Aquino calls on social workers to work with government in environmental protection, disaster preparedness and risk reduction movements

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on social workers to work together with government in the launching of various movements for environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction.

"To rise to the challenges posed by climate change, we must build consensus among nations and launch synergized yet locally relevant movements for environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction," the Chief Executive said in his message to international social workers organizations on the occasion of the 2013 Asia Pacific Regional Social Work Conference.

The International Federation of Social Workers Asian & Pacific Association for Social Work Education, the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. and the National Association of Social Work, Inc. opened on Tuesday the 2013 Asia Pacific Regional Social Work Conference at the Manila Hotel.

The conference which has for its theme "Social Work Amidst Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: Building Capacities and Global Partnership" will end on Thursday.

"Your expertise as agents of social advancement lends effectiveness to these frameworks, by ensuring that they complement our localities’ ethno-cultural milieu and correspond to the particular needs of our communities," the President said.

"May this convention help you actualize this agenda, and establish long-term commitments to development throughout the region," he said.

President Aquino receives P28-billion representing dividend contributions from 38 Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received close to P28-billion representing the dividend contributions from 38 Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in ceremonies marking the GOCC Dividend Day in Malacañang Palace on Monday.

During the event held at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace, the Chief Executive was assisted by Senator Franklin Drilon, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Governance Commission for GOCCs chairman Cesar L. Villanueva.

The 38 GOCCs turned over on Monday P28-billion dividends and other forms of remittances to the national coffers out of their operations in 2012.

Under the Republic Act No. 7656, all GOCCs are required to "declare and remit at least 50% of their annual net earnings as cash, stock or property dividends to the National Government.

In 2011, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10149 or the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Governance Act of 2011" that seeks to reform the operations of state-owned enterprises and to curb the perceived abuses particularly on excessive bonuses and allowances of its officials.

Upon the enactment of GOCC Governance Act of 2011, the GOCCs had remitted P29-billion for 2010 and P19.2-billion for 2011.

The P28-billion dividends and other forms of remittances from the 2012 operations surpassed the collections made the previous year with eight GOCCs belonging to the elite circle of the so-called "Billionaire's Club, namely the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), each remitted at least P1-billion.

The PAGCOR remitted P7.18-billion in dividends and other forms of remittances to the national government for the fiscal year of 2012, LBP (P6.24-billion), DBP (P3.16-billion), BCDA (P2.30-billion), PSALM (P2-billion), MIAA (P1.54-billion), PPA (1.03-billion) and PRA (P1 billion).

The GOCC Dividends Day not only recognizes the accomplishments of the GOCCs but also the determination of the Aquino administration to pursue the much needed reform of the government corporate sector.

President Aquino leads Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations dividends day in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that the Government-Owned and-Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) remitted a total of P77-billion to the national coffers for the past three years, compared to P96-billion collected by the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her nine years of presidency.

In his speech at the ceremonial turnover of GOCCs check dividends and other forms of remittances during the GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang on Monday, the Chief Executive said the P77-billion remitted by the GOCCs was a result of government’s continuing reforms to fight corruption.

"Sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon, nakapaghatid na ang ating mga GOCC ng kabuuang mahigit 77 billion pesos. Ikumpara po natin iyan sa buong siyam at kalahating taon ng kanilang panunungkulan, kung saan nasa 96 billion pesos lamang ang nalikom nilang remittance mula sa mga korporasyon. Ididiin ko lang po: Tayo, 77 billion sa tatlong taon; sila, 96 billion sa siyam at kalahating taon," President Aquino said.

The President lauded the GOCCs for doing their best to perform effectively and efficiently to contribute to national development.

"Kaya naman, saludo at nagpapasalamat po ako sa bumubuo sa bawat korporasyong nagpakitang-gilas ngayong taon, at nagpamalas ng kanilang makabuluhang kontribusyon sa bansa," he said.

He also cited the contributions of the Governance Commission for GOCCs led by Chairman Cesar L. Villanueva for initiating various reforms and initiatives to improve the collections of dividends and other contributions from the GOCCs.

The President noted that the funds that came from the GOCCs are currently being used for the government’s various social programs such as providing education, healthcare, food and livelihood for the Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sector.

"Lumiliwanag na rin ang kinabukasan ng marami nating kababayan, ngayong naisakatuparan na ng National Electrification Administration ang malawakang elektripikasyon para pailawan ang ilang mga sitio at barangay sa bansa," he noted.

"Sa huli, ang bawat tagumpay sa mabuting pamamahala ng ating mga GOCC ay may malaking ambag sa tagumpay ng karaniwang Pilipino, at ng buong bansa," he stressed.

The Aquino administration is promoting financial viability and fiscal discipline in GOCCs to make them more efficient in the discharge of their duties and functions, the President said.

He, likewise, called on the GOCCs to work harder to further increase their dividends and remittances.

"Hindi naman po tayo hihinto: Sa tuwid na daan, patuloy nating patitibayin ang ating mga pampublikong istitusyon kung saan nananatiling pundasyon ang mabuti, makatuwiran, at may pananagutang pamamahala. Tapos na ang panahon kung saan itinuturing na alkansya ng mga nasa poder at ng ilang korporasyon ang kaban ng bayan," he said.

Let strong economic performance of Philippines speak for itself, President Aquino says

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that he would rather let the country’s strong economic performance in the first quarter and possibly better growth in the second speak for itself than pre-empt credit rating agencies from favoring the Philippines with an upgrade.

In an interview following his attendance to the 2013 GOCC (Government Owned and Controlled Corporations) Dividends Day in Malacañan Palace, the President said that while he was aware that Moody’s, a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, had noted the Philippines' 1st quarter GDP and record budget surplus as "credit positive," he would rather wait for any news from them.

“Mahirap naman ako magsalita for an agency that I don’t belong to, ano. Ayoko silang i-preempt. Siguro gayahin ko na rin iyong ating attitude na baka may mausog pa, so hintayin nalang natin ‘yung balita nila,” the President said.

Moody's is the last of the global credit rating agencies that still rate the Philippines a notch below investment grade.

Fitch was the first to upgrade the credit rating of the Philippines to the same status as A-lister countries in March while Standard & Poors' as well as the Japan Credit Rating Agency followed in May.

President Aquino says he is inclined for a review of the present system to effectively relay the executive’s concern to the legislative

President Benigno S. Aquino III said that he is inclined for a review of the present system to pave way for the executive branch of government to effectively relay its concerns and issues to the legislators to prevent vetoing bills.

The Chief Executive issued the statement after some senators called for a more effective coordination by the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) with the legislative branch of government and private sectors to avoid more bills being vetoed by the President.

"We’re not a party to the bicameral conference committee. Doon tayo siyempre sa committee meetings naiimbita—‘yung various departments and agencies—so it is not the review on personalities per se but on the system of how we could effectively communicate our issues and our concerns," President Aquino said in an interview after attending the Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Dividends Day held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace on Monday.

While some groups stressed the need for President Aquino to evaluate the performance of the PLLO, the Chief Executive explained that there are other factors why he vetoed some bills, such as the Magna Carta for the Poor, the height requirement for the police, the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Act of 2013, and the Centenarians Act of 2012.

" Alam ninyo ‘yung umabot sa akin ay mga 290 enrolled bills, and that doesn’t take into account all the other bills that were filed and also the daily grind. Siguro ang attitude ko na lang, -ang tao raw ay hindi perpekto—pwede ring ma-improve," he stressed.

"Ngayon, ‘yung meron nang mga killer provisions tayong nakita doon sa mga na-obliga tayong i-veto na bill na magpapahirap talaga... either sa implementasyon o magpapa-imposible sa implementasyon or maglalagay sa sitwasyon kung saan may panganib na mapahamak ang buong pamahalaan," he said.

"Maganda ang layunin, pero nagkaroon ng isa—minsan may dagdag o minsan may bawas—na baka mawala ‘yung saysay ng magandang intensyon kung itong version ang ma-implement. So inuudyok lang tayo na maglabas ng mas magandang bersyon ng mga panukalang batas na ito para maabot ang inaasam-asam na ikabubuti ng sambayanan," he said.

89 percent of LGUs in NorMin comply with Full Disclosure Policy

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- Around 89 percent of the local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao have complied with the Full Disclosure Policy of the national government in 2012.

The compliance is 29 percent higher than the targeted 60 percent compliance for the year, the Regional Development Council (RDC) said.

The Full Disclosure Policy is a government’s policy that requires local officials of provinces, cities and municipalities to fully disclose particular financial transactions of the LGU to keep their constituents informed on how the LGU budget is managed, disbursed and used.

According to the RDC, the five provinces, nine cities and 73 out of 84 municipalities in the region have fully complied with the posting of the required documents in their respective websites and/or posted in conspicuous places within public buildings or in print media.

This is to enable the public to view, download and print local government financial documents, the RDC further said.

Furthermore, a total of 97 LGUs and 56 government agencies in the region have posted their respective Citizens’ Charter in 2012.

The RDC meanwhile reported that the Seal of Good Housekeeping was awarded to the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Camiguin; the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Tangub and El Salvador; and 34 municipalities in the region in 2012.

These were in addition to the previous passers which include the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental and the cities of Iligan, Malaybalay, Ozamiz, Tangub and Valencia.

The RDC also reported that the functionality of local special bodies in the region has improved.

As of 2012, 80 percent of the provinces, cities and municipalities in the region have functional local councils for the protection of children while 100 percent have already local Peace and Order Councils and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. (APB/PIA-10)

SSS Cagayan de Oro to open on Saturdays of June for ‘kasambahay’ registration

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- Social Security System (SSS) branches nationwide will open for business on four consecutive Saturdays in June to enable household employers and domestic workers or ‘kasambahay’, such as maids, nursemaids or yaya, gardeners, cooks and laundry women, to register with SSS.

SSS Cagayan de Oro branch will be opened to issue social security (SS) numbers for domestic workers as well as household employer ID numbers on June 8, 15, 22 and 29 to facilitate their mandatory SSS membership as provided under the Kasambahay Law and the Social Security Law, said Lawyer Edwin Halo, SSS branch manager.

The Kasambahay Law, or Republic Act No. 10361, was signed into law on January 19, 2013 to ensure the social protection of household employees under various government agencies, which include the SSS, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Pag-IBIG Fund.

To get an SS number, domestic workers, including family drivers who are considered household employees under the SSS charter, must fill out and submit the Personal Record Form (SSS Form E-1) to any SSS branch, along with a photocopy of any of the primary documents such as the birth or baptismal certificate, driver’s license, passport, Professional Regulation Commission card or seaman’s book.

Those without any primary document can give two secondary documents, both citing their name and at least one indicating their birthdate. SSS branches provide a comprehensive list of accepted secondary documents such as the ATM card, bank passbook, marriage contract, NBI or police clearance, voter’s ID or postal ID card.

"They will only submit the Form E-1 and a photocopy of the supporting documents, but they should also present the original copy for authentication purposes," Atty. Halo said.

"Without the documents, they will be issued a number that may be used for paying contributions and reporting for SSS coverage but not for availment of benefits and loans. They will attain permanent SSS membership status upon submission of these required documents."

To secure a Household Employer ID Number, the employer only needs to fill out and submit the Employer Registration Form (SSS Form R-1).

Existing household employers who still use their personal SS numbers in paying the contributions of their domestic workers will be given their Household Employer ID Number during their branch visit, via email or mail.

Household employers reporting workers for SSS coverage must submit the Employment Report Form (SSS Form R1-A), the Specimen Signature Card (SSS Form L-501), and the SSS Form E-1 of household employees with no prior SSS coverage.

Further, the domestic worker’s effective date of coverage, which is the same as the date of employment, marks the start of the respective household employer’s obligation to remit monthly contributions for the household employee.

"If the effective date of coverage is earlier than the date of registration, the household employer must submit a ‘Statement of Monthly Salaries’ received by the domestic worker starting from the date of employment indicated in the SSS Form R1-A," he said. "This will be the basis for the computation of the accruing contributions that the household employer has to settle."

Apart from registration services, SSS offices with branch tellering facilities will also accept contribution payments of household employers during the four selected Saturdays.

SSS forms are available at SSS branches and may be downloaded from the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph) or you may call SSS Cagayan de Oro Branch Manager Atty. Edwin Halo for more information at (088) 858-3792/858-3793/858-3794. (SSS Cagayan de Oro/JMOR/PIA)

DPWH implements P13.64-B infra projects in Region 10 from 2010-2012

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways has implemented a P13.64 billion worth of infrastructure projects in region 10 during the period 2010 to 2012.

These projects include preventive maintenance, disaster-related rehabilitation projects and access to major tourism sites, among others, said Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz in his State of the Region Address during the 97th RDC Full Council Meeting last May 28.

Among the major projects implemented were Cagayan de Oro City Coastal Bypass Road; Mindanao East-West Lateral Road or the Bukidnon-Iligan Road; Iligan City Circumferential Road (C-3); Ozamiz City Coastal Bypass Road; rehabilitation/reconstruction/upgrading of the Sayre Highway; widening of the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road; and the widening of the Opol-Laguindingan Road.

Over the last three years, the region’s total road network increased by about 500 kilometers from 22,078 kilometers in 2009 to 22,580 kilometers in 2012 while the region’s share of the national roads also increased by 200 kilometers to 1,900 kilometers over the same period.

Targeted constructions of farm-to-market roads also increased from 103 kilometers in 2009 to 404 kilometers in 2012.

Meanwhile, berthing and seaport facilities for the ports of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Jimenez and Plaridel are already 63 percent of the target while the passenger terminal in the port of Benoni is already completed.

Cruz said plans are also underway for the full utilization of the Mindanao Container Terminal’s potential capacity of 270,000 TEUs per year which is currently at 80 percent utilization.

On the other hand, the much-awaited P7.85 billion Laguidingan airport is now substantially complete and is expected to commence operation this June 15.

This international standard airport, complemented by the Mindanao Container Terminal and other transport facilities, will further improve our position as the transhipment hub in Southern Philippines, Cruz added. (APB/PIA-10)

Agriculture serves as the backbone of NorMin’s economy

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The agriculture sector continues to serve as the backbone of the economic activities in Northern Mindanao, the Regional Development Council (RDC) said.

RDC Chairperson and Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said agriculture has cushioned the slowdown during the years when the economic sectors were struggling due to weakening global economic activity by providing the biggest bulk of growth.

He said the agriculture sector posted an overall growth of six percent in 2011 while most crops showed modest improvements in 2012 including livestock and poultry production.

According to him, Northern Mindanao remains the largest producer of pineapple in the country and the second largest producer of banana and corn.

“The region is now the country’s third largest producer of both coconut and chicken, fourth largest producer of cattle, fifth largest producer of swine, and ninth largest producer of palay,” he added.

Cruz said these were made possible through the various programs that improved access to productive resources.

As of 2012, 119 kilometers of farm-to-market roads were constructed through the ongoing Worldbank-funded Mindanao Rural development Program (MRDP).

The agrarian reform program has also cumulatively distributed 283,701 hectares to 157,833 farmer-beneficiaries in the region as of December 2012, covering 86 percent of its scope.

While irrigation development remains a major challenge at 56 percent, Cruz said the region has added 11,000 hectares to the total service area in the last three years representing growth of 19 percent.

Among the major irrigation projects in the region during the period were the P498 million Balingasag Irrigation project in Misamis Oriental which is already operational; the first phase of Talakag Irrigation Project in Bukidnon costing P490 million nearing completion with a second phase costing P101 million and about to commence construction; and the P425 Tangub Small Reservoir Irrgation Project in Misamis occidental which is also nearing completion. (APB/PIA-10)

Diskwento Caravan 2013 generates over P48k sales in two days – DTI Iligan

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 4 (PIA) -- The success of the 2013 Diskwento Caravan Balik Eskwela Edition held on May 28-29, 2013 at the Rizal Park, Iligan City has generated a total cash sales of P48,526.85.

This was the report of Ruel B. Paclipan, provincial director, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iligan City/Lanao del Norte Provincial Office.

There were nine exhibitors who participated, namely: Trendline Center – school uniforms, shoes and bags; Crown Paper & Stationer – school supplies; Suvisco Industries, Inc. - detergent soap, shampoo and toothpaste; San Miguel Integrated Sales – Purefoods and Magnolia products; Chino & Chynna Diaper Factory Outlet – Diapers for children, adult and dogs; National Foods Authority – Rice; RIC (Rural Improvement Club) Linamon – Buko Pie and other food products; Ptsadas Crafts – Bags and other accessories; and Ilicomm Enterprises – Cellphones and cellcards.

This is part of the government’s thrust to make quality school supplies available to the public at affordable prices, with at least 10 percent discount.

This is also an inter-agency coordination of DTI with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), the local government unit and the support from local manufacturers and private business groups.

"We believed that the objective of the 2-day activity was achieved and that in one way or another the conduct of Diskwento Caravan here in Iligan, has helped our consuming public in easing the burdens in meeting the various expenses ahead of them especially at this time of opening of classes," said the DTI head. (lvg/DTI-LDN/PIA10-LDN)

SSS has new policy for voluntary members 65 years and over

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 2 (PIA) -- Voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS) who are 65 years old or over with less than 120 monthly contributions are now required to secure SSS approval before they can continue paying their contributions as voluntary members in order to qualify for retirement pension.

SSS Circular No. 2013-003 requires that effective April 1, 2013 voluntary members who are 65 years old or over are allowed to continue paying contributions until they complete the 120 monthly contributions for retirement pension subject to the following requirements.

For members who are 65 years old or over prior to April 1, 2013, they must signify their intention to pay the lacking contributions by filing the Application for Voluntary Payment of Contributions for Members Aged 65 or Over (with less than 120 monthly contributions).

Application form must be filed within April 1 to July 1, 2013.

Members who will be turning 65 years old on or after April 1, 2013 shall be allowed to pay the lacking contributions to complete the required contributions for retirement provided they have been initially covered at age 55 or less and have made at least 80 monthly contributions.

The deadline for filing of the Application shall be the end of the month following the 65th birthday of the member.

On the other hand, members 65 years old or over prior to April 1, 2013 and are currently receiving pensions for partial permanent disability must also signify their intention to pay the lacking and file the application within April 1 to July 1, this year.

Partial permanent disability pensioner who will turn 65 years old on or after April 1, 2013 shall be allowed to pay the lacking contributions to complete the required contributions for retirement pension subject to the same conditions.

The payment of voluntary contributions shall start on the month after the last partial permanent disability pension.

Meanwhile, members who will not file the required application shall no longer be allowed to continue paying and shall only be entitled to lump sum retirement benefit. Those who will receive the lump sum benefit shall not be entitled to other benefits except for funeral benefit upon death.

If the member is qualified and his Application is subsequently approved, he will, as part of the condition of the approval, continuously pay without gap until the completion of the required 120 monthly contributions for retirement pension. Otherwise, lump sum retirement benefit shall be paid.

Likewise, he shall pay contributions based on the approved Monthly Salary Credit (MSC).

Decrease in the approved MSC shall be considered as stoppage of contribution payment. Conversely, payment in excess of the approved MSC shall be refunded to the member after the settlement of the retirement benefit.

The option to pay voluntarily ceases upon completion of the required number of contributions. Payments in excess of the 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of contingency shall be refunded.

Application for Voluntary Payments of Contribution for Members Aged 65 Years or Over are available at SSS Branches nationwide. (SSS-Cagayan de Oro/PIA-10)