Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for September 16 , 2013 Monday , 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 6 Weather Watch,
3 OFW Watch, 10 Regl. Watch 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 6 Photonews

1. Weather Watch
3 hours ago near Quezon City PIA-NCR: PAGASA clarified that the rain on Monday and during the weekend was not the direct effect of any cyclone. The southwest monsoon enhanced by a low-pressure area near Aurora province is behind the early morning rain in Metro Manila and nearby provinces early Monday. PAGASA said the LPA had a good chance of becoming a cyclone. If it does, it will be codenamed Odette.

2. Weather Watch
5 hours ago ABS-CBN: Magiging maulan sa Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Mindoro at Visayas dahil sa Habagat na pinaiigting ng LPA sa silangang bahagi ng Aurora. Sa ilang lugar sa Metro Manila ay mas malaki ang tiyansa ng ulan lalo sa hapon. Tanging ang Mindanao lamang ang makakaranas ng magandang panahon ngayong araw, maliban sa konting pag-ulan lalo sa hapon at gabi.

3. Weather Watch
15 hours ago PAGASA: Yellow Rainfall Advisory No. 4 - TERMINATED Weather System: Southwest Monsoon Issued at: 9:10 PM Light to moderate rains was observed over Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Occidental Mindoro for the past 2 hours. With this development, all Rainfall Advisories over these areas are now terminated. However, moderate to occasionaly heavy rainfall is still affecting Zambales and portion of Bataan and most likely to continue for the next 3 hours. People are advised to closely MONITOR the weather condition and for the next advisory.

4. Weather Watch
18 hours ago PAGASA: Yellow Rainfall Advisory No. 3 Weather System: Southwest Monsoon Target Areas: Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Bataan and portions of Quezon, Pampanga, Zambales and Occidental Mindoro Issued at: 5:55 PM Moderate to occasional heavy rainfall is affecting Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Bataan and portions of Quezon, Pampanga, Zambales and Occidental Mindoro and most likely to continue for the next 3 hours. POSSIBLE FLOODING in low-lying areas. People are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and for the next advisory. For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877.

5. Weather Watch
19 hours ago PAGASA: Yellow Rainfall Advisory No. 2 Weather System: Southwest Monsoon Target Areas: #MetroManila, #Rizal, #Laguna, #Cavite, #Bulacan, #Pampanga, #Bataan, #OccidentalMindoro, #Tarlac, #Zambales and portions of #Batangas, #Quezon, and #NuevaEcija Issued at: 2:55 PM, 15 September 2013 (Sunday) Moderate to occasional heavy rainfall is affecting Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, Tarlac and portions of Batangas, Quezon, and Nueva Ecija most likely to continue for the next 3 hours. POSSIBLE FLOODING in low-lying areas. People are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and for the next advisory. For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877

6. Weather Watch
22 hours ago via mobile NDRRMC1: 15SEPT13-05 Yellow Rainfall Advisory #1 re SW Monsoon >Moderate with occasional heavy rainfall is affecting Metro Manila, Zambales. Bataan, portions of Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Pampanga and most likely to continue for the 3hours >Possible flooding in low lying areas >People are advised to monitor the weather condition and for the next advisory. >PUBLIC WARNINGS: The residents & the Local DRRMCs are advised to closely monitor the weather condition, be on alert for possible flooding, & undertake precautionary measures if situation requires.

Weather Watch

September 16 , 2013 ( Monday )

as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : : : :

Cloudy with Scattered rainshowers Cloudy Partly Cloudy Rainy Mostly Cloudy

PIA

Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago near Quezon City PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Forty five (45) farmers and five agricultural extension workers from different towns in the province underwent cacao production and processing course in Nagcarlan, Laguna. The training aims to increase farmers' awareness on and interest in cacao production.

2. PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago near Quezon City PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Forty five (45) farmers and five agricultural extension workers from different towns in the province underwent cacao production and processing course in Nagcarlan, Laguna. The training aims to increase farmers' awareness on and interest in cacao production.

3. PIA Regional Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinagawa ng Batangas Police Provincial Office ang pagkilala kay SPO1 Raquel Aniwasal, isa sa Top 10 COPS awardee na kinilala ang natatanging kontribusyon sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa bayan ng Balayan. Alinsabay nito ay binigyang pagkilala din ang mga police stations na nakapagbahagi ng malaking kontribusyon upang masugpo ang krimen sa kanilang mga lugar.

4. PIA Regional Watch

September 14 via mobile PIA 4A/BATANGAS: Isang pagsasanay ukol sa basic massage ang magkatuwang na itinaguyod ng TESDA at lokal na pamahalaan ng padre Garcia.Layon nitong gawing produktibo at makapagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa mga mamamayang Garciano.

5. PIA Regional Watch

September 14 via mobile PIA IVA/QUEZON: The provincial gender and development (PGAD) office will conduct 'monitoring and evaluation' seminar on gender and development (GAD) programs to be held on Sept. 17-18 at Queen Margaret Hotel, Lucena City. The seminar will encourage the municipal mayors to mainstream GAD programs in the barangays.

6. PIA Regional Watch

September 13 near Quezon City PIA-4A/CAVITE: The city government of Bacoor is intensifying its campaign against all forms of illegal drugs as Mayor Strike Revilla had a meeting early this week with PDEA Deputy Director for Operations and Region IV-A Director Jeff Bangza to discuss possible establishment of PDEA satellite office in the city and further strengthening the campaign against anti-illegal drugs.

7. PIA Regional Watch

September 13 near Quezon City PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagsagawa ang mga kapulisan sa bayan ng Sto.tomas ng pulong o dayalogo kaugnay ng isasagawang sk at barangay elections 2013 alinsabay ng programang Pulis Nyo Po sa Barangay.Layon nitong matulungan ang barangay sa pagpapanatili ng katahimikan sa kanilang lugar.

8. PIA Regional Watch

September 13 near Quezon City PIA-4A/QUEZON: Quezon PDRRMC officer Dr. Henry Buzar encouraged the municipal mayors in the province to enforce the mandatory preparation of disaster plan in the barangays in order to have full implementation of disaster preparedness program. Dr. Buzar also said that the barangays should create barangay disaster risk reduction management committee.

9. PIA Regional Watch

September 13 near Quezon City PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinagawa kanina ang Alay Lakad ng lungsod ng Batangas kung saan layong makalikom ng perang ginagamit para sa pagpapatupad ng mga programang makatutulong sa mga kabataang Batanguena.

10. PIA Regional Watch

September 13 near Quezon City PIA-4A/QUEZON: Sa programang 'Connection unlimited with PIA and Radyo ng Bayan', sinabi ni Dr. Henry Buzar ng Quezon PDRRMC na makikipag ugnayan sila sa Lucena City DRRMC upang tulungang magkaroon ang lungsod ng Lucena ng disaster plan para sa Mount Banahaw. Sinabi ni Buzar na ito ay bilang paghahanda lamang kung sakaling maging aktibo ang Mount Banahaw.

1. PIA OFW Watch

September 13 ANC: 31 OFWs from Syria arrived home today. Six of them could not go home yet due to the ongoing crisis in Zamboanga. They will stay in OWWA office for the meantime.

2. PIA OFW Watch

September 13

GMA News: VP Binay confirmed Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud has signed the deportation order for pardoned OFW Dondon Lanuza.

3. PIA OFW Watch

September 13 DZIQ: DFA spokesman Hernandez said 10 Filipinos from Egypt are due to arrive at 3:15pm today via SQ912, making the total number of repatriates from Egypt to 84. He added repatriation efforts will continue.

A. QUEZON 1. Tagalog news: 500 wheel chairs, ipinamahagi sa mga nangangailangan

BY: RUEL M. ORINDAY Friday 13th of September 2013

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Set. 13 (PIA) -- Ang Rotary Club mula sa Estados Unidos at Canlubang, Laguna ay namahagi kamakailan ng 500 wheel chairs sa mga taong nangangailangan sa lungsod at karatig bayan. Sinabi ni William Bill Bidden ng RC 7670 ng North Carolina at team leader ng wheel chair distribution na dumating sila sa Pilipinas, partikular sa Lucena at lalawigan ng Quezon, ito ay upang ipakita umano kung paano manilbihan ang mga Rotarian sa mga taong nangangailangan. Idinagdag din nito na siya ay napamahal na sa mga Pilipino kayat sa Pilipinas niya nais magdala ng paninilbihan. Sinabi naman ni Immediate Past President ng Rotary Club ng Cabuyao circle na si Liezel Castro Ampatuan na pangalawang beses na nilang isinagawa ang ganitong programa at ninais ng kanilang grupo na sa Quezon naman dalhin ang programang ito dahil sa tingin nila ay

marami rin ang nangangailangan ng ganitong kagamitan. Ang mga wheel chair na nagkakahalaga ng may $500 bawat isa ay isa-isang ipinamahagi ng Rotary Club Lucena South kasama nina Mayor Roderick DonDon Alcala at dating Congressman Irvin Alcala sa mga mapapalad na mamamayan ng lungsod at mga karatig bayan nito gaya ng Tayabas, Pagbilao at Sariaya. Lubos naman ang ginawang pasasalamat ng lahat ng mga taong nabiyayaan ng libreng na wheel chair.(RMO, PIA-Quezon/ PIO Lucena)

B. CAVITE 1. Provincial govt eyes expansion of ISO certification

Friday 13th of September 2013

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- The provincial government is now eyeing to expand the ISO 9001-2008 certification after several core offices were conferred by the international certifying body last year. These offices are the Treasury, Assessor's Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices the Human Resource Management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office. In a recent memorandum issued by Governor Juanito "Jonvic" Remulla addressed to all department heads and unit that are not yet certified with respective processes, they are directed to nominate two (2) representatives; a senior officer and a junior officer to participate in discussion, recommend and implement needed improvements in their respective offices for the ISO 9001-2008 Quality Management System Expansion Project. On the other hand, an on-going initial assessment of the different department/units compliance to ISO 9001-2008 and the Cavite Quality Management Office (CQMO) revealed that members of the Internal Quality Audit team are given the tasked to conduct assessment and prepare necessary outputs that would serve as inputs to the next level of activity on the provincial government ISO 9001-2008 expansion roadmap. Also, lists of selected personnel along with the Deputy Quality Management Representatives, and committee heads and members are currently attending the training/workshop on Quality Management Systems (QMS) Documentation and

Writeshop on Procedures which started last August 28 up September 30, 2013. ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

2. $3-Million health facility inaugurated

Friday 13th of September 2013

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Sept. 13(PIA) -- The third phase of the KoreaPhilippines Friendship Project in the province which is to provide quality medical and health care services to Caviteos was formally inaugurated last Monday, September 9. The facility, Cavite Collaboration Center for Public Health (CCCPH) located at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital is a manifestation of support by the Korean government through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to the Philippine health sector as the latter is the first of its kind in the country and envisioned to address a variety of public health concerns of Caviteos. The CCCPH building will house the Province's Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Health Promotion Unit, Water Analysis Laboratory, Family Planning Unit, MultiPurpose Surgical Facilities, Blood Collection Unit, TB Diagnostic Unit and offices of the Technical Service, Korea Overseas Volunteers (KOV) and the Provincial Health Team of the Department of Health. Conference Rooms and a 200-seater auditorium shall also be constructed to serve as a venue for trainings and symposia. For its part, the provincial government appropriated a sufficient amount from its budget to cover the expenses required for fulfilling its undertakings. It has also designated a responsible team of personnel to oversee the preparation and completion of the project and ensure the proper and effective operation and maintenance of the building, facilities and equipment installed by KOICA for the center. The Cavite Collaboration Center for Public Health is the third phase of the KoreaPhilippines Friendship Project in Cavite. The first phase of the Project established the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital in 2002 while the second phase in 2008 provided for the improvement of existing facilities and the establishment of a Medical Arts Building (MAB). The event was graced by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, His Excellency Lee Hyuk, and representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), representatives from

the Department of Health, Governor Juanito "Jonvic" Remulla, Vice Governor Jolo Revilla and other local leaders in the province. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)
-

C. LAGUNA 1. DOLE-Laguna holds technical assistance visit to different MSMEs

BY: CARLO P. GONZAGA Friday 13th of September 2013

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Sept. 13 (PIA) --To enhance labor compliance among micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), the Laguna Provincial Office (LPO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted recently a technical assistance visit (TAV) in the different MSME's in the province. Laguna Provincial Office Director Milagros DR. Mata, said TAV program is part of their campaign to complement the regular inspection activities in the enforcement of labor standards and other labor related laws and issuances. "It is consistent with the labor standard enforcement framework of the DOLE which aims to promote voluntary compliance and an ethics of self- regulation among employers," Mata said. The program that lasted for one whole day, involved lectures on business taxation, social benefits, productivity, labor standards, labor relations, human relations and occupational safety and health. About 40 workers and employers representing 32 small business enterprises ranging from bakeshops, refilling stations to hardware stores attended the activity. The attendees were given certificates of attendance which serves as document of priority for availment of DOLE's future intervention for MSMEs development. (CPG, PIA4A with report from Rudyboy R. Sinay, DOLE-Laguna)

D. BATANGAS 1. Tagalog news: Panalangin para sa kapaligiran Alay ng debotong Batangueno sa Marian Regatta 2013
BY: MAMERTA P. DE CASTRO Friday 13th of September 2013

SAN NICOLAS, Batangas, Set. 13 (PIA) -- Dumagsa ang mga deboto ng Mahal na Birheng Maria sa bayang ito noong ika-8 ng Setyembre upang makilahok sa ikalawang taong pagdiriwang ng Taal Lake Festival na kinatatampukan ng Marian Regatta bilang pag gunita na rin sa kaarawan ng Mahal na Inang Maria. Tampok ang temang, Through Mother Mary of Lake Taal, Faith and Total Progress for Stewards of Gods Creation ipinagdiriwang nito ang pananampalatayang Batangueo sa Mahal na Ina sa patuloy na pag gabay nito sa lalawigan ng Batangas. Dala ang mga ibat ibang imahe ng mahal na birhen lumulan sa bangka ang mga deboto na kinabibilangan ng mga opisyal ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pangunguna ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto at mga kinatawan ng Simbahang Katolika upang ipaabot ang pasasalamat sa Birheng Maria sa kanilang pagtatangap na biyaya at patuloy na pagsubaybay sa lalawigan. Kasama sa layunin ng marian regatta 2013 ang pagmumulat na rin sa mga deboto na pahalagahan ang kapaligiran partikular ang lawa ng taal kung saan ito ang sumisimbulo sa sambayanang Batangueno. Patnubay at panalangin ang hiling ng sambayanang Batangueno kay Mama Mary para sa mga mangingisda at lahat ng ordinaryong mamamayan sa paligid ng lawa na siyang direktang nakikinabang sa mga biyayang ibinibigay ng Taal Lake. Matapos ang misa ng pasasalamat na pinangunahan ni Archbishop Ramon Argulles, Nilagdaan ang isang manifesto na inilatag ng Archdiocese Ministry for the Environment (Amen) na nagsasaad ng pagbibigay ng kahalagahan sa kapaligiran ng Lawa ng Taal. Lumagda rito ang mga kaparian na siyang lead convenor ng manifesto at mga opisyal ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at mga lokal na ehuketibo sa paligid ng lawa kasama ang publiko na nakidalo sa pagdiriwang ng Taal lake Festival. (Edwin V. Zabarte-Batangas PIO/PIA-Batangas)

E. RIZAL

15 SEPTEMBER 2013.

Malacanang reiterates President Aquino's instructions to take care of evacuees affected by ongoing standoff between government forces and MILF-Misuari faction in Zamboanga City Palace moves allays concerns of international community on standoff ongoing in Zamboanga City
Malacanang reiterates President Aquino's instructions to take care of evacuees affected by ongoing standoff between government forces and MILF-Misuari faction in Zamboanga City

Malacanang said on Sunday that the government is working towards following the instructions of President Benigno S. Aquino III to take care of the evacuees affected by the standoff between law enforcers and members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction that has entered its seventh day today, in Zamboanga City. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Department of Social Welfare and Development was in the thick of preparing the necessary supplies like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, clothes, temporary shelter and food that will be distributed to the evacuees as government troops move to contain and constrict the movement of the armed men of the Misuari faction. Ang continuing instructions ng Pangulo is to take care of the evacuees lalo na yung

mga lumilikas sa mga apektadong barangay. We continue to take care of their needs at salamat doon sa mga tumutulong na galing sa Zamboanga City, Valte said.
Doon naman sa mga apektadong Barangay, patuloy yung pagkilos ng ating mga sundalot kapulisan para siguraduhin na hindi madadamay at hindi masasaktan ang mga kababayan natin doon. Ang operative natin dito is that we continue to contain and we continue to restrict the movement of the armed men of the Misuari faction, she added. She said the President was still in Zamboanga City to personally oversee operations against the Misuari group and was unsure when the Chief Executive would return to Manila. PND (rck)
TOP Palace moves allays concerns of international community on standoff ongoing in Zamboanga City

Malacanang allayed the concerns of the international community on the ongoing conflict between government troops and the members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction in Zamboanga City, saying the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III was doing everything in its power to end the standoff peacefully and expeditiously. The Indonesian government, through its Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, expressed concern over the recent developments in the ongoing armed conflict in Zamboanga City. In a press briefing aired over state-run radio dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte also appealed for calm and understanding as the government addresses the standoff.

Ginagawa ho natin lahat ng makakaya natin sa panahong ito para lutasin nga ang sitwasyon sa Zamboanga City, Valte said.
She pointed out that government troops had to exercise caution and move in a calibrated manner as hostages were involved in the standoff.

Alam naman po din natin yung mga komplikasyon dahil meron silang mga binihag na mga kababayan
natin, kaya unti-unti at very calibrated ang galaw ng ating mga security forces doon, para siguraduhing hindi naman madamay o malagay sa panganib ang iba pang mga kasamahan natin doon, Valte said. PND (rck)
TOP

14 SEPTEMBER 2013.

US President Obama to visit the Philippines next month Aquino assures evacuees in Zamboanga City of continued government assistance
US President Obama to visit the Philippines next month

United States President Barack Obama will visit the Philippines in his four-country ASEAN tour from October 6 to 12, Malacanang said on Saturday. Upon the invitation of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III, President Barack Obama of the United States will be traveling to the Philippines on October 11-12, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement on Saturday. President Obama will meet President Aquino to discuss ways to further strengthen the enduring Philippines -U.S. alliance, including the expansion of our security, economic, and people-to-people ties. Lacierdas message confirmed a White House statement released on Friday about Obamas trip to Asia. The White House said the US President will travel to Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines from October 6 to 12 as part of his ongoing commitment to increase US political, economic and security engagement with the Asia Pacific. In Indonesia, Obama will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders meeting. APEC is the regions leading forum for trade and investment integration. He will then travel to Brunei for the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS) and to meet with the Sultan of Brunei. After Brunei, the US leader will proceed to Malaysia to meet with Prime Minist er Najib. Obama will highlight the USs

growing bilateral ties with Malaysia, and also deliver the keynote address to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. The last leg of Obamas Asian visit will be the Philippines, the fifth Asian treaty ally he has visit ed during his presidency. He will meet with President Aquino to reaffirm the strong economic, people-to-people, and security links between the two countries, the White House said. PND (as) TOP Aquino assures evacuees in Zamboanga City of continued government assistance President Benigno S. Aquino III visited on Saturday morning the evacuees in Zamboanga City affected by the ongoing standoff after members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) attacked several villages in the city this week. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President assured the evacuees in Zamboanga City of sufficient food supply for everybody. The President said all concerned agencies of the national government will continue to ensure that affected residents in the city will receive government assistance, Valte said. Referring to a bulletin from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Valte said the President met with the local crisis management committee and stakeholders yesterday afternoon. The defense department also reported this morning that no ceasefire has been implemented and fighting between the government forces and MNLF-Misuari faction continues. The MNLFs actions, taking of hostages and using them as human shields, shooting civilians, fire fighters and rescue workers, are violations of the Second Protocol of the Geneva Convention relating to the Protection of Victims of NonInternational Armed Conflicts, Valte said. The government will make the attackers accountable but in the meantime security forces will see to it that civilians are kept out of harms way, the Palace official said. On Friday morning, the President flew to Zamboanga City to personally assess the situation and ensure that the people affected in the conflict receive government assistance and care. PND (as) TOP

13 SEPTEMBER 2013.

1. President Aquino declares September 27 as special non-working day in Malvar, Batangas in celebration of the 148th anniversary of General Miguel Malvar 2. President Aquino signs bill into law amending Price Act to protect consumers against undue price hike during calamities 3. Aquino says Zamboanga visit aims for peaceful resolution of standoff, preserving lives 4. DOJ studying strong case against Misuari, Zambo attackers, says Aquino 5. Aquino: Zamboanga violence may speed up peace process with MILF
1. President Aquino declares September 27 as special non-working day in Malvar, Batangas in celebration of the 148th anniversary of General Miguel Malvar

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared September 27, which falls on a Friday, as a special non-working day in the municipality of Malvar, Batangas in celebration of the 148th birth anniversary of General Miguel Malvar.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 646 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on August 22 to give the people of Malvar the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occassion with appropriate ceremonies. The municipality was named after General Miguel Malvar, the last Filipino General to surrender to the American Government in the Philippines in 1902. Malvar was born in Barrio San Miguel, Santo Tomas, Batangas, on September 27, 1865. In 1899, the Philippine-American War broke out and Malvar fought the American forces. Many struggling freedom fighters surrendered while others were captured. Being the only revolutionary fighting against the enemies, Malvar's resources and strength depleted. The welfare of his family and loyal soldiers drove him to surrender to General Franklin J. Bell on April 16, 1902. Months after this, the Philippine Commission instituted the civil government of the Philippine Islands. Malvar returned to his province and pursued his interest in agriculture. A principled man, he declined the offer for him to become governor of Batangas. On October 13, 1911, he died of liver ailment in Manila. His remains were brought to Santo Tomas, Batangas and was buried with high military honors. PND (js) TOP 2. President Aquino signs bill into law amending Price Act to protect consumers against undue price hike during calamities President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law a bill amending the Price Act to protect consumers against undue price hike during calamities and emergency situations. The Chief Executive signed on September 6 the Republic Act 10623 or "An Act Amending Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 7581, Entitled 'An Act Providing Protection to Consumers by Stabilizing the Prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities and by Prescribing Measures Against Undue Price Increases During Emergency Situations and Like Occasions' and For Other Purposes" The newly-signed Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on June 5, 2013. The law expands the list of basic necessities under the law to ensure that more goods will be spared from price hike during calamities, emergencies and similar situation. The new Act now includes locally manufactured instant noodles and bottled water in the list of basic necessities to protect consumers against undue price increases during calamities, emergencies and other similar situations. The prevalent consumption of instant noodles and bottled water has placed these goods in the ranks of basic necessities such as rice, corn, root crops, bread, fresh, dried or canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh eggs, fresh and processed milk, fresh vegetables and fruits, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap and detergents, firewood, charcoal, household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, candles, drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health. Prime commodities are goods not considered as basic necessities but are essential to consumers in times of calamities, emergencies and similar situations "such as, but not limited to, flour; dried, processed or canned pork, beef and poultry meat; dairy products not falling under basic necessities; onions, garlic, vinegar, patis, soy sauce; toilet soap; fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides; poultry, livestock and fishery feeds and veterinary products; paper; school supplies; nipa shingles; sawali; cement; clinker; GI sheets; hollow blocks; plywood; plyboard; construction nails; batteries; electrical supplies; light bulbs; steel wire; all drugs not classified as essential drugs by the Department of Health and such other goods as may be included under this Act. The law mandates the creation of the Price Coordinating Council with the Secretary of Trade and Industry, as chairman; and Secretaries of Agriculture, Health, Environment and Natural Resources, Local Government, Transportation and Communications, Justice, Energy, Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority, one representative from the consumers sector, one representative from the agricultural producers sector; one representative from the trading sector; and one representative from the manufacturers sector as members. "Upon petition of the concerned parties or motu proprio action from the concerned agency of the Price Coordinating Council (PCC) and after public hearing, the implementing agency, with the approval of the President, may include in the definition of basic necessities or prime commodities types and brands of the goods or may exclude from the coverage of this Act, types or brands of the goods included in the definition of basic necessities and prime commodities, which may be deemed as nonessential goods or luxury goods: Provided, that, any type or brand so excluded may be reinstated by the implementing agency during occasions of acute shortage in the supply of the basic necessity or prime commodity to which the excluded type or brand used to belong, the law reads. Unless sooner lifted by the President, the price freeze on basic necessities will remain in effect for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than 60 days.

For household LPG and kerosene, which are wholly imported and deregulated under the existing laws, the price control will remain effective for not more than 15 days, taking into consideration the current inventory or supply levels. The Department of Trade and Industry, in consultation with the members of the PCC and stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules, regulations and procedures for the effective implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days upon its effectivity and shall monitor strict compliance therewith. They shall also review the existing implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 7581 and revise its provisions as maybe appropriate. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the country. PND (js) TOP 3. Aquino says Zamboanga visit aims for peaceful resolution of standoff, preserving lives President Benigno Aquino III said on Friday that preserving human lives is the major objective of his visit to Zamboanga City following the hostage-taking incident perpetrated by alleged member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Nur Misuari group. In a media interview in Zamboanga City, the President said the military continues to ensure that the conflict does not spread to other areas in the city. He said he cannot divulge the details of the security plan to ensure success of the military operations. The Zamboanga City situation is fully contained by the military although there are ongoing skirmishes, he said. The armed forces and the police started to deal with the situation with sufficient force and as of the moment, in the fifth day of the standoff, he said there is an overwhelming number of security force in the area as well as equipment. The President likewise appealed to the people of Zamboanga City for calm and patience to resolve the standoff with losing so many lives. Kailangan ng hinahon para... maniguradong hindi dumami ang mawalan ng buhay o masugatan dito sa kasalukuyang kaganapan, he said. The President flew to Zamboanga City Friday morning to personally assess the situation there particularly to ensure that the people affected by the conflict receive government assistance and care. The military was also expected to brief the President on the ongoing military operation in Zamboanga City. The rebels are surrounded by government forces and are confined in five villages, which is a very small portion of Zamboanga City, according to reports. On Thursday, Malacanang said the government would not hesitate to use force to end the standoff. The Palace issued the statement after fighting broke out in nearby Basilan province between government forces and MNLF fighters who had reportedly joined forces with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf. PND (as) TOP 4. DOJ studying strong case against Misuari, Zambo attackers, says Aquino The Department of Justice is currently investigating the attack in Zamboanga City by alleged Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) allied with Nur Misuari to come up with a strong case, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday. Iniimbestigahan lahat ng mga actuations ni Misuari and others. From the start of the crisis, inatasan natin si Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima na tingnan kung ano ang actual na may pruweba tayo ng pinaggagawa nila, the President said in an interview in Zamboanga City. The President also said he got a report on Friday saying cases filed against Misuari in early 2000 were dismissed because of lack of evidence. He said his administration doesnt want to commit similar mistakes and want s to ensure that anyone responsible in the Zamboanga City mayhem will be held accountable. Asked if he thinks Misuaris group made a decisive action he said: I think all of the actions have been very decisive from the start. Yun ang plano nila talaga enmass, in 200 or so, pupunta sa city hall, magtatayo ng bandera and that never happened.

The big group wasnt able to proceed at the heart of Zamboanga City because the military and the police were able to repel them. The President flew to Zamboanga City Friday morning to personally assess the situation in the city. He also wants to make sure that the people affected by the conflict receive government assistance and care. The military also briefed the President on the ongoing military operation in the city. In a statement on Thursday, Malacanang said the government would not hesitate to use force to end the standoff. The Palace issued a statement after fighting broke out in nearby Basilan province when reportedly a combined group of MNLF fighters, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf tried to attack Lamitan City. PND (as) TOP 5. Aquino: Zamboanga violence may speed up peace process with MILF President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday that the ongoing Zamboanga City standoff may speed up the crafting of the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to eventually achieve a lasting peace in the region. The President said the current tension in Zamboanga City has not affected the negotiations between the government and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and both panels are discussing the remaining annexes of the agreement. Patuloy ang ating negotiations doon sa annexes which are being he ld in Kuala Lumpur, even as we speak. Umalis ang ating negotiating panel... about Friday last week, the President said in an interview in Zamboanga City on Friday. So ongoing ang kanilang mga dayalogo on the power sharing and the normalization annexes. The MILF, like other Moro National Liberation Front factions, have condemned the attack in Zamboanga City allegedly by the faction aligned with Nur Misuari, he said. The President flew to Zamboanga City Friday morning to personally assess the situation there particularly to ensure that the people affected by the conflict receive government assistance and care. He said the prime objective of his visit was to avoid unnecessary loss of human lives and to ensure public welfare. PND (as) TOP

13 SEPTEMBER 2013. 1. Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na pista opisyal ang Setyembre 27 sa Malvar, Batangas alang-alang sa ika-148 kaarawan ni Hen. Miguel Malvar 2. Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang batas na nagsususog sa 'Price Act' para pangalagaan ang mamimili sa mapagsamantala kung may kalamidad 3. Mapayapang paglutas sa 'standoff' at iwasan ang pagkaputi ng buhay ang pakay ng pagdalaw niya sa zamboanga, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino 4. Pinag-aaralan ng DOJ ang malakas na kaso laban kay Misuari at sa mga sumalakay sa Zamboanga, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino 5. Aquino: Ang kaguluhan sa Zamboanga ay maaaring magpabilis sa prosesong pangkapayapaan sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front 1. Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na pista opisyal ang Setyembre 27 sa Malvar, Batangas alang-alang sa ika148 kaarawan ni Hen. Miguel Malvar Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na pista opisyal ang Setyembre 27 na natapat sa araw ng Biyernes, sa bayan ng Malvar sa lalawigan ng Batangas alang-alang sa pagdiri-wang ng ika-148 kaarawan ni Heneral Miguel

Malvar. Ang deklarasyon ay ginawa ng Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 646 na nilag-daan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Agosto 22 upang bigyan ng lahat ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng bayan ng Malvar na parangalan at ipagdiwang ang kaarawan ng dakilang bayaning Batanggenyo. Ang pangalan ng bayang ito ay Malvar bilang parangal at pagkilala kay Heneral Miguel Malvar na isinilang sa Baryo ng San Miguel, Santo Tomas, Batangas noong Setyembre 27, 1865. Si Heneral Malvar ang isa sa mga nanguna sa pagtatatag ng sangay ng Katipunan sa Batangas. Nang sumiklab ang Digmaang Pilipino-Amerikano noong 1899, nakipaglaban si Hen. Malvar at ang mga tauhan niya. Marami sa magigiting na Pilipino ang nagpatuloy sa pakikibaka sa mga Amerikano kahit marami na ang sumuko. Subalit si Heneral Malvar at mga tauhan niya ay patuloy na nakipaglaban at kinikilalang kahuli-hulihang heneral ng Himsagsikan na sumuko sa mga Amerikano noong Abril 16, 1902. Kay Heneral Franklin J. Bell ng Hukbong Amerikano siya sumuko. Umuwi si Heneral Malvar sa Batangas at nagsaka. Tinanggihan ni Malvar ang mga alok na siya ay gawing gobernador ng Batangas. Noong Oktubre 13, 1911, binawian siya ng buhay sa Maynila dahil sa sakit sa atay. Iniuwi ang kanyang mga labi sa Santo Tomas, Batangas at inukulan ng parangal-panghukbo nang ilibing siya sa naturang bayan. PND (js/zaf) TOP 2. Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang batas na nagsususog sa 'Price Act' para pangalagaan ang mamimili sa mapagsamantala kung may kalamidad Upang pangalagaan ang mga mamimili sa mga mapagsamantalang nagtataas ng halaga ng mga bilihin sa panahon ng kalamidad at kagipitan, nilagdaan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang panukalang batas na nagsususog sa Price Act noong Setyembre 6. Ang nilagdaan ng Pangulo ay ang Batas ng Republika 10623 o Batas na nagsususog sa Ilang Tadhanain ng Batas ng Republika Blg. 7581 na pinamagatang Batas na Nangangalaga sa mga Mamimili sa Pamamagitan ng Pagtatakda ng Halaga ng mga Pangunahing Pangangailangan at Mahalagang Bilihin at Pagtatakda ng Mga Dapat Gawin Laban sa Hindi Marapat na Pagtataas ng Halaga ng Bilihin sa Panahon ng Kagipitan at Kahalintulad na Pagkakataon, at Ukol Pa Rin sa Iba Pang mga Layunin. Sa batas na ito ay dinagdagan ang mga pangunahing kailangan upang matiyak na higit na maraming bilihin ang hindi karakarakang maitataas ang halaga sa panahon ng mga kalamidad, kagipitan at katulad na mga pagkakataon. Kasama na sa ilalim ng bagong Batas ang mga yari sa bansa na noodles at nakaboteng tubig sa mga listahan ng mga pangunahing kailangan para pangalagaan ang mamimili sa biglaang pagtaas ng presyo kung may kalamidad, pangkagipitang pangyayari at mga kauring kalagayan. Dahil sa dami ng bumibili ng instant noodles at nakaboteng inumin kaya isinama na ito sa listahan ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan na tulad ng bigas, mais, tinapay, kamote at kauring pananim, sariwa, tuyo o nakaltang isda at iba pang marine products, sariwang bagoy, baka at manok, itlog, sariwa at processed milk, gulay at prutas, kape, asukal, asin, sabong panlaba, kahoy, uling, cooking oil, household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kandila, gaas, mga gamot na ayon sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ay mahalaga. Bagaman hindi pangunahing kailangan, ngunit itinuturing na mahalaga sa mamimili sa pana hon ng kalamidadc at kagipitan na dapat ding hindi biglaang itaas ang halaga na tulad ng arina, patis, suka, bawang, sibuyas, nakalatang baboy, baka at manok, toyo, sabong pampaligo, gayundin ang pataba sa lupa, pestisidyo, pagkain ng manok, baboy at isda at veterinary products, herbicides, hollow blocks, plyboard, plywood, electrical supplies, steel wires, gamit sa paaralan, bombilya, lahat ng gamot na hindi klasipiko ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan bilang essential drugs, at iba pang panindang maaaring isama sa ilalim ng Batas na ito. Nilikha sa ilalim ng Batas na ito ang Price Coordinating Council na ang tagapangulo ay ang Kalihim ng Kalakal at Industriya at mga kagawad ang mga Kalihim ng Pagsasaka, Kalusugan, Kapaligiran at Likas na Kayamanan, Lokal na Pamahalaan, Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon, Katarungan, Enerhiya, Direktor Heneral ng National Economic and Development Authority, at tig-isang kinatawan ng sektor ng konsumidor, sektor ng pagsssaka, sektor ng kalakalan at sa sektor ng manufacturers bilang mga kagawad. Maliban kung alisin na ng Pangulo, ang pananatili ng presyo ng mga pangunahing kailangan ay mananatili hanggang mapawi na ang kalagayang naging dahilan ng pagpapahayag nito, subalit hindi naman lalampas sa 60 araw. Para sa mga LPG na gamit sa tahanan at gaas, na inaangkat at deregulated sa ilalim ng mga umiiral na batas, mananatili ang control sa presyo nang hindi hihigit sa 15 araw nang isasaalang-alang ang kasalukuyang imbentaryo o supply levels,. Ang Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya, sa pagsangguni sa mga kasapi ng PCC at stakeholders, ang babalangkas ng mga tuntunin para sa mabisang pagpapatupad ng Batas na ito sa loob ng 90 araw matapos itong magkabisa at siya ring susubaybay ukol sa mahigpit na pag-alinsunod dito.

Maaari rin nilang baguhin ang mga tuntunin ng Batas ng Republika Blg. 7581 kung kanilang mamarapatin. Magkakabisa ang Batas na ito sa loob ng 15 araw pagkatapos malathala sa dalawa man lamang na pahayagang malaganap ang sirkulasyon. PND (js/zaf) TOP 3. Mapayapang paglutas sa 'standoff' at iwasan ang pagkaputi ng buhay ang pakay ng pagdalaw niya sa zamboanga, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino Ang pangangalaga sa buhay, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang pangunahing pakay ng pagtungo niya sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga Biyernes matapos ang hostage-taking incident o pagdukot ng mga taong gagawing panangga ng mga tauhan umano ng pangkat ni Nur Misuari na Moro National Liberation Front. Sa panayam ng media sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga, binigyang diin ng Pangulo na patuloy na tinitiyak ng militar na ang ligalig ay hindi naman lumalaganap sa iba pang panig ng lungsod. Sinabi pa ng Pangulo na hindi niya maaaring ihayag ang detalya ng plano ukol sa seguridad upang matiyak ang tagumpay ng operasyon ng mga militar, at idinugtong niya na kontrolado ng militar ang kalagayan sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga bagaman may mga sagupaan pang nagaganap. Ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at ang Pulisya ay humarap sa sitwasyong ito nang may sapat na lakas at hanggang sa kasalukuyan na ika-5 araw na ng standoff, sabi ng Pangulo, may sapat na bilang ng mga tauhan ng pamahalaan na nagbabantay sa pook at gayundin ang sapat na mga kagamitang kailangan. Hiningi ng Pangulo sa mga mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Zamboanga na manatiling mahinahon at huwag mainip sapagkat lulutasin ang standoff na ito para wala nang maputi pang buhay. Kailangan ang hinahon para masigurong hindi darami ang buhay na masasawi o masusugatan sa kasalukuyang nagaganap dito, wika pa ng Pangulo. Umaga ng Biyernes nagtungo sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga ang Pangulo sakay ng eroplano upang personal na alamin ang nangyayari roon at tiyaking ang mga taong apektado ng kaguluhan ay tatanggap ng kaukulang tulong at pangangalaga ng pamahalaan. Inaasahang ipaaalam ng militar sa Pangulo ang ginagawa nila kugnay ng nagaganap na ito sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga. Ang mga rebelde ay nakukubkob na ng mga kawal ng pamahalaan ay nasa limang baranggay na maliit na bahagi lamang ng Lungsod ng Zamboanga, ayon sa mga ulat. Huwebes nang sabihin ng Malacanang na hindi mag-aatubili ang pamahalaan na gamitan ng dahas ang mga rebelde upang matapos na ang standoff. Sinabi ito ng Malacanang matapos sumiklab din ang labanan sa pagitan ng mga kawal ng pamahalaan at ng mga mandirigma ng MNLF sa kalapit lamang na lalawigan ng Basilan. Sinasabing ang grupong ito ng MNLF ay sumanib na sa Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters at sa Abu Sayyaf. PND (as/zaf) TOP 4. Pinag-aaralan ng DOJ ang malakas na kaso laban kay Misuari at sa mga sumalakay sa Zamboanga, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino Kasalukuyang pinag-aaralan ng Kagawaran ng Katarungan ang pagsalakay sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga ng umano ay Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) na kapanalig ni Nur Misuari upang malakas na kaso ang maiharap laban sa kanila, alinsunod sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes. Iniimbestigahang lahat ng mga aktuwasyon ni Misuari at ng iba pa. Sa simu la pa lamang ng krisis na ito, inatasan na natin si Kalihim Leila de Lima na tingnan kung ano ang aktuwal na pruweba na mayroon tayo ng kanilang pinaggagawa, sabi ng Pangulo sa panayam sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga. Ayon sa Pangulo, nakakuha siya ng report Biyernes na nagsasabing ang mga kasong iniharap laban kay Misuari noong taong 2000 ay napawalang bisa dahil sa kakulangan ng mga katibayan. Tahasang sinabi ng Pangulo na hindi niya ibig maulit ang nasabing pagkakamali kaya nais niyang matiyak na sino mang may pananagutan sa kaguluhan sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga ay dapat papanagutin. Palagay ko, lahat ng mga aksiyon ay pinaghandaan sa simula pa. Iyon ang plano nilang talaga enmass o maramihan na mga 2000 o higit pa ang pupunta sa City Hall, magtataas ng bandera nila roon, bagay na hindi nangyari, sagot ng Pangulo sa tanong ng reporter. Hindi nakatuloy ang malaking pangkat ng sandatahan sa loob ng Lungsod ng Zamboanga sapagkat maagap silang nasagkaan ng militar at pulisya.

Nagtungo ang Pangulo sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga Biyernes ng umaga sakay ng eroplano para tayahin ang kalagayan sa lungsod. Ibig din niyang tiyakin sa mga taong apektado ng karahasan na tutulungan at pangangalagaan sila ng pamahalaan. Ipinaalam din ng militar sa Pangulo ang kasalukuyang operasyon sa lungsod ng militar. Sa isang pahayag na inilabas Huwebes, sinabi ng Malacanang na hindi mag-aatubili ang pamahalaan na gumamit ng dahas upang matapos na ang standoff na ito. Sa pahayag na inilabas ng Malacanang pagkatapos sumiklab ang labanan sa kalapit na lalawigan ng Basilan dahil sa tangkang pagsalakay ng pinagsanib na pangkat ng mandirigma ng MNLF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters at Abu Sayyaf sa Lungsod ng Lamitan. PND (as/zaf) TOP 5. Aquino: Ang kaguluhan sa Zamboanga ay maaaring magpabilis sa prosesong pangkapayapaan sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front Ang kaguluhang nagaganap sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga ay malamang magpabilis pa sa pagbalangkas ng kasunduang pangkapayapaan sa Moro Islamic Libersation Front (MILF) upang matamo sa wakas ang tunay na kapayapaan sa rehiyon. Ito ang mariing winika ng Panguloong Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes kaugnay ng kaguluhan sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga na bunga ng pagtatangka ng mga tauhan ng Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) na pasukin ang lungsod para magtirik ng bandila nila roon. Sinabi ng Pangulo na ang kasalukuyang tensiyon sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga ay hindi nakaapekto sa negosasyon ng pamahalaan at ng MILF sa Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia kung saan tinatalakay na ng dalawang panig ang nalalabing annexes ng kasunduan. Patuloy ang ating negosasyong ginaganap sa Kuala Lumpur tungkol doon sa annexes habang nag -uusap tayo ngayon. Umalis ang ating negotiation panel Biyernes noong nakalipas na linggo, dagdag ng Pangulo sa panayam sa Lungsod ng Sambuwangga Biyernes. Kaya patuloy ang kanilang mga pag-uusap tungkol sa power sharing and the normalization annexes, sabi pa ng Pangulo. Ang MILF, tulad ng iba pang paksiyon ng Moro National Liberation Front, ay tumuligsa sa pagsalakay na ginawa sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga ng umano ay paksiyong kapanalig ni Nur Misuari, ayon pa sa Pangulo. Sakay ng eroplano na nagsadya ang Pangulo Biyernes ng umaga sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga upang personal na tayahin ang kalagayan doon lalo na para tiyaking ang mga taong naapektuhan ng sigalot ay tutulungan at pangangalagaan ng pamahalaan. Sinabi niya na ang pangunahing pakay ng pagdalaw niya ay upang maiwasan ang walang katuturang pagkaputi ng buhay ng mga tao at upang matiyak din ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng madla. PND (as/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Meeting (ANCM) Raffles and Fairmont Makati, One Raffles Drive, Makati City 10 Sept. 2013 I know that even before the era of colonialism, our peoples had already been brought together by the sea. During that time, our ancestors sowed the very first seeds of the relations we now enjoythrough trade and the exchange of goodwill. The extent of our precolonial relations may surprise some. For example, I am told that on the eve of the European conquest of the Philippines, the Thai had already established an embassy-of-sorts in Cebu, a province in

the southern part of our country. Truly, even from the early years of our civilizations, our peoples have looked at the waters that surround us and seen nautical highways to cooperation and friendship. Today, I am honored to be here with all of you in this meeting, which aims to continue that tradition. After the conquest and subsequent reclamation of countries in the region after the upheavals and the wars that have shaped the landscape of historyonce again we find ourselves together, seeking ways to expand and strengthen our partnerships. Our present times demand it. Our respective nations entered the modern era as independent states, and we are all well aware of the challenges that come with itand of the work that must be done to meet those challenges. Our respective nations have all strived to uphold our individual sovereignty, while at the same time fostering a strong sense of regional solidarityone that favors consensus and collaboration instead of discord, aggression, and imposition. And it is in meetings like this where we can make progress on that front where we can truly solidify our ties and protect our common seas. The end in sight: Freedom of navigation, the safety of commercial vessels, and the security of their civilian passengers, all of which are especially important given the ASEAN Economic Community, which we intend to establish by 2015. This is precisely what all of us here want to ensure; and it gives me great optimism that all of you are here to talk and listen to each other about how we can better pursue these goals. I trust that this meeting will lead to the mutual enrichment of our navies to the sharing of vital lessons in accomplishing missionswhether these be maritime patrols, search and rescue operations, or the interdiction of pirates and other security threatsall towards the creation of an ASEAN environment more secure than ever before. While the stories of cooperation between our peoples through the centuries already fill the pages of our history books, I am hopeful that, together, through meetings such as this, we can extend those narratives and write even more chapters about how we have worked together to sustain a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN region. Perhaps I can leave you with one thought: Communication leads to cooperation, which enhances stability for the region leading to prosperity for all. Thank you, and may you all have a fruitful meeting. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
14 SEPTEMBER 2013
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Mindanao gets agricultural development boost DSWD sends more good to Zamboanga City for armed conflict victims DTI kicks off inter-agency dialogue Statement of Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles on the postponement of the 5th GPH-MNLF-OIC Tripartite Review Meeting Consumer sentiment slightly weakens in Q3 2013 but rises in Q4 2013 PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of La Trinidad (Benguet) to pay their obligations GPH calls on future teachers to contribute to peace DOLE's NCMB settles notice of strike in food firm in one conciliation meeting DOLE's NCMB resolves PM case in Union Bank through conciliation; P120-M in monetary benefits accrue to workers Baldoz turns over 30 computers, P1.6-M in livelihood grants to the youth, fishermen, and women workers in Cebu September 2013 Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination results released in three (3) working days Cebu Pacific Begins Thrice-Weekly Flight to Phuket Davao Business Delegation Explores Opportunities in Singapore Monetary Board Keeps Policy Rates Unchanged PDIC continues to pay depositors, creditors of Unitrust until October 7

1. Mindanao gets agricultural development boost Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph Japan is financing another huge development project in Mindanao designed to enhance the productivity of its farmers, thereby ensuring food security and self-sufficiency for the country. The Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC) said Tokyo, through its Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is extending to the Philippines a 6.063-billion-

yen (P2.75-billion) loan package to finance a project called Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian Reform and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD). The five-year project was launched on September 3, 2013, in Davao City. The MinSAAD project will provide small-scale agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation facilities, post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads, and capacity-building support in 12 selected settlement areas in three regions in Mindanao covering 205 barangays and 25 towns. Around 70,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries are expected to directly benefit from the project. The undertaking is expected to cause a beneficial ripple effect on the more than 400,000 residents of the 12 settlement areas. The JICA loan is complemented with R1.1-billion counterpart fund from the Philippine government. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) serves as the lead implementing agency, along with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and other government agencies. The Japanese government is the leading donor in Mindanao. Bound by its basic principle of human resources development, nation-building, and heart-to-heart communication, JICA has undertaken various development and humanitarian projects all over the country that have greatly benefited the Filipino people since 1962. The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr. Business Editor Loreto D. Cabaes, Officers and Employees, congratulate people and government of Japan headed by Their Excellencies, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and through its Embassy in Manila led by Ambassador Toshinao Urabe for their generosity, kindness, and nobility of spirit of Japan in the Republic of the Philippines. MABUHAY! |TOP| 2. DSWD sends more good to Zamboanga City for armed conflict victims Source: http://www.dwsd.gov.ph To securely address the needs of displaced families brought about by the on-going armed conflict between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to send additional food and non-food supplies to the city. Three DSWD field offices provided augmentation assistance to Region IX. The DSWD -CARAGA sent yesterday P1.9 million worth of relief supplies composed of 3,000 family food packs, 490 blankets, and 1 unit big tent. Likewise, DSWD- X provided 2,000 family food packs, 2,000 hygiene kits, 100 sacks of rice, 20 pcs of tarpaulin, 20 cases of sardines, 20 cases of corned beef, and 100 boxes of coffee. DSWD-XI also sent 3,000 family food packs and 1 big tent. The resources extended by the three DSWD field offices are on top of the P3.5 million initially provided by DSWD Region IX, LGU of Zamboanga, and Civil Society Organizations. As of 6 am today, total number of displaced families is 5,181 families with 24,393 persons. Of this number, 4,669 families or 21,335 persons are still staying in the 15 identified evacuation centers around the city. Majority or 3,281 families are staying at the Sports Complex. The evacuees are continuously provided with relief supplies and hot meals while children-evacuees undergo play therapy sessions to lessen their trauma. The DSWD said that it would initially distribute 5,000 family access cards to the evacuees. The family access card will ensure the equitable distribution of relief goods to the evacuees. It shows whether a family-evacuee has received enough assistance or still underserved. Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said that the DSWD-NCR has now set up a help desk center to assess the needs of stranded Manila to Zamboanga City bound passengers at NAIA Terminal 3 for five days now. There are 35 strandees including six minors and a pregnant woman. Most of the strandees opted to reroute their flights to Dipolog tomorrow. The DSWD-NCR initially provided the strandees with heavy meals, bottled water, biscuits, and cup noodles for snacks while at the airport. Social workers were also deployed to Port Area to validate if there are Zamboanga-bound passengers who are also stranded at the Manila South Harbor. In a related development, the DSWD reported that an undetermined number of affected families were evacuated to safer grounds after an armed conflict also occurred at Barangay Colonia in Lamitan, Basilan. The Provincial Social Welfare Office of Basilan is still monitoring the situation in the area to determine the number of displaced families. |TOP| 3. DTI kicks off inter-agency dialogue Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zambales recently organized an interagency forum to update local businesses with the latest developments in government regulations and projects. DTI, along with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security Systems (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), and the Housing Development Mutual Fund (PagIbig) answered questions from business owners regarding matters that affect their business operations. According to Leonila Baluyut, DTI-Zambales provincial director, these agencies are the mandatory agencies that businesses need to be acquainted with before being given the necessary permits to operate. One of the topics discussed during the forum was the Shared Service Facility Project (SSFP) of the DTI. Baluyut said that the government has allotted P770M every year for this project that aims to assist small cooperatives in acquiring equipment needed for their business. Baluyut also said that six areas in Zambales have already been served by the project. These are Olongapo, Castillejos, Cabangan, San Felipe, Palauig and Candelaria. Also discussed during the forum is the new receipt policy of the BIR, whereby businesses are required to use the new receipt by September. Baluyut said that they intend to regularly conduct the forum in order to reach out to the people and help them with inquiries about their services. She said that they plan to hold the forum every month. |TOP| 4. Statement of Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles on the postponement of the 5th GPH-MNLF-OIC Tripartite Review Meeting Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph The Philippine Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs received today from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia a Note Verbale concerning the postponement of the 5thSession of the GPH-OIC-MNLF Tripartite Implementation Review Meeting scheduled on 16 September 2013. The formal communication conveyed a copy of the Note Verbal dated 12 September 2013, addressed to the OIC Secretary General from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, which serves as the Chair of the OIC Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (PCSP). The said Note Verbale to the OIC Secretary General relayed the receipt of Indonesia of a letter from the Chair of the MNLF Secretariat requesting for the postponement of the Tripartite Meeting to a later date, preferably in the 1st week of October 2013. It stated that the request was made by MNLF Chair Nur Misuari due to the situation in Zamboanga City. The Department of Foreign Affairs has accordingly conveyed to the Indonesian Embassy that the Government will respect the decision of the OIC-PCSP Chair. We consider it unfortunate that this opportunity for a face-to-face meeting that had been set precisely to discuss the status of the Tripartite Implementation review and the future of this peace process is yet again delayed. We conveyed to the Chair of the OIC PCSP our concern that this meeting not be indefinitely postponed. Indonesias Note Verbale to the OIC Secretary General stated that the new schedule and venue of the Tripartite meeting will be communicated following consultations with both parties. We remain committed to our continuing engagement with the MNLF for the full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, in pursuit of just and lasting peace in Mindanao. |TOP| 5. Consumer sentiment slightly weakens in Q3 2013 but rises in Q4 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Consumer Outlook Consumer outlook slightly weakened in Q3 2013 based on the Consumer Expectations Survey that was conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during the period 1-12 July 2013. Nonetheless, consumer confidence during the quarter registered the second highest reading since the nationwide survey started in Q1 2007. The reasons cited by respondents for the decline in consumer confidence were low income due to factors such as poor harvests, no permanent work and downturn of businesses; more unemployed persons; and higher household expenditures. Going forward, consumer confidence turned more favorable for the next quarter in anticipation of the availability of more jobs as well as more working family members, increased investments, additional incomes, and monetary benefits (bonuses)

during the holiday season. Meanwhile, the consumer outlook for the year ahead remained steady. Perception is measured on three indicators of consumer confidencethe countrys economic condition, family financial situation and family income. For Q3 2013, consumer sentiment across indicators weakened. Respondents outlook was lowest on their family financial situation, dampened by low income levels and higher household expenditures. For the next quarter, consumers were more upbeat on their family finances as respondents expected to receive their holiday bonuses/13th month pay, while their outlook on the countrys economic condition was broadly steady. By income group, weaker consumer sentiment was observed among the middle-and high-income groups in Q3 2013, while the outlook of respondents from the low-income group remained steady on their family finances but turned pessimistic with respect to their views about the countrys economy. For the near term, consumer sentiment was mixed across income groups. The perception on the economic condition of the country was steady for the low-income group, but declined for the middle- and high-income groups. However, a more buoyant outlook was noted across income groups in terms of their finances. For the year ahead, the high-income group continued to be the most optimistic across income groups, while the outlook of the low-income group on their family income and the economic condition of the country weakened. Despite the weaker current quarter sentiment, more respondents considered the current quarter as a favorable time to buy big-ticket items such as consumer durables, motor vehicles and housing. Meanwhile, buying intentions remained broadly steady for the year ahead. Saving Behavior Survey results showed that the number of households with savings increased and was observed across income groups. The increase in the number of savers could be attributed to the decline in expenses on education during the survey period which comprised the bulk of consumers outlay in the previous quarters survey. Among respondents with savings, those with bank deposit accounts increased, while respondents that kept their savings at home and put their money in cooperatives, paluwagan and other credit/loan associations remained broadly steady. Selected Economic Indicators Consumers anticipated that the peso would continue to appreciate against the US dollar in the next 12 months in line with expectations of continued inflows of foreign investments and sustained overseas Filipino (OF) remittances. However, the number that said so declined compared to a quarter ago. Respondents also anticipated inflation to increase slightly to 7.9 percent from 7.5 percent in Q2 2013 as more consumers expected higher prices of basic goods and services in the year ahead. Interest rates were also expected to increase in the next 12 months but fewer consumers indicated so. Meanwhile, more respondents expected unemployment to rise over the next 12 months. Expenditures of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) OFW households that responded to the survey indicated that they used their remittances primarily for food, education, medical expenses, debt payments and savings in Q3 2013. However, the percentage of OFW households that utilized their remittances for savings decreased to 34.3 percent (from 39.4 percent in Q2 2013) as more respondents allocated their remittances to pay debts, which increased to 43.5 percent from 42.1 percent in the previous quarters survey. Likewise, those that allocated their remittances for the purchase of consumer durables went down compared to the previous quarters results. Meanwhile, those that apportioned part of their remittances for investment (i.e., business capital or stocks), purchase of real property and motor vehicles remained broadly steady in Q3 2013. About the survey The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expanded the Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) into a nationwide survey beginning Q1 2007. Earlier, the survey was conducted only in the NCR (survey started in Q3 2004). The CES samples were drawn from the National Statistics Offices (NSO) Master Sample List of Households, which is considered a representative sample of households nationwide. The master sample was generated using a stratified multi-stage probability sampling scheme. The Q3 2013 CES has a total sample size of 5,763 households, of which 2,771 (48.1 percent) were from the NCR and 2,992 (51.9 percent) from the AONCR. For inquiries, please contact the Department of Economic Statistics Read Full Report |TOP| 6. PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of La Trinidad (Benguet) to pay their obligations Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Receiver of the closed Rural Bank of La Trinidad (Benguet), reminded borrowers of the bank to continue to pay their loans and transact only with authorized PDIC representatives. In a statement, PDIC advised borrowers of the Rural Bank of La Trinidad to pay their loans and other obligations

directly at any Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under account name, PDIC FAO BURL RURAL BANK OF LA TRINIDAD with Reference Number 373-0949-00013. The Receiver cautioned borrowers that it has discontinued the engagement of the banks collectors. PDIC has not engaged any person to collect the loans of the bank. To ensure proper recording of payments made by borrowers, it further advised borrowers to keep copies of the PNB Deposit/Payment Slips. The Receiver emphasized that only payments with validated PNB Deposit/Payment Slips shall be considered valid payments. The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Rural Bank of La Trinidad under the receivership of the PDIC by virtue of MB Resolution No. 1351.B dated August 15, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on August 22, 2013. Upon takeover, all bank records are gathered, verified and validated. Rural Bank of La Trinidad is a two-unit bank with Head Office located at Solis Bldg., JC 105, Km 5, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet. Its lone branch is in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of June 30, 2013 filed by the Rural Bank of La Trinidad with the PDIC, the bank is majority-owned by Ricardo C. Solis (27%), Humberto C. Solis (25%) and Marie C. Solis (15%). Its Chairman and President is Ricardo C. Solis. Borrowers of the bank may also communicate with the PDIC Loans Management Department I at (02) 841-4992 or 841-4760. Queries may also be sent through email at pad@pdic.gov.ph. |TOP| 7. GPH calls on future teachers to contribute to peace Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Manila Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Alexander Padilla on Wednesday urged some 200 future educators to do their part in promoting peace amid challenges besetting the negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New Peoples Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF). Itong ginagawa namin ay hindi para sa amin. Kayo ang nakapusta rito. Sana ay mag -contribute kayo, hindi lang sa ikauunlad ng inyong pamilya, kung di ng bansa (What we are doing is not for our own sake. It is you who are at stake here. I hope that you will do something not only for your families, but also for the country), he said in a forum with education majors from the Philippine Normal University (PNU) held at the Main Auditorium of the PNU in Taft Avenue in this city. Padilla gave the students an overview of the GPH-CPP/NPA/NDF peace process, particularly the difficulties it has been facing. Peace talks between the two parties have been on an impasse since June 2011, following the CPP/NPA/NDFs demand for the government to release its political consultants, who are allegedly covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), as a precondition for formal negotiations to restart. However, the JASIG mechanism to verify the true identities of alias holders has failed due to the NDFs fault and there is no way for the two parties to check if the detained alleged NDF consultants are JASIG-protected. Amid this deadlock in the talks, the violence from the NPA continues. Kailangan iresolba (ang armadong hid waan) sa pag-uusap at hindi sa paggamit ng baril at karahasan (We need to resolve (the armed conflict) through dialogue, and not through use of arms and violence), Padilla said. Itong insurgency na ito ang pumipigil sa ating development (It is this insur gency that has impeded our development). Padilla reiterated the governments commitment to the peace process and is prepared to offer a new approach to the negotiations that is time-bound and agenda-bound that will end the violence on the ground. It is a win-win situation if we can end the violence. Armed struggle will never be the solution to the problem, added Padilla. Youth as peace ambassadors Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Communications Director Polly Michelle Cunanan, who provided updates on the work of OPAPP in the peace process, said that the youth have a critical role in promoting peace. Kahit ang mga kabataan na tulad niyo ay maaaring maging tagapagtaguyod ng kapayapaan (Even young people can you can become ambassadors of peace), she said. Hindi niyo kailangan umupo sa negotiating table o tumungo sa conflict areas para makatulong (You dont need to sit at the negotiating table or go to conflict areas to help), Cunanan said. Napakarami niyong magaga wa magbasa kayo ng balita, pag-aralan niyo ang konteksto, lumahok sa mga peace forums, mag-suggest ng mga solusyon (You can do so many things read the news, study the context, join peace forums, suggest solutions). She made a strong call to the students to be involved and enjoined them to recite the slogan I am for peace. Ang lahat ay peace -sible! PNU President Ester Ogena urged the students to have a mindset for innovation that requires a lot of effort for learning to become an effective teacher. Be cautious

Padilla, who confessed to having been an activist during his younger days, cautioned the students about joining activist organizations. Okay lang na sumama kayo sa simula, pero busisiin ninyo kung ano ba talaga ang layunin nila (Its okay to get involved with them in the beginning, but make sure you probe what is their real objective), he said, recounting how he later got turned off after finding out the real motives of the organizations he had joined. PNU Associate Dean for Behavioral and Social Sciences Feliece Yeban added that the students should consider whether or not joining an organization is helpful. Yeban shared the experience of several of her students who became NPA rebels. One of them was killed in an encounter with the military on his first night in the mountains. Another came home after a long absence only to find out that his mother had died while he was giving all his time and effort to the NPA. Filled with regret, he withdrew from the movement. Kung gusto niyo maging aktibista, pumasok kayo sa mga eskuwelahan at baguhin ang bansa (If you want to be an activist, go to the schools and change the country from there), she told the education students. |TOP| 8. DOLE's NCMB settles notice of strike in food firm in one conciliation meeting Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, an attached agency of the DOLE, has reported to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz that its office in Region 4-A has settled a looming strike at a food manufacturing plant in San Pedro, Laguna, thereby restoring harmony and productivity between management and the company's workers. "We are pleased to report that the notice of strike filed by the Lorenzana Food Corporation Workers' Union against the company on account of a deadlock in collective bargaining was settled in just one conciliation conference," Director Ubaldo reported. The union, affiliated with NLM-Katipunan, filed the notice of strike on 6 August. NCMB Region IV-A officer-in-charge Gil G. Caragayan, who facilitated the settlement, said that on 12 August, the parties to the dispute agreed to conclude their three-year collective bargaining agreement containing an economic package of P570,490 that will benefit 21 union members. I am pleased that once again, the NCMB's strengthened conciliation process has led to the settlement of a potential strike that would have been deleterious to the company and its workers. Conciliation is really a fast and cost-effective mode of resolving labor disputes and facilitating settlement," commented Baldoz, who also commended Director Caragayan for settling the labor dispute in just one conciliation conference. Lorenzana Food Corporation, which has around 100 workers, has its factory in Brgy. San Antonio in San Pedro. On the other hand, Lorenzana Food Corp. Workers Union-NLM KATIPUNAN is the sole and exclusive bargaining representative of its 21 members, led by Rene Brioso, union president and Alfredo Pullarca, secretary general. |TOP| 9. DOLE's NCMB resolves PM case in Union Bank through conciliation; P120-M in monetary benefits accrue to workers Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz has announced the settlement through conciliation of a preventive mediation (PM) case at the Union Bank of the Philippines, with nearly P120 million in benefits accruing to 868 members of the Union Bank Employees Association (UBEA), headed by union president Trinidad G. Ilacad. Citing a report from NCMB-NCR Regional Director Amorsolo Aglibut, Baldoz said the preventive mediation case filed by union on 6 August 2013 sprung from a deadlock in collective bargaining negotiations, specifically on such issues as economic and non-economic benefit items, including retirement pay; labor educational assistance; life/ accident disability insurance; advance of performance bonus; longevity pay; educational assistance; salary increase; housing loan assistance. "We are pleased to report that one of the leading banking institutions in the country and its employees' union have arrived at a satisfactory settlement of their dispute," Aglibut said in his report. The UBEA is an independent union and the sole and exclusive bargaining agent of the rank-and-file employees of the bank. On the other hand, Union Bank is one of the largest and leading banking institutions in the Philippines. Its main office is located at UBP Plaza Building, Meralco Avenue corner Onyx Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Director Aglibut said the NCMB-NCR initiated conciliation conferences on 30 August and 6 September 2013, which facilitated the arrival by both parties to a mutually-acceptable resolution of the dispute. On salary increase, both parties agreed that on the fourth year, the following increases shall apply: salaries that consistently exceed limits (CE), 12 percent or P1,900; salaries that usually exceed limits (UE), 11.5 percent, or P1,700; consistently meet limits (CM), 11 percent, or P1,500; and salaries that usually meet limits (UM), P600. On the fifth year, salaries that consistently exceed limits will be raised by P2,000; salaries that usually exceed limits, P1,900; and salaries that consistently meet limits P1,800. The parties also agreed to a signing bonus of 50 percent of basic pay based on adjusted rates, as follows: (a) 4th year, P63,000 and (b) 5th year, P 63,000; an additional Labor Educational Assistance of P10,000 per year. Conciliator-mediator Cynthia Foncardas, who assisted in the settlement, said the new collective bargaining agreement will be effective from 1 June 2013 to 31 May 2015. "While this is a difficult case because of the relatively huge demand of the union, we optimistic in the eventual resolution of the conflict. The biggest challenge was in helping the parties sift their emotions and seeing to it that both would eventually be amenable to the result of the negotiation process, and be enthusiastically ready to abide by their agreement," said Forcadas. In commending the union and the management of the bank, Secretary Baldoz said that questions, complaints, and frustrations felt by the parties during the negotiations were part of the whole process. "In many instances, the difficulty of resolving conflicts will only reach a meaningful solution if parties to disputes are willing to listen to each others concerns," she said. Baldoz added that the DOLE-NCMB conciliation program is efficient because of its genuine interest and earnest commitment to settle conflicts that could possibly redound to the benefit of management, the union members, and their clients in the long run. She also commended Forcadas, saying: "The daunting task of the conciliator-mediator in the case entailed active listening and understanding conflicting interest, coupled with sincere empathy for all the parties which is not an easy task, but in the end, after the successful resolution of the dispute, the reward is there in ensuring labor-management peace and harmony." |TOP| 10. Baldoz turns over 30 computers, P1.6-M in livelihood grants to the youth, fishermen, and women workers in Cebu Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recently turned over 30 computers and released P1.26 million in livelihood grants to identified youth entrepreneurs, fisherfolks, and women workers in Cebu under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. The turnover coincided with Secretary's visit to Cebu as guest speaker at the National Wages and Productivity Commission's Area-Based Consultation on the Two-Tier Wage System aimed to intensify advocacy efforts and to discuss policy concerning the implementation of the wage reform being pushed by the DOLE. Members of the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards of Regions 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 attended the consultation organized by the NWPC. Baldoz, in turning over the 30 computers, lauded the Labor Tripartite Council in Education and the Industrial Tripartite Council-Business Process Management/Information and Communication Technology, as well as DASH Engineering Philippines, Inc., the ITC-BPM-ICT member that donated the computers, for their computer donation project. "Your project is the highest exercise of corporate social responsibility and will go a long way in keeping child laborers in school," she said. The 30 computers will go to Northern Cebu Colleges in Bogo City and will specifically benefit the out-of-school youth of Barangay Calang, one of the target barangays of the DOLE Regional Office under its Child Labor Free Barangay Project. Accompanied by DOLE Regional Office No. 7 Director Chona Mantilla, Baldoz also released P1,263,265.60 in livelihood grants to four workers associations for their various livelihood projects under the DILP. One of the recipients, the Cebu City chapter of the Pro-Life Youth Philippines, received P400,000 for its event coverage and promotion business. Jhonar C. Montayre, President of Pro-Life YouthCebu, thanked Secretary Baldoz for the grant assistance, saying the amount will provide her members a source of income and opportunities for personal advancement. The other livelihood grantees were the NKC Employees MultiPurpose Cooperative, which received P400,000 for its small lending business; Pakna-on Multi-Purpose Cooperative, P300,000 for its fishing livelihood; and the Carmen Drivers and Conductors' Association, which received P163,265.60 for its motor spare parts enterprise. "You have to make good in your livelihood because the grant assistance you received came from taxpayers' money and is only entrusted to us. You were lucky to be the recipient of the government's assistance," said Baldoz. During the turnover ceremony, Baldoz also met with the members of the Sama Badjao Tribal Community Association who thanked the DOLE for its DILP grant of P272,487 which the group used to purchase fishing gears for its members. |TOP|

11. September 2013 Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination results released in three (3) working days Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 1,643 out of 3,063 Registered Electrical Engineers and 773 out of 2,126 Registered Master Electricians successfully passed the Electrical Engineer Licensure Examinations given by the Board of Electrical Engineering in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena and Zamboanga this September 2013. The members of the Board of Electrical Engineering who gave the licensure examinations are Engr. Fortunato C. Leynes, Chairman; Engr. Jaime V. Mendoza and Engr. Francis V. Mapile, Members. The results were released in three (3) working days after the last day of examinations. Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on September 23, 24 and 25, 2013. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2013-2016 for REGISTERED ELECTRICAL ENGINEER; Initial Registration Fee of P450 and Annual Registration Fee of P420 for 2013-2016 for REGISTERED MASTER ELECTRICIAN. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examinations WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER. |TOP| 12. Cebu Pacific Begins Thrice-Weekly Flight to Phuket Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 13 September 2013 - Dr. Sommai Preechasilip, Vice Governor of Phuket, and Minister Edgar Badajos of the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok joins other guests and Cebu Pacific representatives in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark the launching of Cebu Pacifics thrice-weekly direct flight from Phuket to Manila, and Manila to Phuket. The launching ceremony was held on August 16 at Gate 4 of Phuket International Airport. (From left) Minister Badajos, Vice Governor Dr. Sommai, Ms. Blessie Cruz, Marketing Promotions Manager of Cebu Pacific; Ms. Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, Philippine Department of Tourism Director for Market Development; and other Cebu Pacific representatives. |TOP| 13. Davao Business Delegation Explores Opportunities in Singapore Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 13 September 2013 - A 25-member business delegation from Davao organized by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCI) visited Singapore from August 19 to 23 to gain insights into the countrys business landscape in anticipation of ASEANs economic integration in 2015, as well as to take advantage of networking and benchmarking opportunities in the city-state. The delegation, which included owners and managers of educational, food and beverage, travel and logistics businesses called on Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Minda Calaguian-Cruz, after which she hosted them to a Singaporean dinner at her residence. Also invited to the dinner were guests from the Khne Foundation-NUS Education Centre for Humanitarian Logistics Asia Pacific and ASKI Global Ltd, to enable them to touch base with the delegation for possible collaboration. The delegation also met with the Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), and the National Environment Agency, and visited the Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority, before continuing to Malaysia. |TOP| 14. Monetary Board Keeps Policy Rates Unchanged Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph At its meeting today, the Monetary Board decided to keep the BSP's key policy rates at 3.50 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 5.50 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility. The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs, and special deposit accounts (SDAs) were also left unchanged. The reserve requirement ratios were kept steady as well.

The Monetary Boards decision is based on its assessment of a benign inflation environment. Latest baseline forecasts indicate that the future inflation path continues to be broadly in line with the target range of 4.01.0 percent in 20132014 and 3.01.0 percent for 2015, while inflation expectations remain firmly anchored. Domestic economic activity has also been growing at a solid pace, supported by firm demand and buoyant business sentiment. Steady policy settings will also allow policymakers to better assess evolving economic risks, given the current volatilities in global financial markets. At the same time, the Monetary Board noted that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook has shifted slightly toward the upside as oil prices have become more volatile amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, world economic prospects are seen to stay broadly subdued, thus tempering pressures on global commodity prices. The robust growth of lending to the productive sectors of the economy should also support the improvement in the economys absorptive capacity and help moderate price pressures. As expected, the BSPs operational adjustment of its SDA facility has also contributed to the rise in domestic liquidity (M3) growth in July. As M3 growth rates are expected to decline once these adjustments have been completed, a temporary period of strong M3 growth is not expected to lead to significant inflationary pressures. Going forward, the BSP will continue to pay close attention to the outlook for prices and economic activity to ensure that monetary policy continues to safeguard non-inflationary economic growth. |TOP| 15. PDIC continues to pay depositors, creditors of Unitrust until October 7 Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Liquidator of the closed Unitrust Development Bank (Unitrust), announced that it will continue to release cash payments to the depositors and creditors of Unitrust until October 7, 2013. The cash payments represent the partial settlement for the claims of the Unitrust depositors and creditors against the assets of the bank. The PDIC started cash payments on Monday, September 9, 2013. The payments should be claimed personally by the depositors and creditors or their duly authorized representative at the Unitrust Development Bank Exchange Corner located at the Ground Floor, Exchange Corner Complex Condominium, Exchange Corner Building, V.A. Rufino St. corner Esteban and Bolanos Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City, on their designated schedule. The schedule of release of payment and requirements are posted in the PDIC website,www.pdic.gov.ph. Meanwhile, the Liquidation Court has set another hearing on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 8:30AM at the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 59, to discuss the content of the Release, Waiver and Quitclaim, With Undertaking to be accomplished by the depositors and creditors of Unitrust. The Liquidation Court had earlier directed the Unitrust depositors and creditors to agree to the proposed allocations of their interests in the real properties as payment equivalent to 38% of their respective claims and to execute their respective quitclaims and waivers once all their claims have been fully-settled. In the hearing on September 10, 2013, the PDIC said that given that Unitrust has sufficient cash, claims of all depositors and creditors can be settled fully in cash. The bank also has surplus assets of P156 million after settlement of all claims of depositors and creditors. Mr. Francis Yuseco, Jr., Unitrust stockholder, is opposing the full release of cash payment to the depositors and creditors if they do not sign a waiver on their claims over the closed banks surplus dividends. A surplus dividend is compensation in the form of damages suffered due to the closure of the bank. This is computed at the rate of 12% per annum from the date of closure, in accordance with the Civil Code. Surplus dividends are declared on excess assets after payment of all claims of depositors and creditors. PDIC said that waiver on the part of the depositors and creditors over the surplus dividends is voluntary. The PDIC stressed that providing depositors and creditors accurate information on the financial condition of the closed Unitrust is critical in making informed decisions; and serves their best interests in order to maximize the recovery of their claims in the closed bank. This is because waiving ones right to surplus dividends is a decision that the depositors and creditors have to make on their own. For more information, depositors and creditors may visit the PDIC website at www.pdic.gov.ph or call Mr. Ronald C. Angeles at telephone no. 841-4780 and Mr. Marcelo Torres at telephone numbers 841-4784 and 841-4983. |TOP|

Last Updated:

14 SEPTEMBER 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III checks the condition of displaced families housed at the evacuation center in Don Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City on Saturday (September 14). The Internally Displaced Persons are affected by the standoff between the Moro National Liberation Front and government forces. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III talks to the men in uniform at the Western Mindanao Command headquarters on Friday (September 13). President Aquino flew to Zamboanga City to personally assess the situation on the Zamboanga City standoff between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government forces. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III personally checked the condition of wounded soldiers at the Camp Navarro Hospital in Western Mindanao Command headquarters on Friday (September 13). President Aquino flew to Zamboanga City to assess the situation on the Zamboanga City standoff between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government forces. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes supplies to government forces at the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) headquarters on Friday (September 13). President Aquino flew to Zamboanga City to personally assess the situation on the Zamboanga City standoff between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government forces. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III personally checked the condition of wounded soldiers at the Camp Navarro Hospital in Western Mindanao Command headquarters on Friday (September 13). President Aquino flew to Zamboanga City to assess the situation on the Zamboanga City standoff between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government forces. In photo are Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III personally checked the condition of wounded soldiers at the Camp Navarro Hospital in Western Mindanao Command headquarters on Friday (September 13). President Aquino flew to Zamboanga City to assess the situation on the Zamboanga City standoff between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government forces. In photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau)

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