DBM INFUSES P42-M INTO BANGSAMORO TRANSITION COMMISSION

Wednesday 22nd of May 2013
MANILA, May 22 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) rolled out P42 million as allocation—of which P29 million has been released as cash—to support the operational requirements of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. This is in line with the Aquino administration’s goal of facilitating socio-economic reform and development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through the creation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. “This release is meant to cover the initial budgetary requirements of the Transition Commission, particularly for its operational needs. The Aquino administration has already mobilized the necessary ta...
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PhilHealth-6 best performing with ”zero backlog”
ILOILO CITY, May 22 (PIA6) – The PhilHealth Office in Western Visayas was adjudged best performing region for its zero backlog in terms of claims processing. Records showed that despite the marked increase in claims received from a daily average of 1,200 in 2011 to 1,700 in 2012, claims in the regional office were processed at an average of five to seven days. Philhealth-6 Manager Dr. Dennis Mas said they aim to sustain the less than one week processing of benefit claims filed by the hospit...
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PhilHealth among list that tops red tape-free agencies
MANILA, May 22 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission lauded the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation as one of the top leading agencies among a list of 449 government agencies that passed the CSC’s Anti-Red Tape Report Card Survey (RCS) for the year 2012. Together with PhilHealth are the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, and Land Transportation Office leading the list of 50 other government offices obtaining an "excellent" rating, the hig...
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  • DILG to probe complaints on use of 4Ps during election campaign

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 22 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to investigate complaints that some candidates and local officials in Southern Leyte used the anti-poverty program of the government for political gain during the midterm polls. Pedro Noval Jr., DILG regional director, said a DILG team has been formed to investigate the veracity of the complaints that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was used to gain political advantage by some c...
  • GSIS cancels policy on suspension of loan privileges

    MANILA, May 22 (PIA) -- State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that beginning July 2013, government employees working in agencies who are delayed or deficient in their premium payments will not have their loan privileges suspended anymore. The new policy also provides remedial guidelines for agencies already suspended so that their employees’ GSIS privileges can be restored. On April 25, the GSIS Board approved a new policy which addressed agencies’ non-...
  • Local poverty reduction action team reconstituted in Ifugao town

    HUNGDUAN, Ifugao, May 21 (PIA) -- The local government unit (LGU) here has reconstituted the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) of the municipality to help pursue the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the poverty. The LPRAT is tasked to organize and facilitate the conduct of local poverty reduction action planning workshop for the formulation of the action plan and identification of poverty reduction projects in the municipality. It is tasked to agree on a list of priorit...
  • Mt. Province Loan Assistance Program benefits 115 OFWs

    BONTOC, Mt. Province, May 21 (PIA) -- The Provincial OFW(Overseas Filipino Workers) Loan Assistance Program of the provincial government here has already benefited some 115 overseas workers and continues to assist more. This program, one of the pet projects of Governor Leonard Mayaen, aims to assist its constituents seeking employment abroad through the provision of financial assistance. According to Laire Ligligen of the Office of the Provincial Governor, the program started in 2011 with...
  • Tuba officials craft ordinance granting benefits to barangay workers

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, May 21 (PIA) - - The local officials of Tuba municipality crafted a measure granting benefits to qualified barangay workers who rendered service to the town’s barangay local government unit. Tuba Ordinance Number 216 spells out the granting of separation, disability and death benefits to all qualified barangay workers with the provision of appropriate funds. Authored by Councilor Garey Behis, the measure covers barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars, bara...
  • Nationwide automation in BI to cut red tape, eliminate fixers

    QUEZON CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that its project to automate the visa application and payment system in all of its field and satellite offices nationwide is nearly complete, thus bolstering the agency’s campaign to cut red tape and improve its services. BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. disclosed that transactions in 34 of the 45 BIoffices throughout the country are now implementing the consolidated assessment and payment sytem for all visa applications ...
  • DPWH-XI monthly presscons as part of transparency initiatives

    DAVAO DEL NORTE, May 21 (PIA) -- As part of its transparency measure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI is calling for monthly press conferences. DPWH XI Mariano R. Alquiza bared this objective of DPWH XI in a press conference yesterday (May 20) at the Davao del Norte DPWH District Engineering Office in Tagum City, Davao del Norte where Alquiza was on the regular meeting with district engineers. “We are practicing transparency in our operation,” he said. During t...
  • COA trains LGU Quirino budget officers, accountants on eNGAS

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, May 21 (PIA)— Some employees of the Provincial Budget , Accounting and Information Technology Offices of the provincial government had undergone a weeklong training on the e-NGAS or the electronic New Government Accounting System (Version 1.2.2 in preparation for its full implementation during the next quarter. The participants who were divided into three teams namely the interconnectivity, accounting and budget teams were trained on the basic operations of the e-NGAS...
  • Benguet provincial board neophytes share their victory and their next steps

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, May 21 (PIA) -- Neophyte members of the provincial board here met here to celebrate their victory and discuss their next steps in their new political career. Jack Dulnuan of the popular Jack's Restaurant food chain, finally made it to the provincial board landing third in District 2. Dulnuan said that he is happy as he is now given a chance to help the people of the province. He said that he wants to legislate measures for the less fortunate to engage in livelihood progra...
  • List of new Tagum City leaders now complete

    CITY OF TAGUM, DAVAO DEL NORTE May 21- The list of new set of leaders in Tagum City is finally known after the City Board of Canvassers (CBOC) of the Commission on Electionsfinally proclaimed last May 17 the ten (10) Councilors who will compose the 6th City Council of Tagum. On May 15, the CBOC already proclaimed incumbent Vice Mayor Allan L. Rellon and Councilor Geterito Gementiza as the Mayor-Elect and Vice Mayor-Elect of Tagum City, respectively. Proclaimed as City Councilors last Friday ...
  • COA trains LGU Quirino budget officers, accountants on eNGAS

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, May 21 (PIA)— Some employees of the Provincial Budget, Accounting and Information Technology Offices of the provincial government has attended a weeklong training on the e-NGAS or the electronic New Government Accounting System (Version 1.2.2 in preparation for its full implementation during the next quarter. The participants who were divided into three teams namely the interconnectivity, accounting and budget teams were trained on the basic operations of the e-NGAS a...
  • COMELEC releases honorarium of Kalinga BEIs

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 20 (PIA) –- The Commission on Election (Comelec) has released the honorarium of public school teachers in the province who served as Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in the May 13 automated midterm elections. According to Provincial Election Supervisor Dexter Bary Cawis, Comelec has released as early as May 16, or three days after the election, the honoraria of BEIs in the province. Every BEI is entitled to a P4,000 honorarium. As this developed, Cawis disclosed...
  • Ifugao town creates market coordinating committee

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, May 20 (PIA) -- The local government has formed the Lagawe Market Coordinating Committee (LMCC) to ensure the proper administration of the public market in the municipality. This is pursuant to the town’s market code to improve the management of the business establishment to safeguard the safety and welfare of all stakeholders. The LMCC is chaired by the municipal mayor and the market administrator as the executive assistant with members like the market president, representat...
  • New Firetrucks for Davao, Tagum and Digos cities

    DAVAO CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection XI unveiled the acquisition of three modern fire trucks that will augment the fire fighting and rescue capability in the cities of Davao, Tagum and Digos. Chief Inspector Carlos Duenas, City Fire Marshall said the new fire truck has boosted the morale of his members since they can now respond to other contingencies aside from putting off the fire given its additional equipment for rescue operation. He said the Austrian-made fire trucks ...
  • New high school opening highlights synchronized Brigada Eskwela launching provincewide

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 17 (PIA) -- The launching of new Sto. Rosario High School in Padre Burgos highlights the province wide launching of Brigada Eskwela in the province this year. According to Southern Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Violeta Alocilja, “The synchronized launching of Brigada Eskwela in the province shall be held on May 22, 2013 in time with the opening of the new Sto. Rosario High School in Padre Burgos.” “The Sto. Rosario High School, which has long ...
  • GSIS-Gensan to be piloted as 24/7 contact center for Mindanao

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 16 (PIA) --The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that it will pilot GSIS-GenSan as 24/7 contact center for Mindanao area. In its recently-held soft launch, GSIS cited the need to establish a 24/7 contact center that will immediately respond to the concerns of its clients nationwide. “GSIS-Bacolod will be the pilot site for the Visayas area; General Santos City for Mindanao; Legaspi for Southern Luzon, and Cabanatuan for Northern Luzon,” said Sal...
  • ARMM human rights body to look into displacement issue

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 17 (PIA) -- The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) has intensified efforts to address human rights issues especially for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region. In a press briefing, RHRC Chairperson Atty. Laisa M. Alamia said their office is not only focused on monitoring cases but is also collaborating with other agencies for potential solutions. The RHRC was established last year following the enactment of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 288...
  • Comelec proclaims Ilocos Sur bets; 84.86% voters’ turn–out

    VIGAN CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections has proclaimed Thursday the winning provincial board members of Ilocos Sur following the final consolidation of elections returns from the 34 towns and cities in the province. Lawyer Alipio Alonzo S. Castillo III, provincial election supervisor, proclaimed the winners of the five seats of provincial board in the first district in the province. They were Christian Purisima with 83,567 votes; Ismael Baterina – 82,136 votes; Jeremias Sing...
  • Leyte board of canvassers proclaim two Leyte Congressmen-elect

    TACLOBAN City, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) -- Two congressmen-elect in the Province of Leyte were proclaimed winners by the Leyte Provincial Board of Canvassers Wednesday. Re-electionist congressmen Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of the first district and Sergio Apostol of the second district of Leyte who both garnered higher votes in the election have been declared winners in their districts. Apostol, now on his second term as congressman, received an overwhelming number of votes-73,826 against his oppon...
  • 80% voter turn-out in Antique, winners proclaimed

    SAN JOSE, Antique May 16 (PIA) -- The winners of local election in the province of Antique were proclaimed May 16 by the Provincial Board of Canvassers after all the results from 18 municipalities were transmitted and canvassed at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall. Newly elected local officials are Governor Exequiel B. Javier and Vice Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao. Congressman Paolo Everardo S. Javier was re-elected for the lone Congressional District of the province. Elected members of the S...
  • Comelec tells complainants: Sue vote-buyers

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) – Formal charges against alleged perpetrators of vote buying should be filed by complainants, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin, Comelec acting regional director, said complainants should go beyond filing of an incident report to the agency. He said the poll office has lawyers who handle vote buying cases should complainants decide to sue alleged vote buyers. The Comelec has received reports on massive v...
  • DTI Catanduanes garners excellent rating in CSC survey

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, May 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office here has earned an ‘excellent’ rating on the latest anti-red tape survey conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The survey was conducted last year by CSC on different government agencies offering front line services throughout the country. The survey has gathered feedback on the effectiveness and compliance of government offices to the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA). According to CSC’s ...
  • News Feature: Forging partnerships to intensify campaign vs. health care fraud

    PALO, Leyte, May 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) conducted a Regional Multi-Sectoral Anti-Fraud Awareness Forum aimed at promoting awareness among health-care providers and other stakeholders of the significance of its anti-fraud program. The forum was held last April 4 at the Oriental Hotel Leyte. PhilHealth Regional Vice-President Walter Bacareza said the forum hopes to foster public-private partnership with several stakeholders in the fight against health-car...
  • Comelec proclaims DavNor provincial winners

    TAGUM CITY, May 15 (PIA) – The Provincial Board of Canvasser (PBOC) formally declared the winning candidates of the province during proclamation rites at about 11 a.m. at the SP Session Hall. PBOC Chairwoman Atty. Ma. Febes Barlaan proclaimed re-electionists Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Vice Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr., 1st District Congressman Antonio Rafael Del Rosario and 2nd District Congressman Antonio Lagdameo, Jr. as victors in the second automated elections last Monday. Del Rosa...
  • COA holds orientation for media

    QUEZON CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Office of the Chairperson-Public Information Office of the Commission on Audit (COA) held its first media orientation/briefing on the rules and regulations of the commission at the Old SAADO Auditorium in COA, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City last May 10. The event was in line with COA’s 114th anniversary celebration with the theme: “Sustaining Public Trust with Professionalism and Global Excellence.” The event aims to brief the media so they could better...
  • CSC offers training programs to shape a new generation of civil servants

    QUEZON CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- Civil Service Institute (CSI) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is offering training programs on human resources and organization development. The CSI which was instituted in July 2011 aims to provide quality training programs to government officials and employees. It has 17 human resource programs, 10 organization development programs, and five modules of the leadership program. For the coming semester, there will be eight human resource programs, five organ...
  • 2 solons, 7 mayors unopposed in Pangasinan

    PANGASINAN, May 13, (PIA) -- Two congressmen and at least seven town mayors in Pangasinan are assured of seats after the May elections. Leading the walk in the park are socialite Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas (third district) of the Liberal Party and sixth district Rep. Marlyn Primicias of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). Former Rep. Ma. Rachel Arenas, who would have ran on her third and final term withdrew her candidacy, was substituted by her mother Rosemarie. For the mayoral race...
  • Bicol’s elections, generally peaceful and high voters’ turn out noted

    LEGAZPI CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- Most of the polling precincts in Bicol region have closed at 7:00 pm, today according to Comelec regional election director Atty. Romeo Fortes. He however clarified that voters within 30 meter radius from the polling places yet to cast their votes will be allowed to do so provided that the BEIs have to identify them at closing time. Fortes said that the delay of closing time, that may officially be until 9:00 pm, will depend on the assessment and decision of the ...
  • Butuan Comelec chief says everything set for Monday’s polls

    BUTUAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) - Butuan assured the voting public that everything is set for the conduct of the 2013 midterm elections on Monday, May 13. During “Comelec Hour” aired over 107.8 Power FM, Comelec-Butuan chief Ernie Palanan said all their personnel and the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) from the Department of Education (DepEd) are now ready. “It pays to have made detailed preparations ahead of time… though we have observed minor glitch...
  • PCOS test in Bontoc Ok

    BONTOC, Mountain Province, May 11 (PIA)-- No major problems were encountered in the final testing and sealing of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to be used in the nine clustered precinct in this town’s center on Monday’s national and local elections. Bontoc Central School Principal Rodolfo Paspas said so far the dry run went smoothly in almost all the nine PCOS except one that encountered paper jamming which was immediately remedied by the teachers who will act as Board ...
  • PCOS machine proves more reliable than manual counting during final test run in Bohol

    JAGNA, Bohol, May 10 (PIA) – Automated counting of votes proved more reliable than manual counting during the final testing and sealing of Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machine in Barangay Mansasa in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. During the FTS of the PCOS machine last May 8 in Mansasa, a mismatch between the manual and the automated count stirred watchers from individual candidates and parties. The process was led by Commission on Elections officials. However, fears of PCOS inaccuracy o...
  • Congestion in polling places being addressed

    ILOILO CITY, May 10 (PIA6) - - The office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in this city has undertaken steps to address congestion that might occur in voting precincts during elections day on Monday, May 13. “We do not want to disenfranchise voters, in the sense discouraging them to vote because they saw the long lines in 2010,” said lawyer Jomar Betita, COMELEC-Iloilo City Elections Supervisor. Betita said their plan of action for this election includes the spreading out of clas...
  • No more campaigning on May 12 to 13 - Comelec

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 10 (PIA) -- Campaigning will no longer be allowed on the eve of election day on May 12 and on election day, itself, on May 13, 2013. Also prohibited during these two days are the giving and accepting free transportation, food, drinks and things of value and the selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking of intoxicating liquor, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said. Baguio said particularl...
  • Pag-IBIG Fund to conduct mobile servicing in Ifugao on May 15

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, May 10 (PIA) - - The Pag-IBIG Fund has scheduled to bring its mobile services in this municipality on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the municipal government building here. Among the services offered are acceptance of application for membership contribution, multi-purpose loans, and housing loan payments. They will also accept applications for membership, provident claims, multipurpose and housing loans. Pag-IBIG will also conduct verifications of memberships and loan status...
  • Baguio City polling centers all set for May 13 election

    BAGUIO CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- This city of Pines is all set for the midterm elections on Monday, May 13 election with the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in the 215 clustered precincts in the city done successfully on Thursday, May 9. Commission on Election (Comelec) Assistant Regional Director Reddy Balarbar, the designated City Election Officer, disclosed in an interview that it's all systems go for the May 13 midterm national and local ...
  • Pangasinan PCOS testing successful, says Comelec

    DAGUPAN CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections in the province said the synchronized testing of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines was successful despite minor glitches encountered in some units. Lawyer Marino Salas, provincial election supervisor said, of the 2,364 PCOS machines tested on Monday, at least 17 were reported to have encountered minor glitches like failure to print. But he was quick to counter that the machines are in good working conditions and have fun...
  • Comelec in Bicol activates speakers’ bureau for polls

    LEGAZPI CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Bicol region has formally introduced the members of its speakers’ bureau yesterday during the final briefing of the commission with its deputized agencies. Comelec Bicol regional election director Atty. Romeo Fortes said that he will serve as the regional spokesperson himself for Bicol and spokesperson for each province will be the provincial election supervisors themselves. According to Comelec, the speakers bureau w...
  • ECC to establish satellite offices in DOLE's regional offices

    LUCENA CITY, Quezon, May 10 (PIA) -- The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will soon establish satellite office in region 4-A and other regional offices of DOLE nationwide. Maria Cecilia E. Maulion, chief of ECC information and public assistance division said in a press conference held at Queen Margarette Hotel this city last May 8 that the satellite offices will assist private and government workers suffering from...
  • COMELEC urges voters to 'be counted'

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 10 (PIA6) – Commission on Elections (COMELEC) City Election Supervisor Reinier Layson urged registered voters here to vote and be part of a clean, fast and accurate automated May 13 elections. “I encourage everyone to exercise our right to suffrage,” he said in a media interaction during his visit to Capiz National High School (CNHS) to monitor the testing and sealing of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines last May 10 in the 120 clustered precincts in the ...
  • DBM rolls out P1.4-B for PNP retiree perks

    MANILA, May 10 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P1.39 billion to cover the pension benefits of additional Philippine National Police (PNP) retirees, whose names have already been cleared and verified for enrolment in the Land Bank’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) system. Of the full amount, P715 million will cover the pension requirements of the additional 8,890 retired officials and personnel for the period of January to December 2013. Meanwhile, the r...
  • Comelec all set for Monday polls in Bicol

    LEGAZPI CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- It's all system go for the May 13 polls, assured Commission on Elections (Comelec) Bicol regional election director Atty. Romeo Fortes during the final briefing among front line implementing agencies and candidates yesterday. . “We are all set in terms of transmission readiness, manpower deployment, testing and sealing of PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines, including contingency plans in terms of calamities,” Fortes said. All manpower requirements fo...
  • Comelec XI urges the voters to go out and vote early on May 13 polls

    DAVAO CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections XI guaranteed its promptness to run the May 13 national and local polls in Davao Region. Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado, regional director of the Comelec XI said the defective Precinct Count Optical Scan machines were they only glitch they experienced so far in the past days of testing and sealing since May 6. He said the defective PCOS machines were sent back to Manila either for possible repair or replacement on Saturday and Sunday. Balisa...
  • Minor glitches noted in PCOS final testing and sealing in Benguet

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, May 10 (PIA) -- Final testing and sealing (FTS) of Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines in the province were simultaneously conducted yesterday in all 13 municipalities here to test the reliability of the machines for the automated elections on Monday, May 13. Lawyer Ricardo Bulintao, provincial election supervisor, said the FTS generally went well, but there were glitches in the memory card configuration. A polling center in barangay Bulalacao in Mankayan h...
  • Testing and final sealing of PCOS machines up today in Kalinga

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 10 (PIA) -– The final testing and sealing of the 259 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in the province is ongoing now as scheduled by the Commission on Election (Comelec). Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) Dexter Bary Cawis said the activity is part of Comelec’s measures to ensure there smooth operations of PCOS machines on the May 13. In Tabuk City, some poll centers have opened earlier than the 9:00 a.m. schedule set by Comelec-Kalinga. Poll Cente...
  • DSWD advises 4Ps beneficiaries to vote freely

    DAGUPAN CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) advised beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to vote freely. DSWD Region-I Assistant Regional Director Marlene Febes-Peralta said that several local chief executives have threatened beneficiaries to de-list them from the program if they would not give their support in the coming polls. “Beneficiaries should not allow themselves to be coerced into voting for such candidates,” Peral...
  • DA 12 uses geo-tagging to monitor development projects

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato May 9 (PIA) -- Progress and status of development projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 implemented under the Mindanao Rural Development Program - Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD) could soon be accessed using the worldwide web. Recently, the DA 12 gathered municipal focal persons of local government units implementing MRDP-CFAD projects for a seminar workshop on geo-tagging. Geo-tagging is ...
  • DTI Bicol reminds contractors on PCAB renewal

    LEGAZPI CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here have alerted all contractors to file their applications according to their respective schedules as the peak season for the renewal of contractor’s licenses for CFY 2013-2014 is fast approaching. Starting February 1, 2013, Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) has been accepting renewal applications for fiscal year 2013-2014 under the following schedule, for license ending 0-1 deadline was...
  • Final testing of PCOS machines in Caraga successful

    BUTUAN CITY, May 9 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the final testing and sealing (FTS) of the PCOS machines in the precincts was generally successful. The glitches observed during the process was considered insignificant. The Comelec has already completed the distribution of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to the respective polling places, Lawyer Raquel Limbaco, Agusan del Norte Provincial Election Supervisor, said. “We have prepared contingency PCOS...
  • Immigration office introduces ‘hi-tech’ ID for foreign residents

    LEGAZPI CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- A single fake Agency Certificate of Registration (ACR) confiscated in Bicol in the year 2008 sparked the modernization efforts of the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) to introduce a microchip-embedded identification card for foreign nationals. “The project actually started in 2005 to replace paper-based documentation of the bureau,” BOI Bicol regional director Josephus Ojano said in an interview during the recent radio program “Aramon Ta Daw” of the Philippine In...
  • Final testing and sealing of PCOS machines in Central Luzon successful

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, May 9 (PIA) -- The final testing and sealing (FTS) of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in Central Luzon has been generally successful. “It’s all systems go," Rafael Olaño, Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional director, said. "The minor glitches are being worked on. We have already replaced the malfunctioned PCOS.” The FTS--the last stage of preparation of PCOS machines--have been generally successful, Olaño said during Wednesday’s Kap...
  • DILG-OPAPP validates PAMANA projects in Kalinga

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 9 (PIA) - - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is conducting a validation on PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn(PAMANA)-DILG projects in the province. According to DILG Provincial Director Francisco Gamatero, a team headed by Carmen Moyaen, PAMANA Focal Person of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP), is making the rounds in the municipalities of Tanudan, Tinglayan, Pasil, Lubuagan, Balbalan and Pinukpuk. The team is joi...
  • Leyeco II assures uninterrupted power supply in areas of coverage

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 9 (PIA) – The top official of the Leyte II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Leyeco II) with office in Tacloban City has assured uninterrupted power supply for the May 13 election in its areas of coverage. Maria Rosario Avestruz, Leyeco II officer-in-charge/manager assured the Leyeco II will provide power 24/7 and will do its best for the conduct of brown-out free election in its areas of coverage which include Tacloban City and the municipalities of Palo and Babatngon in ...
  • Final testing of PCOS machines in Caraga successful

    BUTUAN CITY, May 9 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the final testing and sealing (FTS) of the PCOS machines in the precincts was generally successful. The glitches observed during the process was considered insignificant. The Comelec has already completed the distribution of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to the respective polling places, Lawyer Raquel Limbaco, Agusan del Norte Provincial Election Supervisor, said. “We have prepared contingency PCOS...
  • COMELEC-E.Visayas tests, seals PCOS machines

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 9 (PIA) – About 5,135 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines representing the same number of clustered precincts in Eastern Visayas were tested and sealed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the region. Atty. Veronico Petalcorin, COMELEC acting regional director disclosed that the testing of the PCOS machines was undertaken to ensure that no glitches would occur relative to the operation of the machine during the May 13 elections. He said that the COMEL...
  • CSC gives recognition to 4 honest Mountain Province gov't. workers

    BONTOC, Mountain Province, May 9(PIA) - - For their honesty and exemplary conduct, four employees of the provincial government here were conferred the Gantimpala Agad Award (GAA) under the Mamayan Muna Program of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Bestowed the GAA are Engineer Theodore Dalog and mechanical shop foreman Dante Fasongit, both from the Provincial Engineering Office, and security guards Tyrone Emiliano Peleo and Oliver Sacgaca from the Security Service Division of the Provinci...
  • PNoy approves creation of a national high school in remote Ifugao village

    ASIPULO, Ifugao, May 9 (PIA)-- President Benigno S. Aquino III recently signed into law the creation of a national high school in barangay Camandag, a far flung barangay here. Ifugao Schools Division Superintendent Felipe Ballitoc said that this is a new development in the education program of the government. “This shows the sincerity of the government to bring quality education in this part of the province where access to education is difficult due to the terrain. Ballitoc disclosed that ...
  • PCOS machines testing in Isabela work successful

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, May 9 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Isabela has reported that of the 1,338 PCOS machines that were tested last Monday, only six malfunctioned and these were immediately replaced upon request of the election officers concerned. Comelec – Isabela election assistant Marites Salvador said the six PCOS machines that malfunctioned during the final testing and sealing are assigned in the municipalities of Benito Soliven, Burgos, Echague, Ramon, San Guil...
  • SK spearheads La Trinidad mayoralty forum

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, May 9 (PIA)-- Tourism, poverty reduction, sustainable urban development and environmental protection are among the issues tackled by the candidates for the mayoralty race during a forum sponsored by the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of the municipality of La Trinidad last weekend at the municipal gym. Local folks who witnessed the forum said it could be anybody’s ballgame at this point between the three mayoralty candidates- incumbent Mayor Greg Abalos Jr., former ...
  • BIR reminds candidates to issue receipts for donations received

    KALIBO, Aklan, May 9 (PIA6) -- Candidates running in the May 13, 2013 local and national elections are now required to issue official receipts for every donation they receive, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here. This requirement was shared by Atty. Vicente Tady, OIC Asst. Revenue District Officer of BIR-Aklan, during the recent meeting of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) held at the DOST-Provincial Science Technology Center, Provincial Capitol, Kal...
  • Online system fasttracks PRC exam application process

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- With almost a year of pilot testing, the On-Line-Application System of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) was proven to be effective in fast tracking the applications of board examinees. Professional Regulations Officer III Arnel M. Melad said the online system has several of benefits not only to the examinees but also to the PRC which decongested the office from examinees who usually flock to ther office to file their application. Melad said that...
  • DepEd reminds teachers not to engage in partisan political activities

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 9 (PIA) – The Department of Education in Misamis Occidental is looking into reports that some of the teachers may have engaged in partisan political activities. This was revealed by Superintendent Jonathan S. Dela Peňa of the Misamis Occidental Schools Division during a recent meeting of the Joint Provincial Security Control Center (PSCC) who said that some candidates have asked to conduct their campaign inside the school premises, which “we do not a...
  • BIR Revenue District 17 receives Seal of Excellence from CSC

    BUTUAN CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- As a well-compliant office of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office (RDO) No. 103 under Revenue Region 17 here received the Grant of Citizens’ Satisfaction Center – Seal of Excellence Award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) held Thursday at the BIR grounds, this city. CSC-Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres bared that the BIR here has complied and passed the standard requirements to be awarded t...
  • Final testing and sealing of PCOS machines in Dumaguete successful

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 8 (PIA) -- The Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) here noted no major problems during the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines’ final testing and sealing (FTS) in City Central Elementary School, Dumaguete City. All PCOS machines in said polling center which housed five clustered precincts worked properly except for one wherein the LCD screen froze. The screen, however, resumed functioning normally after the PCOS technician calibrated it. The BEIs began asse...
  • PCOS machines in Cebu generally OK

    CEBU CITY, May 8 (PIA) -- Installation of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines here took longer than expected during its simultaneous testing done today to ensure no glitches come election day. Faye Luarez, PCOS technician supervisor in Mandaue, told the Philippine Information Agency that most of the minor problems encounterd during the simultaneous nationwide testing involves the improper installation of the machine. Luarez said her office did not receive reports of any power i...
  • COMELEC Antique to test, seal PCOS machines May 10

    SAN JOSE, Antique, May 8 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged residents here to witness the final testing and sealing of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in the various voting precincts in the province on May 10. “Aside from getting more information and orientation about the machines, this activity has to do with the Comelec’s thrust to strengthen transparency in relation to the conduct of the mid-term elections on May 13,” lawyer Ian Lee M. Ananoria, Comel...
  • Final testing and sealing of 33 PCOS machines in Valencia, Negros Oriental successful

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 8 (PIA) – The final testing and sealing of 33 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will be used in 33 clustered precincts in the municipality of Valencia has been successful. The final dry run checked the completeness, security, and accuracy of the PCOS machines. Since no glitches were monitored during testing, the compact flash card, the ballots and the machines were sealed again to be stored in the school or returned to the hub where it will be secured by p...
  • Iloilo City PCOS deployment set on May 9

    ILOILO CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set on May 9 the deployment of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to Iloilo City's 350 clustered precincts. Apart from the 450 PCOS machines, an additional seven (7) will serve as back up for contingency. Lawyer Jomar Betita, Iloilo City Comelec Election Supervisor, said the deployment of the PCOS will start at 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. to avoid the repeat of what happened during the 2010 Presidential electio...
  • Tribal farmers grateful for P10-M road, bridge project

    TAGUM CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- Farmers and residents belonging to an Indigenous Peoples community in Dagohoy, Talaingod, this province, praised the government for implementing the P10-million farm-to-market road (FMR) and bridge project that alleviated their life. Barangay Councilor Jun Katwa, a member of the Ata-Manobo Tribe, said the two-km Dagohoy, Talaingod-Semong Kapalong FMR, with a 36-linear meter RCDG bridge component, made their life easier. Katwa, who tends some tracks of farm land in ...
  • Ombudsman clearance for retirees out in 20-30 days

    ILOILO CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas – Region 6 has set a period of 20-30 days wherein a clearance requested by a retiring government employee would be released. This is to give the Ombudsman’s office ample time to process the increasing number of applications for clearance filed by government employees. The increasing number of applications has been brought about by the new requirement under Circular No. 2013-001 of the Commission on Audit (C...
  • FTS in polling precinct in Barangay Libertad National High School successful

    BUTUAN CITY, May 6 (PIA) – The final testing and sealing of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine in one of the precincts in Barangay Libertad National High School was successful. “We are all ready for the May 13 elections and we hope it will be successful,” Fernando Sarmiento Jr., Board of EIection Inspectors chairman, said. After the sample ballots were checked and found to have matched the result from the PCOS machine, watchers and the representatives of volunteer-organizatio...
  • DILG 10 enjoins LCEs to form transition teams

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 6 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – 10 directed all local chief executives (LCEs) to create their respective transition teams that will ensure an orderly and smooth turnover to the incoming local officials. The regional directive to provincial governors, city and town mayors was a reiteration of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-33 issued by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas to create a Local Governance Transition Team that shall be chaired by the...
  • DILG revs up Volunteer and Citizenship Program

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 6 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Local Government Academy (LGA) will implement the Volunteer and Citizenship Program (VCP) in support of Republic Act 9418 known as the Volunteer Act of 2007. Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, Regional Director, DILG, region 10 said the VCP is a program harnessing available human resources in the community towards productive ends. Committed volunteers can enroll in the program to offer their services for fr...
  • COMELEC, CSC to gov't workers: Leave politics to politicians

    KALIBO, Aklan, May 6 (PIA6) -- The Commission and Elections and the Civil Service Commission reminded government workers to leave politics to politicians. COMELEC and CSC issued the statement during the May 3 meeting of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) held at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Office at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. The two constitutional body told government employees that campaigning for candidates, even if these are thei...
  • GSIS Tuguegarao orients stakeholders on state-run pension fund’s new policies

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- Manager Eden P. Seno of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) here recently informed stakeholders about reforms being instituted under the new leadership of Chairman Daniel L. Lacson Jr. In the recent re-orientation dialogue-meeting with the member-agencies’ liaison officers (LOs) of national government agencies and local government units, Seno said that as promised, the new leadership is committed to to be more transparent, consultative, and member...
  • Cops assigned to local officials during poll period should be in uniform-DILG

    MANILA, May 3 (PIA) -- All policemen detailed to local elective officials as protective security personnel (PSP) during the election period should always be in full uniform, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has strongly advised. This after the DILG received reports that the police security personnel have performed their duties in civilian clothes allegedly because of pressure from local elective officials under their protection. In a memorandum circular to all local chief ex...
  • LGUs urged to fully implement Juvenile Justice Law

    DAVAO CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- An official of the National Youth Commission cited the need for local governments to fully implement the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act or Republic Act 9344. Undersecretary Leon Flores, III, chair of the National Youth Commission said that often it is not the fault of the child to commit a crime. “We have to look at his environment, the family situation and the juvenile justice system is one of the intervention programs to keep them away from criminal activities....
  • 54 Agusan Norte farmers get land titles

    CARMEN, Agusan del Norte, May 3 (PIA) -- A total of 54 farmers from Brgy. Manoligao, Carmen, Agusan del Norte received their individual certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) following the handing-over ceremony in the barangay multi-purpose building on Thursday. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Director Faisar Mambuay led the distribution with Carmen Vice Mayor Willy Taglocop and DAR Asst. Regional Director Andre Atega, covering 95 hectares of agricultural land. Mambuay congra...
  • Comelec clarifies poll issues in Marawi City

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, May 3 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here clarified some of the election issues raised by multi-sectoral stakeholders during the Electoral Reform Summit on Thursday. Atty. Michael Ignes, acting city election officer (EO), assured the stakeholders that the sanctity of the ballots will be protected while in transit from the airport to the province, saying the ballots are sealed and protected with serial numbers. He said they will also give notice...
  • Comelec leads “operation baklas” in Daet

    DAET, Camarines Norte, May 3 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) municipal office led the “Operation baklas” to get rid of illegal campaign posters of national and local candidates here. Daet election officer Atty. Maico Julia Jr. said that Comelec personnel removed the oversize campaign posters and posters illegally posted in trees, public utility vehicles and in other places not designated as common campaign posting sites. He said that the “Operation baklas” was supported...
  • BIR launches electronic filing and tax payment system

    SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna, May 3 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region No. 9 convened recently all national government agencies (NGAs) in the province of Laguna to introduce the new electronic filing and payment system (eFPS) of taxes. Revenue district officer Carlos S. Salazar welcomed a hundred representatives of NGAs based in the province during the briefing held at BIR Region No. 9 located at Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Nicolas, this city. eFPS is a system developed and m...
  • Philippine's 455 waterless towns will all have water supply by 2016, says DILG

    PAGADIAN CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The country’s 455 waterless municipalities will have their own water supply system by 2016, according to Ms. Fe Crisilla Banluta, Program Manager, Water Supply Sanitation Unit (WSSU) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Speaking in a forum held here Tuesday on human rights-based local water and sanitation governance, Ms. Banluta said potable water systems were already given to 36 of the 455 waterless towns in the country under the Sagana and...
  • Comelec says liquor ban starts May 9; campaign period ends May 11

    BAGUIO CITY, May 3(PIA) -- Barely a week to the midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec)- Cordillera announced that the liquor ban will take effect from May 9 until May 13, Election Day, while the campaign period will end on May 11. Regional director Jose Nick A. Mendros said that the liquor ban is issued to address the evils and problems related to the taking of intoxicating drinks during the election period. Comelec Resolution 9582 states that any person incl...
  • Pangasinan bypass road leads to ‘Daang Matuwid’

    LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, May 2 (PIA) -- President Aquino today said that the new Lingayen-Binmaley diversion road here embodies the Aquino administration’s “Daang Matuwid” (straight path) principle as public funds were properly spent for the project. Aquino said the 1.6 km road-stretch amounting to P20 million in barangay Quibaol was a result of the proper use of peoples’ taxes. He said gone were the days when taxes were used to install road safety devices while the road itself remains in...
  • P-Noy highlights significant accomplishments in Tarlac

    VICTORIA, Tarlac, May 2 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday highlighted some of the significant accomplishments of his administration in his home province of Tarlac under the Tuwid na Daan (Straight path) battle cry. “A total of 36,304 indigent households are currently beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of Department of Social Welfare and Development in Tarlac which is way above our 31,991 target. From this figure, 1,800 are from Victoria," Aquino told com...
  • DENR-7 creates team to investigate damaged corals in Mactan

    CEBU CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 has created a team to condut investigation on the alleged damaged coral caused by the operation of a yellow submarine vessel in Mactan. "We just can’t ignore the potential damage to the corals if appropriate measures or interventions will not be institutionalized by the operator of this watercraft taking into account the strong underwater current in Mactan a...
  • Third-class Ilocos Sur town tops anti-red tape compliance

    STO DOMINGO, Ilocos Sur, May 2 (PIA) -- This third-class municipality ranked first in the Civil Service Commission’s anti-red tape act (ARTA) compliance among Ilocos Sur towns. The Sto. Domingo local government received a commendation for excellent compliance with a rating of 96.61 percent, the highest among all Ilocos Sur towns. Mayor Amado Tadena was in high spirits after receiving the recognition saying that it will boost the town’s campaign for a peaceful, self-reliant, progressive and...
  • Ilocos development council revisit, revalidates RDP

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- Stakeholders in local development met up recently and reviewed the Ilocos Region Development Plan to synch it in with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). Juan Ngalob, director of the National Economic Development Authority in the Ilocos, said the regional plan needs revalidation so that regional issues and concerns are considered in updating the PDP policies and strategies. “The revalidation is essential so that (the regional plan) is reflected in the nat...
  • 16 Bukidnon towns to benefit from Salintubig program

    MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, May 1 (PIA)-- Sixteen Bukidnon towns will benefit from the “Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig)” program implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Ronelo P. Alvarez, Provincial Director, DILG, said ‘Salintubig’ is designed to provide sufficient potable water to household especially in poorest barangays with high level of waterborne diseases, resettlement areas, and remote villages with no access to safe drinking wat...
  • Comelec reactivates voter’s registration of more than 5,000 BEI’s

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 1 (PIA) -- A total of 5,272 voters’ registration of members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) has been reactivated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), relative to the upcoming mid-term elections. The voters registration of these BEI’s, who are public school teachers, were reactivated, after they were inadvertently deleted from the voters’ list, for failure to vote in two consecutive elections. Some of the BEIs were deactivated when the ...
  • Citizen’s arm watchers to stay closest to the BEI on election day – Comelec

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 30 (PIA) -- Watchers of the citizen’s arm will be given the preferential position to stay closest to the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) during election day on May 13, 2013. This is pursuant to Resolution 9640 of the Commission on Election (Comelec) which provides that in case of limited space in the polling places on election day, the watcher of the citizen’s arm will be positioned closest to the BEI, compared with the watchers of the dominant majo...
  • PIA chief pushes for partnership with brgy folks in bringing relevant information to the grassroots

    BAGUIO CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- Developing information partners in every barangay. This is one of the thrusts that Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena wants to pursue which he shared in a recent meeting here with the agency’s personnel in the Cordillera. Oquiñena pointed out that PIA, with its limited staff can only reach so much, but with volunteer info partner in every barangay, relevant information can reach down to the grassroots level. ...
  • Comelec-XI all set for May 13 polls

    DAVAO CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections in the region is all set for the May 13 mid term national and local elections, said Comelec regional director Atty. Jay Balisado. Comparing to the 2010 polls, Balisado said they are “practically ahead of the timeline” in preparation for the upcoming elections. He cited the schedule of the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines slated on May 6 at the polling precincts. In distant areas tho...
  • PNoy urges Misamisnons to walk with him along the straight path of inclusive growth

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 29 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III has urged the people of Misamis Occidental to walk with him in the straight path of inclusive growth even as he thanked them for giving him the mandate in the 2010 elections. Donning his signature yellow T-shirt with black shoulder patch, the President, with Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in tow, arrived in Ozamiz City from General Santos City, last April 27, to me...
  • MGB-7 intensifies geohazard assessment and mapping in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has heightened its geohazard assessment and mapping covering 221 barangays in four cities and five municipalities in Cebu. MGB-7 Regional Director Loreto Alburo said, this activity is anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the Aquino administration to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change as it gives a detailed mapping and study particularly...
  • ASEAN join hands to stop cybercrime

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 27 (PIA) – Faced by the risks from children's unrestricted access to Internet, ASEAN authorities have joined hands to hammer a regional cooperation against cybercrime, particularly internet sex crimes, in the absence of an integrated regional stand. At the 2nd Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Conference on Working Towards a Cyber Pornography and Cyber Prostitution-Free Southeast Asia hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD...
  • PNoy to visit GenSan

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 27 (PIA)-- President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to meet local leaders and the community here as he is expected to address some ten thousand Generals (a term used to call the constituents of GenSan) today. Upon arrival, the President will motor directly to barangay Katangawan where he will be briefed on the progress of the road decongestion projects in GenSan and South Cotabato. Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson will brief President Aquino on t...
  • GSIS Bacolod pilots 24/7 Contact Center in Visayas

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 26 (PIA6) -- The close to 1.5 million members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) nationwide may now be able to raise their concerns at the tip of their fingertips with the agency’s 24/7 Contact Center. GSIS-Bacolod is the pilot site for the Visayas with General Santos in Mindanao, Legsapi in Southern Luzon and Cabanatuan for Northern Luzon as other pilot areas in the provinces outside of Metro Manila. The 24/7 Contact Center has 50 seats with about 6...
  • Siquijor Prov’l JSCC to meet for smooth, peaceful election

    SIQUIJOR, April 26 (PIA) -- In preparation for the upcoming May 13 elections, the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) will have a command conference meeting tomorrow, Friday, April 26 at the Dondeezco Beach Resort, Dumanhog, Siquijor, Siquijor. The meeting will discuss the final preparation plan and other concerns with the different agencies involved to have a smooth and peaceful elections in the province, lawyer Eliseo R.Z. B. Labaria, Provincial Election Supervisor III and PJSCC ...
  • PNoy values Cebuanos, Filipinos’ support

    Cebu City, April 26 (PIA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III during a recent visit to Cebu expressed his appreciation and confidence on the support given by the Cebuanos and the Filipinos in general in fulfilling his responsibilities and obligation as head of the country. The President said this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mactan Island Circumferential Road in Lapu-lapu City and repeated it again during his meeting with local leaders and the community in the cities of Bogo an...
  • GSIS-Bacolod scores excellent in ARTA report card

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 25 (PIA6) -- The Anti-Red Tape Act Report Card Survey (ARTA-RCS) rating of the Government Service Insurance System-Bacolod showed that the office got an Excellent rating with 91.57. The ARTA Report Card Survey was conducted by the Civil Service Commission March 4-6, 2013. GSIS-Bacolod was evaluated in six areas of compliance with ARTA provisions. Out of these, the service office got a 100 percent compliance rating in the Anti-Fixer Campaign, ID/Nameplates, No Hidde...
  • DILG-10 orients LGUs on Full Disclosure Policy Portal

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 25 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government in region 10 has conducted an orientation-workshop for municipal information technology focal persons on the Full Disclosure Policy Portal (FDPP) at the Local Government Resource Center (LGRC) here. Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos said the activity is in line with Republic Act (RA) 10352 or the General Appropriations Act FY 2013, RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of the Philippines and the Full Disclosure...
  • 9,500 job vacancies to be offered in Labor Day Grand Jobs fair in Baguio

    BAGUIO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- More than 9,500 job vacancies are offered in a two-day jobs fair at the Baguio Convention Center on May 1 and 2 sponsored by the City Government of Baguio through its Public Employment Service Office and in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-CAR) in celebration of Labor Day 2013. The May 1 jobs fair is set for local employment while May 2 is for overseas employment. On Labor Day, 29 local companies will be offering 1,782 job vacanc...
  • CSC CAR inspects Kalinga agencies on ARTA compliance

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 25 (PIA) -- Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office Assistant Regional Director Cornelia Rillera was recently in the province to lead the compliance inspection of Land Bank Tabuk City Branch and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the implementation of Republic Act 9485 known as the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007. The Act seeks to improve the efficiency in the delivery of government service by reducing the bureaucratic red tape and prevent graft and corru...
  • DILG IX to conduct human rights-based local water and sanitation governance forum

    PAGADIAN CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- A forum on human rights-based local water and sanitation governance is slated to be held on April 30, 2013 at Hotel Guillermo this city. This forum, which is led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-IX through its Water and Sanitation Services Unit (WSSU), will be attended by participants from the municipalities of Alicia, Payao and Tungawan of Zamboanga Sibugay, Lapuyan, Midsalip and Tigbao of Zamboanga del Sur, and Kalawit, Katipunan a...
  • GSIS adopts anti fixing measures to protect its members

    BAGUIO CITY, April 25(PIA) -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), has adopted Civil Service Commission-recommended anti-fixing measures to protect its members and pensioners from falling prey to fixing. Isagani E. Del Rosario of GSIS Baguio Branch stressed this during the recent re-orientation of GSIS Liaison Officers (LOs) of the different agencies, where the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 or ARTA was discussed. He said that since 2007 when the ARTA was passed into law, the GSI...
  • LGUs asked to come up with nutri action plans

    BONTOC, Mountain Province, April 25 (PIA)--The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) is encouraging the different municipalities in the province to formulate their municipal Nutrition Action Plans and document their nutrition programs as basis for evaluation for the yearly Green Banner Award (GBA). Cordillera RNET members Wendy Mana-a of the National Nutrition Council and Emily Lumpio of the Department of Budget and Management noted that for the past years, the ten towns of Mountain Provin...
  • Voters’ info sheet to address election hitches

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) hopes to address common election slip ups ranging from missing voters’ name, misplaced or unknown precincts come election day. These common errors, according to the Comelec, should be addressed by the Voting Information and Instruction Sheet (VIIS) which contains the voter's name, address, the precinct and the place where he is registered and simplified instructions on casting one’s vote. Lawyer Jugeeh Deinla, actin...
  • Three CV gov't agencies rated excellent in Anti-Red Tape Survey

    CEBU, April 25 (PIA) --Three national government agencies in Central Visayas were rated Excellent while nine others were given a Good rating in a Report Card Survey conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) January to December last year. The survey rates promptness, reduction of red tape, and transparency in the delivery of its services. According to the results furnished by CSC to Philippine Information Agency (PIA7), the three agencies that were rated Excellent are the Bureau of Intern...
  • Comelec bans names, logos, images of candidates in PDAF projects

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 25 (PIA) -- Candidates running for office in the upcoming May 2013 elections are not allowed to distribute election paraphernalia containing their names, logos, initials, motto, slogans, images and other forms of representation Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) projects. This is among the conditions that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set in granting certificates of exception in the release of the PDAF and other state funds, which may...
  • DAF-ARMM official assures utilization of stimulus fund way above board

    COTABATO CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) expressed optimism that the agency’s project implementation in the autonomous region is way above board with 56 percent of the total amount liquidated while ongoing road project implementation at 47 percent. DAF-ARMM is one of the agencies of government with allocation from the P810 billion Stimulus Fund for agricultural development. Regional Secretary Ma...
  • Two Ifugao towns receive certificate of completion from HLURB

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, April 24 (PIA) -- The towns of is Tinoc and Kiangan has received certificates of completion from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) under its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Zero-Backlog Project. They are among the 105 local government in Northern Luzon that received the award from Vice President Jejomar Binay, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the HLURB, during the awarding ceremony in Baguio City, for finishing the...
  • Do not overvote, Comelec says

    BAGUIO CITY, April 24 (PIA)-- The Commission on Elections (Comelec)- Cordillera advised the voters not to “overvote” when they fill up their ballots come election day on May 13, 2013. Comelec regional director Jose Nick A. Mendros said that in the senatorial slate they must at most shade 12 among the list of 32 candidates. Overvoting means a voter shaded more candidates than the number of candidates you are permitted to vote for in a particular office. Overvoting occurs when a vote...
  • Caraga stakeholders to convene for reg'l consultation on PDP updating

    BUTUAN CITY, April 24 (PIA) – More than 100 stakeholders from the regional line agencies (RLAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), private and business sectors and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) will convene for a regional consultation on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Midterm Updating and Revalidation of Results Matrix on April 25, 2013 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. This regional consultation is aimed at ensuring that regional concerns and priorities are reflected in...
  • 177 establishments in Capiz up for census

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 23 (PIA6) -- A total of 177 establishments and enterprises engaged in economic activities will be the respondents in the on-going 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI) in the province. The figure forms part of about 70,000 sample establishments for the CPBI which kicked last April 1 and will continue until June 30 this year. “A similar census was conducted in the province last 2006,” said National Statistics Office (NSO) – Capiz Provincial Stat...
  • 2 firms in Masbate pay P1.1M workers’ claims

    LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Two sub-contractors of Filmenira Mining Resources in Masbate province, one of the biggest mining firm in the region, paid P1.1 million to 592 workers on April 10 after having been found out that they violated a number of labor laws. DOLE Bicol regional director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said owners of the two sub-contractors intend to pay their employees following findings during a routine inspection of the agency that violations were committed on non-payment of holi...
  • Operation Baklas sweeps Ilocos Norte

    LAOAG CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Operation Baklas team swept Ilocos Norte towns yesterday from Pagudpud to Badoc and found fewer campaign materials hanging on trees. Juan de los Reyes, provincial environment and natural resources officer, however, said the team still found posters hanging on waiting sheds and other spots outside of common poster areas. “Judging by the volume, posters nailed on trees were down to 99 percent. Our people have learned their lessons,” he said. It was the firs...
  • DILG chief lauds Presidential Awardees for Child-Friendly municipalities, cities

    MANILA, April 23 (PIA) -- “It takes a village to raise a child.” Stressing the vital role of LGUs in child development, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas handed the awards to the five winners of this year’s “Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities” for creating “child-friendly environments” in their localities that protect, promote, and preserve the well-being of children. “It is always the community that raises the young,” Roxas said i...
  • PCF-funded eco-tourism pool in Alicia town is 90% complete, says DILG-IX

    PAGADIAN CITY, April 23 (PIA) – Using its P1-million prize from winning the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the municipality of Alicia has embarked on building an eco-tourism swimming pool to promote tourism in the municipality and, at the same time, to generate some income. DILG-IX Information Officer Lemuel Mejares said in a press release the swimming pool, which is 25-meter x 10-meter in size and five feet deep, is about to be fini...
  • PNoy reminds Kagay-anons to foster safe City

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- President Aquino reminded Kagay-anon voters in his recent visit in the city to choose the right leader in the upcoming elections so that the safety of the people from calamities would be ensured. President Aquino said there is a P10-billion budget intended for evacuation programs for people living in hazardous areas within the country every year. Thus, he said there’s no excuse for local administrations not to allocate budget for the people who really ne...
  • DILG confers P3M Performance Challenge Fund to Angeles City

    ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, April 22 (PIA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently conferred the P3M Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) check to the city government of Angeles. “The PCF is bestowed to LGUs who earlier bagged the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH),” DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan explained. SGH is conferred to those who have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management, and budget execution, procurement and re...
  • Senior citizens get much needed care

    CITY OF IMUS, Cavite, April 22 (PIA) – Senior citizens will receive quarterly financial aid from the city government effective January of this year. Previously, senior citizens received twice-a-year financial aid from the city government. This comprises food, maintenance medicines and other needs of their families. Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi said the city government is planning to create an employment program for the senior citizens as many of them are professionals and can contribute further fo...
  • Zamboanga City, Piñan town bag “Local Legislative Awards”

    PAGADIAN CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- Two local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga Peninsula region emerged as national winners of the 2012 Local Legislative Award (LGA), the regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-IX said. Bagging the national awards are the city council of Zamboanga City and the municipal council of Piñan town in Zamboanga del Norte. DILG-IX Information Officer Lemuel Mejares told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that Zamboanga City ha...
  • CSC bares anti-red tape survey results

    GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, April 22 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission in Eastern Visayas said that the results of the frontline service checks made by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) through the Report Card Survey (RCS) in 2012 show that of the 599 government offices surveyed, 50 offices obtained an Excellent rating. Ms. Rosalie Taon, CSC information officer, told the Philippine Information Agency that per information gathered from the CSC Central Office, Excellent is the highest ...
  • COMELEC-10 bares preparations 2013 elections

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Office 10 showed their preparations for the coming 2013 national and elections this May. The Comelec has already conducted training for the members of the Boards of Canvassers (BOC) and Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) last March 4-6 and March 8-26, respectively, Assistant Regional Election Director Atty. Maria Dulce C. Banzon disclosed in a media forum held recently, here. She said they have also conducted...
  • CSC calls for creation of panel to review performance in government offices

    GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, April 20 (PIA) -- All government agencies are directed to create a Performance Management Team (PMT) within their respective offices that will monitor and review the implementation of the Results-Based Performance Management System or RBPMS. This directive is contained in CSC Memorandum Circular No. 8, s. 2013 signed by Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco T. Duque III, the Civil Service Commission in Eastern Visayas through Roselie C. Taon, informat...
  • CSC-CAR head tells agencies to comply with Anti-Red Tape law

    BONTOC, Mountain Province, April 20 (PIA) --The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in the Cordillera region called on government agencies to fully comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (ARTA) to provide quality government service to the public. Cordillera – CSC Regional Director Atty. Marilyn Taldo, said the ARTA of 2007 is a complementary law to the other programs of the CSC which promotes prompt, efficient, transparent and adequate government...
  • Zanorte to receive more infra funds under Aquino Administration

    DIPOLOG CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III has vowed to allocate more funds for infrastructures in Zamboanga del Norte to boost the province’s tourism industry. The President together with Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Mayor Evelyn Uy arrived at Barangay Cogon at around 10:50 a.m., Thursday morning to lead the groundbreaking of the road improvement project from junction Barangay Cogon to OISCA Park and sungkilaw Falls in Ba...
  • Comelec distributes election non-accountable forms to local treasury offices

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, April 20 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections – Isabela and the provincial treasury office has started distributing election paraphernalia that are classified as non-accountable forms to municipal and city treasurers together with the election officers in the different municipalities and cities of Isabela. City and municipal treasurers merged yesterday at the capitol, particularly at the provincial treasury office and received the election paraphernalia to be used in the...
  • East Visayas DPWH adopts new ways of promoting good governance

    GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, April 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Eastern Visayas continues to find new ways to promote good governance and to effect the Department's transformation program anchored on transparency and accountability. Recent visitors and clients cannot miss to notice the newly installed tarpaulin strategically located at the lobby of the DPWH Regional Office 8 at Government Center, Palo, Leyte. DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando Asis said that the ta...
  • Ilocos Sur’s pro-poor program is Ilocos region’s best poverty alleviation program

    VIGAN CITY, Apr 19 (PIA) - - Ilocos Sur’s program for the poor won the search for the best poverty alleviation program in the Ilocos for calendar years 2011-2012. Ferdinand Concepcion, provincial social welfare and development officer, said the Regional Development Council which sponsored the search, gave thumbs up to Ilocos Sur’s Kapitol outreach program. The program Kapitol, which stands for Kakabsat nga Agnaed iti Probinsia ti Ilocos Sur Idanonmi ti Tulong ken serbisio, aniaman nga Ora...
  • Saudi gov’t gives OFW six months reprieve

    MANILA, April 19 (PIA) -- The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gave another six months reprieve or until November 3, 2013 to overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Joselito Zapanta to raise funds for his blood money. For this, Vice President and Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns Jejomar C. Binay, on behalf of the Philippine government, extended his sincerest gratitude to Saudi King Abdullah. “We thank King Abdullah and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their intercessio...
  • DOH-CHD gives a free immunization for influenza and pneumonia

    by Shar Ann Ballon LEGAZPI CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- The Center for Health Development (CHD) of the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol provided free immunization for influenza and pneumonia to indigent senior citizens in this city yesterday. Dr. Gloria J. Balboa, DOH Bicol regional director, said the activity formed part of the series of vaccination drives across the region to boost immune system and resistance against influenza and pneumococcal infections of the elderly in the region. DOH Bi...
  • Comelec Law Department to issue certificates of exception

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Apr. 18 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given its Law Department the responsibility for evaluating requests for issuances of Certificates of Exception of projects from the public works ban. Per Comelec Resolution No. 9660, promulgated last March 22, the Director of the Comelec Law Department shall issue the Certificate of Exception should the requests conform to the guidelines set in this Resolution and is authorized to charge a certificati...
  • PNoy in Time’s 100 most influential

    QUEZON CITY, April 19 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is one of TIME’s 100 most influential people under the Leader category. The list appeared on time100.time.com. Time’s news director Howard Chua-Eoan gave significance to Aquino’s bravery in confronting Beijing’s claim over the South China Sea and his courage in passing a reproductive-right law in a Catholic nation, which many said was impossible. “Aquino pushed through a reproductive-rights law that many said was impossible in ...
  • Infra spending as of Feb posts 40.8% spike y-o-y

    MANILA, April 18 -- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that spending for infrastructure and other capital outlays as of February increased by 40.8 percent or P9.4 billion from the same period last year. A big portion of the increase was attributed to an increase in spending by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The agency’s disbursements for infrastructure projects jumped to P12 billion this year, a big 114.5-percent leap from their P5.6-billion disbursement ...
  • Rules set for prompt release of retirement perks

    MANILA, April 18 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued new guidelines for the release of retirement perks for all government employees, in a move to facilitate the efficient processing and timely release of benefits to retiring government employees. Under Budget Circular 2013-1 dated April 12, 2013, government retirees will receive their retirement perks, gratuities and other benefits due them within 30 days from their actual date of retirement, provided all necessary require...
  • DA boosts transparency via ‘Matuwid na DAAN’ website

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is bringing to higher level its commitment to transparency in all transactions, programs and projects. Recently , DA’s Information Technology Center for Agriculture and Fisheries conducted a consultation workshop for data security and handling access and data sharing standard policy of the department. Members of the DA-Information Technology Round for Agriculture’s Communications Thr...
  • CdeO barangay qualify as LTIA National Finalist

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 18 -- After thorough evaluation and assessment, the Department of Interior and Local Government region 10, together with the members of the Regional Awards Team (RAT), recognized Barangay Kauswagan, this city, as the Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa under the Highly Urbanized Cities Category in the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) for CY 2013. DILG-10 Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos commended Barangay Kauswagan for being a consistent regional LTIA awarde...
  • Tabuk City dad proposes pension for indigent elderly excluded in DSWD list

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 17 (PIA) -- A Tabuk City council member has proposed that the city provide monthly financial aid to indigent members of the city's federation of senior citizens who did not qualify to receive pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The move by Councilor Sandra Uyam is based on statistics gathered by the City Council that shows only about 500 of the registered 8,000 senior citizens in Tabuk have qualified as beneficiaries of the Social Pension P...
  • Anini-y town garners Best GAD implementing LGU award

    SAN JOSE, Antique, April 17 (PIA) -- The municipality of Anini-y has emerged as the model for women empowerment and gender equality programs in the province. Antique comprises 18 municipalities. Anini-y is some 35 kilometers from provincial capital town- San Jose, Antique, with a population of 20,349 based on the 2010 census. Provincial Director Victorio Pagapulan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Antique said that the Gender And Development (GAD) Inter-Agen...
  • Comelec warns PUV operators may lose franchise if found bearing campaign posters

    LAOAG CITY, Apr 16 (PIA) - - The Commission on Elections has warned that operators of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) could be stripped of their franchise to operate if they carry candidates’ campaign materials. Lawyer Joel Gines, provincial election supervisor, said PUVs - from tricycles, jeepneys and buses - are covered by the prohibition on the posting of materials outside common poster areas. “PUVs are for public use (therefore) they are included in the list of areas where campaign...
  • PIA head says Iloilo golfers can help ‘drive’ away poverty

    ILOILO CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Mari Oquinena, who is also a stalwart of Gawad Kalinga, thanked the officers and members of the Iloilo Golf and Country Club for accepting the challenge to help build homes for the poorest of the poor in Iloilo. Oquinena also underscored the role of golfers in the government’s development agenda, saying that by helping giving homes to the homeless they are in effect helping end poverty. ...
  • Comelec schedules 'Operation Baklas' in Baguio

    BAGUIO CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Cordillera has scheduled an “Operation Baklas (remove, take out)” on April 17 and 18, in three key areas in the city, namely, Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Road. Atty. Jose Nick Mendros, Comelec CAR regional director, said that pursuant to Comelec Resolution Number 9617, a task force has been created to tear down and remove all unlawful election materials. This is composed of the election officer as chairm...
  • BIR files charges against tobacco traders for tax evasion

    CALASIAO, Pangasinan, Apr 15 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Ilocos has filed tax evasion charges against the so-called “tobacco cowboys” of Ilocos Sur for their alleged failure to pay at least P21 million in deficiency taxes from 2009 to 2011. BIR Regional Director Arnel Guballa said five cases of tax evasion were filed against tobacco traders all from the province of Ilocos Sur. These are “tobacco cowboys” for acting as middlemen between farmers and tobacco companies. ...
  • DILG 13 confers awards to Butuan City

    BUTUAN CITY, April 16 (PIA) – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 (CARAGA) confers awards to the city government of Butuan for being the regional winner of the Local Legislative Award (LLA) in the highly-urbanized cities category and with Brgy. San Vicente as regional winner for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA). The awarding was made after the delivery of the State of the City Address (SOCA) of Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. at City Hal...
  • Comelec to set up RMA Teams in the May 13 elections

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 16 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will set up a team to conduct the Random Manual Audit (RMA) in the polling place of randomly selected clustered precincts, in the May 13, 2013 national and local elections. Composed of five (5) members per legislative district, members of the RMA Team will act as deputies of the RMA Committee in the conduct, supervision and control of the RMA, during which time, they are tasked in the maintenance of peace...
  • Majority of Quirino barangays participate in synchronized barangay assembly

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 16 (PIA)— The Department of the Interior and Local Government here said majority of the 132 barangays of the province took part in the synchronized barangay assembly day last month. Provincial Director Ruperto Maribbay of DILG Quirino said this is an indication that the barangay officials are now fully aware of the provisions of Republic Act 7160 or the local government code stating that there shall be a barangay assembly composed of all persons who are actual re...
  • PNoy wants ride quality of DOST’s automated guideway transit system improved

    MANILA, April 15 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to look into improving the ride quality of its automated guideway transit (AGT) system. This is in order provide the utmost comfort and security for its passengers, a statement from the Presidential Communications Operations Office said. The President issued his instructions after taking the AGT, the Philippines’ first locally developed and fully automated transport system locat...
  • DTI confiscates P.5-million worth of uncertified flatglass in Batangas

    CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, April 15 (PIA) -- About P.5-million worth of suspected uncertified flat glass were confiscated recently as a result of the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) on-the-spot inspection and monitoring of products covered under DTI’s product standards law. Ranulfo Guce, chief of DTI-Rizal's business regulation and consumer welfare division and leader of the enforcement team, said three flat glass retailers in Lipa City failed to present the valid import commodity clearan...
  • Hataman says ARMM reform agenda continues to bear fruit

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 14 (PIA) -- The bureaucratic reforms introduced in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) yielded unprecedented savings and have put a stop on influence peddling and other anomalous practices that have come to define ARMM. This was emphasized by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman in his presentation during the visit of President Benigno S. Aqino III to Cotabato City, Friday. The President made his first ever visit to the seat of the ARMM government to che...
  • BIR to taxpayers: Help build the nation, pay taxes

    CALASIAO, Pangasinan, April 12 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Ilocos has reminded tax payers to file their income tax returns (ITR) and pay proper income taxes on or before the April 15 deadline. The BIR will not extend the deadline for filing ITRs like what it did in previous years. Regional Director Arnel Guballa said that the government needs revenues to complete public programs and projects and improve existing public facilities. “Wala namang ibang pagkukunan ng pondo k...
  • Reforms in DPWH-ARMM result in P136-M savings

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highway-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has saved P136.4 million from its 2012 funds, officials disclosed Thursday. Emil Sadain, the region’s public works secretary, said the savings is due to the agency's prudent fiscal handling and enforcement of transparent procurement and bidding process. “It is part of the reforms we have put in place in the agency,” he said. Sadain said their ac...
  • PNoy: Country's good governance is recognized worldwide

    ILOILO CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The country’s good governance under the present administration’s “Matuwid na Daan” is recognized worldwide. This was conveyed by President Benigno Aquino III during his dialogue with the local leaders and the community in Sta. Barbara Gymnasium, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. “Proof to this is the Philippines being granted the investment grade debt rating from Fitch credit agency, a global credit rating firm,” said President Aquino. President Aquino said t...
  • DOE conducts first leg of IMEM public consultation in Zambo City

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) has conducted the first of a series of public consultations on the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) Rules. Recognizing the urgent need to address the current power supply shortage in Mindanao, DOE directed the PEMC to develop and implement an interim electricity market design, specific to Mindanao. “The consultation is a requisite, to inform the...
  • South Cotabato gets P25-M reward for good governance

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- Good governance has gained South Cotabato provincial government P25 million financial reward, which the LGU can use in implementing development initiatives. Reynaldo Bungubung, acting regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 12, on Monday turned over to Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. checks for the financial incentives to the LGU “for manifesting excellence in governance.” ...
  • Surigao Norte PCSO Branch office inaugurated

    SURIGAO CITY, Apr. 11 (PIA) -- As part of the agency’s commitment to broaden its reach to the provinces, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) extends its services in Surigao del Norte with the opening of a branch office in the city. The Surigao del Norte Branch Office, which is located at the Provincial Sports Complex Compound, was formally opened and inaugurated last Friday, April 5. Leading the ribbon-cutting were Board member Victor Borja in behalf of Governor Sol F. Matugas, ...
  • Teachers told: Be impartial during polls

    RIZAL, Kalinga, April 11 (PIA) -- Public school teachers who are serving on the May 13 polls were told to be impartial to ensure fair elections. Carolyn Verano, Kalinga Schools Division Superintendent, acknowledged the role of teachers during the conduct of election as she called on the teachers adhere to the principle of impartiality being the front liners during the conduct of elections in the precinct level and to ensure a safe and fair political exercise. A total of 777 teachers...
  • DILG official says he needs authorization from agency head before serving suspension order

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 11 (PIA) – The top official of the regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said he is waiting a copy of the suspension order by the Sandiganbayan against Mayor Diego Lim of Taft, Eastern Samar. Dr. Pedro Noval, DILG regional director, said that he learned of the suspension order against the mayor only through the banner story of a local newspaper last April 7. Mayor Lim was slapped with a 90-days suspension order by the graft bo...
  • DOST 5 preps up for PCOS operators accreditation

    LEGAZPI CITY, April 10 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Bicol readies for the accreditation process to certify operators on capability to operate the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machine. “DOST is the government agency responsible for accreditation of PCOS machine operators for the elections on May this year,” DOST regional director Tomas Brinas said during the “Hatol ng Bayan” television program aired over PTV-8 Legaspi Wednesday last week. Brinas...
  • Laoag hospital now on wheels

    LAOAG CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- The Laoag City General Hospital is now on wheels with the recent purchase of a P10 million-worth mobile clinic. The “Laoag City General Hospital on Wheels” will provide services ranging from x-ray, ultrasound, complete blood chemistry (CBC), including medical and dental services. The mobile clinic is equipped with life-saving devices such as X-ray machine, electrocardiogram (ECG) machine and hospital bed. Enrico Aurelio, Sangguniang Panglungsod Secretary, sa...
  • "Oplan Baklas" in Camarines Sur, relentless

    NAGA CITY, April 10 (PIA) - True to his word, lawyer Arnel Rodriguez, Department of Environment and Natural Resources officer, took away and stripped the trees with the illegally posted campaign materials nailed on it during yesterday’s launch of "Oplan Baklas". The composite team composed of the Commission on Elections (Comelc), DENR, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA) and other stakeholders simultaneously went around the main thoroughfares of various municipalities in ...
  • Ilocos Norte assessor gets national award for land registration program

    LAOAG CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- The provincial government’s trailblazing land registration program which the Office of the Provincial Assessor implemented paved the way for its chief to be recognized as the 2013 Most Outstanding Provincial Assessor. Provincial Assessor Atty. Erme Labayog was given the Exemplary Public Service Award by the Press Media Affair Center (PMAC), a government-registered media organization. The media group gives the exemplary public service award to outstanding person...
  • DavSur Comelec clarifies on damaged PCOS

    DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, April 9 (PIA) --A provincial Comelec official here clarified that the damage caused by power outage to 11 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines was “minimal and manageable,” saying it should not alarm the public. Edgardo Sadili, Davao del Sur provincial assistant election supervisor, said the damaged PCOS were part of the 43 machines used during the extensive training in the province that started March 7 and ended April 5. “It is only natural for a machi...
  • Diocesan Electoral Board volunteers trained to safeguard May 13 polls

    DUMAGUTE CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- Over 50 volunteers from different parishes in Negros Oriental and Siquijor have undergone trainors training recently on monitoring and safeguarding the May 13 polls. Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB)-led training discussed with volunteers the process of voting, contingency planning which include the testing and sealing of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, recruitment of different kinds of volunteers among others. DEB convenor, Rev. Msgr. Julius Heru...
  • DavSur Comelec enforces “Operation Baklas”

    DAVAO CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices in Davao del Sur are set to enforce this week the “Operation Baklas” or the removal of campaign materials outside the authorized common poster areas. Davao del Sur Assistant Election Supervisor Edgardo Sadili bared that the city and municipal Election Officers in the province have been ordered to conduct “Operation Baklas” in their respective areas, on or before April 13. Sadili told the Philippine Information A...
  • 'Unconventional' candidates fora to kick off April 10

    CEBU CITY, April 8 (PIA) --“Not a debate but clear presentation of stand on issues for Cebu’s development.” This was the clarification made by Cebu Daily News (CDN) pulisher, Eileen Mangubat during the press conference of the Mega Cebu Candidates Fora 2013 which will start its first series this Wednesday April 10. The format to be used in the series of fora is different from the usual election campaign debate, according to Mangubat. “It has a different format; it’s not the conventio...
  • CSC reminds public officials, employees on SALN compliance, deadline

    LEGAZPI CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) regional office here has reminded government officials and employees to submit their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) on or before the deadline on April 30. In “Ugnayan sa Bikol” radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional office here, Yoyie Jalmanzar, public information officer of CSC 5, explained that Section 17, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution requires “public officials an...
  • PCOS machines are tamper-free - DOST

    LEGAZPI CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional office here dispels rumors and doubts by the public that the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machine can be tampered or manipulated. “The PCOS machines are very reliable and accurate that give us an assurance of a credible and honest elections,” DOST 5 regional director Tomas Brinas said during the “Hatol ng Bayan” television program aired over PTV-8 Legaspi last week. Brinas assured the publ...
  • DSWD to launch “Anti-EPAL” Campaign in Sorsogon

    SORSOGON CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will launch "Bawal ang EPAL Dito" on April 11, 10am-12nn at the Paradise Resort in Brgy. Pangpang, this city. The campaign is part of an effort to ward off confusion among beneficiaries of government programs especially of the “Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program” (4Ps) and put a stop to politicians who are using the 4Ps in their political propaganda. DSWD Bicol Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia said that...
  • DOLE holds public consultations for Kasambahay Act IRR

    QUEZON CITY, April 8 (PIA)--The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has started soliciting comments and recommendations from the netizens on the implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act 10361, or “An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers”. The DOLE has posted the draft IRR of Kasambahay Law at the agency’s official website, www.dole.gov.ph “We have posted the IRR of the Kasambahay Law online to provide the Filipino netizens a...
  • PRC to conduct mobile licensing in Ifugao

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, April 8 (PIA) -- The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) based in Baguio City is set to conduct mobile licensing in the province on May 7 and June 19. This was disclosed by Claire Calingayan, the Public Employment Services Officer of the provincial local government unit here, in an interview in the program “Humangan with PIA”. The activity to be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on said dates seeks to bring government services closer to the people and cutting exp...
  • Social welfare office intensifies “no to epal” campaign

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, April 8 (PIA) – The provincial social welfare and development office has intensified its “no to epal” campaign to spare the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries from politics. Lucila Ambatali, provincial social welfare and development officer, said the campaign aims to protect the 4ps beneficiaries from being used in advancing the interests of politicians in gaining votes which may destroy the integrity of the program. Local candidates have already ...
  • CSC warns government agencies against red tape

    ILOILO CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- Government agencies and offices are there to serve the people. This was conveyed by Civil Service Commission (CSC-6) Regional Director Rodolfo Encajonado, who said that government agencies must comply with their mandate to serve the public. “Republic Act 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act stipulates implementation of strategies and activities to maintain transparency, integrity, and standards in all government official transactions,” said Encajon...
  • DILG, COMELEC join DSWD in Anti-Epal campaign in Bicol

    LEGAZPI CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- Credit-grabbing politicians commonly known as “Epal” (short for ‘nagpapapel’) will be exposed in a shame campaign being led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The campaign is fully supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec). “I will personally go to different provinces to lead the campaign,” DSWD Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia said during the grand l...
  • BSP, anti-money laundering council expands coverage of money laundering

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, April 7 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has partnered with the Anti-Money Laundering Council to ensure that even pawnshops and those involved in money remittances and conversion will be protected from suspicious transactions. The BSP and AMLC will be holding a series of seminars among stockholders, proprietors, directors, officers and employees directly in charge of operations of pawnshop, foreign exchange dealer, money changer and remittance agent on April 25 and 2...
  • NSO calls for cooperation to the April 2013 Labor Force Survey

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 7 (PIA) -- In line with the Labor Force Survey which will be conducted from April 8 to April 30, the National Statistics Office in Eastern Visayas is calling for the cooperation of the sample households. NSO-8 Regional Director Raul Dones saidd that like any other surveys undertaken by NSO, the data that will be gathered will be held strictly confidential and will not be divulged to any person except to authorized NSO personnel. The data will not be used for taxatio...
  • DENR-7 holds budget consultation meetings

    CEBU CITY, April 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) held a consultation meeting on its next year’s proposed budget of P588M that was participated in by over 70 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Cebu. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, this public consultation dialogue with the various stakeholders is pursued to ensure transparency and accountability in the budget process and implementation of the agency’s budget proposal fo...
  • COMELEC reminds candidates on rules in posting of campaign materials

    BAGUIO CITY, April 5 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections reminded candidates for the May 13, 2013 polls to follow the policies of the agency on the posting of campaign materials. Atty. Reddy Balarbar, COMELEC-Cordillera Assistant Regional Director in a radio interview reminded all candidates of a provision on COMELEC Resolution No. 9615 which laid down the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9006, otherwise known as the “Fair Election Act”, in connection with the May 13...
  • Ifugao town school board allots P.5M aid to public schools

    LAMUT, Ifugao, April 5 (PIA) - - The Municipal School Board (MSB) here has allotted the amount of P550,000 as help to elementary and secondary schools in this municipality. The said amount was approved by the MSB through Ordinance 2013-1 to fund the 2013 education priority program of the municipality in the different public schools. According to the MSB, the appropriation was sourced-out from the additional one percent real property of fiscal year 2012 as certified by the municipal treasu...
  • Benguet town crafts Gender and Development Code

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, April 5 (PIA) -- The municipality of Tublay has enacted an ordinance on Gender and Development (GAD) Code championing the rights of women to be equal with men in all aspects of development. Tublay Ordinance Number 2012-04 or the Gender and Development (GAD) Code also mandates the implementation of comprehensive and sustainable GAD program of the municipality. The legal basis in adopting the measure are the 1987 Constitution which recognizes the role of women in ...
  • NSO begins survey on Ilocos Region’s business performance

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, April 5 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) in Ilocos has begun a survey that will reflect how the region performed in the areas of business and economy in 2012. The 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI), which began on April 1, will collect data in the areas of employment and compensation, revenue and expenses, assets and capital expenditure of establishments in the region. Socrates Ramores, officer-in-charge of NSO Ilocos, said the statistical i...
  • DBM to pursue digitization of budget processes

    ILOILO CITY, April 3 (PIA) --The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is pursuing the digitization of budget processes in support of public financial management reforms. This was conveyed by DBM Secretary Florencio S. Abad in his keynote address during the 1st Quarterly Membership Meeting and Seminar of the Philippine Association for Government Budget Administration (PAGBA), Inc. held at the Sarabia Manor Hotel here. Abad said that starting 2014, all budget submissions will be done elec...
  • DFA Region 2 sets Apr 13 for Tabuk mobile-passport applicants

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 4 (PIA) – Foreign Affairs Region 2 Office has set April 13 as special processing day solely for mobile passport applicants from this city. According to Loyda Saboy, Tabuk Public Employment Service Officer (PESO)-Designate, the DFA will only process applications for new passports and renewals from Tabuk during the day. Saboy, who has arranged with DFA about this mobile passporting, announced that submission of application is extended until April 8 at their off...
  • NSO urges businessmen to give correct data during census

    NEGROS OCC., April 4 (PIA6) -- Provincial Statistician Fred Sollesta of the NSO urges businessmen in the province to accommodate NSO researchers conducting the Census of Philippine Business and Industry and to provide them the right data. He assured that all data revealed by respondents will be treated confidentially because it is covered by a ruling so that it cannot be used against any businessman. Sollesta said the government will use data gathered to craft policies, laws and programs for...
  • NSO sets census of business, industry in Aklan

    KALIBO, Aklan, April 4 (PIA6) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) here will be conducting another big census this month of April in Aklan to be held alongside its ongoing census on agriculture and fishery. Set to cover some 283 samples in Aklan, the 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI) here will be complementing the 58,039 total samples of business and industry throughout the country, according to Blas M. Solidum, NSO-Aklan Provincial Statistics Officer. Solidum added...
  • Capiz Oplan Red Plate nets 16 gov’t vehicles

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 4 (PIA) – During the simultaneous inter-agency Oplan Red Plate operation conducted recently in Western Visayas, a total of 16 government vehicles were flagged down in the areas of Sigma, Ivisan and in Barangays Cagay and Lanot, Roxas City. No vehicles were spotted in the malls and in the beaches in Roxas City Of the 16 government vehicles, two vehicles have no violations while the 14 others were found mostly to have no trip tickets, no “For Official Use Only” s...
  • Abad considers budget officers as 'unsung heroes'

    ILOILO CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- No government agency, no local government unit, no corporation can succeed unless they have very good budget administrators. This was expressed by the Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio S. Abad in his keynote address during the 1st Quarterly Membership Meeting and Seminar of the Philippine Association for Government Budget Administration (PAGBA), Inc. held at the Sarabia Manor Hotel here. Abad said that the budget officers are the unsung he...
  • QC Partners with USAID for Mobile Payment Governance Innovation

    QUEZON CITY, April 3 (PIA) – The Quezon City (QC) government and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) signed on March 25 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will pave the way for the QC Government to adopt mobile money payment schemes for tax and business registration payments. This will provide added convenience to the city's taxpayers and business owners since the system will enable them to pay their taxes and fees due without having to go to City Hall, and by just using t...
  • NSO-8's fruitful observance of Women’s Month

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 3 (PIA) ­-- The National Statistics Office in Region 8 (NSO-8) had a fruitful and meaningful observance of Women’s Month, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 224 and 227 and Republic Act No. 6949. Various activities were conducted by the office, the latest of which were Gender and Development (GAD) Seminar and Lenten Recollection as culmination activities for the Women’s Month Celebration, NSO Region 8 Director Raul Dones said. Conducted on March 25-26 at...
  • Pag-IBIG to implement new procedures for faster services

    CEBU CITY April 3 (PIA) -- The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) is set to implement procedural reforms on some transactions effective May 2013 to grant faster services to the public, These include the use of their Membership Identification (MID) or Registration Tracking Number (RTN) to be indicated upon the submission of the following forms: Members’ Contribution Remittance Form (MCRF); Short Term Loan/Multi-Purpose Loan Applications; and Monthly Remittance Schedule for Multi-Purpose ...
  • PNoy approves RA 10366 granting PWD’s and SC’s accessibility in polling places during elections

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 3 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved Republic Act. No. 10366, granting persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens (SC) exclusive accessibility in polling places during elections. Entitled “An Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons With Disabilities and Senior Citizens” will finally take effect on July 1, 2013. A consolidation of Sena...
  • Comelec to assign 469 PCOS machines in Misamis Occidental for the May 13 elections

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 3 (PIA) – A total to 469 voting centers have been put up in Misamis Occidental for the May 13 national and local elections. Thus, the province will have an equal number of 469 Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines, as each voting center will have at least one (1) unit of such equipment during the elections, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES), said. Baguio said about 256 or 54.58 percent of these voting centers are...
  • Kalinga forms committee to deal on road right-of-way problems

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 2 (PIA) - - The provincial government formed a committee to deal on road right-of-way (RROW) problems that cause delay on road improvement projects. Governor Jocel Baac, during the recent "kapehan," said a corresponding executive order will be issued composed of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Provincial Engineering Office, National Irrigation Administration, Provincial Legal office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of I...
  • Candidates in Ifugao town sign manifesto to abide by election rules

    KIANGAN, Ifugao, April 3 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections, Department of Interior and Local Government, and a religious organization led the presentation of candidates here last March 30 at the Kiangan open gymnasium. Two candidates vying for the position of mayor and 22 for councilors took turn in introducing themselves and presented their platforms. Candidates Angelito Dulinayan and Joselito Guyguyon who are running for mayor were given 10 minutes each while the 22 candidates for council...
  • RDC-CAR accepts application of private orgs to qualify for nominations as sector reps

    BAGUIO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council- Cordillera is calling on all private sector organizations (PSOs) based in the region to submit and file their applications which is an initial step in the selection of a private sector representative (PSR) to the council. Florida Faculo, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Officer-in-Charge assistant regional director and the RDC-CAR Secretary, said the RDC-CAR is on the process of accepting applications for PSOs ...
  • NSO census on business and industries starts

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 2 (PIA) - - The National Statistics Office (NSO) provincial office here started on Monday, April 1, the conduct of the 2012 census on Philippine Business and Industry in the provinces of Apayao and Kalinga. Avelino Cadalig of NSO, in an interview said, two field men and one supervisor were hired to conduct the survey until May 31 on 74 households in Kalinga and 10 in Apayao. He said the census is aimed to collect and generate detailed information on employment,...
  • Tabuk City releases funds for agro-forest program

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 2 (PIA) -- Aimed to preserve and protect the city’s watershed areas, the city government has released P2 million to push forward its agro-forest program this year. City Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban explained the move is a product of the barangay visit program of the city government, which gathers people’s pulse on pressing issues in their respective localities. Efforts to preserve Tabuk’s watersheds is also included in the city’s urban plan, which gives prior...
  • Comelec reiterates appeal to CL bets to abide by poster rules

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 2 (PIA) -- With the start of the campaign period for local positions, Commission on Elections (Comelec) once again reiterated its call to all candidates in Central Luzon to abide by its rules on the use of posters. “Under Republic Act No. 9006 otherwise known as the Fair Elections Act, candidates with political parties can have 12x16 feet posters while 4x 6 feet is allowed for independent candidates” COMELEC Regional Director Rafael Olaño said. Polit...
  • San Fernando LGU starts 4-work week scheme this month

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, Apr 1 (PIA) – Beginning today, employees of the San Fernando city government will enjoy long weekends after officials revived the four-day work week scheme for the months of April and May. City Mayor Pablo Ortega said the shorter work scheme will allow employees to spend more time with their families and save operational costs for government. To cover the additional day off on Fridays, employees will render service from 7am to 5pm from Monday to Thursday. The adjusted w...
  • Kalinga employees told to lead in paying real property taxes

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 1 (PIA) - - Agencies and offices of government were urged during today's 'Kapehan' program to help in local taxation by leading their employees in paying their real property taxes. Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac called on heads of offices to strongly urge their employees to pay their real property taxes. He told them that public service is not only to deliver the needs of constituents but also to share with the burden of taxation since taxes are also the source ...
  • Over 200 candidates in NegOr ink peace covenant for May 13 polls

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 1 (PIA) -- Over 200 local candidates from different political parties in Negros Oriental have officially signed the peace covenant. The activity was led by the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) in Dumaguete City. The signatories represent one-third of the 633 candidates provincewide. The covenant aims to muster support for peaceful, honest and fair elections for this May elections. Some municipalities and cities already conducted its peace covenant led by the local Philipp...
  • Good governance starts with the conduct of a SAFE elections – DILG-10 Chief

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Apr. 1 (PIA) -- Good governance starts with the conduct of a safe and fair election (SAFE) that serves as a test for the people to support the “Matuwid na Daan” (Straight Path) of the Aquino Administration. This was the message of Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, Regional Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10, to the more than 370 candidates for the May 13, 2013 elections in Misamis Occidental during the recent Peace Covenant...
  • DTI Nueva Ecija posts highest mark ever in CSC Seal of Excellence Award

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 1 (PIA) -- Another Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Central Luzon made history on Monday after it posted the highest mark in the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award of Civil Service Commission (CSC). DTI Nueva Ecija garnered a score of 98, higher than the Regional Office III’s 95.08 record last year. CSC Chairman Francisco Duque and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo personally conferred a plaque and P75,000 cash incenti...
  • Country reaping the fruits of government reforms, says Aquino in Easter message

    MANILA, March 31 -- The country has progressed a lot when the true power of government was given back to the people, President Benigno S. Aquino III said in his Easter message Saturday. In his message, the President said the resurrection of Jesus Christ mirrors the hope of the Filipino people to rise from the ill effects of corruption and despair. “Mula nang naibalik sa mga Pilipino ang tunay na lakas ng pamahalaan, at naiwaksi ang kultura nang pagkakanya-kanya at panlalamang, nagawa nating ...
  • Diocesan Electoral Board sets candidates forum in Negros Oriental

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 30 (PIA)--The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) has scheduled series of candidates' forums in Negros Oriental from April 5 to May 3 for his year’s synchronized May 13 elections. DEB convenor, Rev Msgr Julius Perpetuo Heruela said the forum aims to provide a non-partisan and free venue for candidates to present their qualifications, platforms or programs of government and give local candidates and residents a chance to discuss the various issues affecting their communities. ...
  • Ombudsman: Don’t use government vehicles this Holy Week

    ILOILO CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio S. Apostol reminded government officials and employees not to use their service vehicles in their out-of-town family vacations for the Holy Week on March 28-31. Apostol issued the statement as their office for Western Visayas reported on the result of the simultaneous Inter-Agency Oplan Red Plate Operation conducted by the Ombudsman-led task force last Saturday, March 23 in the region. Ombudsman Visayas-Western Visayas ...
  • BoC to auction P135M worth of smuggled rice

    LEGAZPI CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Customs (BoC) Legazpi will auction next month the seized 94,000 bags of imported rice from Vietnam worth approximately P135 million, BoC Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Danilo Lim has already directed the BoC office here to start the auction of the seized imported rice now kept in a warehouse in this city. Lawyer Leovigildo Dayoja, BoC collector here, said the bureau will immediately act on to dispose the seized imported rice through pu...
  • DILG urges gov’t employees to attend barangay assembly

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Mar 27 (PIA) –- The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 2 (DILG-2) has urged government employees and the public to actively participate in the conduct of the simultaneous barangay assembly on March 30. Vincent G. dela Rosa, information officer, said all barangays are directed to conduct barangay assemblies on the said date for the first semester of the year. He stated that based on their observations during barangay assemblies, very few professionals or g...
  • Surigao del Norte receives DILG-Pamana Fund for 8 Infra Projects

    BUTUAN CITY, March 27 - The Province of Surigao del Norte received some P105 million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 (Caraga) for the implementation of Pamana (Payapa at Masaganang PamayaNan) Projects on March 26, 2013 at the DILG-Caraga Regional Office, this city. Pamana, as a peace-building initiative of the government in conflict-affected areas supports the formulation of the Provincial Peace and Development Framework Plan of Surigao del Norte. This ...
  • National gov't offices hold first flag ceremony at Astrodome compound

    DAGUPAN CITY, Mar 27 (PIA) -- Employees of eight national government agencies (NGAs) gathered Monday for the first time for the flag raising rites at the Astrodome Compound. The activity follows Civil Service Memorandum Circular, No. 19 Series of 2012 on the observance of flag ceremonies, which is mandated by Republic Act 8491. The law requires all government offices and educational institutions to observe flag raising ceremonies to ensure employees accord respect to the Philippine flag. It a...
  • Ombudsman warns public officials against use of gov’t. vehicles

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 27 (PIA6) -- The Office of the Ombudsman is intensifying its campaign against the non-judicious use of government vehicles. Information Officer Evangeline Nuñal who is also the Graft Investigation Officer of the OMB Regional Office 6, disclosed that while they have been warning public officials against the use of government vehicles for personal purposes, the public must likewise do their share in said campaign. “We are encouraging the public to be very vigilant ...
  • Oplan Red Plate in Iloilo nets more than 40 vehicles

    ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PIA6) – The Office of the Ombudsman Iloilo once again intensified its campaign on the improper use of government vehicles by conducting various checkpoints, recently, in the province and city of Iloilo which resulted to 40 vehicles flagged down and 7 more spotted parked at restaurants and malls. Of the 40, 28 were flagged down during a checkpoint in Pavia, Iloilo in the morning and the rest were inspected at checkpoints around various points the city of Iloilo. Most of...
  • CSC to confer Seal of Excellence Award to Three CL DTI provincial offices

    ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 26 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will confer Monday the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award to the provincial offices of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. DTI Central Luzon officials and employees headed by provincial directors Elenita Ordonio of Pampanga, Brigida Pili of Nueva Ecija, and Zorina Aldana of Bulacan will receive their plaques and cash rewards from CSC Chairman Francisco Duqu...
  • Kalinga town inaugurates P28M- municipal hall

    RIZAL, Kalinga, March 26 (PIA) - - The local government unit (LGU) of Rizal inaugurated during the opening day of the Pinikpikan Festival, Tuesday, its P28- million municipal building. Mayor Marcelo Dela Cruz Jr. said the construction of a permanent municipal hall to house all the departments and other devolved offices, centralizes all operations of the LGU and solves the problem of having office in different locations which is disadvantageous for the public clientele when transacting ...
  • DSWD assures assessment project for "Pablo" victims is free of political interventions

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 guarantees that the National Household Targeting Unit (NHTU) validation assessment for the Pablo victims in Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao- Lanao and Maguindanao (ARMM-LaMa) will not be influenced by the 2013 political campaign. The validation and assessment was implemented to monitor the status of the poor and non-poor households affected by typhoo...
  • Ifugao town approves incentive and investment code

    HINGYON, Ifugao, March 25 (PIA) - - Investors here will soon enjoy privileges with the approval of the municipal incentive and investment code. Mayor Mario Buyuccan recently approved the said ordinance giving incentives to investors that will provide equal opportunities for income and employment for the people in the municipality. The incentive and investment code authored by Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Romando Hewe aims to lay down the framework and mechanism for integrating the inv...
  • Aquino orders CAAP to get the Phl off US, EU civil aviation authority watchlist

    QUEZON CITY, March 25 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to get the Philippines off the watchlists of the civil aviation authorities of United States and the European Union. Aquino was the guest of honor during CAAP’s 5th Anniversary celebration Monday held at the agency’s covered court in Old MIA Road, Pasay City. While the President cited CAAP for the various accomplishments it has implemented under the leadership of ...
  • Tinglayan uses cash incentive for health center improvement

    TINGLAYAN, Kalinga, March 25 (PIA) -- People in this hinter town of Kalinga would soon benefit from the services of a better health facility after the municipal government has approved the use of its P700,000 cash incentive to improve its existing municipal health center. Municipal Mayor Fernando Abay, in a statement said, the money is a cash award given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to the local government unit for being awarded the Seal of Good Housekeepin...
  • Central Luzon-based foundation honors LGUs with best streamlining practices

    CLARK FREEPORT, March 25 (PIA) -- Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), honored on Wednesday local government units (LGUs) in the region with excellent implementation of streamlined procedures in the issuance of mayor’s permit. Olongapo emerged as the recipient in the city category while the towns of San Luis, Aurora; Limay, Bataan; Sta. Maria, Bulacan; San ...
  • NSO SoLeyte to start census for establishments and enterprises anew

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 25 (PIA) -- Some 1,118 establishments and enterprises in Southern Leyte will be given questionnaires for another census for establishments and enterprises this year. “The National Statistics Office (NSO) -Southern Leyte Provincial Office will start the distribution of the questionnaires for the 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (2012 CPBI) to the different establishments and enterprises in the province on April 1, 2013,” Provincial Sta...
  • DPWH engineers brush up on quality control skills for public projects

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, Mar 24 (PIA) -- Pursuant to the Aquino administration’s “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path) policy, the public works department has gathered its field engineers to a workshop to ensure that public projects are above standards. Called the quality assessment workshop, field engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways went through a series of sessions that would improve strategies in quality control and construction procedures. Esperanza Tinaza, DPWH public rela...
  • BEI members undergo training for PCOS machine operations

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 24 (PIA) -- To ensure that teachers are well-versed on the use of precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines, the regional office of the Commission on Elections in Eastern Visayas are training more than 10,000 teachers who will serve as Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) in the region this coming May 2013 election. Earlier, the pool of trainers composed of provincial election supervisors, and board of certifiers went through the same training which was also done by...
  • March 30 is Barangay Assembly Day

    BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 24 (PIA) -- Slated on March 30 is the conduct of Barangay Assembly Day for all barangays across the country in their respective jurisdiction for the first semester of this year. This is pursuant to Proclamation No. 260, Series of 2011, which declares the last Saturday of March and the third Saturday of October as Barangay Assembly Days. In this connection, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2013-23 dated March 18, 2013 fo...
  • DBM Oks Philgeps new membership fees

    MANILA, March 23 --The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System’s (PhilGEPS) proposal to implement new membership types, which will support PhilGEPS’ operational self-sufficiency and enhance transparency and efficiency in the public procurement process. Under the proposed plan, registered suppliers will be subject to additional fees, which will pave the way for additional and beneficial user features such as electronic bi...
  • Pangasinan is national awardee for rice achievement

    PANGASINAN, Mar 23 (PIA) -- The province reaped another honor when it was awarded by the Department of Agriculture as among the country’s top 10 rice producers for 2012. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala conferred the plaque of recognition and P4-million worth of agricultural projects to Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the 2nd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Alcala said the award, led by the DA thr...
  • All systems go for the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Camarines Norte

    DAET, Camarines Norte, March 22 (PIA) -- All systems go for the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Gawad Kalinga (GK) Friendship Village in Barangay Laniton, San Lorenzo Ruiz town this province on March 23-27 where 2,000 volunteers from different provinces in the region are arriving today at the base camp in Daet Elementary School here. This is a nationwide activity where the GK Friendship Village in San Lorenzo Ruiz town is the only site in the Bicol Region and one of the 37 sites in 34 provinces in th...
  • Robredo's monument to rise in Naga City

    NAGA CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- A 2-storey Jesse M. Robredo (JMR) Museum will soon rise in a 3,450 square kilometer area just inside the Naga City Civic Center. On Thursday, March 21, President Benigno Aquino III personally graced the groundbreaking ceremony and capsule laying, to signal the commencement of the proposed edifice here. Contrary to the usual concept of an imposing monument, JMR’s statue will convey the message of humility, simplicity and modesty as JMR best exemplified during his ...
  • GSIS : No move to reduce basic monthly pension

    ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- There is no truth to the rumor that there are moves to amend the provision of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Act of 1997, that the GSIS will change the computation of the Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) to be received by an employee separated from service/retired/disabled or died according to a GSIS official. GSIS Vice President Salvacion Mate, in a briefing before members of the Development Administration Committee (DAC) of the Regional Development Coun...
  • Dumaguete City gets Galing Pook Award

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City received the prestigious "Galing Pook Award" for Environment for its best practices in innovating and implementing the city-wide septage management program in the Philippines. City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria received the award recently from Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, Landbank Plaza in Malate, Manila. Of the 122 cities of the country, 16 were initially chosen to present their respective best practices. ...
  • 3 DTI provincial offices are 'CSC Seal of Excellence' awardees

    ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA) - - Three provincial offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here in Region 6 were awarded on Thursday the “Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence” by the Civil Service Commission. CSC Commissioner Robert Martinez handed the glass seal and P75,000 cash to DTI provincial offices in Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental during the awarding ceremony held at the DTI 6 Audio Visual Room, Iloilo City. Government agencies are confirmed by th...
  • It’s partnership, not privatization of healthcare facilities, programs - DOH

    LEGAZPI CITY, Mar. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) clears issues and oppositions as they take bolder moves to provide better and wider healthcare services to the public by further strengthening their public private partnership (PPP) strategy. “It’s partnership not privatization. To privatize means to sell our healthcare facilities to private individuals but under our PPP, hospitals are owned by the government while our private partners provide services to the public,” said Depa...
  • Over 1,000 volunteers join Bayani Challenge in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- Over 1,000 volunteers will troop to San Remigio, Cebu armed with a big heart to serve the poor communities of the coastal town as the five-day 8th Bayani Challenge 2013 kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, March 23. Bayani Challenge is the biggest volunteerism event in the country, so far with 34 provinces throughout the Philippines joining the simultaneous event from March 23 to 27. This year’s event carries the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan.” Around 100,000...
  • Media and Gender Equality Committee launches 3 documents

    MANILA, March 22 (PIA) -- The Media and Gender Equality Committee (MGEC), chaired by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is set to launch on March 22 at the National Telecommunications Office, the three document-outputs. The three documents are: the Gender Equality Guidelines, Guidelines to Protect Women against Discrimination in Media and Film, and Code of Ethics for Media formulated by the MGEC to achieve gender-fair and sensitive portrayal in mass media and art product...
  • Brgy Hingatunggan Lupong Tagapamayapa gets P300,000 cash award

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 22 (PIA) -- The national awardee Lupong Tagapamayapa, Barangay Hingatunggan of Silago got the fruits of their labor, the national recognition, and cash award. “Barangay Hingatunggan has laid down plans for the improvement of their Lupon building and upgrading of their skills to operationalize the barangay justice system out of the cash incentives they got from being acclaimed as a national awardee at the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) in 2012...
  • CSC-Kalinga urges officials, employees to submit SALN

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 21 (PIA) - - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) urges public servants to file their statement of assets and liabilities and net worth (SALN) before the April 30 deadline. Ruthgail Balagso of CSC Kalinga Field Office said officials and employees have to fill up their SALN using the new form provided by their respective office or can be downloaded from the CSC website. She said the SALN must contain a true and complete declaration of assets, liabilities and net worth, ...
  • Tabuk City releases P1.26-M incentive to barangay tanods, lupon

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 21 (PIA) -– The city government has released this week the first quarter cash incentive of barangay tanods and lupong tagapamayapa amounting to P1.26 million. From the city’s 42 barangays, the number of beneficiaries reached 1,680 with 20 tanods and 20 lupon from every barangay. They received P750 each as first quarter incentive with a monthly additional allowance of P250. City Interior and Local Government Officer Julio Barcellano said the city government allo...
  • Catanduanes town now uses e-copy of DSWD’s NHTS-PR data

    LEGAZPI CITY, Mar. 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 5 (DSWD-5) has turned-over the data on National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) to the local government of Baras in Catanduanes last March 15. Ciriaco B. Abejuro, focal person on NHTS-PR of DSWD, said the system serves as database of poor households as reference in identifying potential beneficiaries of social protection programs of the government. Abejuro explained that the s...
  • Pres. Aquino outlines major accomplishments in Baguio-Benguet

    BAGUIO CITY, March 21(PIA) -– President Benigno S. Aquino on Sunday outlined some of the major accomplishments of his administration in Baguio - Benguet under his “Tuwid na daan” campaign. In his speech before local leaders and community in Baguio City, the President said that in Benguet, there are now on-going works on the more than 65 kilometers Gurel-Bokod-kabayan-Buguias road that would cut travel time from Bokod to Buguias to one hour from the current two hours. The said road i...
  • President Aquino signs bill into law ‘revitalizing’ People’s Television Network

    MANILA, March 20 --President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law a Bill that will “revitalize” the operations of government television station PTV-4 (People’s Television Network, Incorporated) to be at par with global standards with programming relevant to the times, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said. Coloma, in a press conference held at Malacanang on Wednesday, said that the President signed into law Republic Act No. 103901 or An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7306, en...
  • MGB increases fees, minimum capital requirements for exploration permit

    LEGAZPI CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has increased fees for mining applications, minimum capital requirements for mining applicants, and also issued procedural guidelines in the filing and processing of applications for exploration permit Theodore Rommel E. Pestaño, engineer and regional director of MGB regional office in Bicol, said Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2013-10 increas...
  • Census of agriculture, fisheries on-going

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) is currently conducting the nationwide Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) for 2012 which started last February 25 and expected to end on April 13, 2013. This was learned from Director Raul F. Dones of NSO-Region 8 who said this is the sixth in a series of decennial agriculture census and the fifth in the decennial census of fisheries in the country. According to Director Dones, the 2012 CAF is a large–scale g...
  • DTI confers Bagwis Award to 15 businesses in Bicol

    LEGAZPI CITY, Mar. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here has cited 15 business establishments that have manifested and practiced fair business and upheld the rights and welfare of consumers. The business ventures operating in different provinces in the Bicol Region were conferred the Bagwis Awards, a program recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Asean Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP) as one of the best practices of...
  • DepEd embarks on large scale classroom construction project

    PAGADIAN CITY, March 19 (PIA) - - The Department of Education (DepEd) during the first quarter Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) meeting held recently in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, sought the support to its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for School Infrastructure Project II (PSIP-II) or the large-scale classroom project for endorsement to the Regional Development Council (RDC)-9. DepEd is embarking on the second phase of its large-scale classroom construction through the PPP scheme ...
  • DSWD Calabarzon, brings 'anti-epal' campaign to Laguna

    CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Calabarzon held a press conference recently for Laguna media on their anti-epal campaign with the slogan “Maki-alam, magsumbong, Bawal ang Epal.” “Epal” is a Filipino term to describe people who are attention grabbers, scene-stealers or simply getting recognition which they do not deserve. Held at the talakayan room of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 4A, DSWD’s campaign aims ...
  • DENR vows to protect trees from harmful campaign materials

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 19 (PIA) -- “Operation Baklas”, a program of work implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas seek to secure free, orderly, honest, and credible election without harming the environment. The move of the DENR is the protection of trees from being harmed through nailed posters and stapled campaign materials this midterm election. Manolito Ragub, DENR regional executive director disclosed that their office has implanted ...
  • Lanao del Sur stakeholders to work together towards honest, peaceful elections

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 18 (PIA) -- Civil society organizations and other multi-sectoral stakeholders have pledged to work together to ensure honest and peaceful elections in the province. They committed to do all the necessary efforts to make peaceful and honest elections possible not only in the province but also in the entire Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), during the Lanao del Sur Stakeholders Conference for Peaceful, Free and Fair 2013 elections held recently, here. ...
  • DENR-6 steps up inventory, sorting, grooming of land records

    ILOILO CITY, Mar. 18 (PIA) -- The Land Management Service of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is now fast tracking the inventory, sorting and grooming (ISG) of land records for the full implementation of the Land Administration and Management System (LAMS). The system, according to Director Adeluisa Siapno of DENR-6, is designed to ensure an effectively managed land records for efficient delivery of data in land transactions. “When fully operational, it will provide inform...
  • Comelec awards P490M forwarding contract to AirFreight 2100, Inc.

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 18 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has awarded a forwarding contract of P490,081,284.96 to AirFeight 2100, Inc., for the deployment of the election materials in the six (6) regions of Mindanao. These materials which consist of the automated election system (AES) equipment and paraphernalia for use in the May 13, 2013 national and local elections are intended for regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ...
  • PNoy to PMA grads : Put people above self

    BAGUIO CITY, March 17 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the members of the Philippine Military Academy ‘Pudang Kalis” Class of 2013 to face the challenges as new officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with courage and consideration putting themselves in the situation of those who will be mostly affected by the situation. In his commencement message to the 124 –strong ‘Pudang Kalis’ Class who were commissioned as second lieutenants and ensigns of the A...
  • Candidates vow for peaceful, clean polls in Lanao del Sur

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 17 (PIA) -- Candidates running for congressional, gubernatorial, mayoralty, and other local posts in the entire province vowed to help the Commission on Elections (Comelec) administer peaceful and honest elections this May. They manifested their commitment for peaceful and clean polls by forging a covenant during the Lanao del Sur Stakeholders Conference for Peaceful, Free and Fair 2013 Elections last March 11. By signing the covenant, they pledged not to buy ...
  • PNoy to grace PMA graduation rites

    BAGUIO CITY, March 17 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III will be the guest of honor and speaker during the Philippine Military Academy’s 108th commencement exercises, March 17 at the Borromeo Field at Fort del Pilar, here. The President is expected to arrive at PMA at around 9 a.m. and will welcomed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Immanuel Bautista and PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Ireneo Espino. He will then be given the...
  • PNoy presents govt report card during Alaminos visit

    DAGUPAN CITY, March 16 (PIA) -- Foreign tourist arrivals in the country continue to soar and had reached 4.3 million, surpassing the three million mark that government initially projected. The positive tourism entry was part of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s report card to Pangasinenses during his visit to Alaminos City where he met with local leaders and community folks on Friday. His report card also consisted of government’s other accomplishments in the areas of social welfare, educa...
  • DTI-Siquijor receives Citizen Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award

    SIQUIJOR, March 16 (PIA)-- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) gave the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)– Siquijor Provincial Office the Seal of Service Excellence Award, Plaque of Recognition and a cash award of P75,000. CSC chairman Francisco Duque III handed the award to DTI-provincial director Nimfa Virtucio at Parklane Hotel, Cebu City recently and said, "this is the first agency to receive the award in the Province of Siquijor." The Service Excellence Award is a program of the CS...
  • PNoy signs law allowing absentee media voting

    QUEZON CITY, March 15 -- President Aquino signed Republic Act (RA) 10380 otherwise known as the Local Absentee Voting for Media Law, allowing media practitioners nationwide the opportunity to cast their votes every election. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a press briefing, Friday said the pertinent provisions of this new law shall apply to all members of the media and their respective technical and support staff who are usually busy covering the election day. They, howeve...
  • Tabuk City sets on-line real property assessment system

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 15 (PIA) -– Tabuk City expects to fully set its computerized real property assessment system before the end of this month. This is in line with the Computerization of Real property Tax Adjustment System (RPTAS) being established by the Bureau of Local Government Finance under the Department of Finance (DOF). City Assessor Jimmy Paclay said the system is mandated on local government units as part of the steps to enhance local tax efforts through efficient real prop...
  • RDC-9 bats for growth, development in ZamPen

    DIPOLOG CITY, March 15 (PIA) - - “The Regional Development Council is the highest policy-making in the region. We are not here just to present our budget but we are here to contribute to the regional development.” This was the gist of the message of Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-9 during the 143rd Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting held recently at the Top Plaza Hotel this city. The council has endorsed a P47.43-...
  • DSWD launches “Bawal ang Epal” campaign in Cordillera

    BAGUIO CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- With the campaign period for local candidates for the May elections about to start, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is appealing to all elective officials not to take advantage of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in their campaign strategies. DSWD Cordillera Regional Office launched the department’s “Bawal ang Epal Dito” campaign in a kapihan media forum, Wednesday, to empower the beneficiaries to know their rights a...
  • GSIS dialogues with stakeholders in Laguna

    STA. CRUZ, Laguna, March 15 (PIA) -- Officials of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) held a dialogue recently with stakeholders with the theme “Maasahan ng Lingkod-bayan” held at Asiablooms Place in this town. Robert C. Vergara, GSIS president and general manager, discussed the new mission and vision of the GSIS which according to him is now committed to be more transparent, consultative and a member-focused or simply aims for a better service to stakeholders. He also mentioned ...
  • RDC-10 now accepts membership applications from private sector

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council-10 (RDC-10), the highest planning and policy-making body in the region, is now accepting applications for membership representing the private sector. Applicants for a private sector representative (PSR) must be Filipino citizen, of legal age, not disbarred by law to participate in government and the electoral processes, and a resident of the region in the last three years. He/she must be willing and ...
  • RDC-X backs DENR Order on public land titling

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC), Northern Mindanao has expressed its support to Administrative Order No. 2011-06 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) “Prescribing the Guidelines for the Implementation of Public Land Titling in Partnership with Local Government Units.” Articulated during the 96th Full Council Meeting of the RDC last March 12, the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC)-X pointed out that the support of the Cou...
  • Mindanao youth participate in NYC stakeholders’ budget consultation

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- The National Youth Commission (NYC) conducted on Tuesday a stakeholders’ budget consultation for Fiscal Year 2014 particularly involving the Mindanao youth. Commissioner Gio Tingson said Mindanao is a crucial area for national budget. For this year, a bulk of the national budget is for Mindanao involving public works, classroom building and development in the area of Mindanao. “Through this consultation process, we want to ensure that our stakeholder...
  • BIR honors biggest taxpayers in La Union

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, March 13 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s district office here set the tone for its 2013 tax campaign by recognizing the biggest taxpayers from the corporate sector, individual, national government agencies, local government units including government owned and controlled corporations. Three businessmen, a local government executive and a neurosurgeon were among the biggest taxpayers for 2012 in this province. Topping the corporate sector were a supermar...
  • RDC-10 names Misamis Oriental, Gingoog City outstanding LPMCs

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- The province of Misamis Oriental and Gingoog City are this year’s winners in the Regional Development Council-10 (RDC-10) Search for Outstanding Local Project Monitoring Committees (LPMCs). Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Ozamiz City are first runner ups. The LPMCs were evaluated on six areas: organization, capability building, relevant and timely reporting on the status of program/project implementation, information dissemination, participati...
  • DENR set to issue free patents on 4,900 residential lots in Western Visayas

    QUEZON CITY, March 13 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has targeted to issue this year around 4,900 residential free patents in the six provinces comprising Western Visayas. In a statement, DENR-Region 6 Executive Director Adeluisa Siapno calls on residents to avail of the “Handog Titulo” program which is being implemented by the DENR pursuant to Republic Act 10023 of 2009, “An Act Authorizing the Issuance of Free Patents to Residential Lands”. She also said t...
  • Administrators League to hold general assembly on women’s leadership

    GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, March 13 (PIA) – The Region Eight Administrators League will hold its 1st Quarter General Assembly and Leadership Seminar on March 21 at Matapat Hall, PNP Headquarters at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetic, Palo, Leyte. The activity coincides with this year’s Women’s Month Celebration and adopts its theme “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan” to give the Filipino women due respect and recognition in helping the P-Noy administration tread the pat...
  • GSIS strengthens provision of quality service for its members

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 12 (PIA) -- From a lackadaisical performance these past years and the diminished services given its members, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has resurrected in PNoy's administration to bandy its enhanced and improved service to members. In a forum held Monday, GSIS board of trustee Mario J. Aguja said that reforms are implemented in accordance to their organization’s mission. According to him, GSIS has renewed its partnership with Landbank of...
  • News Feature: East Visayas LGUs identify wish list under bottom-up budgeting

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 12 (PIA) -- Local governments in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) are happy that they are able to identify and make known their wish list through the bottom-up planning and budgeting approach being implemented for 2014. Department of Interior and Local Government Region 8 Director Pedro A. Noval Jr.said majority of the projects identified by the LGUs in the region are construction of farm-to-market roads and provision of agricultural facilities. Director Noval said this...
  • DAR-7 achieves 121% distribution targets in 2012

    CEBU CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- Department of Agrarian Reform in Region 7 (DAR-7) director Rodolfo Inson, during the year-end assessment and budget planning held Feb. 1 in Cebu City, commended his officials and employees at all levels for their efforts made for having achieved 121 perent of Region 7 target. DAR-7 met its targets in processing agricultural lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for 2012. DAR-7 reported processing 5,954 hectares (ha) of agricultural land, e...
  • Consultation on BuB poverty projects to commence in Northern Mindanao

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- The Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) will present the proposals of poverty reduction projects under the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program to all focus cities and municipalities in Region 10, on March 12 to 14. The mayor’s representative and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) field officer, being both members of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT), are expected to attend said consultation. Batch 1 participan...
  • DPWH-8 tops other regions in IEC programs implementation

    PALO, Leyte, March 12 (PIA) -- The Regional Office in Eastern Visayas of the Department of Public Works and Highways has been cited as best in implementation of information, education and communication program of the agency. DPWH Director Rolando Asis said the regional office in Eastern Visayas was recognized for its efficient and consistent effort in support to the information, education and communication programs of the Department. Asis added that five of the district offices in Region 8 wer...
  • Comelec warns candidates on campaign violations

    DAGUPAN CITY, Mar. 12 (PIA) -- Candidates thinking that violating election rules would help them get leverage in the election must should think again. The Commission on Election (Comelec) advised the public to gauge candidates according to their actions, including vote-buying and premature campaigning. “The public should know which candidates are really abiding by the election laws by how they put up their posters,” said City Election Officer Ericson Oganiza. Candidates are only allowed t...
  • BIR RDO 92 chief cites taxpayers’ contribution to economy

    PAGADIAN CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- “Without the taxpayers, the nation will not exist.” This was the statement of lawyer Nasrollah B. Conding, Revenue District Office (RDO) 92 chief, during the kick-off of the 2013 tax campaign held last week at Hotel Camila here. Speaking before 400 stakeholders, Conding acknowledged the tremendous contribution of the taxpayers to the government coffers. “Without you our dear taxpayers, it would be very difficult for the government to function and implem...
  • San Fernando City Council bags Nat'l Local Legislative Award prize for 3rd consecutive time

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 11 (PIA) -- Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Fernando bagged the National Local Legislative Award (LLA)-Component City category prize for the third consecutive time. Council members, spearhead by vice mayor and presiding officer Edwin Santiago, received their award plus P50,000 cash incentive and development projects worth P1 million from Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero, and Philippine Councilors League (PCL) officials headed by A...
  • DBM continues to implement budget reforms

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will continue to implement more reforms in the budget process. DBM-10 Regional Director Annabelle M. Atillo said it would roll out the “General Appropriations Act (GAA)-as-Release-Document” by 2014. She said the budget process for fiscal year (FY) 2014 as contained under the National Budget Memorandum 115 issued last year will be undertaken within the context of the GAA as the budgetary release document. I...
  • Tuba officials pass poverty alleviation measure

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Mar. 8 (PIA) - - Officials of Tuba municipality have crafted the town's Poverty Alleviation Ordinance anchored on the local government’s role in the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger in the town. This is also in line with the millennium development goals. Penned by Councilors Adora Paus-Gabino, Maria Carantes, and Rebecca Apil, Municipal Ordinance 210 series 2013 covers the bona fide residents of Tuba who are poor and who belong to the marginalized sectors suc...
  • Immigration bureau soon to use biometrics for travelers documentation

    QUEZON CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will soon use biometrics for documenting the arrival and departure of international traveler. In a statement, BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the scheme will enhance the country’s border security and boost the agency’s capability to thwart the entry of foreign terrorists and other illegal aliens. Biometrics scheme involves the use of an ink-less device and digital camera in capturing the fingerprints and photographs of ...
  • Capiz receives P7-M ‘good housekeeping’ incentive

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 8 (PIA6) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 6 turned over a P7-millon cheque as part of the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award for 2011 to the Capiz provincial government last March 7 at the Provincial Capitol here. DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta led the awarding to Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. before media practitioners, some provincial government officials as well as departments heads and DILG regional and provincia...
  • Cavite town celebrates 2013 Women’s Month

    GENERAL MARIANO ALVAREZ, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) -- Hundreds of women gathered yesterday in Barangay Poblacion 1, Congressional Road to celebrate the 2013 Women’s Month with the theme: “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.” The local government showed their gratitude to the women for their important role in the development, protection and preservation of natural and economic development of the municipality. Likewise, local officials led by Mayor Leonisa Joana “Ona” B. Virata...
  • Provincial ICT to update website

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) --The Provincial Information and Communications Technology (PICT) is requesting each office and department to provide articles and pictures to update the current website. In a letter address to all offices and departments, Mr. Camille Lauren V. Del Rosario, Head, Provincial ICT Office said there will be an allocated page for each office/department where they post their numerous activities, announcements, achievements, plans and programs. It is one of...
  • 87 LGUs in NorMin to benefit from Bottom-Up Budgeting

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- Poor local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao are set to benefit from the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) in 2014. Director Annabele M. Atillo of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the region said 87 LGUs in Northern Mindanao are among the 1,233 focus areas that will benefit from the implementation of the BuB next year. These areas were selected based on poverty incidence, poor population, magnitude of poor population living in barangays ...
  • DILG bestows Regional Local Legislative Award to Angeles City Council

    ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 8 (PIA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has conferred the Regional Local Legislative Award (LLA) to Angeles under the highly-urbanized city category. In a statement, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said, “All of these awards stand as proof that we are fulfilling our contract with the Angeleños. We will not stop here. We still have many things to do for the city.” For her part, Vice Mayor and City Council presiding officer Vicky Vega-Cabigting sa...
  • DILG has yet to receive official suspension order from Ombudsman

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 8 (PIA) – The suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Palompon town mayor Ramon Oñate for “simple misconduct” has not yet been received by the regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Lawyer Cyrill Blanco, DILG legal counsel, said in a press statement that the office has not yet received an official copy of the suspension order although the complainant against the mayor has furnished the office...
  • Cavite gov't sucessfully undergoes first surveillance audit for ISO

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) -- The first surveillance audit on several offices of the provincial government has been conducted by the Anglo Japanese American Registrar (AJA). This activity aims to ensure that the latter is adhering to relevant ISO standards and requirements given to the province last year. It was the first surveillance audit of the provincial government since its certification (ISO 9001-2008) on the third of March last year and the first ISO certified provincial ...
  • PARCCOM plays a very vital role in CARP implementation - DAR-9 chief

    DIPOLOG CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- “The Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) plays a very critical role in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Extension and Reform (Carper).” This was the opening statement of DAR-9 Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang during the PARCCOM meeting held at Top Plaza Hotel this city. Ragandang also thanked the Committee for its continuous support to the program and acknowledged, “It is a big task to implem...
  • Namfrel vows to engage patriots for honest and fair elections

    QUEZON CITY, March 7 --National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) is pursuing a holistic approach to “engage all Filipinos who love the nation” in order to achieve a honest and fair elections on May 13. Under the leadership of Ms. Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo, former president of the Social Security System (SSS), Namfrel promised a reinvigorated organization firmly anchored on great love for the nation and good citizenship with volunteers equipped with moral fiber and skills. ...
  • Carmona, 1st municipality to receive 'Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award' - DILG

    CARMONA, Cavite, March 7 (PIA) --“Carmona is the best performing municipality in the entire Philippines, the first municipality in the country to receive the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award,” regional director Josefina Castilla Go of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 4A said. This was the opening statement of Go, during the Sectoral Committee on Macroeconomy and Development Administration (SCMDA) 1st quarterly meeting held recently at the municipal hall of this municipality....
  • Carmona rated 'excellent' in reducing bureaucratic red tape

    CARMONA, Cavite, Mar 7 (PIA) --The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cavite Cluster B rated this premier municipality “excellent” in reducing the bureaucratic red tape in its Anti-Red Tape Act-Report Card Survey (ARTC-RCS). The excellent rate given by the DILG-Cavite Cluster B was imparted to Mayor Dahlia Loyola and the department heads during the recent exit conference held at the Penthouse of the municipal hall. Carmona scored 90.75 percent which is equivalent to Excelle...
  • Bacolod City gets P3 million for ‘good housekeeping'

    BACOLOD CITY, March 6 (PIA6) -- Bacolod City received a P3 million check from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as cash incentive from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) for getting a Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH). A statement from the Bacolod Public Information Office said the check was given to Mayor Evelio Leonardia by DILG Bacolod OIC Clyne Deocampo in the presence of Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Councilor Em Ang during the recent City Peace and Order Counci...
  • BIR kicks off tax campaign in Davao

    DAVAO CITY, March 6 -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue has kicked off its annual tax campaign aimed at meeting the bureau’s tax collection target. BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe said that BIR’s tax collection goal for 2013 is set at P1.2 trillion. Last 2012, BIR narrowly missed its collection goal of P1.066 trillion as the Bureau collected P1.057 trillion or 98% of the target. However Aspe said that the collection figures grew by about 14% from 2011. Aspe said they are expecting P30-...
  • Butuan, national finalist in the national legislative award

    BUTUAN CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Butuan has been chosen as one of the national finalists in the 2012 Local Legislative Award, vying as the Most Outstanding Sanggunian under the Highly-Urbanized and Independent Component Cities Category. The awards is a joint project of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL). Awarding ceremony will held on March 7 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Compl...
  • DILG-Ifugao inventories ordinances in support of nat'l laws

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Mar. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) here recently conducted an inventory of ordinances in the province and its 11 municipalities relative to efforts in assessing local initiatives. Municipal Local Government Operation Officer Wilbert Umalco of the municipality of Kiangan said that this is part of the efforts to see what ordinances they have or can come up with in support of various national laws and issuances. The national laws that need corre...
  • Tabuk City establishes tribal body at barangay level

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Mar. 5 (PIA) -- The Tabuk city government has established barangay counterparts of its Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council Office (MBCCO), a tribal body that assists the city government in its peace and order advocacy. Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban explained the move aims to bring to the grassroots the office and services of the body instead of folks going to the city hall. Since its organization, the MBCCO has effectively contributed in the amicable settlement of disp...
  • Social services highlights 4th Anniversary celebration of Capitol transfer

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, March 5 (PIA) -- On the day marking the transfer of the seat of government of Rizal province, which was March 4, 2009, Provincial Health Officer Iluminado Victoria said that the provincial government of Rizal will have the blessing and inauguration of the newly refurbished Rizal Provincial Hospital System – Antipolo Annex. The annex is seen as a big boost to the medical services in the area. There will also be the conduct of various free medical services such as catarac...
  • OCD-CAR inspects rehab project of damaged farm to market road in Tinoc town

    TINOC, Ifugao, Mar. 5 (PIA)--The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in the Cordillera region visited the province recently to inspect the ongoing rehabilitation of the Tinoc-Kiangan farm to market road damaged by typhoons Juaning, Pedring and Queil. Led by OCD Director Andrew Alex Uy, the team was accompanied by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Operation and Warning Officer Ambrosio Dulnuan, Tinoc vice mayor Agustin Calya-en, Ceasario Bahiwag of the Munic...
  • Kalinga intensifies campaign against dengue

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 5 (PIA) -- The Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (PESU) is intensifying its campaign against dengue with integrated vector control management(IVCM) that involves regular vector surveillance and through chemical and environmental control means that are safe and cost effective. On March 11-15, municipal health officers will be called for a seminar on surveillance system for its integration to municipal health offices’ programs particularly on the prevent...
  • GSIS requires Ombudsman's clearance for retirees

    LEGAZPI CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will require government employees who would retire starting March 15, 2013 to submit certificate of clearance from the Ombudsman. In an advisory, GSIS stated that the directive is pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 001-2013 issued January 10, 2013 by the Commission on Audit (COA) that all heads of departments, bureaus, offices, and agencies and instrumentality of national government, Government Owned and Controlled Co...
  • Anti-Red tape campaign gains ground

    ILOILO CITY, March 5 (PIA) – The anti-red tape campaign of government agencies has made a dent as can be gleaned from the result of the Anti-Red Tape Act Report Card Survey (ARTA RCS) of the Civil Service Commission. In a statement, Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. Duque III said 598 government offices nationwide were monitored for compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007. Government offices were rated Excellent, the highest in the scale with scores from 90 to 10...
  • Tabuk City to finalize 2014-2016 barangay development plans

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Mar. 5 (PIA) –- This city is currently concluding its barangay revisits for the updating of the 2014-2016 Barangay Development Plans (BDPs) for its integration in the City Development Plan. In a memorandum, Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban has directed the Expanded Barangay Development Council (EBDC) of Tabuk City to conduct the revisits from February 19 to March 26 to finalize the BDPs in time for the city planning and identification of priority programs for the 2014 An...
  • DILG honors 4 Kalinga councilors

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Mar. 4 (PIA) -– Department of Interior & Local Government (DILG) in the Cordillera Region honored four councilors from Kalinga for unbroken three-term public service. DILG-CAR Regional Director John Castaneda bestowed the honors to Councilors Reamcymar Adong and Glen Wansi of Tabuk City, Randy Barroga of Rizal municipality and Lolito Edduba of Pinukpuk. The four were among the honorees during the recent Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cordillera Regional Conference i...
  • NSO Mt. Province hires 219 for agriculture, fisheries census

    BONTOC, Mt. Province, Mar. 4(PIA) -- The National Statistics Office Provincial Office here hired some 219 people for the conduct of the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) in the province which started last February 25. Based on the data of the NSO here, of the total hired people, 146 are enumerators and 73 are team supervisors who are deployed in their own respective municipality after they were oriented to conduct the CAF for a maximum of 40 days. Provincial Statistics Officer...
  • World Bank hails Philippines transparency effort

    DAVAO CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) -- Billed as the Philippines efficient and cost-effective project management tool, the World Bank (WB) recently cited the government’s use of geo-tagging technology in its effort for a transparent and corrupt-free government. An article bannered in their Washington-based website (www.worldbank.org), said that the use of geo-tagging technology in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) second Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP2) has made project monitoring in far-...
  • DOLE visits Kananga to ensure worker-victims' welfare

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 4 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment in Eastern Visayas sent a team to see to it that the landslide victims and their families were assisted in their claims for benefit. The landslide happened in a mine site at the EDC Complex, Sitio Upper Mahiao, Barangay Lim-ao, Kananga, Leyte. Director Exequiel Sarcauga said that the DOLE team was led by ARD Cyril Ticao with at least five staff from DOLE Region 8. Ticao informed PIA that he is now finalizing his rep...
  • PNoy highlights significant accomplishments in Pampanga

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 4 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III on Friday highlighted some of the significant accomplishments of his administration in Pampanga under the Tuwid na daan (Straight path) battle cry. In his speech before community leaders and residents in the City of San Fernando, Aquino said “Department of Education is on track in addressing classroom shortage in public schools by December 2013 with new structures being built including 1,250 that would benefit Kapam...
  • DSWD-2 consults civil society on 2014 budget preparation

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- Some civil society organizations in Region 2 were consulted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on the budget proposal of the agency for 2014 programs and projects. DSWD Information Officer Angely Lubo said that the consultation is in compliance with the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) memorandum circular to integrate citizen’s participation in the budget process as means of enhancing transparency and accountability in the...
  • DOE looks into the EDC landslide in Kananga

    QUEZON CITY, March 3 (PIA) -- Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla said the Department of Energy is already looking into the March 1 landslide incident at the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in Kananga, Leyte, that claimed the lives of six construction workers while eight others remain buried under the debris. Petilla said the incident must be looked into in order that proper measures could be set in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. This is the first time that such occurr...
  • DPWH to strictly ban, remove election propaganda materials on public infra

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, March 3 (PIA) --The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) and Comelec agreed to strictly ban and remove all unlawful election materials posted and or hung in public area and infrastructure facilities. In a memorandum from DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson, it directed all its engineering units in the country to strictly remove and tear down all kinds of campaign materials posted in areas that are not officially Comelec-designated. Singson’s memorandum also instruct...
  • Comelec’s #SumbongKo levels polls playing field

    BOHOL, March 3(PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially uses the hash tag ‘SumbongKo (#SumbongKo) on twitter as its call for voters’ vigilance for fair and clean election campaigns. In a Kapihan sa PIA recently, Bohol Comelec Officer in charge Atty. Leonil Marco Castillano said well-meaning citizens can now inform Comelec of violation campaigns of candidates such as posting streamers anywhere; premature campaigning and other rules and guidelines. Castillano added, that a...
  • NSO dispatches 2,350 enumerators for agri/aqua census in Pangasinan

    DAGUPAN CITY, March 1 (PIA) –- The National Statistics Office in Pangasinan has dispatched 2,350 enumerators and evaluators for the conduct of the 2013 census on agriculture and aquaculture sector. Provincial Statistics Officer Dante Pescador said the trained enumerators will knock on every door for the simultaneous nationwide census that started Monday, February 25 and will end on April 13. The census, conducted once in 10 years, aims to get all the necessary information to form a data...
  • BIR kicks off tax campaign 2013 in CAR

    BAGUIO CITY, March 1 (PIA)-- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) headed by Deputy Commissioner Lilia Guillermo started its tax campaign 2013 in the Cordillera Administrative Region through a motorcade and a simple program at the SM City Baguio, Wednesday. Guillermo said that with the tax campaign which they do annually, they are able to meet the taxpayers, the associations and other government agencies that are helping the Bureau meet its tax collection target. It also serves as a...
  • Baguio LGU to strengthen women, children’s desk in barangays

    BAGUIO CITY, March 1(PIA) -– The city government through the City Social Welfare office is set to conduct an orientation on child protection laws to personnel manning the women and children desk in the barangays on March 20, 2013 at the Baguio City Multi-Purpose hall. This is in line with efforts to strengthen the women and children’s desk in the city’s 129 barangays, whose main function is to implement child protection laws and to address concerns related to children and women’s...
  • 2012 GPP Best School Implementers Awarded

    BUTUAN CITY, March 1 - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga awarded the 2012 Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) Best School Implementers with cash prizes, plaques and certificates in a ceremony held at the Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant here recently. The Gulayan sa Paaralan Project, one of the Agri-Pinoy Framework interventions, is a vegetable gardening project implemented among public schools, both elementary and high school. The project is a partnership between DA and DepEd and aims to...
  • Nueva Vizcaya intensifies transparency in governance

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb 28 (PIA) -- The provincial government here has identified key personnel to oversee submitted public documents in its website and posting areas in a bid to bring transparency more and closer to the taxpayers. “The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has recently formulated the team implementing the amended guidelines on DILG memorandum circular 2010-083 titled Full Disclosure of Local Budget and Finances, and Bids and Public Offerings,” said Genaro Basil...
  • CSC radio program now on air in Eastern Visayas

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 28 (PIA) -- The newest radio program of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) dubbed “Serbisyo Todo-Todo (STT) of DZRB Radyo ng Bayan is now heard in Eastern Visayas every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon hooked-up via the three Radyo ng Bayan (RnB) stations in the region. This was confirmed from the managers of the three RnB stations in EV – Antonio Pueblos of DYOG-Calbayog City, Byron Bugtas of DYES-Borongan City, and Dindo Alaras of DYSL-Sogod, Southern Leyte. ...
  • Provincial Nutrition Council reorganized

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Feb. 28 (PIA) --Governor Jonvic Remulla recently ordered the reorganization and strengthening of the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and contributes to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals specially in addressing extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Executive Order No. 14- Series of 2012 states, "The implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2011-2016 at the local leve...
  • Vigan City wins 1st DILG national good governance award

    VIGAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) --This city bested four other finalists to win the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) first national search for Gawad Pamana ng Lahi. Regional Director Corazon Guray, DILG-Ilocos, said the search is in recognition of local government units which excelled in local governance covering the year 2012. “The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is a total award concept and is conferred to a province, city or municipality for their exemplary performance in administr...
  • PNoy expresses hope for lasting peace in Mindanao during CdeO visit

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III during the meeting with the local leaders and the community Tuesday expressed hope for a lasting peace in Mindanao. In his speech, he mentioned that the Bangsamoro framework agreement is currently being addressed and discussed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the national government. "Napagkasunduan na ng MILF at ng pamahalaan ang framework agreement on the Bangsamoro na inaasahan nating maging susi sa g...
  • Internal Revenue head lauds RDO 16 for 26% increase in collections

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Officials and employees of the Bureau of Internal Revenue-District 16 headed by Revenue District Officer Ignacio I. Camba Jr., got thumbs up from Regional Director Marina de Guzman of BIR Region 3 for exceeding their January 2012 collections by 25.55 percent. De Guzman who graced the Tax Campaign Kick-off here last week, thanked the RDO 16 personnel for their continuous efforts in improving the tax collections of the province. In January 2012, BIR-RDO ...
  • DOH assures Naval town to Red Orchid hall of fame

    NAVAL, Biliran, Feb 26 (PIA) -- An official of the health department in the Eastern Visayas region disclosed that the capital town in this province is assured of the nomination into the hall of fame in the Red Orchid Award. Dr. Eduardo V. Pedrosa, chief of the non-communicable disease cluster of the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 8 revealed the information in an interview during the 5K Fun Run dubbed “Dagan Kontra Tabako, Kontra Droga, Kontra Alta Presyon, Kontra Basura Alang sa Kinabuh...
  • Priority projects identified at poverty reduction workshop in Dagupan

    DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Priority projects were identified by a mixed group of government and civil society heads in a poverty reduction workshop conducted here. The orientation workshop for the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT), composed of 13 government agencies and 13 civil society organizations, was spearheaded by the local Department of Interior and Local Government. The workshop aimed at consulting all the sectors in this city and to prepare the priority programs and proj...
  • PNoy calls for stronger resolve for change

    QUEZON CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III urged Filipinos to continue to fight for the country’s goal of national progress, “to finally reap the rewards of the sacrifices of our fellow Filipinos who stood against the dictatorial government during the historic EDSA People Power in 1986.” In his speech during the celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power (EPP) held Monday at the People Power Monument along EDSA, PNoy reminded the people that EPP brough...
  • Kabayan town passes ordinance regulating “moma” spitting

    Kabayan town passes ordinance regulating “moma” spitting by Susan Aro LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Feb. 26 (PIA) - - The disposal of “moma” spittle, a by product of betel nut, lime or tobacco chewing, will be regulated in the town of Kabayan in order to avoid indiscriminate spitting in public places. Kabayan officials passed Ordinance No. 55-13 regulating the disposal of “moma” spittle or “moma” refuse which provides penalties for violators. As defined, “moma” refers to the coll...
  • Poverty reduction team reviews anti-poverty projects in Caraga

    Poverty reduction team reviews anti-poverty projects in CaragaBUTUAN CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Together with the 12 implementing regional line agencies in Caraga, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is preparing to review and validate anti-poverty projects to be implemented in 2014 and to monitor projects being implemented this year. Undersecretary Marie Labajo of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) attended the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) meeting ...
  • Sagada LGU to provide legal assistance to barangay execs facing judicial cases

    SAGADA, Mt. Province, Feb. 26 (PIA)-- Barangay officials here who may face judicial proceedings as a result of their performance of their official duties will be provided legal assistance by the municipal government. This is provided for in Municipal Ordinance No. 10-2012 ‘providing legal assistance to barangay officials who in the performance of their official duties or on the occasion thereof, have to initiate judicial proceedings or defend themselves against legal action and therefore...
  • PNoy eyes harmonization of ICT systems

    MANILA, Feb. 26 -- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the ongoing implementation of the Medium-Term Information and Communications Technology Harmonization Initiative (MITHI), in line with budget preparations for fiscal year 2014 in a move to enhance the government’s information and communications technology (ICT) resources. MITHI, which was launched in January this year, is designed to synthesize ICT operations among all government departments and agencies, as well as ensure...
  • 1st National Eco-tourism festival opens

    STA. TERESITA, Cagayan, Feb 26 – The six-day 1st National Eco-Tourism Festival will kick off today with Senator Loren Legarda as guest and resource speaker. Mayor Lolita Garcia said, "We’re lucky to have been chosen as the host of such event of a national scale.” Eco-tourism has been eyed as a possible One Town One Product commodity of Sta. Teresita. More than 10,000 visitors, a conservative estimate mostly mountaineers and back-packers are expected to jampack the camp site, a few met...
  • Balbalan set to celebrate 105th founding anniversary

    BALBALAN, Kalinga, Feb. 26 (PIA)- – This municipality is set to celebrate its 105th founding anniversary from March 1 to 3 with the theme, “Good governance and excellent services towards a progressive Balbalan.” The municipality is highlighting and advocating good governance under the leadership of Mayor Kenneth Dale Mangaoang to sustain the local government’s excellent performance as manifested with their conferment of the 2012 Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award. Day One of the thr...
  • Coloma: People's will, honest elections crucial to democracy

    QUEZON CITY, Feb 25 (PIA) -- Democracy becomes meaningful only when people’s will prevails, especially in elections. This was the message of Presidential Communication Operations Secretary Sonny Coloma during the recent launch of Hatol ng Bayan 2013. He said holding honest elections is crucial to a nation’s democracy. “People power revolution happened because of people’s perception that there was massive cheating during the snap elections in 1986,” Coloma said in Filipino. Hatol ng...
  • PNoy tells Ilonggos to unite for sustained development

    ILOILO CITY, Feb 25 (PIA6) -- Recalling the beauty of the Filipino “bayanihan” spirit, President Benigno S. Aquino III rallied the Ilonggos to unite to sustain the development initiatives already achieved by his administration. The President led in the lowering of the time capsule during the ceremonial launching of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II, at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Iloilo City, February 21. “Para tayong nagbabayanihan nung sinang-una. Naglilipat ng bahay-kubo....
  • Iloilo province gets fund for good governance

    ILOILO CITY, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over the P7-million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to Iloilo province for winning the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH). DILG Provincial Director Rosario Maza turned over the money to Gov. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. during a ceremony today in time with the province's commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Provincial Capitol. Maza said the PC...
  • Dad to his constituents: “The Future is Ours”

    NAGA CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- A participative-governance emphasizing the significance of people’s voice in important decisions summarizes the third State of the City Report that Naga City Mayor John Bongat delivered on Tuesday at the Naga City People’s Hall here. Anchored in his H²ELP Your City Agenda, Bongat delivered his program-laden accomplishments before the jampacked crowd of entrepreneurs, businessmen, city hall officials, employees, professionals and representatives from various sec...
  • Ilocos Norte honors villages with best poverty-reduction practices

    LAOAG CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- The provincial government honored 11 villages that exhibited best practices towards fulfilling the province’s poverty-reduction program - the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The awardees included Barangays Saud and Gabut Norte in Badoc (best MDG fishery program implementer for coastal areas) and Brgy. Santa Ana in Solsona (Best MDG fishery program implementer, for in-land). Another barangay in Badoc, Pagsanahan Sur, was chosen as the best MDG implementer for ...
  • Ifugao provincial govt conducts interface among TEAP grantees

    ALFONSO Lista, Ifugao, Feb. 25 (PIA)--The Ifugao provincial government recently conducted an interface among grantees of the Tertiary Education Assistance Program(TEAP) and officials of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) to hear from them and allow interaction for the smooth implementation of the scholarship program. Provincial Administrator Felipe Lacbawan said they called for the a dialogue among all the concerned parties to share and to thresh out concerns in order th...
  • DTI-Bohol warns public on fake gift cards

    BOHOL, Feb 25 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol warned the public on the proliferation of gift cards allegedly from the Golden ABC Stores Inc. that turned out to be fakes. DTI Bohol provincial director Elena Arbon also urged the public to be on guard for transactions involving these gift cards that look almost real, or any of similar modus. According to Arbon Golden ABC is a brand developer and marketing consultancy firm which has been involved in developing the brand...
  • CSC issues guidelines on timely release of retirement benefits

    QUEZON CITY, Feb. 25 -- Retirement benefits of government workers should be released within 30 days. This was announced by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as it issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10154 (RA No. 10154), the Act Requiring All Concerned Government Agencies to Ensure the Early Release of the Retirement Pay, Pensions, Gratuities and other Benefits of Retiring Government Retirees. Retiring public servants must not be made to wait for they hav...
  • PNoy graces awarding of PWD achievers

    CAINTA, Rizal, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the awarding of persons with disability (PWD) achievers at the Tahanang Walang Hagdan's (TWH) 40th anniversary on February 22 in this municipality. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman awarded plaques of awards to Adeline Dumapong of Kiangan, Ifugao; Rex Bernardo of Daet, Camarines Norte; Domingo Literal of Pilar, Sorsogon; Dr. Enrique Ampo of Cagayan de Oro City; Edward d...
  • NSO hires 5,518 as agri-fisheries survey begins Feb 25

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 22 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office in Eastern Visayas hired 3,704 enumerators and 1,814 team supervisors as the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries starts on February 25 until April 13. The hired staff will augment the field personnel of NSO in this undertaking. Training have been conducted for all who will be involved to equip them with the needed knowledge and skills for the undertaking, said NSO Regional Director Raul Dones. The 2012 Census on Agricu...
  • 'Tradpols' have no place in good governance - PNoy

    ILOILO CITY, Feb 22 (PIA) -- Traditional politicians and those who are critical of the gains of the government do not have a place in the present administration in Iloilo. This was made clear by President Benigno Aquino III during his dialogue with local leaders and the community at the Narciso Monfort Gymnasium in Dumangas town. “Malinaw po kung gaano na kalayo ang narating natin sa mabuting pamahalaan. Sa kabila nito may mga kampo pa ring ginagawa nang bisyo ang batikusin ang ating bawa...
  • One-stop processing center for OFWs opens in Koronadal City

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- Overseas Filipino Workers from the Soccsksargen Region can now fast-track their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) thanks to the opening of the one-stop processing center (OSPC) in Koronadal City last Monday, February 18. The OSPC is located at the OWWA-12 Office at Ilao Bldg. Judge Alba St., Brgy. Zone 3, this city. Every migrant worker residing in the region have been dreaming of such service - basically to provide convenience and hasten ...
  • Civil registrar-Iligan hits 2012 collection target

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Feb 22 (PIA) -- The Office of the City Civil Registrar (CCR), this city, was able to generate P1.3 million, more or less, derived from impositions of civil registry fees and charges against the targeted collection pegged at P1.2 million. We have posted our 2012 target this much despite the implementation of Free Mobile Birthright Project through Free Mobile Birth Registration (FMBR) funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and free re-is...
  • NFA, LGUs ink MOA on rice loan program

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) is now conducting aseries of briefings to local government units (LGUs) regarding the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on NFA Rice Loan Program. The MOA, once executed between NFA and LGU, will allow the latter to purchase rice on credit for purposes of relief operations whenever a state of calamity is declared in their locality, and for stock piling in preparation of eventualities/emergencies that may occur at any given time....
  • Candidates sign accord for secure and fair 2013 elections

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 22 -- Provincial candidates in Southern Leyte signed a peace covenant to signify their commitment to abide by the election rules for secure and fair elections (SAFE) in May. Under the covenant, candidates vowed "to recognize the truth that the exercise of the right of suffrage is a solemn act of sovereignty, and the ballot, being an expression of sovereign will, is sacred." The candidates shall not personally or through the supporters, directly or indirectly...
  • Politicians can't use 4Ps to solicit votes -- DSWD-ARMM

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 22 (PIA) –- Politicians cannot use the national government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as a leverage in soliciting votes. Nor should voters believe politicians who claim they have the authority to exclude or add recipients of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program being spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, an official of the agency said. ARMM vice governor and concur...
  • 7 Bacoor private hospitals to give free services to needy

    CITY OF BACOOR, Cavite, Feb 22 (PIA) -- The city government recently entered a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with seven private hospitals which will extend free medical services to the marginalized and underprivileged residents in the city. This is in line with the Social Development program of the national government. The Plan translates President Benigno S. Aquino III’s “Social Contract with the Filipinos in ensuring inclusive growth and equitable access to quality basic social services,...
  • Application for local absentee voting now accepted

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections Region 10 (Comelec-10) is calling all government officials and members, AFP and PNP to submit application for local absentee voting not later than March 15 as well as members of media not beyond March 31. In the resolution no. 9637, early voting for members of the Mass Media in the May 2013 is allowed. They are entitled to such early voting since they will not be able to vote due to the performance of their functions in covering ...
  • Comelec all set to implement local absentee voting for media practitioners in CAR

    BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- Media practitioners are now officially allowed to vote earlier than May 13 with the release of the implementing rules on local absentee voting for media practitioners through Comelec Resolution no. 9637 promulgated on February 13. Comelec Cordillera Regional Election Director Jose Nick Mendros affirmed in an interview that media practitioners are now officially included in the local absentee voting which was previously only offered to government employees and membe...
  • LGU Tacurong City stamped with DILG’s Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping

    TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City wrapped up its outstanding performance in 2012 by earning the Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local government (DILG). DILG provincial director Abdulgani Tekoken officially informed the office of Mayor Lina Montilla that the city government passed the criteria for the silver seal. The DILG even cited Tacurong for getting the highest rating a...
  • Port Management Office fosters public safety with PSHEMS

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Cagayan de Oro Port Management Office of the Philippine Ports Authority has launched the Port Safety, Health and Environmental Management System (PSHEMS) for containerized cargoes. It was held in the base port of the city at the GAD Hall, E.S. Baclig Administration Building, Port Area, Macabalan, this city. “Today we are launching another project, the PSHEMS, it is encouraging to note that in the Philippines, there are only two ports which were ide...
  • PNoy assures Capiceños of more dev’t. projects

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the people of Capiz of more development programs and projects for their benefit, particularly for the poor. The President said that for the Pantawid Pamilya program alone, Capiz had enrolled 37,193 households for the program as of December 2012; this is higher than its household target of 37,100 for the said year. He explained that the program will ensure that all children are given immunizations and would be attendi...
  • All systems go for 2013 polls says Brilliantes

    SIQUIJOR, Feb 20 -- It's all systems go for the May 13 national and local elections, said Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto S. Brillantes Jr. In a statement, Brillantes said that for the past two years, the Comelec has not only been engaged in instituting vital administrative and electoral reforms but also in preparing for the success of the 2013 polls. Major preparations made by the Comelec included “exercising the option to purchase the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) mac...
  • Comelec launches 'Boy Bawal' video on illegal campaign practices

    SIQUIJOR, Feb 20 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released a two-minute video advertisement entitled “Boy Bawal” on campaign practices prohibited in the May 13 elections. The video lists “campaign don’ts” such as putting up oversized posters, posting campaign materials in public vehicles, trees and public structures, and vote buying, among others. At the end of the video, Comelec Chairman Sixto S. Brillantes Jr exhorted the public: "Umpisa na ang kampanya. Kapag may nakit...
  • Ilocos Sur villages, school, civic groups now Hall of Famer for community dev’t

    VIGAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- A public school, two villages and two civic groups made it to the Hall of Fame circle for sustaining their programs that led to the development of their communities under the Siglat awards. Siglat, or Salisal Iladawannat Gaget ti Lumugar Agsaknap ti Timpuyog, values the achievements of barangays, groups, schools and individuals which brought community improvement and development. The awards were incorporated in the Kannawidan festival, which the province marked ear...
  • Mt. Province SP supports Senate Bill 2879

    BONTOC, Mt. Province, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here is strongly supporting Senate Bill No. 2879 introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto that provides for increasing the ceiling of 13th month pay, Christmas bonus, and other benefits of government employees excluded from gross income taxation. Senate Bill No. 2879 entitled, “An Act Increasing the Ceiling of the 13th Month Pay, Christmas Bonus and Other Benefits excluded from the Computation of Gross Income for the Purposes ...
  • DTI-Kalinga intensifies monitoring of illegal LPG

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office has intensified its monitoring and inspection of retail outlets following the reported sale of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products here. According to Ma. Cecile Baral of DTI-Kalinga, unscrupulous dealers have sneaked in unmarked LPG tanks to Tabuk, which she said is gross violation of the Product Standard Law that requires all LPG cylinders to bear markings. Under this law, LPG manufactur...
  • DPWH briefs grade schoolers on role of agency in nation building

    ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Feb 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Leyte recently had Grade III pupils from Saint Ann’s Play School as "guests" in their office. This early, the youngsters were learning what an agency that shovels up dirt and creates traffic is actually doing good for the country. They learn that infrastructure building which is what the agency mainly does, is part of nation building. According to Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez, engineer of the DPWH, Engr....
  • Ifugao creates ad hoc committee for CARAA 2013

    MAYOYAO, Ifugao, Feb. 20(PIA) - - The province has created an ad hoc committee and technical working group in preparation for the upcoming 2013 Cordillera Regional Athletic Association (CARAA) meet. The ad hoc CARAA 2013 oversight committee is chaired by Governor Eugene Balitang and Officer – in – Charge Schools Division Superintendent (OIC-SDS) Felipe Ballitoc as vice chairperson with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan secretary and provincial administrator as members. This will oversee the fu...
  • Ifugao town create values formation, chaplaincy office

    Ifugao town create values formation and chaplaincy office By Marcelo B. Lihgawon HINGYON, Ifugao, Feb. 20 (PIA) - - The Local Government Unit (LGU) here has created the values formation and chaplaincy office (VFCO) for the effective implementation of the moral recovery program (MRP) in the municipality. According to Mayor Mario Buyuccan, the VFCO will be under the office of the mayor to work hand-in-hand with concerned stakeholders in the establishment of a strong foundation for spiritual a...
  • PLGU creates task force Gotad ad Ifugao

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 20 (PIA) --The provincial local government unit here created recently the task force Gotad ad Ifugao 2013 to plan out the activities for the Gotad or the foundation day of the province in June. Chaired by Engr. Carmelita Buyuccan, the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, the task force created under Executive Order 104 series of 2013 issued by Governor Eugene Balitang will recommend the various committees needed to be created to take care and oversee...
  • P39-M Don Salvador Benedicto District Hospital inaugurated

    LA CARLOTA CITY, Negros Occidental, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial District Hospital (DSBMDH), a provincial government-run hospital under the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD), was recently inaugurated. In a statement, Dr. Jose Mari Salvador, DSBMDH chief of hospital, said the total cost of upgrading and renovation was pegged at P39.5 million. Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon who led the rites, said 40 percent of the provincial budget and expens...
  • Prov’l gov’t pushes for continuous action to maintain ISO certification

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- Officials and employees at the provincial capitol, especially in the core offices who were conferred the ISO 9001:2008 certification, are being asked to step-up its campaign to maintain the certification by further pursuing the excellence in quality management system. These offices include the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource ...
  • DENR, LGUs tie up on land titling

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 19 (PIA) -- To fast track the processing and issuance of land titles on alienable and disposable lands, the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) here is seeking for a stronger partnership with the local government units (LGUs). During the assessment and target setting for 2013 of the Land Management Service (LMS) of DENR, regional technical director for lands Morakie Domanday, said that ...
  • ARMM passes free birth registration law

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- A law allowing for easier birth registration has been passed in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman signed into law last week the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy (MMA) Act 293 otherwise known as the “Free Birth Registration Act of ARMM.” The new law enhances the usual process of birth registration in the region, including late registrations, removing the accompanying fees that often discourage parents from securing bir...
  • NYC urges youth to participate in 2013 elections

    ILOILO CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – The National Youth Commission urged the youth in this region to participate in the forthcoming local and national midterm elections by casting their vote on May 13. “The NYC would like to invite the youth in Region 6 to participate in the May 13 elections because people power is not just about “ibagsak, kasi ngayon wala tayong ibabagsak, wala na ang diktatoryang ibabagsak, people power now is more on protecting and upholding our democracy,” said NYC Commi...
  • Comelec-Catarman tackles election rules with gov't, civil society groups

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb 19 (PIA) – The local Commission on Election (Comelec) office here has briefed individuals and groups here on the salient provisions of Comelec Resolution No. 9615. Topics discussed included election rules and regulations, including specifications of election propaganda, prohibited acts, and bases for removal of election propaganda. Lawyer Rico Leo Sacaben, municipal election officer of Catarman, identified four designated Comelec common poster areas: front of ...
  • NGAs to hold Pamana info caravan

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 19 (PIA) -- A number of representatives of national government agencies (NGAs) will be holding a series of Information Caravans in the municipalities of Maslog and Jipapad. This was the consensus of the members of the Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) in their meeting yesterday. The PTWG Information Caravan (IC) will be held soonest in their effort to support the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamayanan) projects which will be implemented in the two u...
  • DTI-Ifugao conducts orientation on streamlining business permit, licensing system

    ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) has conducted an orientation on Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) here recently with heads of municipal offices led by Mayor Glen Prudenciano, non-government organizations and the academe as participants. DTI- Ifugao Senior Staff Lilia B. Umanhan said that the BPLS streamlining advocacy is in line with Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (...
  • 36 gov’t agencies conferred seal of excellence award-CSC

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- Only 36 out of the 5,857 government agencies nationwide have been granted the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence as of December 2012. Commissioner Robert Martinez of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) bared this in his message during the celebration of Kalinga foundation day on February 16 where he also awarded the Department of Trade and Industry –Kalinga headed by provincial director Grace Baluyan the seal of excellence for good ...
  • Catanduanes U's 12 curricular programs up for evaluation

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- Twelve curricular programs of Catanduanes State University (CSU) will be evaluated by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered State Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) on February 25- March 2, 2013. Dr. Minerva I. Morales, officer-in-charge of CSU, said that courses on Accountancy, Business Administration, and Nutrition and Dietetics will work for Third Survey (Level III) evaluation while Biology and Mathematics brace for Second Survey (Level I...
  • Ifugao dads approve 2013 budget of Lagawe LGU

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 19 (PIA)--The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here declared as valid and operative the 2013 annual budget of the municipality of Lagawe in the amount of P64,176,379.00. Resolution No. 2013-606 states that a preliminary review of the budget revealed that the LGU substantially complied with the statutory provisions required under the Local Government Code of 1991, budget rules and administrative issuances. Among the conditions set by the SP include that the effectivity of the sala...
  • CSC warning: Government workers must stay neutral in elections

    QUEZON CITY, Feb 18 -- Government employees may express support for their favored candidates, but they cannot ask co-workers to vote for their choices. Civil Service Assistant Commissioner Ariel G. Ronquillo said government workers who engage in partisan political activities may face suspension, or worse, dismissal. Government employees that Commissioner Ronquillo was referring to were those who are career officials and rank and file employees in public offices. “We (government employees) a...
  • Philhealth assures faster, quality service

    BACOLOD CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- PhilHealth Bacolod City vowed to give quality and fast service to its nine 900,000 members in Negros Occidental. The agency targets to process claims in six to seven days upon receipt of a complete document claim, said PhilHealth Chief Vicel Bracamonte in a press conference. In the past, it took the agency about 60 to 90 days to process claims. The recent opening of a satellite office in Robinson’s Place Bacolod has also made the agency accessible to members f...
  • North Cotabato gets P7-M reward for good governance

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- The provincial government of North Cotabatowill will receive P7 million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government as a reward for its accomplishments in good governance. The award comes from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) given by the DILG to the LGU for passing the evaluation under the DILG’s 2nd Round Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) said the office of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza in a statemet. ...
  • Motiong residents want immediate repair of its water system

    Samar, Feb 18 (PIA) -- Around 20 cases of diarrhea and skin diseases have been reported in the office of Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Dr. Perlie Langi as a result of residents sourcing their water from open wells. The water system of Motiong town is damaged and residents want it repaired immediately. Locals resort to open wells for their water supply as the water pipes were inadvertently damaged in the on-going rehabilitation of the Buray-Taft road section. The water pipes damaged are loca...
  • DOF assures personnel no reassignments during election period

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Finance (DoF) ensured that all provincial, city and municipal treasurers will remain in their present assignments, during the election period. This provision is stipulated in the deputation order of the DoF by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections. DoF will comply with and enforce all orders and instructions of the Comelec relative to the election duties and func...
  • Delisted 4Ps get another chance

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- Samar residents who had been delisted from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) may have yet another chance in the ongoing revalidation. This is according to Gina Omillo, Provincial Link of the program. To date, there are 9,445 under revalidation. These are residents who did not attend community assemblies, had irregular school attendance, and who have moved somewhere else. Omillo also said this is a program of the government, and politicians have not...
  • Bicolano senator hails UNHCR citation for IDP bill

    NO BY LINE PLEASE LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) – Bicolano Senator Francis Escudero has lauded the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for citing the reconciled bill of the Philippine Congress protecting internally displaced persons (IDP) as a “constructive achievement of the Philippines in the resolution of the plight of IDPs.” Bernard Kerblat, UNHCR Representative in the Philippines, issued the recognition to the IDP bill which Escudero sponsored in the Senate as chairm...
  • Party line-up, leadership styles key to winning elections say political experts

    QUEZON CITY, Feb. 17— Voters in the midterm elections will take a closer look at the line-up and leadership style of political parties, political experts said Tuesday. Political Affairs Undersecretary Chito Gascon, in an interview over Paghahanda Para sa Hatol ng Bayan, said coherence is key to survive national elections. He said people will judge candidates on the basis of coherence or disconnection of their messages from their personal histories and experiences. He also pointed out that ...
  • San Fernando council named “Most Outstanding Sangguniang Panlungsod” anew

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb.17 (PIA) -- Bolstered by its exemplary performance and a record of landmark legislations, the City Council of San Fernando has been adjudged “Most Outstanding Sangguniang Panlungsod” at the provincial and regional levels for the third time in a row. Headed by Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago, the Sanggunian has now won the award for the years 2006, 2009, and 2012 under a merits program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine ...
  • East Visayas barangay, nat’l awardee in Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Award

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 17 (PIA) -- Barangay Hingatungan, Silago, Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas has been adjudged as the national champion for 4th to 6th class municipality Barangay category in the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award. Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-8 revealed that the department has been notified of such development by the DILG Central Office through a letter dated January 31, 2013. Dir. Noval credited B...
  • 2 Southern Leyte municipalities bag Best Sanggunian Awards

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- Two municipalities of Southern Leyte were awardees during the Local Legislative Awards 2012 held Wednesday, February 13, at the People’s Center in Tacloban City. The island municipality of Limasawa was proclaimed Regional Champion in the 2012 during the Local Legislative Awards while the town of Hinunangan won second place in the 1st-3rd class category, Department of Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG)-Southern Leyte Information Officer Lo...
  • PNoy to limit presence in campaign sorties, wants more time for work

    QUEZON CITY, Feb.16---The President will join sorties of Team PNOY but limited to strategic occasions. In an interview with PTV’s News @ 1, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma said the President will be seen only in significant campaign sorties because he wants to continue his work. For instance, the President led on Friday the unveiling of the marker on the Expanded Operating Room Complex of the Philippine Heart Center on the center’s 38th Annive...
  • 74% of residents in CL covered by PhilHealth

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Feb 16 (PIA) -- Around 74 percent of the total 9.7 million population of Central Luzon is now covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). “Pampanga has the biggest number of coverage with 86 percent of total residents followed by Bataan and Tarlac with 82 percent each, Zambales-78 percent, Bulacan-76 percent, Nueva Ecija-59 percent, and Aurora-55 percent,” disclosed PhilHealth Vice President Rodolfo Balog. Balog added, “We are now clo...
  • Image experts tackle factors to win elections in PTV's Paghahanda talk show

    QUEZON CITY, Feb. 15 — Candidates with good looks, a consistent message and name-recall have a good chance of winning an election. Political management expert Malou Tiquia of Publicus-Asia Inc. said candidates must have “authentic messages and authentic campaigns” to gain public support during election campaigns. Tiquia, author of the book “Campaign Politics,” was guest during the Paghahanda Para sa Hatol ng Bayan, a news and public affairs program of People’s Television Network....
  • Register for DFA mobile passporting, PRC license renewal - PESO office

    TABUK CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Loyda Saboy is calling on all interested and concerned individuals to prepare for the upcoming mobile passporting through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and professional license renewal through the Professional Regulation Commission(PRC). These activities will be simultaneously conducted in April at the City Hall but all concerned should come as early this February to register for the mobile passpo...
  • East Visayas Reg’l Dev’t Council elects nominees for regional chair

    GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Feb 15 (PIA) -- The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) nominated Governor of Northern Samar, Paul R. Daza, and Mayor of Palo, Leyte and President of Leyte Mayors’ League, Remedios L. Petilla for the council’s chairmanship. NEDA Region 8 Director Bonifacio Uy, the RDC Vice Chair who presided over the meeting, said this was done through Resolution No. 04, series of 2013 which was passed during the Council’s first quarter Full Council Meeting on...
  • Philhealth-Santiago City accorded seal of service excellence award

    SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela, Feb 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) - Santiago City was accorded by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) with the Seal of Service Excellence Award with a rating of 94.7% for citizens satisfaction. The Service Excellence Award is a program of the CSC aimed at recognizing government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations which excelled in providing utmost service to the public. Joseph Reyes, PhilHealth-Santiago ...
  • PhilHealth's electronic premium reporting system shortens claims processing

    By Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, 15 Feb. (PIA)- The implementation of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Electronic Premium Reporting System (EPRS) made Philhealth 8 compared to other Philhealth offices nationwide in addressing the needs of its members. According to Walter R. Bacareza, Regional Vice-President, the electronic premium reporting system made by their office helps a lot in updating the records of its members the posting of members' premium. Bacare...
  • ZamboNorte legislator hails PNoy’s good governance

    DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- As the country recently registered a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 6.6 percent, Congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad of the second district of Zamboanga del Norte has attributed it to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III’s good governance. Speaking at a gathering of local and community leaders here with President Aquino as guest of honor, Labadlabad said, “The stellar performance of the Philippine economy nowadays is a result of PNoy’s good governanc...
  • CIPI conducts ISO 9001:2008 surveillance at DOST-XI

    DAVAO CITY, Feb. 12 – The Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST) subjected itself to the second surveillance audit under ISO 9001:2008 on February 5-6, 2013 and enrolled 21 operational processes involved under the standard. The surveillance audit was done by the Certification International Philippines, Inc. (CIPI) with Engr. Renato David as auditor. The scope includes provision of packaging and labeling assistance, innovation system support, consultancy and technical services, techn...
  • DILG, councilors league cite best local legislative bodies in E. Visayas

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The best performing municipal and city legislative bodies (sanggunians) in Eastern Visayas were cited in an awarding ceremony which highlighted the second day of the Regional Congress of the Philippine Councilors’ League on February 13 at the People’s Center and Library, Tacloban City. The Sangguniang Bayan of the island town of Limasawa, Southern Leyte emerged as the Best Council, besting six nominees for the fourth to sixth-class municipality categ...
  • Comelec-Ifugao designates common posting areas for May elections

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here designated common poster areas in different towns in the province. This is line with Comelec Resolution 9615, that says, it is unlawful to post election posters in waiting sheds, electric post and wires, bridges and other public structures , schools, barangay halls, shrines, health centers, public structures and buildings, in private properties without the consent of the owner and sec. 18 resolution no. 9615 stating th...
  • Clark head gets full support of investors group for cutting red tape

    CLARK FREEPORT, Feb.14 (PIA) -- A pioneering investors group has lauded the efforts of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Arthur Tugade to rid the Freeport of red tape and other inconveniences relating to government requirements. “We wish to express our gratitude for your quick response to our proposition regarding the yearly renewal of our Certificate of Registration and tax exemption now extended and given a validity of three years,” Clark Investors and Locators Association (C...
  • DILG Caraga releases P17-M Performance Challenge Fund to three LGUs

    BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga has released a total of P17 million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to Butuan City and the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur. DILG-Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion said the PCF is a performance-based incentive conferred to LGUs for having passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH). “This is to stimulate their performance in putting a premium on development initiatives fo...
  • Housing assistance groups in Quirino ask Comelec for exemption against ban on donations

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Feb 14 (PIA) -- Presidents of the fifty Neighborhood Associations for Shelter Assistance (NASA) in the province wrote a letter to Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. seeking exemption of the Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP) and Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in the election ban on donations. Assistant Provincial Social Welfare Officer Agaton Pagbilao said that the NASA projects fall under donations in kind which is prohibited under Section 104 of the Omnibus E...
  • NSO-Ifugao conducts orientation on RA 10172

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb.14 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) here conducted recently an orientation on Republic Act 10172 or an act further authorizing the municipal or city civil registrar to correct clerical or typographical errors in the day and month in the date of birth or sex of a person appearing in the civil register without need of a judicial order. The activity was participated by 35 participants from 11 municipal health offices, civil registrars, Ifugao General Hospitals an...
  • Senator on PNoy visit to MILF camp: ‘bold, historic’

    LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- A legislator praised President Benigno Aquino III who, he said, made history by visiting a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp in Sultan Kudarat on Monday, Feb. 11, manifesting his commitment to the peace process in Mindanao. President Aquino was at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute compound in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao and led the launch of the socio-economic initiative called Sajahatra Bangsamoro in preparation for the creation o...
  • Comelec begins hiring PCOS operators for Laoag

    LAOAG CITY, Feb 13 (PIA) – At least 40 more computer experts are being eyed to operate the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines that will be deployed to polling places in Laoag in May. The city Commission on Elections started screening today more than 80 applicants who have taken the written examination and practical application test. The written part tests their skills on basic computer manipulation while the practical examination measures their knowledge in hardware and software in...
  • DavNor steps up grassroots disaster readiness drive

    TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- As natural catastrophes continue to worsen resulting from climate change, the provincial government is directly confronting the threat of calamities by making the vulnerable communities ready and resilient at all times. Over a thousand families have already benefited from the heightened household-based disaster preparedness campaign since the province launched Oplan A.N.D.A.M. (Advocacy on Natural Disasters Awareness and Management) last week....
  • Comelec reshuffles personnel in Bicol

    NAGA CITY, Feb 13 (PIA) – To ensure that it will remain neutral in the conduct of its duties, the Commission on Elections has reshuffled its officers in Bicol. “This reshuffling scheme is a directive coming from the Comelec Central office and is being implemented all over the country,” Comelec Camarines Sur Spokesman Alex Marpuri said. “This will help us in holding honest and fair elections.” Atty. Alberto T. Cañarte lll was designated the Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of C...
  • BIR reminds business owners to renew receipts before June 30

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here reminded business establishment owners to renew their business receipts on or before June 30. Virac Revenue District Officer Ma. Teresa Noemi Pizon said the renewal of official receipts, sales invoices, delivery receipts, charge invoices and other receipts is pursuant to a circular issued by BIR stating that all existing official receipts, sales invoices and other commercial receipts of business establishments in the...
  • “Profile of the Poor” in Western Visayas now available; urges LGUs to use in local planning

    ILOILO CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA6) -- The municipal profile of the poor in Western Visayas is now available for use by the local government units for their planning and prioritized delivery of services. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas has already completed the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) survey and consolidation. Trinidad Lopez, NHTS-PR focal person, said during the orientation with Information Officers that they have ...
  • Comelec officers in Ilocos Region switch posts

    VIGAN CITY, Feb.13 (PIA) -- Commission on Election (Comelec) officers in the Ilocos Region have switched posts following a nationwide reshuffling of officials in line with the mid-term elections in May. Affected by the Comelec directive were Comelec Supervisor Rhodora Ines Arrocena in Ilocos Sur who took the post of election supervisor Joel Gines in La Union. Gines, on the other hand, took the seat of election supervisor in Ilocos Norte Alipio Castillo III who was assigned to fill in the Iloco...
  • DBM, DOST and NEDA push for digital government processes with MITHI

    PASIG CITY, Feb 13 (PIA) -- The government’s efforts to boost the country’s economy through a digitally empowered government that delivers systematic, innovative, transparent, and citizen-centered public services kicked off at the first Plenary Conference of the Government-wide ICT Pre-Budget Strategic Planning Workshop under the Medium-Term ICT Harmonization Initiative (MITHI) last January 15-18 at the DBM Complex in Manila. The four-day conference was attended by a total of about 1,200 p...
  • Gov't agencies to deliver services to Bangsamoro communities

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 13 (PIA) -- A number of government agencies are now prepared to deliver a number of services and products to the communities in the Bangsamoro. For one, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman revealed some of the projects that will be implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in line with the livelihood component of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program. Soliman said that her office, in coordination with the departments o...
  • Gov’t interventions in Mt. Diwata bring changes

    COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- Government interventions delivered in the gold-laden Mt. Diwata in Monkayo, Compostela Valley have brought significant changes and improvements of conditions in the area. An evaluation on the projects and activities conducted by the Program Monitoring and Coordination Center of the National Task Force Diwalwal (PMCC-NTFD) found improvements in Mt. Diwata particularly in its peace and order situation. Comparing the conditions noted in Mt. Diwata before 2004 a...
  • PCL congress spotlights best Sanggunians in East Visayas

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 13 (PIA) -- The best performing municipal and city legislative bodies (sanggunians) will be cited during the second day of the Regional Congress of the Philippine Councilors’ League which will have Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Loreto Petilla as keynote speaker. Local Government Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. said that the regional Local Legislative Awards (LLA) which is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, at the People’s Center and Library, ...
  • DPWH official reiterates strict implementation of Accessibility Law

    BAGUIO CITY. Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cordillera is reminding building officials to strictly implement the Batas Pambansa 344 otherwise known as the Accessibility Law. DPWH Cordillera regional director Edilberto P. Carabbacan reiterated to all city and municipal building officials to strictly implement the provisions of PB 344 and to ensure that all approvals of the application for building permits and certificates of building occupancy shall ...
  • Tesda-So. Leyte assists 10 LGUs on local anti-poverty program

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will have its hands full as it helps 10 local government units in the province prepare a doable program for implementation in 2014 aimed at reducing poverty incidence. The Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP), a convergence of several national line agencies, will be set in motion next year in Macrohon, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Libagon, Maasin City, Malitbog, So...
  • COMELEC-Kalinga PCOS machine technician screening up

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 12 (PIA) -– Commission on Election (COMELEC) – Kalinga is screening applicants as Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine technicians for the automated May polls in the province. Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) Dexter Bary Cawis said Kalinga needs 204 PCOS machine technicians to serve in 259 clustered precincts province wide. According to Cawis, the province targets to come-up with the 204 qualified applicants until Friday, February 15. Since comp...
  • NSO to conduct census of agri-fishery sector

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The regional office of the National Statistics Office (NSO) 12 based in Cotabato City announced today that they are set to conduct the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF). A notice from the office of NSO 12 regional director Atty. Maqtahar Manulon to PIA 12, said the 2012 CAF will be conducted from February 25 until April 13, this year. CAF is a large-scale government operation intended to p...
  • DILG-NegOr implements 'Bottom-up planning and budgeting'

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Negros Oriental gathered local governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the province recently to draw priority projects dubbed, “Bottom-up Planning and Budgeting (BuPB)." DILG-NegOr OIC provincial director Farah Gentuya said the assemblies are an offshoot of the regional orientation of BuPB participated in by 25 field officers of the province in Iloilo City. Initially, during the assembly in ...
  • Jagna tops Bohol ‘12 Nutrition awardees

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 12 (PIA) -- The municipality of Jagna has the best nutrition program as it topped the Provincial Search for the Best Nutrition Programs of 2012; its second consecutive achievement that could lead to a citation as among Nutrition Honor Awardees. Jagna Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla and town nutrition officer Anita Ocmeja received the plaque and cash award during the Nutrition Awarding ceremonies at the Jjs Seafoods Restaurant last February 7. Bohol Provincial Nutrition ...
  • Alicia, Trinidad towns grab triple treats in nutri-awards

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 12 (PIA) -- It’s triple celebrations for Trinidad and Alicia towns, as its nutrition-related programs down to the barangays got the attention of evaluators of Bohol’s best nutrition programs. Trinidad was adjudged fifth among 10 outstanding town nutrition councils, while Alicia ranked sixth. Barangay Guinobatan in Trinidad town was Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Council for Bohol’s Second District while Alicia’s Barangay Cayacay is Third District’s Outs...
  • Comelec needs more IT to operate PCOS machines

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 12 (PIA) --The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced the need to hire information technology specialists to operate the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in Negros Oriental for the May 13 elections. Dumaguete City Acting Election Officer, Atty. Jerome Brillantes of Comelec said during the Kapihan sa PIA recently that the teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd) or the Board of Elections Inspectors in 2010 election are not enough to serve as PCOS...
  • DEB needs poll watcher volunteers for May 13 election

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 12 (PIA)--The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) has called on the civic-minded individuals specially the youth sector to volunteer as poll watchers for the more than 3,000 precincts in Oriental Negros in the forthcoming national and local elections on May 13. DEB Convenor Reverend Monsignor Julius Heruela said, 5,000 volunteers are needed for various precinct assignments in the province while 1,500 poll watchers for more than 600 precincts in Siquijor province. A volunteer sho...
  • Don’t touch our trees, says Operation Baklas head

    LAOAG CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The head of a task force created to enforce the removal of campaign materials outside poster zones has reminded politicians to spare the trees when the campaign season begins on February 12. “Don’t touch our trees,” Juan de los Reyes, provincial environment and natural resources officer (Penro), said during a multi-sectoral meeting last week in preparation for the local campaign period. De los Reyes will head a team of government, non-government including th...
  • 3 Ifugao towns get awards for supporting alternative learning

    AGUINALDO, Ifugao, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- Three towns of this province including this municipality recently received their awards of recognition for their ardent support and commitment to the Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs and activities of the Department of Education (DepEd) in their respective communities. DepEd Regional Director Ellen Donato and ALS Division Chief Gloria Felipe awarded the certificates of recognition to the municipalities of Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, and Kiangan la...
  • Davao City posts hike in revenue collection

    DAVAO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The City Government of Davao posted a 22.6% increase in revenues and taxes in January of this year as compared to the same period in 2012. Rodrigo Riola, City Treasurer bared the January 2013 (Jan. 2- Jan. 31) collection figures which amounted to P589.1 million is higher than the P480.3 million collected last 2012 (Jan. 2- Jan.31). The figures were boosted by the number of business permit applications which were higher this year as compared to the figures in the s...
  • CAR civil registrars to correct clerical error in birth certificate sans judicial order

    BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) - - Cordillera civil registrars are ready to implement Republic Art 10172 or the correction on clerical or typographical errors in the day and month in the date of birth or sex of a person in his/her birth certificate even without judicial order. National Statistics Office – Cordillera (NSO-CAR) Regional Director Olivia Gulla, in an interview, disclosed that all the local civil registrars in the region have been trained in accordance with the guideline, “An Act ...
  • 'Pilipinas Natin' volunteerism movement reaches La Union

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb 11 (PIA) -- Volunteerism, a noble and admirable undertaking, is currently making ripples in the grassroots. The Aquino administration’s volunteerism movement, “Pilipinas Natin" continues to grow, this time taking off in two college campuses in this province. A flagship campaign of the Presidential Communications Operations Office for Special Concerns, the Pilipinas Natin campaign is meant to connect government with the people by forming a volunteerism movem...
  • Army to use performance governance scorecard to achieve transformation

    CAMP O’DONNELL, Capas, Tarlac, Feb.11 (PIA) -- There is a new dynamism going on in the army and it has something to do with a shift in the outlook and character of its soldiers to make them more relevant to the times. It is called Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR). “ATR is an 18-year transformation and governance program with the main purpose of transforming the Philippine Army (PA) into a better, more dynamic, more capable, and more professional Army committed to its mandate. It conveys ge...
  • Army school to revise curriculum

    CAMP O’DONNELL, Capas, Tarlac, Feb.11 (PIA) -- Tarlac-based Training and Doctrine Command (Tradoc) of the Philippine Army (PA) is currently holding a three-week workshop to revise its curriculum. “The workshop seeks to establish a standard of training and systematic approach for education and training in order to increase Tradoc’s responsiveness essential to the delivery of training excellence,” said Colonel Leouel Santos, director of the Training Development Center (TDC). TDC is a uni...
  • Biliran COMELEC launches search for “illegal propaganda-free barangays"

    NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the province of Biliran has launched on Wednesday, February 6, the Search for “Illegal Propaganda-Free” Barangays in the province. Atty. Sabino Mejarito who is the new Provincial Election Supervisor (PES), in an interview said the rampant violation of Republic Act 9006 otherwise known as the “Fair Elections Act” specifically on the proliferation of illegally posted campaign materials during the campaign period in ...
  • No politician can enlist or delist Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries – DSWD

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- No politician has the authority to enlist and delist beneficiaries off the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. This was clarified by Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), who emphasized that only the DSWD can delist a beneficiary if he/she does not follow the conditions of the program. Solamillo said Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, through the DSWD Grievance Redress System (...
  • DSWD cites East Visayas partners

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 9 (PIA) -- On its 62nd Anniversary celebration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development honored three of its partners from the non-government organizations and the local government units for significantly providing successful social protection programs to marginalized and vulnerable sectors of the region. This year’s awardees who were feted on February 6 at the Leyte Park Hotel in Tacloban City were South Pacific Integrated Agricultural Development Foundatio...
  • DENR Camarines Sur intensifies “Operation Baklas”

    PILI, Camarines Sur, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources office here is bent on protecting the trees from campaign posters and paraphernalia through the implementation of its Operation Baklas. Camarines Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Atty. Arnel P. Rodriguez said that in Operation Baklas, they will immediately start removing nailed posters on trees and warn violators that they are going to impose stern penalties to those who will be caug...
  • Telecom agencies to make operational all its stations during the election period

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb 8 (PIA) -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Telecommunications Office (TelOf) and Philippine Postal Service Corporation (Philpost) will make operational all its stations during the election period. They willl also assign sufficient number of personnel to receive, transmit and deliver election messages 10 days before election day, on election day, and 10 days after election day. These functions are mandated by Comelec Resolution No. 9598 pro...
  • DILG to barangay execs: remain non-partisan

    DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded village officials to remain non-partisan during the conduct of the mid-term elections in May. Director Roderick Dawis of DILG-Dagupan said that officials in the villages are mandated to exclude themselves from local politics and are therefore expected to display neutrality during the elections. “Barangay officials must be apolitical. Dapat walang kinikilingan,” Dawis said during the Kapisanan...
  • NSO-SoLeyte calls for LGU support as enumeration for 2012 CAF starts

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, February 8 (PIA) - The National Statistics Office (NSO) – Southern Leyte Provincial Office calls for the full support and assistance of the Local Government Units as the 2012 Census for Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) will start on February 25, 2013. According to Statistician II Jimmy Dagupan, “ the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) is a large-scale government undertaking geared towards the collection and compilation of basic information on...
  • Catbalogan LGU approves local poverty reduction plan

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, February 8 (PIA) -- The Catbalogan City Sangguniang Panglungsod has approved Php 30.2 million Local Poverty Reduction Plan 2013 Program as endorsed by the City Development Council (CDC). The local government unit plan with programs and projects collectively drawn through a participatory process with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders will address the needs of the poor constituents and the marginalized sectors in the LGU. Catbalogan City is one of...
  • North Samar CSC to conduct capability building for HR practitioners

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 8 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission of Northern Samar will conduct a teambuilding and capability building activities for human resource management practitioners on March 11-15 at Puerto Princesa, Palawan. CSC Provincial Director Emmanuel Fuentes said the activity is in line with the launching of CSC roadmap for 2010-2015 towards the commissions’ vision to be the model of excellence in the service of the Filipino people, credible civil servants exemplifying ...
  • LGU planners to integrate POPDEV programs in local plans

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Ensuring for a Population and Gender Development (POPDEV) -sensitive local government unit, a two-day seminar workshop was held recently here, by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The workshop formulated development plans where population and development dimensions were integrated. Specifically, the workshop reviewed the Rationalized Local Planning System and provided the ...
  • LTO-Dagupan promises hassle-free transactions

    DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Clients of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) here can look forward to transacting their needs with ease with the installation of priority lanes and comfortable waiting areas. LTO-Dagupan Chief Eric Suriben said that priority lanes for the elderly, persons with disabilities and pregnant women will be installed in the office in the coming days. The provision of priority lanes is part of the office’s rehabilitation plan that includes putting up walls in the wai...
  • Poll spending of candidates are subject to 5% withholding tax

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb 7 (PIA) -- Election campaign spending of candidates are subject to five percent withholding tax, according to a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulation. Thus, the BIR is monitoring campaign expenses of candidates. "We are closely coordinating with the regional and local election officers for the effective implementation of Revenue Regulation No. 8-2009," said Revenue District Officer Aminoding Macarampat. The tax covers political parties and candidates in...
  • Red Cross to hold Million Volunteer Run 2 on Feb. 10

    PAGADIAN CITY, Feb 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is now intensifying the involvement of youths and adult volunteers in its different projects/programs to make them more useful and responsible citizens of the country. PNRC Million Volunteer Run (MVR) committee chair Rey E. Quisumbing in a press statement said the PRC will be holding its nationwide MVR year 2 on Feb. 10 with the tagline, “I choose to run to save lives.” He said the first MVR that was held on Dec. 4, 20...
  • PNoy cites ongoing projects under the 'daang matuwid'

    DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) - - “Stop corruption, enough with deception, let us change the crooked system and together let us march to the daang matuwid,” declared President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III during his visit to the city on Tuesday to inaugurate the Graduate and Professional Schools (GPS) building of the Andres Bonifacio College (ABC), a non-sectarian private school founded in 1940. PNoy unveiled the GPS marker together with ABC board of trustees chair Atty. Ernesto S. Amatong, co...
  • Duterte hits anew the Juvenile Justice Law

    Davao City, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte took pot-shots anew on the Juvenile Justice Law saying it has no provision for the after-arrest procedure for children in conflict with the law. Speaking before the 4,000 members of the League of Councilors of the Philippines at SMX-Convention Center, Wednesday, he stressed that a minor must be put behind bars once he commits a major crime regardless of his age. Duterte said that while imprisonment is a punitive action for adults as a form...
  • Ilocos Norte to implement "Operation Baklas 2013"

    LAOAG CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) – As the campaign period for local candidates draws near, state authorities have begun drawing up plans to ensure that campaign materials are posted within designated areas. The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office led a composite team of state agencies in launching the “Operation Baklas 2013,” which is designed to implement R.A. 3571, the law prohibiting the cutting and destruction of planted and growing trees and plants along public roads, plazas,...
  • CSC: New form to be used in 2012 SALN

    ILOILO CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA6) -- The new form of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SALN) will be used in the filing of the 2012 SALN, the top official of the Civil Service Commission 6 said. CSC-6 Regional Director Rodolfo Encajonado said the CSC has released the new SALN form, after it held a series of consultations with different national and local government agencies and employee groups. Encajonado said, the new form is simpler compared to the previous form which should have been used...
  • Mabilog to regain ‘Queen City of the South’ title for Iloilo

    ILOILO CITY, Feb 7 (PIA6) -- Iloilo City will regain the title, “Queen City of the South” by 2016 if Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will have his way. This he revealed as he presented his State of the City Address (SOCA) on Feb. 6, Wednesday. Mabilog said that this process will need a creation of a committee which will set the guidelines in terms of economic, social, and other programs that should be undertaken to reclaim the queen city title. According to Mabilog, Iloilo City must ac...
  • To shade or not to shade: Comelec asks voters to mark election ballot ovals well

    QUEZON CITY, Feb 6 -- Under-shading an election ballot's ovals can cause delay in the casting of votes, as the election machine may reject the ballot. At the joint Senate-House of Representative hearing on Wednesday, officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and lawmakers traded solutions to problems that propped up during the recent mock elections. The Precint Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines will not accept ambiguous markings on ovals, like light- or under-shading. “If it is un...
  • DAR Adjudication Board-7 exceeds 2012 target

    CEBU CITY, Feb 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform in Region 7 (DAR-7) reported that it has exceeded its mandated target in resolving agrarian reform-related cases in 2012. Through its DAR-Reform Adjudication Board (Darab), DAR disclosed that it resolved 2,284 agrarian reform-related cases in 2012, exceeding its mandated target of 1,311, said DAR-7 regional agrarian reform adjudicator Atty. Rosalio Kintanar in a press statement. Of its total target, DAR-7 was to dispose 270 cases, ...
  • DepEd to allow use of public school buildings for election purposes

    OZAMIZ CTY, Misamis Occidental, Feb 6 (PIA) -- Public school buildings may be used for election purposes as mandated by a Commission on Election promulgated last year. Comelec Resolution 9598 also instructs the Department of Education (DepEd) not to hold during the election period, conferences, seminars or any school activity, which might interfere, restrict, or prevent the performance of election duties of its personnel, except upon prior written authority of the Comelec. The resolution was...
  • Batanes bags 2012 Nat'l Honor Award in nutrition

    BASCO, Batanes, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Batanes was awarded the 2012 National Honor Award last year, the highest award given by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to local governments that perform well for improving the nutritional status of residents. For winning, the provincial government was given a cash prize of P500,000 and a Nutriskwela Community Radio Station which will be launched on the first week of March this year. The radio station, which will be based in ...
  • Phl Red Cross to disburse calamity funds during election period – Comelec

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb 6 (PIA) -- Should a calamity or disaster occur during the March 29 to May 13 election period, fund releases normally coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall be turned over to and disbursed by the Philippine Red Cross. The disbursements, however, will be subject to the supervision of the Commission on Audit (COA) or its representatives, except for salaries of personnel, and for such other routine and normal expenses, and...
  • DILG-10 to award outstanding 'lupons'

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 6 -- Sixteen outstanding lupong tagapamayapa (peace committees) will be recognized today during the 2012 Regional Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA) for their exemplary performance in resolving disputes in their respective communities. Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos of the Department of Interior and Local Government of Region 10, said that this Award institutionalizes a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to the Lupong Tagapamayap...
  • DILG to conduct bottom-up-budgeting confab

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 6 -- All technical field personnel of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of regions 10 and 13 will undergo an orientation workshop on the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) and Planning process in Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, February 7. BUB is an approach that will be used by concerned agencies for implementation of Fiscal Year 2014 budget preparation, taking into consideration the development needs of poor cities/municipalities as identified ...
  • DENR-7, private company ink MOA for rehabilitation fund

    CEBU CITY, Feb 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 7 (DENR - 7) with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Mabuhay Filcement Inc. (MFI) for the establishment of a contingent liability and rehabilitation fund (CLRF). The Fund will guarantee the company’s compliance with its environmental commitments, assured MGB-7 regional director Loreto Alburo. The CLRF is divided into monitoring trust fund (MTF) wh...
  • DENR 12 implements P110-M worth of WB-funded cadastal survey projects

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Thirteen cadastral survey projects worth over P110 million are currently being implemented in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12, an environment official here confirmed. DENR 12 OIC-regional executive director Datu Tungko Saikol said the survey, which should be completed within this year and covers three provinces of the region, is part of land administration efforts, an important priority program of the agency. “We need ...
  • Jimenez: Premature campaigning is unfair practice

    QUEZON CITY, Feb 5 -- The law may not prohibit pre-mature campaigning, but it is unfair, a Commission on Election official said. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez admitted COMELEC cannot go after those who dabble in pre-mature campaign until the official campaign period begins. Campaign period for senatorial candidates and party list groups is from February 12 to May 11. Candidates for the House of Representatives and elective positions in the regional, provincial and municipal may launch the...
  • BIR-Isabela sponsors regional 2013 Tax Campaign kick- off

    SANTIAGO, Isabela, Feb. 5 (PIA) --The Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue District No. 15 based in Naguilian, Isabela sponsored yesterday the 2013 Tax Campaign Kick-Off of the BIR Revenue Region No. 3 at All-K Venue, Santiago City. The event, which was participated by the BIR district offices of Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino was graced by some BIR top brass officials headed by Commissioner Celia Capuchino King. Among the highlights of the event were the signing of memo...
  • 177 enumerators tapped for 2012 Census of Agriculture, Fisheries in Abra

    BANGUED, Abra, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- A total of 177 enumerators (ENs) are tapped to gather data on agriculture and fishery sectors in the province in line with 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) to be conducted this month. The enumerators will do house-to-house visits and personal interviews while 88-member of Team Supervisors (TS) are tapped to supervise the ENs during the enumeration period from February 25 to April 13, 2013, said Felixberto Perdido, officer in charge of t...
  • Climate change, risk reduction high on RDR’s priorities

    Davao City, Feb. 5 -- Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario mulled of another strategic direction that will guide him through his last term, taking into consideration the current realities of climate change, disaster risk reduction, and globalization. He said his governance will pursue the daunting task of resuscitating the development momentum of the province marred by the successive onslaught of calamities, which brought multi-billion loses to crops and infrastructure, buoyed by the g...
  • 2nd Engineering District, new RTC Branch to be opened in Kalinga

    2nd Engineering District, new RTC Branch to be opened in Kalinga By Geraldine G. Dumallig TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 5 (PIA) – The Congressional District Office (CDO) reports that Kalinga would soon establish two new major government institutions in the province to bring closer a better government service to those living in the upland towns of the province. This was announced after the bills authored by Kalinga Representative Manuel Agyao have gained the approval of both the Senate and Lower...
  • Kalinga to recognize 2 LGUs, DTI for excellence in good governance

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 5 (PIA) - - The provincial government here will confer the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award to two local governments and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for excellence in good governance during the celebration of the province's foundation day on February 14-17. Francisco Gamatero, provincial director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), initiated the inclusion for recognition of LGU top performance on good governance during the Kalinga ...
  • DAR-South Cotabato tops Phl in land distribution

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in South Cotabato has outranked all provinces in the country in the volume of land distributed in 2012. Felix Frias, South Cotabato’s provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO), told participants of the 2012 Year-End Assessment 2013 Planning Conference of agrarian reform officers last week, that Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes himself congratulated ...
  • Ifugao CSC, DOLE have new heads

    Ifugao CSC, DOLE have new heads by Marcelo Lighawon LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 5(PIA) - - The new heads of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the province were introduced to state workers last week during the flag ceremony held at the capitol compound . Ruben Wacas is the new CSC head while Dr. Avelina Manganip assumes as the chief of the DOLE field office replacing Alex Gumabol who was assigned to Kalinga. Both Wacas and Manganip came fr...
  • Former senators urge voters to choose candidates with track record, experience

    QUEZON CITY, Feb 4 -- People should vote for senatorial and congressional candidates who are familiar with different national issues. This was the advice to voters by former senators Ernesto Maceda and Rene Saguisag on the premier telecast of Paghahanda para sa Hatol ng Bayan 2013 on People’s Television Network. Paghahanda is one of the projects of Media ng Bayan, a partnership among leading news and information organizations of the government. Maceda, a former senate president, said a cong...
  • Only DSWD can delete or remove 4Ps beneficiaries, no other

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 4 (PIA) -- It is only the Department of Social Welfare and Development that can remove or delete, for a cause, 4Ps beneficiaries from the roster. DSWD Region 8 Director Remia Tapispisan made the pronouncement during the press conference held at the DSWD Regional Office in the morning of February 4. With barely four months before the May 2013 mid-term national and local elections, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Dev...
  • DFA-Lucena announces new sked of processing and releasing passports

    LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regional consular office in this city recently announced a new schedule of processing and releasing of passports. The DFA office is now open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and no lunch break. The extended hours are part of their commitment to improve the government’s delivery of public service to the people. DFA further reminds new applicants to secure authenticated birth certificate from National Statis...
  • DPWH IX bares 2012 accomplishments

    PAGADIAN CITY, Feb 4 (PIA) -- In pursuit of its goal to eradicate poverty through quality and effective infrastructure facilities and services responsive to the needs of the Filipino people, the Department Of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 9 was allotted P6,252,079 for the implementation of 443 projects in 2012. Regional Director Jorge U. Sebastian Jr. reported as of December 31, 2012, 352 projects had been completed, 63 are still ongoing, and 28 are in the pre-construction stage wit...
  • Comelec sets guidelines on where/how to get hiring ban exceptions

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- Requests to be exempted from the hiring ban during the election period, from Jan. 13 to June 12, should be made in writing, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. Sec. 261 of the Omnibus Election Code stipulates that the appointment of new employees, creation of new position, promotion, or giving salary increases, durinq the period of 45 davs before regular election and 30 davs before a special election, is considered an election offense ...
  • Marawi collects P388M in taxes, surpasses target by 7.41%

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Marawi Revenue District Office (RDO 102) surpassed its revenue goal for 2012 by 7.41 percent after it collected P388.73 million during the year. The RDO 102 posted a P26.83 million jump in its collections; the target for the year was P361.90 million. Year-on-year, RDO 102 tax revenues went by 14.43 percent or P45.10 million compared to the P312.55 million it collected in the same period in 2011. Collections from...
  • Single entry approach saves employee, coop from legal battle

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 4 (PIA) -- DOLE’s Single Entry Approach (SENA) has recently saved a tuna company and one of its employee from a lengthy court proceeding. On January 29, Ruel Bandojo, an employee of the Tuna Exporters Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Tempco) based in General Santos City for four years, filed a request for intervention from the regional office of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB-12). Bandojo alleged that he was unduly suspended by Tempco ...
  • Bottom-up, convergence budgeting lauded

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 2 (PIA) -- Nothing could best assure of people’s participation in determining the country’s national budget than the recent administration’s strategy, where representatives of various people’s organizations (POs) are asked what their priority concerns are. This was the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) planning-workshop where a number of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) gathered at the Borongan city hall recently, in order to come up with...
  • Written authority from Comelec needed to transfer gov't workers

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- There will be no transfer of government employees during the election period - January 13 to June 12, 2013 - except when there's authority from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This is stipulated in Comelec Resolution No. 9581 that, “No public officials shall make or cause any transfer or detail whatsoever of any officer or employee in the civil service, including public school teachers during the election period,” except upon prior...
  • DILG Quirino enhances local governments units’ capabilities on SIS

    DIFFUN, Quirino, Feb. 2 PIA) -- A two-day learning activity on the System Information Service (SIS) was held here on January 24-25 to enhance the skills of the local government units’ legislative staff on the Legislative Tracking and Performance Monitoring Project through the adoption of Information Technology (IT). The activity was participated by Sanggunian Bayan secretaries, information technology (IT) experts, computer programmers/computer operators and other participants from the muni...
  • PNP sets new procedures for better pension service

    QUEZON CITY, Feb 1 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) through the PNP Finance Service (PNPFS) has set new procedures to better serve pensioners. In a release, PNPFS chief Rolando A. Purugganan said that effective next month, all PNP and Integrated National Police (INP) pension checks, specifically those from National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 4A (Calabarzon) will be forwarded to their respective Regional Finance Service Offices for its orderly distribution. “This is part of...
  • MDF participants set to go to typhoon-Pablo affected areas

    DAVAO CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- Some participants of the Mindanao Development Forum 2013 held in the city Friday are set to go to the typhoon Pablo-affected areas tomorrow in the different Davao Provinces to do volunteer work. Mindanao Economic Development Authority (MinDa) chairperson Secretary Lualhati Antonino said the MDF is divided into different parts with the first part consisting of overviews and updates on Mindanao’s growth and the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (FAB). “We need to cre...
  • PhilHealth-Kalinga tops E-Premium Remittance System implementation in CAR

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 1 (PIA) -– PhilHealth-Kalinga has recorded the highest accomplishment in the Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Out of 157 total registry in CAR in 2012, Kalinga contributed 79 said Rommel Aranca, PhilHealth Kalinga Service Officer. The high registration in the province, he said, is the result of their office’s continuous campaign and advocacy for both public and private local institutions and establishments...
  • DAP confers degree to public management graduates

    TAGAYTAY CITY, Feb 1 (PIA) -- The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) has conferred the diplomas and certificates of completion for master’s and baccalaureate degrees to 34 senior executives and 40 middle managers from 22 government agencies during the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) graduation rites held yesterday at the DAP’s Convention Center in Tagaytay City. The program’s first batch of graduates is composed of senior executives and middle managers from several...
  • SSS – SoLeyte urges members to register online

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb 1 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS)- Southern Leyte Field Office urges all its members to register online. SSS-SoLeyte Officer In Charge William Penserga said during the weekly Action Center Cable TV program yesterday, “ thru the SSS website www.sss.gov.ph, all the members of SSS may register online as soon as the Maasin Filed Office will launch the e-center by February 2013.” “ E-center will provide convenient access for the SSS members fo...
  • NSO NegOr readies over 1,000 enumerators for CAF

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) Negros Oriental is now ready with its 818 enumerators and 360 team supervisors to conduct the survey for the Census of Agriculture and Fishery (CAF). NSO Negros Oriental statistician officer, Ariel Fortuito said the survey will start on February 25 and end on April 13 in 557 barangays in the province. Fortuito met the different agencies involved to gather commitment and request farmer associations to inform their member-...
  • Comelec to cleanse database of registered voters

    QUEZON CITY, Jan 31 – To ensure accurate voters database in the coming midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will remove from its list dead registered voters and cross-check the names of those who have changed addresses. The cleansing of voters' lists was brought about by Comelec Resolution No. 9623 "in order to avoid discrepancy in the final data while respecting the universal principle of one man-one vote for the forthcoming May 13, 2013 National, Local and ARMM Election...
  • CSC conducts surprise inspection at Tuba Municipal Health Office

    TUBA, Benguet, Jan 31 (PIA) - - The Civil Service Commission – Cordillera Regional Office (CSC-CAR) conducted a surprise inspection at the Tuba Municipal Health Office on January 29 in response to an anonymous text message received at the commission’s Contact Center ng Bayan or Sumbungan ng Bayan, reporting alleged poor performance in the delivery of services. The inspection team was headed by CSC-CAR Assistant Regional Director Cornelia Rillera, and was done in coordination with person...
  • Tagum's Miranda II Bridge sturdy despite frequent floods in DavNor

    TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Jan. 31 (PIA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways assured commuters travelling between Davao and Tagum City about the safety of the Miranda Bridge II. The frequent flooding in Davao del Norte, which usually leads to the closure of Miranda Bridge to traffic, has made Miranda Bridge II the main gateway to and from Tagum City. “Miranda Bridge II is a Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder Bridge so it is safe and can withstand the bulk of traffic passing the bri...
  • Election surveys may be conducted during the election period – Comelec

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- Any person, whether natural or juridical, candidate or organization may conduct an election survey, during the election period, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. These surveys shall be published and shall include the following information:the name of the person, candidate, party, or organization that commissioned or paid for the survey and the name of the person, polling firm or survey organization who conducted the survey. It sho...
  • PNoy highlights anti-corruption efforts in 5th GOPAC conference

    QUEZON CITY, Jan 31 (PIA) --President Benigno Aquino III highlighted government efforts to eradicate corruption in the country during the 5th International Conference of the Global organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). In his keynote speech, Aquino said that while policy formulation can at times be a complex matter, the overarching idea behind the government’s efforts is simply doing the right thing. The President related the success of the Department of Public Works &...
  • DSWD reiterates Only LGUs with complete proposals can avail of $10-M AusAID grant

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) - - To avail of the AusAID $10-million grant meant for the implementation of day-care centers and school buildings, municipal local governments should make sure that the project proposals of their barangays are complete with technical documents, as well as their local counterpart contribution. OIC-Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo emphasized this to municipal mayors during an LGU forum held recently in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte. She said the funds are an addi...
  • Quirino province marks LGPMS take off - DILG

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- Director Ruperto Maribbay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government here said the provincial government has marked a smart take off for its Local Government Performance Management System (LGPMS) as shown by its early orientation of programs and activities for the year 2013. Maribbay said Governor Junie E. Cua spearheaded the orientation on January 8. The assembly provided a venue for all department heads and focal persons of DILG-assisted ...
  • Comelec cleanses voters lists, corrects data of transferees

    QUEZON CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is weeding out the voters lists of those long gone and is correcting their database of those who had changed residences to come up with a clean, certified lists of voters before elections. The cleansing of voters lists was brought about by Comelec Resolution No. 9623 - "In order to avoid discrepancy in the final data while respecting the universal principle of one man-one vote for the coming May 13, 2013 national, local and A...
  • Strict implementation of Citizen’s Charter in barangays pushed

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Jan.30 (PIA) -- Tabuk City Local Government Operations Officer Julio Barcellano recently directed local officials of the 42 barangays here to strictly comply with the Anti-Red Tape Act Law and install their Citizen’s Charter in their barangay halls. During a recent orientation with the barangay local officials, Barcellano said that all government offices must comply with the law to reduce red tape and expedite government transactions starting from the barangay level. ...
  • Increase in Mindanao budget to be tackled in forum

    DAVAO CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Calls for increasing the share of Mindanao in the national budget will be among the matters to be tackled in the coming 1st Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) to be held on February 1 at the Marco Polo Davao. The MDF is touted as a high-level multilateral meeting aimed at providing the platform and public discourse on Mindanao's Development Agenda. Over 300 heads and representatives of various Official Development Assistance offices including members of the diplomatic...
  • DavNor steps up agriculture damage reporting

    TAGUM CITY— Typhoon-free no more, the province of Davao del Norte has stepped up its reporting of damages and losses in agriculture to get the right interventions in times of calamity. Some 100 agriculturists and coordinators from the 11 local government units (LGU) in the province gathered recently in Capitol, Tagum City for a workshop that shall arm them with a uniform template and standard computation in making estimates of damages and losses. The Provincial Government, under the instru...
  • Army repairs 82 houses, gov't buildings in typhoon areas

    DAVAO CITY, Jan 30 (PIA) -- A total of 82 houses, nine government facilities and one chapel had been repaired by the Joint Task Force Tambayayong, an initiative of soldiers to help areas hardest hit by Typhoon Pablo which struck the region last December 4, 2012. Captain Severino David, spokesperson of the EastMinCom disclosed the information based on the report of Colonel Edgardo Clerigo, commander of the JTF Tambayayong. The number of rehabilitated structures comprised of 60 houses repaired ...
  • Gov’t remains transparent sans FOI Law, says Sec.Coloma

    BAUANG, La Union Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Philippine government today is transparent despite the absence of Freedom of Information (FOI) Law. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma said on Tuesday that the present administration has set the standard for transparency by having the most number of agencies that have their own websites that display the budget allocation and its usage. Also, President Aquino is the only president who publicly declared his Statement ...
  • DOLE pushes for productivity concept in schools

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- Productivity is an important concept which should be learned at an early age and the best stage for introduction of the concept is when the child starts school. So said Atty. Exequil Sarcauga, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment in Eastern Visayas. The DOLE regional top man is pushing for advocacy on productivity in schools in a bid to introduce the concept during the formative stage of a child. He said that the labor department ...
  • Soldiers too are protectors of the environment

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 30 (PIA6) -- Sixty soldiers assigned in Western Visayas underwent a three-day training recently on environmental laws, policies, and regulations in compliance with the 3rd Infantry Division's Executive Order No. 23 also known as "Declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force." The training also gave the soldiers a better understanding of guidelines in the implementation ...
  • Lanao del Norte towns receive P64M for development projects

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 30 (PIA) -- Several Lanao del Norte conflict-affected towns received funding for its development projects. Six towns from Lanao del Norte received checks Tuesday, Jan. 29, for its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program. Pamana is government’s peace and development framework program. It is implemented in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements. Its main strategy is to bring back government to Pamana areas, ensuring ...
  • Gov reminds Talaingod residents that good roads lead to better income

    TAGUM CITY, Jan 30 (PIA) -- Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario told the residents of the tribal town of Talaingod to take full advantage of excellent road conditions to improve productivity and income. The Governor said that quality roads and bridges are critical links to a better economy and a better future. Yet, according to him, these vital infrastructures will come to naught if the communities do not maximize their benefits in enhancing economic productivity and bettering their...
  • DOTC invites bidders in rehab of 4 key airports

    MANILA, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications is inviting interested companies to bid for the supply and installation of semi-permanent PVC tent terminal buildings in Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, and Clark International Airports to provide travel convenience for the increasing number of domestic and international visitors in these areas. The DOTC said it is implementing this P166.4-million project to augment the existing check-in and/or pre-departure are...
  • Comelec may decide to augment security forces in Samar province

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas may ask for more military and police presence in Samar for the mid-term elections if the situation calls for this. Comelec Regional Director Dennis Ausan said the plan for augmentation will based on circumstances prevailing in the province. Ausan said the situation should be weighed carefully as augmenting the force might instead heighten the tension here. Several barangay officials and residents of...
  • Comelec satisfied with PCOS machines field test in Antique

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 29 (PIA 6) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the province is satisfied with the results of a field test conducted on the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines for use in the May 2013 elections. Hamtic and San Jose towns in Antique were chosen as field testing sites to represent Region 6 during the nationwide field test last Saturday. “We tested the PCOS machine to transmit test results from Hamtic to San Jose and then to Manila,” said Comelec Provin...
  • Central Visayas LGUs receive Presidential Awards as Child-Friendly city, towns

    CEBU CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The city of Talisay in Cebu and the towns of Tubigon in Bohol and Pilar in Cebu has received the Presidential Awards as Child-Friendly City and Municipalities in Central Visayas for 2012. This award is conferred in recognition to the vital role of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the promotion, protection and participation as well as child friendly governance. Its objective is to institutionalize a child friendly environment in the country. This Presidential...
  • 7 Aklan pupils hurdle PhilSci competitive exam

    KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 29 (PIA6) -- Seven graduating elementary pupils here successfully passed this year’s National Competitive Examination of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System given on September 29, 2012 at the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC). Of the passers, four came from Aklan Learning Center (ALC) – Lady Yzabelle T. Biray, Rya Zenilde T. Cawaling, Angelica Shalene T. Estera and Allyzza T. Mationg, while Samantha Lauren E. Alvarez was the lone passer from Wadeford Scho...
  • Parties may put up signboards in headquarters before campaign period - Comelec

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 29 (PIA) – Parties may put up a signboard announcing their headquarters not earlier than five (5) days before the start of the campaign period. The term "party" refers to either a political party, sectoral party or a coalition of parties and party-list organizations duly registered and/or accredited with the Commission on Elections (Comelec). However, the Comelec clarified that only one (1) signboard, not exceeding three feet by eight feet (3’ x 8...
  • Pre-construction conference ushers Lokilokon-San Jose de Buan road rehab

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- Some members of the Samar Province Peace and Order Council (PPOC) will meet the contractors of the 31 km stretch of Lokilokon-San Josede Buan road network today. This was agreed upon in yesterday’s PPOC meeting to ensure that the road project will continue unhampered. The project worth P100 million will be undertaken by the Samar provincial government through its provincial engineering department. The poor state of the road has reached the ears of th...
  • NSO urges Antique LGUs, households to support agri, fishery census

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 29 (PIA) - - The National Statistics Office (NSO) has urged households and local governments to support the upcoming Census on Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF). Cooperation of household respondents and local officials is essential in coming up with credible and accurate data on CAF, said Catalino De Gracia, a statistician at the NSO-Antique. The CAF will undertake enumeration of all households just like in census of population and housing. Antique will have more 100,...
  • DBM releases P4.8-B pension for PNP retirees

    MANILA, Jan 28 -- There will life after retirement for policemen, as the Department of Budget and Management announced the release of P4.83 billion to cover the retirement benefits of 54,660 retirees of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which has made the switch from check to electronic payments for monthly pension releases, a press statement said. The total release will support pension payments for retired policemen from January to March 2013. The retirees are also assured that they will ...
  • Genuine public service and people ultimate goal of PNoy gov’t

    ILOILO CITY, Jan 28 (PIA6) -- President Aquino said genuine public service and focus on people are the central and ultimate goal of his administration as it abides by the tenets of good governance. The President’s message for the Ilonggos was conveyed by former Senator Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. at the height of the celebration of their premier and world-renowned cultural and religious festival Dinagyang o, Sunday, January 27, here. This is reflected, the President said, in the reforms th...
  • Davao Oriental LGU organizes rebuilding movement

    MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Jan. 28 -- Different government agencies recently convened to plan out the Building Back Better(BBB) Movement. The movement’s mission is to start mobilization and operation of the task forces that would aid the immediate priorities in restoring Davao Oriental better especially the hard-hit municipalities of Baganga, Boston and Cateel during the recent Typhoon Pablo disaster. “Beauty is restored; hearts are transformed; lives are improved”, Davao Oriental Governo...
  • Poll body trims 'senatoriables' to 32, nuisance delisted

    BOHOL, Jan 28 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in several en banc sessions trimmed down the list of senatorial aspirants from 85 to 32 after three months of legal screening. Among those whose names were stricken off the list were Boholano senatorial aspirant from Nahawan, Clarin and 53 others who wanted to try their luck for a senate bid but was nipped in the bud by the Comelec move. Bohol Election Supervisor Atty. Eliseo Labaria said that everyone underwent due process before ...
  • Comelec successful in cleansing voters list in Lanao del Sur

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Jan 28 (PIA) -- The efforts of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cleanse the list of registered voters in the province has met with success. The number of registered voters in Lanao del Sur went down by 33 percent to 350,268 after the voters registration held last July in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said Provincial Election Supervisor Nasib Yasin. Of this new record, 201,589 are registered in the first district of the province while 148,6...
  • Camiguin reports P20M completed infra in 2012

    MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Jan 28 (PIA) -- Farm-to-market road (FMR) projects worth P20 million had been completed in 2012, to include the first phase construction of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) building and the rehabilitation of the Lawigan Water System. The said amount had been sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Provincial local Government Unit Fund (PLGU). The new FMR projects were placed in b...
  • Comelec tells candidates to remove prematurely-placed election propaganda

    LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec), Quezon provincial office has told all local candidates in the province on Friday to remove all prematurely placed or prohibited election propaganda before the start of the campaign period. Roberto Lozano, election assistant of Comelec-Quezon said according to Comelec resolution No. 9615 which provides the rules and regulations implementing R.A No. 9006 or fair election act, the prohibited forms of propaganda ...
  • Central elementary school holds Early Registration

    BORONGAN CITY,Eastern Samar, Jan 27 (PIA) -- To help the Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Samar Division in making contingent plans for the incoming school year, 2013-2014, the Eugenio S. Daza Pilot Elementary School (ESDPES), conducted an early registration today at their school gym. Elden Fuentes, principal, said teachers were not deterred by the morning drizzle drizzles of rains in accepting early registrants, as they would await for more up to 5 p.m., Saturday. Fuentes said, tho...
  • '1st Pamana ng Lahi' Nat'l Award: DILG commends Vigan for promoting good governance

    VIGAN CITY, Jan 26 (PIA) -- Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas commended the city government of Vigan for winning the 1st National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award for the city category saying the efforts of the local government in advancing and valuing the principles of performance, accountability, and transparency for excellence in local governance. Regional Director Corazon Guray of DILG – Region 1 said the agency is proud of the outstanding achievements of the Heritage City under the stewa...
  • DSWD launches “Bawal Ang Epal” campaign

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently launched the “Bawal Ang Epal” campaign to protect the integrity of the government’s anti-poverty program -- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. DSWD7 Information Officer Aileen Lariba said the anti-epal campaign was due to reports that various politicians and groups are using the government's anti-poverty program to threaten beneficiaries and take advantage of their votes in the upcoming elec...
  • BN registration made easy with Phil Business Registry

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 26 (PIA) -- Business Name (BN) registration has been made easier with the link to the Philippine Business Registry (PBR). The PBR is an interlinked system of several agencies which include DTI, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-IBIG) and PhilHealth, said Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal, trade and industry development specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry in Antique. The said system, she explained all...
  • DavNor sustains lead in nutrition program

    DAVAO CITY, Jan 26 (PIA) -- The province of Davao del Norte kept its dominance in implementing the government’s nutrition program as it garnered its second grand slam in the regional nutrition awards. The province once again won three major award categories that include the Regional Green Banner Awards for the provincial, city and municipal levels. The municipal category was clinched by the municipality of New Corella, while the city level was secured by the Island Garden City of Samal. The...
  • 2 Cavite congressional candidates withdraws from race

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan 26 (PIA) – The provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed that two candidates running for the seat at the House of Representatives withdrew their candidacy in their respective district Joel C. Lamangan (First District), a Lakas Christian Muslim Democrat/LCMD bet and movie and television actor-director has withdrawn his congressional bid last December 20 while Gaudencio Chong Poblete (5th District), also a Lakas CMD candidate withdrew his congression...
  • Pre-emptive evacuation saves lives in DavNor

    DAVAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 25 (PIA): Pre-emptive evacuation helps in saving lives of people, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Executive Officer Sonio Sanchez said. In a press conference held earlier, Sanchez gave merit to efforts of local government units (LGUs) in executing pre-emptive evacuation to take residents away from the flood-prone areas way before flood-waters come rushing and overflowing. He attributed less casualty turn-out in Davao del Norte to pre-emptive evacuatio...
  • DTI-Davao meets with LTO on ICC stickers on helmets

    DAVAO CITY, Jan. 25 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has met with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) regional officials and enforcement personnel to discuss matters concerning the implementation of the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009. In the meeting recently, DTI made a briefing among the LTO participants on the relevant points of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) Memorandum Circular No. 01 and 01-A series of 2012 as basis for the certification of helmets and ...
  • PhilHealth: Support Kalusugan Pangkalahatan, PhilHealth run 2013

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 25 (PIA6) -- Capiz residents are urged to help the country in achieving the universal health care goals. Information Officer Mary Jane Amigo of the Capiz PhilHealth Service Office disclosed that the public is encouraged to take part in this year’s anniversary of their agency which is geared towards the attainment of providing with quality health services to all Filipinos. Universal Health Care, also referred to as Kalusugan Pangkalahatan, is the provision to every F...
  • DPWH sees faster transactions thru web based programs

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 25 (PIA)-- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched and mobilized the Government Manpower Information System (GMIS) web-based application at the DPWH Multi-Purpose Building, Region VIII, Baras, Palo, Leyte, recently. GMIS stems from Executive Order No. 55 which directs the Integration and Automation of Government Financial Systems. Also, Executive Order No. 31 directed for the establishment of a Comprehensive Database on Government Manpower for Bu...
  • BIR Quirino collection exceeds annual goal

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) based in barangay San Marcos here has marked another year of successful collection efforts after it exceeded its annual collection target by 2.74 per cent. Revenue District Officer Ignacio T. Camba Jr. said that this is considered a big accomplishment for the district considering that Quirino is a small province with only few companies contributing to the BIR’s total revenue collection. In 2012, the district targete...
  • Local DPWH, legislator groundbreak road concreting leading to Cambaro Cave

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 24 (PIA) -- One among the priority infrastructure projects of the Southern Leyte Engineering District (SLED) of the DPWH is the construction of better road networks to tourist destinations to facilitate travel of local and domestic tourists visiting the province. “The infrastructure support such as concreting of road pavements leads to the development of tourist destinations for the accessibility of foreign and domestic tourists,” Southern Leyte Re...
  • BIR East Visayas surpasses 2012 collection target by 4.67%

    PALO, Leyte, Jan 24 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Eastern Visayas known as Revenue Region No. 14 has exceeded its 2012 collection target. BIR Director Diosdado R. Mendoza said that the Region has collected a total revenue of P 4,749,461,891.44 in 2012 posting a cumulative surplus of P212,108,891.44 or 4.67% over its P 4,537,353,000.00 collection target for CY 2012. Director Mendoza added that the total revenue collection in 2012 posted a higher collection compared to the previous ...
  • Census of agriculture and fisheries in Quirino province all set

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office here said that everything is set for the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries which will commence next month. Engr. Cherry Grace Agustin, Provincial Statistics Officer said the survey is conducted every 10 years and the reference period for this year’s survey is from January to December 2012. “We are in our third level training for the enumerators who will be deployed in the municipalities. They will be oriented on t...
  • Laoag City’s business one-stop-shop extended

    LAOAG CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Mayor Michael V. Fariñas announced the extension in the city's operation of the business one-stop-shop in Laoag. From its original cut-off date of January 20, the city government will be extending their service until the 30th of this month. “We want to provide business owners ample time to secure licenses and renew them to avoid accumulation of penalty,” Farinas said. The business one-stop-shop which started on January 1 provides a speedy and more convenient...
  • NSO hails new DAP training program

    PASIG CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- “It’s high time government has a program that would produce a common culture of excellence especially among its senior officials,” Carmelita N. Ericta, Administrator and Civil Registrar General of the National Statistics Office (NSO), states in reply to a post-program assessment inquiry conducted by training provider, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). Ericta cites the marked improvement noted in the four NSO scholars who recently graduated from...
  • Lanao Sur stakeholders air commitment for clean and honest polls

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Various stakeholders coming from the different sectors here including political candidates have expressed their commitment for honest, orderly and peaceful 2013 elections this coming May. They gave their support and commitment for clean and honest elections, Wednesday, during the “Kasalimbago sa Election 2013 Summit,” an electoral reform advocacy conference which believes that participation of the different sectors is vital in promoting good gov...
  • Police director sheds light on recall order of police escorts

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan 23 (PIA) -- Police Senior Superintendent Brigido B. Unay, police director here, cited the directive from PNP Director General Alan Purisima which effected the recall of policemen who were previously detailed as escorts and bodyguards of some local chief executives (LCEs). In a meeting held at the PNP provincial headquarters, the PNP-PD discussed with the LCEs the issues raised but he quickly referred to the directive and Comelec resolution sent him, that ou...
  • Ifugao LGU gets excellent rating in ARTA survey

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Jan. 23 (PIA) - - The Ifugao provincial government has a new achievement for good governance for obtaining a rating of "excellent" in the 2012 Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) survey. The Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) ARTA report card in the region showed that the provincial government here received a final score of 91.47 with a descriptive rating of excellent. The areas of the said survey are compliant of ARTA provisions, front line service provider, serv...
  • DOLE-9 gets P29M for SPES program

    PAGADIAN City, Jan 23 (PIA) -- Labor Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano reported that Region 9 was allotted P29 million for the implementation of Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year. This was disclosed by Cano during a recently-held press conference at Guillermo Hotel this city. Dubbed “Ulat sa Bayan : Communicating DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur Significant Milestone,” DOLE-9 officials met the local press to report the agency’s major accomplishments in 2012 and the pr...
  • Legazpi City honors smoke-free enforcers for 2012

    LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The city government here recognized the top 17 smoke-free enforcers for 2012 who efficiently carried out their duties in the successful implementation of the anti-smoking ordinance in the city. Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal gave a plaque of appreciation to each of the 17 enforcers during the awarding ceremony held Friday, Jan 18, at the office of the chief executive here. Rosal said the enforcement office recorded 737 violators and collected P38,100 in fines last...
  • ARMM to review  P1.51-B  infrastructure program

    MARAWI CITY, Jan 22 (PIA) -- The Regional Economic and Planning Development Board 
of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday deferred 
discussion on the region’s P1.51 billion infrastructure program for 
2013 during its first regular session this year, pending 
result of a motion to have some scheduled road projects realigned.

 The motion calls for the endorsement of a board resolution urging the 
central office of the Department of Public Works and High...
  • Guadiz is new LTO Region I chief

    PANGASINAN, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office in Region I has a new regional director in the person of Atty. Teofilo E. Guadiz III. As per LTO Central Office Memorandum dated October 22, 2012, Guadiz was assigned as the new regional chief in the Ilocos Region. He was formerly assigned at the National Capital Region. By virtue of the same memorandum, Francis Ray Almora, the former OIC-regional director has been re-assigned as assistant regional director. LTO requests that all c...
  • DTI-Davao: No more issuance of ICC stickers for helmets

    DAVAO CITY, Jan. 22 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has reiterated anew that it is no longer issuing Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers for motorcycle helmets. The issuance of ICC stickers was pursuant to the implementation of the joint Administrative Order No. 1:2011 of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and DTI, in consonance to Republic Act 10054 or the Helmet Law. The DTI-Davao started the issuance of ICC stickers for motorcycle...
  • Pablo’s impact won’t derail May 2013 polls in devasted towns of DavOr

    MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL – Despite the school facilities destroyed by Typhoon Pablo in the province of Davao Oriental, the Commission on Elections said that election will definitely push though as scheduled on May 13, 2013. Sergio Manligoy, Provincial Election Supervisor, and City of Mati Election Officer, divulged that election will go as scheduled because the office already has the hard copy of the documents of the different local offices, particularly the list of voters, for the 2013 mid...
  • DTI Capiz bags CSC excellence award

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 22 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Capiz is one of the frontline agencies that was conferred the 2012 CSC Seal of Excellence Award in Western Visayas by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Capiz CSC Director lawyer Maria Lina Gonzaga disclosed that based on the ARTA Report Card Survey conducted by the CSC, DTI Capiz was rated excellent based on the different criteria set therefore. She said that said office has been conferred the Citizen’s S...
  • OWWA-9 to transfer to a new location

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan 22- - - The regional welfare office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) here announced that it will move to a new location in February 2013. Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain, OWWA-9 regional director, revealed that the new OWWA office will be located at the 3rd floor of Goodwill Center, Canelar St., Zamboanga City. “The new office will serve as a One-Stop-Processing Center (OSPC) that will house the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). We have a...
  • Grip Corp complains of trees planted under transmission lines

    MANILA, Jan 22 - - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) complained about the penchant of some people of planting trees under the transmission lines. Trees and vegetation that grow or are planted inside or adjacent to NGCP’s existing transmission line right-of-way (ROW) are known to cause trippings or power outages when they breach prescribed safety clearances for high-voltage power lines. NGCP singled out Mindanao, specifically the Balo-i area, as particularly troublesome...
  • No tetanus cases in Capiz due to firecracker injuries

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 22 (PIA6) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Capiz reported that no tetanus case has been recorded from the 20 victims of firecracker–related injuries as the tetanus watch ended Jan. 21. Tetanus monitoring in the province started Dec. 21 to heighten awareness of those from Capiz on the possible threats posed by firecracker wounds or cuts which may serve as entry points for tetanus–causing bacteria. Capiz Health Education and Promotion Officer Joeffry Espirit...
  • DSWD IV-B welcomes new regional director

    MANILA, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- Director Wilma D. Naviamos was inducted as the new Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region IV-B director in a ceremonial turnover on January 8 at the DSWD Region IV-B office in Malate. During the welcome ceremony, Assistant Regional Director Annie E. Mendoza handed over to Dir. Naviamos the field office’s banner as a symbol of responsibility of leadership. Dir. Naviamos is not new to the office as she has already served MIMAROPA during her earlier...
  • 89 Tacurong officials undergo anti-graft and corruption seminar

    TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Jan 22 (PIA) -- Fifty-nine LGU-Tacurong officials and 30 barangay chairpersons and treasurers participated in the Public Accountability and Values Formation Seminar (Module II) conducted on January 17-18, Jims Place II, this city. Module II is designed in response to the anti-graft and corruption prevention challenge of the Transparency International Philippines and Office of the Ombudsman. Speaker and facilitator Jeannie Escolano discussed the biblical implica...
  • DTI warns motorists of bogus ICC stickers for helmets

    DIPOLOG CITY, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zamboanga del Norte has reiterated the warning to motorists against fake or unauthorized Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers for motorcycle helmets. The local DTI office issued the warning after reports have reached the regional office that some unscrupulous individuals are trying to dupe motorists to buy helmets with fake or unauthorized ICC stickers. The modus operandi was uncovered when a motorist, after bein...
  • Submission of statements of contributions, expenditures, a must - Comelec

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will require candidates to submit their statements of contributions and expenditures for the 2013 Elections. Lawyer Jay Gerada, election supervisor of South Cotabato said this new approach is being implemented by the Commission to resolve issues on campaigning prior to the designated campaign period. “The Comelec changed strategy with respect to the approach on premature campaigning,” Gerada said. “Wh...
  • New city Borongan has P452-M budget for 2013

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan 21 (PIA) -- The local government of Borongan City has recently approved its P452-million budget for 2013 expenditures. As a newly approved city, Borongan will enjoy bigger annual internal revenue allotment (IRA). Two years ago, the Supreme Court (SC) changed its decision on Borongan's cityhood, together with other 15 municipalities in the country, including three in Region 8. The SC decision confused the LGU budget and derailed some of its operational exp...
  • Summit in Lanao del Sur to push for clean 2013 elections

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Jan 21 (PIA) – A three-day electoral reform advocacy summit is set to be held here starting tomorrow. The “Kasalimbago sa Election 2013 Summit” aims to forge alliances among stakeholders in the city and the province to push for common strategies for clean synchronized national and local elections this coming May. Conceptualized after the success of the general voter’s registration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the summit hopes to broaden peopl...
  • Comelec officials to be reshuffled for credible May election

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 20 (PIA) -- All officials of the Commission on Election in Eastern Visayas will be reshuffled in the region and to other regions which will take effect on Monday, January 22 and will end on June this year. Atty. Felicisimo Embalsado, Comelec assistant regional director disclosed that the reassignment is true for all Comelec officials throughout the country aimed to ensure the credibility of the conduct of the May 2013 elections. He said Comelec wants to avoid public p...
  • ARMM Legislative Assembly approves free birth registration bill

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Jan. 20 (PIA) --- The seventh Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has approved the free birth registration bill on third and final reading last Thursday, January 17. RLA Bill No. 24, otherwise known as "An Act Establishing Free Birth Registration in the ARMM and Providing Funds thereof,” aims to ensure that every individual born in the region is registered and is issued a birth registration document. It seeks to i...
  • Ifugao town regulates transfer of municipal funds to barangays

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Jan. 19 (PIA) - - The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) here has enacted a law governing all Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) funds that are to be fund transferred to the different barangay local government units (BLGUs) of the municipality. Known as the “Fund Transfer Ordinance of Lagawe” and authored by councilor Noel Campul, it provides guidelines and limitations in transferring LGU funds to barangay local governments. Campul explained that there are projects in the barang...
  • DILG, DBM and line agencies prepare for bottom-up budgeting 2014

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Jan 18 (PIA) -- The 10 municipalities and one city of Rizal province are targets of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, and National Anti-Poverty Commission and other line government agencies’ Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) program 2014. The program’s target will be 52 Calabarzon LGUs with a total budget of P 786 million. Forty-nine LGUs will be given a budget of P15 million each while Batangas City will be allotted a ...
  • DepEd-ARMM holds first-ever Strategic Budgeting Workshop

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) is holding a Strategic Budgeting Workshop from January 17-18. The workshop serves as a refresher for budget and planning officers and eye opener for new managers and key personnel to bridge resource gaps and education outcomes and impacts in budgeting It is divided into four themes, namely, current budget situation, budget framework, policy dialogue, and strategic b...
  • Census on agri and fishery sector on

    KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 18 (PIA6) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) here is on intensified preparation for the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF). This is to ensure its successful implementation next month, being one of the biggest censuses of the NSO, according to Blas Solidum, statistics officer. CAF, a large-scale government activity, will collect and compile basic information on the agriculture and fishery sector in the country. At present, NSO-Aklan is coordinating with ...
  • CSC urges groups to join Honor Awards Program

    ILOILO CITY, Jan 18 (PIA6) – The Civil Service Commission has called for more participation of government councils, task forces or technical working groups in the 2013 Honor Awards Program (HAP). The agency confers the CSC Pagasa Award to an individual or group for outstanding idea or performance that directly benefit more than one department of the government. According to a CSC guideline, a “group” refers to two or more (not exceed 10) individuals bound by a common objective, a task f...
  • BJMP re-assigns district jail personnel in Bicol

    NAGA CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) ---Fourteen Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel, including chief Jail Superintendent Wilmor T. Plopinio, were discharged of their current functions in the city's district jail and re-assigned to different jail units. This, after BJMP Special Orders Number 2013-01 from the BJMP 5 took effect last January 7 through a formal turn over ceremony. Plopinio was assigned as full time administrator of Camarines Sur BJMP while Jail Superintendent Bernardo ...
  • PNoy confers Legion of Honor to Dellosa

    QUEZON CITY, JAN. 17 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III conferred Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander to AFP Chief Gen. Jesse Dellosa for his exceptional performance in the conduct of his duties as military officer. The conferment was done simultaneous with Dellosa’s retirement and turnover of command rites held this morning, Thursday, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Dellosa served as the 43rd Chief of Staff of the AFP following the retirement of General Eduardo Oban, Jr. ...
  • News Feature: BIR: From shame to fame

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Jan. 17 (PIA6) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which undeniably was once among list of the top five most corrupt national government agencies, is rising from shame to fame – at least for two of its Revenue District Offices (RDO) in Negros Occidental. BIR RDO 77 of Bacolod City and BIR RDO 76 of Victorias City were conferred the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence by the Civil Service Commission. They were the only national government agency in West...
  • DOH cites ten Samar municipalities for successful implementation of Garantisadong Pambata

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 17 (PIA) —The Department of Health (DOH) cites ten Samar municipalities for the successful implementation of Garantisadong Pambata in 2012. Garantisadong Pambata program is a package of health services given to children. Samar Provincial Health Office (PHO) revealed that out of the 26 municipalities and cities, ten of these got the highest number in program implementation. In vitamin A supplementation, Talalora, Samar placed number 1 with 114.6% accompli...
  • DILG upgrades SGH criteria

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 17 -- The Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), one of the major programs of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), recently scales up its criteria to Silver for 2012 and SGH Gold for 2013 recipients. For SGH Bronze category, the local government unit (LGU) is assessed based on the Commission on Audit (COA) Audit Report and full compliance to the full disclosure policy. Meanwhile, under the Silver category, the LGU will not only be assessed on the fi...
  • Aquino lauds HEIs role in Mindanao development

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- “With a more active participation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in our crusade towards a peaceful and progressive Mindanao, we have greater confidence in the inevitable success of our people,” said President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Top Level Forum of University Presidents in Mindanao held here yesterday, January 16. Visiting the city for the first time as the highest official of the country, Aquino disclosed that his “Administration rema...
  • Ifugao LGU holds tax caravan in Lamut town

    LAMUT, Ifugao, Jan. 17 (PIA) - - The provincial government conducted recently a one-day tax caravan in the different barangays of this municipality to empower barangays generate more revenues. The said activity was held in barangays Lucban, Pieza, Mabato-bato, Panopdopan, Umilag, and Jolowon participated by village officials and the communities including from nearby barangays. Governor Euene Balitang explained, “We are coming to you to talk about improvements. If you can not come to the pro...
  • Ilocos Sur public market gives good service to clients

    CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur, Jan 17 -- The public market of this town, Region One’s Cleanest and Healthiest Public Market in 2002 by the Department of Health, has maintained its good service to residents, according to the Office of the Mayor. Considered a beehive of trade and commerce in Northern Ilocos Sur, the Northern Ilocos Sur Trade Center (NISTC) boasts of its being safe. Businessmen need not worry of their goods getting stolen, or consumers being victims of pickpockets. This is because of ...
  • Capitol employees commit full support to rebuilding efforts

    MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL– With a membership of 615 regular members, the Provincial Government Employees Association of Davao Oriental (PGEA) is throwing its full support to the rebuilding efforts of Davao Oriental under Governor Corazon Malanyaon. Nenito Bandigan, PGEA President, said that the association is giving all out support to the moves of the provincial government even providing volunteer effort for the relief drive. “We gave our little contribution for the typhoon victims. We h...
  • Army's 903rd Brigade, 9th Battalion adjudged best units in 9ID for 2nd Sem, 2012

    CASTILLA, Sorsogon, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The 903rd Infantry Brigade and 9th Infantry Battalion consistently maintained their titles being Best Brigade and Battalion, respectively, of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division for second semester in 2012. Col. Joselito E Kakilala, newly installed commander of 903rd Brigade who replaced newly promoted BGen Felix J Castro Jr AFP, and Lt. Col. Julian C Pacatan, 9IB commanding officer, received the Command Certificates of Recognition awarded by Major Gen Romeo ...
  • Capiz residents commit to 'intelligent' film, TV viewing

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 16 (PIA6) -- More than a thousand students, faculty and staff of different institutions in Capiz were able to participate and interact with top officials of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). During the recent First Regional Forum of the agency this year dubbed, “Matalinong Panonood ng Pamilya Nina Juan at Juana,” held at Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion, Filamer Christian University, and Capiz State University-Mambusao campus, student...
  • DavOr Gov. counts spirituality in rebuilding efforts

    MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Jan. 15 (PIA)- Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon has put in spirituality to rebuild the province back from the ruins of super-typhoon Pablo. Last Monday (Jan. 14) she sponsored the Davao Oriental Dedication Ceremonies , bringing together leaders from various religious sects offering petitions for restoration, deliverance, healing and unity. The dedication ceremony was held forty days after the Typhoon Pablo which sowed immense destruction when it mad...
  • PAG-IBIG-8 to open field offices, branches regionwide

    Tacloban City, January 16 (PIA) - Bringing government services closer to the people, the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) intends to open field offices, branches across the region. According to Pag-Ibig Information Officer Kevin Sosiona during the Info Fest initiated by Philippine Information Agency – 8 Regional Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu and hosted during the weekly Harampang (Kapihan) ha PIA at PIA Regional Office – 8 in Tacloban City, “ definitely Ormoc and Calbayog Pag-Ib...
  • PNoy denies any standoff in Cebu province

    By Ferliza C . Contratista CEBU CITY, Jan 16 (PIA) --- President Aquino today downplayed the so-called "political crisis" in Cebu, saying there is no such thing as a “standoff” at the Provincial Capitol. Aquino, in his first visit to the province of Cebu this year, said that everything is functioning normally at the Provincial Capitol under the leadership of acting Governor Agnes Magpale. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has refused to vacate her office at the executive building of the Capitol ...
  • Pampanga cities, Nueva Ecija, and Bataan towns bag Reg'l Local Legislative Award

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Jan 16 (PIA) -- Cities from Pampanga and towns from Nueva Ecija and Bataan were named Monday as recipients of the Regional Local Legislative Award (LLA). “Honorees are Angeles for Highly Urbanized City category, San Fernando for Component City, Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija for 1st to 3rd class municipality, and Samal in Bataan for 4th to 6th class municipality,” Local Government information officer Miriam Gaviola disclosed. Given by the Department of Interior and Loca...
  • DPWH bidding process result in P237-M savings

    PAWING, Palo, Leyte, Jan 15 (PIA) -- The observance of transparent bidding process by the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office in Eastern Visayas has saved P237.76 million for government in 2012. DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando Asis said the savings account for 6.29 percent of the P3.77 billion approved budget for 2012 projects. The savings were generated through the strict leadership of Asis, with the support of the Bids and Awards Committee, said Antonieta R. Lim, DPWH info...
  • Koronadal opens diagnostic center

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 15 (PIA) -- Koronadal city’s health office recently opened its City Health Office Diagnostic Center where among the initial amenities is a new x-ray machine. The City Information Office in a statement said that at least 20 patients, mostly elderly, were the first clients who lined up for the x-ray services. At the launching on January 8, Mayor Peter B. Miguel, said the city had been longing to acquire an x-ray machin...
  • Legislator bats for land use plan in disaster risk reduction, management

    ILOILO CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA6) -- Better land use can ensure protection of life and property against onslaught of disasters, said Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, during his dialogue with media, government information officers, and the academe in this city. Honasan, who was in Iloilo Jan 14, said that his first priority as legislator is putting in place the provisions of the law on land use as this focuses on human life, environment, and health. “These issues are not only for now, ...
  • DSWD-7 to distribute the regional profile of the poor booklet

    CEBU CITY, Jan 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 is set to distribute the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) Regional Profile of the Poor Booklet. This booklet highlights the relevance and importance of understanding the poor household’s status and subsequently recommends social interventions that will respond to poverty covering the four island provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. The booklet contains...
  • DSWD distributes close to Php 1.5 M ESA to Lawin, Ofelia victims

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here recently released Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in the form of cash amounting to close to to P1.5M to Zamboanga City victims of typhoons Lawin and Ofelia that hit the country late last year. The ESA, which was released in the form of cash, gave typhoon victims a bit of hope in this dark moment of their lives. Narrabelle Bue , DSWD Regional Information Officer (RIO) , in a statement said the agenc...
  • Comelec to get P4.14B fund boost

    MANILA, Jan. 14 -- The Department of Budget and Management announced the release of P4.14 billion to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to support preparatory activities for the Synchronized National, Local, and ARMM Elections this year. The release was charged against savings from unutilized appropriations under the 2012 General Appropriations Act. “We augmented the COMELEC’s budget to enable them to make the necessary preparations for this year’s elections. The additional fund sup...
  • NSO-6 cites Silay Registrar Office as ‘most outstanding’ award in Negros Occidental

    SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental, January 14 (PIA6) - - The National Statistics Office in Region 6 cited the Silay City Local Civil Registrar Office as “most outstanding” in Negros Occidental in 2011. In a statement, Maria Sheila Torres, Silay civil registrar, said the award was based on the nationwide evaluation and ranking of submission of mandatory reports and conduct, and civil registration related activities. Torres said the Silay Population Commission Office also received a certificat...
  • MTRCB brings IEC campaign to Capiz

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 13 (PIA6) -- The Media and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will be reaching out to the people of Capiz through a series of forum in the different schools in Capiz. The event, dubbed as MTRCB Forum “Para sa Matalinong Panonood ng Pamilya Nina Juan at Juana,” will be led by MTRCB Executive Director lawyer Victoriano Muring Jr. College students, including faculty members of Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion will be attending the forum on Monday, Jan...
  • DTI-Kalinga on-line registry kiosk assures efficient service

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Clients applying for business name registration get more efficient service with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) on-line registry kiosk, here. The on-line registration system of DTI works well especially this time of the year when volume of transaction is high. Josephine Daliyong of DTI-Kalinga said through the system, processing time in business name registration is remarkably cut to fifteen minutes when internet signal is favorable. Previ...
  • DSWD conducts national management confab in Eastern Visayas

    PALO, Leyte, Jan 11 (PIA) -- Eastern Visayas is hosting a four-day Department of Social Welfare and Development National Development Management Conference at the Oriental Hotel Leyte from January 10 to 13. The gathering will tackle the review of the results of the programs of the different bureaus in the Department and the accomplishment reports of the 17 DSWD regions. Expected to attend the conference are the top officials of the Department, the bureau directors and the DSWD regional directo...
  • Lucena City offers free legal services to constituents

    LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- City residents can now avail themselves of free legal services. Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala said he has instructed the city legal office not to collect fees for notarial and other legal services to the city’s residents. “The present administration will cut red tape and corruption in local offices of the city government,” Alcala said. Alcala also instructed department heads to provide public service with a smile and avoid doing illegal transac...
  • DPWH set to clear roads of obstructions, illegal structures

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan.10 (PIA) - - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to demolish obstructions and structures illegally constructed in the city’s highways and roads right of way. In consonance with the demolition, DPWH has been coordinating with the city government for its implementation. “The DPWH, through a circular, has sought the city government’s assistance pertaining to the immediate clearing of highways and roads right of way of all illegal structures,” rev...
  • Palawan, Puerto Princesa City contenders for nat'l Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award

    PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- The province of Palawan and Puerto Princesa City are national finalists in the national level of the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (PNL) Award administered annually by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). DILG Provincial Director Mario Daquer said that both LGUs are regional winners in the Mimaropa and become automatic contenders in the national level along with 11 provinces, 12 cities, and 10 municipalities. He said that being a region...
  • DAR-8 personnel donate Christmas party fund to Pablo victims

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 10 (PIA) -- In the spirit of solidarity and sharing, the employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas decided to forego a lavish Christmas party in 2012 and instead donated the party’s fund to the victims of typhoon “Pablo” in Mindanao. DAR-8 Regional Director Eliasem Castillo disclosed that the entire DAR organization in Region-8 was able to raise a total of P60,640 from the staff of the Regional and six provincial offices for the vict...
  • DPWH projects enforce 5 Rs for governance reforms, anti-corruption program

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 10 (PIA)—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) gives emphasis this 2013 the Good Governance Reform and Anti-Corruption Program. This focuses on the five R’s – Right Project, Right Cost, Right Quality, Right Time and Right People. The project will push for best quality and Safety National Roads and Bridges Programs. In a reecho done by Engr. Roster L. Andaya, he disclosed the validity of 2013 projects which is one year only effective Janua...
  • 30,000 former Filipinos reacquire Philippine citizenship

    MANILA, Jan 10 (PIA) - - More than 30,000 former Filipinos reacquired their Philippine citizenship under the so-called dual citizenship law, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reports. BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said that in 2012, the Bureau processed a total of 30,362 applications for dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003. Under said law, natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of other countries are deemed not ...
  • IRA shares for LGUs jump by 37.5% in 2013

    MANILA, Jan. 10 -- Buoyed by higher revenue collections in 2010, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported Wednesday that the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for 2013 jumped by 37.5 percent to P302.3 billion, up from the P219.9-billion figure posted in 2012. Internal tax revenues generated in 2010 climbed to P822.6 billion, a notable increase over the P750.3 billion collected in 2009. Under Section 284 of the Local Government Code (LGC), LGUs shall have a share in national intern...
  • NCIP facilitates IP civil registration

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Around 30 unregistered couples from the IP communities in Nagtipunan have been registered at the town’s Civil Registrar’s Office recently through the assistance of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) here. Manahan Attagoy, NCIP Quirino head said the IP couples availed of the free civil registration for IPs as one of the requirements so that they can legalize their marriages. Attagoy added that these couples were married in accor...
  • DTI Kalinga bags national ‘Seal of Excellence Award’

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- The year 2012 was one of the most successful years for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Kalinga as it reaped not one but two national awards for its excellent performance. DTI Kalinga was recently conferred the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) besting 27 contending agencies nationwide for the prestigious award. DTI Kalinga garnered a 95.35 percent or an adjectival rating of "excellent"...
  • Registry of Deeds- Lucena to implement land titling computerization program

    LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Jan. 9 (PIA) --The Registry of Deeds- Lucena City branch will soon implement Land Titling Computerization Program (LTCP) in this city. Atty. Patrick Wendell Ilagan, chief of the registry of deeds- Lucena branch said the land titling computerization program is the four phase program of Land Registration Authority (LRA) where all branches of registry of deeds nationwide including registry of deeds- Lucena City should comply. Through the new computerization on ...
  • COMELEC cites prohibitions once election period starts

    BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, January 8(PIA) – Attorney Butz Beato, COMELEC Provincial Election Supervisor here, informed that election campaign for the 2012 midterm election begins January 13 and ends on June 12, 2013. Relative to this, he reminded all concerns of the prohibited acts while the election period is in effect. First, he said that it is prohibited to alter precinct territories. Second, there shall be no movement/transfer of civil servants or government employees during this pe...
  • LGU Catbalogan involves CSOs in 2013 projects

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 8 (PIA)—The City Government of Catbalogan sought the involvement of civil society organizations as the LGU implements various projects in 2013. According to the official website of Catbalogan, the LGU gathered the CSOs Monday, to orient them in the valuable role they will assume in the Bottom Up Planning and Budgeting for the 2014 Local Poverty Reduction Plan. The involvement of the CSOs is embodied in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department ...
  • Naga city opens Business One Stop Shop

    NAGA CITY, Jan. 7 (PIA) -- The city government here led another round of Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) at the Naga City People’s Hall starting on the first working calendar of the year. Mayor John Bongat of this city reiterated his intention to make Naga City a business-friendly city by putting more innovations to encourage investors to put their money’s worth in any business endeavor. BOSS aims to encourage more businessmen to either renew their respective businesses or start a new one ...
  • DSWD finishes 2012 with 99% Kalahi-CIDSS fund utilization

    BUTUAN CITY, Jan 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga closed the year 2012 with a near-perfect fund utilization for its anti-poverty project called Kalahi-CIDSS. This was learned during the project’s year-end assessment and evaluation meeting last December. A total of P135,771,894.53 was utilized by beneficiary communities from the P136,979,959.78 that was released and downloaded directly to community accounts. “We were projecting a hundred percent ...
  • DAP, JICA to implement Mng’t Development Program for the Bangsamoro

    QUEZON CITY, Jan 4 (PIA) -- The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is implementing the Management Development Program (MDP) for the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA). Under JICA’s program on Capacity Building for Community Development in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM), DAP will implement MDP to BDA’s Board of Directors, central and regional managers, and key officers of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Managemen...
  • Contact Center ng Bayan just a text away

    BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- With its continuing effort to improve public service delivery, citizens may now access the CCB via SMS by sending a text message to 090-888-16565. The government's central helpline, which is dubbed as Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) is accessible nationwide by dialing 1-6565 using PLDT, Smart, and Digital landlines, Mondays to Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each call to 1-6565 is charged P5 plus VAT. Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco T. Duque III sai...
  • DBM launches new budget regime in 2013

    QUEZON CITY, Jan. 3 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the launch of a new budget regime in 2013, with a focus on enforcing a one-year lapse period for department and agency appropriations. “One of the major reform measures we aim to enforce in 2013 is the one-year lapse period for all budget allocations. Previously, departments and agencies enjoyed a two-year lapse period for their allocations, which allowed them to carry over their unused appropriations to the follo...
  • City Registrars accepts corrections for birth certificates

    BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, January 3(PIA) –The Office of the City Local Registrar, thru its Chief Ms. Marilou A. Alido informed that they are now implementing R.A. 10172, “An Act Further Authorizing the City or Municipal Civil Registrar or the Consul General to Correct Clerical or Typographical Errors in the Day and Month in the Date of Birth or Sex of a Person Appearing in the Civil Register Without Need of a Judicial Order Amending for this Purpose Republic Act Numbered Ninety Forty-Ei...
  • LTO enforces motorcycle helmet act now

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 3 (PIA6) -- The Land Transportation Office will enforce Republic Act 10054 otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, Roxas City LTO Information Officer Isidro Alex de Vicente said. He disclosed that they will conduct a full-blast operation anytime in the different towns in Capiz including here in Roxas City. De Vicente added that they will also closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police in the different police stations in the entire province for ...
  • PNP North Samar strictly observes 'no indiscriminate firing' policy

    Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, 3 Jan (PIA) - Not a single member of Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province was caught using their service firearms during New Year revelry. Northern Samar PNP Provincial Director, Police Senior Superintendent Isaias Bañez Tonog reported that the servicemen in his turf strictly obeyed the No Indiscriminate Firing policy of the PNP. Members of PNP Northern Samar down to the municipal level complied with the instructions to conduct simulta...
  • Tugade ushers in new “culture” in Clark Development Corporation

    CLARK FREEPORT, January 3 (PIA) -- Newly appointed Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and Chief Execuitve Officer Arthur Tugade has ushered in new culture in the state-owned firm in his first official address with the employees Wednesday. During the flag-raising ceremonies, Tugade told CDC officials and employees that there are three traits he wants to share with his co-workers in Clark which he thinks are most effective ways in making the state-owned firm to global competitiveness....
  • 2nd Leyte Engineering District fully adopts e-NGAs, e-budget

    CARIGARA, Leyte, Dec. 30 (PIA) -- To eliminate red tape, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Leyte has fully adopted the financial management improvement practice. District engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said they just recently conducted parallel testing, signaling a full shift from the traditional system to the electronic new government accounting system (e-NGAs) and electronic budget (e-budget). As a result, “our reports can now be done faster, obligations are readily updat...
  • Easy 4-step process for QC business taxpayers

    QUEZON CITY, Dec 29 (PIA) - - To ease doing business in the city, the Quezon City (QC) government came up with four steps for 2013 tax payment and business renewal. Community Business taxpayers also need not fall in line separately to pay for their community tax (cedula) as this is already included in the assessment of all business taxes payable. The QC government emphasized that computerized assessment applies only to business taxpayers, and not to individuals. The four steps are: 1) Presen...
  • GSIS Tacloban emphasizes importance of remittance advice

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Tacloban City branch had conducted an orientation seminar on Agency Authorized Officer and Agency Liaison Officer to re-integrate the importance of Agency Remittance Advice (ARA) in harmony with the data of their personnel with the GSIS. According to Joy Poloyapoy of GSIS Tacloban Branch that Agency Remittance Advice is very crucial in updating employees record and to reconcile if there is disparity in the age...
  • Indigenous commish works for IP representation in legislative councils

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- All indigenous peoples group in the province will soon be represented in the local legislative councils as they are fast tracking the organization of all tribes for the said purpose, said Manahan Attagoy, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) provincial director. Attagoy said there are now 20 organized IP groups and the NCIP is currently processing their documents for representation. He likewise said that most of the local chief executives her...
  • Government services pass CSC quality test

    QUEZON CITY, Dec 28 (PIA) -- Client satisfaction surveys in 2012 have yielded positive results as majority of government offices obtained high ratings, prompting the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to pin high hopes on its anti-red tape efforts. Based on the Report Card Survey (RCS) conducted by the CSC, 305 out of 594 government offices nationwide garnered a rating of Good, with numerical scores between 80 to 90. Another 50 offices obtained an Excellent rating, the highest in the scale with sc...
  • PNoy monitors typhoon affected areas while in Baguio

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III is on top of important concerns of the country even while on vacation in the City of Pines. The President, in an ambush interview at the Wright Park here Thursday afternoon, reported that despite being in Baguio City, he is closely monitoring the situation in Visayas and Mindanao affected by typhoon Quinta. “Minomonitor natin si Quinta at mayroon pang uli namatay (We are monitoring typhoon Quinta and there are again reported ...
  • Abra town to institutionalize search for healthy barangays

    LUBA, Abra, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- The local government unit (LGU) here may be able to institutionalize a system of recognition of barangays highlighting its innovations, good practices, and excellence in the areas of health and nutrition, peace and order, and environmental and natural resources management. The Healthy Barangay Award is an incentive and award program of the LGU of Luba covering three basic and very vital sectors of governance namely: health and nutrition, peace and order, and env...
  • LTO, DTI to hold final briefing for helmet law enforcers

    CEBU CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office - Region 7 (LTO - 7) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI - 7) will hold a final briefing for enforcers on Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 at the Sacred Heart Center tomorrow, December 27. This was disclosed by DTI-7 Information Officer, Jojesilia Villamor, in an interview with Philippine Information Agency- Cebu. Congress promulgated Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 requires mot...
  • RDC oks Central Luzon component of the Phl Rural Development Program

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Dec 27 (PIA) -- Regional Development Council (RDC) recently approved a resolution favorably endorsing the Central Luzon component of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) of the Department of Agriculture. “The PRDP, whose Central Luzon part covers the provinces Nueva Ecija and Zambales, is a national government platform for an inclusive, value-chain based and climate-smart agriculture to be implemented in partnership with local government units and agri-...
  • ''Honesty is the Best Policy' signages in Ilocos Sur schools help fight corruption in government

    SAN VICENTE, Ilocos Sur, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- Inside school classrooms, and in various offices of the Department of Education in the 34 towns and two cities in the province, attention is focused on posters and signages on "Honesty is the Best Policy." This is to promote values development among children, teachers, parents, school staff and residents, Dr Maria Teresita Gapate, district supervisor wrote in the school paper “Ang Gabay” of the Bayubay Elementary School. Honesty is the battelcr...
  • NSO recognizes 3 Aklan establisments

    KALIBO, Aklan, December 27 (PIA6) -- Three establishments in Aklan has been recognized by the National Statistics Office (NSO) for providing their full support to the agency’s business and industry surveys. Recognized during the NSO’s recent Regional Data Dissemination Seminar held in Iloilo City were Aklan Baptist Hospital, Inc. located at Barangay Caticlan in Malay, Aklan, Willy’s Beach Club and Hotel in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan and Panay Telephone Corporation in Kalibo, Aklan. ...
  • POEA receives ISO certification

    QUEZON CITY, Dec 26 (PIA)--The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is now International Organization for Standardization (ISO)- certified after passing rigorous stages of audit. POEA’s ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certification for its 37 enrolled processes is valid for three years from October 8, 2012 to October 7, 2015. In a statement, Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the agency successfully completed the requirements for certification and was awarded a certifi...
  • PNoy takes advice of doctors to slow down, takes vacation in Baguio

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 26 (PIA)-- President Benigno Aquino III is taking the advice of doctors to slow down as he takes a vacation in this Summer Capital this holiday season but not totally to relax. Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma said the President will be away from Malacanang this week but will still give priority to important tasks. Coloma, in an interview, said that with the call of doctors particularly Health Secretary Enrique Ona for the President to s...
  • Isabela tops 4Ps beneficiary share

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Dec 26 (PIA) -- The province of Isabela has the most number of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, so attested Arnel Garcia, outgoing director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. With 35,639 households in 34 municipalities and three cities, Isabela registered a 43.60 percent share as against Cagayan’s 35.74 percent or a total of 29,215 households in 28 municipalities and one city. Cagayan, he said, is followed by Nueva Viscaya ...
  • PhilHealth chief lauds Sin Tax Law

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) -- The chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has lauded the passage of the controversial Sin Tax bill into law after President Benigno Aquino III signed it for its effectivity. President and CEO Eduardo Banzon, in his visit here, said the passage of the new law will bring brighter future for the realization of the government’s universal health care program nationwide. He said the law means more funds to be accumulate...
  • Security agency pays past due benefits to 26 employees

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec 24 (PIA) -- It was a pleasant surprise, the unexpected kind of a Christmas cash gift for 26 security guards of Mandaue City-based Probe Security Agency, Inc. serving at Metro-Hyper, this city. On Thursday, December 20, more than half of these guards received more than P12,000 in individual checks paid by Probe corresponding to payment of regular and special holidays and overtime pay, from July 5 to October 31 of this year. The ceremonial awarding was made righ...
  • CSC to launch more programs in 2013

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 24 (PIA) -- More programs and policies to further improve the bureaucracy are up by 2013 in line with the good governance and transparency thrust of the Aquino government. Commissioner Roberto Martinez of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), in an interview here said CSC will be launching an Internet-based complaint system by next year. Currently, the CSC has the ‘Sumbungan’ or Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) where the public can report complaints on government service or p...
  • PCOO head confident 15th Congress to enact RH, FOI bills

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- Malacanang is confident the bills certified as urgent by President Aquino will be passed in the 15th Congress. Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma said that the Aquino administration is very hopeful that the Reproductive Health Bill and the Freedom of Information Bill certified as urgent by Aquino will be passed into law before the 15th Congress ends. Coloma, in an interview in Baguio City, said he hopes that the RH Bill and the FO...
  • Bohol vies for “Pamana ng Lahi” national award

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Dec. 23 (PIA) --By winning in the regional search, Bohol vies for “Pamana ng Lahi” National Award. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Information Officer Jose Jeffrey Bernasor bared this information at the weekly Kapihan sa PIA, which was aired live over DyTR on Thursday. Bernasor shared that Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto received the regional award publicly acknowledging Bohol’s a-one performance in governance last week, during a DILG gathering in ...
  • CSC reminds public servants to serve with commitment

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 22 (PIA6) -- The Civil Service Commission is reminding public servants to prioritize service to the people as a commitment. In a briefing on the Anti-Red Tape Act with employees of the Capiz PhilHealth Service Office headed by Joe Frederick Diaz, CSC Provincial Director Maria Lina Gonzaga called on civil servants to love their work with utmost sincerity and honesty to serve best the people, especially the needy. Gonzaga said public office is a public trust, thus the be...
  • Barangays in Legazpi City cited for good solid waste management

    LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- The city government here has cited with honors and cash incentives 10 of the city’s 70 barangays that showed outstanding performances in ecological waste management this year. “The success of the implementation of our solid waste management program is a luminous symbol of Legazpi’s identity as a strong, modern city that maintains healthful and environment- friendly communities,” Mayor Geraldine Rosal of this city said as she handed certificates of commenda...
  • ARMM guv cites achievements in health, education programs

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) achieved successes in implementation of health and education reforms, an ARMM official said.were cited by the region’s governor in his last Tuesday. In his State of the Region Address (SORA), ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said maternal mortality dropped from 245 for every 100,000 live births to 66. Data revealed that the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births also went down to 18 from 55 in the ...
  • Hataman cites educational gains in ARMM

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman bared the concrete gains his administration has achieved to improve the quality of education in the region. In his first State of the Region’s Address on Tuesday, Hataman cited the educational reforms his administration has instituted that resulted to the eradication of ghost students and teachers and huge savings for the regional government. He said the ARMM Government boldly addr...
  • Cavite pushes 'one-ticket policy'

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- Traffic citation tickets issued in the province will have a single identifying look through a “single ticketing system” being pushed for use in the entire province. In a provincial council meeting recently held where concerned agency heads in-charge of the traffic system met and thoroughly discussed the necessary steps in order to achieve a single ticketing system that will be recognized and effective for the entire province. The meeting was h...
  • Batangas City launches USAID-supported reforms to promote competitiveness

    BATANGAS CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) --The Local Government of Batangas City has launched vital reforms supported by the United States Government under the Cities Development Initiative (CDI) to enhance the city’s competitiveness towards sustaining broadbased and inclusive economic growth. In a day-long event sponsored by the U.S. Embassy’s U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in the Philippines, Atty. Victor Dimacuha, Secretary to Batangas City Mayor Vilma Abaya-Dimacuha, anno...
  • Do not accept gifts, CSC reminds civil servants

    GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Dec 20 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission reminds government officials and employees not to accept gifts in exchange for performing their duties, especially from clients, suppliers and contractors with whom they are facilitating business. CSC Region 8 Director, Atty. Marilyn Taldo said that the reminder came from CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III who said that gifts may be construed as a bribe or reward in exchange for a favor or better treatment. Serving the...
  • Iloilo City wins top prizes in Excellence in Local Governance

    ILOILO CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA6) -- Iloilo City has won five trophies in Excellence in Local Governance (EXCELL) in the recently concluded Pagdayaw 2012 Awarding ceremonies led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The city was declared Best Performing City in Western Visayas with recognition as champion in Excellence in Administrative Governance, Excellence in Valuing Fundamentals of Good Governance, Excellence in Social Governance, and first runner up in Excellence in Environm...
  • Maguindanao Election Supervisor optimistic over 2013 election in the province

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- Maguindanao’s provincial election director Udtog Tago is optimistic that the removal of 127,121 underage and multiple registrants in Maguindanao’s new book of voters will ease political tension in the province. Tago said 543,034 registered in the July 9-18, 2012 general re-registration of voters in Maguindanao, but 127,121 non-qualified registrants have been delisted during deliberations by the Election Registration Board from Nov. 26 to 30,...
  • CSC to gov’t agencies: provide continuous service, do not accept gifts

    LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- Amidst the conduct of office parties for Christmas and other year-end activities, the Civil Service Commission - Region 5 (CSC - 5) calls on government agencies in this region for continuous, high-quality service to the public. Appropriate strategies such as shifting schedules even during lunch break may be conducted to ensure consistent uninterrupted service within the specified working hours, said Yoyie Jalmanzar, CSC information officer. The said call is also ...
  • DILG monitors Pamana projects

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- A team from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) is going around CAR provinces to monitor 2012 Pamana projects. Chris Lucas of DILG said the team will visit this province this week and conduct an update conference with the mayors of Tanudan, Tinglayan, Balbalan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, and this city, the Cordillera Project and Development Forum (formerly CPLA), and concerned municipal local government opera...
  • 29,600 board feet of lumbers confiscated in Camarines Norte

    DAET, Camarines Norte, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- Some 29,605 board feet of lumber amounting to almost P1 million were apprehended from January to November this year by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in the implementation of forest protection and law enforcement program. CENR Officer Ponciano M. Mabeza said that these were attributed to 47 apprehensions wherein eight were abandoned while 39 had claimants. He said that they had already filed cases in court against 14 per...
  • 'Now is not the Time for Selfishness and Politics' – DavOr Guv

    MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Dec 19 -- “Now is not the time for selfishness.” In making rounds for the relief distribution in four barangays of Baganga, and one barangay in Cateel, Gov. Cora Malanyaon repeated those words which she hoped will explain it all to the typhoon Pablo victims what everyone must do to address their situation and to uplift them from their plight. “I appeal to you not to believe in any speculation, any malicious reports that would only derail our efforts to stand a...
  • NEDA advocates Phl Dev't Plan with gov’t info officers

    TAGAYTAY CITY, Dec 19 (PIA) -- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) gathered 139 government information officers (GIOs) from all regions of the country at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to generate support for the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). Celine Castro, director of NEDA’s Information Development Information Division, said the activity aims to engage stakeholders in understanding and appreciating the PDP, which she referred as the...
  • Provide continuous service, gov’t agencies told

    MANILA, Dec. 19 (PIA) - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has urged government agencies to provide continuous, high-quality service amid the conduct of Christmas office parties and other year-end activities. “Christmas is the season of gift-giving, and the best gift we can give to the Filipino public is the promise of excellent and honest public service, not only this holiday season but onwards,” said CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III. The CSC chief said that government offices may impl...
  • Negros Occ. is WV’s best performing province

    NEGROS OCC., Dec. 19 (PIA6) -- Negros Occ. reaped top honors in the DILG "Pagdayaw 2012" EXCELL awards in Iloilo City, bagging the Best Performing Province in Western Visayas. Along with the honor are other special awards including champion in administrative governance, economic governance, valuing fundamentals of good governance, and 1st runner –up in environmental governance. Silay City was named best in administrative governance and best in economic governance while Sagay City was runne...
  • NSO cites Aklan's top performing civil registrars

    KALIBO, Aklan, Dec 18 (PIA6) -- Five civil registrars from Aklan were cited recently by the National Statistics Office (NSO) as top performers during the 2012 Year-end Assessment held at Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. The outstanding civil registrars, who received plaques of recognition from NSO 6 Regional Director Norman Julag-ay during the activity, were Eliezer Sevilla of Ibajay; Jocelyn Maglunob of Banga; Ma. Cecilia Maribao of Buruanga; Dinah Myra Tejada of Makato; and Nenita Soqueña of Naba...
  • DILG names Southern Leyte as Best DILG provincial office for 2012

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Southern Leyte provincial office romped away with the major awards in the recent Year end Evaluation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG – 08) held at the Tacloban City Convention Center on December 14. DILG-Southern Leyte was recognized during the Parangal Ceremony as Best Performing Provincial Team and Best in Annual Report, , said Loren Abrau-Aniciete, DILG-Local G...
  • SP Tacurong cited as best Sanggunian in Region 12

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Councilors League (PCL) has recognized Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat as Most Outstanding Sanggunian-Component City Category in Region XII. SP Tacurong headed by Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado accepted the award dubbed the Local Legislative Award during DILG-XII’s Year-End Evaluation and Awarding Ceremonies on December 1...
  • Comelec bares official list of voters for May 2013 elections

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, Dec. 17 (PIA) -- A total of 163, 563 voters in Catanduanes are qualified to participate in the May 13, 2013 elections. This was revealed by the Commission Elections (Comelec) provincial office last week after the list was verified and approved by the Election Registration Board. The breakdown of voters per municipality are as follows: Bagamanoc, 7,422; Baras, 9,499; Bato, 13,508; Caramoran, 17,310; Gigmoto, 6,188; Pandan, 12,648; Panganiban, 6,973; San Andres, 24,450; San Mi...
  • DILG official challenges LGUs to play vital role to sustain economic growth in countryside

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, Dec 17 (PIA) -- A cabinet official challenged all local government units (LGUs) to play an important role in the country's economic growth and development specifically in the countryside and to sustain this growth and make it inclusive. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Francisco "Bimbo" Fernandez issued this challenge in his keynote message during the DILG-7 evaluation and conference and awarding ceremonies for the Toboy 2012, Lupong Tagapamayap...
  • Tarlac Province bags top prize in first Robredo ICT award

    TARLAC CITY, Dec. 17 (PIA) -- Tarlac bagged the top prize in the government-to-customer (G2C) category of the inaugural Jesse Robredo Awards for Excellence in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Good Governance for its pioneering electronic health project Wireless Access for Health (WAH). WAH digitizes patient records at Rural Health Units (RHUs) which paves the way for the electronic recording and reporting of health data reports from the barangays to the municipality to the pr...
  • DILG-7 awards outstanding barangay officials, LGUs for 2012

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, Dec. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) in Central Visayas gave recognition to outstanding local government units and barangay officials in the region during the awarding ceremonies for ‘The Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year’ (TOBOY), Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives awards (LTIA) and Gawad Pamana Ng Lahi awards on December 14 at Cebu Grand hotel, Cebu City. Bohol Province received P3M and trophy for winning the ‘Pamana ng Lahi...
  • Tubo LGU assesses barangays for Siglat Mo Awards

    TUBO, Abra, Dec. 16 (PIA) -- The local government unit (LGU) here is assessing its barangays on governance, administration, social services, economic development and environmental management for the Siglat Mo award. Now on its second year of implementation in the municipality of Tubo under Mayor Wilma S. Gattud, the Siglat Mo Award is adopted from the Department of Interior and Local Government’s program, Biyaheng Pinoy, which recognizes leadership and excellence in barangay governance. ...
  • Balanga City wins Robredo ICT Awards

    CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, Dec 15 (PIA) -- Proving itself as a high-tech city in the country, the city government of Balanga captured the second place in the government-to-customer (G2C) category of the first Jesse Robredo Awards for Excellence in ICT for Good Governance recently in Laguna. Named after the late Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Robredo who pushed for transparency in local government units, the search promotes the use of modern information and communications te...
  • Aklan voters increase by 9%

    KALIBO, Aklan, Dec 15 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan has 328,642 voters for the May 2013 midterm elections, records of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here show. This period’s number of registered voters is nine percent higher than the May 2010 figure, which was 12,602. In May 2010, Aklan voters reached 316,040. Based on the current number of voters in the province, Kalibo, the capital town has the highest number of registered voters with 46,515, followed by Malay, w...
  • Oroquieta receives P20M for the 2012 Seal of Good Housekeeping Award

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- At least P20 million in local government support fund (LGSF) have been awarded to the city government, here, for bagging the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), this year. Populary known as the “City of Good Life,” Oroquieta was awarded the SGH for the second time for complying with the Full Disclosure Policy Program (FDPP) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Signed by the late DILG Secretary Jessie M. Robredo, the ...
  • SP approves Dagupan City’s P612-M budget for 2013

    DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod here approved on Monday the P612 million city budget for 2013 without any cut after a unanimous approval from the local council members. After advancing to the second reading, Ordinance No. 0475, which calls for the approval of the coming year’s appropriation, was adopted to third reading right after. The session was presided by Councilor and SP Presiding Officer Protempore Alfie Fernandez. Councilor Jesus Canto who heads the committ...
  • Nominations on for Search of 2013 Cordillera Champions

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) - - Cordillerans or non-Cordillerans with extraordinary achievements who significantly contributed to the creation and attainment of the Cordillera region’s development goals should be nominated to the search for the 2013 Cordillera Champions Awards. The Regional Development Council - CAR launched the search last July 2012 during the culminating activity of Cordillera Month celebrating the 25th founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The sear...
  • DBM skips Xmas bash to aid Pablo victims

    QUEZON CITY, Dec. 13 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today announced the cancellation of its annual department-wide Christmas celebration, electing instead to support continuing relief efforts for communities affected by Typhoon Pablo, which swept through several parts of Visayas and Mindanao earlier this month. Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad confirmed that the decision to cancel the yearly Christmas party was made in the wake of a survey among DBM officials and employees,...
  • Provide continuous service, gov’t agencies told

    QUEZON CITY, Dec. 13 -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) urged government agencies to provide continuous, high-quality service amid the conduct of Christmas office parties and other year-end activities. “Christmas is the season of gift-giving, and the best gift we can give to the Filipino public is the promise of excellent and honest public service, not only this holiday season but onwards,” said CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III in a statement. The CSC chief said that government offic...
  • Albay declared Filariasis-free province

    LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Albay is now Filariasis free following declaration and certification of the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the health agencies’ assertion of a Filarisis-free Albay province is another milestone achievement for the provincial government and the people as gregarious efforts to combat this disease in the province for years have finally been rewarded. Salceda added that such another successful ...
  • Batangas City streamlines business permits processing

    BATANGAS CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA) --The city government here will start implementing the streamlined process of the business one-stop-shop (BOSS) in the issuance of business permits beginning January 2, 2013. Mayor Vilma A. Dimacuha said the streamlining is part of the reforms under the city development initiative the local government signed in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project, according to Dimacuha, aims to shorten and...
  • Army soldiers conduct medical, dental mission at Echague interior village

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based at Gamu town is conducting a medical and dental mission including anti-rabies vaccination at barangay Mabbayad, Echague, Isabela today. The activity is part of the army division’s civil military operations battalion continuing provision of health services in remote areas in its jurisdiction. Colonel Loreto Magundayao, civil military operation battalion commander and concurrent spokesman of Camp Melchor de...
  • DTI has “very good” sincerity rating among bizmen, SWS says

    DAVAO CITY, Dec. 12 – In the newly-released survey results of the Social Weather Stations (SWS), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been regarded as “very good” in sincerity by the enterprises which were surveyed. The result is part of the Transparency and Accountability in Governance (TAG) 2012: Surveys of Enterprises on Corruption by the said public polling body of the country. DTI was among the three government agencies that garnered a “very good” rating under this sur...
  • CSC slates 2 Career Service Exams in 2013

    ILOILO CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA6) – More applicants are expected to take the Civil Service Paper and Pencil test for professionals and sub-professionals slated to be held twice this year – on April 14, 2013 and on October 13, 2013. This, according to the Civil Service Commission (CSC), will establish a register of eligibles from which certification and appointment to the second and first level positions in the Civil Service shall be made, provided the eligibles meet the qualifications and other ...
  • Admin to roll out performance perks to gov’t employees

    MANILA, Dec. 12 --The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today confirmed the distribution of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI), which will be released to employees of national government departments and agencies no earlier than Dec. 14. “Our efforts to reform the bureaucracy will be successful only if we can make the most of the talents of our public servants. The PEI is one of the ways through which we hope to motivate our government workers so they are better-positioned t...
  • Dumaguete City wins regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 12 (PIA) -- The City Government of Dumaguete has won top prize in the regional level Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL) Awards-City of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Dumaguete City emerged as the champion after a series of validation from the regional GPL team composed of representatives from the different national agencies, said City Information Officer Syril Repe. The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award is among the good governance program of the Aquino governmen...
  • DavNor Capitol to shelve X’mas Party for Pablo victims relief assistance

    TAGUM CITY DAVAO DEL NORTE, Dec. 11 (PIA): The annual Christmas Party of the provincial government of Davao del Norte will be shelved as employees, provincial department heads and provincial chief executives have decided to spend Christmas with Typhoon Pablo displaced families and individuals in a barangay of Compostela Valley. With Provincial Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario at the lead, they will load up their relief goods of food, water and medicine into the Convergence for Peace and Develo...
  • DENR-7 installs 18 voice internet protocol

    CEBU CITY, December 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has installed 18 voice over internet protocol (VOIP) facilities as part of the ongoing modernization of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment in the region. This is in line with the goal to transform all DENR office equipment nationwide for accessibility of its various projects, initiatives and program updates as advocated by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje. DENR 7 regional executive di...
  • Ombudsman reiterates call for anti-corrupt practices in government

    TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- The Office of the Ombudsman through Atty. Edwin B. Tabaranza, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Ombudsman in Eastern Visayas, reiterated the call for support to government’s call for anti-corrupt practices in the delivery of service. In his message during the commemorative program held after the Integrity Parade for the observance of the International Anti-Corruption Day, Tabaranza called on the public and private sectors to support government's campaig...
  • 4 Pangasinan LGUs receive tourism, information kiosk

    LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, December 11 (PIA) – Four Pangasinan towns were recipients of tourism and information kiosks delivered by the provincial government on December 4. The towns of Natividad, San Quintin, Sta. Maria and Umingan were awarded with tourism and information kiosks composed of a movable panel equipped with 42-inch LCD TV, DVD player and CDs, and one unit of computer set which will be placed in the lobby area of their respective municipal halls. The provincial government will giv...
  • CSC revises policy on Honor Graduate Eligibility

    by Sally A. Atento LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) regional office here has urged universities and colleges in the Bicol region to be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in order for their honor graduates to be granted with eligibility to work in the government for first and second level positions. CSC 5 Public Assistance and Liaison Division (PALD) acting chief Sharon Flores said during the Ugnayan sa Bikol radio program of the Philippine ...
  • PRC to hold a ‘day for professionals’ in Laoag

    LAOAG CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- The Professional Regulation Commission or PRC will hold a special day for professionals on December 18 at the Laoag City Hall by bringing their services closer to public. PRC will accommodate services needed in securing professional documents most especially to the new professionals as well as to those who wish to file for licensure examinations. Services available for the said day are: application for licensure examination for teachers (LET), initial registration ...
  • Information is vital in addressing country's problems says Coloma

    ILOILO CITY, Dec 10 (PIA6) -- Information is vital in making decisions or taking a course of action to address problems such as disaster risk reduction or poverty . This summed up Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma’s talk on the power of information. In message during the Information Officers’ Year-end Conference and Awards last week inNegros Occidental, Coloma said government sees to it that the public receives vital information to prepare for emer...
  • Kiangan Advisory Committee tackles concerns of 4Ps beneficiaries

    KIANGAN, Ifugao, Dec.10 (PIA) -- The Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) here which was created last year to ensure the effective implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), met last week to seek solutions regarding concerns of beneficiaries. The 4Ps Municipal Link (ML) to the local government of Kiangan, Victoria Dines, said they tackled the report that a number of the 721 beneficiaries of 4Ps beneficiaries in the area were not complying with the conditions of the prog...
  • Range prexy urges private sector partnership vs. corruption

    ILOILO CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA6) -- The outgoing president of the Regional Association of National Government Executives (Range) in Western Visayas urged private sector here on Sunday to help government the fight against corruption by acting as “bantay, kaagapay, tulay at gabay.” Speaking to thousands of participants who joined the Integrity Parade: A Walk to Righteousness, Range President and DILG 6 Director Evelyn Trompeta said that “Let’s join hands together to fight corruption to reduce...
  • Kalinga has new provincial election officer

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Dec. 10 (PIA) - - This province has a new provincial election supervisor (PES) in the person of Atty. Dexter Barry Cawis, vice Atty. Thomas Uyam who resigned from the position. Acting PES Rogelio Bagtang said that Cawis assumed office today and will serve in the province during the 2013 synchronized national and local elections which will be his first major task to watch. Bagtang will return to his post as municipal election registrar of Balbalan. He said Cawis served as ...
  • More than a thousand agencies participate in CSC’s 'Lakad Kontra Katiwalian'

    TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- In support of government’s anti-corruption campaign, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), in partnership with the Region Eight Administrator’s League, Inc. (REAL) and the Association of Resident Ombudsmen of Region 8, conducted an Integrity Parade dubbed as “Lakad Kontra Katiwalian.” The parade, which was conducted on December 9, was participated by more than a thousand anti-corruption partners and crusaders from government...
  • Celebrities pledge support for government programs

    ILOILO CITY, Dec 10 (PIA) --- Popular showbiz celebrities have pledged support to various government programs and projects. Presidential Communications Operations Office Chief Secretary Herminio ‘Sonny’ Coloma, who was keynote speaker during Visayas Information Officers’ Year-End Conference, said government has sought the support of well-known celebrities to mobilize the public towards government endeavors. Coloma said actress Anne Curtis, singer Ogie Alcasid, and international vocalis...
  • Bad gov’t service? Text 0908-8816565

    MANILA, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- Reporting and complaining about inefficiency, discourtesy, and even red tape in government offices is now a text message away. Since almost every Filipino has a cellular phone, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced the launching of a faster way for the public to air their grievances and expect action through short messaging system (SMS). CSC chairman Francisco Duque III said citizens may now access the government’s central helpline, dubbed Contact Center ng ...
  • Coloma stresses media’s role in nat’l development

    CEBU CITY, Dec 9 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma says that media are stakeholders in national development with a corresponding duty to also propagate the good news happening in the country. Coloma spoke before reporters of Bacolod City during a recent visit to rally for media support in delivering the good news specifically the achievements of government in the economic front. The country has been receiving good reviews internationally e...
  • SRA to Implement e-Payment System of the Sugar, Sugar-based Import, Export Cargo Transactions

    QUEZON CITY, Dec. 9 -- The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is now ready to implement electronic payment system for the export and import of sugar and sugar-based products to facilitate trade through the Philippine National Single Window (PNSW). SRA is among the first two government agencies piloted to implement the e-payment under the PNSW system together with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). This will facilitate paperless transaction in speed, with a full package of ePa...
  • DILG recognizes Most Outstanding Barangay Peace and Order Committees in CAR

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) - - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recognized Barangay Dalupirip in the municipality of Itogon, Benguet as the Most Outstanding Barangay Peace and Order Committee (BPOC) in the Cordillera Administrative Region(CAR) this 2012. The awarding, held during the fourth quarter Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (CRPOC) meeting, was spearheaded by DILG-CAR regional director John Castañeda, and assisted by CRPOC Chair and Ifugao Governor E...
  • DPWH: East Samar potholes are being attended to

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar Dec 8 (PIA) -- Belying rumors that they are remiss in fixing the potholes in some stretches along the province’s national highways, Domcelio Natividad, chief and engineer of the Public Works and Highways (DPWH) spoke over government radio station DYES,to explain their work. Natividad said that there are times when weather is so bad, it is impossible to do maintenance job. Still, he said, the critical portion along Taft (junction) to Binaloan is finished, whil...
  • Tacurong City exceeds non-tax revenues collection target by 5 percent

    TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Dec. 8 (PIA)-- The City Treasury Office of Tacurong has achieved 105 percent efficiency in the collection of non-tax revenues for fiscal year 2012. During the monthly convocation sponsored by Treasury Office, local treasury operations officer III Romulo Paclibar presented the accomplishment report of the office as of November of the current year. He reported that collections of non-tax revenues exceeded the P30 million-target by 5 percent or P1.5 million. No...
  • Sustained growth ensured with early budget enactment- Abad

    MANILA, Dec. 8 -- Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad on Friday said the early approval of the 2013 National Budget will ensure that the expectation-breaking economic growth registered this year will be sustained next year. He said that the early enactment of next year’s P2.006-trillion Empowerment Budget will ensure the immediate mobilization of vital infrastructure projects and the early delivery of much needed education, health, and social protection services next year. ...
  • Police urged province to be positive on ‘area of concern’ tag

    DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 7 — Despite the plea of the provincial government to remove Pangasinan from the list of areas of concern for the mid-term election, the police suggested looking into the positive side of the issue instead. P/Supt. Mateo Casupang, deputy provincial director for operations, said Thursday that being included in the list means that the province can easily get personnel and operational supports from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the military. “At least we can attai...
  • CSC’s Contact Center ng Bayan may now be reached via SMS

    GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) -- Citizens, civil society organizations, and other entities can now voice out their complaints and concerns through government’s central helpline, dubbed Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), by sending a text message to 090-888-16565. Civil Service Commission-Region 8 Director Marilyn Taldo said the use of SMS started December 3, as part of the Commission’s plan to make it easier and more convenient for the public to complain about inefficiency, discourt...
  • Ugad high school is Brigada Eskuwela 2nd runner-up winner

    ECHAGUE, Isabela, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The Ugad High School in Echague, Isabela is this year’s second runner-up in the Brigada Eskuwela best implementer under exceptional school category in the region. Marisol Dumon, principal of Ugad High School, said the unity of students, parents, teachers, barangay officials, and non-government organizations is the key to their exceptional performance and subsequently, receiving the award. Dumon said the increase in enrollment rate, the improvement of school ...
  • Integrity parade highlights International Anti-Corruption Day fete

    GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) -- An Integrity Parade dubbed, “Lakad Kontra Katiwalian,” will be conducted on Sunday, December 9, as the Visayas, in solidarity with the international community marks the International Anti-Corruption Day. Atty. Marilyn Taldo of the Civil Service Commission in Region 8 said that the activity, which is aimed at highlighting the government’s anti-corruption campaign, will be participated by all anti-corruption partners and crusaders from both the...
  • CSC urges government agencies to practise volunteerism

    QUEZON CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is calling on government agencies to establish their respective volunteer programs in order to promote volunteerism among government employees. The Commission issued Memorandum Circular 23 mandating the establishment of volunteer programs in national government agencies and local government units to provide opportunity for state employees to actualize their personal motivation and desire to help others especially the underserve...
  • 80 La Union-based companies join seminar on labor laws, policies

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- More than 80 La Union-based companies and institutions participated in a seminar-workshop on labor laws and policies particularly on General Labor Standards (GLS), Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS), and Department Order No. 18-A, series of 2011 held recently at the San Fernando, La Union airport. The GLS deal on the wages, hours of work, and other non-monetary benefits, as well as the general occupational safety and health standards tha...
  • Malabon in-city relocation program to be the template for housing - Roxas

    MANILA, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Wednesday led the ground breaking for the first ever in-city relocation program in Malabon City that have the full participation of community members in partnership with the local government, civil society groups, and the private sector. He said the project will be the template of the Aquino government’s future housing efforts in other areas particularly those that are located near riverways and esteros that are at h...
  • No road diggings in MManila this Christmas--MMDA

    MANILA, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Metro commuters are assured that to lessen traffic in city streets, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will stop road diggings, temporarily. Effective midnight of Dec. 10 until midnight of Jan. 4, 2013, the MMDA is suspending all diggings and excavations in all Metro Manila road right-of-way in anticipation of an increase in vehicular volume and pedestrian traffic during the Christmas season. In a statement, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the tempor...
  • Pag-IBIG skeds mobile services in Ifugao town

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Dec.5 (PIA) - - The Pag-IBIG Fund has scheduled again to bring its mobile services on December 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the municipal government building here. The mobile service on Dec. 12 is the last schedule in the province for 2012. Among the services offered are acceptance of application for membership contribution, multi-purpose loans, and housing loan payments. Pag-IBIG will also conduct verifications of memberships and loan status, specimen signature and conso...
  • DENR warns public of land titling fixers

    PAGADIAN CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) - - Environment office here warns the public to avoid land titling fixers or people who offer to facilitate the processing and issuance of land titles for a certain amount. Roservirico Tan, chief, Information Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that there are reports of some employees of DENR acting as fixers. “The DENR management will act accordingly, will penalize and will file appropriate charges against officials and employees...
  • DILG recognizes most outstanding LGUs

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- To recognize the outstanding performances of the barangays, municipalities, cities and provinces in the delivery of services to the public, the Department of Interior and Local Government - Region 2 (DILG-2) has awarded some officials who excelled in the different categories. For the Most Outstanding Barangay Public Information Assistance Center (BPIAC), San Marcos, San Mateo, Isabela brought home the award for the municipality category and San Andres, Santiago ...
  • Contact Center ng Bayan now accessible via SMS

    QUEZON CITY, Dec. 5 -- Citizens may now access the government’s central helpline, dubbed Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), by sending a text message to 090-888-16565. Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco T. Duque III said opening additional channels or means for reaching the CCB will make it easier and more convenient for the public to complain about inefficiency, discourtesy, and fixing in government services. “Through the Contact Center ng Bayan, we aim to engage citizens to b...
  • DOTC: No notice of award yet for P8.2B LTO-IT project

    MANILA, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has clarified that the P8.2-billion Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Road Transportation IT Infrastructure Project has not yet been awarded to any of the bidders that participated in the opening of the bid documents last Monday. In a statement, the DOTC said that the opening of bids was only a part of the process before a new system provider is appointed. Only the lowest bidder was announced in the open and tran...
  • RDC committee proposes research agenda on RDP

    ILOILO CITY, Dec 4 (PIA6) -- The Regional Development Council 6 (RDC6) through its Development Administration Committee has drawn up a regional research agenda that researchers from state universities and colleges, local government units and research institutions can pursue in support to the implementation of the Regional Development (RDP), 2011-2016. The suggested research topics and titles cover Good Governance and the Rule of Law, Peace and Security, and Macroeconomy and Poverty Alleviation ...
  • DOH set to build 25-bed P23.5m second level hospital in Maimbung, Sulu

    COTABATO CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) is set to start the construction of a 25-bed capacity hospital in Maimbung, Jolo, Sulu this week, says DOH-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regional secretary Dr. Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding, Jr. A ground breaking ceremony was held Dec 3 in Maimbung attended by some ARMM cabinet members, health officials, local executives and residents for the construction of the P23.5 million Maimbung hospital in a one hectare land donated by S...
  • Catbalogan City shimmers, just for the holidays

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 4 (PIA) -- The ordinary park and a quiet place specially at night is now a place where families and friends spend the night after dinner in watching the different colors and lights of the Christmas decorated trees. Some 43 government offices and non government organizations joined the “Light a Tree Contest” to run from December 1 until New Year at the Samar Capitol grounds, Catbalogan City. The contest with a theme “Christmas around the world” started a simu...
  • Immigration satellite office opens in Ormoc City

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 4 (PIA) -- An immigration satellite office was opened on December 3 at the Ormoc City Hall. This was disclosed by Mila Repulda, alien central officer (ACO)of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Eastern Visayas. Repulda said that the satellite office will serve foreigners residing in the western side of Leyte and neighboring towns to fix their records relative to the application for permanent residence visa and pre arranged employment visa. The putting up of immigration...
  • Committee against trafficking to uphold trafficked persons’ welfare

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- Members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking- Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) in the region were again reminded on their role in upholding the welfare of trafficked persons during its fourth quarter meeting held on Tuesday, November 27 at the ORT Multi Purpose Cooperative here. Each member must be active in advocating by doing more activities for the complete protection of persons often at risk of being e...
  • Feature: MindaComNet: Communicating Mindanao’s Opportunities

    “What is the greatest opportunity for Mindanao today?” This was the tone set by Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) at the start of the Mindanao Communicators’ Congress and Workshop held at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City from November 28 to 30, 2012. The almost 200 participants, most of whom government information officers in Mindanao, responded unanimously with the one word that has eluded Mindanaoans for years—“Peace!” Using the...
  • DILG website offers window to LGU finances, transactions

    MANILA, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government has developed a website where the public can readily see the finances and other transaction of local government units in line with the Aquino administration's "Daang Matuwid (straight path)" thrust. By logging on to the Full Disclosure Policy Portal (FDPP) through "fdpp.dilg.gov.ph" the public can view important LGU documents such as annual budget reports, statements of debt service, statements of receipts and expenditures...
  • Naval-LGU to receive green banner award

    NAVAL, Biliran, Dec 2 (PIA) - The municipality of Naval in Biliran province will receive the Green Banner Award as outstanding municipality in Region 8 for the effective implementation of nutrition programs, projects, and activities. This was revealed by Mayor Susan Parilla in an interview. She said Naval was chosen to receive the award in terms of nutrition program implementation by the Regional Nutrition Committee through the regional evaluation team who came over to the municipality for the...
  • CSC reminds agencies on implementation of ARTA law

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA)-- The Civil Service Commission – Cordillera is reminding all the government offices, regional line agencies and local government units to implement the Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007. CSC-CAR Assistant Regional Director Cornelia Rillera said that several regional line agencies and local government units in the Cordillera region have failed to comply with the provisions of the ARTA during the conduct of the 2011 Report Card Survey and again...
  • DavNor will be world-class province - Guv

    DAVAO DEL NORTE, Nov 30 (PIA) -- Davao del Norte —"World-class" is the adjective the province hopes to be described in four years time. When asked what the province will become in 2016, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario gave members of the media an instant reply. “We hope to make Davao del Norte world-class,” the governor said in a press conference recently in Capitol, Tagum City during the holding of the roadshow of the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2011-2016 for Region 11. One of the ...
  • Peace is greatest advantage of Mindanao - Coloma

    DAVAO CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- The greatest potential in Mindanao is peace which came about as a result of signing of the Bangsangmoro Framework Agreement (BFA) said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma in his keynote address at the Mindanao Communicators’ Congress and Workshop held in Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City. The worldwide recognition of the Agreement is a milestone accomplishment of the national government which has long been coming ...
  • Education top job generator in E Visayas - NSO

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- Education, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, and agriculture, forestry and fishing are the top employment providers in Eastern Visayas. This was revealed by the regional National Statistics Office (NSO) during the agency’s regional Data Dissemination Forum on the 2010 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) and the 2010 Survey on Information and Communication Technology (ICT...
  • DPWH-Northern Samar calls for a regular media forum

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov.29 (PIA) -- The local DPWH office called for a monthly regular media forum for transparency. The move is in pursuit of the Departments’ mission in providing and managing quality infrastructure facilities and services responsive to the needs of the people. In a media forum Wednesday, November 28, issues tackled included road projects, parameters on the road-right of-way, tree planting activities to counter climate change, road widening, and new policies and di...
  • December 9 is Anti-Corruption Day

    MANILA, Nov 29 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III by virtue of Proclamation No. 506, has declared every December 9 as National Anti-Corruption Day to raise public awareness on issues of corruption. This is also in line with the General Assembly of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNAC) which designed Dec. 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day. The Philippines is a signatory to the UNAC. In his statement, President Aquino said that corruption poses serious problems a...
  • Celebrate peace as an opportunity in Mindanao, Coloma tells communicators

    DAVAO CITY, Nov 29 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma told Mindanao communicators Wednesday (Nov 28) to celebrate the many opportunities and best practices that now abound in the Mindanao region. Coloma, keynote speaker during the opening of Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress and Workshop 2012, said peace itself in the island region is an opportunity for every Mindanaoan to celebrate and be thankful for. “We are on the th...
  • Mindanao Communicators’ meet in Davao City

    DAVAO CITY Nov. 28 (PIA)- Public information and communication officers from all over Mindanao gathered in Davao for the 2012 Mindanao Communicators’ Congress and Workshop which started yesterday (Nov 28) until tomorrow (Nov 30). The congress and workshop held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao welcomed the presence of more than 150 delegates during the opening ceremony held last November 28, which was graced by Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (...
  • SWS cites Metro Angeles as lowest in corruption

    ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Nov 29 (PIA) -- Social Weather Stations (SWS) has cited Metro Angeles for posting the lowest perception of public corruption by business enterprises among seven highly urbanized areas across the archipelago. Results of the 2012 Surveys of Enterprises on Corruption revealed that only 27 out of the hundred small and medium enterprises interviewed in Angeles answered that there is public corruption. In a statement, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said, “We should be proud of the...
  • Info officers welcome information sharing system concept

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Nov 29 (PIA) -- Information officers from local governments and regional line agencies said they welcome an Information Sharing System (ISS) concept developed recently by the Regional Development Council - Committee on Development Information and Communication (RDC-CDIC). Launched Tuesday by Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations (PCOO) during the Local-Regional Information Assembly held in Tuguegarao, the ISS is geared towards a much i...
  • DOTC bids out P8.2B road transport IT infra project

    MANILA, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications said that it has bid out in an open and transparent procurement process, the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Road Transportation IT Infrastructure Project worth P8.2 billion. In a statement, the DOTC said that five out of the nine companies that purchased bid documents participated in the procurement process. The DOTC said that Digitext Asia Corp. has won the bidding after putting up a bid of P3.8 billion, the lo...
  • DPWH validates implementation of P25M Spanish assisted project in Northern Samar

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov 28 (PIA) -- A team from the Bureau of Research and Standards and Quality Assurance Unit (BRS-QAU) Department of Public Works and Highways Manila recently visited Northern Samar to inspect and validate the on-going P25-million Spanish-assisted project being implemented by the DPWH -Northern Samar 2nd District Engineering Office (NSSDEO). This was learned from Rey Orsua, NSSDEO PIO Unit who identified said project as Kagkawayan Bridge under Spanish assisted DPWH bri...
  • Young writers vie for the regional champion of the essay writing competition on the legacy of Sec. Robredo on Dec. 8

    DAET, Camarines Norte, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- Young writers from the six provinces of Bicol region will compete for the regional championships of the Bicol 2012 essay writing competition on the legacy of Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on December 8 in Naga City. Among the themes that the writers will develop is leadership, taking off from a quote attributed to the late interior and local government secretary: “The most important ingredient of leadership is character. Most of the proficiencies can be l...
  • BIR Quirino exceeds collection goals

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Nov. 28 (PIA)-- The Bureau of Internal Revenue- Revenue District No. 16 (BIR-RDO 16) collected P144,153,966.57 in tax revenues in September, exceeding its goal of P142,433,000.00 by 1.21%. Assistant Revenue District Officer Vivian Tarectecan said the increase of collection is attributed to the increase of remittances of 2% Expanded Withholding Tax by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the provincial government. She said that during the same period in ...
  • San Carlos City’s School of the Future gets new classrooms

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 27 (PIA6) - - San Carlos City, the pilot site in the region for the School of the Future (SOF) project recently got an additional P9.85 million worth two-storey school building. The newly completed eight classrooms of the two-storey building was turned over by the city government of San Carlos to the Department of Education (DepEd) by City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor, Jr. to OIC Schools’ Division Superintendent Cynthia Dimavivas last November 16. The building houses an ...
  • Service, repair shops must be DTI-accredited

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry Region 8 (DTI-8) calls on service and repair shops dealing with motor vehicle, heavy equipment; engine and engineering; electronics, electrical; air conditioning and refrigeration; office machine; data processing equipment; and medical and dental to apply for accreditation with their Office. According to DTI, the applicant must fill up an application form together with the complete basic requirements and index card, then...
  • Roxas hails civil society's role in budget reform preparation

    Roxas hails civil society's role in budget reform preparation MANILA, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has lauded leaders of civil society groups who have taken an active part in the preparation of the national budget to ensure that the country’s resources are maximized to the fullest and are able to meet the most basic needs of the people. In his keynote during the 5th Congress of the Caucus of Development NGO Network or CODE-NGO at the Ateneo de Manila Uni...
  • Makati ups monthly allowance of state workers

    Makati ups monthly allowance of state workers MAKATI CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The local government has approved four ordinances enacted by the City Council granting a P500-increase in the monthly allowances being given to national government personnel serving in the city, including teachers, policemen, firemen and jail guards. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, who signed said measures, said the additional allowance, which would have taken effect on October 1, 2012, was meant a...
  • Comelec Davao City cleanses list of voters

    DAVAO CITY, Nov 26 (PIA) A local election officer revealed that cleansing of the list of voters is going on to ensure that only the qualified registered voters can exercise the right of suffrage in the 2013 midterm elections. Atty. Aimee Ampoloquio, election supervisor of the City’s First District, said those to be deleted on the list of voters will be voters who have sought to transfer registration outside Davao City, upon the confirmation of the office of the Commission on Elections (Come...
  • Reg 9 stakeholders to converge for Youth Regional Action Planning

    PAGADIAN CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) - - To ensure the mainstreaming of the 2012-2016 Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP), the National Youth Commission (NYC) in partnership with the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) has started conducting series of workshops nationwide. For Region 9, the worshop will be conducted on November 27 at the Aristocrat Chinese Restaurant, Zamboanga City. Expected to attend are representatives from the national government agencies, non-government organizations, lo...
  • PDEA 12 chief lauds South Cotabato’s anti-drug campaign

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- South Cotabato leads the entire Soccsksargen Region in terms of anti-drug abuse campaigns, said Aileen Lovitos, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12. “I commend South Cotabato because they have the most active anti-drug abuse councils in the entire Region 12,” Lovitos told reporters at a press conference during the culmination program of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control ...
  • OWWA, the only authorized agency to conduct predeparture seminars

    QUEZON CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment has designated the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as the official and only authorized entity to handle pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS) for household service workers (HSWs). The Labor Department's decision for OWWA’s mandatory conduct of such seminars to service workers is geared to prevent cases of culture shock, maltreatment, rape, and other severe untoward incidents gathered by welfare officers abro...
  • Iloilo now key player in business – DTI

    ILOILO CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA6) – Metro Iloilo has been included in the 2012 Surveys of Enterprises on Corruption, where more than 70 percent of the respondents expressed satisfaction on the efforts of the local government in promoting good business climate. Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo Director Wilhelm Malones said in media interviews that this meant that the city and province of Iloilo have growth potentials. “We are included so that we will be aware that we have...
  • Comelec inspects voters list, voting centers in Kalinga

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 26 (PIA) - - The Commission on Elections (Comelec), after the hearing of new applicants for registration and those wanting to transfer precinct last November 19, will conduct inspection on precincts in the entire province this week to check registered voters' lists and voting centers to ensure that everything is on order and in place before the May 13, 2013 synchronized elections. Rogelio Bagtang, acting provincial election supervisor, said personnel from the Election ...
  • Good housekeeping in ARMM saves gov't millions of pesos - Hataman

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Acting Governor Mujiv Hataman of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is proud of the various reforms his administration has initiated to push the region forward. During the opening ceremony of the ARMM Investment Forum on November 24, the governor boasted of the pockets of reform his administration had instituted which, according to him, are now being felt on the ground. “In our first 100 days, we focused all efforts on good housekeeping -...
  • Ozamiz gets P2M in financial subsidy from Gawad Pamana Award

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded the “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” (GPL) Award, component city category, to the local government of Ozamiz and at least P2 million in financial subsidy. Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez received the award and the financial assistance for locally-identified projects that came with it in formal ceremonies during a Regional Governance Forum in Cagayan de Oro City. “The region...
  • Local execs, civil society reps undergo seminar on public finance

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Local government executives and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) from the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur underwent a two-day seminar workshop on planning, budgeting, revenue generation, procurement, debt and accountability. The event, aimed to enable both LGUs and CSOs to better understand the processes and intricacies of local public finance, was held in Davao City on November 24-25. “Public finance is not as comp...
  • RDC-10 moves to mainstream RbME system in NorMin

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Northern Mindanao is taking steps to mainstream the results-based monitoring and evaluation (RbME) system in the region. Engr. Jaime H. Pacampara, chief economic development specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Region 10 said several activities have been lined-up as part of the cascading process of the system from the national down to the regional level. He said one of the steps ...
  • Zambo City's P1-B investment in education is biggest nationwide

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The City Government’s over P1 billion investments on school buildings and education-related programs from 2007 up to present is the highest among all local government units in the country, Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro revealed. In a press statement released by the City Information Office, Luistro said the support of the city government to basic education has exceeded the P1-billion mark. “I don’t know if there is any other city tha...
  • Comelec accredits PPCRV for May 2013 elections

    MANILA, Nov 24 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accredited the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as its citizen’s arm for the May 2013 national and local elections. “The Commission recognizes PPCRV as one of the organizations which has established its membership and structure all over the Philippines and has demonstrated its capacity to promote public interest,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement. He noted PPCRV’s track record...
  • RDC assures autonomy funds will not be used for political campaign

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Nov. 24(PIA) -- The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) has assured the public that the special autonomy fund will not be used for political purposes. RDC Chairman and Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac said, “We do not allow excessive expenditures, we see to it that they (provinces) spend prudently the amount for this (IEC) purpose and nothing else. The National Economic and Development Authority is always transparent on the expenditures being done with the auto...
  • DBM conducts awareness program on procurement service in CAR

    BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Budget and Management- Procurement Service (DBM-PS), in partnership with the Microsoft Corporation, recently conducted a “Roll-Out Awareness Program” to inform all government agencies of the current Microsoft products and how to avail of the same through the PS. Director General Estanislao C. Granados Jr. of the DBM said being the government’s overall “marketer,” PS is expanding its scope in terms of goods, materials, and services it ...
  • USAID lauds Ilocos Norte’s program on maternal, child care

    LAOAG CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The United States Agency for International Development Aid (USAID) lauded the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte on its maternal and child care program after they visited the province. USAID-Philippines officials headed by Victor E. Agbayani wanted to make the said health program as a model and implement the same approach to the provinces it financially assists. The province’s program particularly the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) ...
  • DPWH, LGUs, private entities meet on road right of way

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 23 (PIA) -- To insure that concerned people are informed regarding “Removal of Obstructions and Prohibited Uses within the Road Right-of-Way of National Roads,” a meeting was recently organized by the Department of Public Works and Highways Leyte First Engineering District. The meeting, spearheaded by Angel A. Sia Jr. of DPWH, was in coordination with the local government units and some private institutions. The discussion revolved on road right-of-way encroachmen...
  • Ifugao town to install signages in tourist sites

    KIANGAN, Ifugao, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Signage are appreciated particularly by people who are not from the area and are at a lost without information. To give local and foreign visitors, and non-residents the right information, the municipal government here will soon install signage and interpretative signs in selected areas of the community. Eulalie Dulnuan, executive assistant from the office of the mayor, said that signage are important as they serve a variety of functions especially since th...
  • Bring the gov't to communities – NCIP 4A

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- It is important to bring the government to different indigenous people communities in the country through convergences of different agencies said Eddielito Sumangil, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – 4A planning officer. An example of the said convergences include the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Land Registration Authority and NCIP’s joint agreements in issuance of Certificates of Anc...
  • Baguio 'native' appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice

    BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- City residents are elated over the appointment of a Baguio lad the new Supreme Court Associate Justice. Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, the government’s chief negotiator, was appointed by President Aquino as the new Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Leonen will replace the vacated seat of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. He is the 172nd Associate Justice. Leonen is a native of Baguio City who grew up in the streets of T. Alonzo. He graduat...
  • DENR cancels 15 cadastral survey projects in Central Visayas

    CEBU CITY, November 21(PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has ordered the cancellation of 15 cadastral survey projects in three provinces in Central Visayas. This after an inventory made by DENR 7 showed the following results: certain contractors and geodetic engineers abandoned necessary activities and left them unfinished after the period stipulated in the contract; botched to correct survey defects within a prescribed period; and failed to return survey pro...
  • Steering committee on environmental education formed

    CEBU CITY, November 22 (PIA) --- The regional inter-agency steering committee on environmental education (RIASCEE) recently convened here to reconstitute and identify possibilities and opportunities to generate collaborative interagency and multi-sectoral effort in trying to implement the national environmental education action plan. This activity was initiated by the of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 led by regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo. Carrying the intention to...
  • PH working towards EITI accreditation

    TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Nov. 21 (PIA): The Philippines is now working towards getting an Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) accreditation in line with implementation of Executive Order 79 which seeks to institutionalize and implement reforms in the Philippine mining sector. Bantay Kita National Coordinator Cielo Magno Monday revealed that the national government had already identified the agencies to form part of the interim MSG, and sit along with members of the civil so...
  • Committee recommends removal of landholdings from Carper LAD balance of Sorsogon

    SORSOGON CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- A hundred and twenty four landholdings equivalent to 993 hectares located in the municipalities of Bulan and Pilar were recommended for removal from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reform Land Acquisition and Distribution (Carper LAD) balance of Sorsogon. The removal of said problematic landholdings was recommended through a resolution by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) in Sorsogon to Presidential Agrarian...
  • Philhealth Express opens in Bicol

    by Sally A. Atento LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) regional office here launched the first Philhealth Express in the Bicol region last November 19 at the Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) branch in Daraga, Albay. “Philhealth initiated the project for the public to have easier access to the agency's services. That is why it is set up in places where people usually go so they can transact with us without going to our regional office,” sa...
  • OFW Help Desk launched in Bacoor

    CITY OF BACOOR, Cavite, Nov. 21 (PIA) – With the well-being and safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in mind, the local government of this premier city recently launched the OFW Help Desk program with the primary objective of giving assistance to them and their families on their various concerns. Launched on November 16, the program is a joint effort of the city government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers W...
  • DPWH completes infra projects

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 21 (PIA) -- The farm-to-market road project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Barangay 107, Sta. Elena, Tacloban City has recently been completed. Arnaldo R. Bonifacio, engineer, of the DPWH said that the 2,750 square-meter project, which took off on August 10, 2012 had a total cost of P1,464,882.02. Said project, which was handled by DPWH engineer, Margarito E. Fabillo, was under contract with the Go Solid Builders, Inc. Another newly comple...
  • DPWH implementing various projects in Tacloban

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- The various ongoing projects being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Tacloban City Sub District Engineering Office (DPWH-TCDEO) keep the staff to be on their toes, Arnaldo R. Bonifacio, DPWH engineer said. Among these projects currently being conducted in Tacloban are: the construction of the drainage system im barangays(brgy) Abucay and 20; the construction of a two-storey multi-purpose building in Brgy 51; construction of c...
  • Ilokano legislators want quarterly meetings with RDC-1 ExCom

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Nov 21 (PIA) -- A quarterly meeting with the Regional Development Council Executive Committee (RDC-1 Excom) has been proposed by the Region 1 congressmen starting next year to strengthen the RDC here being the official body that coordinates all regional development efforts by engaging stakeholders especially the legislators for more synchronized efforts to reduce poverty and achieve inclusive growth. Ma. Cristina G. Cariño of National Economic and Development Autho...
  • City Dad sees attendance at the city council improving

    DAVAO CITY, Nov 21 (PIA)- A city councilor has seen an improvement in the attendance among members of the city council following a privilege speech calling his colleagues to observe proper time during sessions. Councilor Melchor Quitain, chair of the committee on ethics said that immediately after his speech during the November 13 session, the attendance among his colleagues in the sessions thereafter got better. He said there is no more backlog as far as pending measures are concerned as the...
  • EITA Council to lessen corruption, tax avoidance

    TAGUM CITY Nov. 20 (PIA)-The establishment of the Extractive Industry Transparency and Accountability (EITA) in Compostela Valley, which was an offshoot of the global Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), is seen as a deterrent to corruption and tax avoidance. “The EITI (and in effect the EITA) can help minimize the leakages in government which include corruption and tax avoidance,” EITI member and National Coordinator of Bantay Kita Assistant Secretary Cielo Magno said during...
  • Road rehab and NGP activities completed ahead of schedule - NEDA

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Two of 16 development projects in Cagayan Valley regions were already completed ahead of the targeted schedules to include the 2012 road rehabilitation projects and the National Greening Program (NGP), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported. Ferdinand Tumaliuan, chief, project monitoring and evaluation division, stated that the 57 targeted roads and bridges that were up for rehabilitation regionwide have already been completed. Of these, t...
  • Newsfeature: Let’s play to win, NCC co-chair exhorts Ilonggos

    ILOILO CITY, Nov 20 (PIA6) -- National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Co-Chair Guillermo “Bill” Luz urged government and business sectors in Iloilo to work further to enhance the country’s global competitiveness level and do it with the “play to win” attitude. Luz made the pitch for a more competitiveness Philippines before the participants of the NCC Roadshow held yesterday at the Iloilo Grand Hotel here by the NCC and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through DTI-6. Luz, who re...
  • RDC-CDIC to launch region 2’s info-sharing system

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) – The Regional Development Council - Committee on Development Information and Communication (RDC-CDIC) region 2 is set to launch the Cagayan Valley’s Information Sharing System (ISS) on November 27, 2012 at the Hotel Roma, here with Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma as guest of honor. The ISS is a mechanism established by the RDC-CDIC region 2, chaired by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), to enable Local Government Un...
  • DA-8 funds capability building of agri-fishery councils

    TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 20 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8 approved and allocated P500,000 for an Agriculture and Fishery Council Consultative Meeting cum Capability-building through the assistance of the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) led by Center Director Paulino T. Cabahit. Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council chairman Edgardo Codilla lauded the Department of Agriculture Region 8 headed by Regional Executive Director Antoni...
  • Installment of power generator to benefit stakeholders - LTO

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Following successive power outages in Catanduanes, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will install gasoline-fed power generator at the LTO district office here to facilitate transactions even during brownouts. Mar Jose A. Magistrado, acting chief of the Operations Division, said that online-transaction processing (OLTP) in any district office and regional office of LTO has two key benefits: simplicity and efficiency. Reduced paper trails and faster, more...
  • DPWH-SLED tops 2012 1st semester road rating in Eastern Visayas

    By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways -- Southern Leyte Engineering District (DPWH-SLED) maintained its record for several years as it again topped this year’s first semester road rating. The road rating is done bi-annually by the Bureau of Maintenance-DPWH Manila to determine the responsiveness of the maintenance activities done to national road networks, one of the primary concerns of the government’s infrastru...
  • CSC rolls out strategic performance management system on LGUs, govt. agencies

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 20 (PIA) - - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) recently rolled out the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) to local government units, state universities and colleges, and government agencies to link individual performance to the performance of the organization. CSC Memorandum Circular No. 6 s. 2012 directs agencies of the government to come up with their PMS based on a set of guidelines. The SPMS focuses on major final outputs and alignment with organizati...
  • Assn of Info Officers supports Sin Tax Reform Bill

    QUEZON CITY, Nov 19 (PIA) -- The Association of Information Officers of Metro Manila (AIMM), by adopting the World Health Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and encouraging the 17 local government units and 13 national government agencies to promote transparency and accountability in regulating the tobacco industry in the country, has signed a resolution in support of the passage of Senate Bill 3299 at the recently held AIMM regular meeting and forum on the Sin Tax Reform Bill. The Fifte...
  • DOLE issues advisory on the 13th month pay

    QUEZON CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA)--The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) issued an advisory to ensure the correct payment of the workers 13th month bonuses. Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz issued Department Advisory No. 02 reiterating Section 8 of Presidential Decree No. 851 which requires private sector employers to pay their employees their 13th month pay on or before December 24 of every year. In a statement, Baldoz said that this early, workers are already expecting the paymen...
  • Comval launches council for transparent, accountable mining industry

    TAGUM CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA): Compostela Valley Provincial Governor Arturo T. Uy formally launched this morning the Provincial Multi-Stakeholder Council for Extractive Industry Transparency and Accountability in line with President Benigno S. Aquino’s Executive Order No. 79 seeking to institute reforms in the Philippine mining sector. Uy signed on Oct. 16, 2012 the Provincial Executive Order 020 series of 2012 citing the necessity of organizing a local multi-stakeholders council pursuant to...
  • PBB to focus on merit, employee productivity-DBM

    QUEZON CITY, Nov. 19 -- The Department of Budget and Management today said the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) system is different from the 13th month pay, year-end cash bonus, and Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) for government employees, citing the unique, merit-based nature of the performance-based perks. “The PBB is actually distinct from an employee’s year-end cash bonus, 13th month pay, and PEI. The purpose of the PBB is to ensure that our public servants receive due recogniti...
  • No overcharging of salary loans-SSS

    BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 17 (PIA) -– Social Security System (SSS) has denied reports that it had overcharged its member-borrowers who availed themselves of salary loans. Luis Olais, assistant vice president for North Luzon, said in a radio interview that there is no truth about a news report that SSS had overcharged its member-borrowers who availed of salary loans. According to Olais, the issue on overcharging came out because of a finding of the Commission on Audit (COA) that SSS did not follow...
  • On-the-spot contest in Masbate to honor Robredo

    MASBATE CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA)—Campus writers in Masbate can express their thoughts on the legacy of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and win cash prizes and trophies in the “Bicol 2012 On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest” jointly sponsored by Kaya Natin Movement and Bicol Harvest Magazine. The office here of the Philippine Information Agency said elimination on the provincial level will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 17, Saturday, at the Masbate National Comprehensive High School. High sc...
  • CENRO urge residents to help authorities catch violators

    VIGAN CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) - Vigan City Environment (CENRO) Officer Florencio Soliven, Jr, has appealed to residents to help save the mountains of the province, to report immediately illegal cutting of trees. “We need the help of the residents to protect the environment by immediately calling us when they see illegal cutting of trees within the area.", said Soliven. Earlier this week, the CENRO with the Armed Forces of the Philippines men stationed in this area confiscated four pieces of ...
  • BPO potential of Tagum seen if landline telecoms interconnect

    TAGUM CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA): Davao del Norte Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario has called on telecommunication companies operating in Davao del Norte to interconnect with each other as he sees the potential of Tagum City in hosting a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) center. He has taken note of Tagum City and Davao del Norte to have a number of graduates who can be tapped to become call center agents but “there is no single BPO here, instead they work in Davao City and come hom...
  • NSO to disseminate data on 2010 Survey of Phl business, ICT survey

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 16 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office in Eastern Visayas will conduct a Regional Data Dissemination Forum on the results of the 2010 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) and 2010 Survey on Information and Communication Technology (SICT) on November 21 from 1-5 p.m. at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. NSO-8 officer-in-charge Wilma Perante said this activity aims to raise awareness on the importance and relevance of the establishment-based survey...
  • Barangay Food Terminal to benefit local entrepreneurs

    BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) – The local government here through the Office of the City Agriculturist recently launched the Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) held at the Butuan City New Villages Cooperative (BCNVC) in Brgy. Mahay. The BFT will ultimately serve as a market for local farmers and entrepreneurs to sell their harvest of fruits and vegetables, poultry, seafood, and meat to local consumers. This will offer the farmers the opportunity to a better livelihood that is seen to help them comb...
  • Revenue collections in Northern Mindanao up by 25%

    TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, Nov. 15 (PIA) – A total revenue of P1.96 billion was collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region 16 (BIR-RR16), in Northern Mindanao, during the second quarter of 2012. This amount is higher by P388.47 million or 25 percent compared to P1.58 billion during the same period in 2011, said Regional Director Atty. Alberto S. Olasiman. Income taxes, which amounted to P1.34 billion contributed the biggest share of 68.4 percent in the total regiona...
  • Maasin City gets Pamana ng Lahi award

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- Tacloban City will receive today the Pamana ng Lahi award, the latest in a string of awards the city local government unit harvested. In a text message, Mayor Maloney Samaco told Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is the highest award given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), combining the Seal of Good Housekeeping, Full Disclosure Policy, and LGPMS. He said only three LGUs received the award: Taclo...
  • Makati awards most child-friendly barangays

    MAKATI CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The local government on Tuesday recognized the top three winners of the search for the “Most Child-Friendly Barangay” of Makati for 2012, led by Barangay West Rembo, during the annual Children’s Assembly held at the Main Theater of the University of Makati. Barangay West Rembo led by Brgy. Capt. Judith Baquiran-Celos won first place and received a cash prize of P100,000, a trophy and a marker declaring it as the “Most Child-Friendly Barangay of Makati 2012;...
  • 13,000 Batangas city residents, register at Comelec

    BATANGAS CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here said that 13,000 city residents registered in their office during the registration period from April 2011 - October 22, this year. According to the local Comelec, those who registered were 18 years old, transferees, and those who validated their voter’s ID and whose with changes in their entries. Shirley Dimalaluan of Comelec, Batangas City said all Comelec offices have been strict in giving extension in the voter’s...
  • State U renews commitment for better government service

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- Mindanao State University (MSU) - General Santos renews its mission in government service through a seminar-workshop on Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) of the Civil Service Commission Wednesday, November 14. MSU System with 11 campuses is among the state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines. “SPMS is ‘Service with commitment’” resource speaker Adela F. Estaniel said in her opening statement in the morning....
  • PNoy to join the celeb of Occidental Mindoro’s 62nd Founding Anniversary

    MAMBURAO, Occidental Mindoro, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III together with other political dignitaries is scheduled to visit this province to inaugurate the opening of Mongpog Yapang Bridge in Sablayan and at the same time do the ceremonial switch of the Accelerated Total Electrification Project in the municipality of Paluan. The province celebrates its 62nd Founding Anniversary Thursday, November 15. The two events will be held as ceremonial activities during the program at ...
  • Major stores to follow 'eco-bag ordinance' starting tomorrow

    By Lorebeth C. Requiroso CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 14 -- Major supermarkets will start implementing the Eco-bag ordinance tomorrow, which regulates the distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags and requires retail establishments to collect a pass-through charge of P1.00 from customers requesting single-use bags. Councilor President D. Elipe, chair of the City Council committee on environment and of the CdeO Eco-bag executive board, yesterday expressed hopes that all the city partners ...
  • Ifugao GAD focal persons undergo workshop on planning and budgeting

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Nov.14 (PIA) -- The provincial local government unit (PLGU) Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons representing the different offices of the province recently completed their two-day workshop on Planning and Budgeting at the Senior Citizens Hall at the Provincial Capitol here. The training was conducted by the Provincial Budget Office (PBO), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) with the assistance...
  • Fire bureau to intensify fire code fees collection

    QUEZON CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will intensify its collection of fees to continuously finance the modernization program of the fire bureau. BFP officer-in-charge C/Supt. Ruben Bearis Jr., has directed all BFP regional directors to adopt measures to increase the Fire Code fees collection within their respective areas of jurisdiction. “We still need more fire trucks and firefighting gear and equipment for our personnel,” Bearis said in a statement. Since ...
  • Kalinga towns to implement Gawad Pamana ng Lahi projects

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The two local government units in the province named regional winners of the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2012 will use their cash incentives to fund their local projects. This was gathered from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Kalinga, which said that Tabuk City will use its P2 million incentive to concrete a two-lane road measuring .25 kilometer (km)- road in Dagupan Weste. Said project would benefit at least 4,000 residents in the area....
  • New city agri officer bares priorities

    DAVAO CITY Nov. 14 (PIA)- The new officer-in-charge of the Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAO) has bared his priorities a week after being sworn in to the office replacing erstwhile OIC CAO head Leo Avila who is currently running for a seat in the Davao City Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council). “Just take out the letters C-A in CACAO.” Says new CAO OIC Val Turtur relating his new position in the city government vis-a-vis his former job in the cacao sector as the executive director ...
  • Cagayan Valley bags most number of national nutrition awards

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) – Cagayan Valley Region is this year’s grand champion in nutrition after bringing home five major awards in the recently concluded 2012 National Nutrition Award held at the Philippine International Convention Center, graced by President Benigno Aquino III. Batanes Province and Santiago City, Isabela are both Nutrition Honor Awardees (NHA), the highest national award in the exemplary and outstanding performance of the LGUs after nine years of maintaining satis...
  • DOH-upgraded municipal hospital in Sarangani inaugurated

    MALUNGON, Sarangani, November 14, (PIA) – The municipal hospital upgraded by the Department of Health (DOH) here has been inaugurated after reaching its completion phase. The hospital has been described to be the most modern among hospitals in Sarangani. But Governor Migs Dominguez said “ang pagsasabi ng top 1 to be the best ay hindi dahil sa maganda ang building (Being touted as top 1 must not be due to the beautiful building).” “Tamang kalinga mula sa bawat empleyado (Just the right...
  • Kidapawan LGU cited for aggressive campaign on illegal recruitment

    Koronadal City, Nov14 (PIA) – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recognized the efforts of Kidapawan City partnering with government agencies in its relentless campaign against illegal recruitment and anti-human trafficking. Kidapawan City mayor Rodolfo Y. Gantuanco received a citation for being the first local government unit in Region 12 to answer the call of POEA and other partner agencies to step up the campaign in his turf. A Memorandum of Understanding for the con...
  • New DILG prov'l head says he will continue implementing the Seal of Good HOusekeeping

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov 14 (PIA) -- Jesus Naquila, new director of the Department of Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG) here said he will continue implementing the Seal of Good Housekeeping of the department. Naquila said that for 2011, eight municipal local government units (LGUs) qualified in the assessment conducted in the province which were likewise validated by DILG-8. According to him, aside from the provincial government unit which recently received a glass marker on...
  • Dipolog City, the country’s 7th top performing city

    DIPOLOG CITY. Nov 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has confirmed that the local government of Dipolog City ranks no. 7 among top performing cities throughout the country. A DILG report said that since August 12, 2012, the country’s 143 cities already included the 16 controversial cities as among the regular cities created under impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. In that report, Dipolog City ranks no. 7 among the top performing cities thr...
  • CSC develops resource portal for human resource management in government

    LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has developed and designed a web portal to serve as technical support and assistance to human resource management (HRM) practitioners in the government, according to the commission regional office here. The resource Portal for human resource management practitioners in the public service is a gateway for communicating, connecting and capacitating HRM practitioners that can be accessed through the CSC's official web site, www.csc...
  • DavNor solon focuses bills on health and wellness

    TAGUM CITY, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- Fighting and eventually surviving lymphoma - a life-threatening disease, Davao del Norte Representative Antonio Rafael G. del Rosario has been crafting health and wellness-related house bills and house resolutions. Recently guesting in the Kapihan sa Kapitolyo, Del Rosario said his prominent concern on health is anchored on his commitment to promote health and healthy lifestyle among Filipinos that he bannered during his campaign in 2010. Eight of his 27 crafte...
  • East Visayas winners get Gawad Pamana ng Lahi trophies

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi awarding ceremony for the Eastern Visayas Region winners will be held at 8 a.m.,November 15, Thursday, at the Balyuan Convention Center in Tacloban City. Department of Interior and Local Government Region 8 Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. said the affair will be attended by regional contenders in the city category from Eastern Visayas. On October 17, the Regional Award Committee proclaimed the province of Leyte and Tacloban City as th...
  • San Juan is pilot city for Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS)

    MANILA, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has identified San Juan City as the pilot test site for the Citizens’ Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) in Metro Manila. The CSIS, a component of the Local Governance Watch or LG Watch, generates feedback on local government’s performance on service delivery and serves as a third party assessment on the results of the DILG’s Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), a self-assessment tool on t...
  • ARMM, just a text away

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government is now just a text away. Under the leadership of OIC Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, the ARMM TXT hotline or 391-ARMM (2766) was launched on November 8, 2012, which added another milestone to ARMM’s History. ARMM TXT hotline is a new mobile service that lets ARMM constituents or the general public to obtain information about activities, upcoming events, and services in the region. ARMM Cab...
  • E Samar LGU receives Seal of Good Housekeeping

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The local government of Eastern Samar was awarded recently the Seal of Good Housekeeping by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). through Regional Director Pedro Noval. Director Pedro Noval of the DILG handed over to Governor Conrado Nicart Jr. the plaque of Seal of Good Housekeeping with two symbolic checks totaling P16 million. The fund which was released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) under...
  • DILG, civil society link for full disclosure policy

    CEBU CITY November 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) in the region intensified its link and partnership with the Civil Society Organizations (CSO), national government agencies and stakeholders to adopt and make full disclosure policy implemented in any institution in the country. This commitment was worked out in a workshop and training dubbed "Building on the Full Disclosure Policy: Developing the Capacity of CSOs to Engage in Local Budgeting and Governanc...
  • Pag-IBIG office in Sagay to service needs of clients

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 13 (PIA6) - - The Pag-IBIG Fund and the local government of Sagay City inked an agreement for the establishment of Pag-IBIG Sagay Service Office. The city government of Sagay will provide the Fund with office space free of charge, inclusive of electricity beginning November 15, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Pag-IBIG will provide the necessary logistics and deploy three personnel who will cater to the daily transactions of the service office. Sagay City Mayor Rafael Leo ...
  • Zanorte is 2012 Regional Outstanding Nutrition Program Implementer

    DIPOLOG CITY, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Province of Zamboanga del Norte has recently been adjudged as the 2012 Regional Outstanding Nutrition Program Implementer in region 9. For its feat, the province received a Green Banner Award and a Plaque of Recognition in a ceremony held at the Garden Orchid Hotel, in Zamboanga City last October 30, 2012. Zamboanga del Norte Supervising Administrative Officer Jay Adraincem, who represented Governor Rolando Yebes during the awarding ceremony received the Gr...
  • News feature: Connecting OFW families thru social network

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 12 (PIA) -- Leyte-based families of Overseas Filipino Workers are now able to communicate with their loved ones abroad with the recent launching of the Overseas World Wide Access through Information and Communication Online Technology project or OWWA-ICOT at the Leyte SMED Center at the Leyte capitol g. The most common cause of worry of families with OFW family member is their not being able to contact their kin who is working abroad especially when the OFW is in conf...
  • SSS denies overcharging on members’ loans

    SSS denies overcharging on members’ loans MANILA, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) clarified that it has not violated any law or policy on lending from any supervisory body of SSS nor overcharged its member-borrowers contrary to reports that came out in media recently. In a statement, SSS Assistant Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Ma. Luz C. Generoso emphasized that the computation, which the SSS uses to calculate the interests on loans, is based on a policy t...
  • Mayor approves guidelines for IPs on Christmas visit

    DAVAO CITY, Nov. 12, (PIA) Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has approved the guidelines for the indigenous peoples who are expected to visit the city for the holidays. The policy which will take effect from December 3 to the 23rd assures the accommodation, peace and order maintenance, personal hygiene and sanitation, use of toilet, bathrooms and cooking areas, proper waste disposal, proper behavior and information and education activities for indigenous peoples while they are in the city. She said sh...
  • CSC launches Contact Center ng Bayan for better governance

    GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte, November 12 (PIA) - The Civil Service Commission has recently launched the Contact Center ng Bayan conceived to be the government’s main helpdesk where citizens, civil society organizations and other entities can voice their concerns with government agencies and gain access to information. CSC Regional Field Office 8 Director Marilyn Taldo said that through CCB, the public may obtain general information about government agency policies and procedures specifica...
  • Dumaguete city government cracks down on illegal vendors

    By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) --- The Dumaguete City government is intent on pursuing its campaign against illegal vendors which have been reportedly sprouting in various areas within the city. The city’s Task Force SAGARR (Special Action Group Advocating Rapid Reform), a team earlier formed to serve as special action group in Dumaguete, have received complaints from legal vendors inside the city’s public market complex over the spreading number of illegal vendors h...
  • DOH-CHD 3 eyes ISO certification

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Nov 12 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development 3 (CHD 3) eyes on further improving its service to the people of Central Luzon to gain an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification next year. “Each CHD was given a time frame of 18 months to be ISO certified. But we, in the CHD 3, are targeting to get the certification in just seven months,” Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon stated. Taking part on the journey ...
  • CSC-Siquijor to hold Anti-Red Tape Act seminar

    SIQUIJOR, Nov 11 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Siquijor Field Office will conduct a two-day seminar/workshop on frontline services management on November 1-15 at the CSC-Siquijor Conference Hall to enhance the quality of customer service in all government agencies. Included in the training package are Operational Procedures and Requirements on managing frontline services and a public assistance counter; the “mamamayan muna (people first)” program and its reportorial requiremen...
  • On its 441st anniversary Kalibo finally gets hymn

    KALIBO, Aklan, Nov 10 (PIA6) -- Finally, Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan has now a hymn of its own, officially launched during Kalibo’s 441st Founding Anniversary November 3 at the Kalibo Pastrana Park. Sang by the Kalibo Municipal Employees Chorale, the hymn was a product of a series of meetings of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Education and Culture. According to Kalibo’s Public Affairs, the hymn was composed with the help of Dr. Alfredo Buenaventura, a music composer and arrang...
  • 'Caring' hospital in Sarangani opens

    MALUNGON, Sarangani, Nov 10 (PIA) -- “Care” and not just “serve” patients, Gov. Migs Dominguez reminded hospital personnel during the inauguration of a provincial government-run hospital here. “Kalinga (care)" is the best that any hospital personnel could give patients, the governor said. He explained that in merely serving sometimes “we lose our passion.” Further, he challenged Mayor Reynaldo Constantino and Dr. Cynthia Guevarra, chief of hospital, and the rest of the hospi...
  • SWS 2012 survey result confirms Cagayan de Oro’s campaign vs corruption

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov 9 – The city’s campaign against corruption was confirmed by the result of a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS), which placed Cagayan de Oro at the top post in terms of sincerity and honesty in government service. The SWS 2012 survey on corruption gave the city a plus 36 sincerity rating. It was learned that the report was based on interviews with business executives, which had the largest sample size in the series of surveys conducted by the SWS s...
  • PhilRice: Cradle of Servant Heroes – Civil Service chief

    SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija, Nov 9 (PIA) -- Civil Service Commission chair Francisco Duque lauded Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) for being a “cradle of servant heroes.” In his keynote speech read by Assistant Commissioner David Cabanag Jr. during the Dangal ng PhilRice recognition rites held Wednesday, Duque said “(You have) transformed work setbacks into opportunities to better serve this institute." "Instead of being cast in the ordinary mold, you pushed yourselv...
  • CSC releases rules on grant of step increments to government workers

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Nov. 9 (PIA)--The Civil Service Commission (CSC) here recently furnished the different government offices of the province regarding the rules and regulations on the grant of step increments due to meritorious performance and step increment due to length of service. The rules and regulations was contained in the Joint Circular No. 1 series of 2012 issued by the CSC and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) prescribing the grant of the step increments to personnel covere...
  • Minalin test runs new iTax system

    MINALIN, Pampanga, Nov 9 (PIA) -- The provincial government through its Management Information System Office (MIS) and Provincial Assessor’s Office (PAO) led the pilot run of Integrated Taxation Management System (iTax) in Minalin town on Wednesday. Provincial Assessor Romeo Dizon said the iTax system aims to transform the province’s current tax collection from a lengthy and tedious manual process to an efficient and transparent automated system. This will benefit the Kapampangan tax payer...
  • Comelec Kalinga to hear applications for voters registration, transfer precinct

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 8 (PIA) - - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) this province has set the hearing of new applicants for registration and those wanting to transfer precinct on November 19 in the municipal election offices. Rogelio Bagtang, acting provincial election supervisor, said the names of applicants will be posted on Comelec bulletin boards before the scheduled hearing. “After posting, the hearing will push through as scheduled to approve or disapprove applications for ne...
  • Butuan City gov't to boost transparency in governance

    BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- The present administration of Butuan City has always been firm in maintaining and upholding the advocacy of good governance and transparency reiterating that all government institutions, political subdivisions, instrumentality as well as its agencies in Butuan City must show evident and indisputable proofs of transactions and credit operations undertaken. To further sustain such endeavor and to realize the mandates of the constitution and other laws, Vice Mayor Law ...
  • DBM releases P1.95-B for veteran's pension

    QUEZON CITY, Nov. 8 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of P1.95 billion to the Department of National Defense – Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (DND – PVAO) to fund 226,365 pension requirements from October to December this year. “President Aquino recognizes the needs of our veterans, who played a large role in defending national security in the course of our history. This fund release, which will cover their pension requirements until the end of the...
  • NCIP-CAR releases ancestral land titles to 3 Kalinga clans

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 8 (PIA) -– Finally and with finality, descendants of long-time settlers in Kalinga have something to show for the lands they are currently occupying. Three Kalinga clans recently received their Certificates of Ancestral Land Title (CALT) from the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP). Recipients of the CALT were the Tumamman- Gunnawa Clan represented by Ernesto Tumamman, the Panabang Clan with Eufrecenia Buslig as representative, and the Wanawan Clan repre...
  • 'Flying voter' is a thing of the past, says Comelec

    DAGUPAN CITY, Nov 8 (PIA) -- Flying voters or voters who ‘fly’ to a certain area to register as new voter despite their being a registered voter in another place, are now a thing of the past, an official of the Commission on Elections said. Lawyer Remarque Ravanzo, city election officer of Dagupan, said the centralized data base of Comelec can determine the whereabouts and pertinent data about a registrant. A registered voter cannot register as a new voter in another place, but can...
  • Nueva Vizcaya DILG honors outstanding LGUs, barangays

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Nov 8 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently gave recognition and awards to a number of municipal local governments and barangays which showed excellent performance on local governance. “This is our way of recognizing the efforts of our local officials in their pursuit of quality service through good governance. We expect others to excel more in their respective communities,” said lawyer Odilon Pasaraba, DILG provincial direc...
  • Marabut unveils Seal of Good Housekeeping

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 8 (PIA) -- Marabut, Samar recently unveiled its Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) Glass Marker, a tangible manifestation of the LGU's compliance to the government's full disclosure policy. Mayor Percival Ortillo welcomed guests DILG Director Pedro Noval and OIC Director Judy Batulan during the event, Tuesday. In his message,Noval challenged Marabut LGU to sustain the gains of practicing full disclosure which eventually earned them the SGH. For his part, Mayor Ortillo...
  • SoLeyte Assessor receives top performing award

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov 8 (PIA) -- When it rains, it pours. In the same week when the Southern Leyte assessor got the distinguished National PESO award from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), he was also awarded the prestigious top performance award by the Department of Finance. Norman Ordiz, Southern Leyte assessor, was recognized for his services on assessment operations especially in the assessment of real properties thus garnering an increase of about 150 percent in ...
  • Albay named nat'l winner of Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award

    LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- Albay notched this year’s Gawad Pamana ng Lahi for Best Province in Local Governance besting 79 other provinces across the country for embarking on aggressive programs on environment, education, and health. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the award belongs to the ordinary residents of Albay whose unity and hard work, and generosity of civic spirit has enabled their province to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by practicing disaster risk reduction, env...
  • Cavite town, awardee of DILG’s ‘Gawad Pamana ng Lahi’

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Nov 8 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Carmona will be awarded the “2012 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi." The awarding rite is set to be announced by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) head office. The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is an award concept given by the DILG to provinces, cities and municipalities who exhibited exemplary performance in administrative, environmental, social and economic governance. It is drawn from the database of the on-line Loc...
  • USAID, Valenzuela gov’t sign agreement to promote mobile money payment scheme

    MANILA, Nov 7 (PIA) -- The United States Embassy in Manila and the Valenzuela City government signed an agreement to promote the use of mobile money for payment of government services. In a statement, Usaid Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Economic Growth, Education and Environment Eric Postel, together with Usaid Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, and Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian signed a memorandum of agreement to pilot Usaid’s Scaling Innovations in Mobile ...
  • Team conducts road inspection in Kalinga

    TANUDAN, Kalinga, Nov. 7 (PIA) - - Gov. Joel Baac has composed A team will conduct ocular inspection of the road project from Barangay Anggacan to Anggacan Sur this municipality in order to determine road right-of-way damages, identify owners of affected properties, and establish reasonable valuation of compensation. The team is composed of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), local officials of Tanudan, and elders of the Mangali tribe. The team held a meeting at the Capitol with indiv...
  • Local chief execs told to address child labor

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Nov. 7 (PIA)-- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the Cordillera Region (CAR) recently issued a memorandum to all local chief executives (LCEs) of Ifugao to submit plans, programs, and activities and formulate local legislation to address child labor and the integration of anti-child labor initiatives in their local development plans and programs. This is pursuant to the instruction given by the President to the Human Development and Poverty Reduction (HD...
  • CSC-XI calls on support for Contact Center ng Bayan

    DAVAO CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has enjoined all government agencies in the region to support the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) project. CCB is an information and communication technology-based tool that gathers complaints on government frontline services. In CSC Regional Memorandum Circular No. 004 Series of 2012, CSC-XI Regional Director Annabelle B. Rosell has asked this support from all heads of the national government agencies, government-owned and controll...
  • Paranas town bares accomplishment report

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 7 (PIA) -- The local government of Paranas is proud to present its accomplishments and major development projects in 2012. One is the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Kalahi-Cidss program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with a total of 24.8 million. According to Mayor Felix Babalcon, P24.8 million was used in the 30 subprojects for 33 beneficiary barangays in Paranas. While P19.7 million came from MCC, P5.1 million came from the...
  • Tourism and info kiosks awarded to 2 Pangasinan LGUs

    PANGASINAN, Nov 7 (PIA) -- Two Pangasinan towns were recipients of tourism and information kiosks delivered by the provincial government recently. The towns of Mabini and Agno were both awarded with tourism and information kiosks composed of a movable panel equipped with 42-inch LCD TV, DVD player, and CDs and one unit of computer set which will be placed in the lobby area of their respective municipal halls. The provincial government will give all Pangasinan towns a tourism kiosk, Gov. Amado...
  • NSO-10 to present results of 2010 RP business industry, ICT surveys

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO), in region 10, will hold a data dissemination on the results of the 2010 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) and the 2010 Survey of Information and Communication Technology (SICT). The regional data dissemination will be held on November 19 at the Chali Beach Resort in Barangay Cugman, this city. The ASPBI is a continuing activity of the NSO to provide key measures on the performance, levels, struct...
  • NNC to bestow Crown award to Quirino Province

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Nov 6 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) will confer the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (Crown) to this province for winning consecutively the Outstanding Province in the Region award for three years. Department of Health Assistant Secretary Maria-Bernardina T. Flores said in his letter to Gov. Junie E. Cua that the award is based on the recommendation of the inter-agency Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), approved by the Regional ...
  • DOT now in the process of bidding for security services for 2013

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-8, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), is inviting suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for security services for 2013 at the DOT-8. According to DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, the security services will be on a 24-hour guard duty per day with an approved budget of P570,000 for said contract for the period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Prosp...
  • SoLeyte PESO bags Natl PESO award

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov 6 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Public Employment Services Office (PESO) got the coveted award as National PESO Manager (provincial category) award of the year. Southern Leyte PESO Manager Norman Ordiz received the award during the 12th National Congress of the PESO last October 5-7 in Tagaytay City. Ordiz, who is also the PESO regional president, reported that Southern Leyte PESO has consistently topped in its performance at the regional level for the last four...
  • Taytay aims for municipality-wide wi-fi, more CCTVs

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Nov 6 (PIA) -- Aside from cityhood, Taytay, Rizal is also targeting municipality-wide wi-fi connections and more closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras for public safety. Government hopes to activate the connection by 2015. The wi-fi transmitters will be connected with several CCTV cameras placed throughout the municipality said Mary Lucette Dela Rosa, Taytay public information officer. The local government has carried out the first phase of the three-part plan includi...
  • Ifugao town releases guidelines on the operation of tricycles

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Nov 5 (PIA) -- The local government of this capital town has released the guidelines on the operation of tricycles in the municipality for the safety of the riding public. The guidelines state that prospective operators of tricycles should first secure a motorized tricycle operator’s permit (MTOP) from the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) office which is valid for one year from its approval. The MTOP is granted to Filipino citizens only and partnership or corporation with 60 percent Fi...
  • Registry of Deeds in Dagupan all set for full digitization of records

    DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- The city registry of deeds is going techie. Following the transfer to its new office, the local deeds registry is all set for full-digitization of land title records and is bent on operating the online land registration system (LARES), the City Information Office reported. Atty. Rufino Moreno Jr., city deeds registrar, announced that over 93,000 deeds had already been digitized by the agency for easy archiving and retrieval. Moreno also bared that starting Novemb...
  • DavOr solon wins second Nat’l Kabalikat Award

    MATI CITY, Nov. 6 -- Second Congressional District Representative Thelma Z. Almario bags her second National Kabalikat Award as she topped 17 contenders from across the country in the Local Legislative Category of the 2012 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Awarding Ceremony held at TESDA Central Office, Taguig City. The national award was presented to Congresswoman Almario during the regional office’s 18th Anniversary Celebration held at the Regional Train...
  • Kiangan reorganizes inspectorate team for goods

    KIANGAN, Ifugao, Nov.5 (PIA) -- To safeguard the properties of the local government unit here, the mayor of this town reorganized the Municipal Inspectorate Team for Goods. Mayor Joselito Guyguyon said that there is a need for a competent inspectorate team to affirm the procurement and delivery of goods and materials and to ensure that goods and materials procured and delivered are according to specifications. The members of the Inspectorate Team are the Municipal Property Custodian Anastacia ...
  • Pangasinan receives regional ‘Mother of Governance Awards’ from DILG

    PANGASINAN, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- The province of Pangasinan was conferred the regional award for Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL), considered the ‘mother of governance awards’ by the Department of the Interior and Local Government during the ‘ Araw ng Parangal’ on October 30 held at the Vigan City Convention Center in Ilocos Sur. Governor Amado Espino Jr., assisted by Vice Gov. Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., together with some members of the provincial board and provincial department heads, received th...
  • 2 Kalinga LGUs win Pamana ng Lahi award

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 2 (PIA) - - Two local government units in the province were given the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award this year in recognition of their sustainable and innovative styles of governance. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded to Balbalan P1 million and to this city P2 million for winning the Pamana ng Lahi for achieving for the third time exemplary performance in local governance. Provincial DILG Director Francisco Gamatero said Tabuk City and Ba...
  • LGUs urged to upgrade their comprehensive land use plans

    ILOILO CITY, Nov 1 (PIA6) -- The local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas are urged to upgrade their Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) to keep up with development trends in their respective areas. The Housing and Land Use Development Board (HLURB) said the CLUP serves as basis for zoning ordinances and other major programs, and is vital to the development of the community. Rose Marie Bermejo of the HLURB said only 52 of the 133 LGUs in the region have updated their CLUPs while 8...
  • Koronadal CDRRMC-Region 12’s 2012 Gawad Kalasad Awardee for component city

    KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- This city won this year's search for Best City Disaster Risk and Management Council (CDRRMC) for the component city category in the region. “Hard work and performance in 2011 and in the 1st Quarter of 2012, paid off as we achieved the Best City Disaster Risk and Management Council (CDRRMC) for the component city category in Region 12,” Koronadal City Mayor Dr. Peter Miguel, at a radio program said. Miguel said the Gawad Kalasag Award-Best CDRRMC for Compo...
  • Ifugao starts search for 2012 Local Legislative Award

    TINOC, Ifugao, Oct.31 (PIA) -- The Provincial Councilors League (PCL) in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted evaluation of this municipality to commence the search for 2012 Provincial Local Legislative Award in the province. Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Wilbert Umalco said the Provincial Award Committee of the DILG began their assessment on this municipality on October 29, followed by the town of Kiangan on October 30 and Ban...
  • Maasin City bags Crown Maintenance Award

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 31 (PIA) --The city government of Maasin will receive the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (Crown) Maintenance Award this year on November 9 at the Ceremonnial Hall, in Malacañang, Manila. Maasin City Mayor Maloney L. Samaco said during the “Maasin City in Action” radio program, Tuesday that the city will receive the national award for consistently showing outstanding performance in the nutrition program, particularly reducing malnutritio...
  • DENR designates Forest-Pest-Watch

    PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be designating forest-pest- watch officers per DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2012-05 issued by Environment Secretary Ramon J.P Paje. DAO 2012-06 stipulates the designation of a Forest Surveillance and Monitoring Officer (FPSMO) in every Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) with forests under its jurisdiction clarified Roservirico Tan, DENR 9 Public Affairs office chief. Tan ...
  • Vigan barangay officials train to create city agri registry system

    VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- Village heads and secretaries of the 39 barangays of this city with 42 field interviewers were trained for the creation of the Registry System for Basis Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) on September 19 and 22 in this city. This is in line with the key programs of the Cabinet Cluster on Good Governance and Anti-Corruption (GGAC). The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is the lead agency responsible for the conceptualization of the RSBSA. RSBSA is...
  • US senator lauds Aquino administration’s strong anti-corruption efforts

    MANILA, Oct 30 -- Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana, United States of America (USA), has lauded the strong anti-corruption stance of the Aquino administration, during his call to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Lugar, the most senior Republican Senator in the US Congress, said he has always been interested in fostering deep ties between the Philippines and the US, a statement from the DFA said. “The Philippines is very special to me....
  • Contact Center ng Bayan leads toward better governance

    LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 30 (PIA) -- A direct access channel for airing complaints, concerns, feedback and recommendations to government agencies is now possible with the launch of the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). For the program’s initial implementation, Contact Center ng Bayan places allows one loop access to six participating agencies – Bureau of Internal Revenue, CSC, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, National Computer Center, and t...
  • Soccsksargen cited as best performing region in implementing MRDP projects

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 30 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 is one of the best performing regions in the implementation of projects of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), according to a report of the Program Support Office based in Davao City. Soccsksargen, the report indicated, topped the list in implementing Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) sub-projects and ranked second in the Rural Infrastructure (RI) component. Soccsksa...
  • Antique vies for Seal of Disaster Preparedness

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct 30 (PIA) -- All the local government units of Antique and its provincial government will vie for the Seal of Disaster Preparedness. It is a nationwide search for local government units compliant to Republic 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of the Philippines. Eighteen provinces including the provincial government covered by the search as per Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2012-79, said DILG-Antique...
  • Sorsogon, foundation honor outstanding police officers of Sorsogon

    SORSOGON CITY, Oct 30 (PIA) -- Some cops were honored as Outstanding Police Officers of Sorsogon in the “Orgulyo San Sorsogon” Awards Night at the Capitol Grounds in Sorsogon City. Held October 17, the event formed part of the culmination rites of the 18th Foundation Anniversary of the province. Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc., in cooperation with the Local Government of the Province of Sorsogon, organized the awarding of different government employees and farmers of Sorsogon. Of the 19 aw...
  • Procedure reforms hasten business application in QC

    QUEZON CITY, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The local government of Quezon City (QC) is now using a file-and-pay approach in new business registration, making it faster for new businesses to get a mayor’s permit. This makes the city one of the few local governments that have been able to connect to the Philippine Business Registry. "Completing a business transaction in the Philippines requires many complex steps over a number of days," the International Finance Corporation (IFC) said in a statement. "But ...
  • Gawad Pamana inspires LGUs for better governance

    ILOILO CITY, Oct 29 (PIA) -- The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi being implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) inspires local chief executives in this region to work harder in implementing good governance. “It is tiring to tread the path of good governance in a town, but for us, Anilao residents, this is really a pride, an inspiration that our hard work, cooperation and unity bear fruits,” said Anilao Mayor Ma. Theresa Debuque who is also the president of the League o...
  • 96 couples wed under the October mass wedding in Catbalogan

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 29 (PIA) -- Ninety-six couples in the far islands and barangays of Catbalogan who lived together for many years without marriage are now lawful pairs as they become beneficiaries of the October mass wedding conducted by the City Civil registrar sponsored by local government unit (LGU). Catbalogan City Mayor Coefredo Uy officiated the mass weddings in barangays Silanga, Old Mahayag, Bagongon, Rama, Cinco Sierra and Cagutsan this October 2012. The couples were require...
  • Tacurong recognizes best performing barangays

    TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- The Tacurong City government has brought to its barangays the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) initiative pioneered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), affirming the national government’s commitment to elevating the practice of good governance. Barangays Upper Katungal, Griño, and Buenaflor were recently awarded with the Barangay Excellence in Governance Seal of Tacurong or BEST for having the highest overall per...
  • DILG-CAR confers Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awards to regional winners

    BAGUIO CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) - - The Department of Interior and Local Government- Cordillera Regional Office (DILG-CAR) conferred the the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi award to the Benguet provincial government; the City of Tabuk, Kalinga; and the municipality of Balbalan, Kalinga as this year’s regional winners. The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award is among the good governance program of the Aquino government through the DILG, which recognizes the transparency and accountability efforts ...
  • 4 Central Luzon LGUs bag Regional Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Prize

    CLARK FREEPORT, Oct 26 (PIA) -- Villages from the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Bataan and city of Olongapo bagged on Wednesday the Regional Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award (LTIA). Winning barangays were Libertad of San Narciso town, Zambales (4th to 6th class municipal category); Bacabac of Camiling town, Tarlac (1st to 3rd class municipal category); Tuyo of Balanga City (component city category); and East Bajac-Bajac of Olongapo City (highly urbanized city category). Tuyo village i...
  • DILG confers Seal of Good Housekeeping to all provincial gov’ts and HUCs in Central Luzon

    CLARK FREEPORT, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) conferred on Wednesday the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) marker to the provincial governments of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales and highly urbanized cities of Angeles and Olongapo. Secretary Manuel Roxas II bestowed the recognition in a ceremony in Clark Freeport. “SGH is given to local government units (LGUs) that have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, reve...
  • Monitoring group inspects, evaluates flood control projects

    ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Oct 26 (PIA) -- Members of the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8 recently conducted a four-day inspection and evaluation of the on-going projects being conducted by the Leyte 4th Engineering District. Among the projects inspected and evaluated were the on-going construction of the Sibugay Flood Control, and Bacan Flood Control along Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte boundary road, Albuera, Leyte said Linor Francisco C. G...
  • DILG cites LGPMS performance area champs in Central Luzon

    CLARK FREEPORT, Oct 26 (PIA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently recognized the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) Top 3 area champions in Central Luzon for profile years 2009,2010, and 2011. Winners were: For Administrative Governance- 1) Cabanatuan City, 2) San Felipe town in Zambales, and 3) Angeles City; For Social Governance- 1) Cabanatuan City, 2) Province of Tarlac, 3) Camiling town in Tarlac, and 4) Angeles City; For Economic Governance- 1)...
  • Comelec determines nuisance candidates in Kalinga

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Oct. 26 (PIA) - - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered municipal election officers to evaluate certificates of candidacy (COC) of prospective candidates to determine nuisance candidates. OIC Provincial Election Supervisor Rogelio Bagtang said they are required within three days upon receipt of the order to submit to the Comelec law department a report of their evaluation on who are considered nuisance on the basis of Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code. He sai...
  • Echague town receives 'Seal of Good Housekeeping' award from DILG

    ECHAGUE, Isabela, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Echague has received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Isabela the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” and P2 million cash award for its sound fiscal management, transparency, and accountability. DILG Provincial Director Elpidio Durwin said Echague town like other towns in Isabela deserved to be recognized for its good fiscal management and of being transparent in all its transactions in compliance to t...
  • City gov’t lauds Rescue 922 as nat'l Gawad Kalasag awardee

    CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The city government of Cauayan lauded Rescue 922 for receiving the Gawad Kalasag national award as best in government emergency response management- basic search and rescue for 2012. Mayor Benjamin G. Dy congratulated during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at the city hall the members of Rescue 922 led by Ronald Viloria, who received the award at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on October 10. Dy said the men and women of Rescue 922 deserved the award which i...
  • DOH updates healthcare program in Bicol for 2012

    by Sally A. Atento LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Health updated its road map for the “Salud para sa Gabos” (Universal Healthcare) program in the Bicol region for 2012 in the Healthcare Forum conducted October 22 by the Provincial Government of Albay in partnership with the Health Active Information Network (HAIN) at the People’s Hall, Albay Capitol here. “As of May this year, 1, 015,101 household beneficiaries in the region have been enlisted in the National Health I...
  • IPOPhil seeks stiffer penalties for intellectual property violators

    QUEZON CITY, OCT. 25 (PIA)--The Intellectual Property Office Philippines (Ipophil) seeks stiffer penalties against intellectual property infringers, citing that the Philippines’ lenient Intellectual Property laws causes problem in prosecution and conviction of violators. Ipophil Director General Ricardo Blancaflor in a statement said they have consulted Justice Secretary Leila de Lima about amending the relevant provisions of IP laws and they will submit a draft bill to the Congress before t...
  • Tabuk Comelec office open on 0ct. 26 Edh’l Adha

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Oct. 25 (PIA) –- The Tabuk City Commission on Election (Comelec) office will open tomorrow, October 26, a declared official non-working holiday, because of the Muslim observance of Edh’l Adha, Feast of Sacrifice. City Election Officer Leman Solbita said this is to accommodate college students home for the semester break, who would want to register to be able to participate in next year's midterm polls. Since last week, the office had been extending up to past 6 p.m....
  • Tarlac, Balanga, Aurora town named Reg'l Gawad Pamana ng Lahi recipients

    CLARK FREEPORT, Oct 25 (PIA) -- Province of Tarlac, along with Balanga City and San Luis town in Aurora, were named on Wednesday as this year’s regional recipients of Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL). Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II personally conferred the accolade to the winners in a ceremony held in Clark Freeport. In his speech, Roxas underscored, “Good governance ang siyang susi sa ating kaunlaran. Alam naman po natin. Kitang kita na sa pamamagitan ng good governance ay gumaganda...
  • Cagayan town to cement all its irrigation canals

    GONZAGA, Cagayan, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The local government here is optimistic it will be able to cement all irrigation canals within its jurisdiction next year to ensure efficient service of these facilities to benefit farmers and fishers. Mayor Carlito Pentecostes Jr. said the municipal government has allocated P34 million from its local funds for the project which will start before the year ends. Pentecostes said the town is an agricultural area producing rice, corn, and vegetables, hence, suff...
  • CSC announces opening of Contact Center ng Bayan 1-6565

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Southern Leyte Office announces the establishment of the Contact Center ng Bayan 1-6565 as the government’s main help desk for the public to air concerns on any complaints about the quality and delivery of government services. CSC Provincial Director Lysander Navales said the CCB was conceived through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 15 and will be initially implemented in six agencies such as the National Computer...
  • CSC establishes Contact Center ng Bayan

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has established a new avenue for lodging complaints in support of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA). Known as the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), the new link was instituted to be the government’s main helpdesk where the public can express their concerns, complaints, feedback and recommendations on the quality of government frontline service delivery. Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, regional director of CSC in Northern Mindanao, sa...
  • DPWH Samar to activate “Lakbay Alalay” for Undas

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, October 24 (PIA)—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) -Samar I is set to activate “Lakbay Alalay” skeletal workforce to ensure help is available to motorists as the nation observes All Saints' day and All Souls' day locally known as “Undas”. DPWH organized a composite team in the district in partnership with other government entities that will provide assistance on normal and emergency situations to motorists along the National Road during this pe...
  • Complaints about government service? Dial 1-6565

    KALIBO, Aklan, October 24 (PIA6) -- Have you ever experienced going to a government office, waiting for almost an hour to be served, only to be told to come back after an hour because it is lunchtime already? If you have, and addressed arrogantly at that, you can now air your complaint straight to the government through the Contact Center Ng Bayan 1-6565. The Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. Duque, in a memorandum issued this month, said Contact Center ng Bayan 1-6565 is being ...
  • Tabuk City wins second Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Oct. 24 (PIA)- – This City is a Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award again for the second time under the City Category in the 2012 Local Government Performance Management System and Seal of Good Housekeeping search by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban will lead city officials in the awarding ceremony in Baguio City tomorrow, October 25. Among the criteria of the search include how a local government unit performs in the areas of fin...
  • Japan eyes conservation aid for Tarsiers in Tupi, S. Cotabato

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- Efforts to protect the habitat of Tarsiers in Tupi town, this province have recently gained more support. According to the municipality’s official website, the Embassy of Japan has considered providing livelihood assistance to the lumad community in Barangay Linan under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects. The Japanese government is also looking into the establishment of a center for the ...
  • Nueva Vizcaya is 'Gawad Pamana ng Lahi' national nominee

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, October 24 (PIA) – This province has made it as one of the four nominees for the Department of Interior and Local Government(DILG)’s “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” award for the national category. Nueva Vizcaya, along with the provinces of Albay, Cavite and Benguet were chosen after a recent evaluation made by the DILG Search Committee. “Nueva Vizcaya was included in the shortlist of provinces with excellent performance on the criteria of the search. We are now o...
  • Albay notches grand slam anew in Gawad Pamana ng Lahi

    LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 24 (PIA) -- Albay hits a grand slam anew after three local governments in the province got the top places in the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi awards program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In an awarding ceremony Tuesday, October 23, held in this city, Albay was named “Best Province in Bicol”; Ligao City as “Best City” and Tiwi as “Best Municipality” in the regional level of the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2012 for Local Governance. The awarding ri...
  • PNP-6 adopts ATM pension system for retirees

    ILOILO CITY, October 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police all over the country is adopting the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) pension system to make the transactions of retirees easier as well as to boost their morale and welfare. C/Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., director of Police Regional Office 6 said in a statement, this move of the PNP National Headquarters is commendable as it is expected to reduce the number of PNP pensioners queuing at the Land Bank of the Philippines branches and the...
  • DILG 13 conducts regional forum on local governance

    BUTUAN CITY, Oct 23 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga, in commemoration of the 21st year of the Local Government Code, conducted the regional forum on local governance on October 19 at Dottie’s Place Hotel, Butuan City. Local chief executives in the region, representatives from regional line agencies, civil society organizations, academe and DILG personnel convened in the forum to celebrate the two decades of local autonomy in the Philippines. The ...
  • PhilHealth to adopt LOINC in eClaims System

    MANILA, Oct 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is adopting the Logical Observations, Identifiers, Names and Codes (LOINC) for use in its electronic claims (eClaims) system. In his advisory to members, PhilHealth President and CEO Eduardo P. Banzon explained that LOINC is produced and managed by the Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana and is used for consistently coding common clinical and laboratory events that occur in the healthcare setting. Banzon...
  • Fish Conservation Week recognizes partners in fishery, aquatic campaign

    CEBU CITY October 23 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 and the Department of Agriculture in the region has given recognition to individuals, groups and Local Government Units (LGUs) who made a big contribution to the fishery and aquatic campaign. The recognition was done through the awarding of Gawad Saka national, regional, and provincial winners during the culminating activity of the 49th Fish Conservation Week in the region last October 14 to 19 with the theme...
  • San Nicolas, Laoag City hailed Most Business-Friendly LGUs

    San Nicolas, Laoag City hailed Most Business-Friendly LGUs LAOAG CITY, Oct 23 (PIA) -- San Nicolas town and Laoag City bagged the top posts for the prestigious award in the national search for the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) for 2012 during the 38th Business Conference and Expo of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). President Benigno S. Aquino III personally handed the awards to the LGU executives Mayor Alfredo Valdez Jr. of San Nicolas and Mayor Mi...
  • DA-BFAR, USAID launch fish conservation project

    QUEZON CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have launched a joint five-year project to help conserve and manage Philippine coastal and marine resources. During the launch, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA is proposing a P4.6-billion budget for the fishery sector under its 2013 national expenditure program to enable BFAR to rebound and sus...
  • DTI to intensify monitoring of Xmas light products

    DAVAO CITY, Oct 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is asking consumers to be more vigilant on the products they see and buy in the market even as it vowed to intensify the monitoring of Christmas lights and decorations starting November this year. “We have started monitoring the stores as early as October but our monitoring will be more intensified by November onwards as this is the time when Christmas decorations are in high demand,” DTI 11 director Marizon S. Loreto ...
  • NTC opens assistance center in West Visayas

    ILOILO CITY, Oct 22 (PIA) -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Western Visayas is operating a One Stop Public Assistance Center (Ospac) where the public can easily refer their complaints or inquiries on the services of the telecom service providers. The center acts on complaints of the public on vanishing cell phone loads, text scams and other malpractices by companies, Ospac In-Charge Engr. Dygee Gallega said. With the Ospac and their massive information campaign for the...
  • DENR, Army distribute land titles in Negros Occidental

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 22 (PIA) -- Troopers from the Alpha Company of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion based in Brgy. McKinley, Guihulngan City joined hands with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the distribution of land titles in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. Twenty-five land titles were handed out to farmer beneficiaries of Barangays Quinten Remo and Macagahay, all of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on October 15. The land title...
  • NNC to confer first year CROWN maintenance award to Ifugao province

    BANAUE, Ifugao Oct. 22 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) will confer the first year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (Crown) maintenance award to the province of Ifugao. In her letter to Governor Eugene Balitang, Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardina T. Flores said the conferring of the first year CROWN maintenance award to Ifugao was based on the recommendation of the National Nutrition Evaluation Team (NNET). “The result of the NNET validation v...
  • Tacurong is Mindanao’s best-performing city in local governance

    KORONADAL City, South Cotabato, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- Of the five cities selected as national finalists for this year’s Gawad Pamana ng Lahi of the Department of Interior and Local Government, only Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat province managed to join the elite group composed of cities all coming from Luzon. Tacurong, the only city finalist from Mindanao received an invitation from the Department of Interior and Local Government to gather in Manila on October 18 for the final screening of the G...
  • GSIS installs ARMM GW@PS kiosk

    COTABATO CITY, October 22 (PIA) -- A Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@PS) was turned over here last October 18 to cater to the needs on loan processing and data access of employees in the region. The kios will ensure good service for ARMM employees, Mario Aguha, a GSIS board member, said. Aguha, a former Akbayan representative, led the unveiling and turnover. With the kiosk, ARMM employees need not form a long queue to process their loans ...
  • DPWH 2nd Leyte Eng’g District tops testing fee collections

    CARIGARA, Leyte, Oct 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Second Leyte Engineering District (LED) has topped the collection of testing fees in September 2012 among the 12 district offices in Eastern Visayas. This was learned during the monthly meeting of the second LED section chiefs with District Engineer Margarita C. Junia. Junia attributed the good collection performance, which exceeded even the collection of the regional office, to the acquisition of new equipment...
  • PRO 13 gears up to elevate its performance

    BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 20 (PIA) -- Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has launched a seminar on Integrated Transformation Program-Performance Governance System here to improve its performance in the delivery of police services. The first phase of the seminar was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion. PSupt Susan Jalla, chief of Regional Crime Laboratory 13 and secretariat of Performance Governance System, discussed the importance of the PNP individual scorecard. Scor...
  • LGU Ozamiz is Region 10 winner of Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct 19 (PIA) -- Ozamiz City have been declared Regional Winner of the Search for “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” City Category, conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10. Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez received the award during the Regional Governance Forum held at Grand Caprice, Lim Ket Kai Complex, Cagayan de Oro, last October 18. The activity was also in celebration of the 21st anniversary of the implementation of ...
  • DOLE awards Best PESO Award to QC

    QUEZON CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded the 2011 National Best PESO Award- Highly Urbanized Category to the Quezon City (QC) Public Employment Service Office (PESO) during the 12th National PESO Congress in Baguio City. The event was attended by more than 500 PESO managers and employees at the Baguio Country Club last October 11. Those who graced the National PESO Congress were Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Chairman of the...