Earthquake drills highlight the end of 2013 NDCM in Region 10

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 24 (PIA) -- A simultaneous earthquake drill in all schools, on July 29 at 9:00 a.m., will be among the culminating activity of the 2013 National Disaster Conscious Month (NDCM) in Northern Mindanao.

Focused on the theme: “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan (Safe Towns, Progressive Communities),” the drill aims to generate the highest level of awareness, among the drill participants, on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) concerns and assess the capacity level of the school to respond to such concerns.

In his Memorandum Order No. 2296 to all Schools Division Superintendents (SDS), Allan G. Farnazo, Ph.D., Regional Director of the Department of Education (DepEd), region 10, said all schools are expected to participate in the drill but observers from the City/ /Municipal/Provincial DRRMC’s will visit particular schools to assess the activity.

In Misamis Occidental, these schools include the Malaubang Integrated School, Ozamiz City, Clarin National High School (NHS) in Clarin, Misamis Occidental NHS, Oroquieta City and Tangub City NHS, Tangub City.

Meanwhile, Mark Vincent C. Israel, Ozamiz CDRRMC Officer, said the CDRRMC Teams would want to assess the response of the participants the moment they hear the siren and whether they know how to practice of the duck, cover and hold technique, during the alarm phase of the drill.

They also want to assess whether the participants evacuated during the alarm phase or if they waited for the siren to stop before evacuating, or whether they followed the designated routes to the evacuation area or if they run, walked casually or walked faster than normal, during the evacuation phase.

Another area that the assessment teams will look into is whether the drill participants have with them any first aid kit and whether they conducted a headcount during the headcount phase.

Likewise, they will assess how long it would take the drill participants to evacuate the building and reach the evacuation area, and if the evacuation area is big enough to accommodate the evacuees, Israel added. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Aquino lauds ARMM govt for peaceful polls

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 24 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has lauded the government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in carrying out clean, honest and peaceful midterm elections in Monday’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Citing report of the first-ever, non-failure of election in the province of Lanao del Sur, Aquino lauds regional efforts that led to a clean and honest poll despite widespread apprehensions.

“Gawin po nating halimbawa ang ARMM, ang sabi nga po ni Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, sa tanang-buhay niya, hindi siya makaalala ng pagkakataon kung kailan walang failure of elections sa Lanao Del Sur," (Let us use ARMM as an example. Governor Mujiv Hataman has said that he could not remember a time in his life when Lanao del Sur did not suffer a failure of elections) he said, underscoring the synchronization of election atypical from previous administration.

The said province, a fraction of ARMM mainland territory, was previously an election hotspot due to massive failure of elections.

“May mga nag-aakalang lulubha pa ang situwasyon sa halalan ng ARMM, pero kita naman po, ang laki ng ikinaganda nito: Naging malinis at tapat ang halalan; natuloy ang bilangan, natuloy ang proklamasyon ng mga may bagong mandato mula sa taumbayan,” (There were those who thought the situation in ARMM would only get worse. But we have seen how vastly it has improved: ARMM successfully held a clean, safe, and fair election; votes were counted, and those whom the people charged with new mandates were proclaimed) he added.

For his part, Governor Mujiv Hataman said that “President Aquino's mention of the zero failure of election in ARMM, for the first time, proves that the reform agenda in the region is at work- and we're grateful that it's part of his report to our people.”

Last year, then officer-in-charge now elected governor, Hataman, was also cited as ‘certified ghost buster’ in reference to his house keeping feat in cleansing the ranks of the regional bureaucracy. (BPI-ARMM)

Over 600 PWDs join 34th NDPR Week in Lanao del Norte

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 24 (PIA) -- Persons with Disability (PWDs) from ten municipalities here in Lanao del Norte participated in the culminating activity of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week on July 19 at the Mindanao Civic Center gymnasium, Sagadan, Tubod, this province.

More than 600 PWDs from the municipalities of Kapatagan, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Salvador, Kolambugan, Linamon, Tubod, Baroy, Magsaysay and Lala, this province were given the opportunity to showcase their individual talents like singing and dancing.

They also joined in competitions like walkathon (crutches and artificial leg), wheelchair racing and other parlor games like statue dance for the totally blind.

Prizes given away were P500, P400, and P300 for the first, second and third winners, respectively, and consolation prize of P200 for the non-winning contestants. Also, all participants were given gift packs, meals and snacks.

PWD Federated President Loriano Jumarito in his message was thankful that 1st District Congresswoman Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo has spared time with them in this annual celebration, along with Vice-Governor Cristy Atay and some of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members.

“Bobby (Abdullah Dimaporo-2nd District) and I as your congressional representatives will help your group in providing livelihood like handicraft making, and we can be of help in the promotion of your products and marketing, as well,” said Rep. Imelda Dimaporo.

Each participant also received an allowance of P300 from Congresswoman Dimaporo.

The activity was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Annabelle Mendez. (LVG/PIA-10 LDN/LAR-PIO/LDN)

Monday’s address is the people’s SONA, says Aquino

Midway into his six-year term in office, President Benigno S. Aquino III said the State-of-the Nation Address (SONA) he delivered on Monday is an address by the Filipinos who believed that change is possible and there’s a bright future for the country.

“Sa bawat Pilipinong nagtitiwala sa kapangyarihan ng maliliit na anyo ng kabutihan: Kayo po ang gumawa ng pagbabago. SONA po ninyo ito,” the President said in his 4th SONA at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

“Sa bawat gurong bumabangon nang madaling-araw para magturo sa kanayunan: SONA mo ito. Sa bawat pulis na nagsilbi at hindi nanghingi ng kapalit: SONA po niyo ito,” he said.

Monday’s address is also the SONA of the people who worked together to find the most qualified leaders during the May mid-term election, he said.

“Sa bawat estudyanteng mulat sa mga napapanahong isyu sa lipunan, at sa halip na magreklamo lang sa Facebook ay nagmumungkahi ng solusyon: SONA mo ito.”

The address is also for those who encouraged others to contribute to nation building and to forget the old, corrupt system, the President further said.

The President also mentioned Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon, the head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), who will be retiring soon, personally thanking the PSG chief for securing him and the Aquino family. He said his Monday’s address to the nation is the SONA of General Dizon and his wife.

“Chito, nakiambag ka rin sa pagbabago; tunay kang tapat sa watawat, sa Saligang Batas, at sa sambayanang Pilipino. Siyempre, kung di ka inalalayan ng iyong butihing maybahay na si Jo-ann, hindi mo naabot ang iyong mga tagumpay. SONA ninyong dalawa ito,” he said expressing his gratitude to General Dizon.

It’s a long way to go, according to the President noting that there will be challenges and stumbling blocks ahead.

But he said he has full confidence on the abilities of Filipinos to overcome those challenges. “Hindi tsamba ang mga tagumpay na tinatamasa natin ngayon; huwag tayong papayag na maging panandalian lamang ang transpormasyon. Samantalahin natin ang pagkakataon upang gawing permanente ang pagbabago,” he stressed.

The country has always been his source of strength, the President said.

“Ito po ang aking ikaapat na SONA. Noong ako’y Congressman, ang mga taga-Tarlac ang aking lakas; nang ako’y maging Senador, at hanggang ngayon, sa aking pagkapangulo, nariyan ang sambayanan—Pilipinas, kayo ang aking lakas. Sa patuloy nating pag-aambagan at pananalig sa kapwa at sa Maykapal, sinasabi ko po sa inyo: Kayo pa rin ang sisigurong magpapatuloy ang ating nasimulan; kayo ang sisigurong mabubura na nang tuluyan ang mga mukha ng katiwalian; kayo ang sisigurong hinding-hindi na tayo muling lilihis sa tuwid na daan.”

President Aquino praises good performers, warns wrongdoers in 4th SONA

While President Benigno S. Aquino III praised in his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) the members of his government who performed well, he warned those who continue to commit abuses and other offenses telling them their days are numbered.

The President expressed elation over the performance of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, saying the foreign affairs chief could have chosen staying in the private sector and avoid the headaches in working in government.

Immediately after taking his oath as Foreign Affairs Secretary the President said Del Rosario flew to Libya to assist more than 20,000 Filipinos affected by the tensions there. Del Rosario also helped other nationalities moved out of Libya, he said.

“Puwede naman siyang nadismaya nang pababain siya sa puwesto, dahil tinutulan niya ang pagdeklara ng State of Emergency ng nakaraang administrasyon noong 2006,” the President said.

“Pero tinawag po natin siya para bumalik, at tumugon siya. Ngayon po, nagbibigay siya ng mas malaki pang ambag bilang kalihim. Handa niyang ilagay ang sarili sa panganib, dahil alam niyang walang ibang sasaklolo sa Pilipino kundi ang kapwa rin Pilipino. Sa patuloy mong paninindigan para sa ating karapatan, saludo po ako sa inyo, Secretary Albert del Rosario,” he added.

The President also praised the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash in Masbate last year.

Robredo, who led Naga City transform itself in around two decades, contributed a lot to the nation particularly when he joined the Aquino administration.

The President said he believes Robredo wouldn’t allow change and reform to halt after his passing.

“Nabigyan lamang ako, at nabigyan din lamang si Jesse, ng pagkakataong maglingkod sa bansa dahil sa inyo. Hindi nag-iisa ang mukha ng pagbabago. Hindi na aabutin pa ng isandaang taon bago isilang ang susunod na mabuting tao, bago tumindig ang susunod na mabuting Pilipino,” he said.

There are other Filipinos who continue to inspire until today such as Commodore Ramon Alcaraz who fought Japanese invaders in World War II.

Similar heroic deeds are being shown by present-day Filipino soldiers, guarding the farthest islets and barangays to protect the country’s sovereignty, the President said.

While praising good performers, the President issued a stern warning to those who continue to commit abuses and offenses, against people who refuse to mend their ways.

The government will go after a former TESDA official for his involvement in anomalous transactions and the Office of the Ombudsman has already filed charges against him, the President said.

A former official of PAGCOR is also facing corruption charges for unlawful use of the agency’s funds.

Former officials of the PNP are also facing charges for the purchase of defective rubber boats, and second-hand helicopters.

Officials involved in the Cadavero murder, the anomaly in the illegal use of lawmakers' pork barrel, and the MRT 3 anomaly will not be off the hook, the chief executive noted.

His administration will also go after corrupt officials and personnel of the Bureau of Immigration, who allowed or facilitated Joel and Mario Reyes escape. The two are prime suspects in the murder of environmentalist Gerry Ortega in Palawan.

His administration will also initiate a clean-up drive in the Bureau of Customs to get rid of corrupt personnel who are involved in smuggling of goods, drugs, and weapons. He said the Department of Finance estimated the government’s loss to be about P200 billion due to the activity.

Reforms must also be carried out in the National Irrigation Administration, he said.

“Para naman po sa mga kawaning walang balak tumalikod sa kulturang wangwang: Tapos na ang pakikiusap,” the President said.

“Nagkaroon kayo ng tatlong taon para ipakitang handa kayong umayos; ngayon, hahanapin, kung hindi pa kayo nahahanap, pero ‘yung ‘di talaga mahahanap, lalahatin na po natin kayong lahat; ngayon, pasensyahan tayo.”

Malacanang submits proposed P2.268-T budget to Congress Tuesday

Malacanang will submit the proposed P2.268-trillion National Expenditure Program to the members of Congress this afternoon, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Valte said a substantial portion of the budget will go to the Department of Education with P336.9-billion, the Department of Public Works and Highways at P213.5-billion and the Department of Interior and Local Government at P135.4-billion.

Valte added that the other three departments that round off the top six government agencies to receive substantial portions of the proposed 2014 budget are the Department of National Defense with 123.1-billion, Department of Health with P87.1-billion and the Department of Agriculture at P80.7-billion.

“As the President mentioned yesterday, the budget will be submitted to the leaders of Congress, and I’m told by our fellows in the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) that Secretary (Florencio) Butch Abad will be in the House at 3:00 p.m., so that is the schedule,” Valte said.

“Prior to that, we are waiting for clearance to release the budget message to all of you, that will be shared later in the afternoon, as soon as we have the final version,” she added.

Aquino establishes Mindanao Modular Generator Sets Program

President Benigno S. Aquino III has established the “Mindanao Modular Generator Sets Program” to provide the needed additional power supply to electricity end-users in Mindanao.

The Program was created through Executive Order No. 137 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa on July 12.

Under the Program, a loan facility may be extended to participating electric cooperatives for the acquisition of modular gensets. Consistent with their respective mandates, the Program shall be implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the lead agency, through the National Electrification Administration.

"There is a consensus among the members of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee, created under Executive Order No. 81 (s. 2012), that there is a need to augment the Interruptible Load Program and the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market Program, to address the deteriorating power situation in Mindanao," EO 137 stated.

The DOE, as Co-Chair of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee, proposes the use of modular generator sets as an immediate short-term solution to the urgent electricity needs of Mindanao until base load power plants come online by 2015.

Under EO 137, the Department of Budget and Management is hereby directed to release the amount of Four Billion Five Hundred Million Pesos for the implementation of the said modular generator sets program, which shall be sourced from the Malampaya Fund of the DOE.

"The release shall be subject to the submission of the Bureau of Treasury Certification on the availability of deposited collections with the Special Account in the General Fund–151 of the DOE and to existing laws and the usual government budgetary, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations," the new Executive Order said.

The National Electrification Administration, in consultation with the Mindanao Development Authority, may seek the assistance of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives and other Mindanao stakeholders to implement the Mindanao Modular Generator Sets Program.

President Aquino directed all the departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations and government financial institutions to extend such assistance and support to the modular gensets program as may be necessary for its successful implementation.

The DOE shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the implementation of this Order within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of EO 137.

This Order shall take effect immediately upon publication in two newspapers of general circulation.

Aquino asks Congress to approve the proposed P2.268-trillion National Budget for 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III asked the Congress on Tuesday to approve the proposed P2.268-trillion National Budget for 2014 saying the budget will support his administration's agenda for inclusive development.

"This proposed Budget is 13.1 percent higher than the current year’s budget of P2.006 trillion. It is consistent with our macroeconomic and fiscal program for the medium term. More important, this proposed Budget is designed as a tool that we must maximize as we continue to fortify the foundations for inclusive development," the Chief Executive said in his 2014 Budget Message.

President Aquino said the proposed budget will enables the nation to sustain its growth trajectory in a way that promotes growth that directly and substantially benefits the lowest of sectors.

"Ang hangarin natin ay ang mga mamamayan mismo ang lumilikha at magmamay-ari ng bagong kasaganaan ng ating bansa. Ang obligasyon natin bilang pamahalaan ay ilagay ang ating mga kababayan sa patas na tungtungan. At upang magampanan ang obligasyong ito, kailangan nating maging masigasig sa pagtupad sa ating sinumpaan sa bayan: Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap," he said.

Allocated with P336.9 billion, the Department of Education (DepEd) will again have the largest part in the budget.

Also in the Top 10 are the Department of Public Works and Highways with P213.5 billion, Department of Interior and Local Government with P135.4 billion, Department of National Defense with P123.1 billion, Department of Health with P87.13 billion, Department of Agriculture with P80.7 billion, Department of Social Welfare and Development with P79 billion, Department of Transportations and Communications with P48.7 billion, Department of Environment and Natural Resources with P23.9 billion and Department of Agrarian Reform with P20.4 billion.

"We want to leave behind this legacy ---a transformed government, a capacitated people, an inclusive economy, and a better nation. I cannot overemphasize my deep commitment to laying the foundation that will ensure the realization of this legacy," the President said.

"Such is the goal of this 2014 National Budget, a Budget for Inclusive Development, a national expenditure program that builds on the new prosperity we have created for our country in the past three years," he said.