President Aquino vows to protect country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of Filipino citizenry

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed on Wednesday that his administration will protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity and freedom of Filipino citizens at all times.

In his speech during the celebration of the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Liwasang Bonifacio on P. Burgos St., Manila, the Chief Executive assured his administration's unwavering commitment and perseverance to hurdle the challenges of the present times in fulfilling its mandate to protect the Filipinos’ hard-fought independence.

"Habang nagbabalik-tanaw at binibigyang halaga natin ang ating kasarinlan, mulat ang pamahalaan sa tungkulin nitong pangalagaan ang kalayaang ito. Kaya naman naninindigan tayo para sa ating mga karapatan bilang bansang may sariling soberanya, bilang bayang nagbuwis na ng buhay para sa kalayaan, bilang Pilipinas na may sariling bandila na kapantay ng lahat," President Aquino said.

The President said the administration will defend the territorial sovereignty and integrity through peaceful means.

"Hindi kailanman naging polisiya ng Pilipinas ang manlamang sa ibang bansa. Kung may di-pagkakasunduan, saksi ang mundo sa kahandaan nating umupo at makipagdayalogo sa mapayapang paraan," he said.

"Wala tayong ibang hinihingi kundi ang igalang ang ating teritoryo, karapatan, at pagkatao, tulad ng paggalang natin sa teritoryo, karapatan, at pagkatao ng ibang lahi. Ginagawa natin ito dahil mulat tayong ito ang susi upang mapanatili ang stabilidad, at nang sa gayon ay magpatuloy ang pagtungo sa malawakan at pangmatagalang kaunlaran, hindi lamang sa loob ng ating bansa, kundi sa ating rehiyon, at maging sa buong daigdig," he stressed.

With the signing of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act last December, President Aquino expressed confidence that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can now better perform its mandate of upholding the sovereignty and defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times.

"Pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong pondo rin ang mailalaan natin sa Tanggulang Pambansa sa susunod na limang taon dahil sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act," he said.

"At habang naninindigan tayo para sa ating mga karapatan, at nakikipag-ugnayan sa lahat ng panig upang maghari ang hinahon at pagkakaunawaan, kailangan din nating iangat ang kakayahan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Kasabay nito, kailangan din nating isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng milyun-milyong Pilipinong maaaring maapektuhan ng ating mga desisyon bilang pinuno," he said.

The President also reminded the people of our patriotic oath to serve our beloved country.

"Si Andres Bonifacio na mismo ang nagsabi, “Itinuturo ng katuwiran na tayo’y magkaisang-loob, magkaisang-isip at nang tayo’y magkalakas na maihanap ang naghaharing kasamaan sa ating bayan. Panahon na ngayong dapat na lumitaw ang liwanag ng katotohanan; panahon ng dapat nating ipakilala na tayo’y may sariling pagdaramdam, may puri, may hiya, at may pagdadamayan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim said this was the first time that the celebration was held at Liwasang Bonifacio which has for its theme "Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran."

During the event, the Philippine Postal Corporation presented the commemorative stamp marking the 150th year anniversary of Malacanang Palace to the Chief Executive.

Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno, Philippine Postal Corporation Board Chairman Cesar Sarino, Postmaster and Chief Executive Officer Josefina M. dela Cruz, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista; Police Director General Alan Purisima, members of the diplomatic corps and other government officials, among others.

Philippine Independence Day calls on all Filipinos to do their part in nation building

The Philippine Day of Independence, which is celebrated every 12th of June, should compel all Filipinos to recall the ultimate sacrifice offered by our heroes and martyr paid for our freedom and do their part in building an even more progressive nation, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.

In his toast during the traditional vin d’honneur commemorating the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence held in Malacanang, the President said that by being “productive and responsible citizens” can we “contribute to making our society truly more just and more equitable.”

“One hundred and fifteen years ago, our nation gained its independence, and with it, the sacred responsibility of protecting and fulfilling the promise of liberty,” the President said.

“Today, as one nation, we reaffirm this commitment. Just as our heroes and martyrs paid the ultimate price for our freedom, as Filipinos, each and every one is asked to do his part in building an even more progressive nation, whether one is in the highest ranks of government, or an employee in a local company, or an OFW working on distant shores,” he added.

“As we focus our efforts on lifting our nation to greater heights, let us remember that it is by being productive and responsible citizens—by performing our tasks to the best of our abilities and by giving to our fellow men their due—that we contribute to making our society truly more just and more equitable,” the President further noted.

President Aquino reaffirms vow to become partners of growth with international community

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to the international community of the Philippines’ continued support towards strengthening cooperation and promoting dialogue.

In his toast during the traditional vin d’honneur commemorating the 115th Year Anniversary of Philippine Independence held in Malacanang on Wednesday, the President affirmed to members of the diplomatic corps that the Philippines and its people continued to be partners towards “finding solutions to the challenges that we collectively face.”

“On this day, we also renew our collective pledge to foster an international environment of positive engagement. Your Excellencies, as you work to strengthen cooperation and promote dialogue, you will always find partners in the Filipino people and their government,” the President said.

He hoped the international community would reciprocate and continue working with the Philippines in order to realize the full potential of the Filipino people.

“It is my hope that, as my administration strives for more meaningful and lasting reform in our country, you will continue working with us in realizing the full potential of the Filipino people and in finding solutions to the challenges that we collectively face,” the President said.

In response Papal Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto cited “the excellent results delivered by the Executive in the economic sphere.”

“We cannot forget, in fact, the most recent events in the institutional life of the country and the excellent results delivered by the Executive in the economic sphere, in view of an inclusive growth by creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty said,” Pinto said.

“Also appreciated is the progress in the efficiency of public administration, improvements in healthcare and education, as well as the efficient allocation of resources,” he added.

Pinto also lauded the government for its efforts at attaining peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front through the signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement last October 15, 2012.

“The journey towards the full implementation of the legal instrument, with the anticipated conclusion of annexes, coincides with the path to a better understanding and intensification of dialogue between religions and culture,” Pinto said.

“For a future of harmony and collaboration in the areas covered by the historic agreement, together with my distinguished colleagues, the Heads of Diplomatic Missions, I would like to renew the most cordial best wishes to you, Mister President, and to the noble Filipino people on this happy occasion,” he added.

President Aquino offers toast to the international community, government workers, OFWs and continued success of the Filipino people

President Benigno S. Aquino III offered toasts to the international community, government workers, overseas Filipino workers and to the continued success of the Filipino people during the traditional vin d’honneur commemorating the 115th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in Malacanang on Wednesday.

To the international community, the President wished for the sustained partnership between all nations in promoting peace, amity and unity while he hoped for fellow workers in government to remain faithful to serving our people and our Republic.

For our OFWs, the President expressed hope that they remain dedicated in their hard work while he hoped that the examples of our heroes be our guide as we tread the straight path to equitable progress.

“On this note, Your Excellencies, fellow workers in government, ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to join me in a toast:

"To the continued partnership between all our nations—may we always endeavor to promote peace, amity, and unity for the advancement of humankind;

"To my fellow workers in government—may you remain faithful to serving our people and our republic;

"To our Overseas Filipino Workers, for their dedication and sacrifice—may their hard work redound and further contribute to a Philippines that they can come home to with pride and confidence;

"And to the future and continued success of the Filipino people—may the examples of our heroes be our guide as we tread the straight path to equitable progress,” the President said.

Ochoa calls on Filipino people to stand up and unite to protect the Filipino heroes’ hard-fought independence

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. called on the Filipinos to stand up and unite to protect the Filipino heroes’ hard-fought independence.

In his speech during the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan on Wednesday, Ochoa reminded the people to remember the sacrifices of the Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio and other heroes in reclaiming our freedom from foreign invaders.

"Hindi rin natin dapat kalimutan ang simulain ng Katipunan na siyang nagsulong ng kalayaan ng Pilipinas noong 1892. Ngayong taon, ipagdiriwang din natin ang ika-150 taong anibersaryo ng kapanganakan ng ating bayani na si Andres Bonifacio," Ochoa said.

"Ating bigyang diin ang tuloy-tuloy na pamana ni Bonifacio at ng mga bayaning Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan – ang Dangal at Kabayanihan," Ochoa noted.

He called on the entire Filipino nation not to allow our rights and our freedom to be imperiled again.

"Ang Deklarasyon ng Kalayaan ay binuo ng pinagsama-samang pangarap, pakikibaka, buhay at dugo ng mga bayani at martir ng buong sambayanan -- saan mang sulok ng ating Mahal na Bayang Pilipinas!," he said.

"Ang araw na ito ay paggigiit ng ating bayan sa buong mundo na noon pa man ay ibig na nating maging malaya at mamuhay ng nagsasarili bilang isang tunay na Malayang Bansa," Ochoa noted.

Ochoa also reminded the people of the sacrifices of our modern heroes who risked their lives to restore democracy by ending the dictatorship of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos.

"Hindi rin dapat limutin ninuman ang nagpapatuloy pang kabayanihan ng ating lahi. Mga kabataang lumaban at patuloy na lumalaban sa katarungang bayan, kaayusang panlipunan at paglaban sa katiwalian, kurapsyon at pang-aapi, isama na ang kamangmangan at kahirapan," he said.

"Silang mga ‘di mabilang na bayani ng bagong panahon ang dahilan upang mahaplos ang diwa’t damdamin ng milyun-milyong Pilipino na nakibaka sa EDSA noong 1986. Bawat henerasyon ay may kanya-kanyang taya para sa bayan. Ngunit hindi natin kailangang dumanas ng rebolusyon o digmaan para lang may lumitaw na mga bayani," he continued.

He said the entire world lauded the Filipinos for their solidarity in achieving democracy through peaceful means.

The Executive Secretary assured the people that the government recognizes every citizen has the right to have freedom and better life.

"Ang pagpapanatili ng kalayaan na may dignidad sa ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng pag-aangat sa antas ng kabuhayan, edukasyon, kalusugan, kaunlaran at kaayusang panlipunan ay mga dakilang ambag nating mga Pilipino upang masabing bayani tayo sa ating napiling kaparaanan. Ito ang mensahe ng ating pagdiriwang ng kalayaan sa taong ito,“Kalayaan: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran,” the Executive Secretary said.

He, likewise, emphasized the need for the people to uphold truth in protecting our independence and freedoom.

"Mga Kababayan: Ang katotohanan ang mapagpalaya sa kahit sinuman at sa kahit anong bayan. Kung ang katotohanan ay binabalot ng kamalian o kasinungalingan, tayo ay hindi magkakaroon ng tunay na kalayaan. Higit na mahalaga na ang ating sagradong kasaysayan bilang Bayang Pilipinas ay hindi nababahiran ng anumang kamalian," Ochoa concluded.

President Benigno Aquino III led the nation in celebrating the 115th Independence Day at the Liwasang Bonifacio on P. Burgos St., Manila.

There were simultaneous flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies on the Independence Day at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila; Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila; General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Church, Malolos City, Bulacan; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, San Juan; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, Manila North Cemetery; Bonifacio National Monument, Caloocan City and at the Pamintuan House, in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Cash for training project launched in Lanao del Sur

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 13 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Tuesday launched the Cash for Training Project (C4TP) in the province.

The C4TP aims to assist disadvantaged youth by providing them with skills training and assistance towards gainful employment and entrepreneurial activities, said TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata Mapandi.

She said the project will be implemented with two independent components, namely, training for wage employment (Trabaho) and training for self-employment (Hanapbuhay).

The program under the wage employment will be organized and conducted in TESDA-registered training provider while the self-employment program will be conducted on-site, school-supervised technical vocational institutions, or in the communities, she added.

According to her, the DSWD is responsible for identifying and profiling of the beneficiaries while TESDA is in charge for the delivery of training.

For the province, a total of 657 youth will benefit from the project. Of this number, 185 slots are allocated for the wage employment component while the remaining 492 slots are for the self-employment.

Mapandi said beneficiaries for the wage employment will receive P20,000 inclusive of training cost, assessment fee, and allowance.

The beneficiaries for the self-employment, on the other hand, will receive P20,000 inclusive of training cost, assessment fee, and toolkit.

Training courses available for the wage employment are Fish Capture NC I and NC II; Carpentry NC II, Masonry NC I, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, and Plumbing NC II; Shielded Metal Arc Welding; Commercial Cooking NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Food and Beverages NC II, Bartending NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II.

Courses for the self-employment are Agri-Crops Production NC III, Raise Poultry, Organic Agriculture Production NC II and Pest Management NC II; Automotive Servicing NC I, Driving NC II and Motorcycle/Small Engine Servicing; Carpentry NC II, EIM NC II, Masonry NC I and Tile Setting NC I; Furniture Making (finishing) NC II; Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II; Computer Hardware Servicing NC II; Dressmaking NC II; and domestic Refrigeration and Aircon Servicing NC II. (APB/PIA-10)

Monitoring of compliance with labor standards needs holistic approach-DOLE

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 13 (PIA) -- A holistic approach is required in the monitoring of compliance with labor standards particularly on minimum wage implementation.

Lawyer Johnson Cañete, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) emphasized this in a press briefing here on Monday saying that monitoring minimum wage compliance is not only the sole problem of the Department but everybody’s concern.

Cañete said local government units (LGUs) for example play vital role in compliance monitoring in terms of issuing business permits.

Thus, the DOLE is planning to forge an agreement with LGUs that Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) will also be signing the clearance before LGUs can issue business permits to ensure that such establishments has no pending case with the DOLE, he said.

He also said they will be implementing wage clinic in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao once a month to make employers, LGUs, non government organizations, and people’s organizations understand what the general labor standard is all about.

Earlier this month, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) issued Wage Order No. 17 increasing the minimum daily wage rates of covered workers and employees in the private sector by P20, composed of P10 in the basic wage and another P10 cost of living allowance. This new wage order will take effect on June 20, this year, (APB/PIA-10)

OWWA-10 pays tribute to migrant workers and their families

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 13 (PIA) --- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Office 10 paid tribute to the heroism of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the 18th Migrant Workers Day celebration last June 7.

In a simple program held in Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center here, OWWA-10 released financial livelihood assistance under the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) to 60 displaced OFWs coming from Initao, Claveria, Jasaan and the cities of Gingoog and Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental, as well as from Valencia City and Impasug-ong in Bukidnon.

The awarding of checks amounting to P10,000 each was led by OWWA Regional Director Petrona Bergado, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Atty. Johnson Cañete and Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Oscar Moreno.

Ten beneficiaries were likewise awarded P15,000 each for livelihood assistance under the OWWA Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP).

Fifteen (15) grantees also received notices of awards under the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP), Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP).

Moreover, social benefits totalling P1.6 million were released to 11 surviving heirs/families of deceased OFWs. Four of these are from Misamis Oriental, one in Camiguiin and six in Lanao del Norte.

Other highlights of the program were orientation on the mechanics of Libreng Tawag, free legal services, and financial literacy by Globe Telecom, Center for Legal Assistance to Workers (CLAW), and Oro Integrated Cooperative, respectively.

The new song for OFWs entitled ‘Abot Kamay’ was also launched to honor the contributions of OFWs to the country’s economy.

The 18th Migrant Workers Day, which adopted the theme ”Migranteng Pilipino: Tayo ay Magkasama sa Pag-Abot sa Pangarap Mo," was attended in by OFW Family Circles in Northern Mindanao, returning migrant workers, OWWA scholars and beneficiaries, and heads of all the attached agencies of the DOLE in the region. (APB/PIA-10)

Infrastructure should come with quality service, PNoy says during Laguindingan airport inspection

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 12 (PIA) – The country's successes in building infrastructure should come with high quality service to tourists, President Benigno S. Aquino III said yesterday during his final inspection of the Laguindingan Aiport facilities.

"Whether you are an employee interacting with passengers, or a pilot running the airplane; whether you are a security guard making sure that the airport is safe, or a flight attendant that takes care of the passengers, we should let them know the true Filipino service: trustworthy, safe and top quality," the President said.

The P7.85-billion airport provides safer facilities to bigger airplanes compared to Lumbia Airport here, and the Balo-i airport in Lanao del Norte.

The Passenger Terminal can accommodate up to 1.6 million passengers every year.

The President said that because of these local aviation industry reforms, the International Civil Aviation Organization has lifted the Significant Safety Concerns issued to the country. He added that this is indeed one step for the country to be out of the watchlist in the European Union and United States.

This will result in more tourists arrivals and translate to more employment for Filipinos, the President said.

The President thanked the government of South Korea for the financial assistance to the project. He also thanked the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in its vigor to complete the project which will pave way to the development of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and to the entire country and also the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for the successful projects of the sector. (JMOR/PIA10)

Laguindingan airport is gateway for stronger tourism, wider opportunity – PNoy

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is confident that the Laguindingan Airport which will start operation on June 15 will bring boost tourism and provide wider opportunity to all Filipinos.

The President said that he came to inspect the new airport facilities to make sure they are indeed in good condition, functioning and can provide service to the people.

Although domestic tourism arrival target was 35.5 million for 2016, this has already been surpassed in 2011 with the arrival of 37.5 domestic tourists. Thus, he said, the target has been revised to 56.1 million domestic tourist arrival. Aquino said this will surely create additional opportunities for the country.

“Ang proyektong ito ay isa lamang bahagi ng mas malawak nating agenda ng pagpapaunlad sa ating transportasyon at turismo (This project is only one of our agenda to improve transportation and tourism),” the President said.

He said the government has set aside close to P17 billion to construct roads, airports and piers in known destinations in the country.

The Chief Executive also said the newly created Certificate Management Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will ensure that local carriers will provide safety to passengers here and abroad.

Apart from this, the country also uses taxation laws to encourage tourist arrivals. He cited Republic Act (RA) 10378 which eliminates 3 percent of Common Carriers Tax for passengers of foreign ships and airplanes. It removes 2.5% Gross Philippine Billings Tax for passengers of foreign ships and airplanes if there is an equivalent elimination of tax in their country.

As result, international carriers will be more encouraged to come here, improve tourism and allied industries.

Present in the inauguration were Lee Hyuk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines; Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya; Secretary Mar Roxas; Secretary Lou Antonino; Govnernor Oscar “Oca” Moreno; Director General William Hotchkiss of the CAAP; Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of the Ayala Corporation; Archbishop Antonio Ledesma; Representative Peter Unabia; Vice Governor Norris Babiera; Mayor Lawrence Cruz of Iligan City; Representative-elect Klarex Uy; local chief executives; partners from the aviation industry and the business sector; officials and staff of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). (JMOR/PIA10)

Laguindingan Airport is safe to use – DOTC

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental, June 11 (PIA) – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the Laguindingan Airport is safe to use based on assessment of experts and airline companies.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the P7.853-billion aiport features a 2.1 kilometer runway that can accommodate airbus A330-300 aircraft with seating capacity of about 300 passengers,

It has 42,900 square meter passenger apron, 10,700 square meter general aviation apron and two perpendicular taxiway, each with a length of 262.50 meters and width of 23 meters.

Abaya said the airport has 7,184 square meter passenger terminal building that can cater up to 1.6 million passengers per year, tripling the annual capacity of Lumbia airport.

The terminal building parking area is also capable of holding up 240 vehicles, he added.

He said the Laguindingan Airport received development assistance of Republic of Korea through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the Export-Import Bank (KEXIM).

Abaya said the agency is working toward privatizing the operations and maintenance of the airport’s landside and airside facilities. This will allow private sector to come in and maximize the potential of Laguindingan airport, he said.

The DOTC secretary, who arrived earlier today to give a briefing about the airport project during the President’s final inspection of the airport facilities, also ensured that the DOTC and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are committed to providing the safest and most reliable transport services possible. (APB/PIA-10)