Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for June 18 , 2013 Tuesday, 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 10 Weather Watch,
11 Regional Watch , 5 OFW Watch , 16 Online News

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

52 minutes ago 1. Thunderstorm Advisory No. 03 09:45AM 18 June 2013 Thunderstorm affecting #Bataan (Morong) within 2 hours and expected to affect nearby areas. All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, strong winds, lightning and possible flashfloods. Keep monitoring for updates.

Weather Watch

about an hour ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. PAGASA weather forecaster Meno Mendoza on DZBB: -Dito sa Kamaynilaan ay asahan pa rin natin ang mga pag-ulan mga bandang hapon at gabi. -Kasama na rito ang Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Northern Mindanao and CARAGA po. -Makakaranas po ang mga yan ng light to moderate rain showers po. -Yung natitira mga isolated na lang. -Maari po (rainy weather may last until Saturday). -Si Emong naman ay nasa bandang 460 km east ng Baler, Aurora. -Mga Huwebes po ng hapon (expected schedule of exit within PAR). -Nakikita natin may susunod pa po.

Weather Watch
about an hour ago near Quezon City, Philippines 3. PAGASA weather forecaster Alvin Pura on ANC: -This afternoon, we have a high chance of thunderstorms and rainshowers in Metro Manila. -As TD Emong nears the boundary of PAR by Thursday, it will enhance Southwest Monsoon which will bring heavy rains to western section of the country. -We can expect more rains by Thursday, Friday and Saturday then good weather by Sunday until Tuesday. -By Thursday, we can see also possible formation of LPA near the western section of Luzon.

Weather Watch
about an hour ago near Quezon City, Philippines 4. DZBB: Tila bumubwelo na naman ang kalangitan sa bahagi ng Marikina City para magbuhos ng ulan. Sa labas ng tanggapan ng Rescue 161 ay inilalabas na nila ang kanilang mga rubber boats para sa paghahanda sakaling bumuhos na naman ang malakas na ulan. Ang pinakamataas na naitalang lebel ng tubig sa Marikina River as of 7:00pm kagabi ay umabot sa 14 meters.

Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 5. GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz: -Muling bumilis ang kilos ng Tropical Depression Emong. Kumikilos ito pa-north northwest sa bilis na 15kph. -Ayon sa PAGASA, taglay nito ang lakas ng hangin na umaabot sa 55kph malapit sa gitna at namataan ang sentro sa layong 460km silangan ng Baler, Aurora. -Base naman sa datos na nakalap ng Weather Central, magpapatuloy ang pag-ulan sa NCR, Northern, Central at Southern Luzon lalo na sa hapon o gabi. -Mas maulan naman sa Visayas, Northern Mindanao at CARAGA region. Bahagyang pag-ulan naman ang asahan sa iba pang bahagi ng Mindanao ngayong araw.

Weather Watch
13 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 6. PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar on DZBB: - Mayroon po tayong ipinalabas na yellow rainfall advisory. - Mayroon tayong na-observe na moderate to heavy rainfall sa CAMANAVA, Manila, Pasig, Pasay, Taguig, Makati, Paraaque,

Las Pias, Muntinlupa at Quezon City particularly Fairview, Novaliches and Commonwealth at kasama na rin po ang Mandaluyong at Pateros. Sa nakaraang oras po ay nakapagtala tayo ng moderate to heavy rainfall at inaasahan po natin ito na magpapatuloy sa susunod na tatlong oras. - Ibig-sabihin po (ng yellow rainfall advisory) ay iyong mga mababang lugar ay flooding na po.

Weather Watch
16 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 7. Maj Reynaldo Balido Jr., NDRRMC spokesman on GTV: Re: Disaster Preparedness - Nagsimula ang preparasyon natin noong hindi pa nagsisimula ang pag-ulan. - Kasama naman ang international organization sa pagsasagawa naman ng humanitarian mission sa mga naapektuhan ng bagyong Pablo noong nakalipas na taon. - Inaasahan naman ang pag-ulan na normal, ayon naman din ito sa PAGASA. - Sa Maguindanao, ito ang labis na binabantayan dahil sa pagbaha. - Ngayon pa lang bumababa ang tubig mula Bukidnon at North Cotabato. - Ibayong pag-iingat sana ang gawin ng mga lugar na binabaha. [pia-dp]

Weather Watch
16 hours ago 8. MMDA FLOOD ALERT: - As of 6:05pm, Aurora Blvd. towards Broadway (half tire). Expect heavy traffic. - As of 6:10pm, C5-Tiendesitas southbound (gutter deep). Expect heavy traffic. - As of 6:10pm, EDSA-Megamall Service Road northbound (gutter deep); EDSA-Santolan northbound (gutter deep); EDSAMain Avenue northbound (gutter deep) - As of 6:15pm, Ortigas Ave. Eastbound near Columbia Tower (half tire). Not passable to light vehicles. - As of 6:25pm, Biak na Bato, Quezon Avenue westbound (knee deep). Not passable to light vehicles.

Weather Watch
16 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 9. GTV: Nasa search and retrieval na ang operasyon ng PCG at BFAR sa Masbate sa lumubog na M/V Mt. Carmel. Ayon namang sa PCG, malabo nang ma-salvage ang lumubog na barko ng M/V Mt. Carmel. Samantala, iniimbestigahan na ang iba't ibang anggulo sa paglubog ng barko. Sa ngayon ay pabugso-bugso ang pag-ulan sa Masbate kaya hindi inaasahan ng PCG na magpapatuloy ang search and retrieval operation sa loob ng 24 oras.

Weather Watch
16 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 10. PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada on DZRH: Re: Taya ng panahon -Kung magpapatuloy ang lakas at bilis ng bagyong Emong na 9kph, lalabas ito ng PAR sa Huwebes o hanggang Biyernes. Inaasahang kikilos ito sa hilagang kanluran patungo sa direksyon ng bansang Taiwan. -Sa may Thailand, southern China, hindi gaanong kainitan ang temperatura ng dagat kumpara sa East Phil. Sea, kaya kung may mamuo mang bagyo o LPA ay mas lumalakas sa may East Philippine Sea kaysa sa may West Philippine Sea.

Weather Watch

June 18 , 2013 (Tuesday)

as of 8 :00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : : : :

Partly Cloudy Sunny Partly Cloudy with scattered rainshowers Partly Cloudy Sunny

PIA

Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

36 minutes ago near Quezon City, Philippines 1. PIA-4A/LAGUNA: June 19, Wednesday, is a special non-working holiday in the Province of Laguna to celebrate the 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero. The declaration, by authority of the President, was signed by Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on June 14, 2013 under Proclamation No. 600.

PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Students from the San Pablo City High School in San Pablo City recently received new e-tablets as part of the city government and Local School Board's educational program headed by Mayor Vicente B. Amante.

PIA Regional Watch

14 hours ago 3. PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May 3,829 na birth certificates ang libreng ibinigay ng Batangas City Civil Registrars Office sa mga kabataang papasok ng Grade 1. Layon nitong makatulong sa mga magulang upang mas mapadali ang pagkuha ng birth certificate.

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago 4. PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Tanay municipal government together with the Land Transportation Office is set to conduct a E-Patrol Mobile Service from June 24-July 5. Services to be offered will include registration of motor vehicles and issuance of student permits.

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago 5. PIA-4A/QUEZON: TESDA Quezon Provincial Office will be launching a mobile training on June 19 at Lucena City Hall annex building. Lucena City. Engr. Racy Gesmundo of TESDA-Quezon said this project aims to give skills training on computer hardware servicing and other training to TESDA scholarship trainees.

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago 6. PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May 21 kababaihan mula sa Brgy. San Isidro sa Lungsod ng Batangas ang sumailalim sa pagsasanay sa paggawa ng puto at hamburger. Layon nito na makapagbigay ng kaalaman para magkaroon ng karagdagang pagkikitaan upang maitaguyod ang pamilya.

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago 7. PIA IVA/QUEZON: At least 2,500 patients were benefited in the free medical and dental mission conducted recently by SM Foundation in Lucena City. The services offered by the medical team of SM Foundation were check-up, dental, urinalysis, ECG, X-ray, acupuncture and ankle density index doopler. The medical and dental mission is conducted annually by SM Foundation to help the poor and needy.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hours ago 8. PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagsagawa ang pamahalaang lokal ng San Nicolas ng pagtatanim ng 700 puno ng niyog sa Brgy.Alasas. Ito ay nilahukan ng mga kapulisan,empleyado ng pamahalaang lokal at mga opisyal at tanod ng ibat ibang brgy. Sa

naturang bayan.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hours ago 9. PIA-IVA/QUEZON: The Municipal Gender and Development Council (MGADC) of Lopez, Quezon awarded as major winner in the annual search of outstanding MGADC for 1st class municipalities in the province. Other winners are MGADCMacalelon, Quezon (4th class municipality) and MGADC-Quezon, Quezon (5th class muni cipalities) which also received major award. The search will encourage the municipalities in the province to be more effective in mainstreaming of gender and development.

PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday 10. PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isang medical at dental mission ang isinagawa ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa mga mamamayan ng Isla Verde.Bukod dito,may mga kinatawan din mula sa ibat ibang departamento na nagdala ng serbisyo upang mailapit ang paglilingkod ng lokal na pamahalaan sa mga tao.

PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday 11. PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May 3,000 katao ang kakailanganin sa pagbubukas ng AG and P sa PHIL Ports Authority sa darating na Setyembre.Nangangahulugan ito ng karagdagang trabaho para sa mga Batangueno.

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 1. GMA News: Philippine officials will help repatriate this coming week the remains of a Filipina-American who was shot dead in a wholesale store in Virginia last May. According to Philippine Embassy in Washington Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. assured the family of Mylene de Leon-Scott that they were facilitating the repatriation of her remains. Cuisia had himself paid his final respects Saturday night (US time) to de Leon-Scott, who police fatally shot at a Costco store in Sterling, Virginia. He also extended his condolences to de Leon-Scott's former husband, two daughters and uncle.

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. ABS-CBN: No Filipino was killed or injured when two passenger trains collided in Buenos Aires, Argentina last Thursday. DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Philippine Embassy reports no Filipino casualties amid Filipinos in Argentina are concentrated in the capital city of Buenos Aires.

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 3. DZMM: Pinaiimbestigahan ni PNoy sa OWWA ang sinasabing sex for tickets scam. Ayon sa report, bubuo ang OWWA ng inter-agency committee na mag-iimbestiga sa reklamo ng mga OFW sa Middle East.

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 4. DFA Asec Raul Hernandez on DZMM: Re: Mga OFW sa Saudi -Since last May na nangyari itong crackdown, mayroon na tayong 400 plus na na-repatriate na OWs. -Baka mahirapan tayo na mapauwi ang lahat ng Pilipinong undocumented na nais ng umuwi. -Marami pa ang gustong umuwi at hindi nila (Saudi govt) makakayanan sa kanilang sistema na ibinigay sa expatriate. -Ang pag-camp out doon sa Riyadh sa labas ng embahada ay ipinagbabawal ng Saudi govt. -Hindi namin tinatanggal ang mga tent. -Nakikiusap po kami sa ating mga kababayan na lumipat. -mali po ang sinasabi na kapag nandoon na sila sa ating temporary shelter at bahay kalinga ay hindi na sila maaasikaso. -Ang mga Saudi govt official ang preferred nila na may yun muna ang aasikasuhin (nasa shelter) kasi sila po ang tumutugon sa batas ng Saudi Arabia. -Mayroong mga grupo doon na nagka-camp out na hinaharang nila ang mga Pilipinong gusto ng pumasok sa ating temporary shelters. -Yung iba may mga kaso (nahihirapang makauwi ng Pilipinas). -Hindi lang tayong mga Pilipino may iba pang expatriate na foreign nationals doon sa Saudi Arabia. -Ang pakiusap natin doon sa kanila na makipag-cooperate sa ating embahada.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday 5. DZBB: May bagong batch ng 14 na OFWs na inilikas mula sa Saudi Arabia ang parating ng bansa bukas ng hapon. Sa kanilang pagdating ay aabot na sa 440 na OFWs ang na-repatriate ng gobyero mula sa Saudi Arabia. Tutulungan sila ng OWWA sa kanilang pagdating.

A. QUEZON
Tagalog news: CENRO-Pagbilao, magtatanim ng mga puno sa higit 71,000 ektaryang lupain
By Carlo P. Gonzaga
Monday 17th of June 2013 Tweet FacebookYahooEmailShareThis

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Hunyo 17 (PIA) -- Ang Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) ng Pagbilao ay naglalayong makapagtanim ng mga puno sa may 71,590 ektarya ng lupain ngayong taon. Sinabi ni CENRO Pagbilao officer Edmundo Esteban na kabilang sa mga lupaing ito ay bulubundukin, at forest and mangrove areas na matatagpuan sa mga bayan ng Pagbilao, Agdangan, Padre Burgos, Dolores, Sariaya, Tiaong, Candelaria, San Antonio, Pagbilao, Lucban, Mauban, Sampaloc, lungsod ng Lucena at lungsod ng Tayabas. Malawakan ang gagawin naming tree planting dahil ngayong tag-ulan ang pinakamainam na panahon para magtanim ng mga puno, kung kayat hinihikayat namin ang mga ibang grupo at organisasyon na maki -isa at suportahan ito bilang pagpapatupad ng National Greening Program (NGP), sabi ni Este ban. Ayon pa kay Esteban, kabilang sa mga puno na kanilang nakatakdang itanim ay narra, molave, apitong at mga mga punong namumunga tulad ng liputi at mabolo sa mga bahaging bulubundukin dahil madaling lumago. Idinagdag pa nito na kabilang sa may pinakamagandang mangroves sites sa buong bansa ay matatagpuan sa mga bayan ng Pagbilao, Agdangan, at Padre Burgos. (CPG/PIA4A Quezon)

B. CAVITE
DOLE-Cavite holds training on family welfare program
By Carlo P. Gonzaga
Monday 17th of June 2013

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TRECE MARTIRES CITY, June 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Cavite Provincial Office held a two-day training on Family Planning Welfare Program (FWP) at Optis Philippines, Inc. recently. Sixteen employees coming from the different departments of Optis Philippines, Inc.attended the training that will form the company's family welfare committee (FWC). Companies employing more than 200 workers are urged to implement FWP to promote workers qualify of life and improve productivity as contained in one of the directives of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Through the program, both management and employees are assisted to have a better working relationship by protecting the health of the workers that may result into a happy working environment as well as higher productivity. Located at the sprawling Gateway Business Park in Gen. Trias, Optis Philippines, Inc. employs a total of 7,305 workers of which 6,597 are women. The company is considered as one of the biggest workforce in Cavite. Because the company is dominated by female workers, the training focused on family planning and maternal and child health, one of the dimensions of FWP. Edwin Hernandez, Myrose Basila, Rachel Caliwara and Dr. Charina Rubio served as resources persons during the training. Aside from the training, DOLE-Cavite also provided technical assistance for the drafting of company policy on FWP that will serve as the backbone of the FWC. (CPG, PIA4A with report from Myrose B. Basila, Labor Communications Officer, DoLE Cavite Provincial Office)

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS
1. Tagalog news: Mahigit 3,000 birth certificates, libreng ipinamahagi ng CRO

Tuesday 18th of June 2013

Tweet FacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 18 (PIA) -- May 3,829 birth certificates ang libreng ipinamigay ng City Civil Registrars Office (CRO) sa mga mag-aaral na papasok sa Grade 1 ngayong pasukan. Tinanggap ng mga school district supervisors ng pitong distrito kasama na ang Verde Island ang birth certificates upang ibigay sa mga magulang na mga batang papasok sa Grade 1. Agosto 2012 pa lamang, kinuha na ng CRO ang listahan ng mga batang papasok ng grade I sa mga principal, kalakip ang sulat na isusumite ito hanggang Disyembre. Pagkatanggap ng mga listahan ay inihanda na ng CRO ang mga birth certificates upang maibigay ito bago magpasukan. Sinabi ni Josie Maranan, hepe ng Batangas City CRO, na ang proyektong ito ay 12 taon na nilang isinasagawa. Nagsimula noong 2002 hanggang sa kasalukuyan, may 43,304 birth certificates na may kabuuang halagang P2 milyon ang naipamigay sa ilalim ng programang Oplan Kamalayan. Ayon pa kay Maranan, ang proyektong ito ay pinuri ni Civil Registrar General Carmelta Rista dahil tanging ang lungsod ng Batangas lamang ang gumagawa ng ganitong programa. Dagdag ni Maranan, malaking tulong ito sa mga magulang lalo na ang mga nasa malayong lugar katulad ng mga nakatira sa coastal areas dahilan sa hindi na sila makapunta pa ng bayan para kumuha ng birth certificate. Bukod pa rito patuloy ang CRO sa pagkakaloob ng iba pang mga serbisyo kabilang ang mobile registration sa mga barangay sa ilalim ng Kaibigan, Kabalikat, Kaalam at Katuwang upang makapagbigay ng iba pang serbisyo publiko at impormasyon tungkol sa civil registration. (Liza Delos Reyes, PIO Batangas City-PIA4A Batangas)

2. Tagalog news: DepEd, patuloy sa advocacy campaign ukol sa Enhanced K+12

Tuesday 18th of June 2013 Tweet FacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 18 (PIA) -- Patuloy ang advocacy campaign ng Department of Education (DepEd) ukol sa Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program. Sinabi ni Herman Catapang, education program supervisor ng DepEd Batangas City, na ang Pilipinas na lamang sa buong Asya ang kulang ang taon sa basic education system, kumpara sa ibang bansa na 12 taon ang basic education. Ang K+12 Basic Education Model ay binubuo ng kindergarten, anim na taong elementarya, apat na taong junior high school (Grades 7 to 10) at dalawang taong senior high school (Grades 11 to 12). Nakikipag-ugnayan and DepEd sa Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) sa posibilidad na mas mapaikli ang kolehiyo at para sa mga gustong kumuha ng technical-vocational courses. Ayon pa kay Catapang, ang dalawang taong napadagdag o senior high school kung saan ang kukunin ay kursong bokasyonal ay magkakaroon ng NC I at NC II certificate ng Tesda na maaaring magamit ng estudyante upang makapagtrabaho kung sakaling hindi na makapag-kolehiyo. Ang diploma mula sa 12-year basic education ay sapat na para ang isang nagtapos ay makakuha ng trabaho. Ang kurikulum nito ay magiging pantapat sa mga pamantayang pandaigdigan at magbigay sa kanila ng mas malaking

tsansang makakuha ng magandang trabaho kung ikukumpara sa mga nagsipagtapos sa ibang bansa. Mas handa sa trabaho o kolehiyo ang mga magtatapos sa ilalim ng K+12 program. Ang pag-aaral sa bagong kurikulum ay magpapalakas sa likas na talento ng mga-aaral at mas praktikal ang mga aralin dito. Inaasahan ng DepEd na maunawaan ng mga magulang ang K+12 education program dahil mas madali at mabilis na makakahanap ng trabaho ang kanilang mga anak. (Liza Delos Reyes, PIO Batangas City-PIA Batangas)

3. Tagalog news: 3,000 manggagawa kakailanganin sa pagbubukas ng AG&P sa Batangas Port

By Mamerta P. De Castro
Monday 17th of June 2013

Tweet FacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 17 (PIA) -- May 3,000 manggagawa na karamihan ay skilled workers ang kakailanganin ng Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company of Manila, Inc. (AG&P) sa pagbubukas ng "fabrication yard" nito sa Batangas Port sa Setyembre. Kabilang sa mga kakailanganing manggagawa ay mga engineer, foreman, scaffolders, pipefitters, electricians, insulators, welders, painters, instrument technicians, crane operators at iba pa. Kaugnay nito, isang pagpupulong ang ipinatawag ng pamahalaang lungsod sa mga pinuno ng barangay kamakailan upang maipabatid sa kani-kanilang nasasakupan ang malaking pagkakataong nakatakdang dumating sa lungsod. Binigyang diin ni Atty. RD Dimacuha, chief of staff at kumatawan kay Mayor Vilma Dimacuha ang magandang pagkakataong darating upang mabigyan ng trabaho ang mga residente ng lungsod partikular ang host barangay ng nabanggit na proyekto Ipinagmalaki naman ni Alexander Genil, VP ng human resources ng AG&P ang iba t ibang proyekto ng nasabing kompanya sa ibat ibang bahagi ng bansa na gawa ng mga Filipino. Ang AG&P ay mahigit nang 10 taon sa larangan ng fabrication, konstruksyon, modularization at infrastructure support services. Ang bubuksang fabrication yard sa Batangas Port ang ikalawa sa Batangas, ang una ay nasa Bauan. Isang pagpupulong muli ang itinakdang ganapin upang magdaos ng job fair upang mapunuan ang may 3,000 puwestong kakailanganin ng AG&P sa kanilang proyekto. May plano din ang lokal na pamahalaan na magbukas ng technical vocational courses sa Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas para sa mga interesado lalo't higit, ito ang in demand na uri ng trabaho sa kasalukuyan. (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/CPG/MPDC-PIA4A Batangas)

E. RIZAL

17 JUNE 2013.

1. President Aquino declares June 18 a special non-working day in Kalilangan, Bukidnon in celebration of 47th Foundation Day 2. President Aquino declares June 19 as special non-working day in Laguna in celebration of 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal 3. Aquino signs a bill on modernization of agriculture and fisheries sector into law
President Aquino declares June 18 a special non-working day in Kalilangan, Bukidnon in celebration of 47th Foundation Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared June 18, which falls on a Tuesday, as a special (non-working day) in the municipality of Kalilangan in the province of Bukidnon in celebration of its 47th Foundation Day. The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 599 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on June 14, to give the people of Kalilangan the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. On June 18, 1966, Kalilangan became a municipality by virtue of Republic Act No. 4788. Kalilangan is a Maguindanao word for "merry making". PND (js) TOP President Aquino declares June 19 as special non-working day in Laguna in celebration of 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared June 19, which falls on a Wednesday, as a special (non-working day) in the province of Laguna in celebration of the 152nd birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 600 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on June 14 to give the people of Laguna the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies Born on June 19, 1861, Jos Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda became the most prominent Filipino nationalist for advocating reforms through peaceful means rather than by violent revolution in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Rizal was the seventh of eleven children and belonged to a wealthy family in the town of Calamba, Laguna. He attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and graduated Bachelor of Arts. He took up medicine and Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas. Rizal traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid and earned the degree of Licentiate in Medicine. He also enrolled at the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. Aside from being conversant in at least 10 languages, Rizal was a poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist. His most famous works were his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. As a prominent political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina in 1892, a civic organization that subsequently led to the organization of Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. Rizals execution on December 30, 1896 made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution. PND (js) TOP

Aquino signs a bill on modernization of agriculture and fisheries sector into law

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law a bill in a bid to boost the modernization of the agriculture and fisheries sector. The Chief Executive signed on June 5 Republic Act No. 10601 otherwise known as the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law. The Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3338 and House Bill No. 6548, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 4, 2013. The law mandates the state to promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate and cost-effective and environmentally-safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment to enhance farm productivity and efficiency in order to achieve food security and safety and increase farmers income, the President said. The state is mandated to provide a conducive environment for the assembly and manufacture of engines, machinery and equipment for agricultural and fisheries production, processing and marketing. The state shall strengthen support services such as credit faculties, research, training and extension programs, rural infrastructures, postharvest facilities and marketing services. The law, likewise, mandates the state to deliver integrated support services to farmers, fisherfolk and other stakeholders, and assist them to be able to viably operate and manage their agricultural and fisheries mechanization projects. Under the Act, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will craft a five-year National Agri-Fishery Program to promote a conducive-environment for the local assembling and manufacturing of equipment for agricultural and fisheries production, processing and marketing. The local government units, through an ordinance, shall also formulate in consultation with the DA and implement their respective provincial, city and municipal agricultural and fishery mechanization plans as a vital component of their respective local development plans. The DA, together with the Department of Agrarian Reform, shall carry out contiguous farming projects in order to effect suitable field shapes and sizes conducive to efficient operation of agricultural machinery and equipment and likewise to ensure economies of scale. The use of renewable and nonconventional energy such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass and other farm-based energy sources shall be promoted as power sources for the operation and maintenance of agricultural and fisheries machinery. All manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers and importers must register with the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) within six months upon enactment of RA 10601. Registrants must provide certification by an accredited certifying body of all products sold in the market within the next three years. Registrants must also submit to the list of local or imported equipment within a year after the enactment of the law. The law imposes penalties and sanctions on prohibited acts such as sale or lease of agricultural and fishery machinery not registered with the BAFE and without warranty, among others. Violators of the law may face a fine ranging from P1,000 to P10,000 and imprisonment of two months to one year. "The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the DAs program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act," the President said. This Act shall take effect after 15 days from its publication in the Official Gazette or 2 newspapers of general circulation. PND (js) TOP

17 HUNYO 2013 1. Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Hunyo 18 na special non-working day sa Kalilangan, Bukidnon kaugnay ng ika-47 taon ng pagkatatag nito 2. Special non-working day sa Laguna ang Hunyo 19 salig sa deklarasyon ng Pangulong Aquino dahil sa ika152 kaarawan ni Dr. Jose Rizal 3. Nilagdaan ni Aquino ang batas sa modernisasyon ng pagsasaka at pag-iisda

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Hunyo 18 na special non-working day sa Kalilangan, Bukidnon kaugnay ng ika-47 taon ng pagkatatag nito Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Hunyo 18, natapat sa araw ng Martes, bilang special non-working day sa bayan ng Kalilangan sa lalawigan ng Bukidnon alang-alang sa pagsapit ng ika-47 Taong Pagkatatag ng nasabing bayan. Inilagda ng Pangulong Aquino ang deklarasyon sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 599 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Hunyo 14, 2013 upang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Kalilangan na lubos at masayang ipagdiwang ang anibersaryo ng pagkatatag ng kanilang bayan. Noong Hunyo 18, 1966 naging bayan ang Kalilangan sa pamamagitan ng Batas ng Republika Blg. 4788. Ang Kalilangan ay salitang Maguindanaon na ang ibig sabihin ay kasayahan. PND (js/zaf) TOP Special non-working day sa Laguna ang Hunyo 19 salig sa deklarasyon ng Pangulong Aquino dahil sa ika-152 kaarawan ni Dr. Jose Rizal Dahil sa pagsapit ng ika-152 kaarawan ni Dr. Jose Rizal sa Hunyo 19, araw ng Miyerkoles, idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na special non-working day ang nasabing araw para sa lalawigan ng Laguna. Ang deklarasyon ay ginawa ng Pangulong Aquino sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 600 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Hunyo 14 upang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Laguna na maipagdiwang at malahukan ang mga pagdiriwang na may kaugnayan sa kaarawan ni Dr. Rizal. Sa bayan ng Calamba sa lalawigan ng Laguna isinilang si Jose Protacio Mercado y Alonso Realonda na lalong kilala bilang Dr. Jose Rizal noong Hunyo 19,1861. Nakilala siya sa pagsusulong ng mga reporma sa panahon ng pananakop ng mga Kastila sa Pilipinas sa halip ng sa madugong himagsikan. Pampito sa labing-isang supling ng mayamang pamilya sa Kalamba nag-aral at nakatapos siya sa Ateneo Municipal de Manila ng Bachelor of Arts. Nag-aral din siya ng medisina at Philosophy and Letters sa Pamantasan ng Santo Tomas. Nagtungo si Rizal sa Madrid, Espanya at natapos ang medisina sa Universidad Central de Madrid. Pumasok din siya sa Pamantasan ng Paris at nakatapos ng ika-2 doctorate sa Pamantasan ng Heidelberg. Isang dalubwika si Rizal na bihasa sa 10 wika at nakilala rin bilang manunulat, makata at nobelistang kumatha ng dalawang nobelang Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo. Itinatag niya ang La Liga Filipina noong 1892 na nagsusulong ng reporma sa bansa. Ipinatapon siya ng pamahalaang Espanya sa Dapitan (Mindanao). Nang iparapon si Dr. Rizal, itinatag naman ni Gat Andres Bonifacio sa Tundo ang Kataastaasang Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan. Disyembre 30, 1896, limang buwan matapos sumiklab ang Himagsikang Pilipino sa pangunguna ni Bonifacio, binaril ng mga Kastila si Dr. Jose Rizal sa Bagumbayan (kilala ngayon sa tawag na Rizal Park, dating Luneta). Habang nakabilanggo sa Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Maynila ay sinulat ni Dr. Rizal ang kanyang tulang Huling Paalam na itinago niy a sa isang lamparang kanyang iniabot sa kapatid na babae. PND (js/zaf) TOP Nilagdaan ni Aquino ang batas sa modernisasyon ng pagsasaka at pag-iisda

Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino ang Batas ng Republika Blg. 10601 o Agricultural ang Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law na layuning isulong ang modernisasyon ng sektor ng pagsasaka at pag-iisda. Itinatadhana ng nasabing batas ang pagsusulong ng pag-unlad at paggamit ng makabago, angkop, hindi magastos at ligtas sa kapaligiran na makinarya sa pagsasaka at pangingisda upang sumagana ang ani at magkaroon nang sapat na pagkain, kasabay ng pagtaas ng kita ng mga magsasaka, wika ng Pangulong Aquino. Sa ilalim ng Batas na ito, ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka ay babalangkas ng limang taong National Agri-Fishery Program upang itaguyod ang hindi makapipinsala sa kapaligiran na mga kagamitan yari sa bansa na gamit sa pagsasaka at pagiisda, gayundin sa pagproseso at pagbibili ng mga ito. Inaatasan ng Batas na ito ang pamahalaan na bigyan ng pinagsanib na tulong ang mga mag-sasala, mangingisda at iba pang stakeholders upang mapangasiwan nila nang maayos ang mga agricultural and fisheries mechanization projects nila. Magiging katuwang ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa bagay na ito ang Kagawaran ng Repormang Agraryo ukol sa mga proyekto sa pagsasaka na gagamit ng mga makinarya sa pagsa-saka na titiyak na magiging kapaki-pakinabang at magpapaangat ng ekonomya. Sa isang dako, ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng mga ordenansa ay babalangkas din ng kanilang agricultural and fishery mechanization para sa kanilang mga lalawigan, bayan at lungsod bilang bahagi ng kani-kanilang mga proyektong pangkaunlaran. Isusulong din ng batas na ito ang paggamit ng renewable and non-conventional energy na tulad ng hangin, araw (solar), tubig, biomass at iba pang mapagkukunan ng enerhiya sa kabukiran upang gamitin sa operasyon at pag-iingat sa mga makinaryang gamit sa pagsasaka at maging sa pangingisda.

Dapat magparehistro sa Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) ayon sa Batas na ito ang mga gumagawa, fabricators, assemblers at umaangkat sa loob ng anim na buwan matapos mapagtibay ang Batas ng Republika 10601. Ang magpaparehistro ay kailangang may sertipikasyon ng isang accredited certifying body ng lahat ng produktong ipagbibili sa merkado sa loob ng susunod na tatlong taon. Kailangan ding magharap ang nagpaparehistro ng listahan ng mga lokal o inangkat na mga kagamitan matapos mapatibay ang Batas na ito. Nagpapataw ng multa at parusa ang Batas sa sino mang gagawa ng mga labag na bagay tulad ng pagbibili o pagpapaupa ng mga makinarya sa pagsasaka at pagngingisida na hindi nakarehistro sa BAFE at walang warranty. Sino mang lumabag sa Batas na ito ay maaaring magmulta nang mula sa P1,000 hanggang P10,000 at pagkabilanggong dalawang buwan hanggang sa isang taon. Binigyang diin pa ng Pangulo na dapat isama ng Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa programa ng kagawaran ang pagpapatupad ng Batas na ito na ang pondo ay paglalaanan sa taunang General Appropriations Act. Ang Batas na ito ay magkakabisa 15 araw matapos malathala sa Official Gazette o sa dalawang pahayagang malaganap ang sirkulasyon. PND (js/zaf) TOP

ONLINE NEWS
17 JUNE 2013
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. NHMFC doubles dividends in 2013 BIR collection for May 2013 grew by PhP17.35 billion DSWDs SAFE project saves kids from sexual abuse OWWA-RWO VIII successfully celebrates Migrant Workers' Day 2013 OWWA SOCCSKSARGEN tribute to OFWs POEA goes after recruiters collecting placement fees from household service workers Roxas leads flood drill along major Pasay waterway DepEd reiterates class suspension rules Secretary Del Rosario calls for respect for international law during 6th FEALAC Ministerial Meeting PAG-IBIG Fund service desk inaugurated in Oman DOSTs neo-ethnic fabrics create market breaks for indigenous folks DENR: No more ceremonial burning of elephant tusks DA chief urges rural banks to lend more to farmers, fishers June 2013 Architect Licensure Examination results released in Four (4) Working Days (50.99% Passed) 15. OP, OMB ink MOA on UNCAC compliance and IMP implementation 16. PDIC hosts 39th IADI Executive Council Meeting and International Conference

NHMFC doubles dividends in 2013 Source: http://www.nhmfc.gov.ph The state-run National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) has more than doubled its dividends this year, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said. From P18 million in 2012, NHMFC has remitted P42 million dividends to the national government. This represents partial payment of dividends for 2012 net earnings. Through sound management and policy reforms, the Corporation was able to overcome snags and continue to contribute to the national coffers, said Binay, who also chairs the NHMFC Board of Directors. NHMFC President Felixberto U. Bustos Jr. turned over the P42 million check to President Benigno Aquino III during the GOCC Dividends Day 2013 held at the Malacaang Palace. NHMFC has remitted to the national government a total of P158 million dividends. The NHMFC, under the leadership of Vice President Binay, has proven its ability to rise above financial challenges to fulfill its secondary mortgage market development, Bustos said. As the governments premiere Secondary Mortgage Institution (SMI), the NHMFC is tasked to operate a viable secondary home mortgage market. It is also mandated to monitor the performance and implementation of the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) by its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC). The government sees the potential and significance of the role of all GOCCs as tools for economic development.

Under Section 3 of the Dividends Law (R.A. 7657), all GOCCs and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) are required to declare and remit at least 50 percent of their annual net earnings as cash, stock, or property dividends to the national government. |TOP| BIR collection for May 2013 grew by PhP17.35 billion Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph For the month of May 2013, the BIR collected Php111.90 billion in tax revenues, Php17.35 Billion or 18.35% more than collections made in May 2012. Or, PhP 3.22 Billion or 2.8% less than the goal set for May 2013 of PhP 115.12 Billion. For May 2013, collections from BIR operations amounted to Php109.51 Billion, Php17.24 Billion or 18.69% more than collections made in May 2013. Or, PhP 1.42 Billion or 1.28% less than the goal set for BIR operations for May 2013 of PhP110.93 Billion. However, collections from non-BIR operations amounted to only Php2.39 Billion, Php1.80 Billion or 42.9% less than the goal set for May 2013 of PhP 4.19 Billion. Or, PhP 104 million or 4.57% more than the collections made in May 2012. Collections by the Regional Offices amounted to PhP36.08 Billion, or Php7.08 Billion or 24.4% more than the collections made in May 2012. While collections by the Large Taxpayers amounted to PhP 73.42 Billion, or PhP 10.17 Billion or 16.07% more than the collections made in May 2012. |TOP| DSWDs SAFE project saves kids from sexual abuse Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph In its effort to safeguard the welfare of children and the youth, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) developed a project Keeping a Sexually Abuse Free Environment (S AFE) for Out-of-School Children and Youth (OSCY) Through Protective Behaviour. The program aims to decrease the number of cases of abuses and violence, within the family or the community. This is done by strengthening the family and community members aw areness to prevent possible abuse. The SAFE project provides sessions on Usapang Proteksyon, Usapang Magulang, Usapang Kaibigan, Usapang Kabataan, Usapang Kalakasan, and Usapang Serbisyo to raise awareness in the barangays and ensure their readiness to prevent any possible incidences of child abuse. The SAFE project was pilot tested in eight barangays in Regions III, VII, XII and NCR from 2011 to November 2012. These regions reported a higher number of Out-of-School Children and Youth (OSCY) and Children At-Risk (CAR). A total of 120 children and youth together with their families were chosen as participants in the project and were trained to serve as advocates on protective behaviour sessions in their respective communities. In 2011, DSWD recorded a total of 5,966 cases of child abuse with 2,131 males and 3,835 females. There was a slight decrease in 2012, with 5,554 reported cases, 1,897 males and 2,005 females. These are the victims served in the centers managed by DSWD and communities. The reported cases range from rape, incest acts of lasciviousness, prostitution, pornography, and trafficking. The project is in accordance to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, PD 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code and Comprehensive Programm e on Child Protection (2011-2016) among other national policies and frameworks on child protection. |TOP| OWWA-RWO VIII successfully celebrates Migrant Workers' Day 2013 Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph Migranteng Pilipino: Tayo ay magkasama sa pag-abot sa pangarap mo Tacloban City With almost 500 OFWs and their families, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office VIII successfully celebrated the 2013 Migrant Workers Day last June 7, at the Leyte Provincial Capitol Gym, Tacloban City. For this year, the OWWA, together with the POEA, celebrated Migrant Workers Day. The said event was aimed at recognizing all the sacrifices, hard work and valuable contribution of OFWs to the Filipino nation. In Region VIII, the celebrations theme was Pista sa Nayon ng OFWs. The activity commenced with the Zumba Dance Workout led by Mr. Romulo R. Claros, a former OFW. The participants actively joined the one-hour exercise which sought to promote health and wellness among OFWs and their families. Rev. Fr. Bryan Murillo celebrated the Migrant Workers Day Eucharistic Celebration. Presentation of OFW Family Circles and Organizations followed shortly. Twenty-two (22) OFW Family Circles (OFCs) coming from the different provinces of the region attended this years festive and lively celebration. OWWA Regional Director Norma C. del Rosario and POEA Regional Coordinator Rosario P. Jervoso delivered the OWWA and POEA Administrators Message, respectively. Moreover, RC Jervoso, conducted a Pre -Employment Orientation Seminar. In line with the celebration, the Red Cross conducted a Blood Letting Activity and Basic Life Support Seminar. Sixteen (16) participants successfully donated blood while 41 OWWA-RWO VIII Scholars participated in the Basic Life Support Seminar. Likewise, Raffle draws and Laro ng Lahi added fun and festive ambience for this years Migrant Workers day.

OFW Pagkakaisa Federation, Sogod OFWs and Beneficiaries Association (SOBA), Sophie, Nabaunag Optical and Camella Homes exhibited their products and services. Globe also provided free overseas calls for the participants. The event culminated with the launching of the new OFW song entitled Abot Kamay. This years Migrant Workers Day was also graced by NMP Executive Director Atty. Fort er G. Puguon; NLRC Arbiter Atty. Amelita Docena; Tacloban City PESO Manager Emilia Cruz; Lawaan, Eastern Samar PESO Manager Evelyn Ganas; Lawaan, Eastern Samar Mayor Candida Gabornes MOFYA Seabased-category National Awardee; SWAPI Region 8 Chapter President Melba Esquibel; PIA and media representatives (UNTV, PRTV12, DYVL, Visayan Herald, and LeyteSamar Daily Express). |TOP| OWWA SOCCSKSARGEN tribute to OFWs Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph KORONADAL CITY A splendid celebration of Migrant Workers Day last June 7, 2013 rocked SM City General Santos, as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration offered an extraordinary tribute to all Overseas Filipino Workers around the world. 500 participants from all over the SOCCSKSARGEN Region joined in hailing the modern day heroes. They were delighted with lots of exciting activities prepared by the Regional Welfare Office XII. To intensify the essence of the event, some of OWWA XIIs ever-supportive partners, Globe, BPI, Philam Life, and MMG School of Paramedics and Allied Sciences Inc., individually, setup a booth to provide services accessible to all participants, free of charge. Moreover, OWWA RWO XII, in cooperation with POEA, Philhealth, and PAG-IBIG, made the One-Stop Processing Center available during the celebration to cater payments, and other concerns of returning migrant workers. Kristine Marie A. Sison, OWWO III of OWWA RWO XII enthusiastically entertains a client processing Balik Manggagawa as part of the perks of Migrant Workers Day 2013 celebration. Highlights of the activity included a raffle draw that thrilled the participants for different prizes; a Dance Competition, depicting the culture of the people of SOCCSKSARGEN that brought genuine entertainment; and a sumptuous meal served by Jollibee Food Corporation, with an exquisite dance number from Jollibee himself that filled the venue with gladness and laughter. Participants offering a prayer to the God Almighty for the successful celebration of Migrant Workers Day 2013. Above all, the music video Abot Kamay Kita, which was played simultaneously all over the world, created an impression and gave a great impact to the crowd that made the celebration an extraordinary one. |TOP| POEA goes after recruiters collecting placement fees from household service workers Source: http://www.poea.gov.ph Heeding the instructions of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz to make recruiters observe the reform package for Filipino household service workers (HSW), Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the POEA is asking placement agencies to stop collecting placement fees from HSW applicants or risk losing their license. Cacdac said there is total prohibition on charging placement fees from Filipino household service workers (HSWs), whether done prior to their departure or on-site through salary deduction, as provided by POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 6, Series of 2006. The administrator also warned recruiters not to circumvent the no-placement fee policy by collecting excessive fees supposedly for medical examination, training, video bio-data, and pre-departure orientation seminar. Violation of the prohibition on placement fee collection is considered a grave offense whereby the imposable penalty is cancellation of license, regardless of the number of complainants. Cacdac said that consistent with most host country regulations, employers shall pay a service fee to shoulder all the cost of hiring and deploying HSWs. Very clearly, licensed agencies can still collect placement fee or service fee, provided that it should not be shouldered by the worker but by the foreign principal, Cacdac added. It can be done, Cacdac said, citing the case of a group of licensed recruitment agencies deploying HSWs to Hong Kong which has decided to scrap collection of placement fees from its workers. I urge other recruiter associations to follow the lead of the 52 members of the Society of Hong Kong Accredited Recruiters of the Philippines (SHARP), which have committed to support the governments campaign to impro ve the welfare of Filipino household workers in other countries, Cacdac said. |TOP| Roxas leads flood drill along major Pasay waterway Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Manila, Philippines Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas will lead the conduct of simultaneous flood drills

on Friday/June 14 in 16 Metro Manila barangays occupying so-called danger areas along six major waterways as part of the observance of Disaster Preparedness Week. A showcase area is Barangay 201 along the Tripa de Gallina in Pasay City, one of the most densely populated with over 13,000 informal settlers, as the Department of Interior and Local Government stepped up its disaster risk reduction and management campaign to ensure the preparedness of informal settler-families during the rainy season. Roxas stressed that the combined force of government agencies led by the DILG aims to attain zero casualty, and the flood drills are aimed at raising the level of disaster preparedness capacity of informal settler-families through an effective collaborative and participative approach. The drills, which are coordinated with the local disaster risk reduction and management units, will ensure the presence of a functional and effective early warning system in the so-called danger zones, or areas on the banks of waterways that are prone to flooding. The showcase barangay has an area estimated at 335,500 square meters along Estero Tripa de Gallina, a narrow waterway that flows through Pasay City, Paranaque and Manila and one of the 47 tributaries of the Pasig River. The DILG regional director for the National Capital Region, Renato Brion, has estimated that over 2,000 informal settler families live along the banks of the estero. Roxas said a total of 100 informal settler-families per barangay are expected to participate in the simultaneous flood drills, with the assistance of local disaster risk reduction management officers and participating national government agencies and peoples organizations As the rainy season looms, we prepare with optimism that no life shall again be lost due to complacency and disregard to the vulnerability of the urban poor, Roxas said. It is our mandate, as vested with authority, power, resources and peoples trust to protect the marginalized, Roxas said DILG Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez and Brion are expected to assist Roxas in the conduct of the flood drill. Roxas said simultaneous flood drills are already ongoing in identified sites in Metro Manila particularly those along the six major waterways which include the 7.3 km San Juan River, the 15-km Tullahan River in Malabon and Valenzuel cities, Manggahan Floodway in Pasig city, the 2.6 km Maricaban Creek in Taguig and Pasay cities and Estero Tripa de Gallina and the 25-km Pasig River which connects Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay. Ang disaster preparedness na paghahanda natin ngayon ay isa lamang pansamantalang solusyon dahil may tinatrabaho tayo na mas permanenteng solution. Dahil di nga natin maiiwasan yung ulan, di natin maiiwasan yung malakas na hangin, di natin maiiwasan ang bagyo, pero maiiwasan natin na meron tayong mga kababayan na nakatira sa taas o sa gilid ng mga daluyan nadadaanan na maaring madisgrasya dahil malakas nadaloy ng tubig. That is the long term solution at hangang dumating yun andito tayo para sa pansamantalang disaster preparedness, Roxas explained. |TOP| DepEd reiterates class suspension rules Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph PASIG CITY The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday reminded the public that the decisionto suspend classes when there are no storm signals falls under the various local government units (LGU). The government recognizes the need to streamline the procedure in suspending clas ses, says Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC, adding that those on the ground will have a better assessment of the local situation. Executive Order No. 66 s.2012 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino states In the absence of typhoon signal warni ngs from PAGASA, localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives, as chairmen of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) concerned, in coordination with PAGASA and the NDRRMC, specifically in flood-prone or high risk areas. However the rules on automatic suspension of classes remain. Storm Signal No 1 suspends classes in kindergarten, No 2 in elementary and high school, and No 3 in college, including graduate school and government offices. |TOP| Secretary Del Rosario calls for respect for international law during 6th FEALAC Ministerial Meeting Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 17 June 2013 - Speaking during the ministerial retreat of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of East Asian and Latin American countries, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said there was much for the two regions to learn from each other, especially in the area of international law, in which Latin America has a long and proud tradition. Latin America stands out for the fact that it is one of the regions where countries have resorted to the International Court of Justice and other third party and binding modes of peacefully settling disputes, including territorial and maritime disputes. By doing so, long-standing and difficult differences are resolved and efforts can focus on cooperation on growth and progress. Perhaps thiscould be a good lesson for strengthening peace in our region. Strengthening cooperation between East Asia and Latin America The ministerial meeting discussed the means to strengthen the cooperation between the two regions, including the report of the Vision Group, which was established to assess the situation of the 15-year forum and provide direction for its further development.

The Vision Group Paper validates the many understandings we had reached through dialogue and the large amount of work we have already done, said the Secretary. The paper highlights our milestones and presents a roadmap of many highways, all of which lead to greater cooperation between our two dynamic regions. He added that the Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperations (FEALACs) Working Groups have their work cut out for them. They have already done much, but more is expected. FEALAC meets at the ministerial, senior official and working group levels. Secretary del Rosario acknowledged the work of the FEALAC Cyber Secretariat, saying that it fulfilled its role quite well and deserves our continued support. He also joined the wide support for the bi-regional projects being developed, namely the FEALAC University Network and the Project to Establish a Bi-Regional Development Center for SMEs. The 6th FEALAC Foreign Ministers Meeting was held in Bali, Indonesia on 13 and 14 June 2013. Twenty-four (24) Foreign Ministers and Vice Ministers from East Asia and Latin America attended the gathering, as well as envoys from these two regions. FEALAC was set up as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between East Asia and Latin America. It has 36 member countries, 16 from East Asia, including the Philippines, and 20 from Latin America. The Philippines hosted the 2nd FEALAC Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2004. |TOP| PAG-IBIG Fund service desk inaugurated in Oman Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 17 June 2013 The Philippine Embassy in Muscat informed the Department of Foreign Affairs that Pag-IBIG Fund President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, led a delegation to the Sultanate of Oman for the formal opening of the Pag-IBIG Fund Service Desk. The inauguration of the Pag-IBIG desk was the highlight of the morning celebration of the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12. The service desk located at the offices of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration was formally inaugurated by Philippine Ambassador to Oman Joselito A. Jimeno and Atty. Berberabe. In her remarks, Atty. Berberabe noted that the opening of a Service Desk in the Sultanate is Pag-IBIG Funds Independence Day gift to all the Filipinos in Oman. On June 14, the Pag-IBIG delegation, in partnership with the Embassy successfully conducted a Pag-IBIG Fund Community Forum at the Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi. It was attended by more than 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and was viewed live via online streaming by different Filipino community groups in the far areas of Shinaz, Sohar, Duqm and Salalah. |TOP| DOSTs neo-ethnic fabrics create market breaks for indigenous folks Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) introduced technology innovations that aim to garb the textile industry with more life and color, and give more market opportunities to indigenous folks. At the hem of a two-year program of developing new and green textile technologies, DOST-PTRI espouses the use of natural dyes from indigenous plants like guava, yellow ginger and talisay leaves to draw out the natural beauty of Filipino fabrics woven from abaca, pineapple, and those from combinations of cotton or silk. Coincidentally, a day prior to the celebration of Philippine Independence, the intricately designed neo -ethnic textiles were freely showcased during the 2013 Neo-ethnic Philippine Textile Conference held on June 11, 2013 at the Heritage Hotel in Manila. Neo-ethnic textiles, according to Julius L. Leao, Jr., project leader and chief of the Chemicals, Dyes, Auxiliaries and Byproduct Utilization Section of PTRI, are natural and/or indigenous material, sourced and/or produced in the Philippines using updated, relevant and green scientific and technological approaches and innovations by spinners, dyers, weavers and artisans. Though technology intervention is applied, traditional patterns and designs are retained and even enhanced, said Leao. He also revealed how his research team respected traditions in the communities in order to protect the culture embedded in the ethnic textiles and designs. What used to be a no-economic activity has become a revitalized livelihood opportunity, creating jobs and a niche market that is seen to benefit the local textile industry, Leao said. The fabrics presented during the conference were the pineapple fabrics from Kalibo, Aklan; saluyot fibers; the inabel of Paoay, Ilocos Norte; the tiniri from Abra; the hablon from Oton, Iloilo; the Tnalak from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; the hinabol from Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; the inaul from Maguindanao; and the pineapple knitwear from the National Capital Region. The conference tackled the history of Filipino fabric making, defined neo-ethnic textile, and explained the role of DOST-

PTRI in advancing the local textile industry. Also discussed were marketing and branding of neo-ethnic textile, current issues plaguing the textile industry and the opportunities for Philippine-made clothes and accessories using neo-ethnic fabrics. One of the conference highlights was the testimonial from partner organizations that were assisted by DOSTPTRI. In his talk, Leao stressed that the new dyeing technologies enhanced the beauty of the hinabol fabric when introduced to ethnic communities like the Bukidnons Kalandang Weavers and Sunflower Weavers. We introduced the use of natural dyes and we shortened the dyeing process as part of our intervention with top dyeing we put one color on top of the other to create variations in color, like using indigo as the first dye and top dyeing with yellow to produce a different shade of green, Leano added. Aside from improving the quality of indigenous fabrics, the innovations introduced by PTRI resulted in positive impact on the income of the communities who produce them. During the testimonial portion of the conference, Myla Carcasona, president of Kalandang Weavers shared her experience as to how the new technologies from PTRI uplifted their plight. Translated from her native dialect called Binukid, Carcasona said, We are very grateful to PTRI and to Sir Julius for teaching us to use natural dyes that help us improve our products. Before, we sell them at P30 per meter but now we can sell the fabrics as high as P150 per meter. Finally, the conference ended with a bang through a fashion show of glitz and glamour participated in by budding designers from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Home Economics Clothing Technology and established fashion designers like Anthony Cruz Legarda, Curitthy Manzanero, Pau Geronimo, Kitty Caragay, and Monica Escano-Rayala. |TOP| DENR: No more ceremonial burning of elephant tusks Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has directed the Protected Areas and W ildlife Bureau (PAWB) to forego the planned ceremonial burning of seized elephant tusks. I have already instructed the PAWB to forego the ceremonial burning. But just the same, the confiscated tusks weighing about five tons will be crushed as planned using road rollers, Paje said. The DENR plans to destroy on June 21 the confiscated elephant tusks to be witnessed by foreign experts and anti-ivory trade advocates in support of the global effort to end the illegal trade of wildlife species. Under the original plan, 20 pieces of the smuggled ivory tusks will be burned for at least five minutes using kerosene, while the bigger volume will be crushed using road rollers, during ceremonies at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. The use of kerosene in the exercise was based on a recommendation by the Environmental Management Bureau. Paje earlier said the decision to destroy the ivory tusks that entered the country illegally was to show to the whole world that the Philippines will not tolerate illegal wildlife trade. |TOP| DA chief urges rural banks to lend more to farmers, fishers Source: http://www.da.gov.ph Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged the countrys rural banks to implement innovative financing programs to serve more small farmers, fishers and rural entrepreneurs. Kailangan nating seguraduhin na walang maiiwan at lahat ng ating kababayan, lalong -lalo na ang mayoryang nasa kanayunan, ay makakatikim ng biyaya ng paglago, Secretary Alcala said during the recent 60th annual convention of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP). He urged the RBAP to partner with the DA to successfully implement the Agro-Industry Modernization Credit and Financing Program (AMCFP). Last year, loan releases under the AMCFP through cooperative rural banks totaled P1.12 billion, more than double the P446 million lent in 2011. This year, the DA has allotted an additional P1B under the AMCFP to be lent to small farmers, fishers and rural entrepreneurs. Its high time that we consolidate efforts to further enhance growth and development for the benefit of our poor and small farmers, and I am optimistic that you will be part of it, the DA chief urged the RBAP, led by its president, lawyer Leandro Z. Garcia, Jr. The amount of agricultural production loans has been increasing through the years, expanding by more than five-fold from P41 billion in 1990 to P231.8 billion in 2011, according to the DAs Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). Secretary Alcala said the DA aims to further increase the formal borrowing among small farmers and fisherfolk, from 52% in 2007 to 61% by the year 2016. Ito po ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan nating palakasin pa ang pagtutulungan ng DA at ng mga rural banks, he noted. He also commended the RBAP for participating in the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool (AGFP), which was created in 2008 to encourage banks to lend to the agriculture sector.

The AGFP provides guarantee coverage to unsecured loans extended by financial institutions and other lending conduits such as rural and cooperative banks to small farmers engaged in rice, corn and food production projects. To date, 118 rural banks have joined the AGFP. |TOP| June 2013 Architect Licensure Examination results released in Four (4) Working Days (50.99% Passed) Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 901 out of 1,767 passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) given by the Board of Architecture headed by its Chairman, Arch. Rolando L. Cordero with two other members, Arch. Yolanda D. Reyes and Arch. Fidel Jose R. Siapno. The examination was held in Manila this June 7 & 9, 2013. The results were released in four (4) working days after the last day of examination. Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on June 25, 26 & 27, 2013. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2013-2016. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. The date and venue for the mass oathtaking of the successful examinees in the said licensure examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER. |TOP| OP, OMB ink MOA on UNCAC compliance and IMP implementation Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. signed today a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on two anti-corruption programs. The MOA between the Office of the President (OP) and the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) aims to: (1) establish an implementation and review mechanism on the Philippines compliance with its State obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC); and (2) institutionalize the Integrity Management Program (IMP) as an output of the harmonization of the corruption prevention programs of the OP and OMB. In simple ceremonies held at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacaang, Executive Secretary Ochoa expressed support in the launching of the two programs toward the faithful observance of the constitutional maxim that public office is a public trust. In her message of commitment, Ombudsman Morales stated that this historic partnership further exudes inspiring hope for the Philippines to foster a culture that rejects corruption and embraces the values of integrity, rule of law, sustainable development and inclusive growth. Under the MOA, a Joint Technical Working Group shall coordinate and monitor the implementation of the UNCAC commitments of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the Government; mobilize the support of the private sector, academe, media and civil society organizations in implementing the States obligations under the UNCAC; and initiate the organization of special working groups to undertake policy reviews, researches and other related activities to facilitate compliance with the UNCAC. Meanwhile, a separate Program Management Committee shall oversee the IMPs implementation across the bureaucracy as the governments flagship anti-corruption program which is a compendium of diagnostic tools to systematically assess a government agencys vulnerabilities and resistance mechanisms to corruption. The World Bank (WB) has been supporting the project leading to the harmonized IMP, while the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been assisting in the self-assessment and the preparation of the country review report on the Philippine compliance with the UNCAC. The event was also attended by Secretary Corazon Soliman, WB Country Director Motoo Konishi, UNDP Country Director Toshihiro Tanaka, Ombudsman officials, and officials from the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs. |TOP| PDIC hosts 39th IADI Executive Council Meeting and International Conference Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) is set to host the 39th International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Executive Council Meeting and International Conference on June 17 to 21, 2013 at the Makati Shangri-La. The hosting of the meeting coincides with the commemoration of PDICs 50th Founding Anniversary on June 22 . PDIC President Valentin A. Araneta stated that hosting the IADI Executive Council Meeting and International Conference is an occasion where the economic progress of the Philippines based on a platform of good governance can be appreciated by delegates from deposit insurance agencies from 30 different countries and jurisdictions. IADI is a non-profit organization of deposit insurers established in May 2002 aimed at contributing to the enhancement of deposit insurance systems by promoting research and guidance based on best practices for deposit insurers, and for international cooperation. IADI currently has 68 member-countries/organizations, nine associates, and 12 partners. Mr. Jerzy Pruski (President, Management Board Bank Guarantee Fund of Poland) is the President of IADI and Chairman of the Executive Council, the governing body of the IADI. The PDIC is a founding member of the IADI. PDIC President Araneta chairs the Audit Committee.

The international conference is anchored on the theme, Financial Inclusion: Challenges and Issues for the Deposit Insurer. About 200 foreign and local delegates from different deposit insurance agencies around the world, multilateral organizations and Philippine-based institutions are expected to attend the event on June 20, 2013. Finance Secretary and PDIC Board Chairman Cesar V. Purisima will deliver the keynote address of the conference. The International Conference aims to highlight the relevance of financial inclusion to deposit insurance and financial stability. Speakers and participants will engage in discussions centered on the following topics: 1) Global Trends and Challenges on Financial Inclusion; 2) Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth; 3) Financial Inclusion and Deposit Insurance; and 4) Financial Literacy and Public Awareness. |TOP|

Thank You and God Bless !!!!