PIA Dispatch (22 June 2010)

PGMA presented with 2 legacy books

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo personally received the first two copies of books chronicling the achievements of her administration from 2001 to 2010, during a simple book-launching ceremony held today in Malacañang.

Deemed a fitting and timely tribute to the Chief Executive’s achievements in her nine years as President, the books “Beating the Odds” and “Beat the Odds: Another Stone for the Edifice” were launched by their respective editors through the ceremonial presentation to the President.

The first book was "Beating the Odds," co-authored by former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Chief Renato Velasco and Presidential Spokesperson Ricardo Saludo, which recounts major issues and challenges the President faced early in her administration. (PND)

It is an analytical close-up of policy-making, decision-making and action-taking by a Philippine President under the most challenging circumstances, the authors said.

The book portrays President Arroyo’s leadership around six issues that stalked the Philippines at the turn of the century – terrorism, the Mindanao peace process, the drug threat, the global emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an attempted coup d’etat against the government and a hounding budget deficit.

According to Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary Andy Cui who also served as the program’s master of ceremonies “the book is heavy with statecraft and highlights of presidential decision-making.”

The second book, “Beat the Odds: Another Stone for the Edifice” which was published by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), was edited by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar and University of the Philippines Professor Gonzalo Jurado.

It contains “a collection of essays on the key achievements of my administration,” the President wrote in her foreword for the book.

“The strategy at the center of my administration’s overall economic and social plan was encapsulated by the program I called “Beat the Odds”, a title that enumerates many of the major themes we pursued in key areas of fiscal policy, educated reform, infrastructure, employment creation, political governance and social and cultural modernization,” the President said.

Beat the Odds stand for:

B – Budget Reform;

E – Ensuring education for everyone of school age, establishing conditions conducive to learning, providing necessary facilities and equipment;

A – Automating elections for clean, honest, accurate exercise of suffrage;

T – Transportation and digital infrastructure development;

T – Terminating hostilities with armed rebel groups;

H – Healing the wounds of EDSA;

E – Electricity and water provision to every barangay in the archipelago;

O – Opening opportunities for employment to some six to 10 million members of the workforce;

D – Decongesting Metro Manila, including decentralizing governance, in order to spread the positive effects of government to the various regions; and

DS – Developing Subic-Clark corridor into the most competitive international service and logistics center in Southeast Asia.

Jurado, a senior faculty member at the UP School of Economics and a former mentor of the President and Olivar, rated the book with a Grade of “1,” the same grade he gave to the President when she was still his student.

He said the book gives concreteness to words already spoken on the President’s achievements and gave the “1” rating particularly on the President’s direct cash assistance program for the poor including the unprecedented budgetary allocations to human and physical infrastructure “which can be seen all over the country.”

Olivar said the book also contains technical notes and vigorous points of view of experts not connected or influenced by the government.


Prelate cites impact of PGMA projects in Cagayan Valley

TUGUEGARAO CITY (PND) – Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena cited today the role of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the development of Cagayan Valley, saying her road and bridge projects created a big impact in the region.

Bishop Villena, who is also the outgoing chairman of the Cagayan Regional Development Council, said the President’s continued endorsements and approval of major regional development projects made a difference in the lives of the local folks.

“We give our gratitude and appreciation for her. Without her we would not have been able to put through and make things happen in Region 2,” he said.

President Arroyo is here to attend a testimonial program for Villena, who has been RDC chair of region 2 for several years. As in all regions in the country, RDC is the highest regional body which reviews and recommends development projects of the government.

The President arrived a little before noon and proceeded to the Karammaran Hall inside Cagayan provincial capitol where the RDC testimonial for Bishop Villena was held.

Under Villena’s stewardship of the RDC, several development projects and programs were accomplished such as infrastructure projects, agricultural production enhancement programs, government and private investments, tourism promotion and many others that have contributed immensely to the development of Cagayan Valley.

Testimonial messages by local officials honoring Villena cited his leadership in coordinating development efforts in the region.

Among the testimonial speakers were Santiago City (Isabela) Mayor Amelita Navarro, Public Works and Highways regional director Eugenio Pipo, tourism regional director Bless Diwa and Ronald Guzman who spoke for the private sector.

In his response, Villena reminded the RDC of President Arroyo’s role in the development of Cagayan Valley.

He said the major intra-regional roads, bridges and roads that connect to the national highways have improved the routes for goods and services.

He also said that the Cagayan special economic zone and Freeport paved the way for attracting tourists in the region.

The President did not give any speech but was satisfied by the messages of thanks from the local officials.

Also present in the event were Cagayan Governor Alvaro T. Antonio, Tuguegarao City Mayor Delfin Ting, Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan, and Bishops Rodolfo Beltran and Ricardo Bacay.


DA chief cites PGMA’s accomplishment in agri sector

MANILA, June 22 (PNA) -– Agriculture Secretary Bernie Fondevilla said Tuesday the accomplishments of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the agricultural sector is immeasurable.

Fondevilla said this was evident in President Arroyo’s “Seeds of Glory” campaign and the flagship program for the agriculture and fisheries sector dubbed as “FIELDS” which stands for the six areas of agriculture where the government has been channeling its support.

FIELDS means Fertilizer; Irrigation and other rural infrastructure; Extension and education services for farmers; Loans; Dryers and other post-harvest facilities; and Seeds and other genetic materials.

Fondevilla said the accomplishments of the Arroyo administration with regard to this flagship program is chronicled in a book titled “Fields Of Glory” which was launched last June 18 at the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Quezon City.

This FIELDS book project was tackled by Secretary Bernie Fondevilla during a recent Management Committee or ManCom meeting at the DA central office in Quezon City.

FIELDS was unveiled by the President during the DA-sponsored National Food Summit at the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga in April 2008.

Fondevilla said that among the accomplishments of the Arroyo administration under FIELDS and its various farm programs are the following:

For the fertilizer component, the DA provided 1,380 technology packages on environment- friendly, community-based composting facilities under the Support System for the Tipod Abono Fertilization Program.

Out of the 1,380 packages, 428 or 31 percent were distributed in the Mindanao Agribusiness Super Region, 315 in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, 430 in Central Philippines, 204 in the Urban Luzon Beltway and 3 in the National Capital Region (NCR).

For irrigation and other rural infrastructure, about P79.7 billion has been released for the restoration and rehabilitation of national and communal irrigation systems nationwide, generating 140,042 hectares of new areas.

A total of 1,480,826 hectares located in the four super regions were also restored and rehabilitated.

For extension, the DA provided a total of 22,941 various agricultural technology trainings and orientations from 2001 to 2009 to 977,713 farmers, agricultural extension workers, and farmer entrepreneurs.

For the loans component, from 2001 to 2009, a total of P 28.8 billion was released under the Agro-Industry Modernization and Credit Financing Program and Quedancor to farmer-beneficiaries.

If palay production loans from the Land Bank and releases from other financial institutions and agencies are included, the total would amount to P 465 billion.

For dryers and other post-harvest facilities, a total of 2,016 units of flatbed dryers were delivered, installed and completed.

Through the mechanical drying system, an estimated 25,724 metric tons of palay valued at P 437 million was saved in 2008.


Chavit thanks PGMA for many high-impact projects in Ilocos Sur

VIGAN CITY, June 22 (PNA)--Come-backing Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson thanked outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the completion of various high–impact projects in the province during her nine–year term as the country’s chief executive.

President Arroyo visited the province last Monday as main guest of honor during 69th birthday celebration and victory party of Governor-elect Singson.

Thousands of residents and political leaders welcomed the President when she arrived at about 11:25 a.m. at Chavit’s residence in Baluarte, Vigan City.

The President also administered the formal oath-taking of all the newly–elected and reelected officials in the 32 towns and 2 cities of the province.

In his remark, Chavit said that some of the various impact projects started and completed during the administration of President Arroyo were major road projects like the Tagudin–Suyo-Cervantes Road and the Santiago – San Emilio Superhighway; the newly- constructed President Quirino Bridge in Bantay, Amburayan Bridge in Tagudin; the establishment of Botika ng Barangay all over the province and others.

He also said that President Arroyo was the one responsible for the release of billions of proceeds from the tobacco excise tax as provided for in Republic 7170 for the four Virginia-tobacco producing provinces which were used in the implementation of various livelihood projects benefiting the farmers in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union.

“Madam, even you are no longer the country’s president after June 30, 2010 your projects that you accomplished in our province during your term are our all-time legacy from you as you are our all–time President in our heart,” Singson said.

In response, outgoing President Arroyo said that she would continue to support the programs for the province, considering that she will still serve as congresswoman in Pampanga.

“I wish to thank everyone in the province of Ilocos Sur for your support in my presidency for the last nine years,” she said.

President Arroyo took over the presidency in 2001 in the midst of Chavit’s 'juetengate' expose that led to the downfall of former President Joseph Estrada. Arroyo won the presidential election in May 2004.

Before President Arroyo went to Vigan, she formally inaugurated the restored 107.25 lineal meter portion of the Bued Bridge between the provinces of Pangasinan and La Union.

The destroyed Spans 5, 6 and 7 of the Bued Bridge were damaged by the flash flood caused by Typhoon "Pepeng” last October 2010.


'I will miss my busy schedules, but excited of being a congresswoman,' says PGMA

CLARK ECONOMIC ZONE, Pampanga, June 22 (PNA)—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that she will definitely miss her busy schedules once she steps down as chief executive on June 30.

President Arroyo hosted a ‘farewell dinner’ with Malacanang Press Corps on Monday night at a seafood restaurant here.

Arroyo told Palace reporters that she would definitely miss her busy schedules in visiting different provinces, towns and cities in the country when her term as president ends on June 30.

The President also said that she was also excited for her ‘new job’ as a congressional representative in the Lower House.

Arroyo dine with the Palace reporters and even dance while seating on the tune of “Dancing Queen” when Palace Photographers Association (PPA) president Ma. Elenita “Jack” Burgos showed a dance number before her.

President Arroyo also talked to the Palace reporters on a very casual way and move from one table to another.

Arroyo was elected congresswoman of the second district of Pampanga, which was presently held by her son, outgoing Pampanga 2nd District Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo.


Comelec to hold separate registrations for SK, barangay voters

MANILA, June 22 (PNA) -The Commission on Election (Comelec) will hold separate registrations for voters in the sangguniang kabataan (SK) and barangay elections slated for Oct. 25.

Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the commission en banc has set the SK registration for young Filipinos aged 15 to 17 years old, from July 15 to July 25, including weekends.

The registrants for the barangay polls, for 18 years old and above, are advised to go to their local Comelec offices from Aug. 1 to 10 for enlistment.

Larrazabal said they decided to put up separate registration since the occasion was different from each other.

“The SK does not need the biometrics and has different data base while the registration for the barangay polls will be merged with the regular registration data,” he said

For young registrants, the poll official advised them to bring any valid identification card for them to be able to register.

Some 43,000 posts for barangay and SK chairman as well as 293,965 for Sangguniang Barangay and SK council will be contested in the October elections.

Voters will be choosing one chairman and six barangay council members while young voters will elect their SK chief and six council members.

Earlier, the poll body said that it would be conducting simultaneous registration for SK and Barangay polls from July 1 to July 30.


It's All systems go for the Noynoy inauguration --Lim

MANILA, June 22 (PNA)--Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim on Tuesday said it’s all systems go for the inauguration of President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III as far as the city government of Manila is concerned.

Lim joined an ocular inspection of the Quirino Grandstand with members of the group coordinating the preparations for Aquino's inauguration.

Joining the inspection were the group of Maria Montelibano and Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy from Aquino’s camp and from the city, chief of staff Ric de Guzman, Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay, district directorial staff chief Supt. Alex Gutierrez and traffic chief Supt. Rizaldy Yap, among others.

Lim said that all preparations that fall under the responsibility and jurisdiction of the city government have been threshed out and just awaiting implementation come June 30.

Lim said that eight ambulances will be put on standby in strategic areas each complete with doctors, nurses and utility personnel. In terms of security, Lim said Magtibay has already laid out plans that would entail the deployment of at least 2,000 policemen to provide security and maintain the smooth flow of traffic in Luneta and other areas adjacent to it.

“We will give our all-out support to make the occasion truly, a memorable one. We expect an outpouring of support for President Aquino on that day and thousands of people converging in Luneta to witness his oath-taking which is why we made the necessary preparations,” the mayor said.

During inspection, the details on the seating capacity was discussed along with the final construction of the scaffolding which, the workers said, is expected to be finished by Friday.


NBI begins probe into abduction of Comelec commissioner's son

MANILA, June 22 (PNA) -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has created a special task force that will lead in the investigation of the abduction of Nuraldin Yusoph, a 22-year-old son of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Elias Yusoph, in Marawi City Sunday night.

NBI Director Nestor M. Mantaring directed Head Agent Arnel Dalumpides to lead the Special Task Force.

Aside from the team, the NBI Iligan was also tasked to help in the probe.

"The NBI-Iligan investigators are already in the area and have begun their investigation regarding the abduction," Dalumpines said.

The STF will first conduct a case conference at the NBI main office in Manila before flying to Marawi City on Wednesday, Dalumpines said.

The kidnappers allegedly have links to some local politicians in Lanao del Sur, according to Philippine National Police (PNP).

Chief Supt. Bienvenido Latag, director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police, earlier said the kidnapping theory was bolstered by the report of the victim’s to the police that an unidentified man called him and declared some demands in exchange for his son's release.

“An unidentified person called the commissioner at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, demanding the nullification of the election results of Malabang, Picong, Taraka and Masiu in exchange for the release of young Yusoph,” said Latag in an earlier interview.


Suspect, mastermind in broadcaster's killing charged in court

CAMP JUAN, Ilocos Norte, June 22 (PNA) -- Murder and frustrated murder cases were already filed in court against the suspects, including the alleged mastermind, in the slaying of DZJC radio commentator Jovelito Agustin, according to the police here.

Superintendent Bienvenido Rayco, Group Commander of the Task Force Agustin, identified the respondents in the complaint for murder as Leonardo Banaag Jr. and Bacarra town’s Vice Mayor–elect Pacifico Velasco.

Rayco said that Banaag was positively identified by the victim's companion and nephew, Joseph Agustin, as the gunman while Velasco was tagged as the mastermind due to the victim’s hard-hitting commentaries against him over the radio.

Agustin, 37, a resident of Barangay Natba in Bacarra town, was on his way home from Laoag City on board a motorcycle, together with his 22-year old nephew Joseph, when two b men riding in tandem on a motorcycle overtook them along the national highway in Barangay 55-A Barit, Laoag City and shot him several times last June 15.

Agustin was rushed to the Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City where he expired at about 1:15 on June 16, while his nephew Joseph was unhurt.

It was also reported that Banaag and Velasco were also accused in another case for frustrated multiple murder for being the prime suspect and mastermind, respectively, when Agustin’s residence was sprayed with bullets last May 7.

In a case verification, it was found out that the car used by the suspects as getaway vehicle when they peppered Agustin's house with bullets was registered in the name of Velasco.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor–elect Imee Marcos assured support and assistance to the bereaved family of Agustin.