Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for November 15 , 2013 (Friday) , 3 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 18 Weather Watch,

1 Reg’l. Watch , OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech , 17 Online News , 9 Photonews

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 15 November 2013

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

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind

Satellite Image

Analysis for 8 a.m., 15 November

2013

Analysis for 8 a.m., 15 November

2013

for 4:30 a.m., 15 November

2013

Synopsis:

Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.

Forecast:

The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera and Cagayan Valley will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light

rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers

or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and Eastern Visayas and the

coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming

from the northeast to east with slight to moderate seas.

Tropical Cyclone Update

As of today, there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility

(PAR).

1. Weather Watch

15 minutes ago

DZBB: Tutok pa rin ang NDRRMC sa food repacking ng mga relief goods at kapag naging maayos na ang

distribusyon ng mga ito ay saka naman nila tututukan ang rehabilitasyon sa mga napinsala ng bagyong

Yolanda. Dumating na rin sa NDRRMC si COA Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan matapos maatasan ang

COA na magbantay sa mga donasyon partikular na ang monetary donations mula sa ibang bansa.

2. Weather Watch

19 minutes ago

PIA-6/AKLAN: The battery of the generator set used to provide power in the Provincial Disaster Risk

Reduction Management Office was stolen last night. The battery is said to cost more than a thousand. As of

8 a.m. this morning, the office equipment in the saidoffice are not functioning as the generator has no

battery.

3. Weather Watch

25 minutes ago

PIA-6/ILOILO: As of 6am Nov.15, the RDRRMC 6 reported that a total of 520,844 families composed of

2,442,906 persons were affected due to Typhoon Yolanda in Western Visayas. 171,281 houses were totally

damaged while 222,598 were partially damaged. Estimated cost of damages in infrastructure and agriculture

amounted to P141,237,161.13 and 579,525,013.50 respectively. Number of casualties 118 dead, 165

injured, and 10 missing persons.

4. Weather Watch

about an hour ago

PCG Commander Jose Panopio on DZBB:

Re: Evacuees sa Ormoc patungong Cebu

- Kayang ikarga ng barko ang nasa 800 plus capacity. May barko din na magbibiyahe ngayon na 2GO at ang

capacity nasa 1,000.

-Papuntang Cebu lahat ng pasahero.

-Sa ngayon ang mga nagseserbisyo sa commercial vessel. May bayad. Ganon pa rin sa dati ang presyo ng

pamasahe.

-Ang Navy boat ay nagpapasakay ng pasahero. Priority ang mga matatanda, buntis, sanggol.

5. Weather Watch

6. Weather Watch

about an hour ago

PIA-3/ZAMBALES: BRP Gregorio Del Pilar will leave Alava Pier, Subic Freeport today for relief

operations in Leyte.

7. Weather Watch

2 hours ago near Quezon City

PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma on DZMM:

Re: Emergency Broadcast System

-Napakainam na suhestyon iyan galing sa iyo at agad namin itong ipinatupad at nandoon na po sa ground si

Dir. Tito Cruz ng PBS-Radyo ng Bayan at siya po ang kumikilos para maganap ito.

-Public service broadcasting ang pinagtutuunan natin ngayon ng pansin.

-Kahapon noong ako ay nagpunta sa pagpupulong ng KBP ay nag-offer din ng full-time ang ating mga

kaibigan sa industriya ng broadcasting na handa silang ipagamit ang kanilang airtime for public service

broadcasting.

-Mayroon po tayong sinusunod na mandato ng batas doon po sa ating General Appropriations Act. Mayroon

pong general and special provisions diyan hinggil sa tamang procedure at patakaran sa pagtanggap ng

donation at aid at ito po ay sinusunod natin ng husto lalo na soon sa aspeto ng accountability at

transparency.

-Nakikipag-ugnayan po ang PAF sa iba‟t ibang mga ahensya ang primary opportunity diyan ay „yun pong

backload kasi „yung sa forward load na patungong Tacloban at iba pang disaster areas, ang prayoridad

talaga ngayon ay mga supplies at mga relief workers.

-Kagabi ay nakaugnayan natin si Speaker Belmonte at siya po ay nagpadala na rin ng mga lona na ginamit

nung nakaraan. Meron nga lang daw campaign messages pero hindi na bale kasi ang importante may

masilungan ang ating mga kababayan.

-Gumagawa naman po ng karampatang paghahanda pag napagpasyahan na niya na „yun na ang tamang

panahon na gawin „yan, very open po ang Pangulo sa suhestyon na iyan (pagpunta ni PNoy sa lugar na

sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda).

-Ang primary focus po ng Pangulo ngayon ay tiyakin na makakapag-produce ng at least 140,000 food packs

a day.

-Nilibot po niya (PNoy) lahat ng operation centers.

-Tinututukan po ng husto ni DPWH Sec. Singson at ina-access po ang mga equipment sa mga nearby

regions.

8. Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City

DFA spokesman Asec. Raul Hernandez on DZIQ:

-Usually my proseso yung mga financial aid,

-Idinadaan sa procedures at sariling rules and regulations ng mga donors bago nila ipadala sa kanilang mga

partners.

-Ang mga supplies na galing sa int'l community nandito na sa Pilipinas, pero kapag pera ang pledge dadaan

pa sa proseso.

-Kapag medical supplies, ni-rerefer 'yan sa DOH. Kapag food naman sa DWSD or sa OCD.

9. Weather Watch

4 hours ago

DSWD & Air21 opens a 24/7 hotline to answer queries on how the public can help in the YolandaPH relief effort:

[ photo from Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines]

10. Weather Watch

Philippines's photo.

5 hours ago

Mga hakbang sa paggawa ng ligtas na inuming tubig, ayon sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan: #YolandaPH

Basahin sa govph: http://www.gov.ph/crisis-response/paano-gumawa-ng-ligtas-na-inuming-tubig/

11. Weather Watch

5 hours ago

PIA-NCR: Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique T. Ona announced yesterday (Nov.14) the

implementation of price freeze on about 200 essential medicines to ensure their availability. DOH regional

directors especially in typhoon Yolanda affected areas are directed to strictly monitor. Ona also encouraged

the public to report any violation.

12. Weather Watch

5 hours ago

PIA-NCR: Sa pastoral letter ni Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle kaniyang idineklarang

"Day of Lament and Hope" ang Nobyembre 16 bilang pakikiisa sa paghihirap na dinaranas ng ating mga

kababayang naapektuhan ni Bagyong Yolanda.

13. Weather Watch

5 hours ago

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

(5AM, 15 November 2013)

SYNOPSIS: Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.

FORECAST: The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera and Cagayan Valley will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with

light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers

or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and Eastern Visayas and the

coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from

the northeast to east with slight to moderate seas.

For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335

and 927-2877

14. Weather Watch

13 hours ago

DZBB: Kanina lamang ay dumating si PNoy sa gymnasium ng Villamor Air Base. Pinasalamatan nito ang

lahat ng volunteers doon na nagre-repack ng relief goods. Kailangan umanong matulungan ang 275,000 na

mga pamilya. Nilibot din ng Pangulo ang iba‟t ibang repacking hub ng DSWD sa Ateneo at sa Pasay City.

Kasama ng Pangulo si PCOO Sec. Coloma, Secretary to the Cabinet Almendras at DoF Sec. Purisima.

16. Weather Watch

13 hours ago

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Miguel Ocol on DZMM:

-Continous naman ang ating movement.

-Ang maximum combat load ng C130 is about 170. Nakatayo na ang iba niyan.

-Pero hindi natin minamax yon, lalo na kung may kailangan tayong iupo, 120 is a good estimate for the load

going inside.

-Mayroon tayong 3 C130 na pabalik-balik sa Philippine Air Force; sa US Armed Forces they have 9 at lahat

yan bumabalik-balik.

-Ang kayang i-accommodate ng Villamor ramp ay 6.

-Gusto kong i-explain na kahit maraming-marami tayong eroplano ang limitations natin ay ang airport ng

Tacloban.

-'Yong turnaround time ng eroplano at we are also sharing the ramp with the commercial flights plus mga

helicopter that will land there.

-Ang mga helicopters na 'yon ang nagdi-distribute plus ang displaced persons na nagbabakasakali.

-Sa listahan ng pasahero kung sino ang dulo sa hindi nakasakay sila naman ang una kinabukasan na sasakay.

-We will do our best to accommodate lahat ng gustong sumakay.

18 Weather Watch

15 hours ago

GMA: Naging prayoridad sa pagsakay sa C-130 ng PAF ang mga matatanda, bata at mga sugatan. Ang mga

sumakay papunta sa Maynila at halos karamihan ay wala ng balak bumalik pa sa Tacloban, Leyte.

Karamihan sa mga gustong lumikas wala ng makain at kabuhayan sa lugar na sinalanta ng bagyong

Yolanda. Iisa rin ang sinasabi nila, hanggang ngayon ay wala pa silang natatanggap na relief goods. Kada

dating naman ng C-130 ay naghahatid ito ng mga supply kabila na ang mga cadaver bag na para sa mga

nakukuhang bangkay.

Weather Watch

November 15 , 2013 ( Friday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE : Sunny LAGUNA : Sunny

BATANGAS : Sunny RIZAL : Sunny

QUEZON : Fair Weather

PIA Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The Civil Service Commission issued a certificate of revalidation Level II accredited

status to the provincia government, nine LGUs and four Government Owned and Controlled Corporation in

the province for their excellence in human resource management program. Said certificate is part of the

CSC's Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management.

A. QUEZON

1. Quezon sets up bio-control lab to control coco

scale insects

BY: JOSELITO M. GIRON

Thursday 14th of November 2013

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Nov. 14 (PIA) --The provincial government of Quezon has

established a bio-control laboratory at the office of the provincial agriculture (OPA) in

barangay Talipan, Pagbilao town.

Provincial agriculturist Roberto Gajo, said the lab will breed „coccinelid‟ beetle, an

insect species that will be utilized in fighting the „coco-scale‟ insects. “The

„coccinelid beetle‟ will be released in the infected barangays to stop affecting coconut

trees and other fruit bearing trees like lanzones and mangosteen.”

Quezon governor David Suarez instructed the OPA to devise necessary measure to

control the infestation so as not to disrupt the „Serbisyong Suarez sa Agrikultura‟

program.

Earlier, the OPA held training of trainers on coco-scale insect attended by designated

trainers from the 39 municipal agriculture offices in the province.

Gajo hopes that through these efforts, the coco-scale insect infestation may no longer

pose a threat to coconut trees and other fruit bearing trees in the province.

The most affected towns of coco-scale insect infestation are the towns of Mauban,

Sampaloc, Lucban and Tayabas City. (PIA-Quezon)

B. CAVITE

CSC bestows Level II-accreditation to

Cavite prov’l gov’t, LGUs and GOCCs Thursday 14th of November 2013

Trece Martires City, Cavite, Nov. 14 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC)

issued a certificate of revalidation- Level II-Accredited Status to the provincial

government, nine Local Government Units (LGUs) and four Government Owned and

Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) for excellence in human resource management

program.

The certificate of revalidation was granted to the province for passing the Level II

Revalidation Assessment conducted by CSC Regional Office No. 4 in May 2012 and

continued to be compliant in the requirements for Level II-Accredited Status in the

reassessment held February 2013.

Aside from the provincial government, the recipients are the towns of Alfonso,

Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez, Indang, Magallanes, Mendez, Naic, Noveleta,

and Cavite City while the GOCCs are the General E. Aguinaldo Water District, Silang

Water District, Tagaytay City Water District and Trece Martires City Water District.

The Level II-Accredited Status is subject to terms and conditions set by the CSC‟s

Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource

Management (PRIME-HRM) that aims to inculcate meritocracy and excellence in the

public service human resource management through a program of reward.

CSC Cavite field office director II Charity F. Arevalo, explained through powerpoint

presentation the requirements for level II accreditation during the program held Nov.

12 at the ceremonial hall of the provincial capitol. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-

Cavite/PICAD)

C. LAGUNA

1. ATI prepares farmers as organic

agriculture champions

BY: CARLO P. GONZAGA

Thursday 14th of November 2013

LOS BANOS, Laguna, Nov. 14 (PIA) --The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is

readying the organic farmers as their partner in promoting organic agriculture (OA) in

the region.

In the recent seminar on communication advocacies for organic agriculture champions

held Nov. 7-9, 2013 at Mountain Lake Ecoresort, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, four

organic agriculture practicing farmers from Calabarzon region participated in the

activity.

The organic farmers were: Lucio Gurango from Infanta, Quezon; Enrique Magpantay

from Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas; Brian Belen from San Pablo City, Laguna; and

Jaime Javier from Baras, Rizal. Along with participants from Region IV B and III, the

Calabarzon delegation share their insights and commitment to the promotion of OA.

ATI Region 12 organized the activity.

Earlier, the first batch of the OA champion farmers and advocates from the Northern

Mindanao group comprising Regions 9, 10 and Caraga attended the same activity last

Oct. 8-10, 2013 at Costales Nature Farms, barangay Gagalot in Majayjay town.

Farmers, agricultural extension workers and local executives from the three regions

listened to the best farm practices of 2012 Gawad Saka Awardee for Organic

Agriculture, Ronald Costales. The discussion was supplemented with a farm tour and

hands-on activities in his farm and a series of workshops on how to advocate OA and

their commitments to OA practices.

Two more batches are scheduled this November for Visayas group and the rest of

Mindanao. (CPG, PIA4A with report from Roland V. Maningas, ATI4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631384399634#sthash.7bTvOusg.dpuf

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL

President Aquino calls on citizenry to help Yolanda

typhoon victims to alleviate their suffering

Palace appeals for vigilance vs those repacking relief goods

Palace says government fast-tracks relief efforts in Leyte after Yolanda-affected roads are cleared

14 NOVEMBER 2013.

Government to respect Yolanda fatalities in burial sites, Palace assures

Palace says government fast-tracks relief efforts in Leyte after Yolanda-affected roads are cleared

President Aquino calls on citizenry to help Yolanda typhoon victims to alleviate their suffering

Palace says government learning from Yolanda experience

Palace: Government to continue addressing lawlessness in Yolanda-hit areas with firm law enforcement

President Aquino assures Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas will play crucial role in the

implementation of the Integrated Service digital broadcasting-terrestrial system

Palace: President Aquino remains focused in directing disaster management operations to help Yolanda

victims

Government to respect Yolanda fatalities in burial sites, Palace assures

Malacañang on Thursday assured the loved ones of those who died in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that the government will accord their remains due respect. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said the mass burials will take

into account the sensibilities of the families of the deceased. "Nananatili ang pagrespeto natin sa katauhan ng mga pumanaw (We will maintain our respect for those who died)," he said in a media briefing, adding there will be due respect for the deceased and the sensibility of their families. But Coloma also said they need to bury the deceased, especially since decomposition would set in two days after death. Coloma said the Departments of Health, Defense, and Interior and Local Government, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are working to prepare for the burial. These agencies are coordinating to identify and prepare the "appropriate burial sites," he added. Yolanda devastated parts of Visayas and Southern Luzon last week. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that as of Thursday morning, more than 2,000 had died in Yolanda's wake. PND (jl)

TOP

Palace says government fast-tracks relief efforts in Leyte after Yolanda-affected roads are cleared

With the roads affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) finally cleared, the government on Thursday fast-tracked its efforts to bring relief items to families in affected areas in the province. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said this is in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III's order to improve the delivery of assistance to those affected. "Sa huling ulat ng NDRRMC, 100 porsyento ng lahat ng pambansang kalye sa Rehiyon VI, VII, at VIII ang maaari nang madaanan. Inaasahan po na bibilis ang paghahatid ng pagkain, tubig, at iba pang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan (From the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 100 percent of roads in Western, Central and Eastern Visayas are passable. We now expect the faster delivery of food, water and other relief items needed by our people)," he said at a media briefing. He said the fast-track distribution aims to reach all 40 towns of Leyte, most of which are coastal areas, as well as Tacloban City. Coloma said an additional repacking center had been established in Cebu on President Aquino's orders. He added the President also tasked Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority head Joel Villanueva to be logistics coordinators. Purisima is to head the national relief operations center in Pasay City, while Villanueva will head the Cebu repacking center. In Tacloban City, meanwhile, Coloma said the government will set up a one-kilowatt emergency broadcasting system that would facilitate information dissemination and help people find lost loved ones. Coloma also said a media center has been set up in Tacloban to help as a clearinghouse, under the supervision of Philippine Broadcasting Service head Tito Cruz. On the other hand, he said Manila Broadcasting Co. and Far East Broadcasting Co. had offered their facilities in Tacloban and neighboring areas for public service broadcasting. "Ang focus ay public service broadcasting para makatulong sa ating mamamayan (The focus is public service broadcasting so we can help the people)," he said. PND (jl)

TOP

President Aquino calls on citizenry to help Yolanda typhoon victims to alleviate their suffering

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on citizenry to continue helping typhoon Yolanda' victims to alleviate their suffering. "We know the gravity of our countrymen's suffering, and we know that, now more than ever, all of us are called on to do whatever we can to help alleviate our countrymen's suffering," the Chief Executive said in his message read by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas 39th Annual Top Level Management Conference in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on Thursday. The President expressed his gratitude to individuals and organizations here and abroad for their generosity. "Difficult as it may be to find a silver lining, I believe that this is where we can draw hope: the solidarity that millions of Filipinos unaffected by the storm displayed with their countrymen – a solidarity mirrored by so many individuals, private corporations, organizations and countries around the world. The overwhelming message: We are not alone," he said.

President Aquino emphasized the need to assure the typhoon victims that the Philippine government, fellow Filipinos and the international community will help them to rebuild their lives. "It is up to us to make them feel that they are not alone," the President stressed. The government has been doing its part even before Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) made a landfall last week, the President said. "Mandatory evacuations were conducted and relief goods prepositioned. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas have been in Leyte since early last Thursday (No.7) to oversee preparations," he said. "In the wake of the storm, rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations were conducted at the soonest possible time, and they will go on for as long as necessary," he said. As of Wednesday, the President said 115,607 food packs have been distributed for the victims while medical and surgical teams from the Department of Health (DOH) are already working on the ground. The DOH has set up satellite medical stations in Regions 6, 7 and 8. "The Department of Public Works and Highways has been working nonstop to clear roads, so help can sooner reach cut-off communities. Most roads are now passable, and can be used to deliver relief goods," he said. PND (js)

TOP

Palace says government learning from Yolanda experience

Malacañang on Thursday assured the public the government is learning its lessons from addressing the problems brought by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), so it can improve its disaster management in the future. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said the government is not engaging in buck-passing or finger-pointing in this situation. "Walang kaisipan ang pamahalaan magpasa ng sisi o magturo ng responsibilidad. Dahil nakapulot tayo ng mahalagang aral… magiging mahusay para sa susunod na pagkakataoon (We never engage in buck-passing. And we intend to apply the lessons we learned to improve our disaster management and response mechanism)," Coloma said at a media briefing. "Kung may pumupuna, tinatanggap natin ang pagpuna, hindi natin tinatanggi na maaring nagkaroon ng pagkukulang. Pero ito ay bunga ng severe constraints, hindi sinasadyang huwag tuunan ng pansin (If there are criticisms, we accept them. We never said we would not be prone to mistakes. But what I can say is that we never intentionally neglected our duties)," he added. He maintained that while the government had taken steps to prepare for Yolanda, the typhoon was simply "unprecedented" in terms of severity and magnitude. Coloma added even the first responders, including local government unit officials and their partners, were temporarily immobilized because they themselves were displaced. "Extraordinary din ang demands ng situation compounded by the breakdown of power and communication facilities (The demands of the situation were also extraordinary, considering the breakdown of power and communication facilities)," he said. Also, Coloma pointed out the government uses a highly complementary and interdependent structure for disaster management and risk reduction. Still, he said the government is open to constructive criticism, so it can improve and be more prepared in the future. PND (jl)

TOP

Palace: Government to continue addressing lawlessness in Yolanda-hit areas with firm law enforcement

Firm law enforcement will remain the government's answer to looting and lawlessness in areas hit hard by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), Malacañang maintained Thursday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said this amid reports of more attempts to loot warehouses.

"Ang response natin to lawlessness is law enforcement (Our response to lawlessness has been law enforcement). The government has been quite firm in doing it," Coloma said at a media briefing.

Coloma also said the government expects to sustain its efforts so it can transition from search-and-rescue to relief and

eventually to rehabilitation.

He said the government expects to work more closely with local officials, especially those in Leyte, now that the mayors involved are in the loop.

Coloma also reassured the public that the government has not forgotten other affected areas in favor of Leyte. PND (jl)

TOP

President Aquino assures Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas will play crucial role in the implementation of the Integrated Service digital broadcasting-terrestrial system

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) will play a crucial role in ensuring the full implementation of the Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) System developed by Japan, President Benigno S. Aquino III said. "One of the major challenges that our relief and rescue workers in the field is facing is the absence of reliable communication services after the breakdown of power and communication lines especially in the provinces and areas that were badly-hit by the typhoon," the Chief Executive said in his message read by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. during the KBP 39th Annual Top Level Management Conference at Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on Thursday. "It is within this context that the government is fast-tracking efforts for the full adoption and implementation of the ISDB-T System developed by Japan, which will pave the way for digital broadcast in the entire country," the President said. The Philippines is joining 15 other Asean member countries in switching over from analog to digital broadcasting. "The KBP will play a crucial role in ensuring the full fruition of this undertaking as it shall work with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in the conduct of necessary public consultations leading to the promulgation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the system,‖ the President stressed. The President emphasized the new system is aligned with the government‘s objective of zero-casualty in times of calamities. "The country is learning from the lessons of its neighbors. Nothing could further exemplify the importance of the ISDB-T system than what transpired in Northeastern Japan in 2011 in the aftermath of the earthquake. Residents in the vicinity of the quake immediately received tsunami alert warnings and passengers of the Shinkansen or bullet trains were able to disembark and run for safety using the system. Moreover, residents in nearby towns were also able to receive warnings despite the absence of electricity. As a result, numerous lives were saved," he said. He said ISDB-T has a built-in early warning system to enable people with TV sets, mobile phones and other hand-held gadgets with TV receivers to receive early warning announcements and advisories from the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council. It has also a built-in mobile transmission that can send early warnings to more than 100 million mobile phone users in the country at the shortest possible. "You in media have certainly done its part. No one will forget how many of your news teams risked life and limb to cover the storm," he said. "We can all do more, and today, I would like to make an appeal for greater accuracy in reports. In the same way that you have used your media coverage to give this tragedy a very real and human face, and to move others to action, you can also use your role to uplift the spirits of the Filipino people - to find stories of resilience, hope, and faith, and show the world just how strong the Filipino people are," the President said. PND (js)

TOP

Palace: President Aquino remains focused in directing disaster management operations to help Yolanda victims

President Benigno S. Aquino III remains focused on directing the operations of the government's disaster management mechanism in helping people affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), Malacañang said Thursday. In a media briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said the goal is still to help bring the people's lives back to normal. "Patuloy na naka-focus ang Pangulo sa pag-direct ng operations na ito (The President remains focused in directing such operations)," he said. He said the priority is also to bring normalcy back to all affected cities and towns, and prepare for the transition to rehabilitation. Coloma also emphasized that the Aquino administration is the first to implement a disaster management mechanism via

the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Under this structure, local government units are given more responsibilities to minimize the impact of disasters by getting more powers such as announcing the suspension of classes or work. He said that while people in the past had to wait for the head office of a department to announce the suspension of classes or work, LGUs are now empowered to make such decisions. Coloma also said there is no need for President Aquino to appoint a so-called disaster czar because the national disaster risk reduction and management framework is in place. "Pag naganap ang actual emergency, doon na i-activate yan (When there is an actual emergency, it can be activated)," he said. PND (jl)

TOP

14 NOBYEMBRE 2013

Uukulan ng gobyerno ng karampatang pitagan sa mga maayos na libingan ang mga nasawi sa paghagupit ng bagyong Yolanda

Mabilis na ang pagsaklolo sa Leyte, ayon sa Malacanang, pagkaraang mahawan ang mga sagabal sa mga daan—Palasyo

Nanawagan ang Pangulong Aquino sa sambayanan na tulungang makatighaw sa pagdurusang dinaranas ang mga biktima ng Yolanda

May natutuhan ang gobyerno sa karanasan sa Yolanda—Malacanang

Mahigpit na ipatutupad ng gobyerno ang mga batas para masupil ang mga magnanakaw sa sinalanta ng Yolanda

Mahalagang papel ang gagampanan ng Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas sa ipatutupad na Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestial System, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino

Uukulan ng gobyerno ng karampatang pitagan sa mga maayos na libingan ang mga nasawi sa paghagupit ng bagyong Yolanda

Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa mga mahal sa buhay ng mga nasawi sa paghagupit ng mapakalakas na bagyong Yolanda (Haiyan) na uukulan ng pamahalaan ng karampatang pitagan ang labi ng mga nasawi sa pamamagitan ng maayos na paglilibing. Isasaalang-alang sa mass burial na gagawin ang pamimighati ng mga naulilang mahal sa buhay, pagtiyak ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office. ―Nananatili ang respeto natin sa katauhan ng mga pumanaw,‖ sabi ni Kalihim Coloma sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Huwebes. Idinugtong ni Coloma na uukulan ng karampatang pitagan ang mga nasawi at ang pamilya nila. Sinabi ni Coloma na kailangang ilibing ang mga bangkay, lalo na ang mga nagsisimula nang maagnas dalawang araw matapos silang bawian ng buhay. Idinagdag ni Coloma na ang mga Kagawaran ng Kalusugan, Tanggulang Bansa, Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan, gayundin ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ay siyang naghahanda para sa paglilibing na gagawin. ―Ang mga ahensiyang ito ang nagtutulung-tulong upang kilalanin at ihanda ang ‗kaukulang angkop na paglilibingan,‖ ayon kay Coloma. Malubhang sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda ang maraming bahagi ng Kabisayaan at Timog Luzon noong nakaraang linggo. Sinabi ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council na mahigit nang 2,000 ang nasawi sa paghagupit ni Yolanda sa bansa. PND (jl/zaf)

TOP

Mabilis na ang pagsaklolo sa Leyte, ayon sa Malacanang, pagkaraang mahawan ang mga sagabal sa mga daan—Palasyo

Mabilis na ang paghahatid ng mga tulong sa biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong ―Yolanda‖ makaraang mahawan ang mga naghambalang na mga nabuwal na mga punungkahoy at mga bahagi ng mga nabagsak na mga bahay. Ito ang sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office kaugnay ng utos ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na pag-ibayuhin ang pagkilos upang mahatiran ng tulong nang mabilis ang mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda. ―Sa huling ulat ng NDRRMC, maaari nang madaanan ang 100 porsiyento ng lahat ng pamban-sang lansangan sa mga Rehiyong VI, VII at VIII. Inaasahan po na bibilis na ang paghahatid ng pagkain, tubig at iba pang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,‖ sabi pa ni Coloma. Idinugtong niya na ang mabilis na paghahatid ng tulong ay gagawin sa lahat ng 40 bayan ng Leyte na ang karamihan ay nasa baybaying dagat, gayundin ang Lungsod ng Tacloban. Sa utos din ng Pangulong Aquino, sabi pa ni Coloma, dinagdagan na ang mga sentro sa Cebu kung saan inaayos ang mga ihahatid na tulong. Sinabi ni Coloma na itinalaga ng Pangulo sina Kalihim Cesar Purisima ng Pananalapi at Joel Villanueva, puno ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority upang maging logistics coordinators. Si Purisima ang magiging puno ng national relief operations center sa Lungsod ng Pasay, habang si Villanueva naman ang puno ng Cebu repacking center. Samantala, sa Lungsod ng Tacloban, ayon kay Coloma, maglalagay ang pamahalaan ng one-kilowatt emergency broadcasting system ukol sa mabilis na pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon at para tulungan ang mga taong naghahanap ng hindi makitang mga mahal sa buhay. Ipinaliwanag ni Coloma na ang binuksang media center sa Lungsod ng Tacloban ay bilang clearinghouse na pinamamahalaan ni Tito Cruz, puno ng Philippine Broadcasting System. Sa kabilang dako, idinagdag ni Coloma na inialok ng Manila Broadcasting Co. at ng Far East Broadcasting Co. ang mga pasilidad nila sa Tacloban at mga kanugnog-bayan para sa public service broadcasting. ―Ang pagtutuunan ng pansin ay ang public service broadcasting para makatulong sa mga mamamayan,‖ paliwanag ni Coloma. PND (jl/zaf)

TOP

Nanawagan ang Pangulong Aquino sa sambayanan na tulungang makatighaw sa pagdurusang dinaranas ang mga biktima ng Yolanda

Patuloy na pagtulong sa mga biktima ng bagyong ―Yolanda‖ upang makatighaw sa matinding pagdurusa ang mga ito ang naging pakiusap ng Pangulo sa sambayanan.

―Alam natin ang bigat ng pagdurusang dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan, at higit kailanman, inaasahan sa ating lahat na ipagkakaloob natin ang ano mang tulong upang makatighaw sa matinding pagdrususa at dalamhati ang ating mga kababayan, sabi ng Pangulo sa mensaheng binasa para sa kanya ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa ginanap na 39th Annual Top Level Management Conference ng Kapisanan ng mgaq Brodkaster ng Pilipinas sa Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga Huwebes. Nagpasalamat ang Pangulo sa mga tao at organisasyon sa loob at labas ng bansa sa kagandahang-loob na pagtulong sa m ga biktima ng bagyo. ―Mahirap man marahil na makasumpong ng liwanag, palagay ko, ito pa rin ang dapat nating gawing balong ng pag-asa: ang pagkakaisa ng milyun-milyong Pilipino na hindi napinsala ng bagyo ay nagpakita sa kanilang mga kababayan—ng pakikiisang sinagisag ng maraming tao, mga pribadong korporasyon, mga samahan at mga bansa sa buong daigdig. Ang umaalingawngaw at nagkakaisa nilang mensahe: Tayo ay hindi nag-iisa,‖ dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na kailangang tiyakin sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyo na ang pamahalaang Pilipino, ang mga kapuwa nila Pilipino at ang pandaigdig na komunidad ay tutulong sa kanila upang tumindig na muli at makibaka sa buhay. ―Tungkulin nating ipadama sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa,‖ wika pa ng Pangulo. Sinabi ng Pangulo na ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang sagutin niitong gawin bago salantain ng bagyong Yolanda ang maraming pook sa Kabisayaan noong isang Linggo. ―Nagsagawa tayo agad ng sapilitang paglilikas at naglagay na tayo ng mga relief goods sa mga pook na babagtasin ng bagyo. Sina Kalihim ng Tanggulan Voltaire Gazmin at Kalihim Manuel Roxas ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan ay nasa Leyte na sapul noong Huwebes (Nob. 7) para pangasiwaan ang paghahanda, ― wika ng Pangulo. ―Sa pagsagasa ng bagyo, kaagad na ginawa ang operasyon para sa pagsaklolo, pagtulong sa mga biktima at rehabilitasyon,‖ dugtong ng Pangulo. Hanggang noong Miyerkoles, sinabi ng Pangulo na umabot na sa 115,607 food packs na ang naipamahagi sa mga biktima, habang ang medical and surgical teams ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang nasa pook nang sinalanta ng bagyo upang tulungan ang mga biktima. Naglagay pa ang DOH ng satellite medical stations sa mga Rehiyong 6, 7 at 8. Binigyang diin din ng Pangulo na walang humpay ang pag-aayos ng Kagawaran ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan sa mga lansangang natambakan ng nabuwal na mga punungkahoy upang mabilis na mapuntahan ang malalayong baranggay kaya karamihan sa mga lansangang ito ay maaari nang daanan upang maghatid ng tulong sa mga biktima. PND (js/zaf)

TOP

May natutuhan ang gobyerno sa karanasan sa Yolanda—Malacanang

Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa madla na may natutuhang aral ang pamahalaan upang tugunan ang mga suliraning bunga ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda (Haiyan) upang lalo nitong mapabuti ang mga hakbang na dapat gawin sa hinaharap kung may ganitong pangyayari. Ito ang binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office nang sabihing ang pamahalaan ay hindi nagpapasa ng pananagutan o naninisi kanino man sa pangyayaring ito. ―Walang kaisipan ang pamahalaan na magpasa ng sisi o magturo ng responsibilidad. Dahil nakapulot tayo ng mahalagang aral. Magiging mahusay para sa susunod na pagkakataon,‖ wika ni Coloma sa pulong-balitaan sa Malakanyang Huwebes. ―Kung may pumupuna, tinatanggap natin ang pagpuna. Hindi natin itinatanggi na maaaring nagkaroon ng pagkukulang. Pero ito ay bunga ng matinding pagtitimpi, hindi sinasadyang huwag tuunan ng pansin,‖ sabi pa ni Coloma. Idinugtong niya na bagaman ginawa na ng pamahalaan ang mga hakbang na paghahanda kay Yolanda, ang bagyo ay walang katulad sa lakas at lawak ng pinsalang nagawa. Sinabi ni Coloma na kahit ang mga unang sumaklolo, kabilang na ang mga pinuno ng lokal na pamahalaan at mga kasama nila ay pansamantalang hindi nakagalaw sapagka‘t sila man ay naging mga biktima. ―Pambihira rin ang hinihingi ng mga pangyayaring pinalubha pa ng pagkawala ng koryente at komunikasyon,‖ wika ni Coloma. Ayon kay Coloma, ang pamahalaan ay gumagamit ng magkaugnay at interdependent structure sa disaster management and risk reduction. Walang tutol ang pamahalaan sa mapagbuong pamumuna upang lalo pang mapabuti ang mga paghahandang gagawin sa hinaharap. PND (jl/zaf)

TOP

Mahigpit na ipatutupad ng gobyerno ang mga batas para masupil ang mga magnanakaw sa sinalanta ng Yolanda

Patuloy na puspusang ipatutupad ng pamahalaan ang batas bilang sagot sa mga magnanakaw at masasamang-loob na nagsasamantala sa mga pook na sinalanta ng malakas na bagyong Yolanda. Ito ang inihayag ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa liwanag ng mga balita ng mga tangka pang pagnanakaw sa mga warehouse o bodega sa mga pook na sinalanta ng Yolanda. ―Ang tugon natin sa masasamang-loob ay pagpapatupad ng mga batas, Walang pasubaling paninindigan ito ng pamahalaan,‖ sabi ni Coloma. Sinabi ni Coloma na inaasahan ng pamahalaan na magpapatuloy ang mga pagsisikap nito para ang ginagawang search-and-rescue ay humantong na sa rehabilitasyon. Idinugtong niya na inaasahang mag-iibayo ang pakikipagtulungan ng pamahalaan sa mga lokal na pinuno, lalo na sa Leyte, ngayong ang mga alkalde ay nakikibalikat na. Tiniyak din ni Coloma sa madla na hindi lamang ang Leyte ang inaasikaso ng pamahalaan at hindi nakakalimutan ang ibang pook. PND (jl/zaf)

TOP

Mahalagang papel ang gagampanan ng Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas sa ipatutupad na Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestial System, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino

Mahalagang papel ang gagampanan ng Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) para matiyak ang lubusang pagpapatupad ng Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestial (ISDB-T) System na nilikha ng Hapon, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III. ―Isa sa malaking suliranin ng mga tagasaklolo natin sa larangan ay ang kawalan ng maaasahang serbisyo ng komunikasyon matapos mawalan ng koryente at komunikasyon, lalo na sa mga lalawigan at pook na malubhang sinalanta ng bagyo,‖ sabi ng Pangulo sa mensahe niya na KBP na binasa ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa KBP 39th Annual Top Level Management Conference sa Clark Freeport Zone sa Pampanga Huwebes. ―Ito ang dahilan kaya minamadali ng pamahalaan ang pagpapatupad ng ISDB-T na nilikha ng Hapon upang bigyang daan ang digital broadcast sa buong bansa,‖ wika ng Pangulo. Makakasama ang Pilipinas ng 15 iba pang bansang Asyano sa paglipat sa digital broadcasting mula sa analog. ―Mahalaga ang papel dito ng KBP dahil makakatulong sila ng Pambansang Komisyon sa Telekomunikasyon sa pagpapatupad ng ISDB-T System na magiging daan para magkarooon ng digital broadcast sa buong bansa,‖ dugtong ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na ang bagong sistemang ito ay kaugnay ng hangarin ng pamahalaan na zero casualty sa panahon ng kalamidad. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na malaking leksiyon ang napulot ng Pilipinas sa mga kapit-bansa na ang halimbawa ay nagawa ng ISDB-T nang lumindol nang malakas noong 2011 sa Hilagang Silangang Hapon. Agad nababalaan ang taong bayan nila sa pagdating tsunami kaya nakaligtas ang mga ito sa malubhang kapahamakan bunga ng maagap na babala. Ang ISDB-T ay may early warning system na nakalagay sa mga TV sets, mobile phones at iba pang hand-held gadgets na may TV receivers para matanggap ang maagap na babala buhat sa National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council. Malakikng bagay ayon sa Pangulo ang kagamitang ito sa liwanag ng pangyayaring halos 10 milyong Pilipino ang may mobile phones na maagap na mabibigyan ng babala hinggil sa ano mang uri ng panganib. Nanawagan ang Pangulo sa lahat na magbibigay lamang ng mga tamang ulat upang ang kanilang mga balita ay makatulong nang malaki para makapagligtas ng buhay at magawa naman ng pamahalaan at ng lahat ang dapat gawing hakbang sa kaligtasan at pagbibigay ng sigla sa sambayanang Pilipino upang manatiling matatag, may pag-asa, pananalig at nang malaman ng buong daigdig kung gaano katatag at kalakas ang sambayanang Pilipino. PND (js/zaf)

TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Statement on Typhoon Yolanda Malacañang Palace 11 November 2013

Nitong Biyernes, humagupit sa malaking bahagi ng Kabisayaan ang Bagyong Yolanda. Isa ito sa pinakamalakas na bagyo sa kasaysayan ng bansa, kung di man ng buong mundo. Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa mga dalubhasa mula sa PAGASA, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Phivolcs, at DOST, na kumalap at nagbigay ng tama at detalyadong impormasyon na naging dahilan upang makapaghanda nang maayos ang ating mga kababayan. Ito ang nagbigay-daan para sa iniuulat na mababang casualty count mula sa ilang mga probinsyang dinaanan din ng bagyo, tulad ng Oriental at Occidental Mindoro, Negros Occidental, Palawan, Aklan, at Romblon, kung saan maagang nakapaghanda ang lokal na pamahalaan. Sa kabila po nito, personal din nating nasaksihan ang matinding pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong ito sa Leyte at Samar. Dito sa kung saan tila naembudo ang mga storm surge ni Yolanda nakita ang pinakamabigat na pinsala, at dito nakatutok ang ating pagbibigay lingap sa mga sandaling ito. Humihingi rin po tayo ng pang-unawa sa lahat. Sa paghahagupit ni Yolanda, nawalan ng kuryente at komunikasyon sa maraming lugar. Apektado po nito, hindi lamang ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga nais makasigurong ligtas ang kanilang mga kaanak, kundi pati na rin ang koordinasyon ng ating relief efforts. Para mapadala ang pangangailangan, kailangan nating malaman ang kakulangan ng bawat lugar; nahirapan po tayong makuha ang mga datos na ito. May ilang lokal na pamahalaan, sa lakas ng delubyo, na bumigay din po dahil kabilang sa mga nasalanta ang kanilang mga tauhan at opisyal. Isipin po ninyo, bumalik tayo sa situwasyon kung saan pasa-pasa ang impormasyon—walang TV, cellphone, o internet; sarado ang mga tindahan; hindi naging madali ang pag-oorganisa ng relief efforts. Naging ugat po ito ng kaguluhan sa ilang mga lugar. Dito po‘y papasok ang pambansang pamahalaan. Imbis na dumagdag lamang tayo sa lakas ng mga komunidad, kinailangang manguna ng pambansang gobyerno. Nilinis ng DPWH ang mga kalsadang binagsakan ng malalaking puno at mga poste ng kuryente ; lahat ng naireport na bara ay nabuksan na. Ayon na rin sa kahilingan ng mga lokal na opisyal, nagpadala tayo ng karagdagang 800 mga sundalo at pulis sa Tacloban upang ibalik ang kaayusan. May tatlong repacking center po tayong naglalabas ng di baba sa 55,000 mga family food pack kada araw; inatasan na po natin si Secretary Abaya ng DOTC upang imando ang pagdadala ng mga relief goods kung saan ito pinakakailangan. Inuna natin ang pagdadala ng pagkain, tubig, at gamot sa mga pinakaapektadong lugar. Dadaanin po natin sa mga barangay ang pagpapamigay ng mga pangunahing pangangailangang ito; 24,000 family food packs na po ang napamudmod sa Tacloban kahapon, at nakasentro ang pagpapamigay sa walong pinakamalaking barangay doon. Mayroon tayong dalawang water purification facilities, at marami pa ang darating, upang masigurong may maiinom ang ating mga kababayan. Inaayos na natin ang mekanismo para mapalawak ang saklaw ng social housing program ng pamahalaan. Mula po sa ating mga calamity funds, contingency funds, at savings, mayroong 18.7 billion pesos na maaaring gamitin upang ibangon ang mga lugar na pininsala ni Yolanda. Dumarating na rin po ang tulong mula sa ibang bansa; 22 bansa na po ang nagpanata o nagbigay na ng tulong, kabilang na ang Indonesia, Amerika, Inglatera, bansang Hapon, Singapore, New Zealand, pati na rin po ang Hungary. Tumutulong na rin po sa iba‘t ibang paraan ang pribadong sektor upang ibangon ang mga nasalanta, gaya ng sa pagbabalik ng daloy ng komunikasyon at pati ang pagmimintena ng krudo sa mga apektadong lugar. Kasabay nito, idinedeklara po natin ang State of national calamity upang mapabilis ang mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan para sa pagsagip, paghahatid ng tulong, at rehabilitasyon ng mga probinsyang sinalanta ni Yolanda. Mahalaga rin ito, hindi lamang para panatilihing kontrolado ang mga presyo ng mga pangunahing produkto at serbisyo na kakailanganin ng ating mga kakabayan, kundi upang maiwasan din ang overpricing at hoarding ng mga mahahalagang bilihin. Inaprubahan din natin ang kabuuang P1.1 billion para pandagdag sa Quick Response Funds ng DSWD at DPWH, para sa agarang pagpapatupad ng mga kinakailangang suporta para sa muling pagbangon ng mga kababayan nating hinagupit nitong trahedya. Bagaman nakapagtala ng mababang casualty count sa maraming mga probinsyang dinaanan ni Yolanda, sa mga lugar naman na tila naembudo ang bagyong ito, talaga naman pong malaki ang pinsalang nasaksihan natin. Tulad ninyo, gusto ko ring malaman kung paanong maiibsan ang situwasyon sa mga lugar na tulad nito.

Sa mga darating na araw, maaasahan ninyo, lalo pang papaspas ang ayuda. Ang panawagan ko lang po: Ang pagiging kalmado, pagdarasal, pakikisama, at pakikipagtulungan. Siya ang magpapabangon sa atin mula sa sakunang ito. Maraming salamat po at magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.

[HOME]

ONLINE NEWS

14 NOVEMBER 2013

PNoy orders early release of year-end bonuses for gov't workers

Unused PDAF holds potential for Yolanda aid

DOLE regional operation in Tacloban, Leyte moving forward, albeit slowly--Baldoz

Zamboanga City's Mayor Climaco thanks Baldoz for P1.9 million in emergency employment assistance to worker-victims of armed conflict

DPWH implements urgent flood control measure

DSWD aids victims leaving Tacloban

Training on meat processing and banquet operations given to 34 repatriated OFWs in Ilocos Norte

Secretary Baldoz orders POEA to deliver satellite services for Eastern Visayas OFWs

POEA suspends companies involved in oil platform accident

RODG, PTTC offer free Awareness Seminar Series on P-Traceability System

DTI commits P1.89M SSF projects for three beneficiary groups in ZDN

Statement on international assistance for victims of Typhoon Yolanda

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister turned over humanitarian assistance to Philippine Red Cross

DOTC: Automatic fare collection system bidding expected to yield most number of PPP bidders so far

Visas requirements for foreign aid workers to be eased - BI

DAR needs farmers to expedite land distribution

President PNoy leads launch of PhilHealth's prosthesis benefit package and new provider payment mechanism

PNoy orders early release of year-end bonuses for gov't workers

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

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio ―Butch‖ Abad announced that President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the early release today of P16.05 billion for the year-end bonuses of government employees for the second half of 2013, following the wide-scale destruction caused by super typhoon Yolanda in several parts of the Visayas region. Abad said that the early release of year-end perks—specifically one-half of the 13th month pay and a cash gift amounting to P5,000—will allow government personnel to respond better to the calamity, whether they were directly affected by the disaster or not. The first half of the 13th month pay was already released in May this year, according to the Department of Budget and Management. The release for the bonuses will benefit a total of 1,209,375 government employees. This covers both civilian and uniformed personnel across all departments and agencies, including regular co-terminus employees in government. ―With billions in damage already in view—not to mention the irretrievable loss of life in Yolanda-stricken areas—the Aquino administration is tapping all its resources to mobilize relief operations in all affected areas and communities. But we also need to account for how Yolanda‘s survivors will fare in the aftermath, or how their friends and relatives can help in the wake of such a disaster. We hope to address that with the early release of year-end bonuses for all

uniformed and civilian personnel in government,‖ Abad said. He added that the early release of year-end bonuses was also made in September 2009, in the aftermath of Ondoy. ―President Aquino recognizes that with little to no resources, government employees who were affected by the super typhoon will have a very difficult time getting back to their feet. We recognize as well that millions of public servants whose respective cities were spared by Yolanda are only too keen on giving what they can and helping those who survived such a horrific calamity,‖ Abad said.

|TOP|

Unused PDAF holds potential for Yolanda aid

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

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio ―Butch‖ Abad today lauded the decision made by the Lower House and the Senate to waive their remaining Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to augment the Calamity Fund, adding that such a move would help expand the government‘s resources for post-disaster operations in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda. However, the unused PDAF—amounting to P14.6 billion—is currently held in check by a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court, following petitions that challenged the constitutionality of the fund. ―We‘re very appreciative of our legislators‘ decision to waive their remaining PDAF in favor of using these funds for the government‘s disaster relief operations. The staggering extent of the damage that Yolanda caused has already been widely reported, and the daunting but necessary work of rehabilitating all affected areas will require us to tap as many proper fund sources as possible. We look forward to the High Court‘s decision on the legality of the PDAF, and are likewise hopeful for a positive outcome so we can beef up our resources for our relief efforts,‖ Abad said. According to DBM Legal Services Director Rowena Candice Ruiz, lifting the TRO on PDAF will allow the President to declare the unused funds as savings for the purpose of driving more budgetary support to disaster aid efforts. ―Should the Supreme Court lift the TRO on PDAF, the unused funds may be declared as government savings, which the President may use to augment the Calamity Fund for relief and rehabilitation operations for the victims of Yolanda. Otherwise, the PDAF will remain unused and will not carry over to the next fiscal year, due to the one-year limit on the validity of appropriations,‖ Ruiz said. Meanwhile, Abad said that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has submitted a proposal to Congress on lifting the one-year lapse period for appropriations related to calamity and disaster response, including the Calamity Fund and the Quick Relief Funds (QRFs) under various agencies. ―If the shelf life for these budget items is extended, our implementing agencies can use what‘s left of this year‘s appropriations for post-Yolanda rehabilitation efforts next year. This is particularly important, because agencies only have a month-and-a-half left to obligate all the calamity- or disaster-related funds we release to them. ―Conversely, if the one-year lapse period isn‘t lifted, what‘s left of these funds will not carry over to the 2014 budget. Given the scope and seriousness of the damage caused by the calamity—not to mention the logistical challenges of delivering aid to affected communities—our implementing agencies will need a bit more flexibility in the utilization of these funds,‖ Abad said.

|TOP|

DOLE regional operation in Tacloban, Leyte moving forward, albeit slowly--Baldoz

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

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said that good weather permitting, the DOLE regional office in Eastern Visayas is re-establishing its footing, albeit slowly, with the help of the contingent teams now in place to assist the regional staff. "The contingent teams in Tacloban City have started relief operation for the employees of the DOLE and for member-agencies of the Regional Coordinating Committee, in coordination with other government units and DOLE Tacloban. Baldoz also said the four DOLE teams sent to Tacloban to restore regional operations are now in place. The teams are from the DOLE in the National Capital Region headed by Rey Sangay; DOLE Caraga headed by Regional Director Johnson Canete; DOLE Region 5 led by Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra; and DOLE Region 7 led by Regional Director Chona M. Mantilla. Baldoz announced that a fifth team, headed by DOLE Regional Director Raymundo Agravante, is on the way to reinforce the contingent group on-site. "Undersecretary Rebecca Chato is the top DOLE official supervising and coordinating DOLE efforts in Eastern Visayas," she said.

"The priority of the contingent teams is to locate employees of the DOLE and member-agencies of the Regional Coordinating Council and ensure their safety and welfare. After that, they should already reach out to our clients, our worker-victims," added Baldoz. She also announced the following names and contact details of focal persons who may be contacted for DOLE programs and services: (1) DOLE Regional Office No. 8, Assistant Regional Director Cyril Ticao/Roy Buenafe, 0939-190-4969; (2) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Dir. Albert Valenciano, 0917-676-5191; (3) Occupational Safety and Health Center, Elexis Lauzon, 0927-877-2582; Jehremias Florante, 0917-865-5605; Lorenzo Mantilla,0915-395-5204; Edwin Hagoot, 0927-877-2573; Reynaldo Decain, 0927-908-4143; (4) Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, 437-456; 481-4503; 0917-813-0867; Norma del Rosario, 0916-594-5715; (5) National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo, 09209181274; Juanito Quiamson, 0919-470-0025; (6) Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board, Region 7 Board Secretary Grace Carreon, (032)266-8068; (032)412-9072 (7) National Maritime Polytechnic, Executive Director Forter Puguon, 0928-862-0012 or 0929-643-7098; (8) National Labor Relations Commission, Amelia Ducena, 0917-891-1173, and (9) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Region 8 Director Glenda Omega, 0915-747-3140; "As soon as we have rebuilt our office infrastructure and re-established regional operation, we will go full blast in reviving the provision of our programs and services to all our clients," said Baldoz. "Our priority would be the emergency employment for displaced workers using the P50 million we have re-aligned, under which beneficiaries will be hired at regional minimum wage rate for not less than 15 days," she finally said.

|TOP|

Zamboanga City's Mayor Climaco thanks Baldoz for P1.9 million in emergency employment assistance to worker-victims of armed conflict

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

Yesterday, when Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz paid a visit to Zambonga City and awarded Mayor Maria Isabelle "Beng" Climaco three checks of P499,800 each, and two more worth P468,498.42 and P31,301.58, respectively, the amiable city chief executive expressed profuse thanks, telling her the visit is most timely as the City is now undergoing recovery and rehabilitation stage. Mayor Climaco also said that the total amount of P1,999,200.00 will go a long way in alleviating the plight of her constituents caught in the disastrous armed conflict between remnants of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Philippine security forces in September. "I am very thankful to the DOLE for this assistance and for its programs in the city. When I assumed as chief executive of the City of Zamboanga in 2010, the DOLE was one of the first national government agencies that offered support to our people through its programs, particularly the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES)," Mayor Climaco said to Baldoz during their meeting at the Zamboanga City Hall. Baldoz told the mayor that the P1,999,200.00 represents the DOLE's bottom-up budget (BUB) for emergency employment of victims of the conflict. "The amount is the last tranche of the P5 million in BUB funds which we have allocated for Zamboanga City for the implementation of its Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program for Displaced Workers," said Baldoz, who was accompanied in Zamboanga City by Undersecretary for Social Protection Ciriaco Lagunzad III, DOLE Regional Office No. 9 Director Sisinio Cano, Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), Regional Director Lorenzo Macapili of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Region 9, Labor Attaches Nasser Mustafa and Adam Musa, and DOLE Zamboanga City Coordinator Ian Lahi. The amount of P1.9 million represents the salaries and wages of 240 displaced workers to be hired by the city government and the DOLE under the emergency employment program. They will be paid a minimum wage of P280 per day for 30 days to do repair work on government facilities, such as school buildings, health clinics, and barangay halls. They will be tasked also to help in food preparation and cleaning maintenance in evacuation centers. "We are happy to be of help to the victims of the conflict. To promote transparency, all beneficiaries of DOLE programs, such as the emergency employment, are carefully selected using the National Household Targeting System of the government and their names and address uploaded in the DOLE website," said Baldoz. She recalled to Mayor Climaco that on 29 May this year, the DOLE regional office has released P989,240.00, the first tranche of the P5 million BUB funding for emergency employment, for 106 workers displaced in the fishing and fish canning industry. The DOLE's emergency employment program respond to Item No. 8 in the President‘s Social Contract with the Filipino People which calls for veering away ―from government anti-poverty programs that instill a dole-out mentality to well-considered programs that build capacity and create opportunities among the poor and the marginalized‖. These programs also respond to the Social Protection Chapter of the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016 which spells out the strategy of strengthening the community-based employment program, particularly the emergency employment component to create jobs that provide income to vulnerable workers and their families.

|TOP|

DPWH implements urgent flood control measure

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

The Department of Public Works and Highways with fund releases in the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) for 2012 allocated P5 Billion for urgent funding of mitigation measures under the Flood Management Master Plan for Metro Manila and Surrounding Areas. Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that utilizing the first six (6) batches of allocation releases from the Department of Budget and Management in the total amount of P3.940 Billion, the DPWH achieved an overall accomplishment of 75.83 percent completion for the identified eight (8) priority projects in the National Capital Region, five (5) projects in Central Luzon, two (2) projects in Southern Tagalog Region specifically located in the Province of Laguna and for the procurement of dredging equipment and for the operation and maintenance of dredging equipment for Pasac-Delta Waterway in Guagua and Sasmuan, Pampanga. The seventh batch allocation amounting P1.059 Billion was released last August 2013 to complete the P5.0 Billion fund releases. In NCR, the P1.531 Billion Valenzuela-Obando-Meycauayan Project with a total of 42 component projects has an average completion of 72.82 percent for initial 21 projects funded under the P820 Million 1st to 6th batches of released allocation while six (6) additional projects in the P711.025 Million 7th batch are for bidding and 15 others with plans and programs of work for approval. The project involves the construction of flood control wall with an elevation of 13.5 lineal meter for approximately 3.2 km stretch along Meycauayan River in Valenzuela City to prevent entry of flood waters during high tide and heavy flows, construction of flood control wall at elevation 13.5 m for approximately 9.0 km stretch along Palasan and Meycauayan Rivers in Obando, Bulacan to prevent entry of flood waters during high tide and heavy flows including storm surge from Manila Bay, and the desilting of Meycauayan River in Obando, Bulacan to improve conveyance capacity as well as improvement of riverwall. The project involving the rehabilitation of Catmon Creek, and riverwall along Malabon-Tullahan River, and construction of pumping stations and floodgates under the P600 Million KAMANAVA Project-Phase I has an accomplishment of 86.34 percent for the seven (7) projects included in the initial releases while three (3) projects are for bidding and 22 with plans/program of work for approval. DPWH has already accomplished 98.73 percent of works for the P211 Million Manila Bay Seawall Project which involves the strengthening of existing seawall, construction of floodgates (Remedios and Salas) and repair/rehabilitation of Luneta Pumping Station and construction of breakwater. About 91 percent accomplishment was posted under the P222.5 Million Upper Marikina River Improvement Project at Nangka River with four (4) of its six (6) component projects which involve construction of reinforced concrete slope protection, parapet and gravity completed. Dredging activities at Marikina River and Mangahan floodway to hasten water flow were also completed at a cost of P150 Million while the construction of slope protection along Cainta and Taytay Rivers under the East Side of Mangahan Floodway Project was also completed. Dredging of Labangan Channel in Hagonoy Bulacan is on-going while the designs and plans for permanent works for breaches in the San Fernando-Sto Tomas Minalin Tail Dike is undergoing review.

|TOP|

DSWD aids victims leaving Tacloban

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

Cebu City — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII continues to assist victims of Typhoon Yolanda who are moving out from the typhoon-ravaged Tacloban City. Personnel from the Department are deployed at the Mactan Air Base to meet these people who arrived in the city via C130. ―Tiniis naming maglakad mula 10:00 [ng gabi] hanggang 3:30 [ng umaga] para makaabot sa airport… At ang tatay ko, naka-wheelchair (We walked from 10:00 pm until 3:30 am just to reach the airport… And my father is wheelchair-bound),‖ said Kevin Talbo, 24, from San Jose, Tacloban City. ―My grandson David let me stand on his lap and held me above water for hours and when the weather calmed down, he placed me safely on tree branch, left me with a shirt and told me not to move. I was so cold but I have to survive for my children and grandchildren,‖ said 84-year old Pilar Ferreras As soon as these evacuees arrive at the airport, DSWD personnel interview them to assess their needs and to provide initial debriefing. They were also given hot meals and provided a warm place to sleep in. Medical help was also arranged for the elderly and wounded. Violeta Tangson recalled her ordeal. ―Nagtago kami ng mga anak ko sa ilalim ng lababo kasama ang 15 pang mga bata. Nawalis ang dingding at nawala ang mga bata sa paligid. Kami nalang ng asawa at mga anak ko [ang natira] (My children and me hid under the sink with 15 other kids. The walls started to crumble and the children got washed away. The only ones who survived are I, my husband and our children.).‖ A mother of three, Violeta started to worry for her family more when dead bodies started to smell. That is when she decided to take the four-hour walk from the town of Palo to Tacloban airport dragging her injured foot. ―Makalabas lang kami ng Leyte, may mga kamag-anak ako sa Cavite na tutulong sa amin. Mabubuhay ang mga anak ko (If we can just get out of Leyte, I have relatives in Cavite who will help us. My children will live),‖ she shared. Violeta‘s husband chose to stay behind to take care of his aging mother, and this saddens her, but knowing that her children are already safe is enough reason to look forward to a new life in a different town. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman has instructed DSWD Field Offices V, VII, X and CARAGA to reinforce relief operations in Eastern Visayas.

These field offices are now repacking relief items. They have also deployed personnel to help in relief distribution and to conduct initial critical incident stress debriefing (CISD).

|TOP|

Training on meat processing and banquet operations given to 34 repatriated OFWs in Ilocos Norte

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

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 1 (OWWA RWO1) conducted a three-day skills training on meat processing and banquet operations to 34 returned OFWs in Ilocos Norte on November 6-8, 2013 at La Presidencia Hall, Vintar, Ilocos Norte. The participants, 32 former OFWs and two OFW dependents, came from the 13 barangays of Vintar, Ilocos Norte The livelihood skills training under the ―Balik- Pinas, Balik- Hanapbuhay‖ Project of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), taught the participants the how-to‘s of making ham, pork tapa, bacon, tocino, embotido, and burger patties. They were also trained in catering banquet operations that included buffet set-up, and table napkin folding. A bonus module on Financial Literacy was also given to help them in managing their finances. OWWO-RWO1 tapped Dr. Rhoda T. Garcia of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) College of Arts and Sciences in Batac, Ilocos Norte to share her thoughts and expertise in the proper preparation of processed meats. She also facilitated the financial literacy seminar for the participants. Kerwin A. Bareng and Rogelio Abiva Jr., both from MMSU College of Business Economics and Accountancy, gave comprehensive demonstrations on banquet operations. Each participant received demo-kits, starter kits, Certificate of Participation, and meals. OWWA RWOI hopes that the OFWs-participants will utilize the training given to them for free especially with the coming festive season so they will soon become successful entrepreneurs who will serve as model and inspiration to other OFWs.

|TOP|

RODG, PTTC offer free Awareness Seminar Series on P-Traceability System

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

The Regional Operations and Development Group (RODG) in cooperation with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) is inviting the public to the free awareness seminar series on ―Philippine Traceability System (PTRACE)‖ at the PTTC, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on November 21, 22, 27, 29, and December 4, 6,12, 16, 2013. The seminar is intended for MSMEs, food manufacturers, producers and other related sectors, national and local government officers and business counselors, non-government organizations (NGOs), consultants/academe and students, Trade and Industry associations, food dealers, wholesalers, retailers, and food service providers. The seminar series aims to enhance the competitiveness and credibility of Philippine food products by assuring markets to be immediately responsive in providing vital information to the effective application of food safety; increase the country‘s food export compliance to food safety requirements and traceability systems; raise awareness of MSMEs on the importance of traceability system in the manufacture of safety and quality products; and provide understanding on tracking and tracing food products along the food chain using the traceability system. Topics for discussion in the conduct of the seminar include fundamentals and importance of P-Traceability as well as introduction to Philippine Food Safety Law. Food industry experts and government practitioners are to grace the event to share their experiences on the implementation of the traceability system. For more details, please call Ms.Maricris Cura, Ms.Reynalyn Garcia, or Ms.Elizabeth Salcedo of PTTC‘s Business Management Training Services Division (BMTSD) at telephone nos: (02) 4688962-64 and 831-9988 or e-mail at tid@pttc.gov.ph and info@pttc.gov.ph.

|TOP|

DTI commits P1.89M SSF projects for three beneficiary groups in ZDN

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with three beneficiary organizations located in Jose Dalman and in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. The MOA stipulates DTI‘s commitment to provide three shared service facility (SSF) projects costing a total of P1.89M

to the Doña Josefa Seaweeds Farmers Association in Sindangan, the Poblacion United Seaweeds Planters Association in Jose Dalman, and the Sardines Savers Association, also located in Jose Dalman. According to DTI-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Noel R. Bazan, two of the three projects involve the construction of concrete stilt dryers and storage houses for harvested seaweeds which are expected to significantly improve the quality of dried seaweeds produced in the said areas. Each projects cost P923,946.24 to build and will benefit 139 small seaweed farmers who are members of the aforesaid organizations. Seaweed, Bazan said, is one of Zamboanga Peninsula‘s priority industry clusters and is recognized by the Regional Development Council as a regional champion product. ―So many of our people are dependent on the seaweed industry for their livelihood, hence we in the DTI together with our partner agencies in government work hand in hand for the development of this industry, ― Bazan said. ―The other SSF project is for the Jose Dalman Sardines Savers Association. We committed to provide the Thermal Shrink Packaging Machine to improve quality, productivity and efficiency in the production of bottled sardines for the association,‖ Bazan said. ―Sealing of bottled sardines will only take a few hours using this equipment instead of days using the manual sealing method,‖ Bazan disclosed. Bottled sardines, just like seaweeds is a priority industry most especially in Zamboanga del Norte which is now known for its bottled Spanish-style sardines. ―We are very happy that our Secretary Gregory Domingo came up with this SSF project because it makes a lot of impact in addressing the bottlenecks in the value chain of our priority industries. ―In the case of the bottled sardines SSF above, the project cost for the sealing machine is only P44,800 but the impact is expected to be so much in hastening the production process that would in turn allow the association to produce and sell more,‖ Bazan said. The abovementioned projects according to Bazan are just three of the 12 SSF projects targeted for implementation in the province this year.

|TOP|

Statement on international assistance for victims of Typhoon Yolanda

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

The Department of Foreign Affairs would like to convey its sincerest gratitude to our international partners and kababayans abroad for their generous and swift response in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. As of 2:00 pm today, the number of international donors monitored by the DFA has risen to thirty-six (36) and the value of international assistance has been estimated at Php 3,848,564,500 or USD 89,501,500. Again, this figure accounts only for cash donation pledges and in-kind donations to which monetary valuation had been assigned by the donors. Let me clarify that most of the international assistance, either in monetary form or in-kind donations, does not go through the Philippine government. The DFA, as the first point of contact for the international community, is notified of pledges of international assistance. The DFA will then pass on the information to the NDRRMC and other agencies involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts. So far, except for Indonesia, all international donors that have pledged monetary donations are coursing the money through their aid agencies, or through NGOs, charitable institutions and foundations of their choice. The Vatican, for instance, is sending its donation to local churches and these churches will be distributing the aid to the people. Some donors are distributing relief goods directly to the affected communities while others turned the items over to NDRRMC and DSWD repacking stations. Other donors are also deploying their own medical and search-and-rescue teams in hard-hit areas. Furthermore, a pledge of financial support is subject to the rules and processes of the donating government or agency. Therefore, it takes time for the actual funds to be released to the recipients. As for reports that adequate aid is yet to reach those in need, the DFA wishes to assure the public that it is doing everything it can to properly and promptly coordinate offers of international assistance with the agencies engaged in aid delivery.

|TOP|

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister turned over humanitarian assistance to Philippine Red Cross

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

13 November 2013 - Visiting Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay and his delegation officially turned over on November 12 the Turkish government‘s donations to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Representatives from the

Philippine Red Cross headed by Chairman Richard Gordon, who is also Governor of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, were on hand to receive the donations from the Deputy Prime Minister and from the Turkish Red Crescent Society representatives. The donations consist of 550 pieces of family tents, 550 pieces of family kitchen sets and 5,125 blankets, all-in-all weighing about 64,848 tons. The donations were flown to Manila by.a Turkish Airline cargo plane which arrived last night. During the simple turn over ceremony held at the MIASCOR cargo warehouse in Parañaque City, Deputy Prime Minister Atalay conveyed his country‘s and government‘s sincere desire to help the Philippines during this time of crisis and symbolic of this desire are these donations. Chairman Gordon, for his part, expressed the Philippine Red Cross‘ and the Philippines‘ deep gratitude to the Turkish government and people for these generous donations which would greatly help alleviate the plight of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Also on hand to witness the formal turn over were Turkish Ambassador Hatice Pinar Isik and Department of Foreign Affairs‘ Executive Director for European Affairs Marichu Mauro.

|TOP|

DOTC: Automatic fare collection system bidding expected to yield most number of PPP bidders so far

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

Manila, Philippines – With the coming bid submission deadline for the P1.72 Billion Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) project on Monday, 18 November 2013, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) expects to net the most number of bidders under the administration‘s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program so far. ―With only a few days to go before bid submission, our sense is that all five prequalified groups are still very much in the running,‖ said DOTC spokesperson Migs Sagcal. ―From what we understand, if all groups submit on Monday, this could be the highest number of bidders for a PPP project so far. That would mean more competitive bids, and it would show how well the project terms have been packaged,‖ Sagcal added. The 5 consortia which were pre-qualified by the transport agency earlier this year are the AF Consortium, led by the Ayala and Metro Pacific groups; the SM Consortium, which includes several companies owned by the Sy family; a group led by ComWorks, Inc.; the E-Trans Solutions Joint Venture, Inc.; and the Megawide-Suyen-Eurolink Consortium. The pre-qualified groups have also partnered with foreign companies having established experience in similar ticketing systems, such as those in the technology, banking, transportation, and retail industries. The AFCS project is part of the DOTC‘s thrust to modernize the country‘s transportation systems for more convenient, reliable and efficient services. It will upgrade the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) ticketing scheme to a tap-and-go system, which will substantially lessen queuing time and allow seamless transfers from one rail line to another. The winning consortium will also have the option to expand this contactless card system to other businesses in and out of the transportation sector, such as in retail transactions. The DOTC aims to award the contract for this project by February next year, and is targeting full implementation by the third quarter of 2015.

|TOP|

Visas requirements for foreign aid workers to be eased - BI

Source: http://immigration.gov.ph

Foreign aid workers as well as member of the International Media who will help victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Visayas should not worry about their visas. The Bureau of Immigration today say they will assist these foreign aid workers and the media in expediting the processing of their respective visas. Foreign aid workers and international media will not be required to present a six-month valid passport and the return ticket requirements to ease their entry into the Philippines and unto the typhoon-ravaged areas. Immigration Chief Siegfred Mison has already instructed the bureau‘s alien control officers to ease restrictions of travel by foreign aid workers, especially coming from the United States, European Union and other partner countries of the Philippines, who will assist Philippine authorities in providing relief and retrieval operations in the Visayas provinces

affected by Typhoon Haiyan. This also applies with media practitioners sent by their respective media outlets to cover the relief efforts in those areas. ― We will not require the 6-month valid passport and the return ticket requirment so that there will be no problem in their entry into the country and if they need to stay longer because we have a lot of things to do in Tacloban, even in Capiz‖, says Mison. Hundreds of foreign aid workers have entered the Philippines coming from countries with visa entry requirements. These workers, mostly from United Nations and foreign aid organisations, will and are now assisting Philippine government personnel in providing relief to thousands of survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Mison however advised these foreign aid organisations to coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration and submit their list of personnel involved in the relief efforts. This is to avoid the abuse of this temporary easement of visa requirements. For those who will stay longer than what their visas allow should not worry. Mison says that government has agreed not to charge visa fees to foreign aid workers and international media personnel who will extend their 30-day stay in the Philippines.

|TOP|

DAR needs farmers to expedite land distribution

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

AGRARIAN Reform Undersecretary Jose Grageda underscored the need to get the farmers involved to speed up implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). ―We need to tap the services of our farmer-beneficiaries and equip them with necessary skills to assist the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) personnel in fast-tracking land acquisition and distribution, especially in provinces with problematic landholdings,‖ Grageda said during the ―Breaking the Barriers to Peace Forum-Workshop‖ sponsored by the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC) on November 12, 2013 at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City. Last year, the DAR entered into partnership with various farmer-groups to train their farmers to become paralegals. These farmers‘ groups decide whom to be trained to among their members to acquire fundamental skills in legal research, interviews, evidence gathering and documentation, hopeful that they would be able to stand up for their rights as well as for their fellow beneficiaries. Grageda told the participating farmers in the workshop that aside from distributing lands, the DAR also sees to it that farmer-beneficiaries are installed in their newly acquired land and provided with the necessary support services. The forum-workshop, dubbed as ―Agenda for Protection, Peace and Solidarity,‖ tackled various issues and finding solutions to the farmers and indigenous peoples‘ problems on human and land rights violations. National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Joel Rocamora advised the farmers to develop effective tactical plans in dealing with the issues and concerns confronting them and find a way to bring the same to the attention of the government and public/private stakeholders. The forum-workshop was also attended by other government officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Justice (DoJ) and leaders from farmers and indigenous peoples‘ sectors.

|TOP|

President PNoy leads launch of PhilHealth's prosthesis benefit package and new provider payment mechanism

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

President Benigno Aquino III and Health Secretary Enrique Ona recently led the launching of PhilHealth's new benefit package for lower limb prosthesis and various enhancements in services including a complete shift in the way it pays claims of its engaged health care providers. The President launched the Z-MORPH or the Mobility, Orthosis, Rehabilitation, Prosthesis Help which aims to benefit persons with disabilities with lost or deficient limbs. It is the latest addition to its Z Package for certain catastrophic cases. The move is in support of government initiatives to protect the interest and well being of Persons with Disability (PWD). "We recognize the equal right of every person with disability to live a productive and normal life by providing them benefits coverage for quality prosthetic services," PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla announced during the ceremony. The Z-MORPH covers initial fitting of external lower limb prosthesis at a package rate of P15,000 per limb or P30,000

for both limbs for the entire pre and post-prosthetic management of either the foot, symes and ankle or below knee levels of amputation. Eligible members and their qualified dependents can initially avail of the benefit at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center and Philippine General Hospital, being among the institutions that possess expertise and capability in setting and providing standard care in the management of limb prosthesis. The Z Package was introduced in 2012 to realize better health outcomes and provide true financial risk protection for PhilHealth members faced with medically and financially catastrophic conditions. Among those already covered are kidney transplant for P600,000; Coronary Artery Bypass for P550,000; and Surgery for Tetralogy of fallot for P320,000. The PhilHealth Chief also announced PhilHealth‘s complete shift from the traditional Fee-for-Service (FFS) to case-based payment system for all compensable medical and surgical cases. "The successful implementation of case-based payment for the initial 23 common medical and surgical cases in 2011 led to this shift, which aims to contain costs without sacrificing the quality of care that members deserve to receive from their health care providers", Padilla said. With the new payment scheme which is accepted internationally, PhilHealth will now pay a pre-determined amount for all compensable treatments and procedures. Since its inception and even during the Medicare era, PhilHealth reimbursed its members using the FFS wherein providers are paid for each unit service they provide the patients. The FFS is prone to abuse as it can lead to prolonged hospital stays and over utilization and unnecessary use of services, among others. The complete shift will also enable members to immediately and easily know how much benefits PhilHealth will pay for a specific disease whether in government or private hospitals. "With this our engaged hospitals can also expect faster and efficient reimbursement as this will greatly reduce turn-around-time of claims processing," Padilla said. Padilla also reminded all indigent members that the ―No Balance Billing‖ Policy is still applicable in the availment of all medical and surgical conditions that they are to avail of. ―We reiterate that indigent members of PhilHealth need not pay a single centavo when admitted in government hospitals‖ Padilla stressed.

|TOP|

Last Updated: 14 NOVEMBER 2013

Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy

Please click on thumbnails to magnify

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr.

delivers the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster

ng Pilipinas on the occasion of its 39th Annual Top Level Management Conference in Clark

Freeport Zone, Pampanga on Thursday. (Photo by Louie Iglesia/NIB Photo)

President Benigno S. Aquino III, on a televised nationwide broadcast Monday night,

(November 11) declares a state of national calamity in the country a day after visited to the

devastated areas of Tacloban and Capiz caused by super typhoon Yolanda.

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

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

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

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

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

by:Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo bureau)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. answers

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

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

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

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

Viñas/Rodolfo Manabat/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

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

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

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

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

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

By: Robert Vinas/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!