President Aquino lauds ASEAN member countries for inclusion of West Philippine sea in their discussion at ASEAN Summit in Brunei

(BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that the fact that the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have agreed to discuss the issue of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) during the 22nd ASEAN Summit being held here was something to be thankful for and clearly showed that a rules based approach towards peacefully resolving this dispute was on its way.

“Di ba, parang napakaganda nga e na unang-unang gabi nating nandito, unang-unang meeting nasama na sa mga topics. So we should really be thankful that the whole of the ASEAN is willing to discuss this instead of, you know, putting it on the backburner. That, I think, is already a help,” the President told reporters in a press briefing after meeting other ASEAN members in a working dinner.

He said that after 11 years since the ASEAN and China agreed in 2002 on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to maintain peace and stability in the contested area, a major lane for global trade and believed to be rich in mineral resources, ASEAN has agreed to make the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) issue a priority area for discussion.

“There might be a consensus reached that really pushes the matter forward to really define everybody’s entitlements and obligations. So instead of being on a very low priority, it is one of the priority areas and nobody has objected, and everybody was listening and discussing it. So that, I think, is a step in the right direction,” he added.

Philippines confident ASEAN will achieve goal of becoming 'One Economic Community' by 2015

(BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) The Philippines is confident the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is on track towards achieving its goal to become One Economic Community by 2015 despite the numerous challenges still facing the regional bloc.

In a press briefing here, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said these challenges include the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) which aims to enhance cooperation in services among member States in order to improve the efficiency and competitiveness, diversify production capacity and supply and distribution of services of their service suppliers within and outside ASEAN; eliminating non-tariff barriers; and enhancing customs procedures through the ASEAN Single Window.

“We’re currently between 73 to 76 percent in terms of the ASEAN accomplishments. We’re on the 9th package so the first eight packages had been completed. But there’s still a lot of work because the easier parts have been done. So now we get into the more difficult portions,” Domingo noted.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) aims to achieve regional economic integration by 2015. AEC envisages the following key characteristics: (a) a single market and production base, (b) a highly competitive economic region, (c) a region of equitable economic development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the global economy.

The AEC areas of cooperation include human resources development and capacity building; recognition of professional qualifications; closer consultation on macroeconomic and financial policies; trade financing measures; enhanced infrastructure and communications connectivity; development of electronic transactions through e-ASEAN; integrating industries across the region to promote regional sourcing; and enhancing private sector involvement for the building of the AEC.

In short, the AEC will transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and freer flow of capital.

President Aquino says his administration is open to ideas that will accelerate country's inclusive growth for the benefit of all Filipinos particularly those living below poverty level

(BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that he was willing to “tweak” the government’s anti-poverty measures to benefit more Filipinos living below the poverty level.

In a press conference with media covering his attendance to the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here, the President said he and his government were open to ideas and “everything that will accelerate inclusive growth.”

He however declined to subscribe to the belief that by immediately pouring billions of pesos into a certain program, it could actually effect change in poverty ratings overnight.

“Will we tweak it (anti-poverty programs)? Syempre, ano, we’re open to all of—everything that will accelerate inclusive growth. Pero…Hindi ‘yung mag-invest tayo ng so many billions now and in one month’s time you will see a reversal, ‘di ba?” the President said.

He pointed out that the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), which has been receiving yearly budget increases was due to its effectiveness in lifting people from misery and spurring economic growth.

“Now, I think what we should pay attention to is this: Lahat ng interventions natin, for instance, the Pantawid Pamilya Program.

The DSWD’s budget increased over 200 percent... if we look at the economic activity in the areas na maraming households na beneficiaries dito, when you talk to the local businessmen, they will tell you there is a dramatic increase in economic activity in their areas,” the President said, adding that this scenario is also applicable to education and health.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda earlier said the government remains focused on generating jobs for Filipinos in the urban areas and the countryside in keeping with its goal to mitigate poverty.

Lacierda said the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet cluster has come up with an action plan to generate jobs for people living in the urban areas, as well as the countryside. He said various programs to support the farmers are now in place to improve the agricultural sector.

"Ang focus ng ating problema ngayon is agriculture. Doon medyo mababa ang growth. What’s also important right now is we’re trying to link farmers and technology, sources of technology and sources of credit," he said.

"Now with respect to industries, we have seen private investments coming in. The private sector during the latter half of 2012, has really poured in their investments. Malaki ang improvement ng ating private sector as based on our figures during the last year. So we will expect a greater improvement in our numbers with respect to poverty," he said.

President Aquino nixes plans to reshuffle members of his Cabinet but welcomes any improvement that would make them more efficient

(BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei) President Benigno S. Aquino III indicated that while he has no plans to reshuffle the members of his Cabinet he would instead welcome any improvement in the processes that would make them more efficient.

The President mentioned this when asked if he would do an evaluation of the accomplishments of the various departments and agencies in the Executive Branch now that he’s approaching the three years term of his presidency.

“You start with a premise that you are all imperfect beings and you can always improve,” the President told members of the Philippine media delegation who are covering the President's attendance to the 22nd ASEAN Summit at the Philippine Embassy here, Wednesday.

The President cited in particular the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) headed by Secretary Rogelio Singson and Department of Agriculture (DA) led by Secretary Proceso Alcala as among the top performing agencies in his administration.

He recognized the DPWH for its ability to lower the bid prices on most of its projects and the DA for its successful production and domestic marketing of rice that enabled the country to be self-sufficient and a potential exporter of this particular commodity.

“Pero, bottom line, we’re really open to improving all of the processes that we need to have greater efficiency. Sorry, economist ako by training, so maximum utility of each input is the mantra,” he said.

Philippines, Vietnam hold bilateral talks

(BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) The Philippines and Vietnam held bilateral talks at the sidelines of the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit being held here from April 24 to 25.

In a text message sent to reporters covering President Benigno S. Aquino III attendance to said Summit, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung were upbeat over “the progress of economic relations” between the two countries as they agreed to “further enhance” and strengthen relations.

Lacierda added that Vietnam expressed support for the Philippines initiatives on maritime security, noting the improvement of this initiative between the two countries.

"Both leaders are happy with the progress of economic relations and discussed ways on how to further enhance these relations. Both countries acknowledged the improvement of maritime security between the two countries and Vietnam expressed support for the Philippines international initiatives on this matter," Lacierda said.

Diplomatic relations between the two sides started in July 1976 upon the signing of a Joint Communique by then Philippine Foreign Minister Carlos P. Romulo and Vietnamese Vice Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Phan Hien.

Aquino joins ASEAN leaders in calling for a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea situation

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) President Benigno S. Aquino III joined other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in calling for a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea situation as the regional bloc said it looked forward to “continued engagement” with China in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in a “full and effective manner.”

The ASEAN leaders issued their stand in the widely discussed issue during the issuance of the Chairman’s statement delivered during closing ceremonies of the 22nd ASEAN Summit on Thursday.

Brunei Darussalam, through its Royal Highness Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is the Chair of this year’s ASEAN Summit.

“We discussed the situation in the South China Sea and reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability and maritime security in the region. We underscored the importance of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the Joint Statement of the 10th Anniversary of the DOC. In this regard, we reaffirmed the collective commitments under the DOC in ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, without resorting to the threat or use of force, while exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities,” the statement read.

“We look forward to continued engagement with China in implementing the DOC in a full and effective manner, including through mutually agreed joint cooperative activities and projects,” it further said.

President Aquino and ASEAN leaders express concern over Korean Peninsula developments, call for denuclearization

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) President Benigno S. Aquino III and his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expressed concern over the ongoing developments in the Korean Peninsula and have called for the denuclearization of the area “in a peaceful manner.”

The regional bloc issued this statement at the close of the 22nd ASEAN Summit that was held here from April 24 to 25.

The regional leaders called on the Democratic Republic of Korea to fully comply with its obligations under all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and its commitments under the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement on the Six-Party Talks which aim to find a peaceful resolution to the security concerns as a result of the North Korean nuclear weapons program.

“We reaffirm our full support for all efforts to bring about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner as well as the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks,” the Statement read.

“We emphasize the importance of dialogue aimed at promoting mutual understanding and confidence among all parties concerned to ensure peace, security and stability in the Korean Peninsula,” it added.

Phl urges ASEAN to adopt action plan to combat human trafficking

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Thursday called on members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to come up with a comprehensive regional approach to counter and combat all forms of human trafficking.

The Philippines is hosting the third ASEAN Experts Working Group against human trafficking from April 25 to 26, and Ochoa hopes this will strengthen the commitment of member-countries to fight this regional problem.

“While there are universal mechanisms that address human trafficking or trafficking in persons, there is no regional mechanism that particularly and especially deals with such issues in Southeast Asia,” said Ochoa.

He added: “There must be a regional action plan within the scope of each ASEAN members’ domestic laws and policies to effectively address regional challenges common to all ASEAN members in the fight against human trafficking.”

According to the Executive Secretary, the action plan should include an integrated, cohesive and a more structured monitoring and reporting mechanism on human trafficking in order to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons in the region.

The fight against human trafficking, Ochoa explained, is in line with efforts by the ASEAN to protect and promote human rights, and its commitment to other regional and international declarations against all forms of trafficking in persons, particularly women and children.

“Human trafficking is one of the most contemptible violations of human rights, as those involved in this loathsome crime deprive their victims of their right to life, liberty, and security” Ochoa said, as he pushed for stronger international cooperation to ensure the successful investigation, prosecution and elimination of safe havens of perpetrators and accomplices of trafficking in persons.

During the conference, the ASEAN Experts Working Group hopes to come up with a regional instrument to educate people on human trafficking, promote and protect the rights of victims, strengthen rule of law and border control in the region, establish a synchronized regional approach in the investigation of human traffickers involving foreign nationals, and increase prosecution and conviction of human traffickers to weaken their organized criminal networks.

The conference also aims to further enhance cooperation of ASEAN members with the UN Office for Drugs and Crime, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons in order to strengthen the region’s capacity to effectively combat human trafficking and provide assistance to victims.

The ASEAN is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Aquino, ASEAN leaders agree on empowering small and medium enterprises

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei) President Benigno S. Aquino III joined other Southeast Asian leaders in fostering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a result of their discussions during the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) focusing on the economic community aspect.

In a statement released Thursday by this year’s chair, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, ASEAN leaders encouraged the relevant ministers to “empower SMEs” while calling on business organizations “to lend support to this endeavor.”

“We recognized that to foster our small and medium enterprises, it is critical to create job opportunities and promote social safety nets, in line with our goal to narrowing development gaps in the region.

In this regard, we encouraged the relevant Ministers to empower SMEs, especially the Priority Integration Sectors, through training, advisory and financial support, to take advantage of our integration efforts.

We also called on business organizations to lend support to this endeavor and tasked the relevant Ministers to look into ways to provide a strategic regional platform for long-term SME development cooperation,” the Chairman’s Statement read.

The empowerment of SMEs is one of the advocacies pushed by President Aquino during his brief participation in the summit here.

The ASEAN leaders also continued to encourage their ministers to enhance private sector engagement at various levels in efforts to support the ASEAN Economic Community integration activities.

They further called on the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and other business associations to take an active role in undertaking communication activities on the benefits of the AEC aimed at stakeholders within as well as outside the region.

Aquino, ASEAN leaders express determination to strengthen cooperation in addressing terrorism, transnational crime

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei—President Benigno S. Aquino III and his Southeast Asian counterparts are determined to address the lingering issues of terrorism and transnational crime in their respective countries.

“We are determined to strengthen cooperation in addressing the issue of terrorism and transnational crime in the region,” Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) chair Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei stated on behalf of his fellow heads of state.

In this regard, ASEAN leaders encouraged all relevant sectoral bodies to “re-double” the implementation of their respective work plans and work programs related to priority areas of transnational crime, as well as in effectively tackling the increasing non-traditional security threats in the region.

They also look forward to the outcome of the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) to be held this September in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

“We re-emphasized the importance of the Declaration on Drug-Free ASEAN 2015 and look forward to the outcome of the 2nd ASEAN Special Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters to be convened on September 2013 in Brunei Darussalam,” the Chairman’s statement added.

The ASEAN leaders also welcomed the progress made in considering the development of a Regional Plan of Action on Combating Trafficking in Persons and an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons, which reflects the need to urgently combat trafficking in persons in the region.

Aquino and leaders of BIMP-EAGA agree to review cooperation to boost region as food basket, ecotourism destination

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM) President Benigno S. Aquino III and leaders from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines – East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have agreed to review the progress of the cooperation and provide further direction to the region’s pursuit of its shared vision of establishing BIMP-EAGA as a regional food basket and ecotourism destination through enhanced connectivity for trade and investment, while ensuring sustainable management of the environment.

The President and his above-mentioned counterparts arrived at this decision during the 9th BIMP-EAGA Summit it held at the sidelines of the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held here from April 24 to 25, 2013.

“We, the Leaders of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, met for the 9th BIMP-EAGA Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, to review the progress of cooperaetion and to provide further direction in the pursuit of our shared vision of establishing BIMP-EAGA as a regional food basket and ecotourism destination through enhanced connectivity for trade and investment, whilst ensuring sustainable management of the environment,” the statement read.

BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 as a cooperation initiative by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, all of which are member-countries of the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The objective behind the creation of BIMP-EAGA is to accelerate economic development in the four countries' “focus areas” which, although geographically distant from their national capitals, are in strategic proximity to each other, in one of the world’s most resource-rich regions.

The BIMP-EAGA initiative is market-driven, and operates through a decentralized organization structure involving the four governments and the private sector.

BIMP-EAGA cooperation aims to increase trade, tourism and investments inside and outside the subregion by: facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services; making the best use of common infrastructure and natural resources; and taking the fullest advantage of economic complementation.

Palace elated by Moody’s analytics report describing country as ‘Asia’s rising star’

Malacanang on Thursday welcomed the report of Moody’s Analytics calling the Philippines as “Asia’s rising star” for sustaining a strong economy despite global economic slowdown.

“We welcome the report of Moody’s Analytics highlighting the Philippines as “Asia’s rising star,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

“Underscoring the country’s heady economic growth and strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the research unit of Moody’s Investors Service noted the performance of the Philippine economy stands out amidst the ‘generally gloomy global picture,’” Valte added.

She noted that the think tank’s report “is yet another international affirmation of the successful reforms undertaken by the Aquino administration that has buoyed investor confidence and restored public trust in our institutions.”

“As we continue to reap the benefits of our reform, this further reinforces the principle that good governance is a catalyst for and harbinger of good economics,” she further said.

In a report authored by Moody’s Analytics senior economist Glenn Levine titled “Philippines Outlook: Asia’s Rising Star,” he said the Philippines has a potential to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world that could grow up to 8 percent by 2016.

Levine believed that the country could sustain its strong performance of having GDP growth between 6.5 percent to 7 percent in 2013 and 2014.

He cited Aquino’s good governance, increasing private investments and higher government spending as factors that sustain the robust economy of the Philippines.

Aquino, ASEAN leaders reaffirm commitment to preserve Southeast Asia as a nuclear weapon-free region

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei—President Benigno S. Aquino III and other Southeast Asian heads of states reaffirm their commitment to keep the region free from nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction.

In a statement released at the end of the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit here, Chairman Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said they look forward to the signing of the protocol to the Treaty on Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and its related documents without reservations as early as possible.

“We also looked forward to the extension of the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of the Treaty on the SEANWFZ for another five years (2013-2017), the Chairman’s Statement added.

At the same time, the ASEAN leaders looked forward to the full and effective operationalization of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) in Jakarta, Indonesia as early as possible which would promote research activities on peace, conflict management, and conflict resolution in the region.

“We acknowledged that the presence of landmines and other explosive remnants of war in the soil poses constant threats to the safety of the people and hinders national socio-economic development and aggravates humanitarian problems in many countries in the region.

In this regard, [we] encouraged our Ministers to conclude the terms of reference on the modalities of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) in order to enable its early establishment.

We acknowledged that the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) is a milestone in ASEAN’s efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights in the region and encouraged the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights to enhance its activities, including the implementation of the AHRD, in close coordination with the various ASEAN sectoral bodies,” the Chairman’s Statement further read.

Aquino reports fruitful outcome of 22nd ASEAN Summit in Brunei

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he has expressed his gratitude to Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for agreeing to a stricter implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah is the chair of the 22nd ASEAN Summit this year.

In his arrival message at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II, the President said among the top agenda of the ASEAN leaders is the importance of stronger cooperation among ASEAN member countries in settling territorial disputes in the region.

Aside from the DOC, the President said he pushed for the immediately crafting of a binding Code of Conduct of Parties with interest in the West Philippine Sea.

“Isinulong din natin na matutukan, sa lalong madaling panahon, ang pagbuo ng isang Code of Conduct, na kikilalanin, igagalang, at susundin ng bawat miyembro bilang pundasyon ng ugnayan, estabilidad, at kaunlaran sa Timog Silangang Asya,” he said.

“Batid ng lahat ng pinuno ng ASEAN ang maigting nating paninindigan ukol sa West Philippine Sea, ay nakatuon, hindi lamang sa pansariling interes ng kanya-kanyang bansa, kundi para rin sa mas aktibong kalakalan, at malawakang kaunlaran sa bahaging ito ng daigdig.”

Also, in the bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the President said the Vietnamese leader thanked him for the strengthening relations between the Philippines and Vietnam.

Both countries have been cooperating in areas of maritime development and expansive trade, he said. It is in the interest of the two countries to seize the opportunities that will ensure greater tie ups and progress.

The country’s economy and its tourism sector benefited in the positive dialogue that the country had with its counterparts during the 22nd ASEAN Summit, the President said.

“Nasaang panig man tayo ng mundo, hamon pa rin sa atin na patuloy na magsumikap at makiambag, sa pagbuo ng isang lipunang bukal ng patas na pagkakataon para sa lahat,” President Aquino said.

DPWH-ARMM hires 400 part-time workers for summer job

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has hired 400 part-time workers for the agency’s summer job program this year.

DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain said the recruits, who are mostly students, will take part in the agency’s “Oplan Linis Bayan” Program, which includes the clean-up of major roads across the region.

He said the program is meant to keep roads free from distractions as well as help maintain the cleanliness of the towns in ARMM.

For this year, the agency made use of its generated savings to provide temporary jobs to at least 400 part-time workers which include students, out-of-school youths, unskilled workers and some Filipino deportees who were affected by the on-going conflict in Sabah, Malaysia.

Each of the region’s eight engineering districts hired 50 part-timers to augment the equal number of regular workforce engaged in road clean-up.

Sadain said the part-timers will receive a daily wage of P250.

He added that the summer job program is another first in the DPWH’s 23-year history and was made possible through the present administration’s prudent fiscal handling.

Jam Santos, a second year college student in one of the universities in the region, said he is grateful that he was chosen to be included in the summer job program.

“I am happy to be granted the opportunity to earn this vacation,” he said.

Nur Jihan Anton, also a student, said she would use her salary to help pay for her tuition in the coming school year. (ARMM Communications Group/PIA-10)

NEDA-10 consults with stakeholders on Philippine Development Plan

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional office 10 has conducted a consultation with regional stakeholders to update the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 and revalidate the results matrix (RM) containing development indicators for the remaining plan period.

Regional Development Council (RDC) officials, representatives from regional government agencies, local government units, academe, non-government/people’s organizations, labor groups and the private and business sector participated in the regional consultation held on Monday here.

NEDA National Planning and Policy Staff Renz S. Torillos and NEDA Project Monitoring Staff (PMS) Ma. Sittie M. Olalia presented the inclusive growth framework and plan updating process and results matrices during the consultation.

Representatives from six planning committees particularly on economic development; infrastructure development; security, justice and peace; good governance and anti-corruption; human development and poverty and climate change adaptation and mitigation also presented the PDP goals, strategies, expected outcomes and development indicators considered in the midterm PDP assessment.

They also revalidated the core indicators which will be included in the PDP results matrix for the remaining plan period to eventually achieve inclusive growth.

The PDP midterm assessment highlighted, among others, the increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth which is closer to the 7-8 percent PDP target; an integrated and coordinated transport network; improved government’s responsiveness to public needs; expanded National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) coverage; digital connectivity and enactment of Republic Act 10121, an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System).

Challenges presented include, among others, the need to sustain high GDP growth; low compliance on disclosure of budget information among several government agencies; high cost of renewable energy development; access to clean water for about 14 million Filipinos and the full enrolment of the informal sector to achieve universal coverage for Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefits.

Meanwhile, NEDA-10 Regional Director Leon M. Dacanay Jr. thanked the participants for their inputs for inclusion in the PDP, noting that what has been considered priorities at the national level should also be considered priorities at the regional level. (NEDA-10/APB/PIA-10)

Investments in Region 10 reached P1.82 billion in 4Q of 2012 - NEDA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office 10 recorded P1.82 billion in new investments for the fourth quarter of 2012.

Engineer Cecilio Y. Clarete, chief economic development specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) disclosed during a media forum that most of the new investments went to Bukidnon with 36.20 percent or P659.48 million.

Misamis Occidental ranked second with 25.61 percent or P466.59 million; followed by Lanao del Norte with 18.68 percent or P340.27 million; Misamis Oriental with 11.61 percent or P211.50 million and Camiguin with 7.90 percent or P143.91 million.

Clarete said majority of the investments in Bukidnon include the construction of an industrial building and storage facility, expansion of agri-based production of cassava, corn, tomato and cut flower, expansion of shoes production, construction of pump stations for banana production and infusion of capital on livestock.

He added that the bulk of investments in Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte were derived from the infrastructure and servicing sector that included the expansion of a subdivision project, construction of a new commercial building and the procurement of additional machines and equipment for Misamis Occidental while that in Lanao del Norte were the renovation of a hotel and resort, expansion of a flour production area, construction of a new commercial building and establishment of food chains and grocery stores.

Meanwhile, investments in Camiguin were mostly One Town, One Product-related projects and monitored bank releases.

A decrease of 87 percent was also noted for Misamis Oriental brought about by the decrease in investment in the infrastructure and servicing sector.

Clarete said majority of the investments in the province were the construction and expansion of Centrio Ayala Mall, Primavera residences, Paseo del Rio, Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) showroom and Gaisano Department Stores which are already operating this year. (Marie-Zil G. Malinao/APB/PIA10)