang magagastos ng may-ari ng bahay kapag gumuho ang kanilang

bahay mahalaga na maging handa at isangguni sa eksperto ang kanilang gusali at mga tahanan.

7. Weather Watch

23 hours ago

DZMM: Niyanig ng magnitude 6.5 na lindol ang baybayin ng Cortez, Mexico sa pagitan ng Sonora at Baja

California Sur. Batay sa ulat ng US Geological Survey, naitala ang epicenter sa lalim na 74 kilometro

timog-silangan ng Etchoporo, Mexico. Wala pa namang natatanggap na ulat ng pinsala o nasaktan ang mga

awtoridad sa Sonora matapos ang lindol. Nauna nang pinawi ng Pacific Tsunami Warning Center ang

pangamba ng malawakang tsunami bagamat hindi inaalis ang maliliit na tsunami sa mga baybayin sa loob

ng may 100 kilometro ng epicenter ng lindol.

8. Weather Watch

23 hours ago

DZMM: Dumating sa Bohol ang iba't ibang ahensya ng United Nations para sa humanitarian assistance sa

mga naapektuhan ng lindol noong Martes. Pinangunahan ni UN Senior Representative to the Philippines

Luiza Carvalho ang grupo mula sa UNICEF, UNDP at iba pang ahensya ng UN na magbibigay ng tulong sa

mga residente. Nakipagpulong sila kay DILG Secretary Mar Roxas para bigyan ng update ang kalihim sa

kanilang mga gagawing humanitarian intervention.

9. Weather Watch

Yesterday

DZMM: Giniit ng DoH na dapat isailalim sa psycho social stress debriefing ang mga naging biktima ng

lindol sa Visayas at Mindanao pati ang mga teacher, at kagawad ng media na nagco-cover sa earthquake.

Dumating na rin sa Bohol ang augmentation team ng DoH. Samantala, tatlong ospital ang Bohol ang hindi

na maaring marehabilitate dahil matindi na ang pagkasira nito.

10. Weather Watch

Yesterday

DZMM: Nagpaabot ng kanilang tulong ang People's Republic of China para sa mga nabiktima ng malakas

na lindol sa Central Visayas. Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Chinese Embassy to the Philippines Spokesman

Hua Zhang na kabuuang $800,000 o katumbas ng mahigit P3.4 million ang kanilang donasyon. Idinaan anya

nila ito sa Red Cross Society to the Philippines. Nagpahayag din ang China ng pakikidalamhati sa pamilya

ng mga nasawi at pakikiramay sa mga naapektuhan at nawalan ng bahay. Umaasa ang Chinese Embassy sa

mabilis na pagbangon ng mga taga-Bohol at mga Sugbuhanon na siyang lubhang naapektuhan ng magnitude

7.2 noong Martes ng umaga. Samantala, inihayag naman ni US Embassy to the Philippines Deputy Chief of

Mission Brian Goldbeck na magbibigay ang US government ng P2 milyong halaga ng relief assistance sa

Bohol.

11. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

Yesterday

DZMM: Panibagong bagyo ang papasok sa bansa ngayong Lunes, Oktubre 21. Sa panayam ng DZMM,

sinabi ni PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz na may international name na Francisco ang bagyo na sakaling

pumasok sa Philippine Area of Responsibiliy, tatawagin itong Bagyong Urduja. Inaasahan aniyang aalis

agad ang bagyo at mananatili lang sa PAR ng isa hanggang dalawang araw. Sinabi pa ni Loiz na wala

namang direktang apekto ito sa bansa. Samantala, patuloy na naaapektuhan ang hilaga at silangang bahagi

ng Luzon ng Northeast Monsoon o Amihan. Magiging maulap naman ang mga rehiyon ng Ilocos,

Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, Kabikulan at ang mga lalawigan ng Aurora at Quezon na may kalat-kalat na

mahinang pag-ulan. Habang ang Metro Manila at ang nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon ay bahagyang magiging

maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulo-pulong mahinang pag-ulan.

12. Weather Watch

Yesterday

DZMM: Buwis buhay ang pagtungo ng mga Kalihim ng Pangulong Aquino gayundin ng mga opisyales ng

pamahalaan mapasok lamang ang Maribojoc at Loon sa Bohol dahil sa mga bagsak na tulay at sirang mga

daanan.

Weather Watch

October 21 , 2013 ( Monday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE : Sunny LAGUNA : Sunny BATANGAS : Fair Weather RIZAL : Sunny

QUEZON : Sunny

PIA Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

34 minutes ago near Quezon City

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinasagawa ngayon ang Senior Citizens Day sa lalawigan ng Batangas na layong kilalanin

ang mga katatandaan at ang kanilang kontribusyon sa lipunan.May tema ang pagdiriwang na

"Nakatatanda:Pagtulungang Isulong Benepisyo'y Karapatan tungo sa maginhawa at masayang pamayanan."

2. PIA Regional Watch

October 19 via mobile

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: PIA- Laguna in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (2nd Laguna

Congressional District) conducted today, "Environment Awareness" Forum at the Malihan Private Resort, Brgy.

Pagsawitan, Santa Cruz, Laguna,

3. PIA Regional Watch

October 19 via mobile

PIA 4A/BATANGAS...Isinasagawa ngayon ang Kapeng Barako Festival sa lungsod ng Lipa kung saan tampok ang

pagbubukas ng agricultural trade fair sa SM City Lipa.Tampok dito ang mga produktong gawa sa kape tulad ng

kapeng barako at coffee liquor gayundin ang iba pang produktong matatagpuan sa lungsod.

4. PIA Regional Watch

October 19 via mobile

PIA-QUEZON: INITIAL INFO: On or about 1am 19 Oct. 2013, a vehicular accident transpired along old zigzag

road in Bgy. Catalina, Atimonan, Quezon:

-8 vehicles involved

-17 deaths

-still unaccounted number of injured

-Victims were rushed to Atimonan Hospital

-Other victims brought to Gumaca District Hospital & Jane County Hospital in Pagbilao.

5. PIA Regional Watch

October 18 near Quezon City

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The provincial office of DTI conducted yesterday the much awaited provincial Dulaang

Pangmamimili competition at the Lyceum of the Phils. University campus auditorium in General Trias. This was

part of a series of events conducted by DTI-Cavite in celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month with this year's

theme "Health products' quality, efficacy, safety and transparency....... Everybody's concern."

6. PIA Regional Watch

October 18 near Quezon City

PIA-4A/CAVITE: DPWH Cavite I District Engineering Office in Trece Martires City revealed the newly

completed asphalt overlay road project in Zapote-Salawag- Salitran in the city of Bacoor. Said project aimed to

cope up with the increasing volume of traffic brought about by the rapid industrialization in the said area and to

further boost the exchange of trade and commerce in the province.

7. PIA Regional Watch

October 18 near Quezon City

PIA-4A/CAVITE: Heavy Traffic along Tirona and Aguinaldo highways due to SM City Bacoor Sale event today

and until Sunday. Motorists were advised by the Bacoor Traffic Management Division to take alternate route.

8. PIA Regional Watch

October 18 near Quezon City

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The regional tripartite industrial peace council 4A Inc. is currently holding today their 6th

annual convention at Batis Aramin resort, Lucban, Quezon. More than 200 delegates representing employers, trade

unionist, government officials and other stakeholders from CALABARZON provinces are attending the annual

convention.The convention is a full day activity of the council which serves as a venue of discussion of issues of

mutual concern and for sharing of good practices, labor relations, labor standards, employment and productivity.

DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Dimapilis -Baldoz also attended the convention to deliver her message to the

participants/delegates.

9. PIA Regional Watch

October 18 near Quezon City

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Antipolo City, Rizal hosts the 1st Regional BNS Congress themed "BNS 4A Ikaw Na! The Best

Ka" at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City. Around three thousand Barangay Nutrition Scholars from the region's

provinces and cities gathered together with members of the regional sub committee on nutrition headed by NNC

4A and local chief executives to celebrate the works of Calabarzon BNS. An oath taking of BNS officers will also

take place today.

10. PIA Regional Watch

1. PIA OFW Watch

14 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Bumisita si PNoy sa South Korea at nagbigay ng pagpupugay sa mga Filipino sa South Korea.

Pinaabot naman ng mga Filipino sa South Korea na tutulong sila sa mga biktima ng lindol sa Visayas. Bukas ay

makikipagpulong si PNoy sa mga Filipino businessmen sa S. Korea.

2. PIA OFW Watch

19 hours ago

DZBB: Arestado ang isang OFW matapos makuha sa kanyang pag-iingat ang iba't ibang uri ng baril

sa bahay nito sa Taal, Batangas. Nabatid na hindi nakarehistro sa pangalan ng OFW ang mga baril

kaya kailangan itong kumpiskahin.

3. PIA OFW Watch

A. QUEZON

1. Calabarzon RTIPC to hold 6th annual

convention today; 500 delegates expected

BY: JOSELITO M. GIRON

Friday 18th of October 2013

LUCBAN, QUEZON, Oct. 18 (PIA) - The Calabarzon Regional Tripartite Industrial

Peace Council (RTIPC)-IVA, Inc., will hold its 6th annual convention today at Batis

Aramin Resort and Hotel in barangay Malupak, this town.

DOLE provincial director Edwin Hernandez, said the convention with the theme, “It’s

More Fun to be Productive: Your Quezon Experience,” aims to bring together some

400-500 delegates representing employers, trade unionists and workers, government

officials, and other stakeholders who are partners in bringing about better labor-

management relations toward higher labor productivity and greater enterprise

competitiveness in the region.

“The Convention is an annual full-day activity of the council which serves as a venue

for discussion of issues of mutual concern and for sharing of good practices in the

realm of labor relations, labor standards, employment, and productivity,” Hernadez

said.

Quezon Board Member Alona Obispo, convention chairperson said this Convention

will promote the concerted efforts of RTIPC IV-A in infusing the national

consciousness about the value of productivity towards national development.

“By framing our theme within the context of the “It’s more fun” slogan popularized

by the Department of Tourism, we aim to impart the message that productivity is a

soft concept that is easy – and fun – to mainstream into corporate and individual

consciousness,” Obispo said.

She added that through the convention, they hope not only to gain fresh insights and

new ideas on how productivity has transformed workers, managers, and enterprises as

positive forces of national development, but also to inspire their members into

productive workers.

“Since launching the council in 2007 at Los Baños, Laguna, the council has

broadened its social dialogue to sustain cooperative labor-management relations, raise

productivity, enhance competitiveness, and improve working conditions in our

workplaces here in the region,” Obispo concluded (JMG, PIA-Quezon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=691381974024#sthash.hv6FkRLt.dpuf

B. CAVITE

1. 2,000 coop members, celebrates Cooperative

Month in Cavite

BY: RUEL B. FRANCISCO

Wednesday 16th of October 2013

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Oct. 16 (PIA) --More than 2,000 cooperative

members from the different cities and municipalities in the province flocked to the

provincial gymnasium recently to join the 2013 Cavite cooperative month

celebration.

Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region IV regional director Salvador

V. Valeroso, in his message, cited CDA’s strategies that include membership

expansion, increase in capital to generate employment, and livelihood trainings,

among others.

Gov. Jonvic Remulla emphasized the need to boost the cooperative movement not

only in cities and municipalities but down to every barangay especially in light of

the rapidly growing population in the province.

The governor expressed gratitude to cooperative members’ attendance to the event

and reiterated his support to cooperative development programs as a primary

contributor to Cavite’s progress.

Organized by the provincial government thru the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood

and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCLEDO) in cooperation with CDA IV,

this year’s theme “Cooperative Paves the Way for Inclusive Growth” puts emphasis

on people’s active participation in the cooperative movement to achieve genuine

progress.

The celebration included trade fair and exhibit showcasing different Cavite

products, a bloodletting activity which collected a total of 44 bags of blood, raffle

draws, CO-OPlympics with various fun games and contests.

The event also gave recognition to outstanding cooperatives in the province as well

as the cooperative council with the most number of members present in uniform

which was won by the City of Imus.

There are 299 registered cooperatives in Cavite with total assets of P2.15 billion,

P0.985 billion values of products sold, and employs 1,682 workers. (Ruel Francisco,

PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: Tsunami early warning

system device, pinag-aaralang itayo sa mga

coastal municipalities sa Batangas BY: MAMERTA P. DE CASTRO

Friday 18th of October 2013

BATANGAS CITY, Oktubre 18 (PIA) --Balak itayo sa 13 coastal municipalities sa

lalawigan ng Batangas ang Tsunami Early Warning System Device (TEWSD) na

ipagkakaloob ng United Nations-World Food Programme (UN-WFP).

Ang balak na ito ay bahagi ng patuloy na paghahanda at pagpaplano ng pamahalaang

panlalawigan sa pangunguna ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management

Council (PDRRMC), sa anumang kalamidad na maaaring maranasan ng lalawigan sa

mga darating na panahon.

Sa pagpupulong kamakailan ng mga kinatawan mula sa Philvolcs, Advance Science

Technology Institute (ASTI), United Nation World Food Programme (UN-WFP) at

mga punong bayan ng mga coastal municipalities, partikular na tinalakay ang mga

responsibilidad ng bawat isa sa paglalagay ng mga TEWSD.

Sa naturang sistema, magkakaroon ng detection station sa karagatan na kakalap ng

mga datos at impormasyong maitatala at awtomatikong ibabato sa mga computers o

cellphone ng mga Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Officers (MDRRO). Sa

pamamagitan ng makabagong teknolohiya, agad mapapatunog ang aparatong may

mga speakers na maghuhudyat na kailangang lumikas ang mga mamamayan.

Sinabi ni Philvocs supervising science research specialist Angelito Lanuza, na ang

lindol ay hindi katulad ng bagyo dahil hindi ito nalalaman kung kelan darating at

malaki umano ang posibilidad ng tsunami sa karagatan sa Batangas lalo pa at ang

Manila Trench ay nasa kabilang dako lang ng Lubang Island ng Mindoro.

Kapag naitayo ang Tsunami Early Warning System, magiging kauna-unahang ang

Batangas sa mga lalawigan ng Pilipinas na magkakaroon ng makabagong sistemang

kaagad magbibigay alarma sa mga mamamayan ng lahat ng coastal municipalities sa

panahon ng nasabing kalamidad.(Jhun Magnaye-PIO Capitol/PIA-Batangas)

2. Tagalog news: Gun ban, mahigpit na

ipinatutupad ng PNP

BY: MAMERTA P. DE CASTRO

Friday 18th of October 2013

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Oktubre 18 (PIA) --Patuloy ang mahigpit na

pagpapatupad ng Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) ng gun ban sa buong

lalawigan ng Batangas.

Sinabi ni PSSupt. Omega Jireh Fidel, na ginagawa nila ang lahat upang maipatupad

ng maayos ang batas kaugnay ng gun ban at mapanatili ang katahimikan sa lalawigan.

"Patuloy naming isinasagawa ang paglalagay ng mga checkpoints sa iba't-ibang

bahagi ng lalawigan upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at katahimikan sa lalawigan,"

wika ni Fidel.

Sa tala ng BPPO, mula Setyembre 8 hanggang Oktubre 9 may 48 iba't-ibang armas

ang nasa kanilang pangangalaga na mula sa mga kandidato na nag-turn in for

safekeeping, operasyon sa checkpoints, Oplan Katok, search warrants at boluntaryong

isinurender.

May 13 bayan sa lalawigan ang naitalang may mga nakumpiskang armas kabilang

ang Tanauan, Alitagtag, Calaca, Calatagan, Cuenca, Lemery, Malvar, Rosario, San

Juan, San Jose, San Luis, San Pascual at Sto. Tomas.

Sa mga bayang ito may pinakamataas na tala ang bayan ng Calaca at Rosario na

parehong may tig-tatlong kaso ng paglabag sa Comelec gun ban. (MPDC, PIA-

Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681381885734#sthash.tQotwZjk.dpuf

E. RIZAL

NNC to conduct 1st regional BNS congress

in Antipolo

Thursday 17th of October 2013

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, October 17 (PIA) --The National Nutrition Council

Calabarzon is set to hold the first Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholars Congress

themed "BNS 4A, Ikaw na, The Best Ka!" at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City this

October 18.

The congress aims to help recognize the importance of Barangay Nutrition Scholars

(BNS) in the implementation of nutrition programs nationwide, improve their skills,

and address issues and concerns.

It also aims to build camaraderie and boost the morale of Calabarzon BNS and to

communicate the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF).

NNC Calabarzon nutrition program coordinator Carina Santiago said about 4,000

barangay nutrition scholars from the five provinces and 17 cities in the region are

expected to attend the event.

Calabarzon LGU heads and representatives from national government agencies such

as the Department of Health (DOH), National Food Authority (NFA) and Philippine

Information Agency (PIA) are also attending.

Activities lined up include learning sessions involving the NGF, promotion of iron

fortified rice and iodized salt, and best practices in proper breastfeeding guidelines.

A mass oath-taking of BNS federation officers, an award for longest serving BNS

and search for Ms BNS 2013 will highlight the event.

NNC Calabarzon is organizing the event in cooperation of the Regional Nutrition

Committee, Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars Inc. of Region IV-A,

Regional Technical Working Group on Nutrition, Provincial and City Nutrition

Action Officers, and Communicators’ Network for Nutrition in Region IV-A. (GG-

PIA4A)

20 OCTOBER 2013.

Aquino declares November 11 as special non-working day in Taal in celebration of feast of patron Saint

Martin de Tours

Relief efforts for earthquake victims in Bohol and Cebu continue

President Aquino to hold accountable those who misuse public funds, Palace says

Aquino declares November 11 as special non-working day in Taal in celebration of feast of patron Saint Martin de Tours

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared November 11, which falls on a Monday, as a special (non-working) day in the municipality of Taal in the province of Batangas in celebration of the feast of its patron saint, St. Martin de Tours. The Chief Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 662 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on October 10 to give the people of Taal the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. Basilica de San Martin de Tours is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 96 metres (315 ft) long and 45 metres (148 ft) wide. St. Martin de Tours is the patron saint of Taal, whose fiesta is celebrated every November 11. PND (js)

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Relief efforts for earthquake victims in Bohol and Cebu continue

The Aquino government intensifies its relief efforts for the affected families of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that shook Central Visayas on October 15 with the distribution of food and non-food relief goods worth P8.05-million to earthquake victims, a Palace official said. In an interview aired over government-run radio station DzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel went to the different devastated areas in Bohol and Cebu to distribute relief goods. "As of this morning po, assistance extended to affected families now amount to P8.05-million comprised of food and non-food relief from DSWD, and ‗yung relief distribution po natin ay patuloy pa rin po sa mga panahong ito," Valte said. "Sinisikap pa rin po nating abutin ‗yung iba pang mga barangay o kaya mga munisipyo na kailangan pa po ng tulong mula po sa DSWD," she said. Valte said the DSWD continues to coordinate with the local government units especially those in isolated areas for the immediate delivery of relief goods. The relief operations will continue until normalcy returns to all towns in Bohol and Cebu, Valte said. "Around 55,769 families or 257,268 persons who staying outside evacuation centers in Bohol and Cebu are likewise being served," Valte stressed. "Ang total po ng evacuation centers natin that are still open, 93 evacuation centers... meron po tayong 68 evacuation centers in Bohol serving some 21,807 families, and 25 evacuation centers in Cebu serving 1,009 families," she said. PND (js)

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President Aquino to hold accountable those who misuse public funds, Palace says

President Benigno S. Aquino III remains determined to hold accountable those who are responsible for the alleged anomalous use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), a Palace official said. In an interview aired government-run station Radyo ng Bayan dzRB on Sunday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Chief Executive continues to institute reform measures to ensure that public funds are properly used for the benefit of the Filipino people. "At this point, it would be important to distinguish what these funds are really for....The second distinction that should be made is whether or not there has been misuse in these funds. Because if there has been misuse, as in the case of the PDAF, then certainly let us pursue all logical ends to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to justice," Valte said. The President's call to ―search for the truth, and to hold accountable those who are responsible‖ in the anomalous use of public funds is supported by majority of the Filipinos, as the latest Pulse Asia survey showed that over six out of ten Filipinos approve of the "response of President Aquino to the issue of the alleged anomalous use of the PDAF." The survey, conducted by Pulse Asia from September 14 to 27, says that 63 per cent approve of the President‘s response to its alleged misuse, particularly his vow to prosecute individuals involved in the misuse of the PDAF. This sentiment is echoed by majorities in every geographic area (60% to 65%) and socio-economic grouping (63% to 68%). ―Despite efforts at misdirection, our people clearly discern President Aquino‘s determination to institute needed reform measures to ensure that public funds are properly used in the delivery of essential infrastructure and services," said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma.

According to Pulse Asia Research, the September 2013 Ulat ng Bayan Survey indicated that 9 out of every 10 Filipinos (90%) are aware of the issues surrounding the PDAF or pork barrel. PND (js)

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19 OCTOBER 2013.

South Korea donates $300,000 for Bohol and Cebu following magnitude 7.2 earthquake

President Aquino confers 'Order of Lakandula' on first Filipino South Korean National Assembly

member Jasmine Lee

Aquino reports successful state visit to South Korea

Aquino lauds Filipino community in South Korea for their support

Palace says relief operations continue in Bohol, Cebu

Palace: Preparedness is best way to shield Metro from quakes

South Korea donates $300,000 for Bohol and Cebu following magnitude 7.2 earthquake

(SEOUL, South Korea) The Republic of Korea is donating $300,000 for the two provinces severely affected by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck earlier this week. President Benigno S. Aquino III and South Korean President Park Geun-hye held Summit Talks at the Blue House on the first day of President Aquino‘s State Visit here Thursday. ―Damang-dama natin ‗yung kagustuhan nilang pagtulong sa ating bansa,‖ President Aquino said in a recent coffee meeting with the members of the Philippine media. The President said that President Park informed him that the government of South Korea is donating $300,000 for the victims of the recent earthquake in the towns of Bohol and Cebu. During their Summit talks, President Aquino said that President Park also informed him that the Korean government has also extended its assistance for the rehabilitation of Zamboanga City. PND (co)

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President Aquino confers 'Order of Lakandula' on first Filipino South Korean National Assembly member Jasmine Lee

(SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Officer on Jasmine Bacurnay-Lee, South Korea‘s first ever National Assembly member of multicultural background. Lee, accompanied by her two children, received the Order of Lakandula award during President Aquino‘s meeting with the Filipino community in Seoul held at the Lotte Hotel before departing for Manila after his successful two-day State Visit here. The award is in recognition of Lee‘s "contributions to fostering warm and cordial bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and promoting the rights of migrant women through her civil society work and public service.‖ It is also "for her leadership of the Filipino community in Korea by promoting multiculturalism and migrant women‘s rights; and "for bringing pride to the Philippines through her election to the 19th National Assembly, and becoming the first naturalized Korean to be a member of the Korean parliament.‖ The award is also for Lee's "role as a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Trade and Unification and the Committee on Gender Equality and Family of the National Assembly; and ―for her participation as a Korean legislator and promoting the rights and welfare of migrant communities in Korea.‖ She is also being recognized ―for her efforts in securing the approval of relief and rehabilitation assistance from the

Republic of Korea for the victims of Typhoon Pablo in the Philippines; and for fostering goodwill and friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.‖ PND (co)

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Aquino reports successful state visit to South Korea

President Benigno S. Aquino III reported a fruitful visit to South Korea saying the Philippines could learn from that country to be progressive. In his arrival message at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday evening, the President said he went home from South Korea with strong determination to continue pursuing national transformation that his administration has been spearheading. ―Nakita po natin ang isang bansang dumaan din sa napakatinding pinsala, at ngayo‘y talagang tumatamasa na ng kahanga-hangang kaunlaran. Ang matibay ko pong paniniwala: Kung kaya nilang maabot iyon, tiyak ko po, kaya rin itong maabot ng Pilipino,‖ the President said in his message. The President likewise asked the support of every Filipino to join the collective effort to transform the country into a more progressive nation. ―Nakakataba po talaga ng puso ang pagkakataong maging kinatawan ng aking mga Boss sa ating mga karatig-bansa—dahil talaga nga pong ibang-iba na ang mukhang maihaharap natin sa mundo ngayon. Hindi po ako magsasawang sabihin: Talagang napakasarap maging Pilipino sa mga panahong ito,‖ he said. Also in his message, the President said he got the support of President Park Geun-Hye for the country‘s quest for stability in its disputed territory. There was fruitful discussion on the issues of defense, disaster response, trade, maritime dispute and sports, the President said. President Park committed South Korea‘s assistance to Zamboanga City, which was devastated by recent violence as well as to the Visayas region affected by a strong earthquake this week. South Korean companies like Hanjin have committed to intensify its investment in the country, he reported. The Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), which contributes to around 10 percent of power generated in the country, wanted to widen its operations in the Philippines. Lotte, company engaged in hotel business, wants to put up hotel projects in the Visayas region, the President said. It also eyes to invest in other parts of the country to build more hotels, theme park, office space, and others. South Korea‘s National Pension Service has an available $50 billion that could be invested in the Philippines each year, according to the President. The extraordinary developments in the Philippine economy have generated a lot of interest in South Korea to bring its money here and invest, he said. The President also said he had a successful interaction with Filipinos leaving or staying in South Korea while in his two-day state visit to that country. PND (as)

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Aquino lauds Filipino community in South Korea for their support

(SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the members of the Filipino community for support in his government reforms and the various changes he has made in his administration. The Chief Executive made this statement during his meeting with the Filipino community at the Lotte Hotel here. "Maraming salamat po dahil kayo ang gumawa ng pagbabago. Kayo pa rin ang boss ko ---kayo ang magsasabi kung tutuloy tayo, o babalikan ang lumang kalakaran kung saan iilan lang ang nakikinabang," he said. "Nakamtan na po natin ang pagbabago ---at nasa atin na pa rin po, nasa kagustuhan nating magkaisa, nasa kamay natin kung paanong gagawing permanente ang pagbabagong tinatamasa natin ngayon," he added. President Aquino said that he would remain faithful to his duties, adding that the Filipinos could expect him to continue doing what is good for the Filipino people. The President said that all the reforms he has instituted in the government are designed to put everything in the righteous path for the benefit of the people. While the President told them about the recently-concluded standoff in Zamboanga City, the impeachment of the former

Chief Justice and the filing of charges against the former president, including the calamities such as typhoons and earthquake that struck the country, the President also mentioned the positive developments in the country. President Aquino cited the positive developments in the education sector, PhilHealth, the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, as well as his efforts to improve the economy of the country. "Bago matapos ang taong ito, sarado na ang backlog natin sa classroom, at patuloy pa tayong makakapagpagawa nito para sa mas dadaming estudyante dahil sa K to 12," he said. On PhilHealth, the President said that 84 percent of Filipinos have been enrolled to the said program. "Narinig na rin po siguro ninyo ang ating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Sa programang ito, may cash transfer na natatanggap ang mga mahihirap na pamilya, kapalit ng pagpapapasok sa eskuwela ng kanilang mga bata, at pagpapa-check up kung buntis--mga kundisyong sila rin ang matutulungan," he said. President Aquino urged the Filipinos to join the government in its efforts to tread the righteous path. "Makiisa naman po sana ang lahat at makiambag tungo sa pagbabago," he said. "Kung maipapakita po natin ito sa mundo na sa Pilipinas, lahat sumusunod sa batas, baka po pati ang ating GDP growth na 7.6 percent sa first half ng taong ito, ay lalo pang tumaas," he said. In closing, the President encouraged the Filipinos living and working in Seoul to help South Korea in the performance of their duties as Filipino community. PND (rda/co)

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Palace says relief operations continue in Bohol, Cebu

Relief operations in Cebu and Bohol are continuing with the use of the country‘s air and naval assets, Malacanang said on Saturday. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was able to provide 10,310 food packs to Antequera, Calape, Carmen, Catigbian, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, San Isidro, Tagbilaran and Tubigon in Bohol. The DSWD is also sending 1,000 family food packs to Tagbayan, Valte said. A Philippine Air Force‘s C-130 landed in Tagbilaran airport from Cebu bringing in relief goods and other non-food items such as tents that are needed for disaster relief, she said. ―Dagdag din dito iyong mga barko ng Philippine Navy na pabalik-balik mula Cebu papuntang Tagbilaran para magdala ng mga relief goods at binabagsak ‗yan lahat sa Bohol,‖ Valte said. The Palace official also said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) rescue team was able rescue 60 persons yesterday that include 10 senior citizens, three infants, 31 children including one critically injured in Tanauan and Loon in Bohol. The MMDA also sent its fourth rescue team to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts in different municipalities in Bohol, Valte said. ―Ang mga efforts natin ay magpapatuloy today. We expect to identify more areas that require continuous relief from the provincial and from the national government as well as we also expect some progress in the clearing of the roads that have been rendered impassable because of landslides,‖ she said. President Aquino, who arrived from South Korea last night, continues to coordinate with his Cabinet officials tasked to oversee the ongoing relief efforts in Bohol and Cebu, Valte added. PND (as)

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Palace: Preparedness is best way to shield Metro from quakes

The government, the private sector and the public must work together to prepare for quakes that could occur in Metro Manila, the Palace said on Saturday. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday that the best way for the people to ensure their safety is by having adequate preparation for disasters. Valte also said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has been studying the West Valley fault in Marikina that indicated critical movements every 200 or 400 years. ―Ang pinakamagandang panangga natin dito ay ihanda natin ang ating mga pamilya. Ang Phivolcs kasi ngayon ay nakikipagtulungan sa mga komunidad at nagdi-distribute ng mga geohazard maps,‖ she said.

―Tingnan natin kung nasaan ba ang ating mga kabahayan at siguraduhin natin na structurally sound ang mga ito, she noted.‖ The Palace official also said that disaster preparedness starts at home so she encouraged everybody to review every family‘s disaster preparedness measure. ―Kung lahat tayo maihahanda natin ang ating pamilya ay malaking bagay yun dahil, of course, the government cannot do this alone when it comes to disaster preparedness,‖ Valte said. The government can continue to identify hazardous places, put them on the map, distribute them to local government units but the citizens must cooperate to carry out effective safety measures. Valte also underscored the importance of private sector assistance in disaster preparedness. She said the government continues to coordinate with the private sector when it comes to preparedness. The Philvocs has been in constant communication with a particular institution near the West Valley fault in Marikina. With regards to retrofitting the metro‘s structures, Valte said that once institutions are given the information it is their responsibility to make sure that their structures are sound at the soonest possible time. PND (as)

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18 OCTOBER 2013.

It's not just more fun to invest in the Philippines, it is also profitable, says President Aquino

President Aquino's father, Senator Ninoy Aquino Jr. honored by Korean Journalists Society and

Korean War Correspondents Association in South Korea

Aquino, President Park witness signing of loan agreement that benefits Pampanga

Aquino, Park witness signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries in the

field of sports

President Park hosts State Dinner in honor of President Aquino in South Korea

President Aquino thanks President Park of Korea for the warm hospitality accorded him during his

state visit

President Aquino says his administration is not looking at reviewing the Constitution to allow

foreigners to own land

Relief agencies reach isolated areas, bring food packs

Korean International Trade Association official cites growing relation between Korea and the

Philippines in all fronts

Aquino expresses interest in exploring Free Trade Agreement with Republic of Korea

It's not just more fun to invest in the Philippines, it is also profitable, says President Aquino

(SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III said it's not only more fun in investing in the Philippines but it's also "profitable."

The President made this statement in his speech during the luncheon with the Korean business community at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here.

"The promise of the Philippines as an investment destinationn goes far beyond linguistic consideratiom. Since my administration took over in July of 2010 my country has seen a large scale turnaround in its fortune ---from being called the 'Sick Man of Asia' to being referred to as the 'New Asian Tiger' or as 'Asia's Bright Spot'," the President said.

He pointed out that the drastic transformation is anchored on a simple idea, "the same idea that our people voted for in

the 2010 election --- If we eliminate corruption, we can end poverty."

The President noted that the causality between good governance and good economics "is presicely what we have taken to heart and practised these past three years," he said.

"A lot of our ASEAN neighbors continue to send their students to our universities and research institutes to learn about agriculture who then grow their own agricultural sectors so much that up to a few years ago we wound up importing our rice from them," he added.

"We have since refocused our energies into improving our agriculture sector. Three years into our term we are almost 100 percent rice sufficient. Our farmers now grow enough rice to feed the nation ---this after productivity was incentivized, infrastructure was built, and funds were channeled into endeavors that actually had positive impact instead of merely benefiting those who had the connections to secure importation contracts," the President further explained.

"On top of our intensifying battle to clean up the system and hold erring officials to account," President Aquino said his government continues to do the day-to-day work of making government work for everyone.

He also told the businee leaders present that his administration is reducing red tape and fixing a cumbersome bureaucracy adding that the government has put up the Philippine Business Registry, a one-stop-shop for essential documents for businesses.

The President said the whole spectrum of his governance efforts ---"be it investing in human capital, reforming the system or going after crooks seeks to empower our citizens so that growth is not limited to a privilege few but is instead as inclusive as possible, where everybody will be given the opportunity to improve their lot in life." According to the President the international community has taken note of the country's transformation.

"The World Economic Forum for example, has bumped our country up 26 places in its yearly competitiveness rankings over the course of three years ---from 85th to 59th," he noted.

In 2015, the President said the Philippines will enter a demographic sweet spot with the bulk of the Filipino people hitting working age---a professional, loyal English speaking working force that can surely contribute to the growth of investors.

"This situation, one that is conducive to business, will remain for the next 40 years," he stressed. By 2019, the President said the country will enter another spot.

"GDP per capita will hit around 6000 dollars. This middle income sweet spot means a more empowered consumer base, as proven by other countries that hit an inflection point in the buying power of their citizens," he noted.

The President emphasized that many Koreans know how blessed the Philippines is with both natural gifts and people who are friendly, loyal, and a delight to work with.

"Those of you who have not been to the country can ask the more than one million tourists who visited the Philippines in 2012, or those who have chosen to stay in the Philippines and build their lives there. Many of them can probably attest that truly it's more fun in the Philippines.

He likewise told the business leaders the Korean companies who found success in the Philippines and can truly say that it's not just more fun in the Philippines, it is also more profitable. PND (rda)

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President Aquino's father, Senator Ninoy Aquino Jr. honored by Korean Journalists Society and Korean War Correspondents Association in South Korea

(SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III‘s father, Senator Benigno ―Ninoy‖ Aquino Jr., was honored Friday by the Korea Journalists Society and Korea War Correspondents Association for ―his gallantry and valuable contribution for world peace‖ as a war correspondent during the three-year period of the Korean War.

President Aquino personally received the Plaque of Appreciation on behalf of his father during the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Hall of Heroes of the War Memorial of Korea in honor of the fallen Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War.

The Plaque of Appreciation is in recognition of Senator Aquino‘s ―gallantry and valuable contribution to world peace and freedom‖ as a war correspondent of The Manila Times during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

The Philippines was a member of the US-led 16-nation coalition that helped the Republic of Korea during the Korean War.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, President Aquino had a tour of the War Memorial that has six indoor exhibition rooms.

The memorial displays different kinds of weapons and military equipment inside and outside the building.

Following his visit to the War Memorial, President Aquino, together with the members of the Philippine delegation, proceeded to the Grand Hyatt Hotel where he delivered a speech before the Korean Business Community. PND (rda)

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Aquino, President Park witness signing of loan agreement that benefits Pampanga

President Benigno S. Aquino III and South Korean President Park Geun-Hye witnessed the signing of an $80.4 million loan agreement between the Department of Finance and South Korea‘s KEXIM Economic Development and Cooperation Fund (EDCF) during the President‘s state visit in South Korea. The loan agreement will fund the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in low lying areas of Pampanga Bay project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd). The project aims to mitigate flood damage and promote disaster risk reduction and adaptation in Pampanga. The loan agreement is the second to be concluded for 2013 between the Philippines and South Korean governments, which supports priority development projects of the Aquino administration. The project establishes flood control measures in the Pampanga River and also includes the construction and rehabilitation of 80 flood-prone schools. The project covers the municipalities of Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Sto. Tomas. It includes excavation, dredging, as well as improvement of the Caduang Tete River and Sapang Maragul River. The DPWH will increase the height of the embankment of 26 schools, demolish and reconstruct 232 classrooms in 47 flood-prone elementary schools in Pampanga. It will also construct 11 deep well pumps in 11 schools without secured sources of potable water. The project, which is expected to be completed in 2018, will benefit more than 35,000 school children living in the low-lying Pampanga delta. The loan agreement, approved by the NEDA board in March 2012, is payable within 40 years. PND (as)

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Aquino, Park witness signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries in the field of sports

(SEOUL, South Korea) President Aquino and South Korean President Park Geun-hye witnessed Thursday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Sports Commission, the Ministry of Culture Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea to strengthen the existing friendly relations between the two countries and to promote mutual understanding between their people.

The Memorandum of Understanding also aims to expand cooperation between the Philippines and Korea in the field of sports on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on behalf of the Philippines and Minister Yoo Jinryong of Korea's Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism at the Blue House.

This Memorandum or MOU will be carried out within the framework of the respective laws and regulations of the two countries.

Under the agreement, both countries will encourage the exchange of experts, specialists and technicians in the field of sports, and will likewise endeavor to provide the necessary facilities for training of athletes of the other country as may be jointly decided. In the same agreement, there will be an exchange of sports teams, athletes and sport specialists on the basis of arrangements between the sports organizations and clubs of the two countries.

Cooperative activities carried out under the MOU will be subject to the availability of financial and human resources of both countries.

The agreement also stipulates that any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of the memorandum of understanding will be settled through consultations between the two countries. PND (rda)

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President Park hosts State Dinner in honor of President Aquino in South Korea

(SEOUL, South Korea) South Korean President Park Geun-hye cited President Benigno S. Aquino III for expanding "the

fabric of trust and shared understanding about our journey" toward a new future for the development of both the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. "The special bonds that President Aquino has long had with Korea indeed have helped to bridge our hearts through trust and confidence," President Park said as she offered a toast during the State Dinner.

President Park made mention of the President's late father, former Senator Benigno Aquino, a war correspondent for The Manila Times during the Korean war.

"Senator Aquino, who in those days had actually been 17 years of age, reported that he was 18 years old as a war correspondent who roamed the fields of battle together with some 7,400 Filipino troops who were sent to Korea. And through his writings that would later become history, let the world know how the war was unfolding," she said.

"As I see it, that sacrifice and dedication have been passed down to the new generation paving the way to a precious meeting today. May the events today mark the beginning of deeper ties of friendship between our countries and a happier future awaiting both our peoples," President Park stressed.

Despite the standing state of the global economy, President Park noted that the Philippines has grown by 6.6 percent last year and 7.6 percent in the first half of this year.

She added that the "world is carefully eyeing the Philippines both as a promising investment destination and a trade partner. Across the whole range of areas, the Philippines and Korea has now become the partners for prosperity."

During her speech, President Park said that Filipinos today share similar emotional experiences with their Korean counterparts through the Korean novela, through K-Pop, through Korean food .

"Over one million Korean tourists traveled to the Philippines being enchanted not only by the beauties of your nature but also by the warmth of your people," President Park said.

She introduced Korea's first ever National Assembly member of multicultural background --- Assemblywoman Jasmine Lee to the delight of everyone present in the State Dinner.

President Park expressed confidence that Assemblywoman Lee played a vital role in connecting the Republic of Korea and the Philippines adding that with her great contribution, she will take our relationship even further. PND (rda)

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President Aquino thanks President Park of Korea for the warm hospitality accorded him during his state visit

(SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked President Park Geun-hye for the warm hospitality she has given him and his delegation saying her presidency is itself historic.

During a toast at a State Dinner, the President said just as his mother was the first Filipina to lead his country, "you hold the unique privilege of serving and leading your nation as its first female President."

"It is my hope that you will find the resilience and strength to guide your people towards a more vibrant future for Korea," the President said.

He also thanked the people of Korea "for the welcome they have shown not only to myself but also to almost 50,000 Filipinos who live dignified, productive lives here in your country."

"Just as my countrymen have experienced your kindness and generosity, I am confident that your countrymen in the Philippines are experiencing the kind of hospitality and friendship that are characteristics of the Filipino nation," the President said.

"Madame President, our nations are tied by the deepest of bonds. In the 1950's, my country was still rising from the rubble of the 2nd World War. One million Filipinos were lost out of a total population of twelve million. We are taught that Manila further was the second only to Warsaw in terms of destruction. And yet, when the call from our Korean friends came, my countrymen were among the first contingents to answer," he said.

The President told the Korean leader how his father, the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. covered the Korean war as a young journalist, saying how hard the Filipinos and Koreans fought together in braving the greatest challenges.

"Just as we were partners in the past, today we remain committed to assisting one another, standing shoulder to shoulder in working to foster peace, stability and cooperation in our part of the world," he said.

In closing, the President asked the Korean leader to a toast for her continued health and good fortune "as you lead your nation to even greater heights." PND (rda)

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President Aquino says his administration is not looking at reviewing the Constitution to allow foreigners to own land

(SEOUL, South Korea) Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday maintained that his administration is ―not looking at revising the Constitution‖ to allow foreigners to own land in the Philippines. President Aquino made the statement during the luncheon with the Korean business community held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul with some 200 Korean top level executives. ―Currently, we‘re not looking at revising the Constitution,‖ he told Korean businessmen, citing China as an example of a country that does not allow foreigners from owning land and yet performing well in terms of growth. ―China is considered one of the most consistent in terms of growth for the past decade, and I understand in China, you are not allowed to own a land,‖ the President said. ―So, that doesn‘t seem to be a hindrance towards profitability and growth for any corporation,‖ President Aquino further said. The prohibition on foreigners owning land in the Philippines is embodied in the Philippine Constitution. PND (co).

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Relief agencies reach isolated areas, bring food packs

Malacanang said government agencies and has reached some isolated areas and brought relief assistance but still working hard to also bring support to other areas affected by Tuesday‘s earthquake. ―Meron na tayo doon sa Inabanga, Bohol, nakapagpadala na tayo today ng 1,000 food packs. Report din ng isa nating kasamahang reporter na hindi pa daw nakakaabot ang tulong doon,‖ Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing on Friday in Malacanang. ―We are looking at several areas pa rin like Batasan Island in Tubigon at sa Antequera, meron daw mga pangangailangan pa rin doon and we‘re trying to respond as quickly and as precisely as possible.‖ Valte said they are getting reports of isolated areas and a number of roads that remain impassable. If not impassable, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will inspect those structures to assess their strength. The consensus from the coordination meeting Friday morning was to identify these roads and to identify alternative routes for rescuers and teams to take, Valte said. Although the government has been doing airlifts for food drops to make sure that relief will reach affected communities, Valte asked the help of the public and the media to provide information of places that remain isolated. ―If there are any areas that need relief pa rin or have not been reached by national government, please let us know. We would appreciate your help in this,‖ she said. For instance, in Loon, Bohol, there were reports about the need for medical evacuation and the coast guard responded immediately by sending a boat because Loon can be accessed by sea, she said. As of the moment, government agencies continue to look for alternate sea routes apart from the Tagbilaran port for the transport of relief goods. Valte added that national and provincial teams are trying to work through the obstacles so goods could be sent to disaster areas. The President, who is currently in South Korea, gave instructions to Interior and Local Government Secretary MaNuel Roxas, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda to go to Bohol today. The Cabinet officials, Valte said, were in Loon Friday morning and had a coordination meeting with the provincial officials of Bohol as well as the local officials. Their goal was to make sure that there is no duplication in the efforts of the national and provincial government when it comes to reaching the municipalities that need help. PND (as)

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Korean International Trade Association official cites growing relation between Korea and the Philippines in all fronts

(SEOUL, South Korea) An official of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) cited the increasing relations between the Philippines and South korea which, he said "goes beyond military, politics and economy reaching a wide spectrum of areas including society, culture, development and people-to-people exchange."

In his remarks welcoming President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Luncheon with the Korean Businessmen at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here, Dr. Han Dick Soo said Korean companies are continuously diversifying their investments in the Philippines to include not only manufactured goods such as electronics, textiles, vessels and steel, but also software for mobile phones and security devices, media contents, cosmetics, and franchise brands. "An increase in Korean participation in infrastructure can also be seen through several ongoing projects. Daelim has recently secured a contract to build a coal-fired power plant in the Philippines, Dr. Han said. He also said that Korea Airport Corporation is providing consultation for the construction of a new terminal at the international airport in Manila and Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs successfully completed a corn processing facility as part of its international cooperation project, as well as Koica is in the process of installing irrigation systems in local farm lands. Dr. Han noted that the economic cooperation between Korea and the Philippines is reaching new heights. "Since Korea has extensive work in the infrastructure field through past experiences, I believe we can help contribute towards the Philippines growth and development," he said He added that future cooperation with major Korean manufacturers that already have their presence in the Philippine market, including Samsung Electronics, can present new opportunities for growth in the Philippines where the service sector accounts for 56 percent of its GDP and mining accounts for 33 percent. Dr. Han likewise cited that the Philippines has achieved a growth rate of 7.6 percent in the first half of this year despite the sluggish growth in the East Asian Region. "Its strength in business outsourcing, based on a foundation of steady household consumption and economic growth, is what makes the Philippines the most fast-growing country in East Asia," he noted. "Moreover, President Aquino's initiative for promoting public-private cooperation is serving as a strong engine for the economy. I have no doubt that the Philippines' robust market and Korea's success in manufacturing can create sufficient benefits for both our countries," Dr .Han further said. He expressed hope that President Aquino's visit to Korea will be a critical and valuable opportunity for us to strengthen our cooperation in the coming years. PND (rda).

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Aquino expresses interest in exploring Free Trade Agreement with Republic of Korea

(SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday expressed interest in exploring a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Korea during his meeting with Korean top-level executives here. President Aquino was asked if the government is amenable to explore FTA between the Philippines and Korea during a luncheon with the Korean Business Community held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul. ―Definitely, we are very interested in exploring this, as well as in enjoining other Free Trade Associations,‖ President Aquino said. ―We do believe that our growth cannot exist in a vacuum without our partners,‖ President Aquino noted. ―Hence, it is logical for us to pursue all of these Free Trade Agreements.‖ The President had a luncheon with the Korean businessmen to promote trade and investment in the Philippines. In his speech, he told Korean top-level executives to explore investment opportunities in the country. PND (co)

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18 OKTUBRE 2013 Hindi lamang 'more fun' ang mamuhunan sa Pilipinas, tiyak pang kapaki-pakinabang, sabi ng Pangulong

Aquino

Pinarangalan ng Korean Journalists Society at Korean War Correspondents Association ng Timog Korea ang ama ng Pangulo na si Senador Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Jr.

Sinaksihan ni Aquino, Pangulong Park ang paglagda sa loan agreement na ang Pampanga ang makikinabang

Sinaksihan nina Aquino, Park ang paglagda sa Memorandum of of Understanding ng dalawang bansa sa larangan ng sports

State Dinner sa karangalan ng Pangulong Aquino, inihandog ng Pangulong Park ng Timog Korea

Nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Aquino kay Pangulong Park ng Korea sa masigla at napakainam na pagtanggap sa kanya sa State Visit niya

Hindi pinag-aaralan ng Administrasyon niya, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino, na baguhin ang Konstitusyon para payagang mag-ari ng lupain ang dayuhan

Nakarating na sa malalayong pook Ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa nilindol

Hindi lamang 'more fun' ang mamuhunan sa Pilipinas, tiyak pang kapaki-pakinabang, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino

(SEOUL, Timog Korea) Hindi lamang ―more fun‖ ang mamuhunan sa Pilipinas, kundi tiyak pang kapaki-pakinabang, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa Korean business community sa tanghaliang idinaos sa Grand Hyatt Hotel. ―Ang pangako ng Pilipinas bilang investment destination ay nakahihigit sa konsiderasyong pangwika. Sapul nang maluklok ang aking administrasyon noong Hulyo 2010, malaking pagbabago ang naganap sa aming bansa sa kapalaran nito—buhat sa tinatawag na ‗Maysakit na Lalaki sa Asya‘ ay tinatawag na ito ngayon na ‗Bagong Tigre ng Asya‖ o ‗Maluningning na Pook ng Asya,‖ sabi ng Pangulo. Ipinaliwanag ng Pangulo na ang malaking pagbabago ay nakaangla sa isang simpleng ideya—―ang ideya ring ibinoto ng aming mga kababayan noong halalan ng 2010—kapag sinugpo namin ang katiwalian, mawawakasan namin ang karalitaan.‖ Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na ang pagkakaugnay ng mabuting pamamahala at mabuting ekonomya ―ang talagang isinapuso namin at ginawa sa nakalipas na tatlong taon.‖ ―Marami sa aming kapit-bansang ASEAN ang patuloy na nagpapaaral ng kanilang kabataan sa aming mga pamantasan at istitusyong panaliksikan upang pag-aralan ang aming pagsasaka upang sila naman ang mamahala sa kanilang sektor ng pagsasaka kaya ang nangyari pa nga, hanggang sa nakalipas na ilang taon, umaangkat pa kami ng bigas sa kanila,‖ sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. ―Sapul nang muli naming ituon ang aming lakas sa pagpapabuti ng pagsasaka namin, pagkaraan ng tatlong taon ay halos 100 porsiyento na ang kasapatan namin sa bigas. Nag-aani na ang aming mga magsasaka ng palay na sapat sa pagkain ng bansa. Ang masaganang aning ito ay nagawa sa ibayong pagsisikap, sa itinayong mga imprastraktura at mga pondong aming ibinuhos sa pagsisikap na naging kapaki-pakinabang sa lahat sa halip na ang makinabang lamang ay ang mga may koneksiyon para makakuha ng kontrata sa importasyon,‖ paliwanag pa ng Pangulo. ―Higit sa lahat, pinag-ibayo pa namin ang paglilinis sa sistema at pinapanagot ang mga nagkakasalang mga opisyal. Patuloy kami sa araw-araw na paglilingkod ng pamahalaan para sa lahat,‖ dugtong ng Pangulo. Sinabi rin ng Pangulo sa mga mangangalakal na binawasan ng gobyerno niya ang ―red tape‖ at pag-aayos sa masalimuot na burukrasya kaya naglagay ang pamahalaan ng Philippine Business Registry, isang one-stop-shop sa pagkuha ng mahahalagang kasulatan para sa pagnenegosyo. Ayon sa Pangulo, ang kabuuan ng mga pagsisikap ng pamahalaan ay ang pamumuhunan sa tao, pagbabago ng sistema o pagtugis sa mga tiwali, pagbibigay ng kapangyarihan sa mamamayan upang ang pag-unlad ay hindi lamang mapunta sa iilang may pribilehiyo, kundi sa bawa‘t isang binibigyan ng pagkakataong mapabuti ang kanilang buhay.‖ Binanggit ng Pangulo na ang pagbabagong ito sa bansa ay kinilala na ng international community. ―Halimbawa, ang World Economic Forum ay nagtaas sa aming bansa ng 26 puwesto sa taunang competitiveness rankings sa loob ng tatlong taon—mula sa ika-85 ay ika-59 na,‖ dagdag ng Pangulo. Sa 2015, sabi ng Pangulo, papasok ang Pilipinas sa demographic sweet spot dahil karamihan sa mamamayang Pilipino ay tutuntong na sa ―working age‖—isang propesyonal, mahusay magsalita ng Ingles na working force na tiyak na makatutulong nang malaki sa pag-unlad ng mga imbestor. ―Ang kalagayang ito, na napakainam para sa negosyo, ay mananatili sa loob ng susunod na 40 taon,‖ pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo. Ayon sa Pangulo, sa 2019, ang bansa ay papasok sa panibagong ―spot.‖ ―Ang GDP per capita ay magiging mga 6000 dolyar. Ang middle income sweet spot ay mangangahulugan ng isang higit na empowered consumer base na napatunayan ng iba pang bansang umabot sa ganitong katayuan ang kalagayan ng kakayahang mamili ng kanilang mga mamamayan,‖ dugtong ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na alam ng maraming Koreano kung paano pinagpala ang Pilipinas na magkaroon ng likas na kakayahan at mga taong marunong makisama, matatapat at mainam makatrabaho. ―Kayong hindi pa nakapupunta sa aming bayan ay maaaring magtanong sa mahigit na isang milyong turistang dumalaw

sa Pilipinas noong 2012, o dili kaya naman ay sa mga minarapat nang sa Pilipinas mamalagi at mamuhay. Karamihan sa kanila ay makapagpapatunay kung tunay ngang ―it‘s more fun in the Philippines!‖ Tinukoy rin ng Pangulo ang mga kompanyang Koreanong nagtagumpay sa Pilipinas at tiyak na magpapatunay na hindi lamang ―it‘s more fun in the Philippines,‖ kundi higit pang kapaki-pakinabang. PND (rda/zaf)

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Pinarangalan ng Korean Journalists Society at Korean War Correspondents Association ng Timog Korea ang ama ng Pangulo na si Senador Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Jr.

(SEOUL, Timog Korea) Si Senador Benigno ―Ninoy‖ Aquino, Jr., ama ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III, ay pinarangalan Biyernes ng Korea Journalists Society at ng Korean War Correspondents Association sa ―kagitingan at mahalagang naiambag nito sa kapayapaan ng daigdig‖ bilang isang war correspondent sa tatlong taong Digmaan sa Korea. Ang Pangulong Aquino ang tumanggap ng Plaque of Appreciation sa ngalan ng yumao niyang ama sa seremonya ng pag-aalay ng bulaklak sa Hall of Heroes sa War Memorial ng Korea sa karangalan ng mga kawal na Pilipino na nagbuwis ng buhay sa pakikibaka noong Digmaan sa Korea. Ang Plaque of Appreciation ay pagkilala kay Senador Aquino sa ―giting at mahalagang naiambag nito sa kapayapaan at kalayaan ng daigdig‖ bilang isang war correspondent ng pahayagang The Manila Times noong Digmaan sa Korea mula 1950 hanggang 1953. Ang Pilipinas ay kabilang sa kowalisyon ng 16 na bansang pinangunahan ng Estados Unidos na tumulong sa Republika ng Korea noong panahon ng Digmaan sa Korea. Pagkatapos ng pag-aalay ng bulaklak, niligid ng Pangulong Aquino ang War Memorial na may anim na indoor exhibition rooms. Makikita sa naturang memorial ang iba-ibang uri ng sandata at kagamitang panghukbo sa loob at labas ng gusali. Pagkaraan ng pagdalaw sa War Memorial, ang Pangulong Aquino, kasama ang delegasyong Pilipino, ay tumuloy sa Grand Hyatt Hotel kung saan siya nagtalumpati sa harap ng Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal na Koreano. PND (rda/zaf)

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Sinaksihan ni Aquino, Pangulong Park ang paglagda sa loan agreement na ang Pampanga ang makikinabang

Sinaksihan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ng Pangulong Park Geun-Hye ng Timog Korea ang paglagda sa $80.4 milyong loan agreement sa pagitan ng Kagawaran ng Pananalapi at ng KEXIM Economic Development and Cooperation Fund ng Timog Korea kaugnay ng State Visit ng Pangulo sa Timog Korea. Ang loan agreement na ito ay gagamitin sa Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation sa mabababang lugar sa Pampanga Bay bilang proyekto ng Kagawaran ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan (DPWH) at Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd). Layunin ng proyektong ito na mabawasan ang pinsalang ibinubunga ng baha at sikaping mabawasan ang panganib na bunga ng mga kalamidad sa Pampanga. Ang loan agreement na ito ay ikalawa sa nalagdaan para sa 2013 ng mga pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at ng Timog Korea bilang suporta sa mga pangunahing proyektong pangkaunlaran ng administrasyong Aquino. Sa proyektong ito, gagawa ng mga hakbang para masupil ang pagbaha ng ilog ng Pampanga at gagawa at aayusin ang 80 paaralang nasa mga pook na bahain. Saklaw ng proyektong ito ang mga bayan ng Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin at Sto. Tomas. Huhukayin, palalalimin at aayusin ang mga Ilog ng Caduang Tete at Sapang Maragul. Tataasan din ng DPWH ang mga dike ng 26 na paaralan, gigibain at gagawin uli ang 232 silid-aralan sa bahaing mga mababang paaralan sa Pampanga. Maglalagay rin ng 11 deep well pumps sa mga paaralang walang malinis na tubig. Inaasahang matatapos ang proyektong ito sa 2018 at ang makikinabang ay ang 35,000 batang mag-aaral na naninirahan sa mababang bahagi ng Pampanga delta. Ang kasunduan sa pag-utang ay pinagtibay ng NEDA Board sa pulong noong Marso 2012 at babayaran sa loob ng 40 taon. PND (as/zaf)

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Sinaksihan nina Aquino, Park ang paglagda sa Memorandum of of Understanding ng dalawang bansa sa larangan ng sports

(SEOUL, Timog Korea) Sinaksihan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ng Pangulong Park Geun-hye Huwebes ang paglagda sa Memorandum of Understanding ng Philippine Sports Commission at ng Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ng Republika ng Korea upang mapatibay pang lalo ang magandang relasyon sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa at isulong ang ibayong pag-uunawaan ng kanilang mga mamamayan. Hangarin din ng MOU na pag-ibayuhin pa ang pagtutulungan ng Pilipinas at Korea sa larangan ng palakasan (sports) batay sa pantay na pakinabang ng dalawang bansa. Nilagdaan nina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas sa ngalan ng Pilipinas at ni Ministro Yoo Jinryong ng Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism ng Timog Korea ang kasunduan sa Blue House dito. Isasagawa ang MOU alinsunod sa mga umiiral na batas at regulasyon ng dalawang bansa. Sa kasunduang ito, magpapalitan ang dalawang bansa ng mga dalubhasa at mahuhusay na mga technician sa larangan ng palakasan alinsunod sa mapagkakasunduan ng mga samahan ng dalawang bansa sa larangan ng palakasan. Nakasaad sa kasunduan na ano mang hindi pagkakaunawaang maaaring ibunga ng interpretasyon o pagpapatupad ng Memorandum of Understanding‖ ay lulutasin sa pamamagitan ng konsultasyon ng dalawang bansa. PND (rda/zaf)

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State Dinner sa karangalan ng Pangulong Aquino, inihandog ng Pangulong Park ng Timog Korea

(SEOUL, Timog Korea) Pinarangalan ng Pangulong Park Geun-hye ng Timog Korea ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa pagpapalawak ng pagtitiwala at pagkakaunawaan ng ating mga paglalakbay tungo sa isang bagong kinabukasan para sa kaunlaran kapwa ng Pilipinas at ng Republika ng Korea. ―Ang espesyal na kaugnayang matagal nang angkin ng Pangulong Aquino tungkol sa Korea ay talagang nakatulong nang malaki upang lalong mapaglapit ang tulay ng ating mga puso sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiwala,‖ sabi ng Pangulong Park sa ‗tagay‘ kaugnay ng State Dinner. Binanggit ng Pangulong Park ang yumaong ama ng Pangulo, Senador Benigno Aquino, Jr., isang war correspondent ng pahayagang The Manila Times noong Digmaan sa Korea, ―Si Senador Aquino na noong panahong yaon ay 17 taong gulang pa lamang, ay nagsabing 18 taon na siya at war correspondent na pumapalaot sa mga larangan ng labanan kasama ng may 7,400 kawal-Pilipino na ipinadala sa Korea. Sa pamamagitan ng mga sinulat niya na naging kasaysayan sa paglipas ng panahon, nabatid ng daigdig kung ano ang nangyayari sa nasabing digmaan,‖ wika ng Pangulong Park. ―Sa pagkakaalam ko, ang pagpapakasakit at dedikasyong yaon ay naipamana sa isang bagong henerasyong naghahawan ng landas tungo sa mahalagang pulong ngayon. Nawa, ang mga pangyayari sa araw na ito ay maging simula ng ibayong higpit ng bigkis ng pagkakaibigan sa pagitan ng ating mga bansa at ng isang higit na masayang kinabukasang naghihintay sa ating mga mamamayan,‖ dagdag pa ng Pangulong Park. Sinabi pa ni Park na sa kabila ng kalagayan ng pandaigdig na ekonomya ngayon, umangat ng 6.6. porsiyento ang Pilipinas noong isang taon at 7.5 porsiyento sa unang anim na buwan ng taong kasalukuyan. Idinugtong niya na ―matamang minamasid ng daigdig ang Pilipinas bilang isang mahusay na investment destination at kabalikat sa kalakalan. Sa kabila ng malawak na pagitan, ang Pilipinas at ang Korea ay naging magkabalikat ngayon para sa kasaganaan.‖ Binanggit din ng Pangulong Park na ang mga Pilipino ngayon ay may kahalintulad na damdaming bunga ng mga karanasang katulad ng mga Koreano sa pamamagitan ng mga nobelang Koreano, ―K-Pop‖ at pagkaing Koreano. ―Mahigit na isang milyong turistang Koreano ang nagtungo sa Pilipinas at nahalina hindi lamang ng kagandahan ng inyong kalikasan, kundi dahil sa mainit na pagtanggap ng inyong mga kababayan,‖ wika ng Pangulong Park. Ipinakilala rin niya ang kauna-unahang halal ng Asemblea Nasyonal na si Assemblywoman Jasmine Lee na may multicultural background, na sinalubong ng masigabong palakpakan nang lahat ng dumalo sa State Dinner. Ayon kay Pangulong Park, si Kinatawan Lee ay gumanap ng mahalagang papel para lalong magkalapit ang Republika ng Korea at ang Pilipinas at idinugtong na ang dakilang kontribusyong ito ay lalo pang magpapatibay ng ugnayan ng dalawang bansa. PND (rda/zaf)

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Nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Aquino kay Pangulong Park ng Korea sa masigla at napakainam na pagtanggap sa kanya sa State Visit niya

SEOUL, Timog Korea) Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Pangulong Park Geun-hye sa masigla at napakainam na pagtanggap sa kanya at delegasyon niya at idinugtong na ang pagiging Pangulo ni Park ay tunay na

makasaysayan. Sa toast sa State Dinner, sinabi ng Pangulo na kung paanong ang kanyang ina ang kuna-unahang Pilipina na pangulo sa kanyang bansa, ―kayo man ay nag-aangkin ng pambihirang pribilehiyo na paglingkuran at pangunahan ang inyong bansa bilang kauna-unahang babaeng Pangulo.‖ ―Umaasa ako na masusumpungan ninyo ang tibay at tatag upang patnubayan ang inyong mga kababayan patungo sa higit na magandang hinaharap ng Korea,‖ sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. Pinasalamatan din ng Pangulo ang mga mamamayan ng Korea ―sa napakainam na pagtanggap hindi lamang sa akin, kundi pati sa halos 50,000 Pilipino na naninirahan nang may dangal, kapaki-pakinabang na buhay sa inyong bansa.‖ ―Katulad ng aking mga kababayang naranasan ang inyong kabaitan at kagandahang-loob, tiwala ako na ang inyong mga kababayan sa Pilipinas ay lumalasap din ng uri ng kagandahang-loob at pagkakaibigang katutubong ugali ng lahing Pilipino,‖ sabi pa ng Pangulo. ―Butihing Pangulo, ang ating mga bansa ay binigkis ng pinakamatibay na ugnayan. Noong 1950 na ang aming bansa ay umaahon pa sa pagkawasak sa Ika-2 Digmaang Pandaigdig na kumitil ng buhay ng isang milyong Pilipino mula sa kabuuang populasyong labindalawang milyon. Itinuro sa amin na ang Maynila ay pangalawa lamang sa Warsaw sa pagkawasak na nangyari. Nguni‘t nang manawagan ang aming mga kaibigang Koreano, ang aking mga kababayan ay walang pasubali at kabilang sa mga unang tumugon sa inyong panawagan,‖‖ wika pa ng Pangulo. Sinabi rin ng Pangulo sa lider ng Korea kung paanong ang ama niya, yumaong Senador Benigno Aquino, Jr. na isang batang-batang mamamahayag noon, ay naging mamamahayag sa digmaan sa Korea at sinabi kung paanong magkatuwang na buong giting na lumaban ang mga Pilipino at Koreano sa harap ng malalaking panganib. ―Kung paanong tayo ay magkabalikat sa nakalipas, sa kasalukuyan, nananatili tayong handang tumulong sa isa‘t isa, magkabalikat sa pagsusulong ng kapayapaan, kapanatagan at pagtutulungan sa dakong ito ng ating daigdig,‖ pahayag ng Pangulo. Hiniling ng Pangulo sa lider ng Korea na mag toast sila para sa patuloy na kalusugan at magandang kapalaran nito ―habang inyong pinangungunahan ang inyong bansa tungo sa ibayo pang tugatog ng tagumpay.‖ PND (rda/zaf)

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Hindi pinag-aaralan ng Administrasyon niya, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino, na baguhin ang Konstitusyon para payagang mag-ari ng lupain ang dayuhan

SEOUL, Timog Korea) Nanindigan ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na ―hindi pinag-iisipan ng kanyang administrasyon na baguhin ang Konstitusyon‖ upang payagang mag-ari ng lupain ang mga banyaga sa Pilipinas. Sinabi ito ng Pangulong Aquino sa tanghaliang kasama ang Korean business community na ginanap sa Grand Hyatt Hotel sa lungsod na ito na may 200 pangunahing negosyanteng Koreano ang dumalo. ―Sa kasalukuyan, hindi namin pinag-aaralang baguhin ang Konstitusyon,‖ wika ng Pangulo sa mga negosyanteng Koreano, at tinukoy pa ang Tsina bilang halimbawa ng isang bansang hindi nagpapahintulot sa mga dayuhan na maging may-ari ng lupain, subali‘t ito naman ay nagiging maunlad. ―Ang Tsina ay itinuturing na isa sa patuloy ang pag-unlad sa loob ng nakalipas na dekada. Nguni‘t sa pagkaalam ko, sa Tsina, kayo ay hindi papayagang magmay-ari ng lupain,‖ sabi pa ng Pangulo. ―Kaya tila hindi naman sagabal sa pagkita at paglago ng alinmang korporasyon ang nasabing bagay,‖ dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Ang pagbabawal sa mga banyaga na magmay-ari ng lupa sa Pilipinas ay nakasaad sa Saliganbatas ng Pilipinas.PND (co/zaf)

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Nakarating na sa malalayong pook Ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa nilindol

Nakarating na sa malalayo at ilang na pook na biktima ng lindol na may dalang tulong, lalo na ng pagkain, ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan. ―Mayroon na tayo roon sa Inabanga, Bohol. Nakapagpadala na tayo ngayong araw na ito ng 1,000 ‗food packs.‘ May report din ang isa nating kasamang reporter na hindi pa raw nakakaabot ang tulong doon,‖ wika ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes. ―Inaalam din namin ang ibang pook na gaya ng Batasan Island sa Tubigon at sa Antequera. May nangangailangan din daw ng tulong doon. Sinisikap naming matugunan agad ang mga bagay na ito,‖ dagdag ni Valte. Idinugtong ni Valte na sa pulong Biyernes ng umaga ang Kagawaran ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan

para ayusin ang mga lansangan para madaanan ng mga maghahatid ng tulong sa mga biktima. Bagaman ang pamahalaan ay nagsagawa ng airlifts para matiyak na makakukuha ng tulong ang mga pook na apektado at hindi mapuntahan dahil sa sirang lansangan, hiningi ni Valte ang tulong ng madla at ng media para ipaalam kung saan-saan ang mga pook na itong hindi pa nararating ng tulong. Sinabi ni Valte na may ulat na ang Loon, Bohol ay nangangailangan ng medical evacuation kaya maagap na tumugon ang Coast Guard na nagpadala agad ng isang bapor dahil ang Loon ay mapapasok lamang sa pamamagitan ng dagat. Sa kasalukuyan, ang pamahalaan ay patuloy sa paghahanap ng madaraanan sa dagat para makapaghatid ng tulong sa mga biktima ng lindol. Magkakatulong din ang mga tauhan ng pamahalaang pambansa at panlalawigan para makapagpadala agad ng tulong sa mga biktima. Iniutos ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III bago umalis patungong Timog Korea kina Kalihim Manuel Roxas ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan, Kalihim Dinky Soliman ng Kagaingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran at Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na pumunta sa Bohol ngayon (Biyernes), sabi pa ni Valte. Biyernes ng umaga ay nasa Loon na ang mga kagawad ng Gabinete, ayon kay Valte, at nagsagawa ng pulong ng mga panlalawigang pinuno ng Bohol, gayundin ng iba pang lokal na pinunong bayan. Ginawa ito upang matiyak na magkatuwang ang pamahalaang pambansa at panlalawigan nang marating pati ang malalayong mga bayang kailangang tulungan. PND (as/zaf)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Arrival Statement after his State Visit to the Republic of Korea Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 2, Pasay City

18 Oct 2013 Maupo ho tayong lahat. Senate President Frank Drilon; Secretary Albert del Rosario; Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa; Secretary Leila de Lima; Brother Armin; Secretary Joel; Secretary Ike; Secretary Linda; Secretary Babes; all the members of the Cabinet present; Mayor Edwin Olivares; Vice Chief of Staff Lt. General Alan Luga; Lt. General Noel Coballes; Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano; Police Director General Alan Purisima; General Manager Jose Angel Honrado; fellow workers in government; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Bago tayo tumulak pa-Korea, nabanggit ko sa inyo: Inaasikaso natin ang lahat ng ating pangangailangan sa kasalukuyan; masusi pong nakatutok ang ating mga kalihim sa pagsisigurong ang mga nasira ng lindol ay maipapagawa o mapapalitan, maibabalik sa kaayusan ang mga apektado, at ang kailangan ng lingap ay maaaksyunan ng estado. Ngayon po, sa aking pag-uwi, masasabi ko namang matagumpay ang sadya nating asikasuhin ang ating kinabukasan. Lalo pong napagtibay ang malalim nang ugnayan sa pagitan ng ating bansa at ng South Korea. Nakaukit po sa kasaysayan ng pakikipagkapwa-tao natin sa South Korea. Sa pagpasok ng dekada singkuwenta, nagsisimula pa lang pong bumangon ang Pilipinas mula sa pagkasirang dala ng Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. At wala pa po tayong masyadong maibibigay, wala pa tayong masyadong kakayahan, ngunit nang tumawag ang Korea, tumugon agad tayo, handang iabot ang anumang tulong na ating maiaabot. Mahigit pitong libong sundalong Pilipino po ang ipinadala natin sa bansa nila noong Korean War; sunod sa Amerika at Inglatera, Pilipinas ang ikatlong bansang nagpadala ng tropa. Sa Korean War Memorial nga po na ating binisita, nakita kong nakaukit sa pader ang katagang, ―Our nation honors the sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.‖ Ipinakita po ng mga nakasalamuha nating Koreano ang nararamdaman nilang utang ng loob sa Pilipino; pagkakaibigan po itong hindi salita lamang, kundi may kasamang gawa.

Damang-dama po natin ang pagkasinsero sa pakikitungo sa atin ng kanilang Pangulong Park Geun-Hye. Sa aming paghaharap, nagpahayag po ng suporta si Pangulong Park sa prosesong isinusulong natin upang mapanatili ang stabilidad, at maresolba ang mga di pagkakaunawaan; gaya natin, naniniwala sila sa halaga ng pagsunod sa batas at tamang patakaran, na sumasaklaw sa lahat ng bayan, gaano man ito kalaki o kalakas. Masigla rin po naming tinalakay ang mga plano upang mapalakas ang ating ugnayan sa tanggulan, pagtugon sa kalamidad, kalakalan, gayundin sa mga isyung pandagat na may direktang epekto sa buong rehiyon. Pati na po sa sports, nakita natin ang matibay na ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Korea. At hindi pa po diyan nagtatapos: Nang mangyari po ang gulo sa Zamboanga, nagpanata na po ng tulong-pinansyal ang Korea. Nang nagkita po kami, si Pangulong Park po mismo ang nagparating ng pakikiramay sa mga napinsala ng lindol sa Kabisayaan—kaakibat po nito ang dagdag pang panata ng tulong pinansyal na ipaabot ng kanyang pamahalaan sa atin pong mga mamamayan. Patunay rin po ng malalim nating ugnayan sa mga Koreano ang uwi nating magagandang balita mula sa mga kumpanyang ating mga nakapulong. Patuloy daw pong palalawakin ng Hanjin ang kanilang operasyon sa ating bansa, upang lalo nating kayaning makipagsabayan sa pandaigdigang industriya ng shipbuilding. Talagang bilib daw po sila sa husay at pagkamalikhain ng ating mga manggagawa; mas mabilis pa raw po tayong magtrabaho kaysa sa kanilang inasahan nang una silang namuhunan sa ating bansa. Ang Korea Electric Power Corporation o KEPCO naman po, sa ngayon, sampung porsyento na ng ating kuryente ang nagge-generate. Gusto raw po nilang lakihan ang ambag sa ating tuluyang pag-angat; nagpaplano pa raw po silang magtayo ng ilan pang power plant sa iba‘t ibang panig ng bansa. At hindi po ito baryang ambag—lilikha ito ng daan-daan ding megawatts na makapagpapalaki sa ating baseload capacity. Malinaw na rin po ang proyekto ng kumpanyang Lotte para sa isang hotel project sa Kabisayaan, at masinsin din ang interes nilang magdagdag ng iba pang proyekto sa Kamaynilaan at iba pang bahagi ng bansa tulad ng hotel, theme park, office space, at iba pa. Ang National Pension Service naman po ng South Korea, mayroon daw 50 bilyong dolyares na pondong puwedeng i-invest kada taon; dalawampung porsyento nito, handa silang dalhin sa ibang bansa na maliban sa dati nilang pinagdadalhan. At dahil sa ganda ng takbo ng ating ekonomiya, kabilang na tayo sa mga pinag-iisipan nilang pamuhunanan. Nagkaroon din po tayo ng pagkakataong magtalumpati sa harap ng apat na pinakamalalaking business group sa buong Korea; hindi po biro ang karangalan na napagtipon natin sila sa iisang bubong, upang ihayag sa kanila ang pagbabagong nangyayari sa ating bansa, at ang patuloy pang lalawak na mga oportunidad para mamuhunan. Nagpasalamat nga po tayo kay Pangulong Park Geun-Hye sa tumataas na kumpiyansa ng kanyang mga kababayang negosyante sa ating ekonomiya, pati na rin sa malaking ambag ng kanyang mga kababayan sa ating sektor ng turismo. Siyempre, hindi rin maaaring pumunta tayo sa Korea nang hindi nakakasama ang ating Filipino community. Habang kinakasalamuha natin sila‘t kinakamusta ang kanilang kalagayan, talaga namang nakikita nating nagtatagumpay sila sa kanikanilang trabaho‘t larangan. Ibinalita rin natin sa kanila ang kaliwa‘t kanang good news sa bansa, at muling idiniin ang ating panata: Ang interes ng ating mga Boss lamang ang tumitimon sa ating bawat kilos at desisyon. Tumulak po tayo tungong Korea na may baong lungkot dala ng pinsalang dulot ng lindol sa Kabisayaan. Patuloy po tayong nakatutok sa balita rito, sa gitna ng ating State Visit sa Korea. Umuwi naman po tayong dala ang mas maigting na determinasyon upang ituloy ang transpormasyong dinaranas ng ating bansa ngayon. Nakita po natin ang isang bansang dumaan din sa napakatinding pinsala, at ngayo‘y talagang tumatamasa na ng kahanga-hangang kaunlaran. Ang matibay ko pong paniniwala: Kung kaya nilang maabot iyon, tiyak ko po, kaya rin itong maabot ng Pilipino. Sama-sama nating isulong ang Pilipinas tungo sa katuparan ng ating kolektibong pangarap. Nakakataba po talaga ng puso ang pagkakataong maging kinatawan ng aking mga Boss sa ating mga karatig-bansa—dahil talaga nga pong ibang-iba na ang mukhang maihaharap natin sa mundo ngayon. Hindi po ako magsasawang sabihin: Talagang napakasarap maging Pilipino sa mga panahong ito. Maraming salamat po. Magandang gabi po sa lahat.

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Remarks during the State Dinner hosted by President Park Geun-Hye Banquet Hall, 2nd Floor, State Guest House Seoul, Republic of Korea

17 Oct 2013 Your Excellency President Park, the warmth that you have extended to me and my delegation is remarkable. It is truly an honor to be present here as the first leader to be accorded a State Visit by Your Excellency. Indeed, your presidency is itself historic. Just as my mother was the first Filipina to lead my country, you hold the unique

privilege of serving and leading your nation as its first female president. It is my hope that you will find the resilience and strength to guide your people towards a more vibrant future for Korea. I would also like to thank the people of Korea for the welcome they have shown not only to myself, but also to almost fifty thousand Filipinos who live dignified and productive lives here in your country. Just as my countrymen have experienced your kindness and generosity, I am confident that your countrymen in the Philippines are experiencing the kind of hospitality and friendship that are characteristic of the Filipino nation. Madame President, our nations are tied by the deepest of bonds. In the 1950's, my country was still rising from the rubble of the Second World War. One million Filipinos, we are told, were lost out of a total population of twelve million. We are taught that Manila further was second only to Warsaw in terms of destruction. And yet, when the call from our Korean friends came, my countrymen were among the first contingents to answer. Though we had little to give, we were determined to help however we could. Our soldiers fit awkwardly into the helmets issued them, and they were unused to the cold—but they had their stout blazing hearts to keep them warm. They knew that, ultimately, they were fighting for ideals common to all of humanity: Human dignity, freedom, and the opportunity to pursue aspirations, free from the shackles of oppression. These continue to define our friendship, and the Korean people have in turn responded in the name of these values that we share. We are working for the joint development and progress of our respective peoples. The Philippines in particular enjoys many tangible signs of how mutually beneficial our relationship is. Proof of this are the construction of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II in Iloilo, and the completion of the Laguindingan Airport, both of which were achieved with the generous assistance of the Korean people and government. I had the privilege of relating to Your Excellency, how, when my father covered the Korean War as a young newspaper correspondent, he saw how, hand in hand, Filipinos and Koreans fought together in braving the greatest of challenges. Just as we were partners in the past, today, we remain committed to assisting one another, standing shoulder to shoulder in working to foster peace, stability, and cooperation in our part of the world. On this note, allow me then to propose a toast: To Your Excellency President Park's continued health and good fortune, as you lead your nation to even greater heights; To the enduring friendship between the Filipino and Korean peoples; And to peace and prosperity for all.

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ONLINE NEWS

19 OCTOBER 2013

DSWD supports observance of Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week

SSS enhances satellite offices in Cebu and Bohol, cites calamity relief package

Distribution of Hacienda Luisita Completed Friday

11 Bohol bridges damaged by earthquake now open to traffic - DPWH

DOST to meg “Smarter Philippines” as world zooms in on emerging economies

BIR collection for September 2013 Grew by 21.11%

DSWD to provide financial aid for casualties of „Santi‟

Camp management training for social workers in Zambo is ongoing

DOLE's SEnA team wins 2013 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award

DOLE Region creates first Education Tripartite Council

List of major/secondary roads and bridges affected by Central Visayas earthquake

Roxas relocates stranded hospital patients to BFP grounds in Cebu City

DOE ensures power supply for the 2013 Barangay elections

DOTC: MCIAA donates P2-million to earthquake victims

Indian External Affairs Minister to conduct lecture on “The Shaping of India‟s Foreign Policy”

PHL to Chair USD100 billion UN Green Climate Fund

Aliens told: Always have your ACR I-Card

DSWD supports observance of Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week

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

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) celebrates the 2nd Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week on October 20-27, with the theme: ―Mayaman Ka Sa Karapatan, Bata Sagot Kita Dyan!‖ This year‘s theme reflects the continued efforts of the government to protect the rights of Filipino children and youth, especially children in conflict with the law (CICL). The week-long event kicks-off with a symbolic ―Walk for Awareness‖ on October 20, 2013, 6:00 am at the Quezon Memorial Circle, followed by a flashmob participated in by youths from schools in Quezon City, DSWD, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and the National Youth Commission (NYC). The JJWC Walk for Awareness is open to the public. Various national government agencies, non-government organizations and local government units will also participate in the walk. ―The event is an opportune time to advocate and popularize Republic Act 10630, an Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines, amending for the purpose Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act (JJWA),‖ DSWD Secretary and JJWC Chairperson Corazon Juliano-Soliman stated. The amended JJWA provides for the establishment of a comprehensive and effective intervention program for children who committed serious crimes particularly those below the minimum age of criminal liability. It also stipulates changes in administrative supervision and council membership. Another salient provision includes the creation of Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committees (RJJWC) and Regional JJWC Secretariats and the identification of additional members from the Department of Health and from the Leagues of Provinces, Cities, Municipalities and Barangays. Secretary Soliman explained that with these provisions, the JJWC is confident that there will be strengthened coordination among stakeholders and firmer implementation of RA 10630. ―We are all duty bearers. Each of us must make a stand and adhere towards protection of children and youth, including children at risk and children in conflict with the law (CICL). We can begin by being involved and informed,‖ Secretary Soliman stressed. Presidential Proclamation no. 489 which has been signed by President Aquino on October 11, 2012 declared the fourth week of October as the Juvenile Justice Welfare Week in line with the annual celebration of National Children‘s Month in October.

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SSS enhances satellite offices in Cebu and Bohol, cites calamity relief package

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

The Social Security System (SSS) has expanded the network and services of its satellite offices in Central Visayas to serve members affected by ongoing structural evaluations of the SSS Cebu and Bohol branches, which eased down their regular operations for safety reasons following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that devastated the region on October 15. SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi said Cebu-based members can transact at temporary SSS satellite offices at the Gaisano Fiesta Mall in Tabunok, Talisay City; Gaisano Island Mall in Lapu-Lapu City; Talisay City Hall; and the DTI-National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) in Cebu City. The SSS Service Office at Robinsons Fuente Mall along Osmeña Boulevard will extend its regular business hours during the weekend to accommodate members on October 19 and 20. Solilapsi advised members in Bohol, whose SSS servicing branch in Tagbilaran City is closed for business, to proceed to the agency's temporary satellite offices at the Agricultural Promotional Center (APC) near the City Hall, and at the Governor's Mansion along CPG Avenue. The SSS deployed its Cebu and Tagbilaran branch personnel to the satellite offices to enable them to accept a wide range of SSS transactions. ―While the SSS Cebu branch is partially open for limited services such as answering queries and forms issuance, it would be best for members in the affected areas to instead visit the satellite offices for their SSS concerns,‖ he said. ―Despite the calamity that has hit the region, the SSS is doing its best to provide uninterrupted service delivery, especially in this time

of great need.‖ Neighboring SSS branches in Cebu province at the cities of Toledo, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Bogo remain in normal operation. To help meet the expected surge in transactions with the announcement of the calamity relief package for earthquake-hit members and pensioners, the SSS Mandaue Branch will remain open for business on Saturday, October 19. Deployed SSS Cebu Branch personnel will assist the Mandaue Branch in handling the expected influx of transacting members. Solilapsi called on affected members and pensioners in declared calamity areas to avail themselves of the SSS calamity relief package, which offers relaxed terms for salary and house repair loans, and advance release of three months' worth of pensions. To qualify, they must be residing or employed in places officially declared as calamity areas by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The relief package offers the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP) that allows current borrowers to renew their salary loans ahead of the prescribed schedule, which is one year after the start of loan payment. The SLERP also suspends the sanction on loan renewal imposed on affected members who had earlier availed themselves of the SSS Loan Penalty Condonation Program. ―SSS will waive the one percent loan service fee of SLERP applicants. As for members without existing loans, their salary loan application will likewise be exempted from the service fee if the loan is processed under the calamity relief package,‖ Solilapsi said. ―The deadline for affected members is November 29, 2013 for both SLERP and new salary loan applications.‖ The SSS also lowered the annual interest rate of its House Repair and Improvement Loan Program to six percent and waived the regular application fee of up to P3,000 as part of the SSS relief package. Interested borrowers from declared calamity areas have one year to file their applications for the special house repair loans. Solilapsi said the last component of the package is the advance release of pensions to SSS pensioners for retirement, disabililty and survivorship. Pensioners must file their applications for the relief package, along with a barangay-issued certification of their residence in a declared calamity area, on or before November 29, 2013.

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Distribution of Hacienda Luisita Completed Friday

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

DESPITE protests, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is set to distribute on Friday in Barangay Mapalacsiao, Tarlac City, the last batch of certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) for Hacienda Luisita beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao said some 700 farmer-beneficiaries in the said barangay would be awarded their CLOAs, which are considered as ―proof of ownership‖ of the CARP-awarded land. The distribution will officially conclude the three-week distribution process of the vast sugar estate of the Cojuangco-Aquino family in Tarlac. A total of 4,099 hectares of the original 5,916 hectare sugar estate was distributed as ordered by the Supreme Court (SC) in April last year. The distribution process started with the identification of qualified beneficiaries in May last year, or a month after the DAR officially received the SC order. The distribution of the CLOAs started on September 30. As of Thursday the DAR has distributed a total of 5,254 CLOAs, including the 665 CLOAs distributed to a total of 449 farmer-beneficiaries in Barangay Balete on that day. Parugao said only 135 CLOAs remain undistributed as of October 16. He disputed claims made by the Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) that farmer-beneficiaries have been boycotting the CLOA distribution. UMA, along with the Alyansa ng mga Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita, is questioning the land-distribution process. The groups also criticized the DAR for threatening to disqualify farmer-beneficiaries who refused to sign a document signifying the farmer-beneficiaries‘ willingness to follow the terms imposed by CARP rules. A farmer-beneficiary of CARP needs to pay for the land based on its land value, in the case of Hacienda Luisita, P70,000 for the entire 6,600 square meters, payable within 30 years. The beneficiaries are also required to cultivate the CARP-awarded land to make it productive. Land transfer or sale of the land is allowed only after 10 years from the time the land has been fully paid.

Parungao said farmers even braved the rain to get their much-awaited CLOAs during the past week. ―The distribution went on despite the bad weather. Our commitment was to complete the distribution so in spite of the typhoon, we proceeded with the distribution,‖ he said. For Hacienda Luisita, the DAR has generated a total of 6,515 CLOAs, 6,506 of which have been registered with the Registry of Deeds. A total of nine more are in the process of registration. Hacienda Luisita, owned by President Aquino‘s family, is the biggest landholding ever to be distributed by the DAR during the 24-year implementation of CARP. The program started during the term of President Aquino‘s mother, former President Corazon Aquino, and forms the centerpiece of the first Aquino administration‘s social justice program after the People Power Revolution in 1986. Meanwhile, Parungao said a total of 296 lot allocation certificates, or 4.7 percent of the 6,212 farmer-beneficiaries, have yet to be claimed. A total of 339, or 5.45 percent of the total number of farmer-beneficiaries, have not yet signed the application to purchase and farmers‘ undertaking (Apfu). He said the farmers who refuse to sign the Apfu will be disqualified and the land allocated for them will be awarded to other qualified beneficiaries. After Friday‘s distribution in Barangay Mapalacsiao, the DAR will focus on monumenting or putting mojons. He said the remaining CLOAs will still have to be generated for those who recently signed their Apfus. The CLOAs, he said, will also have to be registered before the Registry of Deeds in Tarlac. (Written by Jonathan L. Mayuga)

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11 Bohol bridges damaged by earthquake now open to traffic - DPWH

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

Eleven national bridges in Bohol damaged by the October 15, 2013 earthquake are now passable. In his report to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 7 Director Ador Canlas reported that restoration works on damaged bridge approach due to settlements were completed. The following bridges are now passable: Camayaan Bridge, K0015+744 (Cortes, Bohol); Tultogan Bridge, K0038+837 (Calapi, Bohol); Bacong Bridge, K008+613; Anislag Bridge, K0013+666; and Daet Bridge, K0078+784 – all located along Tagbilaran North Road. Five (5) bridges along Tagbilaran East Road which earlier assessed to have cracks and settlement on bridge approaches are now open to light vehicle namely, Bonkokan Bridge, K0228+035; Banban Bridge, K0227+263; Balbalan Bridge, K0225+300; Agape Bridge, K0019+050; and Panangatan Bridge, K0219+024. The Camayaan Bridge along Loboc LIR Road in Loon, Bohol is also now passable. Still closed as of reporting are the following bridges along Tagbilaran North Road: Abatan Bridge, K0010+187; Moalong Bridge, K0031+428, Loon, Bohol; Disamparados Bridge; Liboron Bridge; Hunan Bridge; Taguimtim Bridge, K0083+110; Masiped Bridge; and Damiao Bridge, K0082+811 Damaged unpassable bridges along Tagbilaran East Road includes Tagbauane Bridge, K0246+655, Albur, Bohol; Palo Bridge, K00244+286; Hinawanan Bridge, K0243+624; and Clarin Bridge, K0242+517. Meanwhile, DPWH has opened to at least one (1) lane the Cortes-Balilihan-Catigbian Road Macaas Road and Tagbilaran East Road Baclayon Section which were affected by massive landslide and crack/settlement of pavement, respectively. Appropriate warning signs on the affected roads/bridges to warn the motoring public were earlier installed by concerned DPWH District Engineering Offices in Bohol.

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DOST to meg “Smarter Philippines” as world zooms in on emerging economies

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

Smarter technologies and capabilities made possible by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), are out to bolster the Philippines‘ global competitiveness amid forecasts that the country will rise as the world‘s 16th largest economy, leaping 27 places from its current position. In his presentation during the recent opening of the North Luzon leg of the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet, Alejandro Melchor III, executive director of DOST‘s Information Communication Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), revealed that the world is now looking at the Philippines and other Asian countries as the fastest growing economies. ―Who will deliver the fastest growth in 2050? Number one, China, traditional; second, India, and surprisingly, the Philippines,‖ exclaimed Melchor. Smarter Philippines DOST leverages these projections to prepare the country towards this global economic shift as it directs the journey toward a ―Smarter Philippines,‖ a program which will enable the country to achieve global competitiveness by developing and deploying smarter technologies. In particular, Smarter Philippines aims to enhance capabilities and thus give local and global investors more options to invest in agriculture, industries, governance, climate change adaptation, human

capability, jobs creation, healthcare, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). For smarter farming, the program will address perennial problems in rice sufficiency, mango productivity, livestock and fish productions, and improvement of coconut yield via enhancement of the fruit‘s genetic makeup. Coconut is one of the country‘s most promising crops, generating $1.45B in annual revenues. Smarter MSMEs will strengthen the sector by providing innovative, cost-effective and appropriate technologies that enable MSMEs to develop and produce competitive products that meet world-class standards. Meanwhile, Smarter Industries will provide state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities which will enable local industries to move up the value chain and attain global competitiveness. For the electronics and semiconductor sectors, DOST unveiled the Advanced Device Materials and Testing Laboratory earlier this year to enhance their productivity. Furthermore, Smarter Industries will also help widen the global market share of the local business process outsourcing (BPO) industry which is poised to attain world leadership in four more fast-growing BPO services namely healthcare information management, finance and accounting, human resources and creative process outsourcing. Further strengthening the capabilities of the BPO industry is DOST‘s Next Wave Cities Program which will ensure that BPO employment will be spread throughout the country. To achieve good governance and transparency, Smarter Government will provide an ICT-based transformation of governance and the delivery of government services and information. Projects such as IGov Philippines, a secured online government payment services and TV white space, and an internet connectivity using untapped UHF and VHF TV channels, will provide innovative government services to people, even in the countryside. To address the absence of public doctors especially in far-flung areas of the country, technologies such as the RXBox, a portable medical device that could check the patient‘s electrocardiogram or ECG, heart rate, blood, pulse rate and blood oxygenation, can provide immediate diagnosis by transmitting the test results to affiliated medical doctors through the internet or mobile phones. Global seismic shift According to Dir. Melchor, an Asian Development Bank survey showed that the combined gross domestic products of ASEAN, China and India could quadruple and exceed the combined US and European economies in the coming years. Meanwhile, the region‘s share in world investments is projected to reach 40%. ―Every $100B of world investments, $40B will go to the Asian region,‖ Dir. Melchor said. The DOST-ICTO official also mentioned a global research by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation indicating that by 2050, world attention will turn to ―new emergers‖ as the world economy undergoes a seismic shift. Seismic shift refers to a global economic transformation from the economic superpower countries to new and emerging economies.

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BIR collection for September 2013 Grew by 21.11%

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

For the month of September 2013, the BIR collected Php86.03billion in tax revenues, Php15 Billion or 21.11% more than collections made in September 2012. For September 2013, collections from BIR operations amounted to Php81.76 Billion, PhP14.05 Billion or 20.75%more than collections made in September 2013. Collections from non-BIR operations amounted to Php4.27 Billion, Php946 Million or28.43% more than the collections made in September 2012. Collections by the Regional Offices amounted to PhP32.84 Billion, or Php7.42 Billion or 29.18% more than the collections made in September2012. While collections by the Large Taxpayers Service amounted to PhP48.93 Billion,PhP6.64 billion or 20.75% more than the collections made in September 2012. This is the second month in a row that the BIR collections grew by more than 20%.

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DSWD to provide financial aid for casualties of „Santi‟

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

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office III is already processing the financial assistance to be given to the families of the casualties of Typhoon Santi which heavily battered Central Luzon last week. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the families will receive P10,000 each as aid.

She personally spearheaded on Monday, October 14, the distribution of relief packages in the municipalities of Cabiao and Jaen, where she also visited the wake of Irish Balingit. Balingit, who is one of the three casualties in the province, would have turned 16 that day. A huge mango tree fell on their house when Balingit and her family were sleeping during the onset of the storm. Meanwhile, based on the 6 am, October 18 DSWD monitoring report, 42 evacuation centers remain open in Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales and Bulacan serving 1,605 families with 6,931 persons while 16,061 families or 80,757 persons who are are outside evacuation centers are also still being provided with relief goods. A total of P25,297,222.10 worth of relief assistance was provided to the affected families coming from DSWD (P13,411,170.18), local government units (P11,546,051.92) and non-government organizations as well as other government organizations (P340,000.00). Around 109,652 houses were damaged with 19,589 totally destroyed and 85,566 partially damaged.

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Camp management training for social workers in Zambo is ongoing

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

Around 100 social workers both from public and private sectors gathered today until tomorrow at the Marcian Hotel to participate in the training on camp coordination and camp management organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), according to Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX Director Zenaida Arevalo. The IOM is a long-time partner of the DSWD on disaster response especially along management of evacuation centers and provision of temporary shelter. According to Mark Maulit, representative of Migration Crisis Operations Unit of IOM, this training aims to deepen the participants‘ understanding of the concepts, principles of good camp coordination and management drawing from their direct experiences in managing evacuation sites. Majority of the participants are currently managing the evacuation centers providing temporary shelter to the families affected by the armed conflict between government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front-Nur Misuari faction Maulit said that his group has gone around the evacuation centers in the city and has observed how these temporary shelters are being managed. He said that the unfamiliarity of camp managers‘ on their roles and responsibilities may lead to camp mismanagement. ― Camp managers play a critical role because the evacuees largely depend on them for their daily survival at the evacuation centers. Thus, if they do not manage the evacuation centers well, the sufferings of the evacuees may increase, and may delay their recovery,‖ Maulit said. During the training, good practices from different countries that experienced huge disasters will be shared for possible replication if appropriate. Likewise, social workers who are presently managing the evacuation centers in Zamboanga City will also share their experiences. After the training, the participants are expected to develop plans that would improve the services at the evacuation centers under their care. Based on the October 18, 10:00 AM report of the DSWD, 8,318 families or 39,451 persons are still staying in evacuation centers.

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DOLE's SEnA team wins 2013 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award

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

Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Danilo P. Cruz announced yesterday that the Civil Service Commission has chosen the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) Team of the Department of Labor and Employment as a Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee for the CSC's 2013 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees. In a report to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who is in New York as head of the Philippine delegation to the 2nd United Nations High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development, Cruz said the DOLE's SEnA team won the Lingkod Bayan Award for its exceptional performance in delivering speedy, impartial, inexpensive and accessible settlement of labor issues through conciliation and mediation. "It is with great honor and pride for the DOLE to be recognized for its dedication in providing affordable and easily-

accessible means of settling labor-related issues,‖ Acting Secretary Cruz said in his report, to which Baldoz replied: "I am very happy and proud that the DOLE's SEnA team is a winner in the CSC's 2013 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees. I congratulate the members of the DOLE SEnA team for this rare feat. This achievement is really an honor for all of us at the DOLE." The SEnA team is headed by National Conciliation and Mediation Board Executive Director Reynaldo R. Ubaldo, with Conciliator-Mediator Edgar G. Aquino, Conciliator-Mediator Angelita S. Narvaez, Conciliator-Mediator Jay Jasper B. Javines, Director Gil G. Caragayan, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Vivencio E. Lagahid, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Reynante N. Lugtu, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Aurita L. Limpin, and Labor and Employment Officer III Joselito V. Diego. The SEnA is a reform measure enacted by Secretary Baldoz in 2010 under Department Order No. 107 pursuant to the 22-point Labor and Employment Agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino III, particularly on seeking to avoid litigious and expensive proceedings, while promoting integrity, efficacy, and fairness in the delivery of labor justice in the country. Under this reform, the DOLE and its attached agencies are mandated to strictly follow a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation process for all cases so that these will not mature into full-blown, legal proceedings. It is an administrative approach that provides speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement of all labor issues. The SEnA has a rallying cry of "Problema sa Trabaho, I-SEnA mo!". Under the SEnA, conciliation-mediation is done by Single Entry Approach Desk Officers (SEADOs) who are trained to fast-track settlement of all labor and employment cases, also called requests for assistance, brought before them. In just two years of implementation, because of its efficacy in settling requests for assistance (RFAs), the Congress has enacted R.A. 10396 institutionalizing conciliation-mediation as a mandatory mode of dispute settlement for all labor cases. President Aquino III signed it into law on 14 March 2013. The NCMB SEnA team was selected by the CSC through its Honor and Awards Program from hundreds of nominations nationwide. The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is an award for outstanding work performance conferred on an individual or group of individuals for exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security, and patrimony. The contribution may be a suggestion, innovation, invention, or superior performance. For the DOLE's SEna team, its concerted effort enabled the Department to achieve a reduction in the compulsory handling of cases in DOLE regional offices by 99 percent by the end of 2012. With the SEnA, RFAs took an average of ony 17 days to settle, a dramatic change from the longer litigation process under the compulsory mode of dispute resolution, including appeal processes which take an average of one year, with some cases taking too long that workers tend not to pursue them, thus preventing the administration of labor justice guaranteed by the Constitution. The SEnA program--because of settlement--had also prevented 31,592 labor disputes, or 75 percent of RFAs, from maturing into regular compulsory arbitration cases either at the DOLE or at the NLRC. Monetary settlement facilitated through the SEnA reached more than P1.5 billion, benefitting more than 45,000 workers. The awardees will be fitted in an appropriate ceremony in Malacanang Palace in line with the celebration of the 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary on 24 October. The team will receive a Presidential plaque with citation and signature of President Aquino III, while each team member will be handed a gold-gilded medallion. The team will also receive a cash reward of P200,000. Baldoz said this latest achievement of the DOLE is a challenge to all officials and employees to work harder in serving the Filipino workers. "Our work as public servants is noble and we must continue to pursue this nobility with vigor and excellence," she said.

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DOLE Region creates first Education Tripartite Council

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

Promoting the culture of voluntary compliance with labor laws in the education sector in Central Luzon got a boost with the recent establishment by the DOLE Regional Office No. 3 of the Olongapo-Zambales Industrial Tripartite Council for Education (OZ-ITCE), Regional Director Raymundo Agravante has reported to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. Agravante said the DOLE Zambales Field Office, under the supervision of Maria Rima Hernandez, spearheaded the creation of the OZ-ITCE at an organizational meeting attended by 39 management and worker representatives from 23 schools in Olongapo City and selected municipalities in Zambales. The organizational meeting was held at the Social Hall of St. Joseph College in Olongapo City. Representatives from participating schools who expressed support for the creation of the Council include those from Columban College; Columban College-Barretto; Luzon Technical Institute; Subic Bay College Inc.; College of Subic Montessori; St. Benilde Center for Global Competence; St. Anthony‘s School; St. Nicholas Academy; SVA Candelaria; San Andres School of Masinloc; Precious Heritage; Magsaysay Memorial College; Zambales Academy; Learning Circle; Central Luzon College of Science and Technology; St. Joseph College-Olongapo; Lyceum of Subic; St. Agustine‘s School; St. James School; Christ the King Catholic Church; Little Angel Study Center; Hildigarde Von Bingen Academy; and Aura High School. Hernandez discussed the DOLE‘s public-private partnership approach to fostering harmonious relationships via the Tripartite

Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) which covers its legal basis, functions, and composition. ―Industrial peace is our primordial concern. Through tripartism, school owners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and government will be able to work closely in addressing labor issues and concerns faced by the education industry,‖ Hernandez said in her statement at the meeting. Participants underwent a workshop on the drafting of a Voluntary Code of Good Practices (VCGP). The code will serve as a guide for self-governance and self-regulation and to further enhance tripartite engagement between the social partners in the education sector. Senior Labor and Employment Officers Marietta V. Naguit and Remedios Simbulan facilitated the election of Council officers. Elected as officials were Zambales Field Office Head Maria Rima Hernandez, Chairman; Dr. Narcisa Figuerres (Magsaysay Memorial College) and Evelyn C. Manzano (Central Luzon College of Science and Technology), Vice-Chairmen for Management; Marites Ragadio (St. Nicholas Academy) and Gracita Miclat (St. Benilde), Vice-Chairmen for Labor; and Rafael Mora (Columban College), Treasurer. The DOLE Zambales Provincial Field Office will serve as the Council Secretariat. "The Council will again convene to sign a memorandum of understanding with the DOLE on the VCGP, and for the officials to take their oath of office before Secretary Baldoz," Agravante said after the organizational meeting. According to Agravante, the OZ-ITC, like the other industrial tripartite councils in various industries that had been established in Region 3, seeks to contribute to the maintenance and promotion of industrial peace and productivity in the education sector for the benefit of all its stakeholders. ―Our new partnership, through this Council, heralds a new era of cooperation between the government and the private sector in crafting programs and projects that will address issues and concerns faced by management and labor. Our end-goal is empowering all key players in the education sector," Agravante finally said.

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List of major/secondary roads and bridges affected by Central Visayas earthquake

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

We wish to update the public that as of 11:00AM of 17 October 2013, four (4) road sections and twenty (20) bridges in the Province of Bohol are not passable to vehicular traffic either due to massive landslides, road slides, settlement of pavements, and collapsed bridges and approaches as a result of the destructive force of the October 15, 2013 earthquake: Roads Cortes-Balilihan-Catigbian Road Macaas Road Tagbilaran East Road Baclayon Section Tagbilaran North Road Km 89+869 – km 89+950 Looc Interior Road Loboc Section Bridges along Tagbilaran North Road Abatan Bridge, K0010+187 Camayaan Bridge, K0015+744, Cortes, Bohol Tultogan Bridge, K0038+837, Calapi, Bohol Bacong Bridge, K008+613 Anislag Bridge, K0013+666 Moalong Bridge, K0031+428, Loon, Bohol Hunan Bridge Taguimtim Bridge, K0083+110 Damiao Bridge, K0082+811 Daet Bridge, K0078+784 Bridges along Tagbilaran East Road Tagbauane Bridge, K0246+655, Albur, Bohol Palo Bridge, K00244+286 Hinawanan Bridge, K0243+624 Clarin Bridge, K0242+517 Bonkokan Bridge, K0228+035 Banban Bridge, K0227+263 Balbalan Bridge, K0225+300 Panangatan Bridge, K0219+024 Camayaan Bridge along Loboc LIR Road, Loon, Bohol Agape Bridge, K0019+050 along Loay Interior Road Quick response personnel from DPWH Bohol District Engineering Offices and Regional Office 7 were immediately deployed to conduct assessment of damages while warning signs were installed to pre-warn the general public. (Source: DPWH Bureau of Maintenance)

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Roxas relocates stranded hospital patients to BFP grounds in Cebu City

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

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Thursday personally supervised the relocation to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Regional Office of 84 hospital patients who had been stranded on the sidewalk of Cebu City after a major quake rocked the Visayas last Tuesday. Roxas allowed the temporary use of the BFP office as alternate medical facility after he noticed during an inspection tour that the patients of Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) were exposed to environmental hazards while being treated on the city sidewalk. ―Hindi naman makatao na pabayaan na lamang sa sidewalk ang mga pasyenteng ito habang ginagamot. Mas malamang na lumala ang kundisyon nila dahil sa alikabok at usok na nalalanghap nila araw-araw,‖ the DILG chief said. Roxas toured several critical areas of Cebu City last Thursday to assess the extent of damage of the killer quake in the area. Last Wednesday, he also accompanied President Ramos and other Cabinet officials in distributing relief goods to affected residents of Tagbilaran City in Bohol. While checking on the condition of the hospital patients on the Cebu City sidewalk, Roxas inquired from Chief of Hospital Dr. Gloria Duterte on how they plan to move the stranded patients to other hospitals for better care. Dr. Duterte informed the DILG chief that other hospitals can no longer accommodate the stranded patients from CCMC since they were also full of people seeking medical treatment. She reported that CCMC had more than 200 patients when the killer quake rocked the city last Tuesday. Majority of the patients had been moved to other hospitals since then, but 84 others who remain preferred that they be moved to the city sidewalk for fear of aftershocks. Dr. Duterte explained that the hospital staff was left with no choice but to turn the city sidewalk into a virtual hospital, transferring the patients to the open space near the busy street. Parts of the sidewalk had been subdivided for Internal Medicine, Pediatric Care, OB-GYN and Surgery. She said the administrative staff of CCMC had been scouting for more secure areas in the city to serve as alternative facility, but they could not find any. Sensing the immediate danger of exposing the patients to environmental hazards, Roxas volunteered to transfer the patients to the adjacent building housing the regional office of the BFP. He immediately assembled a group of 30 personnel from the BFP rescue group and 30 new recruits to assist CCMC personnel in moving the stranded patients to empty spaces within the regional office. All the patients were eventually transferred to the BFP office after the City Fire Engineer informed the DILG chief that building officials of Cebu City had given clearance on the structural integrity of the BFP building. Dr. Duterte thanked Roxas profusely during the transfer, saying the move would greatly reduce the chances of the patients getting infection while undergoing treatment. Later in the afternoon, three of the 22 patients in critical condition were transferred to Cebu Doctor‘s University Hospital (CDUH) due to the intervention of the DILG chief and Secretary Ricky Carandang. The two Cabinet Secretaries were able to talk to the administrator of CDUH, who agreed immediately to accommodate the three patients—Marcela Vilvestre, 87; Agnes Fuentes, 42; and Aniceta Sanchez, 74 — who were in serious condition.

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DOE ensures power supply for the 2013 Barangay elections

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

(Taguig City) The Department of Energy (DOE) issued Department Circular No DC 2013-10-0026 enjoining the energy agencies and electric power industry participants to ensure stable and continuous power supply from 21 October to 04 Nov. 2013 (seven days before and after) in time for the barangay elections on 28 October 2013. The DOE calls on the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Power Corporation and its Small Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), power generation companies, and distribution utilities for their full support of the government‘s aim to hold a successful election. The circular, likewise, states that the said energy agencies and power industry players are required to submit to concerned DOE offices accurate hourly reports on the power situation on Election Day. The issuance of such circular is in line with the DOE‘s mandate to provide a mechanism for the integration, rationalization, and coordination of the various activities to carry out the energy policy of the State. Power Updates will be available to the public through the DOE‘s Twitter account (@DOE_PH) and the DOE website

(www.doe.gov.ph), as well as in various social networking site accounts of the said energy agencies.

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DOTC: MCIAA donates P2-million to earthquake victims

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

Following the aftermath of Tuesday‘s temblor, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has decided to donate P 2-Million to the victims of the earthquake in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol out of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget. The MCIAA Board of Directors met yesterday, 17 October 2013, and approved the release of P 1-Million each to the Provincial Governments of Cebu and Bohol as financial assistance for use in their relief operations. ―I commend MCIAA for this generous act at this critical time, and I hope this inspires others to help out as well. I personally visited our kababayans in these areas over the past two days and saw the difficulties they are going through. It is good for them to be reassured that government is here to help them,‖ said Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya. The MCIAA also reported to the DOTC that the Cebu airport has been back to 100% 24-hour normal operations since the day after the earthquake hit, or on 16 October 2013. This confirmation dispels certain false and irresponsible text messages which have been circulated, claiming that the runway was badly damaged and that the airport was closed. According to the MCIAA, the runway was closed for only 20 minutes right after the temblor hit, in order to allow the Runway Inspection Team to conduct an immediate technical inspection of the runway and taxiway integrity. Having been found to be safe, the runway was reopened for flight operations. Meanwhile, the passenger terminal building (PTB) was evacuated and closed for around three-and-a-half hours on 15 October 2013 as structural integrity was assessed. No major damages were detected, as minor damages such as cracks were non-structural in nature. Passenger and cargo processing were returned to the PTB from separate buildings by around noon of the same day. The riding public is advised to remain on alert and to follow any public announcements that may be broadcast at the airport. Should there be a need to evacuate, they should follow the guidance of airport personnel and head to the nearest exits. The MCIAA is appealing for calm and sobriety as aftershocks occur. The MCIAA reaffirms its commitment to provide the highest level of airport services possible with safety first on its mind, in line with the DOTC‘s priority of ensuring passenger safety and convenience.

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Indian External Affairs Minister to conduct lecture on “The Shaping of India‟s Foreign Policy”

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

18 October 2013 – Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will deliver the inaugural lecture of the ―Rizal-Nehru Memorial Lectures‖ at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on October 22. Minister Khurshid will talk on ―The Shaping of India‘s Foreign Policy,‖ including India‘s Look East Policy and Philippine-Indian relations. More than 150 guests, including officials from the Philippine government and the diplomatic corps, representatives from the academe and think-tanks, business chambers, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Scholarships Alumni, university students and the media have been invited to the lecture. The Rizal Nehru Lectures is intended to be a series of lectures in the Philippines and India, and aims to promote greater understanding of each other‘s foreign policies. The lecture is a joint undertaking between the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), the DFA‘s Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Indian Embassy in the Philippines. After the lecture, Minister Khurshid will hand over to FSI Director Ma. Angelina Sta. Catalina a donation of 200 books from the Government of India. Minister Khurshid will be on his first official visit to the Philippines for the 2nd Meeting of the Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on October 21.

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PHL to Chair USD100 billion UN Green Climate Fund

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

18 October 2013 - With unanimous support from the Asian Group, Albay Governor Joey Salceda was elected as Co-chair of the Board of the Green Climate Fund during its 5th meeting held in Paris from October 08 to 10. Established by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2011, the Fund is intended to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. The 24-member Board - now co-chaired by the Philippines and Germany for a term of one year - oversees the operation of the Fund, which has pledges of USD 100 billion by 2020, and approves the funding of projects in line with the Fund's principles, criteria, modalities, policies and programs. In pitching for his candidacy, Governor Salceda said that the Fund should prompt positive consequences in the lives of ordinary people. With 2014 as the target for the operationalization of the Fund, Governor Salceda aims to make the Fund work for developing countries, including Small Islands Developing States, Least Developed Countries, Africa, and highly vulnerable communities in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Governor Salceda was accompanied by Adviser Bernarditas Muller, his Chief-of-Staff Atty. Caroline Sabio, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)-Region V Director Bernardo Alejandro IV, Mr. Mervin Gutierrez, and representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Paris who all actively campaigned for his seat as Co-Chair. Governor Salceda's election is a strong expression of confidence in the Philippines and further raises the country's profile in the international community.

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Aliens told: Always have your ACR I-Card

Source: http://immigration.gov.ph

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) advised foreigners to always have their Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) in their possession as it is the best proof of their legal status and stay in the Philippines. BI Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison said having the ACR I-Card helps a foreigner avoid inconvenience whenever he transacts business in the country. The ACR I-Card is a microchip-based identification card issued to a registered alien which replaced the previous paper-based ACR. It has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically. The card also serves as the Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), Re-entry Permit (RP) and Special Return Certificate (SRC) of the holder upon payment of the required fees. Mison, however, warned foreigners to guard against forged and spurious ACR I-Cards. He said it has come to the Bureau‘s attention that some of these cards have been fabricated or fraudulently issued by unscrupulous elements. The BI Chief advised foreigners to only engage the services of BI Accredited Private Entities (APE) in applying for their ACR I-Cards. He described the ACR I-Card as an important identity and visa status document that should not be desecrated. Mison disclosed that the unlawful reproduction, replication, sale, manufacture, and distribution of ACR I-Card is a criminal offense punishable with imprisonment and fine under the Philippine Immigration Act.

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Last Updated: 19 OCTOBER 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival statement during the arrival ceremony at

the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Friday night (October 18) from his

successful two-day State Visit to the Republic of Korea. (Photo by Robert Viñas /

Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III escorted by Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Alan Luga greets

Executive Sec. Paquito Ochoa Jr. and members of his official family upon arrival at the

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II on Friday night (October 18) from

his successful two-day State Visit to the Republic of Korea. (Photo by Robert Viñas/

Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III escorted by Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Alan Luga greets

members of his official family upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Terminal II on Friday night (October 18) from his successful two-day State Visit to the

Republic of Korea. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the

meeting with the Filipino community at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel here during his

State Visit to the Republic of Korea on Friday (October 18). Korea is the 3rd largest

economy in Asia and a major investment and trade partner of the Philippines. Last year,

bilateral trade amounted to US$ 7.408 billion. Also in photo are Sec Rene Almendras and

Trade Sec. Gregory Dominggo (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/

Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Lakandula on

naturalized Korean lawmaker Rep. Jasmine Lee during the meeting with the Filipino

community at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel here during his State Visit to the Republic

of Korea on Friday (October 18, 2013). Lee, who hails from Cavite and Davao City is the

first naturalized Korean to be elected to Korea's National Assembly. (PLDT powered by

SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with the Filipino community

at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel here during his State Visit to the Republic of Korea on

Friday (October 18). Korea is the 3rd largest economy in Asia and the 13th in the world in

2012. Korea is one of the Philippines' major investment and trade partners and an important

source of investments and official development assistance, as well as the country's top source

of tourists, with tourist arrivals reaching more than a million last year. Also in photo are

Senate President Franklin Drillon, Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert Del Rosario, Defense Sec.

Voltaire Gazmin, Energy Sec. Jericho Petilla and Communications Sec. Sonny Coloma.

(PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes National Pension Service

(NPS) of Korea chairman and chief executive officer Kwang Choi during a meeting at the

Grand Hyatt Hotel here during his State Visit on Friday (October 18). NPS has gained over

20 million contributors, 3.3 million beneficiaries and emerged as the third largest pension

fund in the world with over 400 trillion won in assets. Also in photo are Trade and Industry

Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Secretary to the Cabinet

Jose Rene Almendras. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan /

Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Lotte Asset

Development executive managing director and chief executive officer Chang-kwon Kim

during a meeting at Grand Hyatt Hotel here for his State Visit on Friday (October 18). Lotte

Hotels & Resorts boasts of Korea’s largest chain of five luxury hotels, which are located in

Seoul, World, Ulsan, Jeju, and Busan, a business hotel in Mapo, and Gimpo Airport. The

opening of a 6-star hotel in Moscow, Russia, marks its step towards becoming a leading

global hotels & resorts group. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur

Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Korea

Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) president and chief executive officer Hwan-Eik Cho,

KEPCO Philippines president and chief executive officer Kyu-byeng Hwang and KEPCO

executive vice president and chief global business officer Kyong-goo Hur, during the

meeting at the Business Center Room 9, Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul for his State Visit to the

Republic of Korea on Friday (October 18). KEPCO strives to ensure stable electric power

supply based on world-class electric power quality and presently expanding its business to

overseas markets including the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Latin America. (PLDT

powered by SMART) (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces Korea Electric Power

Corporation (KEPCO) president and chief executive officer Hwan-Eik Cho to Trade and

Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo during a meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here for his

State Visit on Friday (October 18). KEPCO strives to ensure stable electric power supply

based on world-class electric power quality and presently expanding its business to overseas

markets including the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Also in photo are

KEPCO Philippines president and chief executive officer Kyu-byeng Hwang, KEPCO

executive vice president and chief global business officer Kyong-goo Hur and Foreign

Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur

Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Hanjin

Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. chairman Nam-ho Cho, executive vice president

Jeong-sup Shim and vice president Pyung-jong Yu during a meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel

here for his State Visit on Friday (October 18). Korea is the 3rd largest economy in Asia and

the 13th in the world in 2012. Korea is one of the Philippines’ major investment and trade

partners. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Korea

International Trading Association (KITA) chairman and chief executive officer Han Duck-

Soo, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive vice chairman Dong-Geun Lee

and Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business executive vice chairman Jae Hee Song,

in a meeting with the hosts of the Korean Business Community Luncheon at the Business

Conference Room 9, Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul during his State Visit to the Republic of

Korea on Friday (October 18). Korea is the 3rd largest economy in Asia and the 13th in the

world in 2012. Korea is one of the Philippines’ major investment and trade partners. Last

year, bilateral trade amounted to US$ 7.408 billion. Aside from being an important source of

investments and official development assistance, Korea remains the country’s top source of

tourists reaching more than a million in 2012 or nearly a quarter of total tourist arrivals to the

Philippines. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo

Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the Korean Business

Community at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul during his State Visit

to the Republic of Korea on Friday (October 18). Korea is one of the Philippines’ major

investment and trade partners and remains the country’s top source of tourists. (PLDT

powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III is escorted by Korean Minister for

Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Sung Choon upon arrival for the wreath-laying and

presentation of appreciation in honor of the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., at the Hall of

Heroes, War Memorial of Korea in Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Friday (October 18).

The War Memorial that shows the military history of Korea was opened in 1994 in memory

of deceased patriots and war heroes of the country. The memorial building has six indoor

exhibition rooms where various records of the war and soldiers who devoted their lives for

the country have been collected, preserved and exhibited. (PLDT powered by SMART)

(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III, guided by War Memorial Museum

Curator Scotty Park, tours and inspects the facilities of the museum at the UN Room, War

Memorial Museum in War Memorial of Korea in Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Friday

(October 18, 2013) during his State Visit to the Republic of Korea. The War Memorial that

shows the military history of Korea was opened in 1994 in memory of deceased patriots and

war heroes of the country. The memorial building has six indoor exhibition rooms where

various records of the war and soldiers who devoted their lives for the country have been

collected, preserved and exhibited. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea /

Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the Guest Book during the

Tour of the War Museum at the UN Room, War Memorial of Korea in Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-

gu, Seoul on Friday (October 18) during his State Visit to the Republic of Korea. The War

Memorial that shows the military history of Korea was opened in 1994 in memory of

deceased patriots and war heroes of the country. The memorial building has six indoor

exhibition rooms where various records of the war and soldiers who devoted their lives for

the country have been collected, preserved and exhibited. (PLDT powered by SMART)

(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from the Korea Journalists

Society president Hong Won-ki a Plaque of Appreciation in honor of former Senator

Benigno Aquino, Jr., during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Hall of Heroes, War

Memorial of Korea in Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Friday (October 18) during his

State Visit to the Republic of Korea. The War Memorial that shows the military history of

Korea was opened in 1994 in memory of deceased patriots and war heroes of the country.

The memorial building has six indoor exhibition rooms where various records of the war and

soldiers who devoted their lives for the country have been collected, preserved and exhibited.

(PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo

Bureau)

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath at the Hall of Heroes,

War Memorial of Korea in Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Friday (October 18) during the

wreath-Laying and resentation of appreciation in honor of the late Senator Benigno Aquino,

Jr., during his State Visit to the Republic of Korea. The War Memorial that shows the

military history of Korea was opened in 1994 in memory of deceased patriots and war

heroes of the country. The memorial building has six indoor exhibition rooms where various

records of the war and soldiers who devoted their lives for the country have been collected,

preserved and exhibited. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur

Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!