Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast
2 PIA Calabarzon PRs , Dispatch for May 16 , 2013 ( Thursday) , 5 Photonews , 4 Weather Watch, 15 Online News
Weather Watch 3 hours ago
PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurello on DZMM -Kahapon po ay mainit ang panahon at ito ay umaabot ng 34.5 degree Celcius sa Metro Manila. -Wala pong pag-ulan sa Metro Manila (kahapon). -Ang umpisa ng tag-ulan ay between last week of May at first week of June.
Weather Watch 22 hours ago
DZBB: Sinabi ng PAGASA na papalapit na ang panahon ng tag-ulan. Ayon kay PAGASA weather forecater Alvin Pura, posibleng pumasok na sa susunod na linggo ang southwest monsoon o hanging Habagat na magdadala ng mga pag-ulan. Gayunman, hindi pa raw pwedeng ideklara na patapos ang panahon ng tag-init at panahon na ng tag-ulan dahil may mga criteria aniya na dapat masunod.[
Weather Watch 22 hours ago
PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio on DZBB: - Hindi pa tayo tag-ulan. Panahon pa rin po ng tag-init. - Mag-uumpisa po ang tag-ulan between last week of May at first week of June. - Kahapon nagkaroon tayo ng thunderstorm sa Metro Manila. Wala tayong LPA o bagyo kahit ngayong araw.
Weather Watch 23 hours ago
DZIQ: Hindi pa formal na idedeklara ng PAGASA ang rainy season dahil last week ng May o first week ng June pa inaasahan ang simula ng tag-ulan. Ngayong araw, sa pag-tataya ng PAG-ASA ay patuloy na makararanas ng pag-ulan ang malaking bahagi ng Luzon.
Weather Watch
May 16 , 2013 (Thursday) as of 10:20 AM
CAVITE : LAGUNA : BATANGAS : RIZAL : QUEZON : Mostly cloudy in Lucena City
A. QUEZON
B. CAVITE
C. LAGUNA
D. BATANGAS
1. Tagalog news: City library ng Batangas, nagsagawa ng reading workshop para sa mga bata
Wednesday 15th of May 2013
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 15 (PIA) -- Nagdaos ng Summer Reading and Learning Program Workshop kamakailan ang Batangas City Library para sa mga bata upang may pagkaabalahan ang mga ito ngayong bakasyon.
May 80 bata na may edad 5-6 ang kasali mula sa mga barangay ng Balete, Dumantay, Kumintang Ibaba at Gulod Labac.
Sinabi ni City Librarian Mila Silang na layunin ng programa na maihanda ang mga bata sa darating na pasukan.
Aniya, itinuturo dito na maging aktibo ang mga bata, sa iba’t ibang gawain lalo na sa pagbabasa.
Sa nasabing workshop, napiling most active participants sina Althea Nikkole Barrientos ng Barangay Dumantay, Mae Olivia Agonon ng Barangay Kumintang Ibaba, Natalyn Natividad ng Barangay Gulod Labac at Prince Anthony Patoy ng Barangay Balete.
Laking tuwa naman ng mga magulang ng mga batang nagsipagtapos sa proyektong ito ng pamahalaang lungsod dahil bukod sa madadagdagan ang kaalaman at matututong magbasa ang kanilang mga anak ay nagkaroon sila ng pagkakaabalahan ngayon bakasyon. (Liza Perez De Los Reyes, PIO-Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)
2. Tagalog news: Lactation stations sa lugar-trabaho, isinusulong sa lungsod ng Batangas
Wednesday 15th of May 2013
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 15 (PIA) -- Puspusang ipinatutupad ng City Health Office (CHO) ang pagkakaroon ng mga lactation stations sa mga ugar-trabaho upang mapalakas ang kampanya sa breastfeeding para sa mga nagtatrabahong ina.
Kaugnay nito, mahigit 30 managers at may-ari ng ilang mga establisimyento sa lungsod ang sumailalim sa ginanap na “Orientation on the Establishment of Lactation Station/Room in the Workplace” kamakailan sa Max’s Restaurant.
Ang orientation at inisyatibo ng CHO ay alinsunod sa Republic Act No. 10028 o ang Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 at Executive Order No. 51 o National Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, Breast Milk Supplements and other Related Products.
Sa pamamagitan ng lactation station na ito sa mga lugar-trabaho, maaring ng makakapaghilis ng kanilang gatas ang mga nagpapasusong ina habang sila ay nasa trabaho at pwede nila itong maipasuso sa kanilang mga sanggol pagdating nila sa kanilang bahay.
Tumayong resource speaker si Dr. Gloria A. Narvaez, Infant Young Child Feeding coordinator ng Center for Health Development IV-A, kung saan binigyan niya ng isang buwang palugit ang mga establisimyento upang makaroon sila ng lactation station.
Pagkatapos ng isang buwan ay pupuntahan ng kawani ng CHO kasama si Narvaez ang mga establisimyento na sumailalim sa orientasyon upang alamin kung sila ay may lactation stations.
Maliban sa pagkakaroon ng lactation stations, hinihikayat din ni Narvaez ang pagdadaos regular orientation tungkol sa tamang pagpapasuso.
Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong 25 establisimyento, food chains, eskuwelahan at ospital sa lungsod ang mayroon nang lactation stations.
Ang isang lactation station ay kailangan malinis, mayroong refrigerator na para lamang sa expressed breast milk, dumadaloy na tubig, may electrical outlets para sa breast pumps, locker para sa lalagyan ng gamit, mesa at komportableng upuan.
Ayon kay Narvaez, ang bagong naipon na gatas ng ina ay maaaring tumagal at ligtas inumin ng sanggol hanggang walong oras sa pangkaraniwang room temperature at 24 oras sa loob ng refrigerator sa pinakamalamig na bahagi nito.
Ani Narvaez, makakatutulong din ang paglalagay ng marka kung anong oras at araw naipon ang gatas dahil dapat ibigay sa sanggol ang pinakaunang gatas na naimbak. (Monina B. Fernandez, PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)
E. RIZAL
15 MAY 2013.
President Aquino signs K-12 Act into law
President Aquino says government remains focused in providing quality education for Filipino
students
Palace sees winning governors from opposition to support government reform agenda
President Aquino orders Manila Economic and Cultural Office to convey his and the Filipino
people’s deep regret and apology
President Aquino signs K-12 Act into law
President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012 or the K to 12 Basic Education Program in ceremonies held in Malacanang on Wednesday.
The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School and two years of Senior High School) to provide sufficient time for students mastery of concept and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.
In his speech, the President said it was the duty of the State to provide for the needs and ensure fair and equal opportunities for all Filipinos, especially the poor and thus the implementation of this education program will strengthen the basic education requirements of students which in turn, will bring them closer to the fulfillment of their dreams and ambitions.
―Nagtitipon po tayo ngayon upang saksihan ang isa na namang makasaysayang araw sa ating bansa—ang paglagda natin sa batas na magsisilbing pundasyon para sa mas maaliwalas na bukas ng bawat kabataang Pilipino: ang Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 o mas kilala bilang ang K to 12 Act,‖ the President said.
―Dahil na rin sa tiwala ng sambayanan, matagumpay nating nakamit ang adhikaing magkaroon ng isang sistemang pang-edukasyon na tunay na pumapanday sa kakayahan ng ating mga kabataan, at naglalapit sa kanila tungo sa katuparan ng kanilang mga pangarap,‖ he added.
―Malinaw ang batayang prinsipyo ng batas na ito: karapatan ng bawat Pilipinong mamuhay nang marangal; tungkulin naman ng estadong siguruhing may patas na oportunidad ang ating mamamayan, lalo na ang pinakamahihirap nating kababayan. At isang matatag na haligi ng kanilang pag-ahon ang pagkakaroon ng mataas na antas ng edukasyon. Sa pagsasabatas ng K to 12, hindi lang tayo nagdaragdag ng dalawang taon para sa higit pang pagsasanay ng ating mga mag-aaral; tinitiyak din nating talagang nabibigyang-lakas ang susunod na henerasyon na makiambag sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at lipunan,‖ the President said.
Witnessing the President‘s signing were major proponents, authors and co-authors of the bill from the Senate and House of Representatives led by Senators Franklin Drilon, Edgardo Angara, Ralph Recto, Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Representatives Neptali Gonzales II, Sandy Ocampo and Juan Edgardo ―Sonny‖ Angara. PND (rck)
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President Aquino says government remains focused in providing quality education for Filipino students
The government‘s quest to provide quality education for all Filipino students remains a top priority as it continues to introduce reforms and programs designed to uplift and improve the delivery of knowledge and learning of schools, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.
Speaking to authors, co-authors, development partners, the steering committee and technical working group, teachers and students after signing into law Republic Act No. 10533 otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act or the K to 12 Basic Education Program in Malacanang, the President said that since he assumed Office in 2010, his Administration has been working towards creating quality education for Filipino students.
He said by steadily increasing the budget for education and by fully supporting scholarship programs such as the Training for Work Scholarship Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as well as implementing the Public Higher Education Roadmap of the Commission on Higher Education, teachers, students and schools are now better-equipped to impart and receive lessons.
―Totoo po na hindi nalilihis ang tutok natin sa pagsusulong ng dekalidad na edukasyon. Mula nang tayo‘y manungkulan, taon-taon nating inaangat ang budget ng basic education. Sa katunayan mula sa mahigit 161 billion pesos na budget noong 2010, naitaas na natin ito sa mahigit 232 billion pesos ngayong 2013,‖ the President said.
―Sa Technical Education naman, nariyan ang Industry Based Training for Work Scholarship Program ng TESDA, na may higit sa 150,900 scholars nang hinasa at natulungan sa pamumuno ni Joel Villanueva,‖ he added.
―Samantala, para sa ating mga state universities and colleges, umaarangkada na ang Public Higher Education Roadmap ng CHED na ang isa sa mga layunin ay paunlarin ang mga pasilidad panturo ng ating mga State Universities and Colleges,‖ the President said.
HE pointed out that under the helm of Education Secretary Armin Luistro, the textbook and table and chair gap has been already addressed while the classroom shortage of 66,800 will be fully complied with by the end of 2013.
―Walang duda: ang K to 12 Act ay bunga ng ating patuloy na pagsisikap na itulak ang makabuluhan at positibong reporma hindi lang sa sistemang pang-edukasyon sa ating bansa, kundi maging sa lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan. Ito‘y tagumpay na sumasalamin sa ating nagkakaisang hangarin na mamuhunan sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman—ang mamamayang Pilipino. Patunay ito sa isang panata: na walang maiiwan sa pagtahak natin sa landas tungo sa kaginhawaan,‖ the President said.
―Sa ating mabuting pamamahala, abot-kamay na po ng bawat Juan at Juana de la Cruz ang mga pangarap na dati‘y ‗di man lang natin matanaw. Patuloy po tayong humakbang sa iisang direksyon at sama-sama nating iangat ang ating minamahal na bayan. Sa paglalatag natin ng tamang balangkas para sa ating sistemang pang- edukasyon, nilalatag din po natin ang saligan para sa isang Pilipinas na maunlad, mapayapa, at bukal ng pagkakataon para sa bawat Pilipino,‖ he concluded. PND (rck)
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Palace sees winning governors from opposition to support government reform agenda
Malacanang expects winning local executives belonging to the opposition to support its agenda on reform and good governance as it benefits everyone.
In a press conference in Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said they expect winning governors coming from the opposition to welcome the reform agenda of the Aquino administration because it aims to uplift the conditions of the poor.
The President campaigned hard to rally support for the administration‘s gubernatorial bets in the provinces of Laguna, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Pangasinan but they lost during Monday‘s election.
―I think whoever will become the governor will certainly believe in our campaign for good governance. There is no reason for them not to adhere to our program of good governance. So it will profit them as well to walk along the path of ‗tuwid na daan‘,‖ Lacierda said when asked if they were dismayed by the loss of the administration bets in those areas.
―I‘m sure they will welcome the agenda of good governance. No politician will defy any program that will support our programs for the poor, for the economic upliftment of our countrymen.‖
On Tuesday, Malacanang expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the 2013 midterm elections, saying the Commission on Elections and its ―deputized agencies came together and did their utmost to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.‖
In a statement read during his regular press briefing, Lacierda lauded the Filipino people whom he said ―undertook this exercise and the right of suffrage with tenacity and good cheer.‖
Comelec said nine out of the 12 seats for senators are from the ruling party—the Liberal Party, also known as Team Pnoy.
Lacierda said the strong showing of Team Pnoy ―is a renewed mandate for tuwid na daan, and a vote of confidence for good governance, the continuity of reforms, and a brighter future to come.‖ PND (as)
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President Aquino orders Manila Economic and Cultural Office to convey his and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology
President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) chairman Amadeo R. Perez to convey his and the Filipino people‘s deep regret and apology to the people of Taiwan and the family of the fisherman who died during last Thursday's shooting incident between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and a Taiwanese fishing vessel off the Batanes group of islands.
"The President has appointed MECO chairman Amadeo R. Perez as his personal representative who will convey his and the Filipino people‘s deep regret and apology to the family of Mr. Hung Shi-chen as well as to the people of Taiwan over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Upon orders from the President, Lacierda said the National Bureau of Investigation has already started the investigation into the unfortunate incident.
"The NBI is committed to a thorough, exhaustive, impartial and expeditious investigation of the incident has given this case the highest priority," Lacierda said.
"We understand the grief and hurt of the family and of the people of Taiwan over this unfortunate loss and we empathize with them," he noted.
Hung Shi-chen was the lone fatality in the May 9 shooting incident between the PCG and a Taiwanese fishing vessel that was reportedly poaching in Philippine waters off the Batanes group of islands.
The PCG initially reported that the incident occurred when the Coast Guard personnel tried to apprehend one of the four fishing vessels inside Philippine archipelagic waters. PND (js)
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15 MAY 2013
Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang batas ng K to 12 Basic Education Program
Nakatuon ang gobyerno sa pagkakaloob ng mataas na uring edukasyon para sa mga mag-aaral na
Pilipino, ayon sa Pangulong Aquino Inaasahan ng Palasyo na susuportahan ng mga nanalong gobernador na oposisyon ang reform agenda
ng pamahalaan Inatasan ng Pangulo ang Manila Economic and Cultural Office na ipaalam ang pakikiramay at paghingi
niya at ng mga Pilipino ng paumanhin
Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang batas ng K to 12 Basic Education Program
Nilagdaan na ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III upang maging batas ang Enhanced Basic Education Act ng 2012 o ang K to 12 Basic Education Program sa seremonyang idinaos sa Malacanang Miyerkoles.
Ang programang K to 12 ay sumasaklaw mula sa Kindergarten at 12 taon ng basic education (anim na taon sa primarya, apat na taon sa Junior High School at dalawang taon sa Senior High School upang mabigyan nang sapat na panahon ang mga mag-aaral na magkaroon ng kaalaman at kakayahan, malinang ang ugaling maging palaaral at maihanda ang mga nagtapos sa pag-aaral sa kolehiyo, magkaroon nang sapat at mahusay na kaalaman, hanapbuhay at entreprenuership
Binigyang diin ng Pangulo sa talumpati niya na sagutin ng Pamahalaan na tugunan ang mga kailangan at tiyakin ang pantay na pagkakataon para sa lahat ng Pilipino, lalo na sa mga dukha kaya nga ang pagpapatupad ng programang ito sa edukasyon ang magpapalakas ng kailangan ng mga mag-aaral ukol sa basic education nang maging madali para sa kanila na bigyang katuparan ang kanilang mga pangarap at adhikain.
―Nagtitipon po tayo ngayon upang saksihan ang isa na namang makasaysayang araw sa ating bansa—ang paglagda natin sa batas na magsisilbing pundasyon para sa higit na aliwalas na bukas ng bawa‘t kabataang Pilipino, ang Enhanced Basic Education Act ng 2013 o mas kilala bilang ang K to 12 Act,‖ wika ng Pangulo.
―Dahil na rin sa tiwala ng sambayanan, matagumpay nating nakamit ang adhikaing magkaroon ng isang sistemang pang-edukasyon na tunay na papanday sa kakayahan ng ating mga kabataan at maglalapit sa kanila tungo sa katuparan ng kanilang mga pangarap,‖ dagdag pa ng Pangulo.
―Malinaw ang batayang prinsipyo ng batas na ito na karapatan ng bawa‘t Pilipino na mamuhay nang marangal. Tungkulin naman ng Estado na siguruhing may patas na oportunidad ang ating mamamayan, lalo na ang pinakamahihirap nating kababayan, at isang matatag na haligi ng kanilang pag-ahon sa karalitaan ang pagkakaroon ng mataas na antas ng edukasyon. Sa psgsasabatas ng K to 12, hindi lamang tayo nagdaragdag ng dalawang taon para sa higit pang pagsasanay ng ating mga mag-aaral, tinitiyak din nating talagang nabibigyang lakas ang susunod na henerasyon na makapag-ambag sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomya at ng lipunan,‖ paliwanag ng Pangulo.
Sumaksi sa paglagda ng Pangulo sa nasabing batas ang mga pangunahing may katha nito mula sa Senado at Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan sa pangunguna nina Senador Franklin Drilon, Edgardo Angara at Ralph Recto, Espiker Feliciano Bel,onte, Jr. at mga Kinatawan Neptali Gonzales II, Sandy Ocampo at Juan Edgardo ―Sonny‖ Angara. PND (rck/zaf)
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Nakatuon ang gobyerno sa pagkakaloob ng mataas na uring edukasyon para sa mga mag-aaral na Pilipino, ayon sa Pangulong Aquino
Pangunahing pakay pa rin ng pamahalaan na pagkalooban ng mataas na uring edukasyon ang mga mag-aaral sa Pilipinas habang patuloy ang pagsasagawa ng mga reporma at programang naglalayong maiangat at mapabuti pang lalo ang paghahasik ng kaalaman ng mga paaralan.
Ito ang binigyang diin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III matapos lagdaan upang maging batas ang Republic Act No. 10533 na kilala bilang Enhanced Basic Education Act o K to 12 Basic Education Program sa Malacanang Miyerkoles sa harap ng mga gumawa ng batas na ito, mga kabalikat sa kaunlaran, mga guro, mag-aaral at ang steering committee and technical working group.
Sinabi ng Pangulo na sapul nang manungkulan siya noong 2010 ibinuhos ng kanyang Administrasyon ang pagsisikap na malikha ang may kalidad na edukasyon para sa mga mag-aaral na Pilipino.
Binanggit niya ang patuloy na pagtaas ng budget para sa edukasyon at puspusang suporta sa mga programa ng iskolarsip para sa Training for Work Scholarship Program ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, gayundin ang pagpapatupad sa Public Higher Education Roadmap ng Commission on Higher Education kaya ang mga guro, mag-aaral at mga paaralan ay higit ang kakayahan ngayon upang magturo at mag-aral.
―Totoo po na hindi nalilihis ang tutok natin sa pagsusulong ng dekalidad na edukasyon. Mula nang tayo‘y manungkulan, taun-taon nating inaangat ang budget ng basic education. Sa katunayan mula sa mahigit na P161 bilyong budget noong 2010, naitaas na natin ito sa mahigit na P232 bilyon ngayong 2013,‖ dugtong ng Pangulo.
―Sa Technical Education naman, nariyan ang Industry Based Training for Work Scholarship Program ng TESDA na may mahigit na 150,900 iskolar nang hinasa at natulungan sa pamumuno ni Joel Villaueva,‖ sabi pa ng Pangulo.
Idinugtong ng Pangulo na ang mga pamantasan at kolehiyo ng pamahalaan ay nagsasagawa na ng Public Higher Education Roadmap ng CHED na ang hangarin ay paunlarin ang mga pasilidad na panturo ng mga Pamantasan at Kolehiyo ng Pamahalaan.
Ayon sa Pangulo, sa pamumuno ni Kalihim Armin Luistro ng Edukasyon, nalunasan na ang kakulangan sa mga aklat, mesa at upuan at sa pagtatapos ng 2013 ay lutas na ang problema sa dating 66,800 kakulangan sa mga silid-aralan.
―Walang dudang ang K to 12 Act ay bunga ng ating patuloy na pagsisikap na itulak ang makabuluhan at positibong reporma hindi lamang sa sistema ng edukasyon sa ating bansa, kundi maging sa lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan. Tagumpay itong sumasalamin sa ating nagkaka-isang hangarin na mamuhunan sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman, ang mamamayang Pilipino. Patunay ito sa isang panata na walang maiiwan sa pagtahak natin sa landas tungo sa kaginhawahan,‖ sabi ng Pangulo.
―Sa mabuting pamamahala, abot-kamay na po ng bawa‘t Juan at Juana de la Cruz ang mga pangarap na dati hindi man lamang natin matanaw. Patuloy po tayong humakbang sa iisang direksiyon at sama-sama nating iangat ang ating minamahal na bayan. Sa paglalatag natin ng tamang balangkas para sa ating sistemang pang-edukasyon, inilalatag din po natin ang saligan para sa isang Pilipinas na maunlad, mapayapa at bukal ng pagkakataon para sa bawa‘t Pilipino,‖ pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo. PND (rck/zaf)
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Inaasahan ng Palasyo na susuportahan ng mga nanalong gobernador na oposisyon ang reform agenda ng pamahalaan
Inaasahan ng Malacanang na ang mga nanalong gobernador na oposisyon ay susuporta sa adyenda ukol sa reporma at mabuting pamamahala sapagka‘t lahat ay makikinabang dito.
Binigyang diin ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong-balitaan Miyerkoles sa Malacanang na inaasahan nilang bagaman buhat sa oposisyon ang ilang nagwaging gobernador na isusulong ng mga ito ang adyendang reporma ng administrasyong Aquino dahil ang hangarin nito ay iangat ang buhay ng mga maralita.
Ikinampanya ng Pangulo ang mga kandidato ng administrasyon sa Laguna, Tarlac, Pampanga at Pangasinan, nguni‘t hindi nagwagi ang mga ito sa halalan noong Lunes.
―Palagay ko sino man ang maging gobernador ay maniniwala na ang pakay namin ay mahusay na pamamahala. Wala namang dahilan upang hindi sila kumatig sa aming programa na ukol sa mahusay na pamamahala. Makabubuti rin sa kanila na maki-isa sa aming pagtahak sa tuwid na daan,‖ wika pa ni Lacierda kaugnay ng tanong sa pagkatalo ng mga kandidato ng administrasyon sa naturang mga lalawigan at ang mga nagwagi ay pawang oposisyon.
―Natitiyak kong makikiisa sila sa adyenda ng mahusay na pamamahala. Walang pulitikong tatanggi sa aming programang ang layunin ay tulungan ang mahihirap na kababayan natin upang makaahon ang mga ito sa kahirapan,‖ dugtong pa ni Lacierda.
Noong Martes, nagpahayag ng kasiyahan ang Malacanang sa idinaos na 2013 midterm elections at sinabing ang Komisyon sa Halalan at ang mga katuwang nitong ahensiya ay nag-tulung-tulong at ginawa ang lahat ng makakaya nila upang matiyak na maidaraos ang malinis, malaya at kapani-paniwalang halalan.
Sa pahayag na binasa niya sa pulong-balitaan, pinapurihan ni Lacierda ang sambayanang Pilipino na aniya ay ―nagsagawa ng tungkulin at karapatang bumoto nang masigasig at nalulugod.‖
Ayon sa Comelec, siyam sa 12 luklukan para sa senador ang makukuha ng namamayaning partido—ang Lapiang Liberal na kilala rin bilang Team Pnoy.
Sinabi pa ni Lacierda na ang lakas na ipinamalas ng Team Pnoy ay ―isang bagong mandato para sa tuwid na daan at maliwanag na boto ng pagtitiwala para sa mabuting pamamahala, pagpapatuloy ng mga reporma at isang higit na aliwalas na kinabukasang darating.‖ PND (as/zaf)
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Inatasan ng Pangulo ang Manila Economic and Cultural Office na ipaalam ang pakikiramay at paghingi niya at ng mga Pilipino ng paumanhin
Inatasan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Manila Economic and Cultural Office(MECO) na paratingin sa mga mamamayan ng Taiwan ang pakikiramay at paghingi niya at ng mga Pilipino ng paumanhin sa pamilya ng mangingisdang nasawi noong Huwebes sa barilang naganap sa pagitan ng Philippine Coast Guard at ng isang bapor pngisdang Taiwanes sa may mga Pulo ng Batanes.
―Itinalaga ng Pangulo si MECO chairman Amadeo R. Perez bilang personal na kinatawang magpapahatid ng pakikiramay at paghingi niya at ng mga Pilipino ng paumanhin sa pamilya ni G. Hung Shi-chen, gayundin sa mga mamamayan ng Taiwan sa masaklap na nangyari at hindi sinasadyang pagkaputi ng buhay,‖ sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa isang pahayag Miyerkoles.
Sa utos ng Pangulo, wika ni Lacierda, sinimulan na ng Pambansang Kawanihan ng Pagsisiyasat ay nagpasimula nang mag-imbestiga sa masaklap na nangyaring ito.
―Puspusan, mabilis at masusi ang pagsisiyasat na gagawin ng NBI tungkol sa pangyayaring ito,‖ wika ni Lacierda.
―Nauunawaan namin ang pagdadalamhati at sakit na nadama ng pamilya at ng mga taga-Taiwan tungkol sa pagkaputi ng buhay ng nasawi kaya taos-puso ang aming pakikiramay,‖ sabi pa ni Lacierda.
Si Hung Shi-chen ang tanging nasawi sa naganap na pamamaril sa pagitan ng PCG at ng ibang bapor-pangisdang Taiwanes na umano ay nasa karagatang sakop ng Pilipinas sa mga Pulo ng Batanes.
Ayon sa PCG sa paunang ulat nito, naganap ang insidente nang tangkain ng mga tauhan ng Coast Guard na hulihin ang isa sa apat na bapor-pangisdang nasa loob ng mga katubigang sakop ng Philippine archipelagic. PND (js/zaf)
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ONLINE NEWS
15 MAY 2013
Personal remittances reach US$5.6 Billion in January-March 2013
TESDA: New tech-voc curriculum for K to 12 in place Baldoz appoints 103 LLCOs as DOLE shifts gear from pure regulation to voluntary labor law
compliance
CAMANAVA guidance counselors finalize module on career guidance and employment coaching
For jobs abroad, register at www.eregister.poea.gov.ph
Upholding the rights of maids in the Philippines
NSCB Central Office to adopt four-day work week schedule beginning May 20 Despite complainant’s retraction, POEA cancels license of erring recruiter deploying HSWs to
Hong Kong
Biotech is worth pursuing, DOST chief says
DAR empowers Boholano farmers
DFA to undocumented OFWs in Saudi Arabia: Avail of new Saudi Government Program
Philippine Center in New York holds Forum on Medicare for Filipino-Americans
Task Force SAFE reports poll generally peaceful
CSC offers human resource and organization development trainings
NAIA-BI men arrest 2 fake SINO tourists
Personal remittances reach US$5.6 Billion in January-March 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/
Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) continued to rise in March 2013, registering a 3.7 percent year-on-year growth to reach US$1.9 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 This brought the cumulative remittances for the first quarter of 2013 to US$5.6 billion, higher by 6.2 percent than the level registered in the comparable period in 2012. The steady increase in personal remittances during the quarter was driven by robust remittance flows from both land-based OF workers (OFWs) with work contracts of one year or more (US$4.2 billion), as well as sea-based workers and land-based workers with short-term contracts (US$1.3 billion).
Meanwhile, cash remittances from overseas Filipinos coursed through banks for the first three months of 2013 reached US$5.1 billion, 5.6 percent higher than the level posted in the same period last year. Remittances from both sea-based (US$1.2 billion) and land-based workers (US$3.9 billion) expanded by 6.1 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. Primary sources of remittances during the January-March 2013 period were the U.S. (42.6 percent of total cash remittances), Canada (8.2 percent), Saudi Arabia (7.9 percent), the United Kingdom (5.7 percent), the United Arab Emirates (4.5 percent), Singapore (4.2 percent), and Japan (3.7 percent).
Remittances remained strong partly on account of sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas. Latest reports from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated that approved job orders totaled 292,483 in January-April 2013, of which about 27 percent consisted of processed job orders mainly for services, production, and professional, technical and related workers. These processed job orders were largely intended for the manpower requirements of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Hong Kong, and Kuwait. Continued efforts by the government to promote the welfare of OFWs are expected to boost remittances further. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that the POEA and the German Federal Employment Agency entered into a bilateral labor agreement on 18 March 2013 regarding the placement of Filipino health care professionals for employment in Germany. The agreement provides, among other things, for favorable working conditions for Filipino health care professionals, similar with those granted to comparable German professionals.
The expanding operations of remittance service providers across the globe are also expected to allow a broader capture of remittances through the formal channels. As of end-March 2013, commercial banks‘ established tie-ups, remittance centers, correspondent banks and branches/representative offices abroad reached 4,750 from 4,732 in the comparable period last year.
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1 The BSP started the release of data on personal remittances in June 2012. As defined in the Balance of Payments Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6), personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings of overseas Filipino (OF) workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea- based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by OF workers with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return).
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TESDA: New tech-voc curriculum for K to 12 in place Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said it has completed the development of a new set of curriculum for teaching the technical vocational education and training (TVET) courses to students under the K to 12 program.
Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, also announced that more than a hundred Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers and supervisors have completed the mandatory training and are now ready to teach the new curriculum.
"We want to make sure that things are in place for the successful implementation of the K to 12 education," Villanueva said at the signing of the K to 12 law in Malacanang on May 15.
"TVET will play a central role in the new education model that prepares students for tertiary education, middle-skills development, employment and entrepreneurship," he said. The K to12 law, which is a flagship education program of the Aquino administration, adds two years of senior high school to the current 10-year education curriculum.
The two additional years in senior high school are aimed to serve as a specialization period for high school students, whether in vocational skills, music, the arts or sports. High school graduates have the option to pursue jobs with a basic education diploma or proceed to college.
―K to 12 will make our curriculum relevant to the learners. It will ensure an integrated and seamless learning for our students,‖ Villanueva added.
Villanueva said that curriculum guides, learning modules and teachers‘ guides for 23 tech-voc courses have been developed for incoming Grades 7 and 8. Review of these materials for Grades 9 to 10 is currently on-going.
These are on Automotive Servicing; Mechanical Drafting; Computer Hardware Servicing; Horticulture; Shielded Metal Arc Welding; Consumer Electronics Servicing; Aqua Culture; Dressmaking /Tailoring; Masonry; Care giving; Household Services; Plumbing; Agri Crop Production; Fish Capture; Handicraft; Carpentry; RAC Servicing (DomRac); Electrical Installation and Maintenance; Bread and Pastry Production; Tile Setting; Animal Production; Food (Fish) Processing; and Beauty Care (Nail Care Services).
TESDA has provided technical assistance in the review of the Entrepreneurship module of K to 12. It has also facilitated the training of 17 TLE supervisors and 135 LTE teachers in validating the curriculum guides and learning modules.
TESDA, the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education have been working very closely in ensuring the successful implementation of the K – 12 program. The three agencies have joined forces in preparing some schools as model institutions for K to 12 education.
To date, there are 30 schools implementing the Senior High School Modeling Program, and another 36 private schools have submitted their transition plan proposals.
"The rise of good schools is no accident. It is a product of deliberate policies and long-term investments that acknowledge that quality education is central to a nation's economic growth," Villanueva said.
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Baldoz appoints 103 LLCOs as DOLE shifts gear from pure regulation to voluntary labor law compliance Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Part of P-Noy's 372 new labor law compliance officers Baldoz appoints 103 LLCOs as DOLE shifts gear from pure regulation to voluntary labor law compliance
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the appointment of 103 labor law compliance officers (LLCOs) who will form the core of the implementers of the DOLE's new labor law compliance program.
"The 103 are part of the 372 new LLCOs whose positions were given by President Benigno S. Aquino to the DOLE to enable it to strongly and efficiently push the new labor law compliance program. This program signals our shift from pure regulation to voluntary compliance with labor laws and regulations to protect and safeguard our workers and promote their welfare," said Baldoz.
President Benigno S. Aquino III has added the 372 new LLCO positions to the DOLE's current roster of 228 labor inspectors to enable the Department to effectively implement and monitor compliance with labor laws.
The DOLE's Human Resource and Development Service (HRDS) has reported that the 103 new LLCOs are young professionals who have expressed desire to join the wave of change in government.
The 103 new LLCOs are composed of 37 engineers, 24 of whom are currently attending post-graduate studies (Bachelor of Laws and master‘s degrees), and graduates of social sciences. Their age ranges from 28 to 40 years old. Some of the appointees have worked in the private sector before joining the DOLE, while others are former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Competitive salaries at par with the private sector, as well as continuous training for professional growth, await the new LLCOs. At the DOLE, they can expect exposure to a broad range of professional work and experiences, and local travel. They will be assigned in the DOLE regional offices, particularly in Regional Office Nos. 3, 4-A, 7, and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Baldoz said the hiring of additional LLCOs is consistent with the DOLE reform in the system of labor law compliance that veers away from a purely regulatory framework to a strong, pro-active, and development dimension.
"The new LLCOs are considered to be DOLE‘s new agents of change who possess a high degree of integrity and the values of honesty, transparency, and public accountability in the performance of their functions," said Baldoz.
The DOLE's HRDS Director Katherine B. Brimon said her office is still accepting applications from professionals and aspirants to become LLCOs.
Applicants should be a college graduate; preferably licensed mechanical, civil, or electrical engineers, registered nurses, graduates of medical and social science courses, and law. They should have at least one year to two years of relevant experience and four to eight hours of training on labor laws, safety and health, productivity, and other related training.
Interested applicants who will meet the minimum requirements must submit an application letter addressed to Ms. Katherine B. Brimon, Director, Human Resource Development Service; a properly accomplished Personal Data Sheet (PDS) with the latest passport-size photo; and community tax certificate; copy of latest performance rating (for government employees); certified true-copy of Certificate of Eligibility (CSC or RA 1080); transcript of records and diploma; certificate of employment; and certificate of training/seminars attended.
Applicants who may want more details may click on the Careers@DOLE page of the DOLE website (www.dole.gov.ph), or call the HRDS Recruitment, Selection, and Placement Unit at 527-3000 local 503.
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CAMANAVA guidance counselors finalize module on career guidance and employment coaching Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
CAMANAVA guidance counselors finalize module on career guidance and employment coaching Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday lauded the DOLE-NCR CAMANAVA Field Office for its active involvement in the Career Guidance Advocacy Program (CGAP), with its recent conduct of a one-day seminar on career guidance and employment coaching. The seminar, Orientation-Workshop on Career Employment Coaching for Guidance Counselors, held at the Bulwagang Katipunan of the Caloocan City Hall, was aimed at a review, discussion, and subsequently, an improvement of the module on Career Guidance and Employment Coaching which will be presented to the DOLE- NCR trainers‘ training for the members of the CALM Network and local chapter officers and PESO managers. "At this stage when the DOLE is going full blast with its partners in implementing the convergence program that is CGAP, it helps that all DOLE regional and field offices are on board the program which is one of the key four strategies to address jobs-skills mismatch," Baldoz said. "We will all gain from better understanding and appreciating the different employment programs of the DOLE and use these understanding in instensifying career coaching in private and public schools in the CAMANAVA area," Baldoz added. All the 42 participants in the seminar, who included guidance counselors from the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, and the municipality of Navotas, as well as their respective PESO managers, namely Roberto M. Cruz, PESO Caloocan; Flourschelle Austria, PESO Malabon; Genesis Sanoy, PESO Navotas; Luningning Martin, PESO Valenzuela, agreed on the timeliness and relevance of the seminar-training. Assistant Regional Director Nelson C. Hornilla and his staff from the DOLE-NCR also attended. DOLE-NCR CAMANAVA Field Office staff, namely Marites Bulisig, Ma. Luisa Cristina Oliveros, and Katrina Laurente served as resource persons during the seminar. Director Andrea P. Cabansag shared her insights on the different roles of the partner agencies to strengthen the Career Employment Coaching Program in schools. She highlighted the strategies to be implemented in Career Coaching. ―The unemployment and underemployment rates in Metro Manila are quite high compared with other regions. One of the reasons why jobs-skills mismatch occur is because the courses, skills, and qualifications of the new entrants to the labor market are not in line with the demands of industry," explained ARD Hornilla. "This training-seminar will equip us, our partners, and our guidance counselors with skills on convincing the youth on the different career options they can consider. "Guidance counselors play a very important role in helping the youth to clearly identify the career paths they must take. This is the very reason why we would like to equip you with strategies and techniques which you can use to benefit our students,‖ said ARD Hornilla in his message delivered in the training-seminar.
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For jobs abroad, register at www.eregister.poea.gov.ph Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
For jobs abroad, register at www.eregister.poea.gov.ph Looking for overseas jobs just got easier. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said this yesterday as she bared that applicants aspiring for overseas employment, through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration‘s Government Placement Branch, can already register online at the POEA e-registration system. ―If you are looking for overseas employment, let the POEA Online registration be your first step. The registration is free and easy. It is accessible anywhere and anytime,‖ said Baldoz. Baldoz said that interested applicants who are looking for jobs overseas can register at http://www.eregister.poea.gov.ph. Upon registration, the registrants will have to provide real information, such as personal data, education, work experience, job preference, skills, and language ability. Registrant- applicants will also have to indicate their country and worksite preference. Applicants who previously registered at the POEA and its branch offices can also register in this site to access and update their profile. They can also view the status of their application anytime and anywhere. Once registered, applicants can gain access to their registration resume and view the status of their application with the GPB. Registrants may also attach their scanned photo in JPEG format, passport size 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm. Registrants can access their accounts by entering their USERNAME and PASSWORD. After registration, applicants must keep their e-registration system active by updating their profile. The e-registration system routinely archives registration accounts if not accessed for more than six months. Baldoz said the information gathered in the site will be shared with foreign employers in response to their manpower requirements. The POEA may use the applicants‘ contact information in order to send them e- mail or other communications regarding updates of their application at the POEA. The nature and frequency of these messages will vary depending upon the application status of the applicants. For more information or queries regarding the POEA online registration system, interested applicants may email [email protected].
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Upholding the rights of maids in the Philippines Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
Every ―kasambahay‖ (helper/maid) expects significant improvements in her or his living and working conditions following the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10361 entitled ―An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers.‖
Signing the IRR are heads of agencies that are involved in the implementation of the law namely: (L-R) Philippine National Police Provincial Deputy Director Jose Jorge E. Corpuz: Social Security System Officer-in-charge Executive Vice-President Edgar Solilapsi; National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan; Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz; Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman; Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona; Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero; and Pag-Ibig Fund Vice-President Erlinda M. Francisco.
Under the law, the DSWD is tasked to protect the ―kasambahay‖ against any kind of abuse and maltreatment from their employers.
The Kasambahay Law was signed by President Benigno Aquino III on January 18.
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NSCB Central Office to adopt four-day work week schedule beginning May 20 Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph
The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) announces its transition to a four-day work week schedule. This new work scheme takes effect on May 20, 2013.
With this change in schedule, the public is advised that the NSCB Central Office will operate from Mondays thru Thursdays. However, the agency‘s frontline services units such as the National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) and its regional offices will continue to operate on a five-day work week schedule.
The implementation of this policy comes after the approval of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on April 2, 2013 of NSCB‘s request for a four-day work week schedule in the Central Office. The CSC has granted the NSCB ―enough leeway to implement such working agreement that would promote productivity, efficiency, and also cost- saving‖ without compromising the forty-hour work week policy.
The scheme is also expected to reduce NSCB‘s utility and operational expenses as well as benefit employees by reducing their daily expenses.
This new working arrangement will be pilot-tested for three months and will be evaluated by the NSCB management and staff before it is permanently implemented.
If you wish to contact us on a Friday, please direct your calls to the NSIC at telephone numbered 895-2767 or email us at [email protected] or at our alternate email address [email protected].
The public is advised to be guided accordingly.
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Despite complainant’s retraction, POEA cancels license of erring recruiter deploying HSWs to Hong Kong Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said even the retraction of a complainant and the withdrawal of a case filed against a licensed overseas recruitment agency deploying household service (HSWs) workers to Hong Kong did not spare it from the harsh penalty of the law which was the cancellation of the agency's license.
Baldoz made this observation as she cited the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration on its decision last week to cancel the license of ABC Manpower Corporation, after investigation and due process proceedings found it liable of excessive charging of fees and other malpractices, in violation of Section 2 par. (b), and subparagraphs (d), and (e) of Rule I, Part VI of the POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land-based Workers.
Sec. 2 par. (b) prohibits the charging or accepting directly or indirectly any amount greater than that specified in the schedule of prescribed allowable fees, or making a worker pay any amount greater than that actually received by him as a loan or advance.
POEA chief Hans Leo G. Cacdac reported that for violation of Sec. 2 par. (b) of the rules, the respondent was imposed the penalty of cancellation of license. The POEA also ordered the company, together with surety, Country Bankers Insurance Corporation, to refund to complainant Mary Jean Amistad the amount of P66,000 representing the placement fee she had actually paid to the agency.
"As a result of the cancellation of its license, the respondent‘s officers and directors are disqualified from engaging in the business of recruitment of workers for overseas work. Furthermore, Cacdac said that for violation of Section 2 subparagraphs (d) and (e) also of Rule I, Part VI of the same rules, respondent was imposed the fine of P400,000.
Amistad applied with the respondent agency sometime in July 2011 for a domestic work in Hong Kong. She was required to pay P90,000 in placement fee, of which she initially paid P15,000 in August, and followed by a payment of P60,000 that she secured through a loan. No receipt was issued for all these payments.
Amistad started in her job on 3 October 2011, but came home on 25 December of the same year. Subsequently, she filed a complaint before the POEA alleging that the recruiter had required her to pay excessive placement fees.
However, POEA said that on 9 March 2012, Amistad submitted an Affidavit of Desistance and Retraction, voluntarily withdrawing the case in favor of the respondent, citing ―lapses in judgment‖ when she initiated the case. On 14 March 2012, respondent ABC Manpower Agency, Inc. categorically denied the charges, citing that complainant ―failed to present evidence‖ and had ―voluntarily retracted her allegations.‖ Nonetheless, despite the retraction, the POEA decided to pursue the case, stating that the retraction and withdrawal does not preclude the Administration from continuing with the investigation, specifically citing Section 11, Rule III, Part VI of the 2002 POEA Rules and Regulations, which provides, thus: ―The withdrawal of complaint/desistance shall not bar the Administration from proceeding with the investigation of the recruitment violation/s.
The Administration shall resolve the case on the merits and impose the appropriate penalties.‖ On this basis, the POEA found the respondent liable as charged. Cacdac emphasized that the complainant was an applicant for a household service worker position, hence, her application is covered by the Household Service Workers‘ Reform Package Rules, particularly Governing Board Resolution No. 6, Series of 2006, which prohibits the collection of placement fee from household workers, whether collected prior to their deployment or on-site through salary deduction.‖ On the charge of non-issuance of official receipt under Section 2 paragraph (d), the POEA found respondent liable, saying this was clearly a flagrant provision of the provision which calls for complete transparency in the recruitment process especially those involving financial transactions. In addition, the POEA declared respondent liable for violation of Section 2 (e) which prohibits engaging in acts of misrepresentation in connection with recruitment and placement of workers. END mjlc
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Biotech is worth pursuing, DOST chief says Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
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DAR empowers Boholano farmers Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over P3.6 million worth of farm equipment to three agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in the province of Bohol to encourage farmer-beneficiaries to work harder and produce more.
DAR Undersecretary Felix Perry Villanueva said the equipment distributed under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) 12 units of rice threshers and 15 units of hand tractors.
ARCCESS is an alternative rural development approach wherein support services provided by the DAR are delivered directly to selected agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs).
Villanueva turned them over to farmer-leaders of Kahugpungan Sa mga Igsoong nag Lawig sa Kalambuan Multi- purpose Cooperative (KASILAK MPC) in the SMART ARC.
―Aside from increasing the farmers‘ rice production, the farmers‘ organization can use these equipments as another source of income for their cooperative by renting them out to farmer-memb ers at very affordable fees and non-cooperative members,‖ Villanueva said.
In the town of Alicia, the ARC Del Untaga Procayacap received P1.3 million worth of common service facilities, which included an FT rice combine harvester and two hand tractor with farm implements and other basic tools such as two disc plow with leveler/comb harrow/riding type and mould board type side plow.
Jocelyn Golosino, Chairperson of the Cambaol Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (CFMPC) said the equipments are of great help to improve their productivity and enhance the cooperative‘s financial standing.
In the same vein, one unit of flat bed dryer with six tons holding capacity worth more than P700,000 was handed to the facility Bantolinao Multi-purpose Cooperative (BMPC) in ARC Bantolinao of Antequera town for its coffee production project.
BMPC Chairman Conrado Dagan said their locality has a great need for this facility and through this, they expect to double their coffee production.
Villanueva said it is now high time to consider farming as business enterprise. He encouraged the farmers to take care of the equipment.
―More interventions will follow once the DAR sees that your cooperative progresses remarkably. Our department of agrarian reform facilitates various support services such as access to credit, farm machineries and other assistance to strengthen the famer beneficiaries and their organizations,‖ Villanueva said.
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DFA to undocumented OFWs in Saudi Arabia: Avail of new Saudi Government Program Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
14 May 2013 – The Department of Foreign Affairs is urging irregular overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia to heed the advice of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and take advantage of the opportunity given by the Saudi Government to correct their residency and labor status.
The guidelines which were announced by the Saudi Ministries of Interior and Labor last May 10 allow irregular workers to correct their status or leave the country without obtaining No Objection Certificates
Irregular OFWs have the following options:
Workers can return to their original employer upon mutual agreement, or transfer to a new employer even without permission or consent of the original employer. Companies can correct the occupations of their workers during the grace period, free of charge. Runaway household workers (―huroob‖) can return to their original individual employer or transfer to a new individual employer. The prospective individual employer may complete the procedure for the transfer of the worker through the Jawazat Offices (Saudi Passport Office). Household workers can also transfer to a private sector company through the Saudi Labor Offices. Illegal Filipino workers have the option to leave the country (final exit) instead, without the need to obtain No Objection Certificates from their current employers, provided that they do not have criminal charges or records against them. They will also be allowed to return to the country in the future if they are able to obtain valid working visas. Hajj and Umrah (pilgrims) overstayers who arrived in the Kingdom before July 04, 2008 can correct their status as either a household service worker or as private sector company worker. Overstaying Hajj and Umrah who arrived after that date may leave without penalties.
All penalties and fines accruing to an illegal worker before April 06, 2013 will be waived, except for regular processing charges.
Private rights claims between a Filipino worker and his/her current employer will be settled through the court, and will not prevent the Filipino worker from transferring to a new employer.
Employers are now clearly obligated to hand over to the worker all his personal documents – such as passports and residency permit (iqama) – upon request. Employers are also obligated to make sure that the residency permit (iqama) of workers are valid. Failure to do so is sufficient grounds for a worker to end their contractual relationship.
The deadline to avail of these concessions is July 03, 2013. After this deadline, the Saudi Government will resume its inspections and arrest and / or apply fines against violators – both employers and employees.
Specific details of the guidelines are available in both Filipino and English on the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh‘s website: www.philembassy-riyadh.org Affected OFWs may also contact the Saudi Ministry of Labor‘s (MOL‘s) customer service number, 920 001 173.
Irregular Filipino workers are advised to read the guidelines carefully and make their way to the nearest Passports Office (Jawazat) or Labor Office as follows: CATEGORY OFFICE TO PROCEED TO Illegal Filipino worker wanting Final Exit Passports Office (Jawazat) Absconded (―huroob‖) workers wanting to return to their Labor Office original employer or transfer to a new employer Runaway household service worker wanting to return to their Passports Office (Jawazat) original individual employer or transfer to a new individual employer Runaway household service worker wanting to transfer to a Labor Office private sector company Hajj and Umrah overstayers wanting to correct their status with Passports Office (Jawazat) original individual employer Hajj and Umrah overstayers wanting to correct their status with Passports Office (Jawazat), private sector companies then Labor Office
For futher inquiries, irregular OFWs may call the following numbers in their respective regions:
Region Contact No. Riyadh, Hail, Qassim, Northern Border, Al-Jouf 054-591-7834 Eastern Region 050-126-9742 Jeddah, and regions under the jurisdiction of the Philippine 0555-219-613 Consulate General in Jeddah (Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Tabuk, Al-Madinah, Abha, Jizan, Najran) 0561-956-14
The MOL has announced that it will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in addition to regular working hours. In addition, it has encouraged companies to use its e-services portal.
The Embassy is confirming if the Jawazat Offices will extend their hours, and will inform Filipinos accordingly.
There is no need to coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) for the transfer to a new employer or verify the new employment contract prior to the transfer. The priority is for the new employer to transfer the services through the concerned Saudi authority as soon as possible.
Filipinos who need to look for a prospective employer may also wish to check the Ministry of Labor‘s www.redyellow.com.sa which has jobs posted with entities that are in the green or excellent zone. They may also call MOL customer service hotline, 920011884.
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Philippine Center in New York holds Forum on Medicare for Filipino-Americans Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
14 May 2013 – A forum entitled, ―Connecting Filipino-Americans to Medicare,‖ was held on May 11 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York.
The forum was organized by the Kalusugan Coalition Inc., Filipino American Human Services Inc (FAHSI), the Filipino American Senior Citizens Association of Queens (FASCAQ) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York. Kalusugan Coalition‘s Acting Executive Director Rhodora Ursua acted as the moderator for the event.
In his message to participants, Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. noted the importance of events such as the Medicare Forum in reaching out to vulnerable sectors in the migrant community, such as seniors, who may not have access to information on health services.
The main speaker for the forum was Mr. Thomas Bane of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services who provided important updates on medicare coverage, the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and how to maximize access to these two resources.
During the open forum, participants eagerly asked questions about Medicare access, portability, reimbursements and other critical matters. The participants, mostly seniors who have recently retired, requested concerned Filipino- American community groups to hold a separate forum on working for Medicare portability.
The co-organizers of the forum likewise presented their different programs for senior citizens and invited community members to take part in these activities such as yoga, dance exercises, wellness clinics, health screenings, consultations and other related activities.
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Task Force SAFE reports poll generally peaceful Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
Manila, Philippines The National Task Force SAFE 2013 of the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police on Monday/May 13 reported a generally peaceful conduct of the 2013 mid-term elections, with only one reported election-related violent incident in Sulu.
Data culled from 5am to 6pm at the Task Force SAFE at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame showed that shooting incidents occurred in Cavite City; Bgy. Abra, Santiago City, Isabela and Sulu.
One fatality and six wounded persons were reported in the Sulu incident while one was wounded in the Santiago City incident.
Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino‘s political adviser, Manuel Mamba, escaped unharmed after his convoy was attacked in the town of Alcala in Cagayan province. Mamba was in the area to support a brother who was a candidate for provincial governor under Aquino‘s Liberal Party.
At least six civilian agents of the National Bureau of Investigation were arrested in Bacoor , Cavite in the vicinity of Sen. Bong Revilla‘s residence and the local police applied for search warrants against the suspects‘ four vehicles seen as bearing high-powered firearms. They would be charged with violating the Comelec-imposed gun ban.
A case of election paraphernalia-snatching was recorded in Basilan but the items were later recovered by the elements of the Armed Forces assigned in the area.
In Maguindanao, there were two cases of alleged intentional damaging of the PCOS machines in Bgy. Oring Barira and Bgy. Korosoya, both in Barira town. One suspect was arrested in both incidents.
Unidentified men also detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kabakan, Cotabato; Sariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Tawi-Tawi. The report did not indicate fatalities or wounded in said three incidents.
In the implementation of the liquor ban, a total of 181 suspects have been arrested since 12 midnight of Sunday. A total of 132 persons were arrested in the Davao region for violating the liquor ban; seven in Batangas; three in Pasay City; seven in Pasig City; six in Navotas City; 14 in Quezon City; six in Caloocan City; two in Paranaque City; and five in Makati City.
All the liquor ban violators were placed under police custody while appropriate charges are being prepared against them.
Vote-buying incidents were recorded in Iloilo; Cebu; South Cotabato; Agusan del Sur and Dipolog. One was arrested in Iloilo; six in Cebu; one in South Cotabato; two in Agusan del Sur; and four in Dipolog.
Twelve suspected flying voters were arrested by local tanods and turned over to the Mandaluyong City PNP office. The suspects were later released after they have been verified to be registered voters in the area but had transferred residences outside of Mandaluyong City.
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CSC offers human resource and organization development trainings Source: http://www.csc.gov.ph
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is inviting all agencies in all sectors of government to attend its human resources and organization development interventions. The CSC will offer training programs through its research and development arm, the Civil Service Institute (CSI).
The CSI closes the semester with training programs on Employee Engagement, which provides an in-depth discussion on the drivers that impact on employee engagement and centers on practical tools for managers to keep a team focused and productive. It is ideal for executives, managers, division heads, and supervisors. The Art of Negotiation is an organizational development program that develops participant‘s ability to negotiate effectively, to create win-win scenarios, to maximize gains, to improve working relationships, and build networks. It is recommended for executives, managers, and division heads. The Employee Engagement Program will be held on May 14-15 while The Art of Negotiation will span from May 21-22.
The CSI also offers four year-round leadership programs: the Leading Employees Well program; the Delivering Customer Satisfaction program; the Communication and Building Relationships program; and the Continuous Learning program. The Leading Employees Well program spans only two days while the remaining programs run for three days.
The Leading Employees program provides participants cutting-edge techniques and tools in managing and leading strategic change to meet their organizational goals. The course culminates in participants‘ development of their Agency‘s Strategic Change Management Action Plan. Its target audiences are incumbent and emerging leaders in government.
The Delivering Customer Satisfaction program is designed to help participants gain knowledge in creating service excellence environments and developing a Client Satisfaction Improvement Plan.
The Communication and Building Relationships course provides participants with structured learning opportunities for developing strategies on effective communication internal and external to the organization. It will best help incumbent and emerging leaders in government, including heads of information and communication units.
The Continuous Learning program raises the consciousness of staying on the learning mode all the time and contributing to the success of his or her organization in an environment of accelerating change and complex demands. Incumbent and emerging leaders in government are its target audience.
Responding to the need of shaping a new generation of civil servant and leaders, the CSI was instituted in July 2011 to provide quality training programs to government officials and employees. Last year, the CSI has trained almost 1,000 Human Resource Management Professionals (HRMPs), lawyers, supervisors, division heads, manages, and executives.
The CSI boasts of 17 HR programs, 10 OD programs, and five modules of the Leadership Program. For the coming semester, there will be eight HR programs, five OD programs, and five leadership programs. The Certificate Leadership Program includes all five leadership programs and runs for 25 days spread out in three months.
For inquiries regarding training fees and training programs, please call the CSI at (02) 931-4182 or telefax (02) 931-8019. You may also call the Civil Service Commission at (02) 931-7035 local 301 to 305 or personally inquire in the CSI at 3/f CSC Central Office, Batasan Hills, Diliman, Quezon City.
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NAIA-BI men arrest 2 fake SINO tourists Source: http://immigration.gov.ph
Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) arrested two Chinese nationals for being ―fake‖ tourists.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. ordered the detention of Wen Shiyuan, 28, and Shi Qingda, 54, hours after they arrived aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Xiamen, China.
David ordered the aliens‘ inclusion in the immigration blacklist to prevent them from returning to the Philippines.
They will remain detained at the BI jail in Bicutan, Taguig pending conduct of further investigation and exclusion proceedings.
―These are fake tourists. While we welcome tourists they should desist from using spurious documents to gain entry to the Philippines,‖ the BI chief said of the aliens who presented spurious return plane tickets.
Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief, disclosed that the passengers‘ itinerary purportedly show they are scheduled to leave and return to China on June 25.
But she said a check with the PAL office found the said itineraries to be non-existent and thus fictitious.
―It is obvious they have no intention to leave the country if they were allowed entry,‖
Under immigration rules, a foreign tourist entering the Philippines must have a valid visa, a passport valid for at least six months, and return ticket.
The return ticket is required as it evidences a passenger‘s intention to leave the country before the lapse of his or her authorized stay.
―Thus, tourists who present fraudulent documents will be arrested and deported for violating our immigration laws,‖ Mangrobang said.
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Last Updated: 15 MAY 2013
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy Please click on thumbnails to magnify
President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the students from the Center for Excellence (CENTEX) Elementary School for a group photo souvenir during the ceremonial signing of Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 15). The K to 12 program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. In photo are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Senator Edgardo Angara. (Photo by: Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the students from the Center for Excellence (CENTEX) Elementary School during the ceremonial signing of Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 15). The K to 12 program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. In photo are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Senator Edgardo Angara. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the National Anthem during the ceremonial signing of Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 15). The K to 12 program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior
High School, and two years of Senior High School) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. In photo are Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Senators Ralph Recto, Franklin Drilon and Edgardo Angara, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Representatives Rosenda Ann Ocampo and Neptali Gonzales II. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial signing of Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 15). The K to 12 program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III signs into law Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 15). The K to 12 program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. Witnessing the ceremony are (seated) Representatives Mariano Piamonte, Juan Edgardo Angara, Neptali Gonzales II and Rosenda Ann Ocampo, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Senators Edgardo Angara, Franklin Drilon and Ralph Recto, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Education Secretary Armin Luistro. Also in photo are (standing) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Representatives Joselito Mendoza, Kimi Cojuangco, Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Magtanggol Gunigundo, Romero Federico Quimbo, Winston Castelo, Mel Senen Sarmiento, Edwin Olivarez, Julieta Cortuna, Ma. Victoria Sy-Alvarado, Ma. Rachel Arenas and Dr. Benjamin Asilo. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Thank You and God Bless !!!!