PIA Dispatch Evening Edition (20 September 2009)

PGMA creates Sorsogon Bay Rehab & Dev’t Council

HEEDING the call of Sorsogon local government officials, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has signed Executive Order No. 750 creating the Sorsogon Bay Rehabilitation and Development Council (SBRDC) under the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said during his press briefing at midweek that the President signed E. O. No.750 on Sept. 8, 2008 in response to the clamor of the mayors of Sorsogon City, Castilla, Casiguran, Magallanes, Pilar and Juban for the creation of the council.
Ermita added that Sorsogon Bay is plagued by red tide and that a concerted action by the local government units (LGU) along the bay and concerned government agencies is needed to mitigate its adverse effects on the populace.
In creating the SBRDC, President Arroyo said, “There is a need to create a body that shall provide the unity of efforts to formulate policies, mechanisms and strategies that will address the issues in Sorsogon Bay while at the same time not usurping the implementation functions of the agencies and LGUs mandated by law to implement such policies, mechanisms and strategies.”
“There is a need for strong collaboration between and among the concerned agencies and LGUs for the integrated management, protection, development and conservation of Sorsogon Bay,” added EO 750.
The SBRDC shall be an advisory and coordinating body for the Secretaries of the DA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); and shall formulate the five-year master plan for Sorsogon Bay covering the coastal areas of Sorsogon City, and the municipalities of Casiguran, Castilla, Juban, Magallanes and Pilar.
The council is tasked to undertake projects for the rehabilitation and enhancement of Sorsogon Bay’s ecological balance, protection and rational utilization, and the development of its coastal and marine resources. The EO allocates P1 million to be drawn from the DA’s budget for the council’s initial operation this year.
The SBRDC shall have an undersecretary of the DA as its chairman, and an assistant secretary of the DENR as its vice-chairman.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Speech during the Local Peace and Security Assembly
Conference Hall, Dakak Park and Beach Resort

Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, September 18, 2008

Thank you very much, Secretary Gonzales, National Security Adviser and convenor of this series of Local Peace and Security Assemblies.
Atong mga host diri sa assembly, si Governor Yebes, si Congresswoman Carreon, si Mayor Carreon; ug si Congressman Jalosjos, atong mga leader sa laing-laing mga probinsya ug highly urbanized cities sa Zambonaga Peninsula gikan sa South, si Governor Au Cerilles kauban si Congressman Cerilles; ug … sab nato, ang first speaker from Mindanao, Speaker Boy Nograles (applause); gikan sab sa South si Congressman Vic Yu (applause); ug gikan sa Zamboanga Sibugay, si Congressman Belma Cabilao (applause) and beside la ciudad highly urbanized de Zamboanga City, Mayor Celso Lobregat (applause); mayors, vice mayors, board members from the different cities and municipalities of Region IX, other officials of the national government, other participants, especially those coming from the religious, academe NGOs, farmers and fisherfolk, representatives kaninyong tanan, maayong udto ug buenos dias (applause).
Daghang salamat y muchas gracias sa mga resolusyon. Dunay guid mga espesyal nga problema dinhi sa Region 9 nga lahin sa mga uban tungod kay ang Zamboanga Peninsula usa ka melting pot sa lain-laing ethnic communities gikan sa Luzon, Visayas ug Mindanao ug mga lumad sab. And I’d like to recall that my own family reflects this particular quality or characteristic of Zamboanga Peninsula. My grandfather, Juan Macaraeg, was an Ilocano from Binalonan, Pangasinan and, in the 1920s he came to Zamboanga Peninsula to work for Sta. Clara Lumber, so he’s one of those who contributed to the ethnic richness and diversity of this peninsula. He was already married to my lola who is from Pangasinan from San Carlos, and when they came, my lolo and my lola, they brought not only my mother, their only child, but they also brought my grandfather’s cousins, my lola’s siblings, a whole clan came over. And I think that’s very typical of those who came over to that new frontier in the 1920s. My mother was in primary school and my grandfather, from my mother’s stories of course... percent of Sta. Clara Lumber didn’t spend most of his time in the big City of Zamboanga. He spent it in the hinterlands of Zamboanga Peninsula, then only one province, and my mother had many recollections of my grandfather being in Margosatubig.
And that’s why I was so happy when Congressman Cerilles brought me then as senator to that town of Margosatubig. Now, as Governor Cerilles tells me, it’s one of the oldest towns—the oldest town in what has become Zamboanga del Sur. So my grandfather left my mother in Zamboanga City in the care of the Lorenzo family, Celso’s grandfather and grandmother. And that’s how my mother became a very fluent speaker of Spanish aside from Chabacano. So, my grandfather being the head of that whole clan that came over was very patriarchal. One of his cousins, a Guico, because my grandfather was Guico-Macaraeg, was a bachelor and my grandfather decided that he would choose the bride for his cousin and he chose a member of the prominent family in Manukan -- the Sagario clan -- to be the bride of his cousin. And that’s why the Guicos of Manukan, my cousins, have been my supporters here since I first ran in 1992. And being a nobody then, I still had an overwhelming victory here in Zamboanga del Norte because I have such a big clan here. Thank you for that (applause).
Today, in fact, I invited them to come to have lunch with me, forty of them are outside waiting to have lunch together with us.
So, that’s one characteristic diri sa Zamboanga Peninsula mahimo ug melting pot. And I guess your… the first Chief of Staff from Mindanao, General Yano (applause) from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte must also be one of the examples, one of the fruits of that melting pot.
Dako sab dili lang diperensya sa ethnicity dako sab ug diperensya ang kita sa mga lumulupyo dinhi like my mother, when she was living with the Lorenzo family, was interacting with the old elite, not only the Lorenzos but the Aranetas, etcetera, etcetera, the Alanos. But on the other hand, dinhi naman sa Zamboanga del Norte kauban ang Sian. Ang labi kabus nga lungsod sa tibuok nasud Sian guid sa tibuok nasud. So aside from that, pila ka armadong grupo ang ga-impluwensya sa nagkalain-laing lungsod dinhi, ug sa pipila sa ka pobreng lungsod, kaapin sa usa ka armadong grupo ang gasamok-samok. In fact, Secretary Bert Gonzales said ‘that here in Zambonaga del Norte, this is a microcosm, because all the armed groups are represented somewhere here in Zamboanga del Norte labi na sa pikas ha? Sa distrito ni Cesar. And because it’s like it’s so isolated from the rest of Zamboanga del Norte that it is like a different world altogether. Gumikan dini ang mga problema sa peace and order.
We are committed doing everything possible to bring lasting peace not only to Zamboanga Peninsula but to the whole of Mindanao and to end 40 years of fighting that has killed more than 120,000 Filipinos. It is in the interest of all Filipinos, Muslims and Christians, to end the violence that has held this part of our country back. We remain committed to the peace process. We have negotiated in good faith with our Muslim brethren to keep the peace these last seven years and also to look for a lasting peace for generations to come. However, lately, lawless groups within the MILF have taken the law into their own hands and that will not stand.
We will not negotiate with a gun pointed at our head. So, no matter what the Supreme Court ultimately decides, the government will not sign the proposed MOA-AD (applause).
We have refocused all peace talks from one centered on dialogues with rebels to one of authentic dialogues with the communities. And I hope that, that will address some of your resolutions that are expressed in many paragraphs about consulting with the communities, with the stakeholders. And disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) is the context of our engagement with all armed groups. And I thank you also that you agree with that as reflected in your resolution.
Indeed, your resolution contains the essential elements to any lasting peace and if everyone supports these elements and the national government is committed on our part to do such support, Mindanao can indeed be the bread basket for the country. I congratulate Zamboanga Peninsula for being self-sufficient in rice but it can be even more than that as long as we have lasting peace in this island. Maayo nga mahimug bread basket ang Mindanao, ara sa tibuok nasud mayo alang sa Mindanao mayo alang sab sa nasud.
Kay nasayod kita tanan sa epekto kanatong Pilipino sa kalibutang problema sa ekonomiya ni-ining tuig sa pagtaas sa presyo sa pagkaon, lana ug bugas, sa pagtaas sa inflation ug sa pag-antus ng mga kabus.
Usa ka dakong hagit sa atong mga economic managers ang pagtaas sa presyo sa krudo sa kalibutan ug 44 percent ug sa bugas sab kalibutan nga 43 percent sa sulod sa usa ka tuig.
Maayo na lang kay nakapangandam kita pina-agi sa atong tough choices to reform our tax system. And we have some of our congressmen here who were those who helped us make the tough choices and the tough tax reforms. Nga karon nakahatag ug pondo alang sa pamuhunan sa mga programa nga motabang aron makalingkawas ang mga kabos sa mga problemang gumikan sa pagtaas sa presyo sa lana, pagkaon ug uban pang labing kinahanglanon.
Ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino ang usa nining atong mga importanteng programa kining programa gahatag kada bulan sa mga labing kabos sa nasud ug cash kung matuman sa mga pamilya ang pipila ka kundisyon, labi na sa school attendance. Dinhi sa Zamboanga del Norte naa’y labaw 116,000 nga kabus nga pamilya; 32 percent sa ila apil na sa Pantawid Pamilya from13 municipalities.
On this occasion, I reassert the concern of the government to continue and even expand these targeted direct payments to the most-poor to see them through this tough time. Busa kagabii na storya mi ni Secretary Espie Cabral who has just arrived from a leave of absence ug ingon sab ko sa iya nga pun-an nato moabot sa 50 percent sa mga pamilyang kabus sa Zamboanga del Norte ang moapil sa Pantawid Pamilya (applause).
Karong adlawa sag, gi-abrehan nato ang usa ka programa ga gi-announce ko ni adtong State of the Nation Address. We call this program “A Healthy Start” because it starts in the morning when the children go to school; it also starts their life, because we’re talking about the preschool daycare and grade one students of the poorest areas of the country. Kung diin ang mga gagmay nga estudyante sa mga labing food-poor nga probinsiya hatagan ug pamahaw. Gisugdan na kini karong adlawa sa Central Elementary School sa Dapitan, Mayor Jalosjos ug sa mga day care centers sa La Libertad, Mutia, Piñon, Polanco, Rizal, Sibutad, Liloy, Salug, Siocon, Siraway ug Tampilisan.
We will also work hard not only to provide this direct assistance to the poorest of the poor but also to work on strengthening the economy to further strengthen the banking system, to improve our fiscal health, to encourage investment in our most promising growth sectors and expand our potential sectors for growth. Here, diri sa Zamboanga Peninsula, the potential sectors for growth include seaweed farming for Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur. Rubber is especially strong in Zamboanga Sibugay, in fact, we acknowledged that in our State of the Nation Address.
Apan, we will only be successful if every segment of society pulls together and commits to build an ever-stronger Zamboanga Peninula and therefore hopefully an ever-stronger Philippines.
So, once again, I thank you for your resolution—the roadmap to an ever stronger Zamboanga Peninsula. Let us all together pull together and work towards that vision. Daghan salamat. Muchas gracias (applause). ###

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Speech during the Awarding Ceremony for the Officers and Men of the AFP and PNP in Recognition of their Heroic Acts during Encounters with MILF

104th BDE, 1ID, Barangay Ditucalan, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, September 18, 2008

Salamat, General Yano, ang first Armed Forces Chief of Staff from the island of Mindanao. Members of the Cabinet, Speaker Nograles, Governor Dimaporo, Congressman Dimaporo; Congressman Belmonte, Mayor Cruz, officials, men and women of the Armed Forces and the PNP, ladies and gentlemen.
At ease! Congratulations to the troops engaged in operations versus the lawless MILF groups under Kato, Bravo and Pangalian.
Nagpapasalamat ang sambayanang Pilipino sa ating mga kawal in your pursuit of justice for the victims of the lawless MILF groups. The support of the different LGUs, LGAs, NGOs, GOs and POs is clearly manifested in the donation in various forms that continue to be given to our troops.
This indicates the gratitude of the entire Filipino nation to the AFP’s efforts. Continue to be relentless in the pursuit of justice for peace. Ensure that the criminal elements and lawless MILF groups are brought to justice. The communities affected by the armed conflict need your continual support and protection to ensure peace in their villages.
Ang inyong katapangan sa pagtugis sa masasamang elements sa MILF ay nagpatunay ng inyong kagustuhang maiwasto ang mga karahasang ginawa ng mga grupong ito sa ating mga sibilyan.
Tayo ay magtulung-tulong para managutan pa ang mga grupong responsible sa mga kaguluhang ito.
Rest assured that the government will support you in your objective to bring peace not only to Northern Mindanao but to the whole of Mindanao.
Let me remind you, but I know you’re doing it that we must ensure that the rights of civilians are ensured and protected especially during the period of Ramadan.
In deference to Ramadan, I have directed the CSAFP to be deliberate and purposeful in the delivery of heavy firepower in order to avoid collateral damage.
Also, adjustments had been made on the ground to allow the faithful Muslims unimpeded religious practice during the Ramadan period. We are doing everything possible to bring lasting peace to Mindanao and end 40 years of fighting that has killed more than 120,000 people. It is in the interest of all Filipinos, Muslim and Christians, to end the violence that has held this part of our country back.
We remain committed to the peace process. But we will not negotiate with the gun pointed at our head.
Innocent civilians should not be terrorized for crass political gain. We can restart a dialogue when the area is secure and our people are safe through your efforts -- our brave men and women of the armed forces and the police.
We have refocused all peace talks for one centered on dialogues with the rebels to one of authentic dialogue with the communities. And if everyone will support the essential elements to any lasting peace—Mindanao can be a bread basket for the country which we need very much at this time.
Batid nating lahat maging sibilyan o sundalo, kung paano humagupit ang pandaigdigang ekonomiya sa Pilipinas. Ang unos ng pandaigdigang ekonomiya nitong nakaraang taon at itong taong ito, ay nagkaroon ng importante at masakit na epekto sa lahat ng Pilipino sa pamagitan ng pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain, langis at bigas.
Nagbigay daan ito sa hindi kanais-nais na inflation at mas mabigat na pasanin sa ating mga mahihirap kasama na ang mga pamilya ng maraming kawal ng ating bansa.
Naging napakalaking hamon sa ating mga economic managers ang nangyaring pagtaas mahigit 40 percent sa mga presyo ng krudo at bigas sa world market. Bunsod nito, ginagawa ngayon ng lahat ng ating economic team upang pababain ang inflation, alalayan ang mga labis na tinamaan at ipagpatuloy ang paglago ng ekonomiya na siyang tanging pagmumulan ng mga trabaho at koleksyon ng buwis na ipamumuhunan sa kinabukasan ng bayan.
Salamat na lang at nagkaroon tayo ng sapat na pangitang paghandaan ang araw na ito sa pamamagitan ng mga mahihirap na repormang ginawa ng ating mga Congressmen at tayo, ang Executive, sa nakaraang sistema ng buwis.
Dahil dito’y nagkaroon tayo ng mga pondong ilaan sa mga programang nakatutok sa mga mahihirap pati na rin ang pondong pag modernize sa ating Armed Forces at sa ating Police. Examples of key projects and programs that are in place to alleviate the pain include: yung pagtataas ng inyong sweldo na nagsimula nitong nakaraang Hulyo sa ibabaw ng inyong combat incentive pay na tinaas noong isang taon (applause), at para doon sa mga ang kita ay 200,000 pesos a year or below. Salamat din sa ating mga Congressmen, income-tax exempted yuong income na yun (applause).
On this event with you, our great Filipino soldiers, not only are we giving out medals to some examples of the brave men and women who achieved tremendous great victories and also who underwent sacrifices, some at the cost of their lives. We are also here to expand the benefits and programs to help you through this difficult period.
Up there, while you are fighting, there’s cold weather and harsh conditions in your operating area. That is why to each of the 5,000 soldiers involved in the Lanao campaign, we are giving one sleeping bag each (applause).
I know that this is not part of the normal equipment of the soldier but you deserve it at the very least. Also as you are separated from your families and loved ones, your cellphones are your most convenient link to them. Therefore, for each of these 5,000 soldiers, I am giving you free cellcard loads of 300 pesos each (applause).
Ilan pang halimbawa ang ating mga programa to alleviate the pain of the present global economic storm include “Pantawid Pag-aral” para sa pautang at scholarships ng mga estudyante sa kolehiyo. Kaya bukod sa ibibigay kong pondo para sa sleeping bags at saka para sa cellphone cards, ay magbibigay din ako ng pondong isang milyong piso (P1M) na gagamitin sa pautang or scholarship funds sa mga college students na anak ng ating mga outstanding soldiers sa Lanao campaign (applause).
Bahagi rin ng programa ng pamahalaang pambansa ay ang “Tulong Para kay Lolo at Lola” for the elderly who are not covered by SSS or GSIS. Kaya magbibigay din ako ngayon ng isang milyong pisong pondo para pantulong sa mga magulang naman ng ating mga outstanding soldiers dito sa labanang ito.
Kasama rin sa ating biyaya na nanggaling sa ating reporma sa buwis ay yung upgrading of hospitals at kasama dito ang mga military hospital (applause).
I hope these projects will boost your morale as you pursue your mission against the lawless groups.
Bilang bahagi ng sariling kakayahan, we must now secure peace, order and stability in Mindanao and re-assure all the people that we can then move ahead with any broad-based discussion on the peace process. This includes bringing relief to affected refugees and victims and bringing to justice those purveyors of violence.
Great soldiers I reiterate the support of the Filipino people in your campaign for peace and justice. And I give this message as well to our great policemen. Continue performing your excellent job.
Mabuhay ang ating mga sundalo at pulis! Mabuhay ang mga mamamayan ng Lanao at ng buong Mindanao!
Congratulations, Team AFP (applause)!
Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat (applause)! ###

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Speech during the 2008 Parangal at Pasasalamat Awards Rites in Commemoration of the Philippine Civil Service 108th Anniversary Celebration

Rizal Hall, Malacañang, Sept. 19, 2008

Thank you.
Maraming salamat, Secretary Saludo, sa iyong pagpakilala. Ay! Masyadong matagal ng secretary si Secretary Saludo dito kaya (laughter) nasasanay sa pagtawag, chairman na pala ngayon ng Civil Service Commission, at congratulations sa buong Civil Service sa inyong anibersaryo (applause).
Members of the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps, our distinguished guests in the platform; I think our only private sector guests here is Vivian Yuchengco; and Ombudsman Mercy Gutierrez (applause) -- not private sector but non-Cabinet member.
And to all of you, I’m very happy that we are together celebrating this event. At siyempre, congratulations sa ating mga awardees ng ‘Dangal ng Bayan,’ ‘Pagasa’ at lalo na yung ‘Lingkod Bayan’ awardees (applause)!
Ipinagdidiriwang natin ngayon ang tagumpay hindi lamang ng ating mga awardees kundi na rin ang mga lingkod-bayan sa pamahalaan. Lahat ng lingkod-bayan sa pamahalaan. Sa inyong napakahalagang papel sa buhay ng ating bansa. Mula sa mga think-tank at ang daming think-tanks ang binigyan natin ng award ngayon na bumabalangkas sa mga programang pangkaunlaran, hanggang sa mga guro gaya ni Mrs. Banaag, mga pulis, mga duktor at iba pang kawaning front line, ang serbisyo sibil ang nagdurugtong sa pamahalaan at mamamayan.
Lalong mahalaga ang ating parangal ngayon, sa harap ng mga hamon ng pandaigdigang ekonomiya na mas lalong kinakailangan ang paglilingkod ng bayan at mas lalong nadawit din yung mga mas mahihirap sa ating lingkod bayan.
Walang dudang humagupit ang unos ng pandaigdigang ekonomiya nitong taon sa bawat isang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain, langis at bigas. Dahil dito, umakyat sa di kanais-nais na inflation at bumigat ang pasanin ng ating mga mahihirap, kasama na lalo yung mga mas mahihirap na mga kawani ng pamahalaan.
Ang pagtaas ng mahigit 40 percent sa presyo ng krudo at bigas sa world market ay nagging napalaking hamon.
Ang ekonomiya natin ay hindi naiwasan sa pagbaba ng pandaigdigang ekonomiya. Sa katotohanan, bumagal nga ang paglago ng ating ekonomiya.
Our growth in gross domestic product slowed down to 4.6 percent in the second quarter, a far cry from the sizzling eight percent growth last year. But growth eased in our neighbors as well. Singapore grew by only 2.1 percent, compared to eight percent a year before. Hong Kong posted 4.2 percent, compared to six percent in the same quarter last year. South Korea’s growth was similar to us, at 4.8 percent.
Ngunit umaasa tayo na ang mga numerong ito ay tumutukoy na lamang sa nakaraan na.
Ganunpaman, ginagawa ang lahat ng ating economic team, kasama dun si Secretary Favila, kasama doon yung mga taga-Sentral Bank, halimbawa, na tumanggap ng award ngayon upang pababain ang inflation, alalayan ang mga labis na tinamaan at ipagpatuloy ang paglago ng ekonomiya na siyang pagmumulan ng mga trabaho at koleksyon ng buwis na pinamumuhunan sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan.
Habang nakahahamon ang kasalukuyang larawan ng ekonomiya, salamat na nagkaroon tayo ng sapat na foresight na paghandaan ang araw na ito, sa pamamagitan ng mga mabibigat na repormang sinadya natin sa ating sistema ng buwis. Binigyan tayo nito ng mga pondo para ilaan sa mga tulong na nakatutok sa ating pinakamahihirap.
Sadyang hiniling ko na imbitahin ngayon ang maraming mga sub-professional civil servants, hindi lamang yung ating security guard ng SBMA na tumanggap din ng award, kundi na rin marami pang ibang kagaya niya upang bigyan diin ang mga pinalawak na tulong programa sa mahirap na panahon.
Nang naging sunod-sunod ang pag-angat ng ating ekonomiya sa 2006 at 2007, at lumaki ang pondo ng bansa, inatasan ko na bahaginan ang lahat ng kawani ng national na pamahalaan ng mga benepisyo ng paglaki ng ekonomiya. Kaya’t noong Hulyo ng 2007, tinaasan ng sampung porsyento ang sweldo ng lahat ng national government employees at ang combat incentive allowance ng mga sundalo. At nitong nakaraang Hulyo ay ibinigay din sa inyo ang pangalawang 10-percent increase (applause).
At ngayon, ang mga kumikita lamang ng P200,000 o mas maliit kesa dito ay hindi na kailangang magbayad ng income tax (applause).
Noong Marso ng nakaraang taon, inatasan ko na maglunsad ng programang pautang para sa kawani ng pamahalaan na nais magpundar ng maliliit na negosyo. Ito yung ‘Go Negosyo, Go Gobyerno’ program kung saan nagpapahiram sa mga empleyado ang Land Bank, ng halagang hanggang P150,000 bawat isa. Kaya kanina, yung 600 ay hindi 600 pesos para sa kanila, kundi 600,000 pesos yun para sa kanila.
Mula ng inilunsad ito noong Mayo ng 2007, P2.89 bilyon na ang naipahiram ng programa sa 164 na kooperatiba at samahan ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan. Halos 19,000 na ang empleyadong nakikinabang. At halimbawa lamang, yung mga 223 government employees mula sa limang cooperatiba to whom we awarded checks today.
Nais kong lumago pa itong programang ito kaya hiningi ko na dito tayo magbibigay ng tseke sa ilan, gusto kong lumawak pa itong programang ito sa mga hanay ng serbisyo sibil. Kaya aasahan ko ang Civil Service Commission sa pagtulak ng Go Gobyerno, Go Negosyo (applause).
Ang mga hamong kaharap natin ngayon sa pangkalahatan ay galing sa labas ng bayan, but they nevertheless require strong, decisive and targeted action internally. Hindi naasahang ganuon ang itataas ng pandaigdigang presyo ng langis at ibang commodities. Hindi pa alam kung gaano kalalim ang kasalukuyang gulo ng financial market sa Amerika. Ganumpaman, ang pinakamatibay nating depensa ay sarili at panloob nating kalakasan.
Bagamat magandang balita na higit na umaasa tayo sa sarili at pinanghahawakan ang sarili nating kapalaran sa ekonomiya, totoo ring kailangan tayong higit na kayaning makipagtuligsa sa pandaigdigan.
To be world-class for global competitiveness, we invest in reducing red tape in all agencies to cut business costs. Ayun ang ating ginawa kaninang simbolo.
Binabati ko si Chairman Ric Saludo, yun chairman, at ang buong Komisyon; si May at saka si Cesar at pati na rin ang ibang ahensiyang lumahok sa paggawa ng Anti- Red Tape Implementing Rules and Regulations na pormal nating sinisimulan itong araw na ito. Kaya ang dami nating kailangang gawin.
Patuloy-tuloy tayong magkapit-bisig upang isakatuparan ang pambansang agenda ng reporma at kaunlaran. Kung saan napaka-importante ang papel ng ating serbisyo sibil. Sa inyong lahat happy anniversary, congratulations sa inyong paglilingkod sa ating bayan. ###


Statement of Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza Re: Hostages in Basilan

GOVERNMENT maintains its no-ransom policy. But all efforts must be exerted to bring home safely our NGO workers who have risked their lives in the service of the suffering people of the area.
It is so tragic that terrorist elements target as victims the very people who are out there to serve their own communities.
The two ladies who are still in the custody of those brigands do not deserve this fate.
The communities whom they have served, and who value their work and sacrifices, must move as one with our authorities to help resolve this unfortunate incident. ###

PGMA off to New York Sunday to deliver RP’s M.D.G. mid-term report at U.N. General Assembly

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will fly to New York City Sunday to deliver during the 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) the Philippines’ mid-term report on its progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
The President will leave Manila Sunday night (Sept. 21) aboard a commercial flight of the Philippine Air Lines (PAL).
The President will be the fourth national leader to speak, a rare honor accorded the Philippines considering that there are more than a hundred out of the 192 member-states whose chief executives will also be attending the event.
“The visit of the President at this time is in the national interest given that the world body will address urgent issues, especially global poverty and hunger situation, as well as the achievement of the MDG, whose resolution is of primary concern to developing countries, including the Philippines,“ Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo has said.
The Philippines is a signatory to the 2000 Millennium which was signed by 189 member-states of the United Nations.
The declaration rolled out the time-bound MDGs as a global agenda for development by 2015. The eight MDGs are: halve extreme poverty and hunger; universal primary education; gender equality; reduce child mortality; improved women's health; stop and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases; environmental sustainability; and global partnerships for aid, trade and debt relief.
While in New York, the President will also actively participate in the High-Level Debate of the 63rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and in other high-level meetings with global leaders to put forward Philippine concerns on key international issues, and to highlight Philippine progress before the international community.
“This will both allow the Philippines to be heard in multilateral diplomacy to address global concerns, and reinforce international confidence in the Philippines, supportive of national development efforts,” Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said in a press conference Wednesday
The President is also scheduled to meet with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon with whom she will discuss the MDGs and international cooperation for food and energy, UN Peacekeeping Operations in which the Philippines is an important contributor, as well as the regional situation in Southeast Asia where the Philippines plays a lead role in the ASEAN.
The President will also discuss the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) and the Special Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development. The Philippines will host the GFMD in October this year, and the NAM in May next year.
President Arroyo will also meet with Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Secretary-General Edmeleddin Ihsanoglu to inform him of her government’s new peace policy that is based on consultation with stake holders in Mindanao.
The President would also “express appreciation to the OIC for its continuing support, and will strengthen the dialogue for peace, indicating also the Philippines commitment to harmonious relations with the Islamic world, reflected in the Philippine request for OIC observer status,” added Dureza.
The President will also push for the candidacy of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago for a seat in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ seat is of fundamental interest to the Philippines as it would facilitate Philippine contributions to the progressive development of international law to reflect the perspectives and concerns of developing countries.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) country report on the Philippines last year noted that halfway to the 2015 target year to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Philippines has made considerable progress, particularly in poverty reduction, nutrition, reducing child mortality, combating HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases and access to safe drinking water and sanitary toilet facility.
But the Philippines needs to work harder on targets concerning universal access to education, maternal mortality and access to reproductive health services, the 2007 UNDP report added.
In her foreword to the 2007 UNDP report, President Arroyo said the Midterm Report “enables us to prepare ourselves to overcome potential obstacles and ensures that we successfully complete the course of achieving the MDGs by 2015, thus addressing the uneven progress on the MDGs among the regions of the country and the concern on the adequacy of financing to meet the MDGs both remain high in our agenda.”


ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH

AFP in Lanao gears for possible diversionary attacks

ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Maigo, Lanao del Norte), Sept 20 (PNA) – Government forces tightened security over vital installations amid threats that Moro rebels will resort to diversionary attacks to ease pressure on the ongoing operations to get Moro rebel leader Abdulrahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo.
Military officials here announced early this week that they are closing in on Bravo with the capture of a new camp that the fugitive rebel leader may have set up to replace Camp Bilal, his main camp that earlier fell into government forces hands.
Second Lt. Nelvis, whose unit was tasked to secure Liangan bridge here, said they have taken extra security precautions even as they are validating reports that some groups are out to blow up bridges along the highway in Lanao del Norte.
He said they are also closely coordinating with the local police force in checking the identity and movements of some persons who were seen by residents as suspiciously loitering near a bridge in this town.
Earlier, Lt. Col. Agane Adriatico, 1st Infantry Division spokesman, said they are expecting the rebels to resort to some diversionary moves in order to deflect the ongoing police action in Mt Gurain where soldiers are about to close in on Commander Bravo.
"But, they cannot succeed in their effort and purpose," he said stressing that there are already government forces in place that will thwart any attempt by followers of Bravo to launch sabotage operations or diversionary attacks.
He bared that soldiers have foiled an attempt by the rebels to blow up a power pylon of the National Transmission Corp. The rebels instead, raided a detachment of the Citizens' Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Tingintingin village in Kauswagan town, Lanao del Norte.
On Friday, a column of truckloads of soldiers and armored personnel carriers were seen traveling along the national highway in Lanao del Norte.
Adriatico said this is because of an order from high echelons for a repositioning of troops in the area. (PNA)


ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH

PNP-ARMM has new director

ICC-COTABATO CITY, Sept 20--Newly installed PNP-ARMM Director, Police Chief Superintendent Bensali M.Jabarani, pledges to upgrade police capability as guardian of peace
“We will make every police an instrument and guardian of peace, make them more efficient and effective in the delivery of police services particularly in crime prevention and control, deterrence and control”, the newly installed PNP-ARMM has sworn to do during the turnover of command ceremony yesterday, September 19, at Camp Salipada K. Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao.
Police Chief Superintendent, Bensali M. Jabarani took over command of the PNP-ARMM from Police Chief Superintendent Joel R. Goltiao who bows out of service because of mandatory retirement.
Police Director Jabarani, said the need to upgrade the capability and capacity of the ARMM Police Forces has become urgent considering the present threat to peace and order coupled with it being an archipelagic terrain.
Police Deputy Director General Jesus A. Versoza who presided over the turnover ceremony commended Police Chief Supt Goltiao for a job well done in uplifting the image of the Philippine Police Force.
Some members of the PMA Class ’76 and the former members of the famous 54th PC Ranger Battalion also came to honor Goltiao.
Versoza brought down the toll order for the new ARMM Police Director Jabarani to exhaust all possible means to maintain the law and order in his area of responsibility and to ensure effective and efficient dispense of duties and to live up to the expectation of the constituencies.
For his part, the retired PNP-ARMM Chief, Joel Goltiao said Muslim Mindanao is the priority area for socio-economic development of the national government but its peace and order has remained unstable.
However, he expressed hope that the government and MILF can go back to the negotiation table to continue the peace talks and exhaust all paths leading to peace.
Goltiao said he will always cherish the 36 years in service and will look forward to spending his retirement to other worthwhile endeavors for himself, the family and the country in different capacity.

Microsoft, OWWA expand technology skills training program for OFWs

MICROSOFT Philippines will expand 'Tulay,' a program implemented in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which provides increased access to and training on technology for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their relatives.
Microsoft also presented the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a private, non-profit organization that has partnered with OWWA to uplift Filipinos working overseas and their families at home with US$ 633,000 worth of cash and software grants to facilitate the program expansion.
Tulay is part of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential- Community Technology Skills Program (UP-CTS), a global initiative focused on improving lifelong learning for underserved youth and adults by providing technology skills through non-government organizations (NGOs) around the world.
The turn-over of training curriculum, software and computers from Microsoft to OWWA and Blas F. Ople Policy Center (BFOPC) was done by OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon; Rafael Rollan, Managing Director of Microsoft; Susan Ople, President, BFOPC; Marianito Roque, Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and witnessed by Vice-President Noli de Castro.
Rollan said, “Technology has provided a way for people to interact across great distances and one of the issues that this initiative addresses is social displacement, which is encountered by OFWs and their families.”
He added, “Beyond this, we see Tulay as a catalyst for opening up better economic opportunities for OFWs and their beneficiaries. By receiving technology training, participants are able to do more that just communicate through e-mail or chat.”
They also become armed with skills that boost their confidence and equip them in exploring alternative employment prospects, he said.
On the other hand, Ople said, “The Tulay program cuts the distance between OFW and his or her family while expanding the employment horizons of both through IT training.”
She said all the courses will be offered free of charge to OFWs and their families.
The BFOPC is actively involved in the campaign against human trafficking. Earlier, It entered a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to raise public awareness against trafficking and illegal recruitment.
To date, the Center was able to facilitate the repatriation of 17 trafficking victims from Syria. This was done together with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It also assisted the victims of illegal recruitment from Malaysia, in partnership with DOLE and DOJ.
Meanwhile, Roque said, of one of our priorities is to ensure that Filipinos possess the necessary skills that make them competent workers
”We are very proud to be part of this continuously developing program with Microsoft. Tulay gives OFWs the confidence and ability to look for other means of employment, like applying for a job where they can use their IT training or starting their own business,” he said.
Since its launch in 2004, Tulay has trained over 14,000 Filipino migrant workers and their beneficiaries who have been able to explore new job opportunities with newfound skills.
The partnership yielded 14 Tulay Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs). Locally, the program trains OFW dependents at OWWA Manila, Bicol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, La Union and Zamboanga.
Overseas, CLTCs are serving OFWs in Hong Kong (HK), Italy, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
This year, Tulay will add new centers in Taipei. Moreover, the one located in HK will receive additional computers and software,
Also this year, 10 new Tulay centers will be added, in Baguio City, that will service the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), Tacloban (Region 8), Calamba (Region 4-A), Koronadal (Region 12), Tuguegarao (Region 2), Davao (Region 11), San Fernando, Pampanga (Region 3), Butuan (CARAGA), and Calapan (Oriental Mindoro, MIMAROPA), and a facility in Maguindanao province (ARMM).
With the expansion, Tulay hopes to train nearly 12,000 OFWs and dependents in the next three years.
Recipients of Tulay grants are NGOs operating community centers which serve as training venues where OFWs and their beneficiaries learn computer fundamentals which cover Internet basics to web design.
These CTLCs are equipped with personal computers, Internet connection, and web cameras.
Tulay Centers teach basic computer fundamentals, word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, website design, blogging and social networking tools. (PNA)

Palace calls for probe into reported 2005 Road Board’s P2-B bonus for 70 personnel

THE Palace yesterday called for an investigation into a reported P2-billion bonus that 70 employees of the Road Board Secretariat allegedly gifted themselves in 2005 from the road users’ tax collection.
In an interview over radio station RMN-DZXL, Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza stressed that the amount involved is the people’s money and should therefore be investigated:
“Kailangang imbestigahan ‘yan – mahirap na kung ganoon na lang – pera ng taong-bayan iyan (That has to be investigated – we cannot just leave it at that – that is the money of the people).”
“Alam ko ang ating Pangulo hindi (I know the President will not) – she will not allow something like this,” Dureza stressed.
The Road Board Secretariat, an attached agency under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), used to be headed by Dodie Puno until Malacanang appointed Danilo Valero to take the former’s place last July. Puno is said to be a brother of Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno.
News reports have it that some 70 employees of the Road Board awarded themselves the mind-boggling amount of P29.2 million each in “employees’ benefits and incentive bonuses.”
The P2.045 billion bonus – which was reportedly released in two tranches of P145 million and then P1.9 billion -- was discovered by Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman who revealed his findings during the budget hearing of the DPWH at mid-week.
“Well, dapat imbestigahan po. Saka ‘pag may kasalanan, titirahin. Mahirap naman, ‘di ba, (kung) pabayaan natin,” concluded Dureza about the subject matter.