PIA News

Aquino declares July 23 a special non-working day in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental in celebration of its 53rd Charter Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared July 23, which falls on a Tuesday, as a special (non-working) day in Gingoog City in the province of Misamis Oriental in celebration of its 53rd Charter Day.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 578 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on May 15 to give the people of Gingoog City the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

In June 1960, Gingoog became a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act No. 2668.

President Aquino cites Food and Nutrition Research Institute for seeking methodologies that will alleviate hunger, malnutrition and poverty in the country

President Benigno S. Aquino III has cited the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) for seeking methodologies that can help alleviate hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in the country.

"As an active working arm of the Department of Science and Technology, the FNRI, along with your partner organizations, remains committed to seeking methodologies to improve the food and nutrition sector," the Chief Executive said in his message to FNRI on the occasion of the 39th FNRI Seminar Series on Food and Nutrition Researches and S&T (Science and Technology) Activities.

In cooperation with the Food and Nutrition Employees Association Inc., the FNRI, which is under the DOST, opened on Thursday the two-day seminar at the FNRI Auditorium of the DOST Compound in Bicutan, Taguig. The event will end on Friday.

"A healthy mind and a strong body makes a productive citizen; this is why we count food security and proper nutrition as fundamental in empowering our people,” the President said.

The President underscored the need to integrate science and technology in order to meet the global challenges.

"As we do this, let us also strengthen our solidarity in cascading the benefits of reform to our countrymen, especially those who have historically been relegated to the margins of society. Together, let us seize the opportunities that are afforded us by this era of change," he said.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office launches commemorative page on 67th Republic Day

The Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Development Office led by its Secretary Ramon Carandang will soon launch a commemorative page on the commemoration of the 67th Republic Day, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Thursday.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Lacierda said the commemorative page can be seen at the Presidential Museum and Library website (www.malacanang.gov.ph) and will feature a briefer on the July 4th independence rites and videos courtesy of the President Manuel Roxas Foundation, as well as colorized pictures from the Blue Book of the First Year of the Republic.

Below is the complete text of Lacierda’s statement:

“Today, we commemorate the culmination of our people’s aspirations for independence. 67 years ago today, the independence of the Philippines was recognized by the United States of America, and in turn, by the community of nations. In ceremonies held at the Independence Grandstand in Rizal Park on July 4, 1946, the flag of America was lowered, and, in its stead, the Philippine flag was raised to fly alone at last. The independence of the Philippines—and the inauguration of our Third Republic—was marked by Manuel Roxas re-taking his oath, eliminating the pledge of allegiance to the United States of America which was required prior to independence, this time as the first President of the Republic of the Philippines.

In observance of that auspicious occasion which has been Republic Day since 1964, the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) is launching a commemorative page on the Presidential Museum and Library website. It features a briefer on the July 4th independence rites and videos courtesy of the President Manuel Roxas Foundation, as well as colorized pictures from the Blue Book of the First Year of the Republic. We encourage Filipinos to take part in this historic observance also through our social media platforms Facebook and Tumblr as we look back on the day that our political independence was finally achieved.”

Malacanang says safety of OFWs in Egypt government’s top priority

Malacanang said on Thursday that it was closely monitoring the events unfolding in Egypt as it underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle Eastern country.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang that the Department of Foreign Affairs is reminding all OFWs in Egypt to take every precaution necessary and to remain out of harm’s way.

“Ang concern po natin at ang priority po ng ating pamahalaan ay ang kapakanan po ng ating mga Pilipino doon (in Egypt). Sinabi na po ng ating DFA na nire-request ang ating mga Pilipino doon na mag-ingat at saka huwag lumapit doon sa mga areas na may kaunting kaguluhan. We are monitoring the situation in Egypt right now as well as the safety of our fellow citizens abroad,” Lacierda said.

Egypt is in a state of unrest after massive protests called for the resignation of the country’s 5th president Mohamed Morsi.

Morsi, who was born on August 8, 1951 is an Egyptian politician who assumed office on June 30, 2012 but was declared unseated by Egyptian defense minister Abdul Fatah Khalil Al-Sisi in a coup d'état on Wednesday (July 3).

Malacanang says safety of citizens and visitors assured

Malacanang assured on Thursday that the government and concerned law enforcement agencies are taking active steps to ensure the safety of tourists and visitors from other countries, as well as its citizens.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda gave the assurance in a press briefing in Malacanang, after Canada and Australia issued separate travel advisories to its respective citizens against travelling to the Philippines, particularly to Mindanao, due to the peace and order situation there.

Lacierda said these advisories were “normal advisories” given by countries in order to “protect and caution” their citizens as they travel to different parts of the world.

“With respect to the advisory that was given, these are normal advisories. They have to protect and caution their citizens and we understand the situation,” Lacierda said.

“We understand the reason for their doing so but we can assure them that our responsibility as a nation is to ensure the safety of our own citizens as well as the visitors who come here,” he added.

Palace says charges filed against top officials of Comelec before Ombudsman in May 13 elections will not affect the legitimacy of election results

The charges filed against top officials of the Commission on Election (Comelec) before the Office of the Ombudsman due to the alleged lack of safety measures in the May 13 elections will not affect the legitimacy of the election results, a Palace official said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang following reports that new charges were filed against the Comelec officials in connection with the midterm national and local elections.

"I think wala na pong effect iyon in terms of the legitimacy of those elected both nationally and locally. The business of governance has moved on," Lacierda said.

"We have 12 legitimately elected senators and those who have won the elections, with the exception of a few that are still being questioned in either the COMELEC or in other tribunals, have already taken their oaths. We believe that the people have accepted the results of the elections," he said.

In a complaint affidavit filed before the anti-graft body, Tanggulang Demokrasya and Bagumbayan charged top Comelec officials for violations of automated election laws.

The Comelec removed five safety measures that should have safeguarded the sanctity of the ballot, according to the complainants. The safeguards are the review of the source code, the digital signature, the voter verification, the paper trail audit, and the random manual audit.

Lacierda said the Comelec has the competence to respond to the allegations filed against its officials.

"If a case has already been filed with the Ombudsman, certainly the COMELEC is duty-bound to respond to those allegations against them. And sila na po ang makakasagot ng mga technical issues diyan because they are the ones in charge of the elections," Lacierda said.

Palace welcomes China’s move to discuss code of conduct in South China Sea

Malacanang welcomed China’s latest statement on its willingness to hold discussions for the possible crafting of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea amid continuing tensions in the area.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said he can not speculate on China’s intention to spearhead low-level discussions to resolve the dispute but he said it is a welcome development.

“It’s a forward step with China agreeing to at least discuss the Code of Conduct with us. We already drafted the Code of Conduct, and now we have asked them to discuss it with us, and China has already said that they are discussing with us. And so this is a step in the right direction,” Lacierda said.

After years of rejecting efforts to start talks for a Code of Conduct with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), China has agreed to host talks between senior officials this coming September.

But the code would not touch on the territorial claims but would set rules for actions by ships, aimed at minimizing the risk of missteps that could lead to hostilities.

The discussions, to be held in China, was described as “consultations” rather than “negotiations”.

Asean and China ministers met in Brunei this week for a security forum that tackled the tension in the West Philippine Sea.

The US, an ally of the Philippines and Vietnam said it is not taking sides on the issue but said that its strategic interest is the freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea.

The US hopes that the Asean and China agree on a valid Code of Conduct soon.

TOG-10 marks 28th Founding Anniversary

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Tactical Operations Group (TOG)-10 of the 3rd Air Division (3AD) commemorated its 28th Founding Anniversary on July 3.

One of its highlights is the recognition of offices and various individual for the invaluable contribution and support to the success of Philippine Air Force (PAF) operations in the Northern Mindanao Region.

MGen Nicanor M Vivar AFP, 3AD, who was guest of honor, commended the officers and air personnel of TOG-10. He cited their commitment in carrying out their work especially during the onslaught of Typhoon ‘Pablo’ in the region last December 2012 which caused flash floods in different areas of Cagayan de Oro. Despite the danger, the air personnel selflessly went out to rescue and help those in need.

With the deployment of every single personnel, TOG-10 was able to reach isolated areas, ignited a ray of hope for the distraught and provided a fighting chance for each and every last responder, said MGen Vivar.

Further, he lauded TOG-10 for its initiative to organize an inter-agency search and rescue training.

Vivar also said that "as our internal peace and security plan is up and running and as the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement serves as brickwork for lasting peace, our role now is to pave the way for its mechanisms to spontaneously take its course."

 He likewise emphasized that the road to peace is a two-way street.

"Aside from extending the hands of reconciliation, we must remain vigilant, able and ready to safeguard the interest of our people and nation as a whole. Our advocacy must not only be limited to lip service. Instead, these must be grounded on sincere deeds or actions," said Vivar. (EOR/PIA10)

Kasambahay law mandates Pag-IBIG Fund membership

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Republic Act 10361 or commonly known as Kasambahay Law requires employers to register and make their house workers a member of Pag-IBIG Fund, said Ferdinand Saniel, Department Manager of Cagayan de Oro Branch.

Saniel also said that 4% of the house worker’s monthly income should be the basis of the Pag-IBIG Fund contribution which will be shouldered by the employer as stated in Section 9 of Rule IV Rights of the Kasambahay in RA 10361. However, if the monthly income of the house worker is P5,000 and above, the house worker will pay his or her personal contribution.

The law also states that the additional contribution from the employer should amount to P100 every month.

According to Saniel, Pag-IBIG Fund membership entails a lot of benefits. This includes an increase of the member’s monthly contribution which is tax-free.

Active members can also borrow a certain amount based on their total contribution through Pag-IBIG Fund’s Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL). The MPL will be paid by the member in two years with 10.75% interest every year.

Pag-IBIG Fund is also well-known of its Housing Loan Program where active members who already have 24 months contribution can borrow a certain amount from Pag-IBIG Fund to purchase a desired house and lot.

If the house worker decides to leave his or her employer, he or she will still be able to continue his or her contribution to Pag-IBIG Fund through a current employer. If the house worker is not employed yet, he or she will still be able to continue his or her contribution as Self-Paying.

For more details, Pag-IBIG Fund Cagayan de Oro Branch is located at Pag-IBIG Fund Building, JR Borja- Mortola Sts., Cagayan de Oro City and they can be reached at (08822) 726348, 722800, (088) 8561861 to 62 and at cagayandeoro@pagibigfund.gov.ph. (RTP/PIA10)

More than 6,000 runners join Lanao Norte Women’s Fun Run

By Jovanny M. Pangasian

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 4 -- Dubbed “Stop The Hate” (Run to Fight Violence Against Women and Children), the Provincial Women’s fun run broke records with more than 6,000 participants joining the fund-raising activity at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex last June 30.

The biggest running event opened the “Sports Day” of the province as it celebrates its 54th Charter Day.

Runners filled the MCC oval track early Sunday morning and took off for their respective five-kilometer (5K), 3K, and 2K routes with Kapuso artist Ryza Cenon together with top executives of GMA Northern and Southern Mindanao leading the 2K runners.

“It is my great pleasure to run for the benefit of the Provincial Women’s Crisis Center and my privilege to be a part of the most participated run-for-a-cause to be held in this beautiful province,” said Ryza Cenon.

Among those who joined the fun run were members of the women’s organization from different municipalities of the province, police and military officers stationed in the province, barangay, municipal and provincial employees.

Rodel Quilab and Ritchie Dala emerged as winners in the 5K male and female division, respectively. Florie Ranara topped the female division in the 3K run, while Mavin Dimaporo (Male) and Ethyl Cargamira (Female) were declared the fastest runners in the 2K run.

Prizes were also given to lucky participants in the raffle draw including brand new cellphones from Sun Cellular, gas stove sets from Gas Petronas, travel certificates from 2GO Travel, scholarship certificates from ICI, gift certificates from Jollibee Inc., products from Dunkin Donuts and other freebies.

One of the highlights of the fun run was the oath taking ceremony of Governor Khalid Dimaporo. The ceremony was officiated by Judge Alberto Quinto and was witnessed by the 6,000 fun run participants. (Jovanny M. Pangasian/PIO/PIA)