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RIVERWATCH RESTO GETS TRIPADVISOR 2013 THUMBS-UP FOR HIGH RATINGS
Saturday 25th of May 2013
BOHOL, May 25 (PIA) -- Another Bohol iconic tourist-service company catches international attention when a famous travel service website cited it for excellence in 2013.
In 2012, travel ratings website www.tripadvisor.com cited Gerarda’s in Tagbilaran City as a highly rated eat-out restaurant for local and foreign tourists.
This year, tripadvisor confers to Loboc RiverWatch Floating Restaurant a Certificate of Excellence in 2013, for the company’s being among the top performing 10% of all businesses worldwide on tripadvisor.
The citation, according to tripadvisor is given to businesses that consistently earn high ratings.
TripAdvis...
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24May2013VIGAN CITY, May 24, (PIA) -- Although the Aluling Bridge only spans 180 meters, it has been dubbed the “longest” bridge in Ilocos Sur as it took 36 years and six Philippine Presidents before it was completed. The Aluling Bridge is constructed along the Suyo-Cervantes-Sabangan Road crossing the Abra River and connecting the towns of Cervantes in Ilocos Sur and Tadian in Mountain Province Cervantes Mayor Benjamin Maggay said that the bridge will benefit residents both in Ilocos Sur and the C...
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24May2013CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) here said new rice seed varieties produced to boost farmers’ yield in this town. The DA partnered with the local government in producing the seeds to support Cabugao’s new rice technology and farming program. Cabugao Agricultural Officer Obas Bill Y. Baclig said that the seed varieties are known to produce better yield. Baclig said that the seed varieties produced in Cabugao are inbred rice seeds like Certified PSB R...
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24May2013SAN JOSE, Antique, May 24 (PIA) -- The conduct of the 3-day “Diskwento Caravan” will be of great help to parents, especially minimum wage earners and those with several children going to school, this year. “The Diskwento Caravan which is set to be conducted on May 27-29 at Tradetown, Dalipe, this Municipality, will cater to the needs of the consumers as well as easing their financial burden,” said Provincial Director Lea T. Gonzalez of the Department of Trade and Industry Antique Provin...
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24May2013NEGROS OCC., May 24 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Aquatic Resources here has distributed a total of 99,085 Tilapia fisherlings to more than 75 small fish farmers last year, BFAR Chief Carlito Delfin, said. Free Tilapia fry were given to recipients who were mostly poor fish upland farmers operating small ponds and backyard earthen ponds. For those who can afford, each fry was sold at .35 to .45 centavos depending on the size that earned the agency P9, 116 in 2012. BFAR Technical Staff Maria Jill S...
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24May2013BAGUIO CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Cordillera reported that they have not received any petition for wage increase this year and this may be attributed to the improving economy. DOLE-Cordillera Regional Director John Henry Jalbuena said in an interview that the improving economy of the country is being felt by the workforce and this may be a factor why no petition on wage increase has been filed yet. “Our economy is doing well and our peso is appr...
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24May2013MANILA, May 24 -- The Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AMRECO) is convening key stakeholders of the island’s power sector to push for immediate and long-term strategies that will address the region’s power issues. A statement from the Mindanao Development Authority said the 2nd Mindanao Congress of the Advocates for Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification and Development (MinCARED) is slated from May 27 to 28 in Cagayan de Oro City. This will serve as a platfor...
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24May2013MARIVELES, Bataan, May 24 (PIA) -- The Freeport Area of Bataan continues to take the track of being the first Labor Standard Compliant Freeport Zone in the country as its two manufacturing firms recently signed a pact with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to improve their work and safety measures. Essilor Manufacturing Philippines and Chun Chiang Enterprises Manufacturing Company, together with their contractors, signed a memorandum of understanding with DOLE-Region 3 that will cov...
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24May2013SAN ISIDRO, Leyte, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Eastern Visayas are eyeing the implementation of irrigation projects to boost vegetable production in three Leyte towns. DAR Region 8 Director Eliasem Castillo said the idea came as a result of the clamor of the farmers in Barangay Daja Diot in this town for the construction of an irrigation project in the area. Castillo said funding for the project will come from th...
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24May2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has revealed the newly completed asphalt overlay along the Municipality of Carmona's diversion road. DPWH-Cavite said the asphalt overlay (KM47+ (-804) to KM47+ (-339) have been one of the completed project of the government this year. The contract cost of the completed project was Php17,397,788.93. The project which started last February 13, 2013 was completed on April 7 this year under contract wi...
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24May2013DIADI, Nueva Vizcaya, May 24(PIA) -- A women’s organization in this town are already reaping the gains of a livelihood fund given by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last year. Through the DOLE’s livelihood assistance amounting to P128,000 to the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Barangay Villa Florentino, raw materials for the club’s soft broom making project have been increased. “This project has been very helpful and beneficial for the RIC which has at least 60 members. ...
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24May2013ZAMBOANGA CITY, MAY 24 -- The Department of Science and Technology IX (DOST-9) has released P700,000 for the project of Sulo Agragrian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Sarbemco) in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. “Upgrading of Abaca Processing Facility of Sarbemco,” the project funded by the Small Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP), targets to acquire five (5) units of Abaca spindle stripping machines to service the abaca plantation of the cooperative; to increase the fiber prod...
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24May2013ILOILO CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- Western Visayas has remained the top producer of carabao in the Philippines despite decreasing volume in production. The National Statistical Coordination Board 6 (NSCB 6) data (as of May 20) revealed that the region accounts for 14 percent of the country’s total production each year. Region 6 was also top carabao producer 2010 to 2012. Last year, the region was able to produce 19,919 metric tons of carabao to retain its status as the country’s number one pr...
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24May2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 24 (PIA) -- An official of the Bureau of Internal Revenue has reiterated the agency's call to business taxpayers to secure their application to print (ATP) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue here for the printing of new principal and supplementary receipts or invoices. He said that per Revenue Regulations No. 18-2012, all unused or unissued principal and supplementary receipts or invoices prior to the effectivity of said regulation shall be valid only until June 30,201...
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23May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 23 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority in South Cotabato needs to procure at least 186,680 bags of palay before the end of this year, an official of the agency confirmed today. Guialudin Usman, general manager of NFA – South Cotabato said, the adjusted procurement target is 86,000 bags higher than the original goal of 100,000 set early this year. The decision to raise the target volume of procurement, he explained, is l...
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23May2013VIGAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- Before running his lucrative hopia (stuffed pastry bread) business, Ferdinand Ruizan began with a five-kilogram flour which he baked into pandesal (local bread). After a month of selling pandesal , Ruizan asked a relative for a hopia recipe and later on sold hopia baboy and hopia mongo in his village and neighboring areas. Few weeks later, Ruizan became popular in the village for his delicious hopia and then there was the Ruizan Food Products. Believing in the goo...
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23May2013AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed the first batch of titles to 93 agrarian reform beneficiaries on March 21, 2013 Brgy. Sta. Emelia, Veruela, Agusan del Sur. The titles covered a total of 174.8756 hectares. The distribution was led by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Paysal B. Tumog, Al hajj, CARPO Cristino P. Samputon, assisted by Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Vilma S. Romero. The activity was also attended by the Administrative...
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23May2013CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, May 23 (PIA) -- The Magat Dam will provide irrigation to at least 82 thousand hectares of ricelands from the province of Isabela and Quirino this cropping season from the previous 80 thousand hectares In the next two weeks, National Irrigation Authority (NIA) will also start the operations of its two pumping stations to deliver irrigation waters in Gamu and Burgos towns to be used by rice farmers in the two localities. Among the areas that are being provided irrigation ...
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23May2013KALIBO, Aklan, May 23 (PIA) – To fill the glut that Boracay is experiencing now, it must not just depend on visitors coming from a single market or country, a tourism official said. Tim Ticar, officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Boracay Island said this in the wake of booking cancellations being experienced now by resorts in the island as well as the cancelled flights of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) – Taipei, Taiwan route and vice versa due to a diplomatic pro...
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23May2013NAVAL, Biliran, May 23 (PIA) -- Members of the Naval Suman Makers Association (NASUMA) got big sales when they participated in the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City last May 16-19. Engineer Celerina Bato, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director, in an interview said five members of the NASUMA in Naval town had their product market-tested in the fair. As the IFEX Philippines 2013 opened at 10 in the...
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23May2013QUEZON CITY, May 22 (PIA) --- Philippines continues to prove itself as a favorable spot for investors since the Standard and Poor’s (S&P), an international credit watchdog, has named the country as the “first sovereign rising star of 2013.” A “rising star” as defined by Standard and Poor’s, is a bond issuer that Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services has upgraded to “investment grade” (‘BBB-‘ to AAA) from “speculative grade” (D to ‘BB+’). “On May 2, 2013, Standar...
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23May2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 23 (PIA) – Capiceños are assured of affordable and sufficient school supplies for the opening of classes in June. Capiz Trade and Industry Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes said that the prices of school supplies in Capiz remains stable and the supply is enough for the consumers here. Pollentes said that except for pencils and crayons that have a P1.00 increase due to the higher raw material cost, all other school supplies have so far no price increases. “...
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23May2013ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- The irrigators’ associations in Western Visayas can look forward to more grants and incentives from the Department of Agriculture (DA-6) this year. DA-6 Regional Director Larry Nacionales said the grants and incentives can further motivate irrigators to improve their rice production this 2013, being the National Year of Rice. Nacionales said that DA-6 will be giving one hand tractor as grant if the irrigators’ association could plant 100 hectares of rice fiel...
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23May2013DAGUPAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) --The biggest Poultry and Livestock Expo will happen in Pangasinan on May 23 and 24 with the convergence of various local backyard raisers from the different parts of the province. The two-day expo, a partnership between the Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and the Tourism Operations Division, promises to be a spectacular event. Pilmico Chief Executive Officer Sabin Aboitiz said that through the expo, participants wil...
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23May2013SINAIT, May 23 (PIA) – The Bawang (garlic) festival celebration this year will focus on reviving the local garlic industry which has suffered a slump due to stiff competition from imported and smuggled garlic. The annual festival promotes the tiny-bulb variety which is more expensive but better in quality with far more flavor and aroma than imported ones. Garlic remains one of the most valuable kitchen ingredients today on top of its widely-recognized health enhancing content. Garlic pro...
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22May2013ILOILO CITY, May 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) here to join the export bandwagon and maximize the usage of the services offered by the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP). Mr. Senen Perlada, DTI-BETP director, said that the DTI has spearheaded a program, in collaboration with Regional Operations and Development Group (RODG), known as Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters or the RIPPLES Project to s...
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22May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in (DA) Eastern Visayas will lead the Agri-Aqua Fair and Exhibit to highlight the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration in the region. DA 8 Regional Director Antonio Gerundio said the activity which is scheduled on May 27-29 aims to add meaning to the national event which honors the invaluable contributions of farmers and fishermen in nation-building. In line with this year’s theme: “Magsasaka’t Mangingisdang Pil...
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22May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 22 (PIA) -- Grassroots communities are now part of the process in budget preparation for tourism development. Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the government is using the bottom-up budgeting approach. This kind of approach, piloted by nine government agencies for the 2013 national budget, allocates resources from the bottom to the top, engaging grassroots communities in budget preparation. Local government units (LGUs) have propose...
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22May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 22 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato received yesterday the livelihood support from the government. Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)12 distributed capital seed funds to CCT beneficiaries in the villages of Midpapan 1, Buricain, and Libungan-Torreta. A total amount of P1,050, 000 worth of livelihood assistance implemented under the Sustainable Livelihood Progra...
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22May2013QUEZON CITY, May 22 (PIA) -- The national government's foreign debt declined by 9.57 percent in March 2013 compared to the same period last year. Data from the Bureau of Treasury showed that the government’s foreign debt went down to P1.875 trillion last March, from P2.074 trillion year on year. This covers 36 percent of the government's NG total debt from 59 percent a year ago. The Government expanded on domestic borrowing “to reduce foreign exchange risk and harness ample market liquid...
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22May2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office 8 held an orientation yesterday on the revised agri-research development and extension implementation in the province. Dr. Elvira Torres, DA 8 head of research, discussed matters relating to research, development and extension (RDE) activities which can be initiated at local government levels, a process that involved interacting directly with farmers. She met with agriculture officers from this ci...
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22May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 22 (PIA) -- Major stakeholders of palm oil industry in Mindanao believe stronger collaboration between the private sector and the government could boost the region’s potential for palm oil investments. In a statement, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) revealed that out of the almost 900,000 hectares of land identified to be suitable for oil palm plantation, 177,000 hectares are already under negotiation for palm oil developmen...
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22May2013SIQUIJOR, May 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Techonology (DOST) - Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) releases another P350,000 to Dodge Welding Work of Candanay Norte, Siquijor, Siqujor. DOST-Siquijor provincial director Mario de la Pena said the SET-UP program is providing technical support and assistance Dodge Welding Works owned and managed by Deleto Cuevas. Entitled “Machinery and Equipment Upgrading of Dodge Welding Shop”, the project is a component ...
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22May2013LUCENA CITY, Quezon, May 22 (PIA) -- Fifty inmates of the Lucena city jail underwent a livelihood training organized recently by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Quezon in cooperation with Cocos Nuciferas Pacific Enterprises. Pablito Budoy, public information officer of DTI-Quezon said 30 females and 20 males inmates at the city jail participated in the coco twine making. “The inmates could earn P75 per day by making coco twine, a very good source of income while they are inside th...
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22May2013NAGUILIAN, Isabela, May 22 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)-Isabela is reminding all local candidates in the just concluded mid-term elections to pay their campaign fund taxes. Isabela Revenue District Office Chief Nerissa Agraam said that all local candidates including party-list groups that are registered in the province whether winners or losers in the last elections are mandated to pay their campaign fund taxes to the government. She said that the BIR will collect at least fiv...
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21May2013QUEZON CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute has developed a 'guilt-free' ice cream. Low in fat and sugar, but equally loaded with ice cream goodness, this healthy frozen delight is a developed by FNRI researchers Ma. Elena G. Fernandez, Wenefrida N. Lainez and Dahlia A. Diaz, said DOST in an article posted on its website (dost.gov.ph). Based on its data, a cup of this FNRI-developed ice cream at 100 grams contains only 0.46 grams ...
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21May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) recently agreed through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to accelerate coconut planting and re-planting in the entire Bicol Region. The move aims to boost the coconut industry that has suffered setbacks due to the two major typhoons in 2006, illegal cutting and infestations in the previous years. DAR Bicol regional director Maria Cristina Manlagñit Tam and PCA Bicol administrator E...
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21May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 21 (PIA) -- Samar agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) may now avail themselves of free crop insurance under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) - Philippine Crop Insurance Company (PCIC) Agricultural Insurance Program. Last May 16, ARBs from the Roxas ll Farmers Association from the Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) at Oquendo, Calbayog City attended an orientation with PCIC Regional Manager Dominico Digamon. The insurance program aims to give crops grown by farm...
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21May2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, May 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Rizal held an effective costing and pricing seminar today at the La Travieza Seafood Restaurant, Antipolo City. Around 55 local entrepreneurs of Rizal province attended the affair which was held in cooperation with East West Bank–M.L. Quezon, Antipolo and the University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP-ISSI). The event primarily aims to provide the participants with knowledge on effec...
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21May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 21 (PIA) -- After the recent shipment of black rice to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Phillippines, through the Department of Agriculture, is shipping more premium rice to Hong Kong. These organic rice products are being grown by members of the Don Bosco Multi-purpose Cooperative based in M’lang North Cotabato. On May 15, DA Assistant Secretary Dante Delima and DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-...
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21May2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, May 21 (PIA) -- Vessels coming into harbor at the Subic Bay Freeport would feel doubly secure now, as the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) installed a new vessel tracking system to help raise the level of safety in this maritime port. SBFCC president Danny Piano said the business locators’ group installed a new Automatic Identification System (AIS) antenna on May 2 at the iconic Lighthouse Marina Resort, which is conveniently located to receive transceiver si...
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21May2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 21 (PIA) -- The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has gone a long way in project implementation in Hernani town in this province. Last June 30, 2011, the KALAHI-CIDSS launched Cycle 2 of KALAHI-CIDSS: Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) project implementation through the municipal orientation and memorandum of agreement (MO...
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21May2013VIGAN CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- Micro-entrepreneurs in the province will find it easier to tap lending firms with the recent conduct of a financing forum. The forum, which is sponsored by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ilocos Sur and the Ilocos Sur provincial government, provided entrepreneurs a window to the financing programs offered by local funding institutions and enabled them to identify the most convenient financing program for their projects. Financing firms present in the forum we...
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21May2013CALAMBA CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in cooperation with the Calamba City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCCLDO) held a "Diskwento Caravan" at the city hall recently. Dubbed “Diskwento Caravan: Balik Eskwela” edition, the caravan is a one-day sale offering consumers with an alternative choice of low-priced items particularly basic commodities and school supplies. Various items such as books and references, school supplies, foods and gr...
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21May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The government will construct at least 865 new classrooms in the Bicol region within the year under the regular school buildings program (RSBP) for calendar year 2013 of the Department of Education (DepEd). Program supervisor Casiano B. Pendegones Jr. of the DepEd Bicol said that the construction of the school buildings is still under procurement stage, but is expected to be completed within the year. Pendegones added that the target completion for the one-store...
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20May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 20 (PIA) -- Farmers in Sto. Niño town in South Cotabato would soon be adding value to the milk they are producing from their carabaos. Recently, the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in cooperation with the local government unit formally opened a milk processing center in the said town. Benjamin Basilio, center director of PCC based at the state-owned University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato, said the Sto. Niñ...
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20May2013BAGUIO CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- This summer capital moves one notch higher, from 10th spot in 2011 to ninth spot, on the list of favorite tourism destinations in the country in 2012. Department of Tourism –Cordillera (DOT-CAR) Regional Director Purificacion Molintas bared this in a press conference last week launching the “Sabsabong Ti Mayo”, the culminating event for Summer Vacation 2013. Based on DOT – CAR data, Baguio City remains the top visitor drawer for Cordillera with 617,079 vi...
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20May2013CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, May 20 (PIA) -–Thirty two municipalities in the region have been affected by the coconut scale insect infestation, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) 4A reported. Raul Ambroiso Alfiler, chief of the PCA epidemiology-entomology division, said the 32 municipalities are in the following provinces: 11 in Batangas; 13 in Laguna; five in Cavite; and three in Quezon. “As a result of this infestation, a total of 878,877 coconut trees have been affected as well as the 5,17...
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17May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- Albay Governor and Bicol Regional Development Council chair Joey Sarte Salceda sees the Railway Development Summit next month as a way of convincing President Benigno S. Aquino III to put railway development at the center of the national agenda. Salceda said that the development or modernization of the railway system in the country will play a key pillar of national development and as a conduit of net resource transfers to the countryside. The development prospec...
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17May2013QUEZON CITY, May 17 -- About 100 food products produced and processed in Mindanao are currently featured in this year’s International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex from May 16-19. Along with more than 600 other exhibitors from the country and abroad, these Mindanao products stand a good chance for more opportunities to find export partners. Romeo Montenegro, Investment and Public Affairs Director of the Mindanao Development Authori...
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17May2013MANILA, May 17 (PIA) -- All seven groups vying for the first airport project to be bid out under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program have been successfully pre-qualified, the Department of Transportation and Communications said in a statement Thursday. The announcement, which was made four days ahead of schedule, signifies that the P 17.5-billion Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Passenger Terminal Building Project will be contested by the followi...
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17May2013QUEZON CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) thru its export marketing arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions (CITEM) is holding the 2013 International Food Exhibition (IFEX) at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. The IFEX which will run from May 16 to 19 occupies the two-floor exhibit area of the convention center and participated by food producers from the Philippines and other countries that showcase some 700 products. IFEX P...
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17May2013QUEZON CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- The cumulative remittances from the overseas Filipinos (OFs) received during the first quarter of 2013 amounting to US$5.6 billion is higher by 6.2 percent compared to the same period of 2012, according to the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In March 2013, personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) registered a 3.7 percent year-on-year growth reaching US$1.9 billion according to the BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. Tetangco said that the factors that...
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17May2013CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, May 17 (PIA)-- The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) is making waves in the business arena after it posted the highest growth rate among investment promotion agencies (IPA) in the country. The 1,691-hectare industrial complex has surpassed the seven other big IPAs including the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in terms of growth rate from 2011 to 2012, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (...
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17May2013TAGUM CITY, May 17 -- Davao del Norte's strong support to organic agriculture is paying off. The Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO) noted an unprecedented increase in the demand of the Compost Fungus Activator (CFA), Trichoderma Harzianum, which is used to decompose rice straws to serve as organic fertilizer. From less than 1,000 packs per month, PAGRO has distributed 4,199 packs of CFA last month based on its report. According to Dr. Anastacia Notarte, assistant provincial agriculturis...
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17May2013CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, May 17 (PIA) -- After being hailed the fastest growing economic zone in the country, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) is now eyeing to upgrade its computer systems to unify with all the government offices nationwide. AFAB recently conducted a training with information technology developer E-Konek Pilipinas Inc. to familiarize the companies inside the freeport about the Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) Customs System. E2M is part of the full computerizatio...
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16May2013TACLOBAN City, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry Leyte provincial office launched yesterday its 6th Diskuwento Caravan: Balik Eskuwela Edition 2013 with the theme: “Presyong Panalo Para sa Mamimiling Pilipino.” DTI Leyte Provincial Director Desiderio Belas Jr. said participating business establishments and distributors in the caravan offer discounted prices ranging from 10 to 20 percent or more. The caravan will run from May 15 until May 17 as a prelude to the sch...
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16May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- It will take only a travel time of six hours from Legaspi City to Manila with a railway service extending up to Matnog in Sorsogon where a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) sea port is located. These and more recommendations will be presented by the Regional Development Council (RDC) of the Bicol Region during the Railway Development Summit which will be held on June 21 in Metro Manila. According to RDC secretariat, the Philippine Development Plan and the Bicol Regional D...
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16May2013SAN JOSE, Antique, May 16 (PIA) – The National Food Authority (NFA) has exceeded its palay procurement target for the first semester of 2013. The agency bought 47,532 bags of palay, almost double its target of 25,000 bags, for the period. In 2012, the NFA’s target was 175,000 bags, but also exceeded this when it procured 185,643 bags of palay. NFA Antique Provincial Manager Hedy G. Jardeleza attributed this to the efforts of the NFA team and farmer's organizations in the province, the D...
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16May2013ILOILO CITY,May 16 (PIA6) -- The Cebu-Negros-Panay 230 KV Backbone in the Visayas is one of six major transmission backbone and interconnection projects in the country that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has proposed for an accelerated roll out in support to efforts to meet the energy needs of the country. This and the other projects are in line with the long-term development plan of the country, which is presently anchored on the Philippine Development...
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16May2013QUEZON CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Standard and Poor's Rating Services (S&P) raised the gross domestic product GDP) forecast of the Philippines among other Asia-Pacific nations despite the slowing growth in the region in early 2013. In its latest report, the S&P raised the Philippines’ base case 2013 growth forecast to 6.5 percent, together with Malaysia’s (5.5 percent) and Taiwan’s (3.8 percent) which “reflects the ongoing strength” of the economy. The S&P report added that in case t...
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15May2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 15 (PIA) -- The Bohol Provincial Accounting Office (PAccO) has adopted new trends in IT-technology for fast-tracking paper processes and making transparent accounting of public funds. PAccO chief, Joseth Celocia told employees gathered during the monthly convocation that the office uses a Commission on Audit (COA)-provided software that eases up preparation and generation of Journal Entry Vouchers (JEV) that also hooks up with the COA for easy and updated financial r...
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15May2013DAVAO CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Philippines has strengthened its entry to the global market as rice exporter with the export of another three-ton shipment of black, red and brown rice to Hongkong from the Don Bosco Multi-purpose Cooperative in M’lang, North Cotabato. The ceremonial send-off was held at the Tefasco Wharf in Panacan, Davao City this Wednesday morning, May 15. Agriculture Undersecretary Dante Delima, Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional director of the Department of Agriculture 12,...
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15May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 15 (PIA) -- The Samar first district engineering office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now constructing P127.8 farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in several areas. The projects, funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), are the following: Concreting of FMR projects in San Agustin-Gandara Samar-Pagsanghan, Samar; Dinabongan-Cabicahan, Calbayog City, Samar; Cagsumje-Calvary, Sta. Margarita, Samar; Tagnao-Samuyao, Gandara, S...
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15May2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 15 (PIA6) – Twenty-two exhibitors participated in the Diskwento Caravan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Capiz Provincial Office which opened today at the public plaza here. The two-day sale of goods and basic commodities at discounted prizes is open to all Capiceños and in time with the release of mid-year bonus for employed sector workers. DTI – Capiz Business Regulation and Consumer Welfare Division head Ma. Angelita L. Colmo said that the init...
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14May2013KAYAPA, Nueva Vizcaya, May 14 (PIA) -- This town’s name truly resonates persistence in the face of challenges that come in their way. This was proven through a multi-sectoral effort to revive the once forgotten traditional art and skill of loom weaving. For many years, the Igorot (people of the mountain) settlers, composed of the Kalanguya, Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Ikalahan, Iwak and Bontoc tribes’ art of loom weaving has vanished, leaving the skills of the elders not transferred to the youn...
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14May2013QUEZON CITY, May 14 -- The Philippine agriculture industry grew by 3.3 percent in the first three months of 2013, the Department of Agriculture said. DA said that all four subsectors — crops, fishery, poultry and livestock — posted respective increases, grossing a total of P352.5 billion at current prices. Citing estimates of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the crops subsector, accounting for more th...
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14May2013Carcar is a thriving city in Cebu south, largely agricultural with around 200 farmers growing eggplants. For these farmers, exposing their eggplants to chemicals has become an accepted practice. What farmers do is dip the eggplants in strong chemicals before it is harvested to make it look healthy. This practice is prevalent among eggplant producers who opt for high income. One of these eggplant farmers is Marino Quisa-ot, who has been growing eggplants for 20 years now. He has, however, r...
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13May2013QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- In a span of not more than a week, the Philippines has received another credit rating upgrade. The Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. (JCR) announced that they have raised the country’s credit rating to BBB from the minimum investment grade of BBB-. JCR gave a “stable” outlook on the rating, expecting to sustain a 6% annual economic growth in the next few years. Essential areas such as the government’s improving fiscal situation, pace of economic growth, rising...
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13May2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , May 13(PIA)– The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office(PSWDO) has distributed a total fund of more than P3.8 million to various livelihood organizations and groups in the province as capital assistance to jumpstart their micro business ventures. Jojo Celestino, PSWDO administrative officer said the livelihood fund was given to 303 groups such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women’s cooperatives, tricycle operators and drivers association...
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10May2013QUEZON CITY, May 10 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warns small businesses of the continuing and increasing cases of cyber hacking particularly on import and export transactions of local businesses with their foreign counterparts. “We have recently received reports of the modus operandi of hackers that divert Filipino importers’ payments to their bank accounts, ”Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED) Officer-in-Charge Jerry T. Clavesillas said. ...
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10May2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 10 (PIA) -- Forty eight applicants were immediately hired during the recently conducted Tabuk City Jobs Fair, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). DOLE Kalinga Chief Dr. Alexander Gumabol reported that from the 263 applicants who registered during the one-day jobs fair last May 6, 203 have qualified after the interview. From these, 48 were hired on the spot for having completed all their requirements during the application- 22 for overseas work...
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10May2013TAGUDIN, Ilocos Sur, May 10 (PIA) -- This town is eyeing to produce calamansi (native citrus plant)-based products with the operation of a calamansi processing venture. Members of the Tagudin Federated Calamansi Growers Association (TFCGA), organized by the local government, were identified as beneficiaries of the town’s calamansi-processing industry. Tagudin has nearly 70 hectares of land planted to calamansi, also known as the Philippine lime. The group, which registered with the Depart...
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10May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The City Agriculture Office here expressed optimism that this year would be a good year for the rice production as it posted an initial yield of 402.53 metric tons (MT) of hybrid rice planted to 69.87 hectares of land in September 16 last year to March 15 this year. City agriculturist Jesus Kallos said the data indicated an average of 5.76 metric tons per hectare and equivalent to 125.25 cavans per hectare production. Kallos added that it also indicated an incre...
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10May2013DAVAO CITY, May 10 -- A world-class, multi-purpose arena currently under construction in Davao City is expected to be completed by 2015. According to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name, the center dubbed the King Dome will be the country’s largest dome and can seat about 52,000 people. The five-hectare site is located in the 23-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound beside the Davao International Airport. Pastor Quiboloy said that the dome...
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09May2013QUEZON CITY, May 9 -- The Department of Agriculture has earmarked P24 million for the restoration of typhoon-damaged portions of the Banawe rice terraces. Another P10M is also alloted to further develop and increase the production of traditional or ‘heirloom’ rice varieties for both domestic and export markets, the Department of Agriculture said Wednesday. The restoration of damaged terrace walls and irrigation canals, particularly in Barangay Batad, Banawe, Ifugao, will be completed by J...
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09May2013ILOILO CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- Withdrawals and check encashment above P100,000 would continue here despite the “money ban” ruling of the Commission on Election (Comelec) to prevent vote buying. Reiterating the official statement of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) national office late Tuesday, BSO Iloilo Officer-in-Charge Ma. Gecilia Landoy said limiting cash withdrawals to P100,000 may not be the best way to achieve the goal of ensuring clean and honest elections. Comelec resoluti...
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09May2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, May 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in its thrust of strengthening the metal and engineering industry of the region, is set to establish a common service facility in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). DOST Regional Director Julius Caesar Sicat, in a recent media forum here, disclosed that in recognition of the region’s large potential in the metal industry especially in the aircraft or airplane parts production which is currently in...
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09May2013BAGUIO CITY, May 9(PIA) - - The Department of Science in Technology (DOST) continuously develops the country’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) competitiveness through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in preparation for the ASEAN community 2015 wherein free-trade of products among member countries will be in place. DOST – Cordillera Assistant Regional Director Nancy Bantog disclosed that SETUP mainly aims to boost the competitiveness and productivity...
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09May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 9 (PIA) -- Asia’s longest zip-line located in Makilala town in North Cotabato is now open for tourists and adventure enthusiasts. On Sunday, May 5, the Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan led the inauguration of the 2.3 -kilometer zip-line in Barangay New Israel, the latest addition to the tourist attractions in the province, the most popular of which is the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s highest pe...
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09May2013ODIONGAN, Romblon, May 9 (PIA) -- Two inventions from Romblon won first and second prizes, respectively in the Likha category of the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) held recently at Filipiniana Hotel, Calapan City. RICE, which is done every two years, is designed to challenge inventors to come up with solutions to common place problems and to maximize their creativity. Engr. Orley Fadriquel of the Romblon State University (RSU) topped seven others entries with his Tiger Grass ...
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08May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 8 (PIA) -- Don Bosco Multipurpose Cooperative in M’lang, North Cotabato has increased its presence in the global market as exporter of organic rice. Some 15 metric tons of organic black rice produced by farmer-members of Don Bosco MPC formed part of the 35-MT first shipment of rice export to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The ceremonial send-off, led by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and DA 12 Regional ...
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08May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 8 (PIA) -- The most common question people in this part of the country ask nowadays is why the decreasing prices of copra. Manager Edilberto Nierva of the Philippine Coconut Authority in Eastern Visayas said that since the later part of 2011, the price of copra fell from a very high P62 per kilogram to a very low gate price of P6 as of April 28, 2013. In the barangays, buying price is much lower at P3 per kilogram. Indeed, the continuing fall of copra prices is pushin...
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08May2013QUEZON CITY, May 8 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of National Defense (DND) have launched a joint project to transform idle or reserved areas in military camps into farms, and enable military personnel to produce their own rice, corn, root crops, vegetables, fruits, fish, and other food requirements. Secretary of Agriculture Proceso J. Alcala and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin launched the project—dubbed “DA-DND agricultural livelihood developmen...
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07May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 7 (PIA) -- In an effort to hasten conduct of soil and water analyses and bring these services closer to the farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 here has upgraded its regional soils laboratory. These laboratories are situated in Cotabato City at the Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CEMIARC) in Amas, Kidapawan City in North Cotabato. A report from DA 12 said, the improvem...
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07May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 7 (PIA) --The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas hopes to finish this year the multi-million worth Tacloban Fishport Project. In a recent interview with Regional Director Juan Albaladejo of the Bureau of Fisheries and Acquatic Resources (BFAR) in the region during the Suruswerte ha PIA, he said the construction is now on going and is expected to be completed before the year ends. The new fishport will serve as an area for unloading a...
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07May2013QUEZON CITY, May 7 -- Slower price increases of food, electricity, and petroleum brought inflation down to 2.6 percent in April 2013, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Tuesday. “The average inflation rate for the first four months of 2013 settled at the low-end of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)’s inflation target of 3.0 to 5.0 percent for 2013,” said Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Arsenio M. Balisacan. Headline inflation decelerated a...
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07May2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Regional Office 10 posted a total collection of P5.7 billion in 2012, up by 10 percent compared to the total customs collections recorded in 2011. Records from the BOC-10 show that while there was a slowdown in collections in the fourth quarter of 2012, the annual figure still exceeded the BOC’s annual target by P181 million. The same records further show that collections in Cagayan de Oro Port and the sub-port in Iligan City we...
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07May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 7 (PIA) -- Applying organic fertilizer Bio-N has proven beneficial to a farmer, who was skeptic over trying a low-cost non- commercial fertilizer. Nasser Mandas of Barangay Panicupan in Pikit, North Cotabato said while relying mostly on the traditional costly inorganic commercial fertilizers, production from his rice farm had been very meager, at times not even enough to carry out farm activities for the next c...
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07May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 7 (PIA)—The Calbayog Diversion Road Project will soon be serving motorists plying the Maharlika Highway from Luzon to Mindanao and vice versa. According to a press release from the DPWH-Samar First District Engineering Office, the construction of Calbayog Diversion Road which started way back in 1996 is primarily seen as the best solution to decongest traffic in the poblacion of Calbayog City. The increasing volume of vehicles mostly ten wheeler trucks plying alon...
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07May2013PINUKPUK, Kalinga, May 7(PIA) – Eight out of the ten community-driven Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Makamasang Tugon Projects in Pinukpuk are now completed. JCommunity Facilitator Editha Dalapnas reported that said projects cover the first 10 of the 23 barangays of Pinukpuk funded as a grant through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) with counterpart from the local government of Pinukpuk and the concerned barangays....
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06May2013MANILA, May 6 (PIA) -- Seven U.S. companies participating in the 2013 Trade Winds-Asia, a trade mission organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, will visit Manila May 8-11 to meet with potential Philippine partners. In a statement, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said this mission is an indication that U.S. companies are taking an increasing interest in the Philippines as a place to do business. “We are excited about the prospects for American business her...
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06May2013QUEZON CITY, May 6 -- With rice self-sufficiency in sight, the Philippines after 40 years will once again export rice, initially comprising of 35 metric tons (MT) of aromatic, long-grain and organic black rice bound for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Department of Agriculture reported. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, who led the ceremonial send-off at the Manila Harbor Center,May 6 said the event is historic as it ushers in a new era in the country’s rice industry and the agricult...
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06May2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, May 6 (PIA) --The Maynilad Water Services, Incorporated (Maynilad) will construct a P166.5-million pumping station to increase water pressure in Bacoor City. In a statement posted in their website, Maynilad revealed that once completed, the construction of a 10-million liter per day pumping station along Molino Boulevard is expected to increase water pressure to 6,900 households in the city thus, providing water to an additional 13,159 households. “Through this ...
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06May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 6 (PIA) -- Average rice production in Soccsksargen Region should reach 4.04 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha) this year, according to target estimates from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12. At regular 50 kilograms per cavan, rice production areas in the region should be able to turn out yield of about 80.8 cavans per hectare. AgriPinoy Palayan Program focal person Ray Embajador, explained this year’s target is ...
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06May2013MANILA, May 13 -- Malacanang cited international credit rating firm Standard & Poor's (S&P) recent credit upgrade of the Philippines for the strengthening peso. In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that with the credit upgrade, the Philippine Peso now ranks third on the list of best performing currencies in the world. "Yung isa pa hong good news natin, the Philippine peso ranks third in the list o...
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04May2013MANILA, May 4 -- Tourist arrivals for the first quarter reached 1.27 million, a 10.76-percent growth from last year’s 1.15 million for the same period, the Department of Tourism said Friday. This, according to DOT marks the second time that foreign tourist arrivals breached the one-million mark in the first quarter, setting the pace for the Department to reach its 5.5 million arrival target for 2013. The first quarter performance accounts for 23 percent of the target arrivals for the year. ...
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04May2013ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 4 (PIA) -- In order to improve the power situation in Mindanao, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval to repair and upgrade its switchyard in Iligan City. In its application to the Commission, NGCP highlighted the urgency to rehabilitate its 59-year old switchyard located in the vicinity of the Agus 6 Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP), which is owned and operated by the government ...
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04May2013CEBU CITY, May 4 (PIA) -- More than 300 rice farmers in Cebu recently received insurance coverage from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7. During the launching of the International Year of Rice, 331 rice farmers from all over the province of Cebu received Certificates of Insurance Cover (CIC’s) and Accident Dismemberment Scheme Cards. Angel Enriquez, DA Regional Field Unit (RFU-7) Officer in charge said the insurance covers death and dismemberment of both the farmer and the insured animal ...
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03May2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment – Isabela Field office (DOLE-IFO) reported today that at least 266 job applicants during the May 1 job fair held at Santiago City were hired-on-the spot by local and overseas employment agencies. Gerardo Nicolas, administrative officer and concurrent communications officer of DOLE-IFO, in a news release, said 263 were hired on the spot by local employment agencies while three were hired for overseas job. Nicolas said...
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03May2013DAVAO DEL NORTE, May 3 (PIA) -- A Labor Day Jobs Fair organized for the first time by the Department of Labor and Employment in Tagum City drew job applicants from the provinces of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao Oriental. Handled by DOLE Davao del Norte provincial office, the May 1 Labor Day Job Fair registered 2,228 applicants, of which 1,864 were for local employment while 364 were for overseas work. One hundred sixty-eight were hired on the spot, of which 138 were for local ...
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03May2013MAKATI CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The local government has posted P5.85 billion in revenue collection from local sources from January to March this year, surpassing its record in the first quarter of 2012 by five percent. In a statement, City Treasurer Nelia Barlis said the bulk of the collections came from business, amounting to P2.88 billion, and real property tax, P2.58 billion. Compared to 2012, business tax collected increased by one percent, while realty tax increased by nine percent from Janu...
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03May2013PASIL, Kalinga, May 3 (PIA) -- Chevron-Kalinga Limited, the contract explorer of the geothermal power plant project in the province, continues to comply with pre-operation conditions for community development projects in host towns Lubuagan, Pasil, and Tinglayan. Lope Buen, Kalinga Apayao State College (KASC) KASC Special Project chairman and in-charge of the Chevron community project implementation, reported of various completed and on-going projects in the barangays of Lower and Upper Uma...
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03May2013DUMAGUETE CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- More than 20 local and overseas companies participated on Labor Day Jobs Fair at the Robinson's Place - Dumaguete attracting over 2,000 job seekers. The jobs fair was led by the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Negros Oriental. Of the total number of job applicants, around 1,379 were registered with complete documents as other applicants appeared with lacking credentials. However, 30 jobseekers were hired on the spot for local employment while of ...
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03May2013CEBU CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- Energy Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla said an accurate demand forecast of power needs is important in making the right projections to attract power investors into the country. During the recent Visayas Power Summit held in Cebu, Petilla said the energy department is trying to work on ensuring that right information on current power supply and power needs is available to be able to project a proper forecast of power demand in the following years. “Like for example, for...
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03May2013LUCENA CITY, Quezon, May 3 (PIA) -- Eighteen rice farmers from the island municipalities of Perez and Alabat recently finished a course on suitable technology in rice farming. Entitled “Pagsasanay para sa mga Angkop na Teknolohiya sa Pagpapalayan,” (Training for the Proper Technologies on Farming) the training was held April 29-May 3, 2013 at the Ouan’s Worth Farm Resort located in this city. The activity, organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 4A, was conducted in respon...
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03May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- The largest chunk of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-12’s 2013 budget would be spent to boost the region’s rice sector, an official of the agency said. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of DA 12 confirmed that of the P1.2 budget allotted for DA 12 this year, P501 million will be spent through the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program. This year’s budget is P169 million or 50.93 percent ...
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03May2013NAGA CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- True to his words, President Benigno S. Aquino III set foot here today anew to fulfill his promise of leading the inauguration of the newly refurbished Naga City Hospital (NCH) located at Barangay Penafrancia, this city. NCH, an LGU operated hospital since 1991 was beneficiary of a P15M grant coming from the National government through the Department of Health (DOH) and received a counterpart of another P10M from the city government here to renovate the old facility...
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03May2013DAVAO CITY, May 3 -- The 24 consumer organizations (COs) in Davao Region are forming a federation in a bid to make a stronger stance towards consumer protection and empowerment. Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region (DTI-Davao) Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) chief Rachel S. Remitio said such move of the region’s consumer organizations is a manifestation of their strong commitment as consumer advocates. “As a federation, these consumer organizations will be w...
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03May2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 3 (PIA) -- Engineer Jun Costales of Katahira Engineering International assured Eastern Samar residents that the roads they will build in the province under the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) are of good quality and world-class. He said this following apprehensions that Contract Package (CP) 3 of the Secondary Road Rehabilitation Project covering the 64-kilometer (km) stretch from San Julian to Balangkayan may be of sub-standard quality. Local folks have v...
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02May2013ILOILO CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- The higher incidence of underemployment in the region may be attributed to the fact that the majority of its workforce are either in the agriculture or the fishery sector. Department of Labor and Employment region 6 Director Ponciano Ligutom said this is the sector which is not stable and where income can vary in several aspects. “Farmers and fishermen are dependent on the climate and the onslaught of natural disasters can gravely affect their produce or catch,”...
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02May2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, May 2 (PIA) -- In an effort to promote the adoption of improved corn production techniques, the Provincial Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources Office (Paenro) is implementing a community-based participatory action research on organic corn project in this capital town in the amount of P1,110,000. Cathrine Buenaventura, supervising Agriculturist of Paenro and the project leader, said that their office trained 40 farmers using the Farmers Filed School (FFS) approach t...
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02May2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, May 2 (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo led recently the inauguration of Mimaropa’s first Product Development and Agri-Processing Plant in a simple ceremony that highlights the effectiveness of public-private partnership. Sec. Montejo underscored the collaboration between the DOST, the Department of Agriculture which provides raw materials to the project and Nature’s Tropical Delight (NTD) Inc. which processes...
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02May2013MANILA, May 2, 2013 -- The Philippines today received investment grade rating from international credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s. In a statement released by the agency, the country’s sovereign long-term foreign currency rating was upgraded from ‘BB+’ to ‘BBB’ - with stable outlook. This upgrade by S&P comes after the Philippine sovereign received its first investment grade rating from Fitch Ratings in March this year. Receiving news of the announcement, Department of Fina...
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02May2013DAVAO CITY May 2 (PIA) -- Motorists passing to Loyola and Porras Streets in the residential-commercial area of Barrio Obrero will have to bear the traffic for a while with road construction clogging its busy streets. The street projects are part of the unique Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) convergence action called the TRIP which stands for Tourism Roads Infrastructure Program. The infrastructure program involves the identification of roads ...
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02May2013QUEZON CITY, May 2 -- Total Gross Revenue Index of key industries grew by seven percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 as stated in the April 2013 issue of the Quarterly Economic Indices (QEI) of the Philippines. Real Estate still registered as the fastest growing industry at 22.0 percent growth from 25.2 percent in 2011. While, Private Services comes next with 11.8 percent from 8.9 percent; Finance grew by 9.9 percent from 11.1 percent; Trade was up by 7.7 percent from 10.5 percent; Manufactur...
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02May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) – Year-on-year inflation rate in Leyte province rose to 4.7 percent last February, the Provincial Statistics Office here said. According to NSO-Leyte report, the province inflation rate continued to move up from 4.1 percent in December last year, 4.3 percent in January and 4.7 percent in February this year. All of the eleven major commodity groups contributed to the 4.7 percent overall inflation rate, however, the following three major commodity groups cont...
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02May2013MANILA, May 2 -- Reaffirming the Administration’s goal of strengthening the country’s infrastructure base, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today announced that disbursements for infrastructure and capital outlay (CO) grew by 50.1 percent to P58.1 billion in the first quarter of 2013, up by 19.4 billion year-on-year. This, together with improved spending for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE)—which climbed to P70.4 billion as of March, 25.1 percent higher yea...
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01May2013VIGAN CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- An elegant multi-functional Filipiniana gown designed by a Vigan artist is the country’s entry to the World Stage Design festival in Cardiff, Wales in September. Designer Jerome Vaquilar won the best costume in a single performance during the grand street parade of the first World Costume Festival (WCF), which was launched in Vigan last Saturday. The WCF marked the opening of the week-long 2013 Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts from April 27 to May 4. The...
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01May2013QUEZON CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- There are 171,532 local and overseas job opportunities from 760 employers available to job seekers at the 2013 Labor Day Job Fairs in the National Capital Region (NCR) today, May 1. The 2013 Labor Day with the theme, Manggagawang Pilipino: Handa sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon is being celebrated as a tribute to the nation’s workers, in recognition of their significant contribution to the country’s development, and to highlight their achievements as a major soci...
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01May2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, April 30 (PIA) -- Officials of the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) will be collaborating with loom weavers here in order to present their products in local and international markets. This year, loom weavers in the upland town of Kayapa are expected to attend the five–day China ‘Expo’ in September this year to showcase their local products and discover links to the international market. “With this exposure, they can learn new technologies and skills...
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01May2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental cluster was the most favored by foreign tourists among the other clusters in Northern Mindanao during the year 2012, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said. Data gathered by NEDA from the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region show that 74 percent of the 61,113 foreign tourists or 45,244 went to the Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental last year. This was followed in by Camiguin with 9,389 foreign tourist...
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01May2013CEBU CITY, May 1 (PIA7) --- Cebu is not far from being rice sufficient this time with the Cebu Provincial Capitol behind. This was the statement of Angel Enriquez, Department of Agriculture 7 Officer in Charge Regional Director, in the recent launching of the International Rice Year in Cebu. In her speech, Enriquez thanked the Provincial Government including the mayors of the local government units for a good performance in rice production which eventually contributed to Central Visayas’ ran...
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01May2013LAMUT, May 1 (PIA)-- Animal technicians (ATs) from the eleven municipalities of this province were recently convened by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET) for updates in Agri-Pinoy livestock program. Joseph Aclibon of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics explained the Data System in Livestock for the province classified as Backyard Livestock and Poultry Supply or BLPS and the Commercial Livestock and Poultry Supply or CLPS. He said that data collection involves the listing of ...
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30Apr2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 30 (PIA) -- Farmers with existing coffee plantation in the province are being encouraged to revive and improve their coffee plantations and if possible, expand them considering the possible economic gains they could acquire from their harvest. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Grace Baluyan emphasized this during a meeting with the coffee industry stakeholders as she called on the frontline agencies of the industry to look into this matter....
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30Apr2013“Tupig (or rice cake),” a native delicacy in Balungao town, has become a hit locally and abroad. Arly Valdez, labor communications officer, said the delicacy’s growing popularity has inspired members of the Tupig Makers Association of Balungao (TMAB) to turn the homegrown treat to a community enterprise with the help of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Ilocos Region. Composed of 25 members, the TMAB was organized on August 8, 2009 and started off with a P107,800 liv...
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30Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 30 (PIA) -- More opportunities have been opened for the muscovado industry players in Sultan Kudarat province, an official said. Department of Trade and Industry provincial director Nelly Nita Dillera said that after the Muscovado Technology Forum and Market Matching held last April 16 exporters from Manila immediately booked an initial order of three tons of Muscovado from a local miller. The exporters, Dillera said are also keen on making a 10-ton reg...
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30Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 30 -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has suspended the processing of application to import all live shrimps and susceptible crustaceans indefinitely. In a statement, BFAR said this is to prevent Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) and other shrimp diseases from entering and spreading in the Philippines. BFAR draws its action from the recommendation done by Dr. Donald Lightner, a known shrimp disease expert. Likewise, the shrimp operators themselves expressed c...
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30Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) during a news conference here reported that 94.4 percent or nine out of 10 persons in region 10 are employed in the first quarter of the year. Dr. Marilou B. Igdon, NSO regional director and Dr. Janith C. Aves, Misamis Oriental provincial statistics officer said it is important to do a quarterly labor force survey to monitor the employment rate in the region. NSO said Northern Mindanao has the highest Labor Force Par...
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30Apr2013DAGUPAN CITY, Apr 29 (PIA) -- What started out as a simple celebration and a thanksgiving festival has evolved to a major tourist drawer that turned out to be one of the marketing wonders of the Dagupan city government. Eleven years ago, the Bangus Festival was conceptualized as part of the Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) where a thanksgiving mass is held every May 1 to celebrate the bounties of the sea. As the years passed, various activities were incorporated to showcase the beauty and cultu...
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30Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The Philippine Palm Oil Development Council Inc. (PPDCI) says oil palm can be the answer to economic development in the country. In its 8th National Palm Oil Congress held here from April 18 to 19, Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona of PPDCI said the congress aims to answer the vegetable oil shortage in the country now imported at P6.68 billion in 2010; to export, promote high farm productivity, generate employment opportunities and use oil palm biomass for organic f...
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30Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The Philippine Palm Oil Development Council Inc. (PPDCI) discussed the economic progress brought about by planting and exporting palm oil and its health and environmental benefits in the recently concluded 8th National Palm Oil Congress here. Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona of PPDCI answered some concerns regarding the effect of palm oil plantations in the environment. He said as opposed to the belief that palm oil causes floods during the rainy season, the tr...
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30Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 30 -- To encourage the creation of new businesses, and support the growth of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED) will conduct free entrepreneurship sessions next month. “Start-ups are crucial to the economic development, and direct and indirect job creation at the local and national levels,” BMSMED Officer-in-Charge Jerry T. Clavesillas said. For Ma...
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30Apr2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, April 30 (PIA) -- Products of Rizal Province were recently featured in the “Summer Fiesta Bazaar” by the PhilExport Southern Tagalog Association Inc. (PHILSTAI) at the Bureau of Domestic Trade (BDT) Showroom, Trade and Industry Building, Makati City. The products include bamboo lamps from Talim Island, Binangonan; fresh and sweet pineapple from Pililla; decorative storage boxes from San Mateo; and religious and holiday decor from Antipolo City and Angono. The bazaar...
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29Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- Seven micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in General Santos City and Sultan Kudarat province has received total of P4.65 million in aid from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, regional director of DOST 12 said these MSME beneficiaries were granted assistance via the agency’s flagship program, the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Prog...
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29Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- Fish production in Northern Mindanao went down by almost two percent last year to 153,644.20 metric tons in 2012, compared to that of 2011. Reports gathered by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in the region show that the decline in commercial and municipal fisheries contributed to the negative performance of the fisheries sector. Commercial fisheries dropped by nine percent, from 39,85...
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29Apr2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, April 29 (PIA) – In its aim to improve the life of every Filipino through quality infrastructure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had employed of Indigenous People groups for the various infrastructure projects in the provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya. DPWH-2 OIC-Director Melvin B. Navarro reported to Secretary Rogelio L. Singson 30 Agtas/Aetas, 21 Kankanaeys and 3 Ibalois are presently working in the on-going Cordon-Diffun-Madella-Aur...
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29Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO, April 29 (PIA) – The lower demand for sawlogs brought about by closure of some wood processing plants has affected the total volume of sawlogs produced in Region 10 during 2012. Reports gathered by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 10 show that the total annual production of sawlogs in the region decreased by 63 percent in 2012 compared to the production volume of 29,862.18 ...
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29Apr2013NAGA CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- Soon to join the big names in the business in this city is the IBM-Global Process Services (IBM-GPS), one of the fast-growing business process outsourcing company in the country. The IBM-GPS building will soon at the Central Business District (CBD) II at Barangay Trianggulo here and will be IBM’s first extension site outside of Metro Manila. Mayor John Bongat of this city said when completed and operations commenced for this BPO venture, it spells job opportunit...
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29Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 29 (PIA)--The Philippines economy has the potential to grow up to eight (8) percent in the coming years as seen by the Moody’s Analytics, a sister company of credit rating watchdog Moody’s Investor Service. “We expect GDP growth to remain in the 6.5% to 7% range in 2013 and 2014, making the Philippines one of the world’s fastest-growing economies,” Glenn Levine, senior economist at Moody’s Analytics said in Philippines Outlook: Asia’s Rising Star. According to ...
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29Apr2013PAGADIAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-IX has recently released P500,000 to Rizal town in Zamboanga del Norte for its Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig (SaLinTubig)-funded project. The amount represented the second tranche of the P1-million worth water system project implemented under the SaLinTubig program. DILG-IX Information Officer Lemuel Mejares disclosed that the project, which started last year, got its first release of the same amount on Sept....
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29Apr2013ORMOC CITY, Leyte, April 29 (PIA) – To attract more tourists and to protect the travelling public from encountering road accidents in going to the Tongonan Hot Spring, which a popular tourist spot in Ormoc City, upgrading of unpaved gravel road from Kananga to the Tongonan Hot Spring is currently being conducted. The ongoing upgrading of the unpaved gravel road is a project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – 4th Leyte Engineering District (LED) under the supervision o...
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27Apr2013DUMAGUETE CITY, APRIL 27 (PIA) -- The Pag-IBIG Fund has turned over loan checks recently to housing developer, PhilSouth Properties and Development Corp during the latter’s inauguration of its new amenities at the Northville grounds in Boloc-boloc, Sibulan town in Negros Oriental. Pag–IBIG Fund Vice President for Visayas Victoria dela Peña together with Cebu branch manager Rio Teves also awarded 25 homeowners of the financed housing units of Pag-IBIG of their house acceptance certificate. ...
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27Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 27 (PIA) – President Beningno Aquino III laid out numerous projects in Misamis Oriental that helped in the economic development of the City during his recent presidential visit on April 22 at Pelaez Sports Complex. “Malinaw naman po sa mga sulok ng ating bansa ang positibong resulta ng bagong kultura, ng integridad at katapatan sa pamahalaan. Hin...
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27Apr2013CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, April 27 (PIA) – Awed by the beauty of Calbayog’s bounties of nature, President Benigno S. Aquino pledged to help boost the tourism industry in the area. President Aquino who was in Calbayog on April 26 took a short land trip from Calbayog Airport to the City’s Barangay Maguino-o where he inaugurated the newly improved Maguino-o Port, passed by the beautiful Malajog Beach. “Iyang Malajog Beach, bago kayo umabot doon, nakita ko ho kanina may river. At saka marami h...
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27Apr2013MAGUINO-O, Calbayog City, April 27 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III said the Maguino-Port is the product of cooperative efforts, a symbol of good governance that heralds better economy for Samar and the neighboring towns and provinces. The various projects that are being implemented all over the country are signs that the country is moving forward, the President said. “Sa araw pong ito, muli nating pinasisinayaan ang isa pang pasilidad na bunga ng ating pagbabayanihan sa tuwid na daan...
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27Apr2013CEBU, April 27 (PIA) -- The government will do the extra push for the achievement of inclusive growth, this was the assurance given by an official of the National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) during the regional consultation for the update of the Philippine Development Plan in Central Visayas held recently here in Cebu. Assistant Director General of the National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) Rose Marie Edillon said the government will make sure that insights ...
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26Apr2013KORONADAL City, South Cotabato, April 26 (PIA) -- South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces in Soccsksargen Region has been selected as pilot sites of the “Regional Rice Initiative for Asia” that will be funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Ludivina Dumaya, officer -in- charge of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) of the Department of Agriculture - 12 disclosed the information in a meeting here o...
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26Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 26 -- The Board of Investments (BOI) approved Asiapac Green Renewable Corporation as the renewable energy (RE) developer of four hydropower plants in Mountain Province worth P1.675 billion pesos. In a statement, BOI said the four hydropower plants will have a combined power capacity of 10.55 Megawatts (MW) will generate a total of 39,947,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually. The 2.4 MW Dicapan Hydropower Project in Barangay Lubon, Tadian, Mountain Province will...
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26Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 26 -- Moody’s Analytics’ latest report describing Philippines as “Asia’s Rising Star” is an affirmation that even the international community is recognizing the good governance of Aquino administration. Malacañang on Thursday welcomed the said report authored by Glenn Levine, senior economist at Moody’s Analytics. “Underscoring the country’s heady economic growth and strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the research unit of Moody’s Investors Service noted t...
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26Apr2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism in Region 8 (DOT-8) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DEO) held a meeting recently, this city. The objective of the said activity is to find ways to alleviate poverty through infrastructure, tourism and employment projects. Ricardo D. Odita, OIC-district engineer, said that national agencies like the DOT is tying-up with the DPWH to come up with infrastr...
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26Apr2013CLARK FREEPORT, April 26 (PIA) -- Over 130 energy stakeholders from Luzon attended the public consultation of Department of Energy (DOE) on the formulation of an Energy Code of Practice. “We are holding an Island Wide Consultation for us to finalize the code of practice that will help us in the implementation of the Renewable Energy Safety, Health and Environment Rules and Regulations which we call RESHERR,” said DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) chief Mario Marasigan. When as...
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26Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 26 (PIA) – Cebu is one of the next wave cities in the country outside of Metro Manila that is being promoted for expansion of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms. Rosemarie G. Edillon, assistant director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the country is experiencing rapid growth at the moment due to macroeconomic stability. Edillon cited the 6.6 gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2012 which has surpassed the 6.5 GDP growth foreca...
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26Apr2013CLARK FREEPORT, April 26 (PIA) -- Passenger traffic in Clark International Airport (CIA) totaled to 408,895 from January to March this year- up by 62 percent compared to the same period last year. From January to March 2012, about 252,163 passengers was posted. “Passenger on a monthly basis are encouraging, in January, CIA served 153,920 passengers which is 71.5 percent higher compared last year; February, 123,349, an increase of 57.3 percent; and March, 56.6 higher” said CIA President and...
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26Apr2013DAVAO CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Job seekers in the region will be given opportunities for possible employment in local and overseas companies that will offer 30,893 vacancies in job fairs set on Labor Day. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-XI) will lead three simultaneous job fair events at SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall in Davao City and at Gaisano Mall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, in celebration of Labor Day on May 1. DOLE-XI regional director Atty. Joffrey Suyao bared that about...
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26Apr2013NAVAL, Biliran, April 26 (PIA) -- A provincial agriculturist here said Biliran province will sell surplus rice to the provinces of Samar, Cebu and Masbate. Jaime Casas said this during launching of the National Year of the Rice (NYR) in Biliran. Casas said the province has sufficient rice supply in terms of consumption requirement of the Biliranons. Data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) revealed that the province of Biliran attained more than 200 % rice sufficiency index in 2011 and 1...
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25Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, April 25 (PIA)—The crowd that met the Peace and Development Caravan on Tuesday roused into an applause when heavy equipment arrived one by one in Barangay Barruz, Matuginao, Samar. The arrival of equipment signal the start of roadworks that will connect Matuginao to other parts of Samar. Battalion Commander of the 546 Engineer Battalion, Col Edgar Yerro was met with a round of applause from residents lining up the streets. Yerro reportedly travelled all the way from Boronga...
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25Apr2013CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, April 25 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to visit the oldest City in Eastern Visayas, Calbayog City tomorrow where he will meet with the local leaders and the community, and to inspect the picturesque Maguino-o Port project at Barangay Maguino-o this City. The President will inspect the newly built estate of the art passenger terminal building and pier extension with roro port ramp, open storage area. Manager Dominador Licayan of the Philippine Ports Aut...
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25Apr2013BUTUAN CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Caraga region is now out of the list of poorest regions in the country. Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) vice-chairperson and the region’s National Economic and Development Authority chief Dir. Carmencita Cochingco today that Caraga improved its poverty incidence significantly from 43% in the first semester of 2006 and 2009, to 34% in the first half of 2012. The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) earlier reported in its First Semester p...
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25Apr2013ISABELA CITY, Basilan, April 25 (PIA) – A local bakery in Isabela City that serves native Tausog pastries and other native delicacies will soon get an upgrade with more than half a million fund support from the Department of Science and Technology IX (DOST). In a press statement, DOST-9 said it has released the innovation system support assistance amounting to P604,500 to Isabela Seaport General Merchant. The bakery was established in 2008, which has gradually taken its foothold as the na...
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25Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office 10 recorded P1.82 billion in new investments for the fourth quarter of 2012. Engineer Cecilio Y. Clarete, chief economic development specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) disclosed during a media forum that most of the new investments went to Bukidnon with 36.20 percent or P659.48 million. Misamis Occidental ranked second with 25.61 percent or P466.59 million; follo...
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25Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional office 10 has conducted a consultation with regional stakeholders to update the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 and revalidate the results matrix (RM) containing development indicators for the remaining plan period. Regional Development Council (RDC) officials, representatives from regional government agencies, local government units, academe, non-government/people’s organization...
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25Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- The dream of having access to clean water has become a reality for a barangay in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7 inaugurated a water system project in Brgy. Bairan earlier this month. The Bairan Level II (RAM pump-driven) water system sub-project at Brgy. Bairan costs over P1.5M. It will directly benefit 110 households in the community and the neighborhood. Getting water from a source in an upl...
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24Apr2013MANILA, April 24 -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue has issued two revenue regulations to improve collection of taxes from transfers that usually go unregulated. One, RR no. 5-2013, prescribes the advance payment of probable taxes due on sales of jewelry, gold, and other precious metals, particularly to non-resident foreign individuals or corporations. RR No. 6-2013, on the other hand, amends certain portions of previously issued RR No. 06-2008 to clarify rules on the sale of shares of stock of d...
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24Apr2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, April 24 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture -2 (DA-2) has started to roll out its soil analysis services in the provinces through its newly-acquired P3-million mobile soils laboratory. The mobile soils laboratory will enable the farmers to avail themselves of DA's soil analysis services to be able to use the right fertilizers and volume on both to rice and corn farms. Margaret Aguinaldo, DA – 2 soil laboratory chief, said through soil analysis farmers will know ...
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24Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO, April 23 (PIA) - The volume of palay produced in Northern Mindanao totalled 207,446 metric tons during the fourth quarter of 2012, up by 3.85 percent compared to 2012. Data gathered from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in the region show that major output gains were recorded for Bukidnon with 106,013 metric tons, up at about 8.64 percent, from the 97,583 metric tons production in the same quarter of 2011, said Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, Chief Economic Development Sp...
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24Apr2013KALIBO, Aklan, April 24 (PIA) -- The formal opening of the 14th Pina and Fiber Festival and the Agri-Industrial Fair at the Provincial Capitol Grounds on April 22 officially kicked-off this year’s celebration of Aklan’s 57th anniversary as a separate province from Capiz. The Pina and Fiber Festival, with venue at the Trade Hall, and the Agri-Industrial Fair at the Provincial Capitol Grounds will be open to the public from April 22-30, 2013 as two of the major activities of the province in ...
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23Apr2013CLARK FREEPORT, April 23 (PIA) -- Around 200 stakeholders from Regions 1,2,3,4A,4B,5, the Cordillera, and Metro Manila will converge in Hotel Stotsenberg in Clark Freeport, Tuesday, for the Luzon Public Consultation on the formulation of the Renewable Energy Code of Practice of the Department of Energy (DOE). “The activity, which is done in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency, is pursuant to Rule 2, Section 8 of Department Circular No. DC2012-11-0009 otherwise known as Renewabl...
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23Apr2013TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, April 23 (PIA) -- More than 20 food processors and potential food exporters participated in a two-day workshop on food safety management for Calabarzon food enterprises at the Development Academy of the Philippines recently. The workshop, jointly facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Export Trade and Promotions (BETP), the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), and the Regional Operations and Development Group under the Regional Interac...
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23Apr2013LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- This city will live to its name as a “feeder” of highly qualified manpower to the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry at the height of shortage in talent confronting the industry. Mayor Geraldine Rosal of this city said that the local government is coming up with measures to improve its current pool of talents in the wake of recent assessment of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) that the supply of manpower canno...
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23Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Cebu City will host the Visayas Power Summit on April 26 to tackle power-related issues in the region. The summit is in response to several issues raised during a series of consultation activities conducted by the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) on power-related concerns in the region, said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama in a letter. Rama also sits as the Regional Development Committee Visayas Chairperson. He said the issues generated during the ...
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23Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- The province of North Cotabato will construct the first palm oil crushing mill in the province which will be situated in the palm oil factory site in Barangay Tacupan in the municipality of Carmen. This project is aimed at helping palm oil farmers as well as job seekers to raise their income and to offer them job opportunities respectively. In the groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza sa...
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23Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) – Employment is the top indicator in determining whether social inclusive growth as envisioned under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 has trickled down to the masses. Rosemarie Edillon, assistant secretary general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the country is presently enjoying rapid economic growth even as the challenge is maintain momentum. “But rapid growth is one thing while social inclusive growth is another,”...
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23Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has approved the construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Systems in Cebu. The BRT would be situated on ground while the LRT would be constructed as an overhead network, Aquino said during his visit to Bogo City on April 19. The BRT was proposed by incumbent Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmena when he was then the mayor of Cebu City. Osmena had sent a team to study BRT systems in diffe...
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23Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The National Dairy Authority (NDA)-Visayas told dairy farmers and animal raisers to be vigilant on the condition of their animals during the experienced hot season that started late March this year. During the recent AGIO7 Forum, NDA Visayas Information Officer Farina Dy said that like human, animals may also experience health problems brought about by heat such that attending to the welfare of animals is needed. “They should be very vigilant and implement all t...
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23Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- National Food Authority (NFA) North Cotabato does not reject any farmer or farmer group who would like to sell their palay produce to them, an official of the agency explained. Avelino Usman, manager of NFA –North Cotabato, however, entreated farmers to make sure that the palay they deliver to NFA are dry and clean to command the best price. NFA buys dry and clean palay at P17.00 per kilo, about ...
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23Apr2013LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- If you habitually throw away left over rice every meal, think again. “The importance of rice is being highlighted today with the declaration of President Aquino of 2013 as the National Year of Rice,” DA Information Officer Jayson Gonzales said in an interview during the “Aramon Daw” radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the recent findings of the Philippine Rice Research Institu...
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23Apr2013LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Bicol region is the top organic rice producer in the country last year. It contributed 74 percent to total organic palay production in the country from January to September. Department of Agriculgture-5 information officer Jayson Gonzales said during the “Aramon Ta Daw” radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol that Bicol also accounts for the 44 percent of the country’s organic crop production last year. “Our country is aiming ...
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23Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 23 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Samar collected P59.9 million exceededing its P58.9 million February 2013 goal. “This is a good sign that our tax payers are now complying early. With this year’s target, it is really hard for us to achieve the target considering the difference of the 2012 target,” Revenue District Officer Rolando Espina said. BIR Samar aims to collect P777.472 million this year, which is P179 more over that of the 2012 ta...
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23Apr2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 23 (PIA) – Two young Boholano talents shone at the prestigious “Olympics” of furniture design in the country. These young designers--Floriano Barrete and Clark Golosino--are among the pioneer graduates of a new course which Bohol Island University offered to supply the demand side of industrial designers for the region’s flourishing industry. Barrete and Golosino won the Best Student Design for Home Accessory and Best Student Design for Furniture for Ceb...
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23Apr2013MANILA, April 23 – Malacanang said the record-breaking performance yesterday of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index, which breached the 7,000-mark for the first time in history, indicates continued confidence in the economy. “This stands as a manifestation of continued confidence in the prospects of our economy, not only from the international community, but also from Filipinos who are raising their stake in our country’s success,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. T...
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23Apr2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 23, 2013 (PIA) – Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto recently inducted the officers and members of the Kahugpungan sa mga Bol-anong Tour Guides (Kabog) Incorporated recognizing the group’s efforts to promote the province as an ideal tourism haven Kabog is a Securities and Exchange Commission registered group of the Department of Tourism Accredited Tour Guides. At the ceremony recently held at the main hall of the second floor of the People’s Mansion, Chatto profusely pr...
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23Apr2013BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental, April 23 (PIA)—President Aquino said the Laguindingan airport which will open on June 15 will greatly contribute to the economic development of Mindanao. Through the bidding process, project cost has been reduced to P83 million from P90-million budget allocation. The savings will be used for other government projects. Aquino also cited other projects in the province such as completion of 18 farm-to-market roads and 27 irrigation projects. This will benefit farme...
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23Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III has announced the various development projects slated for Cebu province. PNoy said the areas of Argao, San Fernando, Balamban, Consolacion, Siboga, Moalboal, Dalaguete, Barili, Tuburan, Toledo, and Carcar have been identified to benefit from the construction of 18 irrigation systems. The President was in Cebu last April 19. He pointed out that in Cebu alone, progress has reached 117,314 households, surpassing the initial target of 112...
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22Apr2013MANILA, April 22 -- The Department of Budget and Management released P1.5 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for various public works projects. The funds will support the construction and development of the region’s national roads, bridges, strategic infrastructure projects, and other public works. “The signing of the Bangsamoro peace framework signaled not just a new era of peace for the ARMM, but also the begi...
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22Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- At least 10,596 jobs will be available to job seekers in Soccksargen Region in fairs in line with the celebration of the Labor celebration Day on May 1, according the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12. DOLE 12 regional director Ofelia B. Domingo said the number of vacancies was based on the report of jobs available submitted by employers who have signified participation in t...
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22Apr2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 22 (PIA) -- The Catanduanes State University (CSU) here will offer the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCoE) program at the start of the first semester of school year 2013-2014 this June. With this development, the CSU College of Technology - Department of Engineering is now accepting enrolees for its new curricular offering. The Office of Guidance, Counseling, and Testing Services will administer an additional schedule of entrance examination for incomi...
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22Apr2013Gov’t calls on Pinoy architects to help promote urban dev’t MANILA, April 22 (PIA) - Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chairman Jejomar C. Binay called on Philippine architects to join in the government’s multi-sectoral approach to urban development. In the recent 3rd Annual Convention of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Binay said private sector developers, the LGUs, and urban planners play a key role in bringing urban develop...
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22Apr2013KALIBO, Aklan, April 22 (PIA6) -- A cooperative in Aklan involved in the piña-weaving industry has been identified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as its qualified cooperator/partner in the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project under its “Big Push” for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development Program in the province. The SSF, according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr., is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative which will be implement...
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22Apr2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- The city government continues to bet on its bamboo project as a source of income for farmers and handicraft makers. At least 87 farmers were given a lecture on bamboo propagation and on the various usage of the bamboo plant in preparation for the putting up of a bamboo processing center here. Romualdo Sta. Ana, city consultant for the bamboo industry development, said the city government is also working on building partnerships with bamboo processors, manuf...
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22Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 22 (PIA) – President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III said Cebu will further enhance its image as a tourist and investment destination with the widening of the Mactan Island Circumferential Road (MICR). The President led the groundbreaking ceremony he groundbreak ceremony last Friday. Aquino in his 15-minute speech before a more than 200 crowd said the widening of the MICR opens additional opportunities for the Cebuanos in tourism and investments as the widening of the 26.3 kilo...
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22Apr2013BAYBAY CITY, Leyte, April 22 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture has trained agricultural extension workers and twenty farmer leaders on the production and certification of Open Pollinated Variety of corn seeds in order to ensure the ready and available corn seeds in the Region. DA-8 Regional Executive Director Antonio Gerundio said that the activity is in line with the nationwide campaign of the department to increase the production of high quality corn seeds. The five (5) day intensive ...
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22Apr2013TAGUIG, April 22 -- A team of scientists at the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has come up with a biodegradable food packaging material that protects food and extends its shelf while being kind to the environment. In a statement, the DOST said green packaging technology will not only help address the disposal of food packaging wastes but will also benefit the packaging and plastic industries in the country. While plastic food packa...
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22Apr2013MANILA, April 22 -- The growth of agro-based exports may be sustained with the opening up of new markets for sugar and bananas, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “In addition to South Korea and India, Indonesia and the Middle East, were also identified as potential market for sugar,” said NEDA officer-in-charge (OIC) and Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra. The Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) and the Sugar Regulatory Adminis...
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21Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 21 (PIA6) -- Abortion road. This was how residents inside the ABALA Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in the municipality of Sapi-an would refer every time they pass through the four-kilometer road before government poured in funds in the area. ABALA is an acronym for barangays Agtatacay Norte, Bilao, Agtatacay Sur, Lonoy and Agsilab which was grouped and established by the Department of Agrarian Reform into an ARC. The road used to be very dusty and rough during dry...
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20Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III led the groundbreaking and the lowering of the time capsule for the widening of the Mactan Cebu Circumferential Road at barangay Ibo, Lapulapu City on April 19, in time for his visit and political events in Cebu. The Mactan Island Circumferential Road is an existing paved road of 26.334 kilometers and needs to be expanded/widened to cope with the growing needs of more spaces and easy access to the airport. The project also involv...
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20Apr2013SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro, April 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) released P2.3 million to five micro enterprises in the province. The five micro enterprises are the 2013 recipients of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of DOST. In this program, selected Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged and assisted by the department through financing. The money can be used to address MSMEs technical problems, new product developme...
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20Apr2013DUMAGUETE CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III personally endorsed the local candidates of Liberal Party in Negros Oriental in two separate Team Pinoy political rallies in the cities of Bais and Dumaguete in his visit to the province recently. The President in his message to over 5,000 crowd at the Bais City Ballfield, lauded the province as one of the tourist destinations in the Philippines. PNoy also commended education and tourism sectors in Negros Oriental as economic perfo...
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19Apr2013ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- Residents of the city should brace for longer brownouts next month according to Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco). In a presentation made during the first quarter meeting of ConsumerNET-9 last week, it showed that Mindanao grid will experience the biggest shortfall next month against the average consumer demand. “Unless Zamcelco’s power supply is augmented, a longer power interruption will be experienced in the city,” said the presentation....
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19Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Apr 19 (PIA) -- The city government is strengthening its food terminal to better serve the agricultural produce of farmers not only here but the entire region 12 as well. Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said the agriculture sector here is the backbone of the city’s economy alongside fishing industry. Thus, to boost this business sector, the city government has come up with the concept of the General Santos City Integrated Food Terminal (GSCIFT) “to provide farmers, e...
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19Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 19 (PIA)--The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected P244.1 million in tax revenues in the first quarter, 6.56 percent higher than the same period last year. Of the total collections for the three-month period, P233.41 came from BIR operations. The remaining P10.65 came from non-BIR operations, or taxes due from government securities issued by the Bureau of the Treasury. For March alone, the BIR collected P74.86 billion, significantly lower than the P89.03 billion targe...
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19Apr2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 19 (PIA) -- Thirty seven barangays in the provinces of Apayao and Kalinga are up for electrification until 2015, the target year of the Aquino administration to complete the electrification of all barangays in the country. Leonardo Egcatan, Corporate Plan Chief of the Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative (Kaelco), said 17 barangays in Apayao while 20 in Kalinga are targetted for energization. “The barangay of Laco in Apayao is targeted this year, another 5 in 2...
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19Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 19 (PIA) – Palay production in Eastern Visayas increased by 0.4 percent or 514.7 metric tons (MT) for the first six months of 2012. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region reported the development posted by its Eastern Visayas Regional Economic Monitoring and Analysis (EVREMA) which also showed the per province production growth for the period. The EVREMA postings show Eastern Samar province with a production growth of 29,729 MT; Sama...
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19Apr2013ORMOC CITY, Leyte, April 19 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office VIII in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – 4th Leyte Engineering District (LED) has funded the ongoing construction of additional boardwalk and Batwatch Tower Station in Palompon, Leyte. The DOT funded project has a contract cost of P3,458,098.55 under the ARA Builders and the 4th LED is targeting that said project be fully completed in a period of 45 days. It was learned...
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19Apr2013GAMU, Isabela, April 19 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have joined together in promoting and showcasing the different techniques in vegetable, root crops and livestock production aimed at helping farmers to increase their yield. The activity was conducted last Tuesday and Wednesday this week at Gamu Rural School where participants were taught how to produce and grow vegetables and livestock animals. Dubbed as campus agri-fiesta, the campus...
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19Apr2013Davao City, April 19 (PIA) -- The City Tourism Office is looking at intensifying its promotion of Davao City as a tourist destination with more activities that will attract visitors here and abroad to generate more jobs. Jason Magnaye, head of the City Investment Promotion Center and the City Tourism Office said that bringing in more visitors to the city remains a challenge for the local government and the accommodation agency. Even then, he said tourist arrival brings more jobs to the city. ...
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18Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 18 (PIA) --- The government and business sectors are now spearheading a campaign to rebut a pending petition made by a foreign researcher alleging carrageenan as carcinogenic. Carrageenan is an end product of seaweeds, an industry that supports over 200,000 families excluding those directly involved in the processing. Maximo Ricohermoso, chairman of the Seaweeds Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP), said that there is an impending threat to the seaweeds industry. SI...
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18Apr2013VIGAN CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- Public consultations in the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra will start to roll for a proposal to prohibit the catching of “ludong” or freshwater mullet during the last quarter of the year. “Ludong,” considered endangered by the Department of Agriculture, is endemic to Cagayan River and its tributaries extending to the river systems of Ilocos Sur and Abra. Dr. Honorio P. Yamoyam, of the DA’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Cordillera, sa...
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18Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 18 (PIA) -- Food, beverage , and packaging company San Miguel Corporation and the Department of Agriculture 12 are urging farmers in South Cotabato and nearby provinces to plant cassava. In a recent training on cassava production, post-harvest facilities and processing technologies, Edgar Labor, regional cassava focal person, said the government agency and SMC are jointly pushing for increased cassava prod...
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18Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 18 (PIA6) -- A regional consultation on the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and Regional Development Plan (RDP) Updating will be held here, April 23. This is part of the midterm updating ordered by President Aquino to ensure that these plans are more responsive and relevant to current and emerging development issues. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal said the activity will be conducted by a team ...
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18Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Mulsim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) continues its relentless information and education campaign to increase agricultural production and reduce palay grain losses and rice wastage. Over the years, DAF-ARMM has utilized the broadcast medium to reach out and impart knowledge and skills on rice, corn, animal raising, fruit crops and vegetable backyard gardening, fishing technology and other related cours...
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18Apr2013DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, April 18 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III assured on Thursday that the government intends to allocate more funds on infrastructure projects in the province and other parts of the country to achieve the target of 56.1 million tourists by 2016. In his keynote speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the P335 million road upgrading project at Barangay Cogon here on Thursday, the Chief Executive said his administration plans to allocate funds for year 2014 t...
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18Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- At least 17 indigent and conflict-affected barangays across Soccsksargen Region are set to benefit from the national government’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture 12, said the target communities were named in a recent consultative meeting in Davao City to identify programs for the priority areas for 2014 to 2016...
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18Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- West Zone Concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. is expanding its services in the South as it is set to build a pumping station in Bacoor City, Cavite. Maynilad has allocated P166.5 million for the construction of a 10-million liter per day (MLD) Pumping Station along Molino Boulevard. “Through this infrastructure investment, we hope to enrich the lives of our current and future customers in the South,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ricky P. Vargas....
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18Apr2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 18 (PIA) –- Two low-income barangays in Kalinga received livelihood support through the Food Terminal Project provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA). Barangays San Pedro in Rizal town and Lacnog of Tabuk City are beneficiaries of the P200,000 seed capital from DA to acquire equipments to enhance the operation of the project in their areas. Under Agrikulturang Pinoy (Agri-Pinoy) Program, DA assists small farmers develop extra sources of income at the same t...
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17Apr2013LAOAG CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- Don Quixote chased windmills; here in Burgos, tourists will be visiting bigger and grander windmills soon. Another wind farm project in Ilocos Norte breaks ground today in Burgos town, 50 kilometers north of Laoag City. The Energy Development Corp., the country’s largest geothermal producer, will build the $300 million, 87-megawatt Burgos Wind Project (BWP) which covers around 600 hectares of land across three villages in Burgos, namely, Saoit, Poblacion and Nag...
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17Apr2013ECHAGUE, Isabela, April 17 (PIA) -- To equip marginalized farmers with updated agricultural farm technology on high value crop production, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 2 (DSWD-2) will provide them trainings to increase the profitability for their harvest even with limited planting space. In a memorandum of agreement signing together with SM Foundation, Inc; Department of Agriculture; Harbest Agribusiness, Corp.; and Isabela State University, the DSWD committed to assi...
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17Apr2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, April 17 (PIA) -- It’s another win for the country as El Nido Resorts bagged the Tourism for Tomorrow Award (TTA) given recently at the 13th annual World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. El Nido Resorts is one of the 12 finalists in the prestigious TTA awards under its Community Benefit Award which recognizes tourism initiatives that have effectively demonstrated direct benefits to local people, including capacity bui...
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17Apr2013LUBUAGAN, Kalinga, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial office here is conducting skills training on small enterprises here. Alfonso Berto, provincial DOST officer, said participants are 25 meat processors and other individuals from Balbalan and Lubuagan engaged in or are planning to engage in other food processing business. The four-day training which started Tuesday and ends Friday, also includes productivity and quality control to teach micro ...
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17Apr2013DUMAGUETE CITY, April 17 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to visit Negros Oriental on Thursday to lead the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Bioethanol distillery plant of Universal Robina Corp. in Barangay Tamisu, Bais City. The establishment of the Bioethanol distillery plant is in response to the President’s thrust to produce more fuel in the country. Pres. Aquino will lead the laying of the time capsule and unveiling of perspective of the Bioethanol plant with chair...
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17Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade & Industry is set to hold more Diskwento Caravans in the Northern Metro Manila area to bring low-priced but high quality goods to consumers. DTI-CAMANAVA officer-in-charge Joie Villaruel said that they are going to bring the caravan to Malabon on May 21, Valenzuela on May 29 and Navotas on June 14. Just last week, DTI-NCR in cooperation with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) organized a successful Diskwento Caravan in C...
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17Apr2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, April 17 (PIA) -- Efforts to build up the agri-eco tourism farms in the town of Sablan is gaining headway. There is already existing road towards the agri-eco-tourism farms located in Bulala, Sablan. Improvement and widening of roads within the 9.3 hectare-agri-eco tourism farms for easy access is ongoing, according to Lolita Bentres, head of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. Already established in the area is an orchard while slope protection measures ...
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17Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 17 -- Thirty municipalities and two cities of Northern Mindanao will implement the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig) project this 2013. Salintubig is a project of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH) and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) designed to provide water supply systems to waterless municipalities, barangays, health centers and resettlement sites. Lawyer Rene K. Burdeos, DILG Region 1...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development – 12 and its partners are forging a collaboration in poverty alleviation program in line with continuing efforts to address needs of indigent families in Soccsksargen. In a forum in Glan, Sarangani recently DSWD 12 and various regional line agencies drafted a memorandum of understanding (MOU), particularly to uplift the economic conditions of poo...
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17Apr2013SORSOGON CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- The Coastal Community Resources (Coastal Core) and Livelihood Development, Inc., has introduced drying technologies that will help fisherfolks to earn alternative income from basket weaving. Basket weaving is one among the many livelihood opportunities for fisher folks supported by the Coastal Core in a partnership project called “Convenio” under the Instituto de Promoción y Apoyo al Desarrollo (IPADE) and funded by the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Inte...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Soccsksargen Region have recently been provided access social insurance via a collaboration between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 and the Social Security System (SSS) Brendo Belmonte, accounts management section head of SSS Koronadal Branch recently briefed over a thousand 4Ps beneficiaries here and about 250 from nearby Banga...
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17Apr2013DAVAO CITY, April 17 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned consumers anew against possible hazards that may be caused by butane canisters filled with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Reports have reached DTI of rampant unsafe practice of consumers using butane canisters as containers for household LPG. Based on the memorandum issued by DTI-Bureau of Product Standards director Lawyer Pedro Vicente C. Mendoza, butane canisters are made of tin and tin canisters are not refillab...
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17Apr2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 17 (PIA) -- Skyjet Airlines commenced its maiden flight to Virac, Catanduanes, Tuesday. Catanduanes Gov. Joseph C. Cua, who was among the the passengers of the airline’s maiden flight, expressed gratitude to the company for the reasonable and affordable fare that it offers much as to the opportunity to uplift the province's local economy, particularly for investment and tourism. The airline left Manila at 7:55 am and arrived here around 8:40 am, while return flight ...
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17Apr2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- To induce balance between livestock production and agricultural production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 has encouraged more investors on corn feed processing production to boost economic and livelihood growth in the region. Dr. Geronima Ludan, chief-livestock division of DA-2, said Cagayan Valley is number one corn producer in the country and it also has a huge grassland area for livestock production, however, there are only few who invest on l...
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17Apr2013MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here will hold free training and seminars for new, existing and would-be entrepreneurs in the province. It will run every third week of the month starting this April at the DTI provincial office, Manuel Building, San Isidro Street, Malaybalay City. DTI Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said the training includes the following topics: costing and pricing, visual merchandising, e-mail appreciation, Busines...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- Farmers who are members of irrigators' associations in the 1st district of North Cotabato holds today an orientation to discuss details on Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT). The activity which will last until Friday, April 19, is aimed at instilling among farmers the importance of IMT program to systematically implement water system in farmlands. Dante Cudal, president of Midsayap-Pigcawayan-Libungan-Kabuntalan (MPLK) Federation of IA said ...
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17Apr2013DIPOLOG CITY, April 17 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to arrive here tomorrow to lead the groundbreaking of a P385-million road project at Barangay Cogon this city. Funded by national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the road project is said to connect the Cogon Eco-Tourism Park to Barangay Diwan where the alluring Sungkilaw Falls is located. Right after the groundbreaking ceremonies, the President is slated to meet with the local c...
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16Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- There are increases in the fees as well as in the paid-up capital requirements for mining applications. The regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) here said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2013-10 last February 20, increasing mining fees and imposing processing fees for mining applications. The DAO is based on Executive Order No. 79 issued by President Aquino...
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16Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 16 (PIA) - - The number of poor senior citizens enrolled in the social pension program of the government is expected to increase in Western Visayas with the addition of 1,399 new pensioners this second quarter. “The vouchers for the processing of payment for the new beneficiaries are already underway and they may receive their grant this second quarter,” according to a DSWD 6 report. The DSWD 6 has listed 18, 505 social pensioners from the 133 local government units du...
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16Apr2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 16 (PIA) -- Kalinga Apayao State College (KASC) is luring farmers in the province to venture in soy beans production assuring there is ready market for the product. Under its president, Eduardo T. Bagtang, KASC has existing tie-up with Korean-based Dagam Corp that offers potential market for soya beans. Under the project, Dagam Corp has provided KASC Research Department with soy bean mother seeds for its experimental farming. Based on its study findings, the resea...
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16Apr2013BAGUIO CITY, April 16 (PIA) - - The Department of Agriculture- Cordillera Region (DA-CAR) will be applying learnings from an international food expo to explore possibilities and make innovations to improve local products and its marketability. Representatives from DA–CAR; Association of Benguet Pinoy Barangay Food Terminal Centers; local government units of Kabayan, Sablan, Buguias, Tuba, Tublay, and Kapangan, all in Benguet province attended the 23rd Hongkong Food Expo last year. During ...
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16Apr2013NEW CORELLA, Davao del Norte, April 16 (PIA) -- The new Produkto DavNor Pasalubong Center in Poblacion, New Corella, Davao del Norte province will provide a big boost to the rising tourism industry of the municipality. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the launch of the souvenir shop on Thursday will not only serve as a marketing facility for locally-made products, but will also offer a venue for the tourists to complete their experience in visiting the town. The Governor said tourists, in...
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16Apr2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 16 (PIA) -- Three one-phase tapping points connecting the Kalinga Apayao Electric Cooperative (Kaelco) grid to the municipalities Lubuagan, Pasil, and Balbalan in this province are now being upgraded and targeted for completion by June 30 this year. Kaelco Manager Corazon Thomas said the project on upgrading the electricity lines from one-phase to three-phase aims to ensure the delivery of quality, reliable, and continuous or 24-hour service of electricity. T...
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16Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 16 (PIA) -- Local power distributor, South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 1) is considering rental of a modular power generator to avoid much longer rotating brownout in August. Santiago Tudio, general manager of Socoteco 1, said the cooperative’s contract with the National Power Corporation (Napocor) will end on August 31. Although the cooperative is already set to extend its contract with Napo...
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16Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 16 (PIA) -- Some two hundred farmers will benefit from the commercialization of hybrid corn in six barangays in Paranas, Samar. These are the barangays of Lawaan 1 and 2, Tutubigan, Mancal, Salay, Casandig 1 and 2 and Paco. The benefits come in the form of free farm inputs like fertilizer and planting materials like hybrid corn seeds for the 150 hectare land from the barangays. Pioneer Corporation a private entity from Cebu provided the farm inputs and seeds. Th...
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16Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 16 (PIA6) – A workshop on Grains Classification was conducted by the National Food Authority (NFA) – Capiz last April 11 at the Capiz State University (CapSU) campus here to educate farmers on how they could profit more from their produce by keenly observing the Philippine Grains Standardization Program (PGSP). The PGSP implementation, which is solely entrusted to NFA since 1972, aims to standardize primary quality of rice both valid for export and domestic consump...
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16Apr2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , April 16 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue(BIR) tax collections here went up in the first quarter of this year after receiving a huge tax payment last month from an Australian mining firm -Oceanagold Philippines Incorporated(OGPI). Lawyer Ma. Isabel Utit, BIR district officer said, the windfall tax collection amount which she refused to reveal came from the settlement of OGPI’s excise tax dues from its extraction of mineral ore, sand and gravel in bar...
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16Apr2013IRRI, Los Banos, Laguna, April 16 (PIA) -- Farmers are set to reclaim salt-ravaged land, thanks to a single rice plant born of two unlikely parents that is spawning a new generation of rice that has double the salinity tolerance of other rice. "This will make saline-stricken rice farms in coastal areas usable to farmers," said lead scientist Dr. Kshirod Jena of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). "These farmlands are usually abandoned by coastal farmers because the encroaching sea...
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14Apr2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, April 14 (PIA) -- Land preparations for the four-hectare state-of-the-art Agri-Pinoy Trading Center for temperate vegetables in this capital town is underway. Department of Agriculture - Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) Central Office Director Engr. Leandro Gazmin said land filling of the trading center site already started while appropriate drainage system design is currently being studied. Gazmin visited the site of the trading center within the...
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13Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 13 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III assured local leaders on Friday that the government is crafting a mechanism that will boost the power sources in Mindanao. During a dialogue with the local leaders at the ORG Conference Room, ARMM Compound here, the Chief Executive said the government is looking for alternative sources of energy to effectively address the power crisis in Mindanao. The power crisis in Mindanao has been attributed to the decreased generating capacity of...
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12Apr2013MANILA, April 12 -- The Board of Investments (BOI) recently approved the application of Philnewenergy as a Renewable Energy (RE) Developer of Solar Energy Resources. According to a Department of Industry statement, Philnewenergy will augment the current supply of energy in Mindanao by an additional 35 MW annually. Its Php3.33 billion project will install a solar photovoltaic power plant in Darang, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The Solar photovoltaic power plant will start commercial operation by ...
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12Apr2013CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur, April 12 (PIA) -- The 10-hectare mangrove reforestation project in this town has resulted in an improved population of crab and fish in the village of Dardarat here. Mangroves create a protective habitat for aquatic animals such as fish and crabs and help increase their population to replenish those harvested by residents for their daily food and daily supply of market products. According to the town’s online publication, the project has helped in supporting the local g...
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12Apr2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, April 12 (PIA) -- The municipality of El Nido recently inked an agreement with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, an agency under the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for the conduct of a feasibility study for its centralized water supply system. El Nido, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, has long been burdened by lack of water supply system and the situation is seen to worsen with the fast growing tourism industry. The s...
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12Apr2013LAOAG CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- When Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) Chief Executive Officer Olive Ramos first came to Laoag City in 2003, she drove from Manila to Laoag for 12 hours. But Ramos said she had no regrets coming to this “Sunshine City” despite the long-hour drive, for she immediately liked the place, which she described as historical, and promised herself to return someday. Ten years later, she returned to Laoag and led the inaugural flight of SEAIR’s Manila-Laoag-Manila rou...
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12Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 12 (PIA) -- The recent stop-over of MS Europa at Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, was a happy development for the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas. Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, DOT regional director said that the stop-over was a positive sign for tourism in the region. She said that MS Europa is one of the best cruise ships in the world and the inclusion of Kalanggaman Island in its cruise destination could bring in more tourists to the region. MS Euro...
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12Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 12 (PIA) – Fifteen looms were turned over to women beneficiaries of the Panay Bukidnon community during a ceremony last April 10 at Barangay Jaena Norte in Jamindan town. Panay Bukidnon is an indigenous people’s group (IP) that boasts of rich traditions and culture. The group lives in Central Panay which covers part of Jamindan and Tapaz towns hinterlands in the province. The looms, financed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is part of the multi-a...
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12Apr2013PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, April 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Government has offered assistance to all Mindanao Electric Cooperative by extending financial assistance through a soft loan at National Electric Administration to purchase Modular Generating Sets at 6 percent interest per annum. Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. (ASELCO) Gen. Manager Emmanuel Galarce said, because of the power shortage that Mindanao is again experiencing this year, the National Electrification Admin...
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12Apr2013DAVAO CITY, Apr. 12 -- The Department of Trade and Industry – Davao City Field Office (DTI-DCFO) will be conducting a one-day seminar to equip those who want to start their own business. Dubbed “Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset”, the seminar is set on April 16, 1:00 to 5:00 pm, at the DTI Conference Room, 2/F Mintrade Building, corner Monteverde and Sales Streets, Davao City. The seminar is the first module in the DTI Entrepreneurship Development Training. DTI-DDCFO director Teo...
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12Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 12 (PIA) -- Women have played significant roles in the progress of the farming sector. This was emphasized by Dr. Wilson Cerbito, Department of Agriculture Technical Director for Research and Regulations in Eastern Visayas, during the two-day Program Implementation Review, Planning and Budgeting Workshop of the Gender and Development (GAD) Technical Working Group held on April 4-5, at Patio Victoria, San Jose, Tacloban City. “If we try to think more deeply, wome...
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12Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council-6 has called for a review of the processes and procedures in determining and remitting the share of the local government units in the national wealth, especially on large-scale mining. Three Development Administration Committee (DAC) resolutions were passed by the Council, touching on the remittance of the share of LGUs especially for large-scale mining. DAC resolution no. 2 called for the Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of In...
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12Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 12 (PIA) -- The 215-million Agbalo Bridge in Capiz is now ready for public use. Information Officer Julius Abela of the Capiz 1st Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways said that the DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson will lead, April 12, the inauguration of the newly constructed Agbalo Bridge located in Pontevedra, Capiz. The blessing and inauguration of the 92.85 linear meter bridge will likewise be graced by Capiz 1st District Representati...
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11Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 11 (PIA6) -- How is the competitiveness measured? The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has prescribed 66 indicators of competitiveness, which concerns Philippine enterprises and how they fare especially in the global market. These indicators are generally classified into economic efficiency, government efficiency and infrastructure. Economic efficiency includes number of annual business registrations, amount of money in circulation, total capital of newly registe...
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11Apr2013LAMUT, Ifugao, April 11 (PIA) -- The Provincial Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO) here trained 40 fishers using the Fisherfolks Field School (FFS) to promote the adoption of improved fish production technology on production, processing, and marketing. Catherine Buenaventura, PAENRO supervising agriculturist, said that the Bureau of Aquatic Resources (BAR) had allocated P1 million and the local government unit (LGU) shelled out P60,000 as counterpart for the im...
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11Apr2013PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, April 11 (PIA) -- The local government of Panabo City led by Mayor Jose L. Silvosa Sr. joined the seventh Founding Anniversary with a theme “Mariculture Park, Padayon alang sa Kalamboan ug Panginabuhian” of the Panabo Mariculture Park last March 25-30 at the Mariculture Park Bagsakan Center, Barangay Cagangohan. Silvosa attended the event and encouraged stakeholders to support the fishery business. He said that stakeholders, fishers, and the local government pl...
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11Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is allotting P500 million to encourage more farmers to plant hybrid rice varieties, and contribute in attaining national rice sufficiency by the end of this year and beyond. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said P200 million will be spent this year and another P300M in 2014 to increase hybrid rice utilization and hectarage by eight to 10 percent (%) in 2014 from 3.5 % last year. He said the DA under its nationa...
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11Apr2013MAMBUSAO, Capiz, April 11 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said the first-ever investment grade credit rating given by Fitch will augur well for the economic development of the country. With the investment grade rating, Aquino said at a meeting with local leaders and the community in Mambusao, Capiz, April 10, that it will now be easier for the Philippines to obtain investment loans and at relatively low interest rates from foreign creditors. This means further, according to the Pre...
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11Apr2013KALIBO, Aklan, April 11 (PIA) -- Air traffic will be more intense at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) this summer season with the arrival of the proposed chartered flights via this capital town of Aklan from mainland China. These chartered flights to Kalibo was announced recently by Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Helen Catalbas to Aklan’s tourism officers in a meeting held at Mauro’s Caffe Latte in Andagao, Kalibo, according to Ron Bautista, Community Affairs Officer ...
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11Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with partners from the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) conducted a one-day Micro Small and Medium Enterprises forum and caravan in Villa Josefa, Ubanon, Catbalogan City, Wednesday. Acting Deputy Executive Director DTI-PTTC Elizabeth Manuel shared her own success story in the business and other success stories of famous businessmen in the country today. The director said the entrepreneurial mindset seek...
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11Apr2013SAN JOSE, Antique, April 11 (PIA) -- A hundred and thirty-nine establishments in Antique are up for the 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI), a nationwide undertaking of the National Statistics Office (NSO). Among the sectors included in the survey are: agri-fishery, mining, construction, manufacturing, electricity, water and gas, transportation, accommodation and food service, communication and information technology, real estate, wholesale and retail business. Provincial St...
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11Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has recorded a further 15.6 percent decline in Philippine merchandise exports this February 2013. The lower export earnings were partly due to persistent weakness in global demand, which seems to be consistent with the January 2013 imports report of NEDA, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said. "We indicated that there is a possibility that electronic exports in the first quarter of 2013 will...
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11Apr2013LEGAZPI CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The robust tourist arrivals and numerous conventions held here in recent years manifested the city’s reputation as one of the favorite destinations of tourists and best venue for national gatherings, according to Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal of this city. Rosal said in an interview Wednesday that the significant development prompted the local government here to organize tourist police units, consequently, has since dispatched on April 4, this year. “The crea...
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11Apr2013BAGUIO CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- More attractions await locals and tourists inside Camp John Hay, a former rest and recreation facility for American and a popular tourist destination in this city. With pine tree-lined roads, wide open spaces, vibrant flowers, lots of restaurants, shopping center and first rate facilities, Camp John Hay is a preferred leisure and recreation destination in the Philippines. John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) president Jamie Eloise Agbayani infor...
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11Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino lauded the increase in sugarcane and rice production in the province of Iloilo. In his message to local leaders and the community in Passi City, President Aquino said sugarcane production in the province increased from over 600,000 metric tons in 2010 to more than 1,200,000 metric tons in 2011b based on data from the Department of Agriculture. “Doble po ang produksyon niyo, congratulations po talaga. Di ba mapalaki lang ninyo ng 10 %...
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11Apr2013DIPOLOG CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-IX conducted a two-day training on tour operations and packaging April 5-6 at Mibang Hotel this city. Around 40 participants from city/municipal tourism offices of Dipolog, Dapitan and Polanco as well as representatives from Liloy town, Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), City Information Office (CIO) of Dipolog, travel agencies, and private entities attended the training. “This activity aims to train, capacitate and e...
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11Apr2013MANILA, April 11 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that headline inflation decelerated to 3.2 percent in March from 3.4 percent in February, and was within the BSP’s forecast of 2.8-3.7 percent for the month. The BSP said that the resulting year-to-date average inflation rate of 3.2 percent was also within the government’s inflation target range of 4.0 percent ± 1.0 percent for 2013. Core inflation, which excludes certain food and energy items to measure generalized price ...
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11Apr2013MANILA, April 11 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to receive a $7.1-million technical assistance grant from the Government of Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), to help boost the competitiveness of the tourism industry. The funds will administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the ADB-CIDA Technical Assistance on Improving Competitiveness in Tourism was signed yesterday in a ceremony held at the Bayleaf ...
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11Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) will reconstruct a bridge located in the village of Barorao, Balabagan that connects it to the neighboring town of Malabang in Lanao del Sur to help ease the movement of people and agricultural products in the area. An old bridge that used to serve the area was destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon Sendong in 2011. DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain led an ...
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11Apr2013CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 11 (PIA)--The National Food Authority (NFA) in Quirino assures the public that they should not worry about rice shortage in the province as they have sufficient supply of rice. “We don’t have to be apprehensive about rice shortage as we have sufficient stocks of rice in the province that could last even up to the next cropping season,” said NFA Assistant Manager Patricio Avila. In an interview, Avila disclosed that even there are no rice stocked in households ...
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10Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 10 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III led today the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Roxas City airport development project. President Aquino lowered the time capsule to signal the start of the two major upgrades to the Roxas City Airport, namely the expansion and improvement of the passenger terminal building and the extension of the runway. He was assisted by Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Department of ...
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10Apr2013AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 10 (PIA) -- The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (Aselco) is appealing to all member-consumers in this province to help save electric power in order to lessen the impact of electric shortage and bigger power rate increase and assuring the general public of no electric power interruption during election period from May 1 to 21, 2013. “As we all know and experience these days, we are suffering a total of four and a half hours of brown out every day, with 1.5 hours per f...
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10Apr2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, April 10 (PIA) -- A village level strawberry processing center will soon be established to showcase quality and competitive strawberry products that would meet customer increasing demand. Felicidad Ticbaen, head of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist(OMAG) here, said the center to be located at the La Trinidad Strawberry Hotel and Restaurant will cater to marginalized farmer sector who will be trained for improved production practices and value added to produce q...
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10Apr2013MANILA, April 10 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) rose to US$84.1 billion as of end-March 2013, higher by US$0.5 billion than the end-February 2013 GIR of US$83.6 billion. At this level, reserves remain adequate to cover 11.9 months worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 9.9 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 6.3 times based on residua...
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10Apr2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 (BFAR-2) is proposing a new technique in fish cage operations based on the result of the harvest field day demo and research project at the Magat Reservoir. Information Officer Max Prudencio said that the demo and research project, which showcased the viability of fish cages in the Magat Aquapark, aims is to revitalize the once-vibrant aquaculture industry in said area. Prudencio said that the aquacultur...
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10Apr2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 10 (PIA) – Village folks in the mountain barangay of Guilayon in Tabuk find market access with the newly completed Barangay Food Terminal Project provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The project under Agrikulturang Pinoy (Agri-Pinoy) is designed as a trading post, an answer to farmers' need for a center to sell their farm produce right at the barangay. Guilayon farmers can now bring their organic farm products like coffee, vegetables and fruits to th...
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10Apr2013PASIG CITY, April 10 —The Philippines is set to further strengthen relations and liberalize trade with neighboring countries to allow local producers to take advantage of preferential tariffs and provide better access to markets of partner economies. “We are closely looking at how we can do well in global and regional integration with partner economies, especially at opening new markets and strengthening existing ones for our local producers,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Ba...
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09Apr2013DAVAO CITY April 9 (PIA) -- From beach escapades to mountain adventures, the Davao region tourism industry has set a flurry of events to attract summer visitors. During the recent Kapihan sa PIAmedia forum held Friday, April 5 the Department of Tourism XI led by Regional Director Art Boncato and partners from the local government and the private sector jointly announced two major events for the summer. The third Mt. Apo Boulder-Face Challenge (April 27-28), is a grueling 24-hour adventure race...
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09Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 10 will hold a mid-term assessment, updating and revalidation of the Regional Development Plan (RDP) and the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) on April 16. "It is almost three years since we implemented the RDP and RDIP, hence, it is imperative that we refer back to these documents and assess the agencies/local government units/ and institutions performance in terms of its c...
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08Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 8 (PIA) --The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) reported that the average inflation rate of the country remained at 3.2 percent for the first three months of 2013 and within the target of 3.0 to 5.0 percent for the year. In a statement, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the lower prices of food (except vegetable), electricity and petrol pulled headline inflation down in March, while uptick in the prices of non-food items, particularly ...
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08Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 8 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) will hold the 1st Western Visayas Franchise Seminar and Expo at the El Circulo Convention in Pueblo de Panay here on April 19 to help its members expand in the regional areas and encourage region-based businesses to use franchising as a strategy for growth. The upcoming activity, part of the PFA’s second quarter regional franchise shows, in partnership with the Joint Chambers of Commerce – Capiz (JCC-C) hopes to...
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08Apr2013TANUDAN, Kalinga, April 8 (PIA) -- Five barangays composed of 577 households in the provinces of Apayao and Kalinga are up for electrification with the on-going construction of power lines tapping electricity from the main grid. Marites Dumagas, Institutional Service Department manager of the Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative (Kaelco), said electrification of the barangays is expected to be completed middle of this year. The covered barangays are Karagawan (90 households) and Nagbalayan (12...
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08Apr2013ILOILO, April 8 (PIA6) -- The region's economy remains robust with its Gross Regional Domestic Product or GDRP growing at 5.5 percent frm 2010 to 2011, higher than the national growth rate of 3.9 during that same period. Regional Development Council Chair, Gov. Victor Tanco revealed this in his State of the Region Address (SORA) before members of the Regional development Council 6 members recently. The RDC Chair said the region remains one of the fastest growing economies in the country, which...
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08Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- Around 26,000 farmers await the benefits that the new Rice Processing Complex (RPC) in Pilar, Bohol can offer them. This was revealed by Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto during the recent inauguration of the RPC which was attended by Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk, Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Puyat, and other high-ranking government officials. A statement from the Department of Agriculture-7 said the RPC targets an area of 30,000 hectares or more. The complex will ...
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08Apr2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 8 (PIA) -- Regional Development Council (RDC) has passed a resolution endorsing the inclusion of the proposed Central Bulacan Tourism Loop Project into the Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism Access of Department of Tourism and Department of Public Works and Highways, “The P2.40 billion project involves the upgrading of 25 road sections- two national, nine provincial, three municipal, and 11 barangays” said RDC Vice Chairman Severino Santos, Natio...
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08Apr2013STA. CRUZ, Laguna, April 8 (PIA) --President Benigno S. Aquino III led Friday, April 5, the launching of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) Flood Control and River Protection Convergence Project as per the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Agency and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This project is part of DPWH’s Master Plan for Flood Management in Metro Manila and the Laguna Lake Region. Using the P780 million budget for the project, the LLDA, together w...
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08Apr2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, April 8 (PIA) --The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and the Department of Trade and Industry-MIMAROPA will conduct the “Boosting Regional Competitiveness through Public-Private Partnership”, a roadshow locally co-organized by the Regional Competitiveness Council on April 11 in this city. This is part of the goal of inclusive growth of the Philippine Development Plan which the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) pursues in order to promote competiti...
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07Apr2013BAGUIO CITY, Apr. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has brought its integrated livelihood program – Community Enterprise Development (CED) in the province of Apayao with six community groups as beneficiaries. The program, which is in line with President Benigno Aquino III’s 22-Point Labor and Employment agenda, aims to alleviate poverty in the countryside by generating community livelihood and employment and gears towards to overall goal of nation building. Last M...
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06Apr2013MANILA, April 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has forged an agreement with Illuminate Dynamic Media, Inc. (IDMI) in promoting the country’s various destinations through the installation of digital information kiosks at strategic locations in Metro Manila. The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on March 26, which provides for the identification of critical sites by the DOT, while IDMI will take responsibility for the deployment, installation, and maintenance of these faciliti...
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05Apr2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Apr 5 (PIA) -- Operators of pawnshops, money changers and remittance centers are also required to observe the provisions on the Anti-Money Laundering Act or Amla before they are given the clearance to operate their businesses. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said business operators, directors, officers and their employees are required to undergo a two-day seminar that will also cover other rules and regulations governing pawnshops, brokering business, money changers and...
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05Apr2013ALFONSO Lista, Ifugao April 5 (PIA)-The Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO) conducted recently the groundbreaking of a new substation here. IFELCO General Manager Engr. Jaime Pe Benito Jr, Board president Antonino Padduyao, and Mayor Glenn Prudenciano led the groundbreaking of the project funded by the Department of Energy funded in the amount of P19.405 million. Jovita Allaga of IFELCO said the proposed construction of a 5 MVA-substation and 69 KV line is one of the major projects ...
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05Apr2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, April 5 (PIA) - - An eco-tourism farm in the municipality of Tublay is fast becoming a popular destination among foreign and local visitors. Located in Acop, Caponga, Tublay, the ENCA farm, coined after spouses Enrique and Carmen Cosalan, was established in 2006 and is managed by their daughter Marlyn. Adventurists and nature lovers can go trekking, camping, and be coached on organic farming. The place is also ideal for retreats due to its natural ecology. The place is...
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05Apr2013DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite, April 5 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said infrastructure projects will soon be completed to further expand the tourism potentials and investment opportunities in the province. The President made the assurance yesterday in his speech before thousands of Caviteños during his meeting with the local leaders and the community at the football field of Dasmariñas National High School in Barangay Burol, Area B. The audience met with applause the President's anno...
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05Apr2013CAMIGUIN, April 5 (PIA) -- A new cold storage facility will soon rise in Catarman town, following the forging of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the acquisition of a Liquid Quick Freezer (LQF). Mayor Nestor A. Jacot, together with a representative from the National Business Corporation (NABCOR) inked the contract last month. NABCOR, a government corporation, is a partner of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the development of agribusiness on the countryside, more specifically, in the...
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05Apr2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)- Southern Leyte conducted labor education seminar to 40 business establishments coming from the municipalities of Sogod and Libagon. “Selected business establishments with less than 10 workers were encouraged to augment labor working conditions to include the payment of the minimum wage to its workers, among others,” Senior Labor and Employment Officer Mario Tictic said in an interview. Tictic sai...
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05Apr2013STA. CRUZ, Laguna, April 5 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III led Friday the launching of the Laguna Lake flood control and river protection project that will shield communities along the lake from raging flood waters during rainy seasons. Upon arriving at the project site, the President was briefed by Secretary Neric Acosta, the Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) general manager, about the flood control project. Acosta said the P180-m...
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04Apr2013TERNATE, Cavite, April 4 – The Department of Public Works and Highways – Bureau of Construction said the Ternate-Nasugbu road project would spur tourism and livelihood industries and decongest traffic within the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and other nearby locales. The project will be completed and opened to public use in July this year, said DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, who briefed President Aquino during the latter’s visit here today. Construction began in 2009. The P860,000-pro...
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04Apr2013LUCENA CITY, Quezon, April 4 (PIA) - The provincial government of Quezon has taken steps to further promote coco coir production as additional source of income of coconut farmers. Marcelina Alcantara, provincial director of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said the province has created a provincial coco coir technical working group (PCCTWG) to supervise and plan the development of coco coir industry in the province. “We hosted recently the 2nd national coco coir summit held in this ci...
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04Apr2013ORMOC CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- The road upgrading project of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Leyte (DPWH) leading to Lake Imelda of Ormoc City, which is a tourist attraction, is ongoing. District Engr. Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez said the road improvement project, which is from gravel to paved, took off January 28 and cost P14,425,000 taken from the DPWH CY 2013 fund. The project, which is handled by the MAC Builders and is targeted to be completed by May 27, 2013, is foreseen to h...
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04Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 4 (PIA) -- The highways department based in Calbayog City will construct an access road from the highway leading to Bangon Falls, Calbayog City’s prime tourist destination. In a statement, the department said that the project stems from a Convergence Program Coordination Meeting of three government agencies – Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local government units of Samar province on March 21. The event was org...
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04Apr2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, April 4 (PIA) -- About 30 members of Bangon Kababaihan Bagong Cainta Incorporated attended a water hyacinth product dyeing training at the Livelihood Center, Municipal Hall, Cainta, Rizal held from April 2-4. The three-day training was facilitated by the Department of Science and Technology – Rizal headed by Provincial Director Fernando Ablaza, DOST – Philippine Textile Research which works hand in hand with the Cainta LGU through the Municipal Social Welfare and Devel...
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04Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 4 (PIA) -- A farmers’ cooperative in nearby Banga town has received a grant worth P1.763 million from the Department of Agrarian Reform in South Cotabato. The organization, identified as Maguad Farmers Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Brgy. Kusan in said town, received common service facilities (CSFs), a report from DAR- SoCot showed. Facilities turned over to them include four hand tractors, ...
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04Apr2013MAKATI CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) along with other stakeholders joined forces to strengthen national and local collaborative efforts to promote, develop, and sustain the growth of the Philippine coco coir industry in the recent 2nd National Coco Coir Summit. “By 2016, we intend to place the country’s coco coir industry in the world’s top 3 exporter of coco coir,” DTI Undersecretary Merly M. Cruz said. ...
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04Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Unit 7 (DA RFU 7) has awarded top three schools here for the different categories of the Gulayan sa Paaralan. Around 1,100 schools from Cebu City and Cebu province joined the contest, said regional coordinator of the High Value Crops Development Program Nenita Seno. The top three winners for the National High School category are Camotes National High School in Camotes Island, Arcelo Memorial High School of Liloan, an...
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04Apr2013Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, April 4 (PIA) -- This town will again pay tribute to its native rice cake when residents mark their annual TiKanLu festival beginning May 2. The festival derived its name from the town’s native treats Tinubong, Kankanen and Lubilubi (TiKanLu). Now on its 9th year, the festival seeks to promote the delicacies as town’s One Town One Product (OTOP) to residents and visitors. Residents will celebrate the event in time for the feast day celebration of their patron Saint A...
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04Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 4 (PIA6) -- The Aquino government is putting high premium in social protection programs as part of its thrust of spending on right priorities. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad in a press conference in Iloilo City, April 3, bared that for this year, the government has earmarked P44 billion for the Pantawid Pamilya, targeting four million beneficiaries. “In 2010, we had only P10 billion for 4Ps with one million beneficiaries,” Abad said. Abad said for the first time, g...
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04Apr2013DAPA, Surigao del Norte, April 4 (PIA) — Malacañang Palace has announced that President Aquino approved a P110-million financial grant from the Social Fund for the modernization of the Siargao airport. The announcement was made during the official visit of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to Siargao Island last March 27 where they made an ocular inspection of the island’s airport and the proposed runway extension development. They also inspected the new Tou...
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03Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 3 (PIA) -- Taxpayers are reminded of their obligations to file their income tax returns and pay what is due to the government. Capiz Bureau of Internal Revenue District Officer Gil Tabanda called on those who have not yet filed their income tax returns or paid their taxes to the government to comply with said obligation on or before April 15. Tabanda said that to intensify their advocacy campaign, they will be using the mobile public address system or “rikoreda” t...
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03Apr2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 3 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Northern Samar has created 1,721 small and medium enterprises in the province in 2012. This was learned from Amelia Roma Trade and Industry Development Specialist. Roma said that small and medium enterprise grant is a cash grant, made available as an investment incentive to promote the growth of local investment. The grant is available to new investment as well as expanding operations, and is based on a...
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03Apr2013MANILA, April 3 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today announced that disbursements increased at P124.1 billion for February—14.3 percent higher than expenditure levels posted in the same period in 2012—exceeding the 11-percent year-on-year spending jump posted earlier in January. The DBM on its website today also reported that cumulative disbursements for the first two months of the year amounted to P282 billion, P31.2 billion or 12.4 percent higher than the P250.8 billion ...
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03Apr2013VIGAN CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- At least 103 women residents completed their skills training sessions to mark the celebration of National Women’s Month in March. Ronilda Aninag, the chief manpower development officer of this city, said the women took short courses in baking and cake decoration, Chinese cuisine, manicure, pedicure, foot spa, hair cutting and styling, making novelty give-aways and gift items out of beads. The courses, which were completed in five days, were given free of charge...
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03Apr2013BAGUIO CITY,April 3 (PIA) -- An additional funding of P20 million was released for the rehabilitation of Marcos Highway to ensure that it is an all-weather road. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Cordillera regional director Edilberto Carabbacan said the P20-million funding last year had been implemented but was not enough for the repair of Marcos highway which is part of the priority projects of President Benigno S Aquino III. The additional financial support is being spe...
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03Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 3 -- The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) will coordinate and provide technical assistance to the establishment of 28 small to large-sized rice processing centers (RPC) costing approximately P421 million, which will help farmers reduce postharvest losses and become less dependent on private millers. PhilMech Executive Director Rex L. Bingabing in a statetment said that the project, called “RPC 1-2-3,” aims to establish milling fa...
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03Apr2013MANILA, April 3 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today announced that disbursements topped at P124.1 billion for February—14.3 percent higher than expenditure levels posted in the same period in 2012—exceeding the 11-percent year-on-year spending jump posted earlier in January. The DBM also reported that cumulative disbursements for the first two months of the year amounted to P282 billion, P31.2 billion or 12.4 percent higher than the P250.8 billion posted in January to Fe...
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03Apr2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 3 (PIA) – Technology Resource Center (TRC) on Monday formally turned over two transfer certificates of title to the City Government of San Fernando. In 2005, the city entered into a mortgage with the then Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) to acquire the 17,000-square-meter compound located in Barangay San Juan, on which the City Government later put up the Heroes Hall, Heroes Park and the City College building. Dennis Cunanan, Direc...
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02Apr2013MANILA, April 2 -- The Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue together have undertaken a campaign to curb oil smuggling and bring smugglers to justice. “One of this administration’s priorities is to combat smugglers directly, especially in high-risk commodities such as oil. We in the DOF and its attached agencies are using a proactive, information-driven approach to fight oil smuggling. This is part of establishing tuwid na daan for all businesses in the Phi...
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02Apr2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- Private investments and the tourism sector in the region were two of the big winners in 2012 while the export industry dropped, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Ilocos said. Juan Ngalob, NEDA director for the Ilocos, said private investments chalked up P5.83 billion last year, up from P4.22 billion or a 38.4 percent increase in 2011 investments. Investment in priority industries went up by nearly 40 percent from P0.86 billion to ...
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02Apr2013TALOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 2 (PIA) -- The top official of Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) in Eastern Visayas disclosed that the office will embark on abaca disease eradication campaign in 3,800 hectares of farms in nine areas in the region. FIDA regional director Jeffrey Espeña said in a statement that the abaca disease eradication campaign, on a budget of ₱7.6 million, will prioritize areas treated in the past to prevent recurrence and newly infested areas to avert spread. Espe...
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02Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 2 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is distributing 100,000 bags of agricultural salt fertilizer for free to small coconut farmers in Western Visayas owning coconut farms less than five hectares. PCA Regional Manager Jose S. Cruz said that agri-salt fertilizer is an effective and practical means to increase coconut production. According to a study of the PCA, the use of agri-salt fertilizer accelerates crop growth and development, increases copra weight and ...
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02Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Western Visayas will conduct a pre-consultation workshop for assessing the Regional Development Plan (RDP) tomorrow in preparation for the forthcoming regional consultation on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 on April 12. These activities are part of the move of the government to update the PDP and RDP, which are now on their mid-term implementation, in order to track their progress. NEDA-6...
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02Apr2013SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - “I love the Philippines, I pay taxes correctly,” is this year’s theme of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as the tax campaign kicked off in the province of Antique in a caravan around the major thoroughfares of San Jose, the capital town of the province recently. Ursula V. Equiña, Revenue District Officer of Revenue District No.73, in an interview, said they are all out in their campaign especially since the filing of income tax returns nears. The the...
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02Apr2013BAGUIO CITY, April 2 (PIA) - - With the implementation of the Sin Tax Reform law this year, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products jumped at the top of the consumer price index (CPI) as shown in a National Statistics Office (NSO) data. Based on the NSO-Cordillera - released February 2013 Regional Price Situationer, Cordillera’s CPI stands at 131.1, higher by 5.9 compared to the 125.2 CPI last February 2012. CPI is defined as a general measure of the change in the retail prices of a marke...
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02Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The country’s fisheries sector expects brighter prospects starting this year, as tuna catch is picking up, and domestic fish supply is increasing as a result of conservation efforts, a statement said. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said with the lifting of a ban on tuna fishing at ‘Pocket 1’ of the Pacific Ocean, Filipino fishermen have resumed their operations in 2012 in said area, resulting in more catch. Pocket 1 of the Pacific Ocean is bounded by...
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02Apr2013TINOC, Ifugao, April 2 (PIA)--The provincial local government unit here released P325,493 to the Kalanguya Cultural Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KCCMC) in an effort to increase its capital for its agricultural input services for the farmers and gardeners in the area. Franklin Galeon, the Project Development Officer of the Provincial Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources Office, said the dowloaded fund will be used to purchase seeds, herbicides, fungicides and foliar ...
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02Apr2013BAGUIO CITY, April 2 (PIA) - - Improving road infrastructure leading to key tourism destinations is a priority thrust of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in line with the government’s goal of bringing in 10 million foreign tourists in the country by 2016. DOT Cordillera Regional Director Pura Molintas, in a kapihan forum Monday, reported that in 2012 P197 million from the P5 billion savings of the national government, was allocated for tourism road projects in Baguio-Benguet area which we...
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02Apr2013DAVAO CITY, April 2 -- It’s all systems go for the updating of the Davao Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2011-2016, and revalidation of the results matrices (RMs) and Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) for the same period. This comes as a parallel effort pursuant to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), to facilitate the updating of the Philippine Development Plan and its accompanying documents at the national ...
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02Apr2013Vigan City, April 2 (PIA) – The city government is sponsoring a series of skills training this month to provide residents with options for livelihood activities. Ronilda Aninag, the city’s chief manpower development officer, the training will be conducted at the Vigan Skills Training Institute, and will have the following schedule: cellphone repair (April 1-15), wrist watch repair (April 15-17), fish processing (April 17-19), creative box craft (April 10-12) and making of costume, masks, j...
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02Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA-6) will boost its farm mechanization program (FMP) to further increase production and income of small farmers in Western Visayas. DA-6 Regional Director Larry Nacionales said that 20 percent of the region’s budget for the agriculture sector has been allocated for the farm mechanization program. “Part of the farm mechanization program is the purchase and provision of various production/on-farm and post harvest machinery and e...
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02Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- In the hope of producing and hiring more “TESDA Specialistas”, the Technical Education Skills and Development Administration (TESDA) is set to strengthen its Job Bridging program for this year. Nila Fidellaga, TESDA-7 Information Officer, said they are pushing for more job bridging this year aside from conducting a mere job fair. This is in compliance to the directive of TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva to produce and hire more than one million TESDA Speci...
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01Apr2013MANILA, April 1 -- Fitch Ratings’ investment grade stamp for the Philippines will help push infrastructure spending higher, as the Administration creates greater room for expenditures for the country’s social and economic sectors, according to the Department of Budget and Management. “With the country now at investment grade, we’re determined to strengthen our economic position further and expand our fiscal space for key socio-economic services. At the same time, we expect to attract mo...
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01Apr2013ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, April 1 (PIA)--The Ifugao Provincial Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO) has allocated P1 million for the community-based participatory action research on tilapia fishcage at Magat Dam reservoir here. Catherine Buenaventura, PENRO Supervising Agriculturist, said that the project is in partnership with SN Aboitiz, National Power Corporation (NPC), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and...
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01Apr2013CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur, April 1 (PIA) -- There was no need for couple Crescencio and Nimia Cabral to work abroad. Diligence, perseverance and faith in God were all they needed to increase their family income. It also helped that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Ilocos region provided P50,000 worth of product aid for the couple to start up a “miki” (rice noodles) business. In 2009 after the Cabral couple built a miki production house, the DOST gave a package of aid tha...
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01Apr2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 1 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is urging farmers and rice traders not to use national highways as solar dryers to avoid road accidents. “We have widened the national highways to facilitate smoother flow of traffic especially in major arterial roads and not to be used as solar dryers for palay of corn and copras, ” DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said in a statement. As the infrastructure arm of the government widened a...
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01Apr2013LEGAZPI CITY, April 1 (PIA) – The Catanduanes State University (CSU) led the training of 25 agriculture specialists and workers in Catanduanes on rearing of European queen honeybee as part of the university’s sustainable program for the newly established Provincial Apiculture Center, CSU’s Extension Services, in partnership with the Regional Apiculture Center of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, has trained the municipal agriculture officers, agricultural technicians, farmers...
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01Apr2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, April 1 (PIA) -- Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia recently disclosed a six-point strategic plan to fully turn the agency’s direction towards “building the new Subic.” In his second State of the Freeport Address (SOFA), Garcia said that with the Philippine economy taking off in the past few years, the best is yet to come for the Subic Bay Freeport. In sum, Garcia said the SBMA, as manager of the Subic Bay Freeport, would maximize the land...
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01Apr2013DIPOLOG CITY, April 1 (PIA) -- Mindanao may become power-sufficient by 2015, according to Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza, spokesperson and adviser for external affairs of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). In a recent media briefing and press conference with the local press here, Atty. Alabanza said the NGCP has nothing to do with the rotating brownout plaguing Mindanao nowadays because the problem lies mainly in the power supply. She, however, told the media practitioners t...
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31Mar2013VIGAN CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- The city government of Vigan, in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is set to hold the week-long Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts from April 28 to May 6. The festival will feature a trade and food fair and a display of Ilocano delicacies, traditional industries and crafts. Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina said the event hopes to attract foreign and local tourists to help generate job opportunitie...
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31Mar2013DUMAGUETE CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has granted decorticating machine worth P760,000 to Barangay Liptong Small Coconut Farmers’ Association (BLISCOFA) which it launched in Valencia town recently. With its farming assistance program, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) also proposed to DOLE a processing machine for mass production of virgin coconut oil (VCO) that the farmer organization can use. DAR Information Officer Gherelene Rafols said DAR ...
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31Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- Aside from owning new homes, recipients of the recently concluded Bayani Challenge's House Build project in San Remigio town this year will also learn a new livelihood. San Remigio Mayor Jay Olivar told the Philippine Information Agency that he plans to introduce basket weaving as an additional source of livelihood for the 30 families in Brgy. San Miguel who benefited from Bayani Challenge's house build event. San Remigio hosted the Bayani Challenge in Cebu provi...
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30Mar2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, March 30 (PIA) -- The City Government of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) and WEnergy Global Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based renewable energy company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a hybrid electric power plant that will provide 24/7 electricity in Barangay Cabayugan, host to the Puerto Princesa Underground River. The MoU was signed by the Chairman of PALECO, Engr. Ed Antonio, City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, a...
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27Mar2013MANILA, March 27 -- Fitch Ratings today declared the Philippines “Investment Grade,” the first-ever such rating achieved by the country from a major western credit rating agency. In a statement, the credit rating agency upgraded the Philippine sovereign’s long-term foreign currency rating to ‘BBB–’ from ‘BB+’, and its long-term local currency to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB–’, with a ‘stable’ outlook on both ratings. Reacting to the announcement, Bangko Sentral...
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27Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 27 -- The Philippines got its first ever investment grade on Wednesday, March 27 as Fitch Ratings gave the county a ‘BBB-’ from BB+ with a stable outlook. President Aquino in a statement welcomed the good news saying that “this means much more than lower interest rates on our debt and more investors buying our securities. Greater access to low-cost funds gives us more fiscal space to sustain and further improve on social protection, defense, and economic stimulus, amon...
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27Mar2013DAVAO CITY March 27 (PIA) -- A hotel executive bared that his company is bullish on the potentials of the Philippines as an emerging hotel market in the Asia Pacific Region. “You have an expanding middle class, young and dynamic population plus the presence of low cost airlines and a growing government spending on infrastructure,” says Simon Barlow, Asia Pacific president of the Carlson Rezidor Group. The Carlson Rezidor Group of Hotels is one of the largest hotel group in the world opera...
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27Mar2013CEBU, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) urges the public to use national roads and highways properly as it observes many improper practices. In a statement, the DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said farmers and rice traders should refrain from using the national highways as solar dryers. Farmers take advantage of the good weather, drying up their palay or corn along the national highways and cordoning off road sections that were widened. “We have widened th...
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27Mar2013DAGUPAN CITY, Mar 27 (PIA) -- Pangasinan products and projects assisted by the Department of Science and Technology were once again showcased in the 2013 Regional Agri-Fishery Fair held recently at the CSI Mall in Dagupan City. Engr. Felipe D. Andrada, provincial director of DOST-Pangasinan said the fair aims to promote fresh and processed agri-fishery commodities in the region to feature the best resources and exhibit of local culture and tradition. Among the DOST-assisted projects featured i...
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27Mar2013DAGUPAN CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology in the Ilocos, through its Technology Assistance and Consultancy Services (TACS) program, led a three-day training on conducting energy audit recently in Calasiao, Pangasinan. The training course, aimed at imparting energy-saving opportunities for entrepreneurs, was conducted by the members of the Region 1 Energy Audit Team (REAT-1); a team of experts from DOST, academe, and partner agencies providing technical consulta...
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27Mar2013Garbage disposal has been a perennial problem in barangays and towns. But with the charcoal briquetting project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there will be a reduction in the volume of waste taken from these areas. Biodegradable waste and agro-forestry wastes such as peanut shells, rice hull and buko husks are the main components of charcoal briquettes. DENR Regional Director Maximo Dichoso said the office gave Cabiao, in Nueva Ecija; Victoria in Tarlac and B...
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27Mar2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 27 (PIA) -- While national and local agriculture officials in this province where greatly saddened when 19 of their 105 Agriculture Extension Workers(AEWs) went out of their supervision to seek greener pasture abroad and in politics, they bid them good luck with pride. “Some of them were trained to speak publicly through our trainings in 2008 and therefore after a while, they decided to try their luck in politics and elsewhere,” said Fidel Ballesteros, as...
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27Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- Merchandise imports went down by 8.0 percent to US$4.7 billion in January 2013 from the US$5.1 billion recorded during the same month last year as lower volume and international prices for oil coupled with the drop in purchases of semi-processed raw materials resulted in a decline in imports in January 2013, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “These caused the lower payments for mineral fuels and lubricants and raw materials an...
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26Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 26 (PIA) --The 204-room Park Inn by Radisson hotel was formally opened in Davao City last Friday, March 22. The P750-million midscale hotel owned by SM Hotels and Conventions is run by Carlson Rezidor group of hotels, the 9th largest hotel group in the world. The hotel in Davao is the first Park Inn by Radisson brand in the Asia Pacific Region. The formal opening ceremonies was attended by bigwigs from Carlson Rezidor and SM led by Hans Sy, president of SM Prime, Elizabeth S...
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26Mar2013DIPOLOG CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- "The whole package of intervention through our support services is a clear manifestation that we are indeed continually placing our agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) right at center of development." This was the message of Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer PARO II Moh. Dassan J. Adju of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Zamboanga del Norte during the provincial orientation for municipal agrarian reform officers (MAOs) and representatives f...
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26Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, March 26 (PIA) - - Convergence of programs and services of several government agencies is among the key poverty reduction strategies of the national government to ensure inclusive growth to every Filipino. One successful beneficiary of a convergence program in the Summer Capital is the baking livelihood project at Barangay Sto. Tomas, which is now owned and being managed by the community people themselves. For Sto Tomas’ baking community enterprise, the barangay local governm...
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26Mar2013NAGA CITY, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- With two years and eight months under President Benigno S. Aquino’s leadership, Camarines Sur has reaped significant gains in the fields of education, transportation, electrification of far-flung barangays and various municipal outskirts, and tourism-related developments in the countryside among others. During his meeting with the local leaders, members of the community and local officials Thursday here, the President enumerated the triumphs that his administratio...
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26Mar2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, March 26 (PIA) -- The resorts in the vegetable producing town of Buguias in the province of Benguet are emerging destinations that lure local and foreign tourists alike. Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Clarita Prudencio said their office is on the process of promoting the resorts in Buguias. Tourists flock the resorts during its peak season from November to December with arrivals ranging from 600 to 700 every month. Prudencio said after all the processes involv...
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26Mar2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Marso 26 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) aims to cover agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide, including those in Rizal, through the Agricultural Insurance Program (AIP). The agency is currently working with the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to help provide insurance for ARBs while minimizing the credit of the farmers, said DAR-Rizal Beneficiary Development Coordinating Division (BDCD) chief agrarian reform program of...
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26Mar2013MANILA, March 26 (PIA) -- Foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2012 rose to US$2 billion, higher by 9.8 percent than the previous year’s level of US$1.9 billion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said. The country continued to benefit from strong foreign investors’ confidence in the resilience of the domestic economy, with a strong economic growth amid low and stable inflation, as well as a strong external payments dynamics, it said. By FDI component, net equity capital placements—which ...
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26Mar2013MANILA, March 26 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines further strengthened its support to small farmers and fisherfolk with loan releases amounting to P39.9 billion from January to December 2012, benefiting 772,892 small farmers and fisherfolk. “Landbank remains aggressive in channeling assistance to the farming and fisheries sector as we aim to further strengthen and sustain their viability to accelerate the development of rural economies,” said its President and CEO Gilda E. Pico. ...
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25Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 25 (PIA) - - This province has been allotted a share of P54 million from the Pamana-Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Fund for the implementation of 28 various projects in six former conflict areas including this city, according to DILG provincial director Francisco Gamatero. The municipality of Pinukpuk gets the biggest share of P23 million for five projects. The amount of P20M is allotted for the concreting of the Allaguia road while the rema...
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25Mar2013DPWH hires Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries By Juliet B. Saley BONTOC, Mt. Province, March 25 (PIA) --The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are jointly implementing the Trabahong Lansangan to help alleviate the living condition of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries here. According to Jessie Chelim of the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team office here, the DPWH started the implementation...
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25Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 25 (PIA) – The fisheries and aquatic bureau has urged more canneries to locate in Western Visayas to take advantage of its abundant marine resources. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-6 Director Drusila bayate said the portion of the Visayan Sea known for its abundant supply of sardines, mackerel and herrings is found in Western Visayas. BFAR made the call to canneries as it opened the Visayan Sea to fishing last March 20. Fishing of larvae and fry was banned ...
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25Mar2013MANILA, March 25 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of a combined P1.92 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the implementation of flood control and farm-to-market road projects, respectively. DBM Secretary Florencio Abad in a press report confirmed that P1.23 billion of the total amount was released to the DPWH to fund the implementation of flood management projects to mitigate perennial...
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25Mar2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 25 (PIA) -- Twenty farmers of Moises Padilla town have received from the provincial government, checks worth P22,000 each and farm implements as part of the livelihood assistance of the province in line with the Food Security Program under the Negros First Agenda. Ten of the farmers hailed from Barangays Quintin Remo and Montilla, while the rest were from Barangay Macagahay. The assistance is intended for the purchase of 20 carabaos to maximize the productivity of the ...
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25Mar2013VIGAN CITY, March 25 (PIA) - - At least 10 residents here received their small businesses on wheels under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Negosyo sa Kariton (Negokart) program. The livelihood assistance, in partnership with the Vigan city government, amounted to P140,000 or each recipient getting P14,000 worth of business cart. Social welfare and development officer Cely Agcamaran said that each recipient was given a vending cart (tribike), raw materials, and training on production,...
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25Mar2013CENTRAL VISAYAS, March 25 (PIA)-- The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) in its 1st quarter meeting on March 20 approved for endorsement to the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) an Integrated Metro-wide Storm water and Drainage Master Plan for the 13 cities and towns that compose Metropolitan Cebu. MCDCB sub-committee on infrastructure and utilities chair, Engr. Fortunato Sanchez said that based on the Board's studies and discussions, the drainage problem is increasingly...
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25Mar2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 22 (PIA) -- As part of sustaining the program of its newly established Apiculture Center, Catanduanes State University Extension Services, in partnership with the Apiculture Center of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, trained 25 municipal agriculture officers, agricultural technicians, farmers, and extension workers on Rearing of European Queen Honeybee on March 11-13, 2012. Kelly Clark, Canadian volunteer and adviser, gave lectures at the Provincial Apic...
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25Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) projected that eight power projects in Mindanao will boost the region’s power supply by 588 megawatts (MW) and help ease power shortfalls starting this year until 2016. DOE Policy and Planning Bureau Chief Michael Sinocruz disclosed during the Regional Media Workshop on Power Industry and Renewable Development in Mindanao last March 22 that three of these committed power generation projects is expected to generate additiona...
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25Mar2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 25 (PIA) -- The Likhang Kabitenyo Foundation, Inc (LKFI) will conduct a five-day trade fair to take advantage of the number of local and foreign tourists who will visit the “Character City of the South” during the Holy Week. In collaboration with the provincial Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) headed by Director Noli D. Guevarra, the trade fair will commence on March 27 to 31 from 8 a.m. up to 8 p.m. at the parking lot of D’ Banquet Restaurant Th...
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25Mar2013KIANGAN, Ifugao, March 25 (PIA) -- A progressive community cooperative here is expanding its services to now include the putting up of a dormitory building to cater to students studying at the province's state university in Lamut municipality. The Kiangan Community Multi-Purpose and Development Cooperative (KCMDC) here will soon start the construction of a four-storey dormitory building near the Ifugao State University (IFSU) in barangay Nayon in Lamut. This was bared by Board of Dir...
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25Mar2013BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, March 25 (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer, Ric Odita said that as of March 15, this year, about 2.66% had already been implemented by the contractor of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Road Project, Package-3. Odita referred to the stretch from barangay Locso-on, this city, to barangay Maramag of Llorente town, which is contracted by McBuilders and Kianjin. The DE however admitted that, some factors delay the ...
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24Mar2013MANILA, March 24 (PIA)--President Benigno S. Aquino III reminded businessmen to pay correct taxes. The President was the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the 29th Biennial convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) held March 22, Friday at the SMX Convention Center, in MOA, Pasay City. President Aquino bared during the association’s annual convention that a recent government investigation led to "strange" and "truly unexpected" f...
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24Mar2013CEBU, March 24 (PIA) -- The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) launched recently the "Mega Cebu Vision 2050" with the catch phrase "Mega Cebu: Making W.A.V.E.S." (Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable, and Sustainable) during its first quarter meeting at the provincial capitol social hall. Cebu acting governor Agnes Magpale, in her opening statement, called on various stakeholders and local government units in Metro Cebu to join the bandwagon of the Mega vision for Cebu. ...
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24Mar2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 24 (PIA) -- The continuing receptivity of farmers on new agricultural technologies, coupled with the repair and construction of irrigation systems and farm-to-arket roads (FMRs) have become the major driving forces in sustaining the rice productivity of the province, local agricultural officials here disclosed. Fidel Ballesteros, assistant provincial agriculturist, said that while Nueva Vizcaya has barely 17,0000 hectares (ha) of rice production areas compared t...
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23Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 23 (PIA) -- Six municipalities and this component city will benefit from a P105 million anti-poverty programs and projects this year pooled from a menu of poverty reduction intervention activities of the different national government agencies. Francisco Gamatero, Provincial Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the funds were channeled through the DILG to be directly released to the local government units for their implementation....
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23Mar2013DUMAGUETE CITY, March 23 (PIA) --- Dumaguete City is now accepting 160 student-applicants to avail of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year. Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Socorro Mira said the program aims to help poor but deserving students continue their education by employing them during summer vacation. The students will be working with the city government of Dumaguete for a period of 20 days from April 15 to May 14, said Mira. She said the ...
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23Mar2013DAVAO CITY, Mar. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform-XI is set to distribute more than P12 million worth of farm machineries and equipment to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Region XI under its Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project. DAR-XI Regional Director Fidel B. Morales said suppliers have started to deliver these farm implements at the DAR Regional Office Compound in Catalunan Pequeno, Davao City. Jaime A. Ceniza, Jr., DA...
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22Mar2013NAGA CITY, March 22 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) will be presenting an immediate solution to the Mindanao power problem to relieve businesses from frequent power outages, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday. It was reported that Mindanao businessmen have called on the President to use his emergency power to solve the power crisis in the region, which may affect trade as well as the upcoming elections in May. The Chief Executive noted that the DOE made an assurance that major ...
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22Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 22 (PIA) -- At least 12 persons were hired on-the-spot for foreign employment during the recent jobs fair hosted by the provincial government of North Cotabato. The Provincial Human Resource Management Office (PHRMO), which managed the activity, also indicated that 16 others were assured of jobs from local companies, including Sta. Catalina Multipurpose Cooperative and business process outsourcing company Cyber City. Human resource chief Aurora ...
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22Mar2013IBA, Zambales, March 22 (PIA) -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on Wednesday assured mango stakeholders of his agency’s full support to the industry. In a message during the opening of the 15th National Mango Congress in Iba town, Alcala said, “Mango is one of the prime commodities in DA’s High Value Crops Development Program as it is one of the country’s export winners. The Philippines was able to export 21,000 metric tons (MT) in mango-based products worth $16 million and around...
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22Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- The national government is urging Filipino businessmen to invest and do business at the bottom of the economic pyramid. “Now is the right time for private businessmen to join us in investing at the base of the pyramid,” said Sec. Jose Rene Almendras during the 25th Visayas Annual Membership Meeting of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) here. “Base of the pyramid” is an economic term used to refer to the poorest socio-economic group. Alme...
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22Mar2013MANILA, March 22 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said P831.8 million have already been made available to several departments and agencies, state colleges and universities (SUCs), and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) for the distribution of the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) to their respective employees. “We commend all departments, agencies, and GOCCs that successfully complied with their requirements, and whose employees were among the first to receive the...
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21Mar2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, March 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Cordillera Administrative Region has convened the steering committee to prepare activities for the second staging of the Cordillera ethnic food festival. Organized by the PCCI and the Farmers Federation of Benguet (FFB), the festival’s theme is “Celebrating a diverse cultural heritage through ethnic delicacies,” scheduled tentatively on May 1 to 7 at the Farmers’ Commodities and SME Center, ...
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21Mar2013LAOAG CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- The provincial government has started putting up tourist assistance stands in preparation for the droves of tourists that will visit during the Lenten break and throughout summer. Christian Espiritu, of the provincial tourism office, said the tourist stands will be housed in native huts placed along national roads where these will easily be accessed by motorists. These will be fully operational beginning March 22. “The huts are already installed in various towns...
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21Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- Panay Island's electricity needs will get a further boost with the planned completion of the 8 MW-Villaciga 1-Hydropower Plant in Igsoro, Bugasong, Antique, the first hydropower plant in the Island of Panay, this June 2013. The commissioning of the hydropower plant will follow two months later when it can export power to the Panay Grid. As of February 2013, the project is already 80% complete according to Sunwest Water and Electric company, Inc., (SUWECO) Pr...
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21Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology in Region 10(DOST-10) is informing all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to avail themselves of financial assistance through Set-Up or Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program. Cecilia A. Aca-ac, provincial science and technology director in Misamis Oriental, said the Program is a nationwide strategy encouraging and assisting SMEs to adopt technology innovations to improve their operations that will boost t...
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21Mar2013DUMAGUETE CITY, March 21 (PIA)--The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Negros Oriental has conducted partial installation for farmer beneficiaries to the property of Diaz Hermanos estate in Bagtic, Mabinay town. DAR information officer Gherelene Mae Rafols said with 130 beneficiaries to be installed, only three have successfully positioned in their respective farm lots. Rafols said the farmer beneficiaries include Bernie Dario, Gelyn Amot and Sotero Blaza claimed a total of 5.0142 hectares of...
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21Mar2013BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 21 (PIA) -- Thirty-one ambulant vendors who regularly sell food and beverages at the Guingona Park, Butuan City were given negokarts by the Department of Labor and Employment for their individual projects. “We really appreciate the DOLE for the full support even from the preparation of our proposals up to the release of funds. They let us understand our own projects and we were really the ones who identified and assessed the feasibility of our small businesses,” declare...
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21Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- The preparation of tax returns was made easier by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) through the use of electronic forms or eBIRForms. Ma. Herminia A. Pabito, chief of the Cagayan de Oro Revenue District Taxpayer Service Section, said the eBIRForms is an alternative mode of preparing tax returns which deviates from the conventional manual process of filing up tax returns on pre-printed forms which are highly susceptible to human error. She said it was ...
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21Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 21 (PIA) -– Gearing towards the achievement of the national rice sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is enjoining the public to avoid wasting rice and for key players to increase rice productivity. In a message during the Regional Staple Food Producers Convention and 2013 National Year of Rice (NYR) launching in the region, DA Cordillera Director Marilyn Sta. Catalina said the call is for everyone. Based on studies conducted by the International Rice ...
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21Mar2013LUCENA CITY, Mar. 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Quezon provincial office will host the second national coco coir summit at Queen Margarette Hotel on March 21-22 this city. Pablito Budoy of DTI-Quezon said the coco coir summit aims to achieve a dynamic coco coir industry through the optimum involvement of the private sector. Expected to attend in this occasion are businessman engaged in copra industry, local government units, and representatives from government age...
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21Mar2013PAGADIAN CITY, March 21 (PIA) - - Zamboanga del Sur was recently adjudged as one of the top 10 Rice Achievers in the country under the Department of Agriculture’s 2012 Search for AgriPinoy 2012 Rice Achiever Award. “We thank God for the good weather. We also thank our hardworking farmers here in Zamboanga del Sur whose efforts made the province self sufficient. From I gathered, almost 50 percent of our production is sold outside, while only 50 percent is consumed. Because of the adoption...
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21Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 21 (PIA)- The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched the opening of a farm-to-market road (FMR) during a recent site visit in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. The FMR is under the SND-ARC Rakim. JICA consultants led by Engr. Victor Saplala, along with Engr. Mel Lamboon graced the said occasion together with the LGU officials of the SND. The 2.2-kilometer road is located at Sitio Junction National Highway that connects with Sitio Langgoyo and ...
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21Mar2013KALIBO, Aklan, March 21 (PIA) -- An Investment Conference (ICON) will be held in the province of Aklan on April 26 to send the signal that Aklan is now ready for investment. The activity, which will be spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is the first of its kind to be held in Aklan and in Region 6, according to Provincial Director Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. Cadena added that the activity was strongly pushed by DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz, who sees Boracay Island...
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20Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 20 --The Philippines is eyeing to export yellow onions to other countries, starting with Japan. The Department of Agriculture in a statement said it is partnering with the National Onion Growers Cooperative Marketing Association, Inc. (Nogrocoma) to make it a reality. Several DA and NOGROCOMA officials sent off a trial shipment of 20 metric tons of yellow granex onions to Japan, on March 16, 2013, at the Manila Harbor Center. The onions were harvested from Bongabon, Nue...
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20Mar2013QUEZON CITY, Mar 20 (PIA) -- The Philippines is the first choice of Germany and the first non-European country to sign a labor agreement on health care professionals recruitment with the Federal Republic of Germany. During the signing of a bilateral agreement Tuesday held at the Department of Labor and Employment, Manila, German Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Dr. Ursula Von Der Leyen said Germany highly prefers Filipino nurses primarily because of the values that are similar with the Germ...
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20Mar2013NAVAL, Biliran, March 20 (PIA) -- Foreign and local tourists will no longer find it hard to look for a place to buy for souvenir items once they visit the capital town of Biliran province as the town formally opened the Pasalubong center, a place where they could buy items they could bring back home. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here in Biliran province led by provincial director Celerina T. Bato, through the department’s Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP), formal...
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20Mar2013Balicucha (sugarcane candy) and sukang Iloco (native wine of Ilocos) continue to be the best selling products of this town during trade fairs in Ilocos Sur, the Ilocos Region and in Metro Manila. Ofelia Lizardo, a retired Non Formal Education teacher of M Hizon Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, is in charge of promoting the town’s the native sweets and other One Town One Product (OTOP) namely wine, muscovado, and vinegar. Lizardo was commissioned to train residents on marketing local...
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20Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 20 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a warning against possible purchase of motorcycle helmets with fake Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers. The said advisory has cited the brand names Ben 2, KH, NSS, Oscar, Cobra, Pioneer, 2A, and Sunstar which possibly bear fake ICC markings. These brands are imported by Double E Trading, based on the record of DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) with a registered address of No. 525 Femii Building, A. Sor...
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20Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways – Tacloban City District Engineering Office (DPWH-TCDEO), under the supervision of Margarito E. Fabillo Jr., an engineer, is currently undertaking various infrastructure projects in Tacloban City. These projects include: concreting the roadway at Brgy. 36; construction of the flood control structure at the Eastern Visayas State University and Brgy. 5-A; construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of the mul...
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20Mar2013DAVAO CITY March 20 (PIA) -- The Davao Region is getting the biggest chunk of the tourism roads project for 2013. Based on Department of Tourism (DOT) figures, Region XI was allotted P1.4 billion from the P11.8 billion Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) budget. It got the biggest share among other regions. "The Provincial Tourism Officers, Provincial Planning Officers have submitted many proposals, we vetted it and submitted it to Manila,” Art Boncato, regional director DOT-XI said...
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20Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 20 (PIA) - - The Bureau of Internal Revenue, Kalinga-Apayao Revenue District office (BIR Kalinga-Apayao RDO) points to completed and on-going projects as reason why taxpayers are inspired to pay their dues. “Because they now see where their taxes go,” Jocelyn Sabban, Administrative Officer of BIR Kalinga-Apayao RDO said in an interview. She said BIR Kalinga-Apayao RDO surpassed its target collection in 2012 by 5.54 percent during the time of OIC Dominga Bangao. D...
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20Mar2013BUTUAN CITY, March 20 (PIA) – An estimated crowd of 600 convened recently at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort here for this year’s Tax Campaign of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). BIR-Caraga Regional Director Atty. Norberto Vitug welcomed the different sectors from the provinces of Caraga who attended the kick-off ceremony. Dir. Lucita Rodriguez, BIR Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayers Assistance Service is the guest speaker of said activity. Dir. Vitug urged all individuals to fi...
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20Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- The Bamboo Industry in Lanao del Norte through the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can now avail of various financing programs such as loans and grants from the different key stakeholders in the government and private institutions. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Iligan City Agriculture, Landbank of the Philippines (LBP...
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20Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) region 10 will push for MICE or Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions to gain tourists in the city and entire Northern Mindanao in the coming years. DOT region 10 director Catalino E. Chan III said the Philippines increased in international tourist arrivals by 9.12% with over five million coming in compared to over four million of foreign arrivals in 2010. Additionally, more than half or 61.5% of these come from...
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20Mar2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 20 (PIA) – Another potential area for mineral exploration has been showing positive indications in barangay Didipio in Kasibu town, raising optimism to an Australian mining company Oceana Gold Philippines, Incorporated’s (OGPI) that their 15-year gold-copper mining project in this province will go beyond the initial contract. Brennan Lang, Didipio project operations manager , in a briefing at the recent inauguration of their information center here said...
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20Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 20, (PIA) -- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), on February 25, approved the application of General Electric Philippines Meter and Instrument Co., Inc. (GEPMICI) for its new electric watt-hour meter product called GE brand Type I-210, Form 1S, Class 200, 240V, 2W. The approved meter product can be used for revenue metering by distribution utilities and redistributors. A Certificate of Approval (CA) will be issued to GEPMICI, signifying that it is now allowed to offer it...
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20Mar2013GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Eastern Visayas called on all taxpayers to pay their taxes promptly and correctly. BIR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza made the call as he recently led the launching of the 2013 Tax Campaign carrying the theme “ I love the Philippines, I pay taxes correctly.” Director Mendoza said that the tax campaign is a call to encourage taxpayers to pay their taxes correctly and promptl...
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19Mar2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, March 19 (PIA) -- Valencia town topped this year’s performers in real property (RP) tax collection in the province after it posted 162.50 percent efficiency rating, according to the office of the Provincial Treasurer. During the weekly flag ceremony at the Acacia Garden of the Capitol Monday, provincial treasurer Eustaquio Socorin and Governor Edgar Chatto handed to Valencia Treasurer Aquilina Ampit a certificate expressing the provincial government’s appreciation f...
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19Mar2013BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 19 (PIA) -- Municipal and provincial assessors here recently asserted that they can help in the growth of their province. In the joint conference of municipal and provincial assessors at the Hill side Resort in this town, they prioritized this year the assessment procedures in their respective municipalities regarding taxable properties and areas. “Our role is very important in addressing the vacuum in settling political boundaries and delineation of proper are...
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19Mar2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, March 19 (PIA) -- Isabela is one of the top 10 provinces in the country that gained recognition as agri-pinoy rice achiever for 2012. The agri-pinoy is a Department of Agriculture’s initiated program aimed at recognizing provinces, cities, towns, irrigator associations, and agricultural extension workers in the country which excelled in rice production. The awarding ceremony was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last week. Agriculturist Dani...
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19Mar2013CEBU, March 18 (PIA) -- Technical and vocational courses still remain to be one of the vital tool for individuals that seek employment. Technical Coordinator for Basic Education Department of Don Bosco Technology Institute (DBTI), Stephen Ferrer noted that time alone can change the public's perspective on technical vocational education that this is in demand of big industries. "Especially abroad, big industries need technically-skilled laborers," Ferrer said in a radio program, "Pagtuki" over...
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19Mar2013BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur, March 19 (PIA) -- Life is bound to change for farming communities in this 5th-class municipality after the opening of a farm-to-market road making agricultural development a step closer. The new road network, which includes the Binnuyog bridge, spans 71. 7 meters and connects two agrarian reform communities (ARCs) the Salvador ARC of Candon and Taclin ARC of Banayoyo. Banayoyo Mayor Severino Galanga said the road project costing some P30.45 million will make the transpo...
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18Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 18 (PIA) -- The Kalinga Apayao State College (KASC) has partnered with the Dagam Corporation of South Korea for soya beans production in the province. The project is handled by KASC’s Research Department that is now conducting a study on soya beans farming in prospect farm sites in the province. As initial step, KASC President Eduardo Bagtang said that while the state college has developed its own experimental area, the project was offered to the different municip...
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18Mar2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 18 (PIA) -- Ed Castillo, Bureau of Internal Revenue District officer (BIR) here reiterated the call to the public to ask receipts from business establishments every time they enter into a transaction with monetary consideration. He said this in connection with the mandate of BIR to issue business establishments with the BIR official receipt as a form of revenue generation. BIR likewise has recently started its campaign for the April 15 deadline of Income Ta...
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18Mar2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 18 (PIA) -- A top official of the assessor’s office here said tax gains and upcoming collectibles from the province’s utilization of its rich mineral resources are expected to boost the general fund of the local government in the coming years. “We are expecting a huge windfall for our increased collection of real property tax (RPT) for this year. This tax collection will have a major impact in our general fund,” said lawyer Frederico Andaya, provincial a...
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18Mar2013OLONGAPO CITY, March 18 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law that grants a 25-year franchise to a private company to handle the local government-managed power distribution utility in Olongapo City. Under Republic Act 10373, Olongapo Electricity Distribution Co. Inc. is allowed “To construct, install, establish, and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power to the end-users in the City of Olongapo a...
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18Mar2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, March 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) approved the improvement and expansion of two airports with an aggregate budget of about P103.4 million, to facilitate access in major tourism areas in northern Palawan. It recently opened for bidding the Northern Palawan Airport Development Project to improve airport traffic handling capacity of the Cesar L. Rodriguez Airport or Taytay Airport located approximately 230 kms north of P...
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17Mar2013BURAUEN, Leyte, March 17 (PIA) -- The Road Board is rolling out P11 million worth of road slip protection project in Burauen-Mahagnao road leading to Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park here. This was learned from Second Leyte Engineering District (2nd LED) chief Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia who lauded the board for heeding the clamor to build protection wall in the road section with imminent road slips. Junia said the project is a big help to the 2nd LED as it serves as a preparatory work for road...
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17Mar2013CARIGARA, Leyte, March 17 (PIA) -- The joint team of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has approved the inclusion in the priority list of P456 million proposed road development projects leading to tourist destinations in the Second District of Leyte. These projects within the 2nd LED are P336 million upgrading of Burauen-Mahagnao Road in Burauen, P48 million concreting of road from Barangay Pagalaum to Sition Canbahian Falls in Carigara, P48 ...
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16Mar2013ALICIA, Isabela, March 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform 2 turned-over 57 farm machineries with an estimated cost of P21M to 11 agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organization (ARBO) under Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services program (ARCCESS) held here last March 14. Assistant Sec. Teofilo Q. Inocencio of DAR, said that these common service facilities (CSF) will help the farmers to enhance agricultural production and productivity in a sustainable ma...
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16Mar2013CABARROGUIS, Quirino, March 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office 2 has turned over common service facilities or farm equipment to five Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations in the province under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity & Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program of the Department. The beneficiaries include Villa Pascua Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Diffun; Ganano Irrigators MPCO-Diffun; Quirino Farmers MPC-Nagtipunan; ARBA Tres Reyes, Saguday ...
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16Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 16 (PIA) -- The Revenue Region (RR) No. 16 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has formally launched its tax campaign for the year 2013. With the theme “I Love the Philippines, I Pay Taxes Correctly,” the tax campaign kicked-off on Wednesday with a motorcade and program at the Limketkai Mall Rotunda, this city. BIR Deputy Commissioner Lilia C. Guillermo said the tax campaign kick-off program is being held every year to gather all stakeholders and thank them ...
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16Mar2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 16 (PIA) -- Two mobile teams are being readied by the National Food Authority for its palay mobile procurement activities. Capiz NFA Information Officer Rose Adalecio said they have already formed their two mobile procurement teams for the first and second district, respectively to directly buy palay produced by the farmers here. She said that they are now closely coordinating with the different municipal, mayors and municipal agriculturists as part of the campaign t...
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16Mar2013SAN JOSE, Antique, March 16 (PIA6) -- The Antique Provincial Cooperative Development Council (APCDC) has organized a multi-sectoral committee to work on possibilities to register power/electric cooperative with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). Felimon Espares, manager, Barbaza Multi-purpose Cooperative at the same time chairman of APCDC in a meeting with leaders of cooperatives, non-government organizations, media, students, government offices and other power stakeholders cited so...
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16Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 16 (PIA6) -- The specialty products of women entrepreneurs from pilot municipalities of the Gender Responsive Economic Actions for Transformation (GREAT Women Project) of the Philippine Commission on Women in the province of Iloilo will be included in the Great Women Brand launch on Tuesday, March 19 at the Yuchengco Museum located at RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Iloilo Provincial Planning Development Officer Mario Nillos said that among the products from Iloilo that will be...
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15Mar2013CARIGARA, Leyte, March 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is pouring P41.91 million in concreting three road projects that will connect the towns of Tabontabon in the first district and Julita in the second district of the province of Leyte. The said projects have been in full swing since January, said Margarita Junia, engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Junia said the projects are expected to be completed before the end of June 2013. The constr...
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15Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- Various activities will spice-up summer in this mountain resort through this year’s Summer Vacation (Sumvac) in Baguio. Benedicto Alhambra, City Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, announced during the Sumvac 2013 meeting last week that various activities have been prepared for the annual summer calendar of events to entertain residents and tourists expected to flock to the city. Among traditional events lined up include the Philippine Military Academy (...
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15Mar2013BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 15 (PIA) -- For Caraga Region (Northeastern Mindanao) to become the leading mining, agricultural and tourism core and trade center in Southern Philippines, the Regional Development Council of Region 13 (RDC-13) on Wednesday endorsed P38,484,856,528- worth of programs and projects proposed for implementation in 2014 by 26 agencies and four state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region. The current RDC leadership is aiming to increase more their budget in an effort to b...
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15Mar2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar. 15 (PIA) -- With a manpower base of only eight personnel in the province, where two or three towns are handled by one officer, the provincial office of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is constrained to ask help from local governments. This was the appeal aired by Emiberto Acasio, Coconut Development Manager. Among the key programs that the PCA need help are in the coconut replanting, fertilization, and the putting up of parasitoid labs in each of th...
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15Mar2013PAWING, Palo, Leyte, March 15 (PIA) -- A flurry of infrastructure projects in this province is not only benefiting the residents in terms of economic progress, it is also doing good in terms of answering the labor problems of Leyte - many are being hired in these projects. Residents from the area who need employment have been hired under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte First Engineering District, headed by OIC-District Engineer Angel A. Sia, Jr. Said projects inc...
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15Mar2013DAGUPAN CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to fly to this city today to open the nearly P24-million emergency room complex of a regional medical center. The President will be accompanied by Health Secretary Enrique Ona and other regional health executives in unveiling the marker of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) emergency room facility. It will be the first visit of PNoy this year to Pangasinan and the fourth since he became president in 2010. After the f...
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15Mar2013CARIGARA, Leyte, March 15 (PIA) -- The implementation of 81 percent of 2013 infrastructure projects is now in full swing in Leyte. Construction of 27 out of the 33 projects for this year of the Department of Public Works and Highways Second Leyte Engineering District is already in full swing as of the end of February, said District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia. Juania said that the early bidding and timely release of budget this year have contributed to the full implementation of projects in...
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15Mar2013NAGA CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) recently inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the implementation of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Agricultural Insurance Program (ARB-AIP) in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte. The agreement will benefit farmers and planters from both provinces and will assure them of their crop's safety against pests and diseases for the nex...
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15Mar2013BONGABON, Nueva Ecija, March 15 (PIA) -- Bongabon town’s famed yellow granex onions has regained entry into the Japanese market after 13 years, with an initial 20 metric tons this week. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala led the official sealing of the container van, Monday, during the send-off ceremony. “The export market became dormant for a while as local prices for onions remained stable to the satisfaction of growers who became less interested in exporting their produce. An opportu...
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15Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 14 (PIA6) -- Six Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in the province of Iloilo received P4.1 million worth of farm machineries and equipment from the Department of Agrarian Reform recently. Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Gideon Umadhay in a statemen said the 16 threshers and 15 power tillers were turned-over as grants to the six Lead Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations to further improve farm productivity and net income of agrarian reform benefic...
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15Mar2013SAN JOSE, Antique, March 15 (PIA) -- An electrical shop/store in the town of San Jose bagged this year’s Department of Trade and Industry- Bagwis Award, an annual recognition of establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business where consumers get the value for their money. Glen Fernando, Trade and Industry Development Specialist, DTI-Antique said, Mini-Kuryente Electrical Shop which specializes in retail and wholesale of electrical products is the first re...
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15Mar2013LAOAG CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- Travel agencies have completed their familiarization tour of tourism facilities in Ilocos Norte as a precursor to the influx of tourists beginning the Holy Week and throughout the summer vacation. At least 112 members of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) conducted its first technical familiarization or “FAM” tour from March 7-10 focusing on the province’s rapid tourism growth. The group went on a three-day tour of hotels in Laoag and some bea...
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14Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 14 (PIA) -- Government efforts to develop grassroots cooperatives in the province had reached remarkable level with 28 people’s cooperatives breaking the “millionaire” mark here. Two of these, the Tabuk Multi-purpose Cooperative (Tampco) and Tabuk Farmer’s Multi-purpose Cooperative (Tafamulco), have surpassed the P100-million rank in total assets. Abel Dawey, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Kalinga field officer, attributed the rapid growth of cooper...
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14Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture – Cordillera reported the region is self-sufficient in rice. Despite low rice production in the provinces of Benguet and Mountain Province, the Cordillera Region is still rice self-sufficient, said Danilo Daguio DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Operations. In 2012, the DA recorded 453,461 metric tons (MT) of rice produced in the region for a 119 percent rice sufficiency level for the region. Benguet had the lowest rice prod...
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14Mar2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, March 14 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry – Rizal in cooperation with the Rizal provincial government recently held the Agri-Pangasius Culinary Festival at Antipolo City on March 7 in line with the celebration of Women’s Month and the fourth anniversary of the capitol transfer from Pasig to Antipolo. DTI Rizal headed by Provincial Director Mercy Parreno invited teams from 11 municipalities and one city of Rizal to help promote both good nutrition and consumpti...
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14Mar2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, March 14 (PIA) -- Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia urged city and municipal engineers in the country to start improving infrastructure in their areas while the country is in an economic boom. Garcia said that with this new economic climate, the government is spending billions of pesos in additional infrastructure, including roads, bridges and tourist facilities. City and municipal engineers should take advantage of this opportunity to create an...
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14Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Mar 14 (PIA) -- There were more jobs offered than then there were applicants during the last jobs fair that the local government here put together recently indicating a positive trend in the country’s employment sector. Charito Dator, manager of the public employment service office (PESO) under the provincial government, said the balance between applicants and job vacancies has tilted towards the latter indicating a robust employment status. “It implies that th...
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14Mar2013SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte, Mar. 14 (PIA) -- The rains here came non-stop Tuesday, alternating between soft drizzles and heavy downpours, but this did not deter the inauguration of five infrastructure projects. Four of those five projects were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways -- Southern Leyte Engineering District (DPWH-SLED), and one from the provincial engineering office. In particular, two steep national road slippages got major facelift , one at Barangay Le...
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14Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- Visitors to Davao City for 2012 breached the 1-million level. City Tourism Operations Head Jason Magnaye said visitor arrivals tallied at around 1.075 million. This is a 45% increase from 2011 visitors which numbered 744,000. Magnaye attributed the surge in visitor arrivals to two factors, on of these is the increase in flight connectivity as several airlines added several connecting destinations to the city. Among these flights include Davao-Clark, Davao-Kalibo...
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14Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, March 14 (PIA) -- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) renewed its appeal to Central Luzon taxpayers to pay their taxes ahead of the April 15 due date. “It is better to file early as there would be no extension period. We are only accommodating people from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.,” Revenue District Officer Amador Ducut said. “Paying taxes is an obligation of every Filipino and one should pay it correctly,” Ducut added. The annual income tax return filing is for t...
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14Mar2013It's summer! Holidays and vacations are best spent in resorts. One need not go far since Pampanga offers the best places where rest and relaxation can be savored. Here are some of the best. Abe’s Farm An unforgettable experience would be to partake of the flavor of a full menu of Capampangan food which include pinakbet Capampangan, gule magalang, pako salad for vegetables; main course of sisig, chicharong bulaklak, arobung kamaru, binukadkad na pla-pla, knockout knuckles, ...
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14Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 14 (PIA) --The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat is set to implement five major projects under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the province this year. Provincial social welfare and development officer Henry Albano said that these projects are aimed at helping the less fortunate residents. This year, In and Out of School Youth (ISY/OSY) Cash for Training Program will be implemented which will serve more than 400 youth. Und...
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14Mar2013QUEZON, March 13 --Government housing sector is looking into the viability of non-irrigable lands as sites for socialized and non-socialized housing projects. In a meeting with the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations (CREBA), Vice President Jejomar Binay said the state wanted to "prioritize the development of infrastructures that will fully utilize the potentials" of non-irrigable lands. The phrase "non-irrigable lands" suggest lands that lack the marked characteristics to justi...
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13Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 13 -- The Department of Trade and Industry urged the people in e-commerce industry to self-regulate and act promptly on consumer complaints that are related to online transactions. “We encourage the industry to police its own rank. We urge you to be proactive in resolving consumer complaints, ideally within 48 hours upon receiving them, and screen complaints that should go to the government,” DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo told the members of the Digital Commerce (DCOM) S...
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13Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) are targeted to adopt green initiatives in order to be globally competitive as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 and the GIZ launched today the Promotion for Green Economic Development (ProGED) Project in Cebu and Bohol. The ProGED Projecton is aimed at promoting green economic development as a driver for competitiveness, innovation, new markets and jobs that will eventually contribute to inclusive growth and p...
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13Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 13 (PIA) -- A total of P12.28 million worth of anti-poverty infrastructure projects have been completed in various villages of Libungan, North Cotabato, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported. DSWD Region-12 Regional Director Zorahayda Taha said, these comprised 20 community sub-projects, including schools, daycare centers, health stations, solar dryers, potable water system, road rehabilitations and other projects could be...
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13Mar2013PAGADIAN CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- Employers and labor representatives have converged here Tuesday at the Bay Plaza Hotel for a wage consultation led by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region 9. Around 40 participants composed of owners of local establishments, private school administrators, managers/representatives of banking and lending institutions, regional directors of the National Economic Development Authority-9 (NEDA-9) and Department of Labor and Employmen...
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13Mar2013DAVAO CITY March 13 (PIA)- A durian summit will be held here on March 13 to 14 to tackle issues that hinder durian production in the region. durian growers in the country are lagging behind Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of production per hectare, said Larry Miculob, president of the Mindanao Fruit Council. Miculob said neighboring countries have an annual yield of 10 tons per hectares year this compared to local production which could only amount to 2 tons per hectare. He said there is ...
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13Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 13 -- For Northern Mindanao to become the leading industrial core and trade center in Southern Philippines, the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region X endorsed P52.9 billion worth of programs and projects proposed for implementation in Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 by 23 agencies and seven (7) state universities and colleges in the region. RDC-X chairperson and Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz led the Council’s review and endorsement of the budgets presented by t...
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12Mar2013DIPOLOG CITY, March 12 (PIA) - -The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. jointly implemented the Microfinance Capacity Development Project for Partner Organizations (MCDPPO) to provide sustained credit access to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by developing ARB cooperatives as microfinance conduits. Because of the significant performance of the project and the need to adopt a more sustainable approach through the complementa...
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12Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has alloted P3.1 billion for social services and poverty alleviation programs for Soccsksargen Region in 2013. DSWD 12 revealed this in a recent region-wide civil society organizations gathering where the primary objective was to identify various areas for convergence and project complementation. “We need to provide our partners with data on the ap...
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12Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Mar. 12 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Ilocos will present the state of the region and its prospects during the State of the Region’s Development Conference (SORDC) Tuesday, March 12. Director Juan B. Ngalob of National Economic and Development Authority and currently the RDC acting chairman will deliver his State of the Region’s Address (SORA) on the overall performance of the region on the key sectors of the economy such as trade, industry ...
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12Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 12 -- The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, has partnered with 11 state universities and colleges (SUCs) for the dissemination of farm postharvest and mechanization technologies and knowledge down to the grassroots level. PhilMech Executive Director Rex L. Bingabing in a statement said the agency’s partnership with the 11 SUCs will help in the dissemination of various postha...
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11Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 11 -- State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has launched a P5-billion facility that seeks to finance projects that will promote quality and excellent higher education in the country. The Financing for Higher Education (FHE) credit facility will fund various initiatives that will ensure the relevance and responsiveness of education programs and promote good governance in accordance with the thrusts of the education sector as stated in the Philippine Developmen...
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11Mar2013LEGAZPI CITY, March 11 -- The Balik Probinsiya Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol will be bringing home some 500 families from Albay who are now living in Manila slum areas. This program, according to DENR Bicol regional director Gilbert Gonzales, aims for social recovery and supplementation of the National Greening Program (NGP). “The program per se has a two pronged approach, one is social recovery and the other is the supplementation of the Nationa...
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11Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) Chairperson Secretary Lualhati Antonino is confident that Mindanao’s power crisis will soon be solved as the government earmarks P3.8 billion for the country’s power capabilities. “The Aquino administration has set aside P1.67 billion for the repair and rehabilitation of the country’s hydropower plants,” Antonino said. Hydropower plants are supposed to have a maximum lifespan of only 30 years, she said, but our hydro...
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11Mar2013SORSOGON CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office here in coordination with the Provincial Gender Advocacy Council (PGADC) intensified its promotion of GAD and women empowerment in the province through a mini-trade fair and skills competition open to aspiring Sorsogon women entrepreneurs specifically in the marginalized sectors. As member of the PGADC, the DTI under the leadership of provincial director Leah Pagao led the activity. Glenda Goingo, DTI...
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11Mar2013PAGADIAN CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 15, Revenue District 92 kicked off its 2013 tax campaign on Monday at Margarita Hall, Hotel Camila this city. Lawyer Alert B. Alocilja, BIR Revenue Region 15 director, said this annual activity is held to highlight BIR’s tax campaign for this year whose deadline is on April 15. “Our tax campaign slogan for this year is ‘I love the Philippines, I pay taxes correctly.’ Why correctly? Because there are ta...
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11Mar2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 11 (PIA) -- To increase revenue collection and to achieve the 2013 target, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District 87 introduced the Integrated Tax System or ITS during the awareness tax campaign on March 8, at Samar State University Gymnasium, Catbalogan City. ITS is a set of related systems and processes, which runs and facilitates the Bureau's core business functions. It provides maximum automation and minimum manual intervention in BIR operations. ITS ...
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11Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is exploring opportunities that will further boost the agri-business industry in the Western Visayas region. Talks are being done with investors regarding plans to establish the largest palm oil plantation in Central Panay, DA-6 Regional Director Larry Nacionales said in a PIA interview. “We were able to meet with Malaysian investors who are willing to invest in palm oil in Panay,” said Nacionales. “Companies from Luzon are ...
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11Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 11 (PIA) - - A showcase and sale of products of Ilonggo women entrepreneurs and groups starts today at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds until March 15. The "2013 Tiangge sang Kababainhan" is part of a series of activities organized by the Iloilo provincial government to mark the celebration of Women's Month and the International Women's Day last March 8 in the province. Some of the products featured in the fair are the nito (reed-like) woven products of the Nagpan...
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11Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 11 -- Local companies exporting food and agriculture products to China are now required to register and secure accreditation online to ensure the entry of their products. "All goods to enter Mainland China (fishery, feeds, processed food and beverages and fresh fruits, etc.) require registration (new and old) and accreditation. For new (exporters), this may involve site inspections and product tests/sampling," said Christine dela Cruz, commercial officer of the Phili...
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11Mar2013The summer heat has begun to rise--and so has the number of tourists streaming into the province, raising hopes of locals for additional jobs and income. The Ilocos Norte Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) said since the launch of the province’s tourism brand Paoay Kumakaway (Paoay beckons) in 2011, tourist arrival rate has been steadily increasing from an average of 200,000 annual tourist arrivals to more than 680,000 arrivals last year. The tourism increase required the provincial government...
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11Mar2013DAVAO CITY March 11 (PIA) -- The recently concluded MICE Con 2013 (Meetings Incentives Conventions Exhibits Conference) has brought tangible benefits to Davao, according to the regional office of the Department of Tourism. “We are now regarded as the next generation destination for MICE,” said Art Boncato, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism during the March 9 luncheon held for MICE Con participants at Park Inn Davao at the SM Lanang Premiere complex where the three-day confere...
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11Mar2013VIGAN, March 11 (PIA) -- More residents of Vigan are now earning their own keep from the capital assistance the provincial government provides under the “Pagsapulan Raniag ti Masakbayan (livelihood for bright future)." The program has enabled poor residents to set up their small businesses and, in the process, empowered them as development partners of the local government. Vigan Mayor Eva Marie Medina started the program after learning that most poor communities do not have the means to acqu...
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11Mar2013MANILA, March 11 -- This time, government is taking no chances for any natural-caused disasters in Manila. This early, the Budget Department is preparing for the coming of typhoons, heavy rains, landslides, and any natural-caused disasters as it releases P1.59 billion to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The amount will be for the rehabilitation of water pumping stations to mitigate perennial flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. Twelve water pumping stations ar...
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11Mar2013ILOILO CITY, Mar. 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-6 through its Land Management Service, was able to distribute a total of 1,926 residential free patents, covering 46.55 hectares (ha) in the six provinces of Western Visayas. These free patents were given to Aklan, 99, with a total of 2.85 ha; Antique, 297, covering 9.18 ha; Capiz, 115, with 3.22 ha, Guimaras, 17, with 0.65 ha; Iloilo, 186, and an area of 5.02 ha, and Negros Occidental, 1,212, covering an area ...
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11Mar2013DIPOLOG CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- Groundbreaking activities were held for major infrastructure projects in the second district of Zamboanga del Norte. Seven of these projects are in Dipolog City, said Alan Bengua of the Dipolog City Information Office (CIO). These projects include the second, third and fourth phase of the expansion and improvement of the Dipolog City Airport with P112 million appropriation; the P25 million-road construction from the junction of Turno by-pass road to 3,003 step...
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11Mar2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 11 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to confer the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Award to provinces, towns, and individuals in Central Luzon for their exemplary contribution in the attainment of the government’s staple self-sufficiency goal. “Nueva Ecija and Bulacan were adjudged as among the ten top performing provinces in the country. They will each get P4 million worth of projects” said DA Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta. He...
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11Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- About 98 percent of the taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) came from voluntary payment of taxpayers. Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe, in his talk during the kick off ceremony of the tax campaign in Iloilo, said that while taxation is imposed by law, the agency would rather intensify its education campaign on tax collection. “We want paying taxes to be done voluntarily, as we see our information campaign make our taxes collected get bigger ...
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10Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 10 (PIA) -- Officers and members of 60 recipient Agrarian Reform Beneficiary organizations trooped to the Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office compound on March 7 to personally receive the P19 million worth of modern farm equipment from DAR Undersecretary Felix Perry Villanueva. The sudden downpour did not stop the turn over rites as the visibly overjoyed ARBOs signed the acceptance documents in front of Usec Villanueva, and Finance and Administrative Dir...
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09Mar2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 9 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue has filed 153 tax evasion cases nationwide and had five convictions as of early this year. This was announced by Atty. Nelson Aspe, BIR deputy commissioner for operations group, during the kick-off ceremony of the 2013 Tax Campaign held at the Bacolod Pavilion Hotel. Aspe said the convictions are more on fines and even if BIR lost in the criminal aspect, the court still ordered the defendants to pay monetary penalties to the ...
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09Mar2013MAKATI CITY, March 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will bring this month the METRO Festival fever – a trade fair of products of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) -- in the heart of Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. This activity aims to champion business by providing them an opportunity to showcase their best products inside one of Chinatown’s grandest mall -- the Lucky Chinatown Mall. This enables MSMEs not only to have a foot hold of the prospect marke...
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08Mar2013LAOAG CITY, March 8 (PIA) - Ilocos Norte is one of the leading rice producers in the country because its farmers have adopted new farming methods. The farmers now use disease-resistant hybrid seeds, said Norma Lagmay, head of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO). “Our rice plants are generally healthy because our farmers are very receptive with the new technologies," Lagmay said. "Unlike in other regions, we only come across minor problems like urea and nitrogen overdose bu...
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08Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has called on investors to invest in the country’s hotel industry saying “we will need an additional 37,000 rooms by 2016 to cope with the influx of arrivals.” Aquino was in Davao City Thursday to open the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Conference held at SMEX Convention Center from March 6 to 9. “Perhaps you’d consider setting up shop or expanding here, and giving our countrymen even more chances ...
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08Mar2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III’s visit here Wednesday to check the status of the city’s circumferential road project inspires hope to residents of one barangay here. Mabuhay Barangay Chairman Wilfredo Parreñas expressed his gratefulness to President Aquino for showing his commitment to uplift the city’s economic condition by coming over to fast-track the completion of the P1.135B General Santos City (GSC) Circumferential Road Project. Parreñas s...
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08Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 8 (PIA)--- “Pursue your targets, no matter how unpopular tax collectors are.” This was the message of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Head Francisco Duque III in the recent Tax Campaign 2013 Kickoff of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Cebu, recently. Duque said the unpopularity of the tax collectors is something that they have to sympathize with the BIR. “But I tell you, no matter how unpopular this government program may be, this is the most important program be...
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08Mar2013BONTOC, Mt. Province, Mar. 8 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue district office here has surpassed its tax collection target for last year. The 2012 Cumulative Collection Report revealed that the local revenue generating office has collected P170,485,130.94 taxes exceeding its collection goal of P169, 650,000 or an increase of P835,130.94. The same report shows the P170,485,130.94 tax collection last year increased by 16.16 percent or P23,720,058.89 as compared to its total collection in...
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08Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 8 (PIA) -Participants to the Meetings, Conventions and Exhibition (MICE) Conference being held at SMEX Convention Center learned today the secrets of the success of Seoul, Korea’s tourism. MICE 2013 host Davao City hopes to make the city the center of convention and tourism in the next years and City Tourism and Investment Promotion officer Jason Magnaye said they are learning from the success of the other cities like Seoul. Seoul Tourism Organization Vice President Maureen...
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08Mar2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, March 8 (PIA) -- The processing of strawberry wine here will soon be perfected. A new packaging is also being developed and will have a soft launched during the Strawberry Festival on March 22. Mayor Gregorio Abalos, Jr said a group of wine producers in Manila is helping the local government in perfecting the technology through training which started a few months ago.The process of production adapts a new technology of aging using manufacturing level standards. Abalos s...
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08Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- For their meritorious commitment and performance in government’s pursuit to advance the rice sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will honor the 2012 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers throughout the country, including two municipalities and 11 agricultural extension workers (AEWs) from Northern Mindanao (Region 10), on March 15 at the Philippine Convention Center in Manila. Envisioning the country as a surplus supplier of rice with the year 2013 as its earl...
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08Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III gave the Department of Tourism high marks for sprucing up the tourism industry by making its more fun in the country advocacy worked. The President spoke before participants to the Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions Conference yesterday at SMX Convention Center. He said the DOT in 2011 exceeded by two million its 2016 target of 30.5 million domestic travels. “It means that in just a year and half, we alread...
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08Mar2013DAGUPAN CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- Commuters passing through the main street of this city will brace for a new route as elevation works for A.B. Fernandez Avenue (ABFA), the central business district, starts this week. The P49-million project, which includes the improvement of sidewalks, drainage systems and existing lamp posts, will raise the A.B. Fernandez avenue by 16-18 inches (40-45 centimeters) and is expected to be completed in a span of 180 calendar days. The Public Order and Safety Of...
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08Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 regional office said Western Visayas can exceed its 12 percent share in the national rice harvest posted in 2012 and attain the 15 percent target for this year. DA 6 Regional Director Larry Nacionales said this would be a three percent increase in the region’s contribution to the country’s rice production for 2013. “The initial forecast of Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administrati...
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08Mar2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 8 (PIA) -- The province of Northern Samar is the only province nationwide with Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) code. This was learned from Board Member Albert Lucero during the women leader’s forum at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol in Catarman on March 8. Lucero said that Governor Paul R. Daza pushes for PPP as it is an essential part of the overall development reform policy of the province by encouraging performance-based management of the delivery of public...
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08Mar2013CAMILING, Tarlac, March 8 (PIA) -- The provincial government and Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA) has conducted a soybean field day to intensify its production and processing in Tarlac. Governor Victor Yap and TCA president Max Guillermo visited stakeholders at the Don Gilberto P. Romulo Farmers’ Training Center in Camiling town. “Soybean is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean which has numerous uses. Fat-free soybean meal is a significant and cheap...
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08Mar2013LAOAG CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- Filipino-owned Southeast Asian Airlines or SEAir will launch its first ever flight to Laoag on April 4. Milagros Gonzales, head of the Department of Tourism for Ilocos Norte said, manager for booking Jose Lapid of SEAir visited the province on third week of February to discuss matters with the Laoag International Airport (LIA). Gonzales said the airline will accommodate the bulk of tourists coming into the province this summer, which is considered as the peak seas...
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07Mar2013MANILA, March 7 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the role of the telecommunications sector in facilitating the free flow of information to our countrymen. "Knowledge empowers our people and sustains the momentum of our nation’s ongoing revitalization. As part of the telecommunications sector, you act as conduits that facilitate the free flow of information to our countrymen," the Chief Executive said in his message to the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Ass...
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07Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- The government will be actively bidding to host international events in the next few years. President Benigno Aquino III disclosed this during his speech, Thursday, at the opening of the 2013 MICE (Meetings Incentives Conventions Exhibits) Conference at the new SMX Convention Center in Davao City. “We in the Philippines have long wanted to explore other avenues for growth. In fact, my administration has been actively campaigning to host some events in the next fe...
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07Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, Mar 7 (PIA) - - In a Stat News released by the National Statistical Coordination Board, it stated that due to the general rise in the prices of goods and services, the buying power of the peso in the region stands at 78 centavos, meaning the value of goods and services worth 78 centavos in 2006 are bought at one peso in 2012. The peso had the highest value in Apayao at 84 centavos followed by both Kalinga and Abra at 81 centavos, Benguet 77 centavos, Ifugao 76 centavos while Mt. Pr...
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07Mar2013LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte, March 7 (PIA) -- The circumferential road project is envisioned to alleviate poverty in the island municipality of Limasawa. “All the roads that lead to tourist destinations will be constructed with the standard road concrete pavement. These roads will contribute to the development of the potentials in Limasawa island even if isolated,” Congressman Roger Mercado said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Limasawa Circumferential Road at Limas...
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07Mar2013MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Mar. 7 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III inaugurated, Friday two infrastructure projects in Bulacan. Upon arrival at the newly completed Plaridel Bypass road, the President, together with Public Works Undersecretary Alfredo G. Tolentino boarded the open-type pick up for the inaugural drive-through after which they proceeded to the newly rehabilitated Bocaue bridge along the Manila North Road (MNR) in Bulacan. The P700 million Plaridel Bypass Road Project, as envi...
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07Mar2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 7 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform – North Negros has installed 118 more agrarian reform beneficiaries in Cadiz City. Dr. Enrique C. Paderes, OIC- PARO II North Negros Occidental led the installation of 118 Farmer Beneficiaries on the 93.2205hectares CARP covered agricultural land in Brgy. Caduha-an, Cadiz City, registered under the name of Victorias Milling Company. The installation was held in Hacienda Candelaria, in Brgy. Purisima, Manapla, since the ...
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07Mar2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Mar. 7 (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera is promoting the tapping of oleoresin in pine trees as source of livelihood among the locals. Initial steps in promoting the income-generating project was through a training in Kabayan, according to DOST Provincial Science and Technology Chief Arnold Inumpa. The participants underwent a hands-on training on oleoresin extraction in pine trees including its processing. The oleoresin is processed to rem...
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07Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 7 -- Under the brand Manila Wear, unique fashion pieces from the Philippine fashion industry bagged praises and positive reviews during the 2nd International Fashion Showcase (IFS) in London. Manila Wear is a brand that reflects the distinct Filipino fashion style, and captures the carefree and fun Philippine lifestyle. Through the IFS, local fashion brands Aranaz and Rags2Riches were given international market exposure and media mileage. From February 15 to 19, buyers, gues...
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07Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) will be implementing a feasibility study on the use of secondhand vegetable oil to power vehicles in the country. DOE Secretary Jericho Petilla, in a press briefing, said the six-month study aims to test the viability of using four percent esterified waste vegetable oil mixed with diesel as alternative transport fuel to power light trucks and private vehicles to reduce air pollution and fossil-fuel imports. Esterification is the pro...
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06Mar2013ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- “It’s high time that we know of the natural wonder that is Zamboanga City,” Councilor Rogelio “Jerky” Valesco said to over 200 participants of the 1st Zamboanga City Ecotourism Awareness Summit held last week in the newly inaugurated P30-million Centro Latino Multi-Purpose Center, this city. The summit, which was held in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-9 and the Department of Environment Natural Resources (DENR)-9 aimed to inform and ...
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06Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Mar. 6 (PIA) -– The provincial government has programmed its P4-million cash incentive for the improvement of the access road to the province’s three-hectare demo-farm near the provincial nursery. The P4 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA), was cash incentive to Kalinga for being one of the 10 provinces adjudged as 2012 National Rice Achiever Awardees. Joe Casibang of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) said the project to be funded is in support...
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06Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture recently launched the Samar Island Small Ruminant Rural Enterprise Development (SAIS-SRRED) project, another potential money-earning farm enterprise considered as the sunrise industry in Eastern Visayas, at the Ciriaco Hotel, Calbayog City, Samar. The project is meant to alleviate poverty of small farmers in the three Samar provinces, Francis Rosaroso, DA-8 chief Information officer, said. Antonio A. Gerundio, regional direct...
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06Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 6 (PIA) -- The province of Leyte recorded a 4.3 percent inflation rate in January 2013 indicating a slight increase of 0.2 percentage point from 4.1 percent in December last year, Leyte Provincial statistics officer Wilma A. Perante said. According to Perante, the major commodity group that registered the highest increase in inflation rate was noted in alcoholic beverages and tobacco with 6.2 percentage points. This is due to the 17.9 percentage points increase in t...
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06Mar2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, March 6 (PIA) -- To enable all members of the Malunggay Women’s Organization in Barangay Poblacion East here increase their meager income and provide works for their families and to promote a healthful, and peaceful families and members of the community, the Provincial Veterinary Office downloaded P40,050 for their backyard-duck raising project. Gilbert Caclini, agriculturist of PVET, said that the amount from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Congressman Teddy Bagu...
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06Mar2013BANGUED, Abra, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- The provincial government gets support from agencies in its effort to bring development in the upland communities of the province and strengthen peace initiatives. The efforts involve the implementation of infrastructure development projects to connect the hinterlands especially those of the municipalities of Lacub and Tineg which had been neglected for a long time. Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin reported road building projects in the municipalities of Lacu...
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06Mar2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, March 6 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Palawan and Power Source Philippines Inc. recently signed an agreement for the latter to provide rural electrification and development in the outlying barangay of Liminangcong in Taytay municipality. The agreement was signed by Palawan Governor Baham Mitra for the provincial government and John Herrman, Vice-President for Micro-Grid Operations for PowerSource Group, accredited by the Department of Energy as a Qualif...
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06Mar2013DAVAO CITY March 6 (PIA) -- Davao City is all set for MICE Con 2013 which will be held on March 6-9 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, one of the newest shopping and convention complex in the city. The conference which focuses on the MICE (Meetings Incentives Conventions and Exhibitions) will be the biggest convention the city will host after the 2006 Asean Tourism Forum. Lisette Marquez,spokesperson of Duaw Dabaw one of the city's partners in the hosting of the event said that around...
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06Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Provincial Office (DTI-MisOr) destroyed on Tuesday, an estimated P79,700 worth of uncertified Christmas lights and P80,000 worth of substandard helmets confiscated last year during its Task Force Monitoring in the city. Out of the 35 business establishments selling Christmas lights, nine committed violation and out of 23 business establishments for motorcycle helmets, three were found non-compliant. Ac...
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06Mar2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 6 (PIA)—A successful goat-raiser is advocating the use of Indigofera to improve goat production. Valeriano L. Almeda of the Alaminos Dairy Goat Farm (ADGF) in Alaminos, Laguna said, “Our advocacy is good nutrition in order to improve goat production performance.” Almeda attended the Samar Island Small Ruminant Rural Enterprise Development (SAIS-SRRED) Project launch in Calbayog City, Samar. “Travelling to Calbayog City for the first time, brings a lot ...
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05Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 5 -- Citing the implementation of key budget reforms to boost the efficiency and quality of public spending, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad today announced that expenditures in 2012 reached P1.778 trillion, a 14.1-percent increase from P1.558 trillion in 2011. While disbursements for the whole 2012 were 3.4 percent below the programmed level, it was nonetheless a notable improvement from the 9-percent shortfall in 2011, a statement from DBM said. Abad als...
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05Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is undertaking the Compostela Substation Expansion Project in Cebu. This is to keep up with the rapid growth of power demand in Visayas, said Elmer Cruz, NGCP Visayas Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer. Under said project, a 150-megavolt ampere (MVA) transformer, power circuit breakers, and accessories will be installed at the Compostela substation. The expansion project is pegged to cost P221...
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05Mar2013CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur, Mar 5 (PIA) -- To make this town environment friendly, the municipal government is pushing for the adaption of organic agriculture, particularly vermicomposting in all 33 villages. Vermicomposting, which uses earthworms to turn organic wastes into high quality compost, is presently adapted by a farming association in Barangay Baclig here. Dominador Reynold Sabio, leader of a farmers’ group, said members have closely followed the processes involved in vermicomposting whi...
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05Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO, March 5 (PIA) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area Center 9 today conducted a public hearing on the proposed terminal fee for Laguindingan Airport which will open soon in Misamis Oriental. The proposed terminal fee or passenger service charge for the new airport is P200 for domestic travels and P700 for international travels. Engineer Raul G. Glorioso, CAAP vice chair, said one basis of the terminal fee is for cost recovery. In Republic Act (RA) 949...
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05Mar2013DIADI, Nueva Vizcaya, March 5 (PIA) -- Cagayan Valley power firm, SN Aboitiz Power – Magat(SNAP-Magat) recently turned-over one set of computer to Barangay Butao here as part of its mission to bring villagers and officials closer to the worldwide web. Veronica Adsuara and Jerry Baniqued of Aboitiz handed over the computer set to Barangay Captain Dominick Bandao. Adsuara said the assistance was given through the hydropower firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) support to local gover...
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05Mar2013NAVAL, Biliran, Mar 5 (PIA) -- Five hundred jobs are waiting for students in the province of Biliran this summer, says Marilou Estomago Jornales of the provincial field office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Jornales said in an interview the jobs offered this summer are under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) of DOLE. Under the SPES, any qualified students aged 15-24 can apply in any government office or agency or even in the private firms in the provi...
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05Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) - - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Cordillera Regional Welfare (OWWA-CAR) recently released P465,000 worth of livelihood grants to OFW groups, returnees, and dependents in the Cordillera region. Two OFW Family Circles – the Bagong Bayani Family Association of La Trinidad Benguet and Simbaey Circle of Mt. Province got P100,000 grant each. Twenty-two OFW returnees, 20 from Baguio-Benguet and one each from Conner, Apayao and Lamut, Ifugao, also received...
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05Mar2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 5 (PIA) -- Two hundred-twenty members of the Association of Hog Raisers of Negros Occidental attended the First District Hog Raisers Assembly held at Balay Kauswagan in Sagay City recently. They participants came from the cities of Escalante and San Carlos and the municipalities of Toboso, Don Salvador Benedicto and Calatrava. They listened to lectures on swine marketing and went on an exposure trip to Triple A Slaughterhouse in Sagay City. In a press statement, Negros...
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05Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 5 -- The World Bank (WB) has recognized and appreciated an innovative tool, called geo-tagging, that is used by the Department of Agriculture in its Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) to validate and monitor infrastructure projects. “It is heart warming to know that MRDP’s geo-tagging tool is being recognized worldwide,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said in a statement. “The World Bank must have seen that the tool may be used in other countries, a...
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05Mar2013KALIBO, Aklan, March 5 (PIA) -- The two jetty ports operated by the provincial government here – one in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan and the other one at Cagban in Boracay Island registered a 121.39 percent increase in collections for the first two months of 2013. The combined collections of January and February for 2013 had a total of P53,193,717.58, while collections for the same period last year netted a total of P24,027,236.66 – showing an increase of P29,166.480.92. As to tourist arrival...
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05Mar2013DAGUPAN CITY, March 5 - Pangasinenses seeking for employment abroad need not go to the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) regional office in La Union to process their documents. Emmanuel Diaz, overseas workers and welfare officer for Region 1, said that his office has five satellite offices in Pangasinan where job seekers can process their documents. These offices are located at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offices in Dagupan City, Alaminos City, Rosales and a...
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04Mar2013BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) -- Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. led on Monday the launching of the project dubbed "Ang Pagbutwa Hong Balangay" or From Waste to Work of Art with 10 young artists from Butuan and Caraga region competing in the making of miniature 3D balangay or boats, held at the old SP building, city hall compound here. Said project is spearheaded by the local government of Butuan and the Local Youth Development Council. Various recyclable materials will be used by the arti...
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04Mar2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, Mar. 4 (PIA)—Two people’s organizations in the province will soon receive livelihood projects and entrepreneurial development assistance under the Closure Agreement of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA)- Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), now the Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development (CFPD). This is based on the provisions of the Closure Agreement signed on July 4, 2011 for the gradual disposition of ...
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04Mar2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 4 (PIA) -- The use of coco coir in projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) not only has helped in flood control, it has also given livelihood to Eastern Visayans. This is according to Trade and Industry Samar Chief Meilo Macabare. Macabare and her staff conducted a market matching meeting for decorticating plants and contractors from the DPWH at DTI 8, Palo, Leyte, recently. Coco coir, a strong fiber extracted from discarded coconut husks,...
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04Mar2013BANAUE, Ifugao, Mar.4 (PIA)-—Fifty hog raisers and farmers of this municipality who were trained on bio-gas production and swine management provided by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) are pioneering bio gas production in Ifugao According to Banaue Animal Technician Marivic Navan, the municipal government was able to access funds for the pioneering of bio-gas utilization from the wastes of the pigs to augment the use of liquefied petroleu...
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04Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga Mar. 4 (PIA) -– Kalinga is set to host the regional convention of Food Staple Producers and the launching of the National Year of Rice in the Cordillera Region on March 20-21, 2013. In an interview, Kalinga Office on Agricultural Services (OAS) Rice Program Coordinator Jose Casibang said the event is expected to be attended by about 500 ‘food soldiers’ from all over the region with Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala as the guest and speaker. Food soldiers he sa...
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04Mar2013MANILA, March 4 --The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P1.6 billion to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the repair, rehabilitation, and construction of farm-to-market roads all over the Philippines. "The development of farm-to-market roads will help expand our farmers’ capacity to sell their goods and gain access to a larger commercial base.This is part of our strategy of investing heavily in agriculture, in line will the Aquino administration’s goal of s...
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04Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao is set to conduct a joint sector committee consultation on the region’s programs, projects and activities on Tuesday, March 5. The consultation, to be held at Pearlmont Inn and Restaurant here, will also tackle budget proposals for the fiscal year (FY) 2014. RDC-10 Chairperson and Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said the simultaneous consultation aims to gather comments and significant input...
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04Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 4 -- After its three-month implementation, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) lifted the sardine fishing ban in the East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait and Sibuguey Bay on midnight of March 1. The fisherfolk in these areas can now resume their sardine fishing activities, and also the sardine canneries in Zamboanga City, the largest producer of canned and bottled sardines in the country, are expected to take their production in full swing as the closed season come...
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04Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform in Eastern Visayas is set to turnover soon, more than P19- million worth of farm implements to over 60 agrarian reform beneficiary-organizations across Eastern Visayas. “The more than P19-million worth of farm implements are now at the DAR regional office ready for distribution to intended beneficiaries,” Regional Director Eliasem Castillo disclosed. The multi-million pesos worth of modern farm equipments include 37...
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03Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology in Region 8 (DOST-8), Regional Office 8 will be coming up with an innovation center in the region to boost small businesses. This was revealed by John Glenn Ocaña, engineer and DOST-Leyte director during the soft launch of Smarter Philippines, Smarter Cities Project at the Harampang (Kapihan) ha PIA here recently. Ocaña said that the innovation center, which will be put up near the DOST-8 office, will feature hi...
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03Mar2013LAOAG CITY, Mar 2 (PIA) -- Not only tourism but also investment is the target market of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte on their "Paoay Kumakaway (Paoay waving)" tourism pitch this year. Ilocos Norte has tied-up with the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) management to use some of the province’s most visited and anticipated tourist destination as a feature in their stored-value cards. The provincial government will promote Ilocos Norte as an in investment opportunity and not just a tourism ...
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02Mar2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Mar 2 (PIA) -- The country was recently declared compliant with the International Safety Standards of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and tourism and other investments and other industries are expected to increase in the country. A report from the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) says that ICAO –ICVM (Coordinated Validation Missions) will recommend to the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada the lifting of the Significant ...
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02Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 2 (PIA) -- Park Inn Davao is bullish in the growth of the mid-scale travelers market in the region. “You need more hotels of this kind here,” says Geir Sikko, General Manager of Park Inn Davao. The hotel owned by SM Hotels and Conventions is the first Park Inn by Radisson hotel in the Asia Pacific region. Sikko describes the mid scale market as somewhat a notch above backpacker tourists and below five-star travelers. He estimates that 60% of the world traveler market is...
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02Mar2013MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 2 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III on Friday inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Bocaue bridge along the Manila North Road (MNR) in Bulacan. The now four-lane structure seeks to improve the level of service of MNR which is also known as McArthur Highway. It likewise seeks to enhance mobility and provide motorists savings on vehicle maintenance costs. The widening and upgrading will provide enough waterway opening to facilitate fast conveyance of flow. Th...
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02Mar2013MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 2 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III on Friday led the inaugural drive through of the recently completed Plaridel Bypass Road Contract Package II. “The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-aided project consists of a total of 24.61km road, 2.40km access road, and 10 bridges which traverse municipalities of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael in Bulacan” said Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Alfredo Tolentino. It is part o...
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01Mar2013NAGA CITY, Mar. 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) spearheaded on Thursday, Feb. 28, a confab on Energy Efficiency and Conservation to create more awareness among users and stakeholders the need and implications of saving energy and reducing cost. The interfacing, under DOE's Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP), formed part of the agency's continuing Communication Campaign for Efficient Lighting (CCEL) basically to help households save energy and reduce cost through doable measu...
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01Mar2013KALIBO, Aklan, March 1 (PIA6) -- Hundreds of Aklanons found the conduct of this year’s nationwide Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) by the National Statistics Office beneficial since they were hired as enumerators and team supervisors. The census, which started February 25 in Aklan, is conducted every 10 years, according to the NSO here, headed by Provincial Statistics Officer Blas Solidum. “The 2012 CAF is a large-scale government activity which aims to collect and compile ba...
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01Mar2013ILOILO CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 6 (DPWH-6) launched today the multi-million project that will pave way for the improvement and widening of the Benigno S. Aquino Avenue, the busiest road in Iloilo City. Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon , who led the ground-breaking ceremony, said that the start of the project is also the launch of a movement that will boost Iloilo’s bid to host the ministerial conferences of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperat...
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01Mar2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 1 (PIA) -- OceanaGold Corporation, an Australian-based company said they are on track with its mining operations in Barangay Didipio in Kasibu town. In an email update by OcenaGold, it said ramp up of the process plant continues to track well accounting for 2,500 tonnes of copper-gold concentrate which has been delivered to Port and in excess of an additional 2,500 tonnes which has been produced and is awaiting transport from the minesite. It added that the comp...
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01Mar2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 1 (PIA) -- Catanduanes province is mulling to bid anew for the Palarong Bicol (Bicol Sports)next year after successfully hosting this year's just recently concluded palaro. Congressman Cesar Sarmiento of the lone district of Catanduanes disclosed that next year’s regional sports event will coincide with the completion of improvement projects on the athletic complex including the rubberized track and other facilities. He also stated that this would likewise prepare...
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01Mar2013BALBALAN, Kalinga, March 1 (PIA) -– This upland Kalinga town will soon be opening for rental stalls at Balbalan Public Market at Sitio Cadamayan, Poblacion here after its inauguration today. According to Balbalan Municipal Information Officer Gerry Oribello, said facility is the first government structure in the municipality to be built purposely for commercial use by the public through lease. The P20-million “three-story mall-like” building he said was initially constructed in 2008 d...
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01Mar2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 1 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the completion of Phase II of the Maayon Communal Irrigation Project (CIP) in Maayon town by April. This was conveyed by the President during his recent visit to Capiz in a meeting with local leaders and the community at Sigma Civic Center in Sigma town. Phase II of the P186-million Maayon CIP includes construction of dam, irrigation structures, and some post harvest facilities while Phase I component covers the...
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01Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, Mar. 1(PIA) -–The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has launched the Mobile Revenue Collection System (MRCOS) in line with its thrust to improve tax collection schemes especially in municipalities that are without banking establishments or accredited tax collection agents. Lilia Guillermo, BIR Deputy Commissioner - Information Systems Group during the BIR’s tax campaign in Cordillera at the SM City Baguio, Wednesday, disclosed that the MRCOS is geared towards a more effici...
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01Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 1 (PIA) -- Transit of farm and other products from remote village in nearby Tupi town is expected to improve with the recent opening of a farm-to-market road in the area. The FMR project, according to a report from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12, is located in Barangay Polonuling and involved rehabilitation and concreting of portion of a road that has been a concern among local residents and farmers because...
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01Mar2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Mar. 1 (PIA) --Fifty-three tricycle drivers in Gattaran, Cagayan received livelihood assistance amounting to P330,000 from the Department of Labor and Employment in Region 2(DOLE-2) on February 25. “The beneficiaries are members of the Gattaran East Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (Getoda) who requested for financial assistance to start a motorcycle parts trading livelihood,” said DOLE Information Officer Reginald Estioco. In a simple awarding ceremony held at ...
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01Mar2013DIFFUN, Quirino, March 1 (PIA) -- Tubig Talino bottled water, an iodine-rich drinking water, is now being produced and sold in this town, particularly at the Watah! H2O Purified Water Station located at barangay Andres Bonifacio. Tubig Talino, one of the developed technologies of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is now available for commercialization to interested private entrepreneurs to enable water-refilling station to prod...
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01Mar2013MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, March 1 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Revenue District 99 (RD99) here has collected P1.027 billion in tax revenues in 2012. Revenue District Officer Myrna Bernardo said this is the first time that BIR RD99 in Bukidnon collected more than a billion pesos in revenues. It registered a P69.7 million surplus or 7.28 percent excess over the assigned collection target. Revenue collection for 2012 also grew by P209.5 million or 25.62 percent compared to the...
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01Mar2013LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, March 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here is pursuing a social tripartism accord in one of the most important sector in the region – the health sector. DOLE 5 regional director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said in an interview that the goal of just pure harmony and cooperation between labor and management is an aspiration, not only for the agency but also for stakeholders that will be realized very soon and now already nearing complet...
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01Mar2013LAOAG CITY, Mar. 1 (PIA) -- At least 800 residents who worked under the “cash-for-work” (CFW) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have received their full payments on February 22 at the Laoag City Auditorium. The CFW is a short-term intervention package of the DSWD giving financial aid to poor individuals in exchange for community work and service. A worker in the program is entitled to a daily wage of P180 for a maximum of 10 day-service or equivalent to P1,8...
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01Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- Visitor arrivals in Region XI has reached the one-million mark. This was bared by Department of Tourism Region XI Officer-in-Charge Eden Larano-David basing the numbers on hotel booking figures. David said that visitor arrivals have grown 20% from the previous years, a large percentage of the tourists are business travellers particularly those in MICE (Meetings Incentives Conventions Exhibitions) related events. He estimates that 40% of the visitors are on MICE ...
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01Mar2013MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 1 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to lead today the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Bocaue bridge along the Manila North Road (MNR) in Bulacan. The now four-lane structure seeks to improve the level of service of MNR which is also known as McArthur Highway. It likewise seeks to enhance mobility and provide motorists savings on vehicle maintenance costs. The widening and upgrading will provide enough waterway opening to facilitate fast co...
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01Mar2013MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 1 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to lead today the inaugural drive through of the recently completed Plaridel Bypass Road Contract Package II. The Japan International Cooperation Agency-aided project consists of 24.61km road, 2.40km access road, and 10 bridges which traverse the municipalities of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael in Bulacan. It is part of the upgrading of the Inter-Urban Highway System along the Philippine-...
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01Mar2013CARIGARA, Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- To improve access to a major tourism destination - the Mahagnao Volcano and National Park - the Department of Public Works and Highways is pursuing the inclusion of the P336-million road project in the tourism infrastructure program list for 2014. The national government is committed to concrete the Burauen-Mahagnao Road until 2016 since this is a national road, said Ma. Margarita C. Junia, DPWH second Leyte Engineering District chief. “However, we are requ...
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28Feb2013MANILA, Feb 28 —Growth in payments for capital goods, consumer goods, raw materials and intermediate goods propelled Philippine merchandise imports to a 13.2-percent year-on-year increase in December 2012, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The improvement in imports performance during the period represents a rebound in the value of imports from a 6.4 percent contraction a year ago and partly reflects the favorable sentiments of both businesses and consum...
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28Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Renting a power barge unit to address the power shortage in Siquijor Province is being eyed as a viable option amid the daily brownouts being experienced by residents of the island. In a recent meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 Sub-Committee on Power, Edmund Veloso of the National Power Corporation - Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG) said two of the three power barges in the Siquijor island have been badly damaged by Typhoon Pablo in December l...
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28Feb2013MANILA, Feb 28 -- The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has announced its commitment to keep the budget deficit target to 2 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2014, in line with fulfilling the Aquino administration’s Philippine Development Plan from 2011-2016. The budget deficit target for 2014, which is equivalent to P266.2 billion, was announced in National Budget Memorandum No. 116, dated 15 February 2013. The Memorandum sets the macroeconomic assumpt...
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28Feb2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Cavite, in partnership with Cavite Modern Growers’ Inc. (CGMI), has their hands full in preparation for the second Cavite Agrifest and Farmers/Fishermen’s Congress slated on March 25. Now on its second year, the assembly will be held at the provincial gymnasium and is themed “Pagsasama-sama ng mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Tungo sa mas Maunlad na Pagsasaka ng Komunidad (A Gathering of Farmers and Fishermen Toward...
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28Feb2013DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - - Maybe you are one of those persons who fancied about posh jewelry and other fabulous ornaments. And it might be adlai or “katigbi” or better known as “job’s tears” used as beads as accessories. However, the most interesting and revealing part of it is the fact that it can be eaten as staple food. Just recently, the Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted a forum with the local media in the city and representatives from other agencies to promote pub...
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28Feb2013SOUTHERN LEYTE, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- Work on the rehabilitation of four bridges along the Daang Maharlika highway in this province have begun in earnest, their cumulative cost of P30 million sourced from the regular funds of the Department of Public Highways (DPWH) local office for the current year 2013. These include the Nailong bridge in Liloan town with a project cost of P3.7 million, Cawayan bridge in Libagon for P10 million, Bogasong bridge also in Libagon for P3 million, and the Divisoria b...
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28Feb2013CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- Calabarzon entrepreneurs may now have the chance to exhibit and sell products in Chinatown, for free! DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said at least 17 stalls at the second floor of Lucky China Town (LCT) annex in Manila are allocated for Calabarzon entrepreneurs as a result of an agreement between DTI Calabarzon and the lessor, Megaworld Corporation. Rental, electricity, and fees for common use service areas equivalent to two months are free o...
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28Feb2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Farmers in Kasibu town have asked government agencies here for financial assistance to operationalize their proposed citrus wine-processing project. Engineer Henry Balangatan, district head of the Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE) said they will be visiting the proponents of the project in Barangay Malabing in Kasibu town to check and further study the citrus farmers’ wine processing project. He said they are also coordinating with the departm...
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28Feb2013CAOAYAN, Ilocos Sur, Feb. 28 (PIA) – Officials here have started expanding the markets for local products under the one-barangay-one-product (OBOP) program. Leny Quiocho, information officer, said products that represent each village have been identified for marketing and promotion in local and national trade fairs. The program identified products, resources and industries that could best represent the 17 villages ranging from handloom weaving, corn refuse, peanuts, tilapia culture, salt dep...
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28Feb2013DAET, Camarines Norte, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- Bagasbas Beach in this town will be the venue for a bigger aerosports event, the first International paragliding and hang gliding towing competition and kite boarding exhibition and clinic where 18 pilots of nine countries including the Philippines are expected to join on March 1-7 here. Mayor Tito Sarte-Sarion said that he is excited that the paragliding and hang gliding aerosports show will be the new brand of Daet in tourism promotion and development. ...
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28Feb2013BOHOL, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Aside from marvelous white beaches, old churches and ancestral houses, there are a-thousand-and-one other reasons to visit Bohol. Bohol now has a new adventure theme park that offers captivating attractions for everyone. It is called Zoocolate Thrills! The theme park is located in Barangay Gotozon in Loboc, Bohol operated by Zoomanity Group under the Yupangco Group of Companies. Zoomanity Group operates other parks like the amazing Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay; Zoocob...
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28Feb2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb.28 (PIA) -- The provincial local government here received recently P3 million to fund different livelihood projects of the province. Gilbert Caclini, senior agriculturist of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said that the amount was downloaded by the Office of Congressman Teddy Baguilat Jr. from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) soft component. Of the said amount, P500,000 is for the purchase of animal dispersal (cow) for distribution to various barangays. ...
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28Feb2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Hard infrastructure projects for this city and some of the municipalities in South Cotabato are in the offing, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). DPWH district engineer Pio Lumongsod said more than P600 million worth of infrastructure projects will be implemented in the areas. Fund sources include the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of First District of South Cotabato Representative Pedro Acharon Jr. "These projects w...
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28Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 28 (PIA) --The Department of Public Works and Highways has affirmed its support to 10 priority road projects that the Regional Development Council (RDC-12) approved during the Region 12 Road Summit in General Santos City last year. Carmelino Tizon of the DPWH Feasibility Studies Project Management Office recently came here to attend the organizational and consultation meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Road Summit. DPWH Secretary Rogeli...
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28Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 28 (PIA) -- A credit cooperative in nearby Banga town has received a certificate from the local government unit and Department of Agriculture 12 for completing its project dubbed "Pre-and Post-harvest Facility Intervention." Organized in September 2010, Rang-ay Credit Cooperative in Barangay Rang-ay officially got the P1.5-million worth of livelihood project from MRDP’s Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component. At present, the co-o...
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28Feb2013NEGROS OCC., Feb 28 (PIA6)—The Department of Agrarian Reform- Negros Occidental South has assisted the installation of nine Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Brgy. Cambarrus, Pontevedra. The landholding formerly owned by estate of Julia Feria Infante, was acquired by the government thru Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) scheme of CARP with CLOA No. 11828 issued and registered at the Provincial Register of Deeds in favor of nine ARBs. Various conferences and notices were sent to occupants who ...
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27Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- President Aquino said the opening of the Laguindingan airport in April can bring progress to Misamis Oriental as it will further promote tourism. "The Laguindingan airport will ferry tourists who want to visit the island of Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan," the President said today during his visit to Cagayan de Oro. The project was funded through a P5.1-billion loan provided by the Korean Import Export Bank on December 28, 2007 and a GOP counterpart...
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27Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Four rebel returnees here were recently given livelihood assistance of P50,000 each through the Comprehensive Local Integration Plan (CLIP) of the province. According to Eusebia Haddac, CLIP coordinator of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said fund assistance came from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) as part of the closure agreement between the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) and ...
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27Feb2013MARIVELES, Bataan, Feb 27 (PIA) -- Companies in the Freeport Area of Bataan underwent an orientation on labor standards from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to make the sprawling industrial complex the country’s first labor standard compliant freeport zone. About 50 different companies, together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, PhilHealth, Social Security System, and local government units, joined in the orientation which aims to promote voluntary c...
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27Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 27 -- The Social Security System (SSS) released P189.05 million in business loans last year for growth and expansion projects of nine private enterprises. The firms include service providers, real estate and construction firms, and traders of various consumer goods. SSS Assistant Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Ma. Luz C. Generoso in a statement said the nine firms, which made up the first annual batch of borrowers under the SSS Business Development Loan Faci...
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27Feb2013MANILA, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- The United States Government and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on Tuesday launched a new partnership to further enhance the country’s business climate and sustain the economic gains achieved by the Aquino administration. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. in a statement said “the partnership pursues the goal of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth to sustain broad-based and inclusive economic growth in th...
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27Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Soccksargen’s Regional Development Council (RDC-12) has recently endorsed P32.3 billion worth of priority programs and projects for implementation in 2014. RDC 12 chair and General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said these programs and projects were gathered from investment plans proposed by 41 regional line agencies, five state colleges and universities and three government-owned and c...
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27Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 27 -- The country’s top rice producing provinces and towns in 2012 — including the best performing irrigators’ associations (IAs) and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) — will be honored in the ‘2nd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards,’ on March 15. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala in a DA statement said the contest, led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through its national rice program, is the Aquino government’s way of thanking the country’s ...
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27Feb2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Feb.27 (PIA) -- Dignitaries from India and the Myanmar recently visited the Subic Freeport on separate occasions and left impressed with the transformation of Subic from a military base into a bustling economic haven. Indian Ambassador Amit Dasgupta, who met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, said they are giving Subic high importance in terms of business potentials. “It is a great place and I think it contributes much to our economic ...
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27Feb2013ODIONGAN, Romblon, February 26 (PIA) --- “Totoo bang makakagawa tayo ng asukal galing sa tuba (Is it true we can extract sugar from vinegar)?” These are the exact words of 32 agrarian reform beneficiary-members of Longon Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Brgy. Longon, Alcantara, Romblon who found the idea incredulous. Little did they know that two female entrepreneurs from Candelaria Coco Food Products and DTI Romblon provincial office will teach them the magic. Recently, Felisa Villapando and...
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27Feb2013CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur, Feb. 27 (PIA) – Most farmers in this town expect a good onion harvest under the Department of Agriculture’s plant-now-pay-later program. Benigno Piros, barangay chair of Rizal village, said onions belonging to the Batanes variety have been previously tested and were found suitable to the town’s soil quality. “We expect a good harvest this year,” Piros, who led the farmers’ group, said. Ester Aguimbag, coordinator of the DA’s high value crops development prog...
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27Feb2013BALUNGAO, Pangasinan, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Fifty individuals from eastern Pangasinan will no longer walk around selling their goods exposed to grime and dust, thanks to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) livelihood assistance dubbed “Negosyo sa Kariton” (NegoKart). The NegoKart is part of DOLE’s thrust of providing productive and gainful employment opportunities to marginalized workers and informal sector workers through livelihood projects, said DOLE Region 1 Labor Communicat...
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27Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 27 (PIA) -- To arrest poverty in the poorest towns in the region, the Office of the Presidential Assistance on Peace Process (OPAPP) will be establishing coconut processing projects in three of the five identified poorest municipal local government units (LGUs) here, under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program. The identified areas will benefit from the P7-million worth of coconut products processing projects, as proposed by the stakeholders of t...
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27Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Village people of Barangay Cudal in this city expect to boost their farming industry with the completion of the spring development project provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA). DA- Cordillera Region allotted P100,000 fund for the project, a component under the irrigation support facility of the agency to the Program on High Value Crops Development. Teresa Desay of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) said the funding support was inten...
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27Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- The Philippines has attained more than the 6 percent ideal economic growth rate to match the population growth. Commission on Population Executive Director Tomas Osias said in a statement that there is no specific formula in determining a certain population growth consistent with or ideal for a sustainable economic growth, but if population data in relation to economic growth is analyzed, the ideal growth rate for economic development should be 6 to 8 perce...
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27Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- The cacao seedling distribution of the Department of Agriculture (DA)- Cordillera Region to farmers in the province is like “shooting two birds with one stone.” DA distributed 5,000 hybrid cacao seedlings to barangay-based farmer organizations here under its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) to develop and expand the cacao industry in the province. These seedlings, at the same time, are planting materials under the government’s National ...
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26Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines released P39.9 billion loan in 2012 to further strengthen support to small farmers and fishers. “LandBank remains aggressive in channeling assistance to the farming and fisheries sector as we aim to further strengthen and sustain their viability to accelerate the development of rural economies,” said LandBank President and CEO Gilda E. Pico. According to Landbank, 772,892 small farmers and fishers benefited from the loan releas...
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26Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III conducted this morning an aerial survey of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Flood Control Project. The President boarded the helicopter with Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno who gave a briefing on the status of the project. One component of the project is the 142.00 linear meters revetment of the river basin with steel sheet piles foundation costing P46,547,764.59 in Barangay Carmen, this city. Works under this componen...
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26Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Everyone can now enjoy sweets without feeling guilty of taking on ‘too much’ sugar. Coco sugar is one of the most sought after products for those who seek to live healthy these days. Readily available and currently produced in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental under the Linabu Agrarian Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LAMPCO), Coco sugar is a very good alternative to the current white/refined/brown sugar in the market. Irwin Jayson Jamaca, Trade and Industry De...
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26Feb2013ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Feb 26 (PIA) -- An infirmary and a cultural heritage center will soon rise in Lamitan City as officials from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led the ground-breaking ceremony recently. Felipe Fernando, city information officer-designate, reported that the two projects funded by the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) for ARMM will be constructed soon that will enhance health service delivery and promote cultural preservation. City Mayor Roderick H...
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26Feb2013DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- The Technology Resource Center (TRC), in partnership with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 9 recently conducted the second leg of an Investors’ Forum on the Infusion of Technovation in Dipolog City. The forum, the second of the three fora to be conducted in the different parts of the country was held on February 14 at Camila Hotel this city. The first forum was held in Region...
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26Feb2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb 26 (PIA) – When one of the Farmers’ Market Day(FMD) event was held at the provincial capitol in this town, local and national employees as well as officials got a taste of what the exhibitors were selling – an array of organically-produced vegetables, fruits and native meat. The demand was high that the farmers closed right at lunch time with their products sold out in a few hours. “I was hurrying to buy a kilo of native pig’s meat but it was already s...
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26Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The economy of Central Visayas continues to be one of the fastest in the country today backed by statistical data of its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GDRP) in the past two years. In 2010, the GDRP was the highest in the country at 12.5 percent while in 2011, Central Visayas posted a growth of 7.9 percent states a report from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7; these were higher than that of the national GDP average at 3.6 percent and 7.6 perc...
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26Feb2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 26 (PIA) - - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has implemented its Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) helping unemployed clients in four municipalities of the province in 2012. TSTP was launched in 2011 in support to the government’s stimulus program to push economic growth and help provide employment to graduates of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) especially in the rural areas. According to TESDA-Ifugao Provi...
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26Feb2013NAGA CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Railways (PNR) Mayon Limited has completed its test run plying the five-hour trip from this city en route to the Legazpi City and another 3-hour travel vice versa. In a press conference prior to the test run, PNR spokesman Paul De Quiros said that PNR manager Jun Ragrario has instructed his team to fast track the rehabilitation efforts to realize the train’s Southbound trip this coming March. “GM Ragrario really wants this route comple...
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26Feb2013SURIGAO DEL SUR, Feb. 26 (PIA) – Nescafe Philippines is set to launch in Tagbina town here on Wednesday, February 27 the Coffee Technologies and Funds to Fuel Economic Empowerment (CoFFEE) project, one of the company's latest programs thru Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The program aims to address the challenges facing smallholder coffee farmer in Mindanao provinces and serve as a viable development model for other important stakeholders to replicate, adapt, and scale up, according to a s...
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26Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Trash, waste, useless, this was how some people from Samar Samar looked on rattan, straw and other forest by-products. But these seemingly useless things have changed their lives since the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showed them how to transform the otherwise wastes into useful and valuable items. The lives of people’s and women’s organizations members in seven municipalities of Samar have been transformed from the livelihood trainings co...
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26Feb2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The Zoomanity Group has invested some P50 million in a theme park called Zoocolate Thrills in Gotozon, Loboc, Bohol. Zoomanity is the same group that operates the Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark, Residence Inn and Parasizoo in Tagaytay City. Zoomanity business development head Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas said the investment would be set in a five-hectare lot along the famous Bohol Countryside Tour Circuit. The planned theme park is an ...
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26Feb2013BANGUED, Abra, Feb. 26(PIA) -- The Philippine Rice Research Institute (Philrice) based in Batac City, Ilocos Norte has brought the Palayamanan technology to the upland communities in this province through real learning experience. Palayamanan, a highly successful model of generation and dissemination of location-specific technologies promotes a highly diversified but fully integrated rice-based farming system through active partnership with the local government units and the farmers. It trans...
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26Feb2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb 25 (PIA) – Farmers producing organic products will soon have a trading center of their own with the proposed establishment of the Organic Farmers Trading Center(OFTC) in barangay Magsaysay in this town. Located near the national highway and the Agriculture Research Training Center(ARTC), the project will serve as one-stop-shop among consumers patronizing organically – produced vegetables, poultry and pork. Fidel Ballesteros, assistant provincial agriculturist ...
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26Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Infrastructure projects worth P81.2 million will soon be implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in a former war-torn village in Makilala town in North Cotabato. This came after groups of Christians and Muslim farmers in Sitio Lacobe, Barangay Malabuan, at odds with each other because of land conflict, agreed to a peaceful co-existence through a memorandum of agreement as they vow to end their four-decade old differences and fig...
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26Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Easter Samar, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Victoria Añonuevo, Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) managing director and chief executive officer, reported on the ongoing Secondary Road Project particularly Contract Package(CP)-I. Añonuevo said that CP-I which covers six barangays of Paranas town towards Sulat, Eastern Samar and involving some P800-million funds. It has now constructed lengthy pipelines, drainage in preparation for the concrete road construction. These stret...
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26Feb2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- A total of P1,099,945,670-worth of investments was generated by new business firms that registered last year fostering local entrepreneurship and creating additional jobs. Based on the latest data of the Department of Trade & Industry, which administers registration of sole proprietorship, 4,225 new firms were added to its roster in 2012; this was 8 percent more than it did the previous year. The new business firms created 8,443 jobs in the tradi...
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26Feb2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Feb 26(PIA) – The provincial fishery office distributed 25 fish cages and fingerlings to fish farmer trainees who have undergone a three-day training on fish cage design and management last week. Nimfa Aquino, provincial fishery officer, said the 25 fish farmers who completed the training were given fish cages to be used in their respective fish ponds for bigger production. The training was held last Wednesday at San Pablo, Isabela where the provincial fishery office ...
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25Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb 25 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office had chosen 14 best exhibitors as winners of Special Awards in the recent Ullalim agro-industrial trade fair here. Eighty seven of the more than 100 exhibitors in this year’s Ullalim Fair vied for the special awards. Benita Mangadap of DTI-Kalinga said the award is part of the “come-on” given to participating micro-small and medium entrepreneurs (MSME) in the province to the annual Ullalim fa...
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25Feb2013SIQUIJOR, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The Provincial Organic Agriculture Board (POAB) and the Technical Working Committee (TWC) of the six municipalities in Siquijor appeal to the local government units and schools to adopt organic agriculture as a way of farming lifestyle in the island. "It can be difficult at first, but let’s start now,” says San Juan municipal agriculturist Arnold Manginsay as he appealed to the local legislators for the adoption of RA 10068 known as Agriculture Act. In one of the ...
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25Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 25 (PIA) – As part of the continuing government support to the poor, the Department of Social Welfare Development Office here has started distributing cash grants to poor households in the Ilocos region recently. Allan Lulu, DSWD information officer, said some P28,700 were distributed to 28 households from Ilocos Norte; P18,800 to 16 households from Ilocos Sur; P128,800 to 119 beneficiaries from La Union; and P133,500 to 138 households from Pangasinan. The ...
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25Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 25 (PIA) -– The Department of Tourism Cordillera Regional Office (DOT-CAR) and the City Government of Tabuk recently met with the various tourism sectors here to review and finalize the proposed Tabuk Tourism Development Plans for 2013 to 2016. Said development plan was the result of the tourism planning workshop participated by the key sectors in the tourism industry to include non-government organizations, industry sectors, provincial city and barangay officials, ...
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25Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 25 (PIA) -- Well Capangpangan, engineer and chief of the Regional Agriculture Engineering Division, urged Samar rice farmers to avail of rice post harvest facilities and mechanization program at the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech). Capangpangan announced the program during the provincial launch of the National Year of Rice on February 21 at Samar State University (SSU) in Catbalogan City. He said that rice mechanization i...
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25Feb2013DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 25 (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Negros Oriental has officially transferred the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading (Setup) equipment ownership to Sans Rival Food Development, Inc.. DOST assistant provincial director Roslyn Tambago said the Setup funding of P850,000 primarily for the acquisition of the equipment that include one unit of cooking mixer, an industrial nut chopper, a walk-in freezer and an upright stainless steel freezer. The tran...
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25Feb2013LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- A total of 83 classrooms and day-care centers will be constructed for the first semester of this year to address the needs of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program children in terms of improving their access to education. Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) will fund the construction of these additional classrooms in areas where Kapit-Bi...
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25Feb2013BAGUIO City, Feb. 25 (PIA) - - The Department of Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Regional Office (DILG – CAR), in partnership with several local government units (LGUs), will be implementing P211.8-million worth of peace and development projects in the region this year. The projects, under the Pamana (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan), a priority program of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, aim to strengthen peace and development efforts in conflict-affected area...
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25Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 25 -- Government-owned financial institutions (GFIs) have released a total of P30.4 billion loans to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Access of Small Enterprises to Sound Lending Opportunities (ASENSO) program in 2012. “These loans made available under the ASENSO Program empower SMEs that make significant contributions to the Philippine economy. The journey was not smooth and the challenges were many but at the end of the day, and when the numbers ad...
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24Feb2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- Aside from dried fish, ginger tea, garlic and onions, add bottled fish to your list of ‘pasalubong’ products from Batanes. Locally called “Libang” among Ivatans or flying fish (Exocoetidae), the entire Rural Improvement Club members of the island has started to process them in bottles after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) provided them with a series of first processing and value-adding training for the said specie. BFAR ...
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24Feb2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Feb 24 (PIA) --The Department of Agriculture- Livestock Division Region 2 is identifying potential recipients of domestic animals to be dispersed as part of the agency’s thrust of enhancing further the livelihood of the lowly farmers. Dr. Ronnie Ernst Duque, veterinarian, said the division is currently conducting genetic improvement of pure breed livestock, production of goats and sheep in the breeding stations in Cagayan and Isabela provinces to increase number of high bree...
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23Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb 23 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated before Ilonggos during a meeting with local leaders and the community in Dumangas, Iloilo that the Philippines has already gone far insofar as economic front is concerned. “Malayo-layo na ho ang narating natin, pinupuri na tayo ng ibang mga bansa o marami pang mga ibang bansa. Kinikilala na rin tayo sa paindigang entablado at talaga naman po dinidilubyo tayo ng mga investors (We have gone far, we are bein...
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23Feb2013NEGROS OCC., Feb 23 (PIA6) -- Stakeholders in hospitality and tourism management recently gathered in Bacolod City with a foreign dignitary and other local tourism bigwigs in attendance, a press statement from the Bacolod PIO said. The activity carried the theme “Empowering and Harmonizing Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders, Keeping the Spirit of Professionalism.” Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, City Administrator John Orola and Republic of Latvia a.h. Consul General Robert Lim Jos...
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23Feb2013CEBU, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) assures the public of a smooth traffic flow of vehicles going to the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) despite its repair and maintenance activities to start on February 25. DPWH- Cebu 6th Engineering District Chief Maintenance Section , Engr. Eda de Guzman told the media in a presscon recently at PIA-7 that the repair and rehabilitation of the first Mandaue-Lapulapu Bridge is set to start on February 25 and imm...
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22Feb2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The provincial government turned over checks to local government officials of the different barangays in the province to fund government projects in their respective locality, a press statementy from the Capitol said. The checks worth a total of P 1,399,440 were distributed by Negros Occ. Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. to six barangays namely, Brgy. Igmaya-an, Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto; Brgy. Malubon, Sagay City; Brgy. Aguisan, Himamaylan City; Brgy. T...
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22Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- Two years after the project was completed, the Department of Public Works and Highways – Southern Leyte Engineering District (DPWH-SLED) formally inaugurated on Tuesday a concrete coastal road along barangays Sto. Rosario to Cabulihan this city. The said barangay road, where the concreted portion stretches two kilometers built at a cost of P20 million, will be a major passageway in the future especially when the planned alternate ro-ro port in n...
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22Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- Poor families in the Ilocos Region will now have the chance to improve the quality of their lives with a livelihood aid that the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided. Iryn D. Cubangbang, DSWD information officer, said P15.2 million in assistance was released to 6,000 poor families in three provinces in 2012 under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The beneficiaries came from Bolinao, Mabini, Urbiztondo, and Aguilar in P...
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22Feb2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 22 (PIA) -- As Bohol hosts the second Philippine Dragon Boat Festival (PDBF) International Club Crew Challenge 2013 in April, tourism stakeholders and local officials jointly see it as tourism driver. During the project presentation weeks ago, tourism stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, and local officials said the Dragon Boat Festival allows them an opportunity to showcase the best of Bohol to an international crowd. Hosting the event in Bohol can attract hordes of...
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22Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 22 (PIA) -- A public-private partnership has been forged to upscale Filipino women’s business skills and market niche through a women-led venture called the GREAT Women Brand (GWB) Project. The Philippine Commission on Women, ECHOsi Foundation (under ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle), and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) synergized energies to run the GWB project to promote and improve the locally-produced food and non-food products of the small-time Filipi...
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21Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb 21 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III led here today the ceremonial groundbreaking of an irrigation project that aims to help sustain rice self-sufficiency in Western Visayas. He said that the P11.212-billion Jalaur River Multi Purpose Project Stage II reflects government’s vision of providing a comfortable life for the people. The project also aims to supplement power supply and augment supply of potable water, among others. The multi-purpose river project will involve...
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21Feb2013The first time residents of Northern Philippines heard the name vannamae (others spell it as vannamei), most thought it was a lady’s name or even the name of a popular rock band. For the equally curious, vannamae is a shrimp. It is the scientific name of the Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Pandeus vannamae, actually. It is the same specie which can bring tourism prestige to the fast-emerging eco-tourism haven of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan. Plans are on the drawing board as to how the specie can likew...
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21Feb2013Beyond the rustic simplicity of Buguey, Cagayan’s former biggest barangay, Barrio Namunit, is a sleeping tourism gem waiting to be polished so as to shine on its own. In the early 1950s, the tranquility of the Barrio Namunit became a thing of the past when loggers from other provinces in Luzon started to ravage its forest of high-priced timbers. Unknowingly, the activity spurred the development of present-day Sta. Teresita town. Barrio Namunit was inaugurated as a separate municipality know...
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21Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- Despite his being a neophyte in politics, first termer Mayor Edgar C. Boco of Hernani bared his accomplishment in infrastructure projects. Among his project accomplishments are the following: the construction of barangay gymnasium in Brgy. Garawon with a total project cost of P1.5 million. The source of fund of this project was taken from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Cong. Ben P. Evardone. Another is the construction...
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21Feb2013MARIVELES, Bataan, February 21 (PIA) -- Bataeños may soon receive lower monthly electric bills after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently completed a P299 million transmission project that supports a new power plant located in Mariveles town. The Mariveles Coal Transmission Reinforcement Project caters to the GN Power Ltd.’s new coal-fired electric generation facility which will add 600 megawatts capacity to the Luzon power grid. NGCP said in a statement that the...
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21Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 21 (PIA) -– The City Tourism Office (CTO) in partnership with the various organized tourism sectors here are now offering new city tour packages. Tabuk City Tourism Officer Arlene Ethel Odiem said that with the recent accreditation of the 36 members of the Eco-Guides Association of Tabuk or EGAT, the city is now offering various city tour packages depending on the preference and time of the visitors. Upon request, visitors could avail of the city packages which are...
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21Feb2013BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 -- The Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III (DAR-ARISP III) recently turned-over the completed 6.5-kilometer (km) concrete farm-to-market road worth P28 million to the local government of R.T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte. More than 11,000 residents in barangays Tagbongabong, Basilisa, Balangbalang, Poblacion II, and San Antonio Agrarian Reform Communities (TAGBABAPSA ARC) benefited from the project with 989 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) including...
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21Feb2013CEBU, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The good governance exhibited by the Aquino administration has drawn more investors into the country, said a top official of a leading real estate company in the Philippines. Megaworld Chairman and CEO, Andrew L. Tan, in his speech at the inauguration of The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu lauded Aquino's economic gains. “More and more Japanese investors have come to invest here in the country because of their confidence to the sound economy policies and good gov...
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21Feb2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here recently gave recognition to its partner government agencies for their help in raising the amount of tax collected in 2012. Lawyer Ma. Isabel Utit, officer-in-charge of the BIR district 14 office here, handed the award during their agency’s Kick-Off of Tax Campaign Activities last February 15 at the provincial capitol through the nationwide Tax Campaign Theme “I Love the Philippines, I Pay Taxes Correctly....
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21Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) formally launched the Smarter Philippines program aimed at maximizing the use of information communication technology to spur inclusive growth and improve the quality of lives among Filipinos. Speaking in the launching program at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said, in Davao Region, Smarter Philippines can be best understood by local residents to their access to information on climate c...
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21Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 21 (PIA) -– Exhibitors hauled an initial P1,741,364 sales in the 4-day Ullalim agro-industrial trade fair during the 18th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and Ullalim Festival last week here. The figure can go still up since some exhibitors have not yet submitted their sales reports, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office. The top-five sellers were wearables, fashion accessories, gifts, housewares and decors sector with P484...
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21Feb2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb 21(PIA) -- A hydro power project is expected to be constructed this year through the Cagayan Valley power firm SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP Group) and De La Salle University’s Center for Micro-Hydro Technology for Rural Electrification (DLSU-CeMTRE) to provide power to communities at a lesser cost. Once established and completed, the P2.6 million to P3.5 million pico hydro power project will address the demand for electricity among the villagers of Barangay P...
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21Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 21 (PIA) -- Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima urged local treasurers and assessors to step up local tax collection efforts. In a recently held Congress of the Philippine Association of Local Treasurers and Assessors (Phaltra), Purisima specifically ask tle local treasurers and assessors to update the schedule market values (SMVs) of their locality being the basis for real property tax collections. Real Property Tax is decided by assessments of land value according to the Sche...
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21Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted the skills of the Cebuano workforce in his speech at the launching yesterday, Wednesday, of a sprawling township development area in Lapu-Lapu City. The President was guest of honor during the unveiling of Megaworld Corporation’s flagship project in Cebu, The Mactan Newtown. In his speech, Aquino told Megaworld Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tan that their company made the right choice in picking Cebu to de...
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21Feb2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- Seventy one participants attended the half-day investment opportunity forum on pangasius organized by Department of Trade and Industry-Rizal Provincial Office in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Inland Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NIFTC), local government of Rizal, Pangasius Industry Association of Rizal (PIAR), and Vitarich Corporation onFebruary 15 at the Rizal Provincial Capitol. This Forum called, “From F...
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21Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 21 -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched its new umbrella Science and Technology program called Smarter Philippines to maximize the effect of science and technology on communities, improve the quality of life of Filipinos and drive socio-economic growth. DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo addressed Government and Industry professionals at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on how the Smarter Philippines six core areas of Smarter Government, Smarter Economy, ...
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21Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III will arrive here today for the groundbreaking of the Jalaur River Multi Purpose (JRMP) Project Stage II. President Aquino is expected at around midmorning. He will proceed to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol where he will be welcomed by Senator Franklin Drilon, Governor Arthur Defensor, and former Governor Neil Tupas. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala will brief the President on the P11.212-billion JRMP project which is a priori...
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21Feb2013SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Antique Human Development Program (AHDP), a local non-government organization, has come up with a bamboo product development program to help marginalized upland farmers improve their living condition. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here will provide technical support to upgrade the skills of the farmers. They will be trained in making furniture, tables and beds out of bamboo. Bamboo is abundant in Antique. The provincial government came out ...
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20Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III led the big launch of the Mactan Newton in Lapulapu City this morning as he lauded that such undertaking will help fuel the country’s economic growth. Aquino, together with Megaworld Chairman and CEO Andrew Tan, unveiled the ceremonial marker inside the showroom. In his speech before top Megaworld officials, Japanese investors, local officials and other invited guests, the President said that the project is an indicator that “we ha...
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20Feb2013HINGYON, Ifugao, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- In an effort to provide opportunities to poor families and enable them to earn incomes enough to live a decent life, the Provincial Veterinary Office distributed recently 50 piglets here. Gilbert Caclini, the senior agriculturist of PVET, said providing alternative sources of income is the responsibility of the government, and this is one way of meeting the first Mid-Term Development Goal (MDG) of halving the poverty rate by 2015. Under this project funded...
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20Feb2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. to ensure implementation of a project that will make Capiz an agri-tourism destination. This was conveyed by the President in today’s meeting with local leaders and the community at Sigma Civic Center in Sigma town. The idea to develop the province as an agri-tourism site was an offshoot of Aquino’s engagement with Capiz Gov. Victo...
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20Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) 6 will deploy 3,188 enumerators to several municipalities of the region for the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (2012 CAF) survey to be held from February 25 to April 13. NSO Statistician Arleen Bagoning said a series of training was conducted as part of the preparations for the survey. The training was attended by NSO officials and statisticians from the regional office and provincial offices in the region. There we...
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20Feb2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has approved the construction of a P30 million 5.8 kilometer farm-to-market road in the remote northeast portion of Roxas town in mainland Palawan bringing communities in this part out of isolation and exposing them to development . The farm-to-market (FMR) project will be constructed under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program (ARISP), a foreign-assisted agrarian program funded by the Japan In...
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20Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 20 (PIA) -- In its efforts to become a serious contender in the Information and Communications Technology – Business Process Outsourcing (ICT-BPO) industry, the Eastern Visayas Federation of Information Technology (EVFIT) is being modeled after one of the best ICT councils in the Philippines, the Cebu Educational Development Foundation for Information Technology or CEDF-IT. Engr. Egardo M. Esperancilla, DOST-8 director and RICTC chairperson, said the ICT-BPO industry...
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20Feb2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 20 (PIA6) -- Twenty – five pump and engine sets have been released by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to various farmers associations and cooperatives in Capiz last month. The farm equipment formed part of the multi-million assistance of the Aquino administration to Capiceño farmers to ensure food security and rice self sufficiency in the province. The project will complement the much bigger irrigation projects by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) fo...
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20Feb2013CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, February 21 (PIA) -- Thousands of jobs will be opened in Bataan with the bill that will maximize the use of an underutilized land in Limay town and convert it into an “integrated investment hub” for energy-related businesses. The Senate has already adopted the version of 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia’s House Bill 5789 which is considered enrolled for signing of President Aquino. It seeks to maximize the use of a 530-hectare land in Lamao, Limay whic...
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20Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 20 (PIA) -- Gandara farmers who joined the Samar Peace and Development Caravan organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser (OPAPP) and the LGU of Samar received 2,000 dwarf coconuts. Philippine Coconut Development Authority – Samar Chief Meinard Montano sought the help of the army in transporting the seednuts to the barangay. Dwarf coconuts begin to fruit in three to five years unlike the native trees that start to blossom at 10 years. It bears coconuts at...
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20Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- This province could be the next top rice producer in the country following its nomination in the Rice Achievers Award of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The Rice Achievers Award is in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s “Food Staples Sufficiency Program” which recognizes outstanding provinces, municipalities, and cities as well as agricultural extension workers involved in rice production. La Union has reached 105 percent self-suf...
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20Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The government is set to implement the second stage of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project, considered as the first large scale reservoir dam outside Luzon. The 11.21 billion project features the construction of three dams – Jalaur Reservoir, Jalaur Afterbay and Alibunan Catch Dam. The project will provide the year-round irrigation for increased agricultural production to the 22, 340 hectares of the five existing irrigation systems and 9,500 hectares of cur...
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20Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The province has produced 167,293 metric tons of rice in 2012 maintaining the title as “Cordillera’s Rice Granary”. With this production level in rice, Kalinga accounts about 1.04% of the country’s national rice requirement for the period. Joe Casibang, Kalinga’s Rice Program Coordinator, attributed the province’s high performance in rice to the strong partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government in ca...
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20Feb2013CLARK FREEPORT, Feb.20 (PIA) -- Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has announced that it will have daily, non-stop flights to Clark International Airport beginning October 1. The Dubai carrier has been operating flights to Manila since 1990 and, due to the demand, has continued to increase its flight frequency on the route to its current triple daily, non-stop service. Clark International Airport is located in the province of Pampanga in Central Luzon, which is 80 kilome...
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20Feb2013MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional government has brought its convergence program on health, education, livelihood, peace and program here in a bid to bring regional government services closer to constituents. The program called ARMM Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy or ARMM HELPS is the banner program of the present regional government that aims to reach out to the region’s constituents by bring...
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20Feb2013CARAGA, Davao Oriental, Feb. 20 -- The three typhoon-devastated coastal towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston are now accessible as the Manurigao Bridge (also called Baogo Bridge) that was devastated by typhoon Pablo last December and replaced by bailey panels is now open. Situated in the village of San Antonio, the bridge was formally opened last Wednesday, February 14. Governor Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon, First District Representative Nelson L. Dayanghirang and DPWH District Engineer Joselit...
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20Feb2013PAWING, Palo, Leyte, Feb 20 (PIA) -- The first phase of the state-of-the-art P300 million plus Leyte Convention Center complex will soon be operational as the provincial government of Leyte expects its completion in the first quarter of 2013. “The P115-million main hall of the Leyte Convention Center will hopefully be completed in the first week of March 2013,” Robert Lugnasin, engineer, told the Philippine Information Agency. Actually, the contractor is already working on the ceiling and...
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20Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Heifer International Philippines (HIP) had distributed 401 animal dispersal to four peoples’ organizations (POs) in two provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) under its Pro-Active and Resilient Organization for Economic Sustainability and Self Reliance or PROGRESS project. Mihan Buliyat, HIP North Luzon Manager, said the animals consisted of 376 pigs and 25 cows dispersed in Kalinga and Mountain Province. Fifty gilth pigs, 24 h...
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19Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) - - The Department of Labor and Employment – Cordillera Regional Office (DOLE-CAR) recently granted a P300,000 livelihood assistance for a bee-keeping community livelihood development project of a cooperative in Kabayan, Benguet. The livelihood assistance under DOLE’s Community Enterprise Development Program will benefit the Lusod Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LARCMPC). The livelihood assistance was turned-over by DOLE-CAR Baguio/Beng...
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19Feb2013The bucolic town of Adams, the province’s only mountainous sanctuary is heading for more enhancement with the increasing number of tourists flocking to what is comparably Ilocos Norte’s own Pines City. Nestled on mountain ranges, Adams, 106 kilometers from this city, resembles the country’s summer capital Baguio in terms of climate and topography. Its cloud-capped mountains are covered by lush vegetation. For starters, the Department of Tourism has begun processing the accreditation of a...
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19Feb2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Rizal distributed farming equipment to agrarian reform beneficiaries of the province as part of the agency’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program. Ten cultivator power tillers, seven water pumps, four hand tractors with implements, and two threshers were distributed to lead Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBO) this February 16 at the DAR-Rizal provincial agr...
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19Feb2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- Local farmers, Municipal Agriculture Officers, and businessmen of Rizal province recently attended Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Rizal’s Investment Opportunity Forum on the fish called pangasius Antipolo City. Romy Pol of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Inland Fisheries Training Center briefed the attendees on the characteristics and history of pangasius. According to Pol, pangasius comes from the family of the catf...
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19Feb2013PAWING, PALO, Leyte, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 8 (DPWH-8) under the leadership of Regional Director Rolando M. Asis topped the other 15 regional offices of the Department posting 99.72 percent rating with 180 of the 181 projects under detailed engineering stage already completed. The DPWH in Eastern Visayas also posted 89 percent completion in pre-construction activities that cover project advertisement, bidding, contract approval, and issuance of not...
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19Feb2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released 25 pump and engine sets to several farmers’ associations and cooperatives in Capiz last month. The farm equipment was part of the multi-million peso assistance of government to Capiz farmers to ensure food security and rice self-sufficiency in the province. The project will complement the irrigation projects by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the province’s farmlands. Records from the O...
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19Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 10 (RPOC-10) held a “Bantulaay” or Peace and Development Convergence Program for Kalabugao Plain on February 13-14 in Brgy. Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. During the programs validation and stakeholders’ forum, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno, chairman of the RPOC 10, said the convergence is an ambitious project because Kalabugao Plain has seven barangays and its total land area is 51,000 ha....
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19Feb2013KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The investment climate in Aklan is alive and vibrant, perfect for more opportunities and livelihood. Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez said one proof of Aklan’s economic gains is the 2012 collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here, which reached P1.14 billion. “Compared to 2011, collections rose by P369 million,” Marquez said during his recent State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session ha...
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19Feb2013ASIPULO, Ifugao, Feb. 19 (PIA)--Personnel of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET) here conducted lectures on organic duck raising and upgraded native pig production to farmers and members of women organizations of the remote community of Natkak in barangay Camandag this municipality recently. Led by Dr. Roland Pila and assisted by Agriculturists Antonio Taguilingon and Ferdinand Dunuan and Animal Technician Michael Bulahao, all of the PVET conducted the lectures on February 14 and 15 to ed...
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19Feb2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga Feb.19 (PIA) -- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares called on Central Luzon residents to file their income tax returns correctly and ahead of the deadline. In an interview during the launch of the 2013 Regional Tax Campaign at SM Pampanga, Jacinto-Henares said “paying taxes is an obligation of every working Filipino. Come April 15, the annual income tax return filing is for self-employed, individuals earning purely compensation inco...
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19Feb2013DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 19 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino’s visit to Dumaguete City today was cancelled due to typhoon Crising. Aquino was supposed to inaugurate the Qualfon Building that houses more than 800 call center agents in 256 workstations at the Link Sy IT Park, Dumaguete City. Senator Franklin Drilon delivered the President’s speech at the inauguration. The President is also expected to join the Liberal Party senatorial candidates rally at 2:30 p.m. at the Lamberto Macias Sports ...
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19Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 19 --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) allocates over a P100 million to carry on its industry clustering approach as part of its business development strategy for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) this year. “To move forward from our accomplishments in industry clustering last year, the DTI has allotted P70 million to back industry clustering activities nationwide, and additional funds from other programs supporting industry clustering like the OTOP (or O...
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19Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas welcomes the operation of the Leyte Convention Center saying it will boost tourist arrivals in the region. Karina Rosa Tiopes, Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director, disclosed that the region gets to benefit from the construction of the convention building because with its operation, Eastern Visayas now has the chance to bid for projects since the facility is suitable for convention gathering. Provincial enginee...
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19Feb2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- One hundred nineteen agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are now landowners of around 90 hectares (ha) of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)-acquired landholding. The landhold, previously owned by GV & Sons Inc., is located in Barangay Salvacion in the town of Murcia town also known as Hda. Guadalupe under Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) 19188 registered at the Provincial Register of Deeds in September 29, 2011. Murcia Mayor Andrew ...
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18Feb2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Participants from the different local government units here attended recently a seminar on coffee production conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Valentin Baguidudol, DTI director, said that this activity aims to promote coffee as one of the products in the province. “We like to let the Ifugao people know that coffee can be a source of income especially now that the price of coffee is increasing,” he said. He added that in coffee produ...
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18Feb2013MANILA, Feb. 18 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that 84 percent of all projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been bid out as of end-January. This is in line with the government’s goal of sustaining the country’s strong economic growth through public infrastructure spending and development. Abad confirmed that the DPWH has already bid out 2,260 of its 2,697 projects set for 2013, with 868 or 32 percent of all projects already give...
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18Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Aquino administration was able to establish a strong and healthy financial sector during its first two years. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan cited the Socioeconomic Report (SER): 2010-2012 recently released by NEDA and noted that the financial sector has done very well in terms of attaining its targets as set out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP): 2011-2016. ...
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18Feb2013MANILA, Feb. 18 -- Government is intensifying efforts to address skills mismatch and attract investments that will generate more jobs, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “To generate more and better employment, we are working on improving the business climate and labor regulations,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan in a statement. He added that apart from creating new drivers of growth, addressing policy inconsistencies and administrati...
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18Feb2013PINTUYAN, Southern Leyte, February 18 (PIA) -- As the whale watching tourism industry in Pintuyan is picking up, more town folks found jobs. “In 2012 alone, about 1,089 tourists flocked at Pintuyan seawaters for our whale watching tourist attraction,” Municipal Tourism Officer Moncher Bardus disclosed in an interview. Pintuyan has been an abode of whale sharks for several years since it was first spotted in the municipal seawaters of Pintuyan, Limasawa Island and at times in Padre Bur...
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18Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- A more vibrant tourism campaign for Davao del Norte can be expected now that the Davao Tourism Council has been re-energized and a new set of officer inducted. “The Provincial Tourism Council officers will help us realize our tourism thrusts which are hinged on three strategic directions,” Provincial Tourism Officer Noel Daquioag said Monday during the induction of the new set of officers of the Davao del Norte Provincial Tourism Council by Gove...
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18Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 18 – The country’s socioeconomic planning secretary has expressed optimism on Mindanao’s economic growth, saying it may still surpass other local economies in the Philippines should the island-region maximizes its full economic potentials. “Mindanao has the capacity to surpass local economies of Luzon if the region can harness its potentials to the fullest,” said Arsenio Balisacan, Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). Balisacan ci...
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18Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 18 (PIA) - - Former Congressman Elias Bulut Sr. of the then Kalinga-Apayao province is recognized today for working on the enactment of Republic Act No. 7878 18 years ago separating the two sub-provinces into distinct local government units. During the opening day of Kalinga's 18th founding anniversary, the jampacked provincial sports center here was appreciative of Bulut separation the twin provinces, paving the way for their respective development. Bulut lauded ...
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18Feb2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb 18 (PIA6) - - Two Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries cooperatives – PFPC Agrarian Reform Cooperative and CASA Agrarian Reform Cooperative – got agricultural credit support of P1.5 million and P1.9 million, respectively, from the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP). APCP is jointly implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Agriculture and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) where the LBP gave notices of approval to the two ARB cooperative...
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18Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Kalinga has won the 2012 National Rice Achiever’s Award and with it a P4 million cash incentive from the Department of Agriculture (DA). The province is Cordillera Region’s entry to last year’s national search in rice program by DA. Joe Casibang of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), said the basis of the search covered an entry’s five-year rice program from 2007-2012. From the regional to the national level, the search had two m...
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18Feb2013SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija, Feb.18 (PIA) -- Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) has opened its $3-million worth of new state-of-the-art facilities in Nueva Ecija made possible via a grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica). The recently inaugurated facilities in Barangay Joson, Carranglan town consists of a bull farm, semen-processing center, and cryobanking revealed Libertado Cruz, the Center's director. The grant was made possible under the project, “Enhancing Liv...
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18Feb2013BASEY, W. Samar, Feb 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Basey, Western Samar in coordination with the Municipal Mayor’s Office is currently releasing the cash grant from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program for Basey, Western Samar for the period November to December 2012 on February 15-22, 2013 at the Basey I Multi-Purpose Cooperative. According to Ms. Mercy Caboboy, Basey Minicipal Information Officer, last February 15, the distribution was conducte...
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17Feb2013SAN RICARDO, Southern Leyte, Feb 17 (PIA) -- More infrastructure projects that will connect the island towns of Pana-on Island in the province are in the offing. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Leyte Engineering District (SLED) together with Representative Roger Mercado and provincial officials led the groundbreaking ceremonies of various infrastructure projects in Pana-on Island Friday. “ The 2.0 kilometer road upgrading of Barangays Kamang and Bil-atan road...
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17Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 17 (PIA) -- The number of passengers at the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport increase by 13 percent reaching 1.14 million in 2012 as against the 1.01 million posted in 2011, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. CAAP Eastern Visayas area manager Antonio Alfonso CAAP said the number of incoming and outgoing flights also rose by 10.5 p3rcent with 10,030 in 2012 from 9,074 in 2011, making the airport one of the busiest in the country. April was t...
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17Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 17 (PIA) - - To boost the coffee industry in the Cordillera Region, the sectoral committee on economic development of the Regional Development Council sat down to flesh out underlying issues on coffee production in the area. The committee, composed of various agencies, is undertaking strategic programs in boosting the coffee industry. Regional Development Council – Private Sector Representative John Bugaling said CAR has the comparative edge in the coffee industry par...
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17Feb2013MAKATI CITY, Feb. 16 -- The Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.) recorded P3.8 billion loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and credit guarantees were up by 119 percent in 2012. SB Corp. president and chief operating officer (COO) Benel P. Lagua, in a statement said, this lending record brought the corporation’s total funding for MSMEs to P38.5 billion as of 2012. Besides, the corporation’s credit guarantee facility recorded a 119 percent increase from P40.2 million in...
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16Feb2013SAN RICARDO, Southern Leyte, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- Concreting of a two-kilometer stretch of road on the pacific side of this town, located at the tip of the Panaon Island, is underway following formal groundbreaking rites, Thursday afternoon. “This road, once fully paved, can be a great help in the people’s mobility, may lower transport costs of goods, and enable a fast transfer of patients in emergency cases to the nearest hospital in Pintuyan,” Gov. Damian Mercado told barangay folks ...
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16Feb2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Feb. 16 (PIA) --The Department of Agriculture is beefing up barangay food terminals established in the province to further cater to the needs of the community. There are gains in the establishment of barangay and municipal food terminals in the province, according to Marlyn Cosalan of the Department of Agriculture –Agribusiness and Marketing Division (AMAD). Foremost, basic commodities are now accessible in the locality especially in far-flung areas . Food term...
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16Feb2013BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga regional office turned-over the completed rehabilitation/concreting of NRJ Poblacion II to San Antonio farm-to-market road in RTR, Agusan del Norte on Friday, February 15. The 6.5-kilometer road traverses three barangays namely Poblacion 2, Balang-balang, and San Antonio and is expected to help farmers and more than 1,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the area bring their products such as rice, vegetables and coconu...
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15Feb2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb 15 (PIA) -- As of January 2013, the NFA Northern Samar had a buffer stock of 23,511 bags of rice, according to Ruben Manatad, NFA provincial manager. If the office were to supply the needs of the province, it can do so taking into account the Daily Consumption Requirements (DCR) of the province at 5,840 bags vis-a-vis daily rice issues at 400 bags, stocks will last for over a month, Manatad said. Manatad stated that 50,000 bags from NFA Iloilo is due to arrive se...
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15Feb2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- Twenty beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) from the different towns were trained on manicure/pedicure, foot spa, and haircutting by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Meridian Paramedical Technical College(MPTC). According to Jocelyn Lagmay, head of the MPTC and one of the trainors, the program seeks to enhance the skills of the...
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15Feb2013KALIBO, Aklan, February 15 (PIA6) -- Aklan’s average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the year 2012 registered 130.9 index points or higher by 4.6 % compared to 2011 figures of 126.3 index, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO) here. For 2012, October registered the highest index of 133.7, while the month of February has the lowest with 128.0 points, NSO said. Consumer Price Index is an indicator of the change in the average retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services ...
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15Feb2013VIGAN CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- Things are looking up for the production of miniature trees in Ilocos Sur after the launch of the first bonsai exhibition and competition at the Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral here. According to Rex Galimba of the Ilocos Sur Bonsai Club, local enthusiasts on ornamental plants-growing have signified their interest to engage in bonsai tree-culture upon seeing the 65 attractive entries during the exposition. The miniature trees particularly the century-old bantigue...
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15Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture of Region 12 (DA-12) will get P1.29-billion budget this year, a whopping 62 percent higher than its 2012 budget of P739 million. This is in recognition of the region’s 128 percent staples self-sufficiency as evidenced by the 1.28 million metric tons (MT) of rice it harvested last year, data from the Agri Pinoy Palayan Program indicate; it is also in recognition of other accomplishments of the regional field offi...
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15Feb2013SABANGAN, Mt. Province, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) approved the amount of P285,000 for its counterpart in establishing the herbal oil production and processing project of the Kalawitan Agro Forestry Integrated Livelihood Information Group (Kafilig) in this municipality. This project aims to provide appropriate equipment to enhance the herbal oil production and processing project of Kafilig . According to Provincial S...
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15Feb2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- Palawan remains the Philippines’ number one seaweed producing province accounting for 25.8 percent of the total volume of seaweed production at 451,926. metric tons (MT) valued at P2.8 billion for the year 2012 according to the CountryStat database of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) website. Palawan’s production made up 98.5 percent of the total volume for the Mimaropa region which accounted for 458,527 MT. MIMAROPA is second to...
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15Feb2013PAWING, Palo, Leyte, Feb 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry calls on all entrepreneurs and businessmen that has just gotten or renewed their business permits to participate in an online customer satisfaction survey on mayor’s permit 2013. DTI Region 8 Director Cynthia Nierras said that this is in line with the government’s efforts to accelerate the country’s competitiveness by improving the Business Permits Licensing System (BPLS) in the country. Dubbed “Business Permits...
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15Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- There are more road networks now in Mindanao, driving more economic opportunities for the rural people, especially farmers. Lealyn A. Ramos, program director of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) said the program has completed 489.10 kilometer farm-to-market (FMR) roads amounting to P995.23 million, among other projects under the rural infrastructure (RI) component. “As the completed FMR meas...
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15Feb2013IRRI, LOS BANOS, Laguna, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- President Aquino visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), to celebrate the National Year of Rice and to get a personal update on progress of the agreement between IRRI and the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA), which aims to support the delivery of research and extension services of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). The President was welcomed by Dr. Emerlinda Roman, IRRI Board of Trustees chair; Dr. Bruce Tolentino, ...
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15Feb2013OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- School children in Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (Kalahi-CIDSS) or KC areas of region 10 are assured of a conducive learning facility. This after, P17.727 million have been allocated for the construction of 44 schoolbuildings/day care centers for these areas, as of February 13, this year. Of this amount, P10.407 million or 58.71 percent was sourced from the Australian Agency for Internati...
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15Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, February 14(PIA) - Eastern Samar Governor, Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. urged rice farmers to plant more, so that they can help the province achieve the rice sufficiency target by 2014 and onward. This is his message yesterday during the launching of the National Year of Rice (NYR) in Region-08 at the Provincial Gym. The Governor, who is known to be a Palay, Mango and vegetable producer before his stint as the province’s chief executive (LCE), frankly inform...
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15Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Feb. 15 (PIA) --Southern Mindanao has topped the number of jobs posted at Philjobnet with 450,000 jobs posted online from January to December 2012 even as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI urged establishments to register their companies with the jobs portal. Philjobnet, the official jobs portal of the government of the Philippines, was specifically mentioned by President Benigno Aquino III when he visited Davao City February 5, because of its role in...
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14Feb2013DIFFUN, Quirino, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Quirino) here has targeted P7 million-fund assistance this year to assist the micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province. Jonathan R. Nuestro, engineer and OIC - Provincial Science and Technology director, said P6.65 million assistance will be for Set-Up (core) and P0.35 million assistance for Set-Up (non-core) were allocated for the agency’s Small Enterprise Upgrading Program (Set-Up). Set-Up (Core...
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14Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 14 -- The investment promotion and financing facilitation initiatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region bolstered its investment generation in 2012. The preliminary annual report of the agency revealed that these interventions pushed the investments to hit P9.455 billion, 13 percent higher than its annual target of P8.4 billion. The financing facilitation services rendered by DTI-Davao Region brought in P43.826 million investments, generated through...
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14Feb2013CITY OF BACOOR, Cavite, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- A free-of-charge service call center and hotline service project was formally launched on February 4 by the city government in partnership with Dynamic Outsource Solutions 1 (DOS-1). City Mayor Strike Revilla made the first phone patch call that signaled the start of operations. By dialing 434-111, callers can get information on various concerns, such as the services being offered by the city government, updates and activities within Bacoor, important nu...
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14Feb2013ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Isabela City has turned-over more than half-a-million-worth of Kabuhayan Starter Kits to some 70 beneficiaries of Isabela. In a ceremony at the city hall lobby Tuesday, some 70 beneficiaries received their individual livelihood showcases from DOLE-Isabela OIC Head Wesley Tan and City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar. Tan explained that this project is part of the strategic mechanism program or pro-poor progr...
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14Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 14 (PIA) -- Filipinos have a lot to be proud of, one of which is that the country is out of the economic mire. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the posted annual growth in merchandise exports of the Philippines in December 2012 was the highest among its trade-oriented neighbors in East and Southeast Asia. “The country’s export performance in December 2012 reflects the generally improved prospects in the global economy on the back of pol...
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14Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture led the launching of the National Year of Rice and info caravan in the six provinces of Eastern Visayas. The first provincial launching and info caravan was on February 13 at the Capitol Multi-Purpose Hall in Borongan City, Eastern Samar said Antonio Gerundio, DA-8 regional executive director. Another launching will be conducted in Catbalogan City, on February 21, said Gerundio. The launching in Eastern Samar was attended ...
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14Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) here clarified that the on-going, nationwide census on agriculture and fisheries (CAF) that is carried out at the barangay level has no effect on the barangay’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) allocation. Mae Almonte, Provincial Statistics Officer, made the clarification yesterday during the cable TV program Action Center Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Reacting to what she heard was a conce...
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14Feb2013LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office in Region 5 (NSO-5) is calling on its respondents in the region to support the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries to be conducted on February 25 until May this year. NSO 5 regional director Cynthia Perdiz said the survey will be conducted simultaneous in other areas in the country to gather authentic and timely data from the agriculture and fisheries sector. The collected data will then be used by government to formulate polici...
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14Feb2013DAVAO CITY Feb. 14 -- The Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) will be allocated at least P245-million worth of infrastructure projects for 2013 mostly to be used in the upgrading of its road network. Department of Public Works and Highways Davao del Norte District Engineer Fernando Ongkingco Jr. said the allocation will be used to fund the improvement and upgrading of the city’s circumferential road. The development of the road is identified as an infrastructure project support to IGaCoS ...
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14Feb2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- To meet the target increase in corn production this year, the Department of Agriculture in Region 2 (DA-2) has already started its cloud seeding intervention to water cornfields in the region to ensure good harvest for this cropping season amidst drought. Rafael Balbuena Jr., senior agriculturist and engineer, said they have started cloud seeding last February 7 as El Nino phenomenon is again creeping in. He said the program is a strategy to attain the region...
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14Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- In order to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the province, the Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Unit- (DA-RFU-8) held the First Provincial Launching of the National Year of Rice yesterday at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, Capitol Compound, this city. The program primarily aims to help achieve rice self-sufficiency through the help of every Filipino, the producers, the policy-makers and the consumers. Along with that, it also aims t...
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14Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb 14 (PIA) -- This year’s Sillag festival hopes to generate a growing interest in this city and secure Poro Point’s position on the country’s tourism and investment map, said officials of the Poro Point Management Corp., the event organizer. Festival organizers drew inspiration from “Sillag,” which means moonbeam, to showcase for the second time the festival of lights. PPMC Board Chairman Ives Nisce said the festival is meant to brighten this city and ...
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13Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- "The robust economic performance in 2012 shows us that Aquinomics works,” says Secretary Cesar Purisima of the Department of Finance (DOF) during the Philippine Economic Briefing, Wednesday held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Purisima said, Aquinomics, a coined term from the President’s surname “Aquino” and "economics” is all about the public and the private sectors working together. “Despite the uncertainty in the ...
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13Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The provincial government has allotted P2.5 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of the provincial agriculture nursery. The project aims to convert the facility as center for the provision of farm interventions to farmers of the province so that they will not always depend on the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to Joe Casibang of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), the P2 million is used to improve the facilities of the cente...
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13Feb2013SILAY CITY, Negros Occ., Feb 13 (PIA6) - - The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) recently delivered a letter of guarantee to the city government of Silay for the Fisherman’s Village Project in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City Housing Officer Alore Golez reported, a press statement from the city said. The letter of guarantee involves SHFC’s obligation to finance P3.8 million for 157 member-beneficiaries of the Fisherman’s Village Project in Silay City. Golez said the fund will be rel...
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13Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 13 (PIA) - - Development of small and medium enterprises is at the core of government’s economic development strategy and shared services facilities (SSF) is among the key programs initiated to help achieve President Aquino’s inclusive growth agenda. This was emphasized by Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo during his recent visit to this city to launch the SSF program to boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs) productivity and efficiency. Domingo said under the ...
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13Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb. 13 --The Provincial Tourism Council of Davao del Norte vowed to bounce back and become more active in promoting tourism in the province now that it has been reactivated. “People may perceive the Tourism Council as inactive but in reality we are working on the tourism guidelines for the Tourism Code of the province,” Provincial Tourism Council president Araceli Ayuste said. Ayuste admitted that the Council has not been very active primarily because it was waiting for the To...
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13Feb2013MANILA, Feb. 13 -- Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad once again expressed optimism over the country’s chances of achieving investment grade from major credit rating agencies, citing the Administration’s strong fiscal strategy and continued commitment to key reforms, as well as mounting investor confidence in the country as a major investment hub in Southeast Asia. Abad made the statement today during the 2013 Philippine Economic Briefing, where the members of President Aqui...
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13Feb2013CARIGARA, Leyte, Feb 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways 2nd Leyte Engineering District has completed 34 or 35 projects planned for 2012 achieving a 95.7 percent project accomplishment despite weather disturbances and other intervening factors. The district office implemented P278.71-million worth of regular projects in 2012, which is expected to contribute to economic boom in 14 municipalities of the province said Ma. Margarita C. Junia, DPWH engineer. “Through intensif...
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13Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 13 -- The country’s merchandise exports reached a record $51.994 billion as of year-end 2012, breaking the previous high of $51.5 billion registered in 2010 and posting a 7.6-percent growth over the $48.3 billion Philippine exports posted in 2011. A statement from the Department of Trade and Industry said this came on the back of expanded markets opened by free-trade agreements signed by the Philippines with preferred trade partners in the Asean and other neighboring countr...
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13Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The Philippine Year-End Economic Briefing, which will be attended by 11 Cabinet Secretaries of President Aquino’s Cabinet will be held today at 9 a.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Policy-makers will report on last year's economic performance and discuss the country's pursuit of investment grade status in the briefing which is themed: “Good Governance is Good Economics: Achieving Investment Grade Status.” The country is cu...
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13Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 12 (PIA) -- The agricultural development program of Makilala has gained the support of the Department of Agriculture (DA) here in SOCCSKSARGEN region. A report from the local government unit (LGU) disclosed that DA 12 has delivered about 15,000 Robusta coffee seedlings, 2,000 cacao seedlings, 7,500 banana tissue-cultured plantlets and 3,040 assorted fruit trees seedlings. The planting materials estimated to cost P600,000 which Makilala received last month ...
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13Feb2013SIQUIJOR, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- “Responsible rice consumption.” This is the call of the year as the country launches the National Year of Rice, a campaign that aims to help achieve rice self sufficiency, promote better health and improve the income of farmers. President Benigno S. Aquino III in his declaration of 2013 as the National Year of Rice hopes to attain a hundred percent rice self-sufficiency before the year ends as it underlines the government’s intensified focus on strengthening foo...
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13Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8 has urged Samarnons to raise goats to beat poverty. Regional Technical Director Wilson Cerbito cited the benefits of raising goats during his presentation on Tuesday for the Samar Island Small Ruminant Enterprise Development Project. He claimed that some farmers from the same project in Villaba, Leyte have testified earning more through goat raising. The farmers had to provide the goats with proper housing, pr...
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13Feb2013ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Feb 13 (PIA) -- Plans for the rehabilitation of the existing swimming pool in Barangay Tongonan, Ormoc City have been a long time wish of the barangay residents in the area because of its natural source of hot and cold water. Relative to this, representatives from the Department of Tourism, Region 8 came to evaluate the feasibility of the project and released P2.2 million intended for the repair of the existing swimming pool, said Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez, engineer of the D...
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13Feb2013MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Feb 13 (PIA) -- A total of 80,492-kilometer additional power lines were installed here by the Camiguin Electric Cooperative (Camelco). This expansion project, according to the co-op general manager Adrian A. Ebcas, is under the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), likewise dubbed as “Pasuga Project.” It now covers 188 sitios (zone or division within a barangay) and energized 3,525 needy families in the island. Ebcas said th...
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12Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 12 -- In time for the Chinese New Year’s celebration, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls to bring the Metro Festival at the Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila, and open boutiques to showcase the best products of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the National Capital Region (NCR). “The exhibitors are MSMEs that DTI is helping, and have no capability to promote in big venues like department stores ...
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12Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 12 -- The Department of Budget and Management released P1.89 billion to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the completion and rehabilitation of Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA 3). In a statement, DBM says this is seen to boost public infrastructure and the country’s fast-growing tourism industry. The Philippine government earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Takenaka Corporation (Takenaka) to impleme...
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12Feb2013TABUK, CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 12 (PIA) -– Locally made products ranging from processed foods and wines, agricutltural products, ornaments, woven materials, gifts, housewares, furniture, recycled products, fashion accessories among others would be on sale starting tomorrow, Feb 13 at the Kalinga Capitol Compound. Trade and Industry Specialist Benita Mangadap of the Department of Trade and Industry Kalinga said the 18th Ullalim Trade, Skills and Jobs Fair will have a ‘soft launching’ tomorro...
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12Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor through the Bureau of Labor Relations and the Bureau of Working Conditions is currently conducting a seminar for selected Single Entry Approach (SEnA) officers at the Oriental Hotel Leyte in Palo, Leyte. DOLE Region 8 Director Exequiel Sarcauga who was guest at the recent episode of the Surusuwerte Ha PIA radio program said that seminar aims to enhance the capability of the SENA desk officers for an improved administration of labor...
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12Feb2013GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Feb 12 (PIA) -- In line with the Region 8’s quest to be considered a serious contender in ICT-BPO industry, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is spearheading a planning workshop on embedding best practices in IT on February 12 -13 at the Region 8 Learning Center at the DepEd Regional Office. DOST Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla said that Eastern Visayas has identified ICT-Business Process Outsourcing as one of the priority investment areas th...
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12Feb2013NAVAL, Biliran, Feb 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Biliran District Engineering Office (DPWH-BDEO) this early has already allocated bulk of their agency’s budget in 2014 for road improvement projects in the province of Biliran. Out of the P440 million for proposed projects for 2014, P210 million is allocated for the upgrading/widening of existing concrete road; P120 million for the improvement of road shoulders; P50 million for rehabilitation/reconstruction of ...
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12Feb2013LAOAG CITY, Feb.12 (PIA) -- Traders from Northern and Central Luzon are cashing in on their native products which are on display at the on-going Pamulinawen festival trade fair in this city. The best products from the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Central Luzon were selected to represent the government’s One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program. The trade fair, sponsored by the City Agricultural Office, is meant to promote local products which symbolize the industry ...
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12Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- A sawmill processing plant with a proposed P1 million budget will soon rise in Bindoy, Negrs Oriental. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo and Bindoy Mayor Valente Yap recently led the ground breaking rites for the proposed sawmill project which is considered the first to be installed in the first district of Negros Oriental. In a message during the ceremony, Montejo said the project aims to empower the local government ...
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12Feb2013LARENA, Siquijor, Feb 11 (PIA) -- President Aquino declared 2013 National Year of Rice under Proclamation No. 494 and it was launched throughout the country on January 28, 2013. In the province of Siquijor, among the highlights, said Gay Therese Bucol of the Department of Agriculture, was the signing of commitment by all stakeholders and program implementers and the joint recitation of the rice pledge. The National Year of Rice dubbed as NYR2013 aims to achieve rice self-sufficiency and minim...
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12Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 12 (PIA) –- Thirty six members of the Eco-Guide Association of Tabuk (EGAT) formally received their Certificate of Accreditation and Identification Cards from the Department of Tourism as accredited tour and mountain guides during an awarding ceremony, yesterday. They are the first mountain guides accredited by DOT in the province. City Tourism Officer Arlene Ethel Odiem said the group got their accreditation after undergoing the eight-day Naturalist Eco-guiding S...
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12Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The national government through the Department of Agriculture is encouraging Bohol local leaders to enhance the volume and quality of ubi production. This was disclosed by Department of Agriculture-7 (DA-7) Officer in Charge Regional Executive Director Angel Enriquez during the recent celebration of the Ubi Festival held at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City. Enriquez said the local leaders in the municipalities and the barangays are more accessible to th...
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12Feb2013Siquijor, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Culture, heritage, tradition and environment. These make Siquijor. Capturing Siquijor color and Siquijor feel for tourists to see and experience is a perfect design strategy to sell the island, says design consultant and amateur photography-hobbyist Rey Luciano Soliven during the Product Development Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for Siquijor recently. Soliven likened the island to a pizza pie but with a unique shape, divided into six slices ...
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12Feb2013KIANGAN, Ifugao, Feb. 12 (PIA) --n Twenty members of the Kiangan Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (KITODA) underwent a two-day training on History and Heritage Appreciation at the Municipal Senior Citizens Building here recently. The training was funded by the Office of the Municipal Mayor through the request of Tourism Officer Eulalie Dulnuan who saw the importance that as tourism frontliners, tricycle drivers must have a basic knowledge on the history and heritage of the munic...
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12Feb2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Only the province of Bohol posted a significant increase in rice production in Central Visayas as it now supplies 70 percent of the rice requirement in the entire region. Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics in Bohol showed that the yield increased from 231,569 metric tons (MT) in 2011 to 237,836 MT in 2012. Larry Pamugas, assistant provincial agriculturist, said that if you compare the yield increment from 2010 of 191,000 MT to 2012, it post...
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11Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 11 (PIA) -- Barely four months from the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in October, President Aquino launches the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a program intended to deliver basic social services to the Moro people. The term “Sajahatra” is Arabic-Melayu-Bahasa derivative which means "Peace." Aquino today, Monday, visited the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao -- a mere...
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11Feb2013CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- This province will soon be humming with the sound of P148-million worth of various infrastructure projects lined up by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the second district of the province. DPWH’s Southern Mindoro District Engineering Office, in the town of Roxas, says these underscore their readiness and commitment to speed up projects in improving road accessibility for better mobility of the people and transportation in t...
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11Feb2013PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The Board of Investment (BOI) recently held the Mimaropa leg of its Investment Priority Plan (IPP) roadshow showcasing the region as the “Destination of Choice”. Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Felicitas Agoncillo-Reyes of the BOI Investments Promotion Group and Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) Mimaropa Director Joel Valera spearheaded the roadshow which was held to inform investors and key industry players the opportunities in key ar...
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11Feb2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The Philippines is close to being rice self-sufficient this year with only two million metric tons needed to produce in order to attain the goal. “The country had accumulated 18 million metric tons of rice in 2012 and for us to declare sufficiency, we need to reach 20 million metric tons this year,” said Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta during Monday’s launch of the 2013 National Year of Rice (NYR...
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11Feb2013BASCO, Batanes, Feb 11 (PIA) -- Going by the recent report of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), five infra projects had been completed, and 12 projects of significant progress are still on-going. Completed infra in the month of January 2013 are: a) varayvayan farm-to-market road (FMR) in Itbayat (93.71 percent on Dec. 31, 2012); b) Uyugan flood control, Uyugan (90.71 percent as of Dec. 31); c) upgrading national interior road Uyugan to Mahatao (51.58 percent as of Dec. 31); d)...
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11Feb2013Antosa Ongaty, 50, an Ibaloi native from Barangay Anayo in Aritao town tends to her stall inside the public market in Bambang town, hoping to make a killing by selling a variety of flowers this season of hearts and for the coming Valentine’s Day. “This has been our source of livelihood since time immemorial. Our children finished their studies with the financial support coming from our business," she said. Ongaty is one of the less than 10 flower vendors in this town who have established...
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11Feb2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 11 (PIA) -- For the first-time ever, Bohol’s average palay farm yield has breached the 3 tons-per-hectare, according to the data from the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) here. Provincial Assistant Agriculturist Larry Pamugas disclosed the positive rice production as a feat considering that half of Bohol’s rice lands are upland and rain-fed areas where plants are dependent on rainfall and mechanization is almost nil. Pamugas based his pronouncements on the ...
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11Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 11 (PIA) -- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) is now targeting the integration of more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) back to the Philippines through entrepreneurial programs to drive investments in the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. "We are beefing up efforts to reintegrate OFWs so we can harness their experience and expertise in contributing to the country's socioeconomic development," Arsenio M. Balisacan, NEDA Director General and Soc...
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11Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has initiated the process of acquiring a decorticating machine to boost businesses engaged in coco coir, an industry that transforms coconut husks from plain farm wastes into sturdy ropes used for soil conservation and other practical usage. The machine, which enables the easy churning of coco husks for the production of coco coir, was estimated to cost around half a million pesos...
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11Feb2013
News feature: Rice Production Enhancement Program, key to increased rice production in Eastern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 11 (PIA) -- In the past, the province of Eastern Samar had the usual low rice productions. In 2012, to the surprise of most, the province made history by recording 59,412 metric tons (MT) production, posting the highest production growth in Eastern Visayas at 10.78 percent from the 53,632 MT in 2011. This production performance was triggered by a rocketing average yield per hectare of 2.82 MT per hectare or a 7.20 percent increase from the 2011 average yield of 2.6 MT... -
11Feb2013PAOAY, Ilocos Norte, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- It had to take an international event to do what good intentions failed to do for years in the Paoay Lake. Paoay Lake has been blighted by wastes coming from fish cages resulting in high e-coli bacteria contamination for years. Communities around the 387-hectare lake also make use of it as a disposal area for their poultry and piggery. And it is where the local water district draws its raw water source for consumers’ tap water. The areas with the high...
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11Feb2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb.11 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) will officially launch today the 2013 National Year of Rice (NYR) in Central Luzon in a ceremony at the Capitol compound, City of San Fernando. DA Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta will lead the unveiling of NYR logo, recitation of “Panatang Makapalay” (Pledge of Rice), and releasing of NYR balloons. NYR is a social marketing and advocacy project that enlists the support of producers, farmers, consum...
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09Feb2013SADANGA, Mt. Province, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The dream of villagers from barangays Betwagan and Anabel villagers, this town, to have a bridge that will connect them to the rest of the world and the mainstream society is nearing realization. This, following the groundbreaking on Wednesday of the P45.9 million Betwagan Mabey Steel Bridge Project that will cross the historic Chico River and onto the Bontoc-Tabuk national road. The bridge project is one among the many identified community development pr...
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09Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 9 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) called on corn farmers in Eastern Visayas to adopt natural conservation measures to further boost the local corn industry. Corn farmers in Region 8 could expect more policy directives from the DA as the agency intends to further boost the local corn industry by adopting natural resource conservation measures. Brenda Pepito, DA-8 Agri-Pinoy Corn Program coordinator, disclosed that with said thrust, corn farmers can expect m...
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09Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 9 (PIA) -- The Provincial Board of Leyte has granted clearance to NorAsian Energy Ltd. to conduct drilling operations in an area covered by Service Contract 51 issued by the Department of Energy. Board Member Ryan Lawrence Tiu, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Environment Committee, said that the Leyte Provincial Board found no impediment to grant the clearance after going through the reports submitted by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offi...
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08Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 8 --Mindanao has now been placed in the radar of foreign countries extending Official Development Assistance (ODA) after it hosted the 2013 Philippines Development Forum (PDF) which was attended by development workers and ODA providers. “This is the beauty of holding the conference here because the ODA partners now get a feel of Mindanao,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said. While the stock of ODA commitments now is the result of processes prior to the Conference, he s...
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08Feb2013STA. TERESITA, Cagayan, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- This north-eastern Cagayan town prefers to be different when it comes to its One Town, One Product (OTOP) commodity. The OTOP is a priority program of the government where local executives of each city or municipality identify, develop, and promote a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage. Instead of the usual products, the local government unit here has identified ecological tourism as its biggest OTOP. According to Mayor Lolita ...
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08Feb2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Feb. 9 (PIA) - - The Benguet Provincial Cooperative Development Council (BPCDC) is encouraging jeepney associations in the province to convert into cooperatives citing the gains of being such. The BPCDC is citing the Benguet Operators and Drivers Associations Multipurpose Cooperative (BODAMPC) as a model which had expanded its services, increased its assets, and membership through the years. The BPCDC passed a resolution and plan to write and recommend to 40 jeepney as...
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08Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 8 (PIA) - - The bio-organic fertilizer plant of the provincial government is undergoing rehabilitation to make it capable in processing and producing more fertilizers for eventual commercialization. There is a dearth of this type of fertilizer, and this move is a welcome one not only for those who have farms but also those who have backyard gardens. OIC provincial agriculturist Engr. Domingo Bakilan said the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (D...
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08Feb2013CITY OF IMUS, Cavite, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Caviteños applauded President Benigno S. Aquino III when he said that the much awaited operation of LRT line 1 in Cavite is expected to start by 2015. The President made the remarks during the launching of the program “Alay sa Mamamayan” held at the Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol Sports Complex (formerly Maranatha Sports Complex) in Barangay Malagasang 2-D. The expected operation of LRT line 1 by 2015 is a big boost to the economy of the province and will...
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08Feb2013DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Dredging of the Pantal River, one of seven water streams that traverses the city, will begin this month to ease flooding in the downtown area during the rainy season. Decades of siltation has caused the river bed of Pantal to become shallow, which contributes to flooding on rainy days. DPWH District Engr.Rodolfo Dion said that they expect to haul out at least 500,000 cubic meters of sand and silt deposit which is equivalent to 25,000 truckloads. A dump truck ca...
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08Feb2013BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the National Agri-Business Corporation (Nabcor), turned-over a Liquid Quick Freeze Machine worth P4.6 million to the Tandag Boholano Fishermen’s Association (Tanbofisa) held recently at the Tanbofisa Ice Plant in Surigao del Sur. The freezer is a commitment of DA Secretary Proceso Alcala to the association when he visited Surigao del Sur on June 2011. The machine has a capacity to produce three tons of ice per d...
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08Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued on January 28, a Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) License to DirectPower Services, Inc. (or DirectPower) which initially plans to supply the energy requirement of customers in the contestable market that has a total average peak demand of around 50 MW. It intends to focus primarily on supplying the electricity needs of Ayala-owned and managed malls, office buildings, business process outsourcing (BPO), hotels and aff...
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08Feb2013By: Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, February 8 (PIA) - “There are still a lot of investment opportunities in the province that your money can earn more than keeping them at banks,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director (PD) Michael Nuṅez disclosed. PD Nuṅez said during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA yesterday at the Senior Citizen’s Center that investment opportunities abound especially along the thrusts of the provincial government on tourism, envir...
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08Feb2013OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- A total seed capital of P148,128,500 have been spent for 41,651 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P) beneficiaries under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in region 10, as of December, last year. These beneficiaries come from 860 Self-Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran Areas (SKA) of the region located in 28 municipalities and one city, particularly from the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Orie...
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07Feb2013Coron, Palawan, Feb 7 (PIA) -- Funding of P12.42 million were granted to five of the 19 barangays who participated in the Kalahi-Cidss Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF). The funds will be used for the implementation of sub-projects proposed by the community representatives of the winning barangays. The Forum is a strategy for community empowerment through localized decision-making. Simply put, it is a venue for the Barangay Representation Teams (BRTs), who are volunteers of Kalahi-CIDSS, to...
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07Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA6) -- A total of P3, 526,838,430.34 hospital claims of members and their dependents had been reimbursed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation 6 (PhilHealth 6) in 2012. The 2012 reimbursement showed a relatively 10 percent increase from its paid claims in 2011 of only P3, 156,322,235.50, according to a report from PhilHealth 6. The Corporation also said that in 2012, it received an average of 1,677 daily claims while in 2011, it was 1,221. Meanwhile, PHIC Regi...
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07Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 7 -- The Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.) approved the P3 million seed fund for the special financing program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the creative industries in Cebu. “This special program is the first institutional financing program for creative entrepreneurs in the country. It seeks to address the challenges on financing access of MSMEs in the creative industries and creative services sector,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Under...
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07Feb2013ASIPULO, Ifugao Feb. 7 (PIA) -- A multi-purpose cooperative here is a recipient of the Shared Services Facilities (SFF) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The P335,000 worth SFF for coffee processing were formally turned-over to the Hojap Multipurpose Cooperative (HMPC) by DTI – Ifugao in a simple ceremony attended by local officials and members of the cooperative. HMPC is the processor of the KesiMelan Ground Coffee and Hojap veggie noodles with the assistance of DTI in ...
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07Feb2013MAYOYAO, Ifugao, Feb. 7 (PIA) - - The national government has issued a tree-cutting permit and special permit to transport wood products outside the province to two Ifugao wood-carver organizations. In a memorandum dated January 9, 2013 issued by the Office of the President through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., the President gave approval to the request of Hungduan Woodworks & Handicrafts Cooperative and the Philippine - Ifugao Woodcarvers & Wood-based Industries Development Associat...
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07Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 7 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture has taken another major initiative in its quest to reduce poverty in the three Samar provinces. This time, the agency is banking not just on crops, but more on livestock, particularly the sunrise small ruminant industry. Regional Executive Director Antonio Gerundio informed that presently, the DA-8 is spearheading the implementation of the Samar Island Small Ruminant Rural Enterprise Development (SA-SR-RED) Project. This is...
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07Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Want your money to grow? Engage in business. The advice, which is more like a dare or a challenge, did not come from a banker but from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “How much would one earn putting his money in a savings or time deposit? After one year, the inflation rate catches up on what was saved, and then there’s the withholding tax on savings,” said Michael Nunez, provincial director of the local DTI. In this city and t...
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07Feb2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Feb 7 (PIA) -- Kayaking enthusiasts from various provinces went to Subic Bay recently, not to compete, but to learn how their favorite activity could help promote tourism in the Philippines. The course,headed by the Subic-based International School for Sustainable Tourism, consisted of a three-day training on kayak paddling, kayak guiding, and kayak safety with an emphasis on eco-tourism. The course took advantage of the waters of Subic Bay, which varied from placid to ch...
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07Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) --Unknown to the organizers, the 2013 Philippine Development Forum (PDF) ended with a vote of confidence to Davao City’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry through the conduct of a live streaming press conference between the Davao-based and the Manila-based media. Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Soliman, World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi and Mindanao Development Authority Secre...
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07Feb2013CALAMBA CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is looking at creating a 150-hectare coconut industrial complex that would include all the essential support facilities for the coconut industry, according to its Coconut Industrial Development Plan. PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes is optimistic that the project will be started within the year, although the concept has yet to be approved by Malacañang. Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director for Calabarzon Ma...
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07Feb2013MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Marawi City is confident that it can achieve its collection target for the year 2013. Revenue District Officer Aminoding Macarampat said they will work hard to meet this year’s goal of P483,066,000, an increase of P121,169,000 or 33.48 percent from the P361,897,000 target last year. According to him, the implementation of previous programs that were proven effective such as the intensified tax information cam...
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07Feb2013KALIBO, Aklan, Feb 7 (PIA6) -- When Aklan became the first province in the country to implement the bridge financing through the Land Bank of the Philippines in 2004 for its Hybrid Rice Production Program, rice produced during that period reached 100,300 metric tons (MT). Nine years later, rice production in the province had reached more than 128,000 MT, said Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, in his State of the Province Address (SOPA), Wednesday. This, according to Marquez, was attaine...
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07Feb2013NAVAL, Biliran February 7 (PIA) – The lone electric cooperative in Biliran province is now working for the approval of the power purchase and sale agreement (PPSA) with a coal-fired power plant in Luzon with the expiration of its contract for the supply of electric with the National Power Corporation-Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (NPC-PSALM) on June 25, 2013. The contract for the supply of electric energy (CSEE) with NPC-PSALM has already expired on December 25, 2012 but wa...
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06Feb2013BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) recently approved a P100-million grant for airport development projects in the provinces of Marinduque and Southern Leyte along with seaport development projects in Aklan and Camarines Norte. DOTC announced that these projects of upgrading and improving airports and seaports will help meet the government’s goal in providing Convenient, Affordable, Reliable, Efficient and Safe (CARES) air transport syst...
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06Feb2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Provincial Cooperative Development Office will be releasing on Friday, February 8, more than P33 million interest-free livelihood assistance loans to individuals and cooperatives in this province as a support to boost local economy. The interest-free loan is a program of the provincial government aimed at giving capitals to small and medium entrepreneurs who are willing to put up small businesses in Isabela. Provincial Cooperative and Development Offi...
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06Feb2013BASCO, Batanes, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Mahatao in Batanes is intensifying vegetable production by implementing its crops development program to improve quality of life of farmers and fishers. The intensified vegetable production is maintained by 232 farmer-beneficiaries who are promoting the Gulayan sa Barangay, legume production, garlic production, bio-intensive gardening, camote production, onion production, pinakbet vegetable production, and Food Always in the Home prog...
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06Feb2013BASCO, Batanes Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The livestock development program of the town of Mahatao in this province complements its intensified vegetable production program, per report from its agricultural technologist. The livestock development program has three components namely: upgrading of breed through artificial insemination (AI), livestock dispersal, and animal health management, said Alejandro Camacho, the town's agricultural technologist. Camacho said that under this livestock development pro...
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06Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- A top official of the World Bank emphasized the need to meet the challenge to create more jobs to achieve inclusive growth. Motoo Konishi, country director of the WBi explained inclusive growth to mean “creating jobs” which he viewed as the driver of inclusive growth, taking lessons he gleaned from other countries. Konishi anchored his talk on inclusive growth as this year’s PDF banners the theme, “President Aquino’s Social Contract: Moving Forward in Ach...
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06Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 6 (PIA) -- The Aquino administration remains faithful to its commitment of creating more jobs for Filipinos in the middle of its six-year term amid a remarkable 6.6 percent growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “I don’t think we are shifting priorities from our policy of job creation na una kong pinangako,” President Benigno Simeon Aquino III said during a press conference held after the 2013 Philippine Development Forum (PDF) held in Davao City. Aquino, who vowed t...
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06Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA6) - - The Department of Science and Technology 6 (DOST 6) has approved 47 project proposals amounting P37,446, 327 in Western Visayas under its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (Set-Up) in 2012. DOST 6 Director Rowen Gelonga said under Set-Up, micro, small and medium enterprises are given a wide range of assistance to further enhance their productivity and competitiveness both in the local and international markets. Gelonga said the assistance, which is...
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06Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- In pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of reducing poverty from 26.5% in 2009 to 16.6% by 2015, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted seminar-workshops on Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) in the 18 local government units in the province. This is to ensure the inclusion of the funding requirements for the development needs of focus cities and municipalities in the budget proposals of participating agencies and attai...
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06Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- “The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), as the leader in economic planning and development for the entire country, is responsible for coordinating the efforts and ensuring the cooperation of all national government agencies towards achieving inclusive growth: growth that leaves no Filipino behind.” This was the statement of President Benigno S. Aquino III during the 40th anniversary of the NEDA as quoted by NEDA Director Leon M. Dacanay ...
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06Feb2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Feb.6 (PIA) -- Tax collection agencies in Subic Freeport have turned over to the national treasury a total of P7.62 billion in taxes collected from January to December 2012. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said the amount was derived from taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Garcia said the combined collection of BIR and BOC has consistently increased in the last four yea...
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06Feb2013MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Latest regional agricultural statistics report discloses a 20 percent increase of inland fish production owing to increased fish catch of freshwater eel, carp, and mud crab. According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), farmgate prices of inland fish species still rose despite the increase of production in December 2012, as influenced by high priced marine fish species. About 13 metric tons of grigate tuna, roundscad, skipjack, big-eyed scad, an...
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06Feb2013NAGA CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Operators and drivers of utility vehicle express in Camarines will have to stop conveying passengers if they are still using old-model passenger vehicles. Pursuant to the latest ruling of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), it prohibits passenger vehicles aged 13-years-old and more from operating. LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2012-0217 and 2012-030 reiterate the mandatory phase out of old UV Express units in all parts of country to ens...
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06Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 6 (PIA) -- Rice growers in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces can now avail of the loan assistance from the Department of Agriculture under the “Sikat Saka” program. DA 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said both provinces in Soccsksargen Region were included in the expansion of the program as these were among the top 20 rice-producing provinces in the country in 2011. Agriculture secre...
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06Feb2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will release this month P72 million in revenue shares to seven municipalities and one city located near the Freeport. SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said the funds to be given were derived from two percent of the corporate taxes paid by registered Subic Freeport enterprises from June to December 2012. Since August 2010, the SBMA has been implementing a new tax collection scheme wherein it began direct...
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06Feb2013MAKATI CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED) is inviting the public for free entrepreneurship sessions to be held this month for new and existing businesses. DTI BMSMED Director Rhodora M. Leaño stressed that the selected topics will provide useful information for budding entrepreneurs and existing businesses to improve their decision-making capabilities for higher productivity and profit...
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06Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 6 (PIA) -- The National Economic Development Authority on Tuesday said that the higher food and power prices and the implementation of the new sin tax law pushed headline inflation slightly higher to 3.0 percent in January 2013. This, however is still within the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s inflation target of 3.0 to 5.0 percent for 2013, said NEDA OIC Assistant Director-General Rosemarie G. Edillon. According to NEDA, inflation for the month is higher comp...
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05Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 5 -- The regional meeting of the French Counsellors for foreign trade or popularly known in France as the Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur (CCE), held in the Philippines for the first time, manifests strengthened economic relations between the two countries. A statement from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo is delighted of the growing interest of French companies in the Philippines. In less than six months following the vi...
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05Feb2013DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- A variety of coco shell handicrafts, bags, underwear, yema, bottled Spanish sardines, bottled dried fish, and the local delicacy “tinagaktak” were among the products displayed during the “Livelihood People’s Organization Conference” spearheaded by the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Program for South and Southeast Asia (RFLP) at Mibang Hotel here recently. RFLP, a project implemented by the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) in coord...
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05Feb2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, Feb. 6 (PIA)-- The Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO) has energized 180 sitios under the Sitio Electrification Program(SEP) and nine barangays under Barangay Line Enhancement Program (BLEP) of the government as of December last year. Jovy Allaga, manager of the Institutional Services Department(ISD) of IFELCO said the energized sitios exceeded the target of 77 sitios for the year. The source of funds for the project is a subsidy from the National Electrification Adm...
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05Feb2013ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Feb 5 (PIA) -- One of the various projects currently completed by the Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) – Leyte Fourth Engineering District, for 2013, is the concreting of Libertad Road in Barangay Tambulid, Ormoc City. To be assured that the conduct of the project was in accordance with the specifications stated in the project profile, 4th District Engineer Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez closely monitored the progress of the said project. The concreting of Libertad...
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05Feb2013ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb 5 (PIA) - - In its year-ender report, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration of Region 9 (OWWA-9), said it released P27,799,267.85 for the implementation of programs and services to OFW families and members in Region 9. Beneficiaries from the cities of Zamboanga , Isabela, Basilan, Dipolog and the province of Zamboanga Sibugay availed of various programs and services offered by OWWA which include reintegration, death and burial benefit, skills employment scholarshi...
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05Feb2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Feb 5 (PIA) -- An extensive soil analysis of soils in farmlands is seen as one of the measures to increase rice yields in the region. In a forum of municipal agriculturists, agricultural technicians, national irrigation officials, and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag asa) at Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricultural Resources Research Development (CVIARRD) in Ilagan City last week, Dr. Ernesto Guzman, Department of Agriculture 2...
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05Feb2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 5 (PIA6) -- Various tourism–based activities are being prepared by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) for the delegates of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet here on Feb. 18 to 22. PTCAO head Alphonsus Tesoro said that destination booths featuring all towns as tourist destinations as well as Visual Arts Exhibit will be staged at the Capiz Gym during the regional sports competition. Tesoro added that “Tribu Padagy...
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05Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) is focusing on procuring palay aimed at absorbing local produce in order to establish sufficient national buffer stock and discouraging rice import. Raymond Tafalla, newly assumed Kalinga NFA Manager ,said they were ordered by NFA Administrator Orlan Calayag to fill state warehouses in the country year-round to establish supply independence of the staple food at home. “The underlying goal is to slowly cut our dependen...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Sultan Kudarat together with the Local Government of Sen. Ninoy Aquino (SNA) municipality will launch a Coffee Industrial Tour in the province in time for the Coffee Festival on February 12-15. DTI-Sultan Kudarat Dir. Nelly Dillera said the industrial tour intends to showcase the coffee industry in the province. Sultan Kudarat is considered to be the biggest producer of coffee in the country. Almost 28,000 t...
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05Feb2013PINUKPUK, Kalinga, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Agriculture officials of the province launched another barangay food terminal in Sitio Camalogan, Barangay Allaguia, this town brining to 43 the number of food terminals in the province established by DA in partnership with the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) and local government units(LGUs). Under the project, DA gives operating capital in terms of equipments and centers to OPAG-assisted organized farmer-proponents recommended by LGUs. Establis...
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05Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Tabuk City has programmed the P1 million cash incentive it received from the Department of Agriculture (DA) for winning the 2012 National Rice Achiever’s Award to rehabilitate the irrigation canal wall in Sitio Burayucan, Barangay Balong, here. Since the cash incentive has been won by the city under its improved agricultural programs, it was decided that the amount will be used for the rice enhancement program of the city, explained Tabuk City Agriculture...
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05Feb2013MANILA, Feb. 5 -- The Philippine Embassy in Muscat reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that in line with the government’s tourism promotion efforts, a 2013 calendar showcasing the country’s top tourist attractions was recently released. The calendar was produced by Venus Travel LLC, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy. The travel agency is owned by Mr. Placid Reddy, who is a strong supporter of the Filipino community in Muscat. His company is also the franchisee o...
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05Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 5 (PIA) -- An officer of the World Bank has encouraged the Philippine government to increase its infrastructure spending if it wants to realize its goal of achieving inclusive development for the people. Motoo Konishi, country director of the World Bank and co-chair of the Philippine Development Forum in a press briefing Tuesday said infrastructure spending by government needs to increase from 2.6 percent to 5 percent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 2016. He said that ov...
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05Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Feb.5 (PIA) -- Living up to its reputation as the “rice granary” of the nation, Central Luzon has obtained a 138-percent sufficiency level last year despite being devastated by torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon. Agriculture Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta said, “For the two cropping seasons, Central Luzon was able to produce 3,220,607 metric tons (MT) of rice out of the 675,781 hectares area harvested, attaining an average yield o...
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05Feb2013MAITUM, Sarangani, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Finally, the agony of holding classes either on stage or under the tree is over for the students and teachers of Wali Integrated School in Maitum, Sarangani Province. Long clamored problems of classroom shortage and congestion of school are finally answered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development with the recent turnover of newly constructed 1-unit-3 classroom high school building worth P1,825,000 to the Department of Education and Parents-Te...
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05Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Socio-economic Planning Sec. Arsenio Balicasan cited the need to create new sources of growth to sustain the country’s economic performance, benefiting the greater majority of Filipinos. Speaking at the opening of the 2013 Philippine Development Forum (PDF) he explained the relevance of seeking new sources of growth to sustain the country’s economic growth that would benefit every Filipino. Balisacan mentioned manufacturing, business process outsourcing (B...
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05Feb2013ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Feb 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte Fourth Engineering District based in Ormoc City is now rehabilitating two box culvert projects. District Engr. Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez said, the box culverts are situated along Palompon-Isabel-Merida-Ormoc road included in the road rehabilitation project along the same area. The project, which benefits some 1,000 households, took off last December 20, 2012 under contractor JA Achacoso Ent. & Gene...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Total amount of investments in the province of Sultan Kudarat for the year 2012 was pegged at P762.94 million. This is 70% better than the figure in 2011 recorded at P 570.61M. DTI-Sultan Kudarat director Nelly Nita Dillera said among the important sectors that generated new and additional investments were expansions in the plantation of coffee, palm oil rubber and banana; expansion in muscovado processing and oil palm processing, upgrading of ...
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05Feb2013PUERTO PRINCES CITY, Palawan, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its five partners are holding the first Technopreneurship Boot Camp next month to lay the groundwork for a sustainable technological-entrepreneurial mindset among the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province. Helping to make the techno boot camp into reality are the Palawan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Western Philippines University, Palawan State University, ABS-CBN Bayan ...
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04Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi emphasized the need to meet the challenge to create more jobs to achieve inclusive growth. Speaking during the opening of the 2013 Philippine Development Forum (PDF) which he co-chairs, Konishi explains inclusive growth to mean “creating jobs” which he viewed as the driver of inclusive growth, which he added he gleaned from other countries. Konishi anchored his opening talks on inclusive growth as this year’s PDF ba...
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04Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The 2013 Philippine Development Forum opened formally at the Marco Polo Hotel, Monday with the theme, “President Aquino’s Social Contract: Moving Forward in Achieving Inclusive Growth and Good Governance.” The plenary sessions started off with presentation and panel discussion regarding the overall progress of the social contract and macro-economic and fiscal developments discussed by Department of Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, Department of Budget an...
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04Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb. 4 -- A top officer of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) assessed it may take a while for the banana industry in the three Davao Provinces to recover from the destruction caused by Typhoon Pablo as the small growers need more government support to help them rehabilitate their farms. Stephen Antig, executive director of the PBGA said the small banana growers still need more financial assistance from the government despite the loans being offered by t...
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04Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 4 (PIA) -- Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz welcomed the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the management of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc.- General Santos City and its union, the General Santos Coca-Cola Plant Free Workers Union-Tupas, without any need for DOLE intervention. Citing a report of National Conciliation and Mediation Board Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo, Baldoz said this is the first time for Coc...
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04Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 4 -- Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad confirmed that the development of Mindanao continues to be a priority for the Aquino administration, especially in view of the Bangsamoro peace framework and the region’s overall growth potential. “Unlocking Mindanao’s potential is high up in the Administration’s list of priorities. Already, the region is poised to make great strides in pursuing its socio-economic goals, given the wealth of its resources and its re...
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03Feb2013DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 3 (PIA) -- Employees of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Negros Oriental will receive their refund premium in arrears previously deducted from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) starting this February. The state pension fund GSIS in its press release announced that more than 73,000 employees of DepEd in the country are expected to be refunded. GSIS Dumaguete Branch Manager, Atty. Mercedes Enriquez, said the initial refund of P363 million is made possible ...
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03Feb2013GOV’T CENTER, PALO, Leyte, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- This early, the Department of Science and Technology in Leyte has started screening eleven proposals amounting to P9.5 million under the Small and Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program for the year 2013. DOST-Leyte Director John Glenn Ocana disclosed this during the recent episode of Suruswerte Ha PIA radio program, saying that DOST remains committed to the viability of SMEs and enhance their competitiveness locally and internationally throu...
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03Feb2013GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Feb 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology in Eastern Visayas has partnered with local government units and the business sector in Leyte to address malnutrition among infants, children, and families displaced by disasters and calamities. DOST Region 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla said that through the Leyte Science and Technology office, it has partnered with the local government of Palo, for the construction and operationalization of a processing pl...
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03Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Kalinga is set to hold a jobs’ fair from February 14 to 15 as one of the highlights of the 18th Kalinga Day and Ullalim Festival celebrations. DOLE Kalinga Chief Dr. Alexander Gumabol said 10 invited accredited recruitment agencies have all confirmed their participation during the event. These agencies, he said, will be offering vacancies for skilled workers for overseas jobs, thus applicants with completed do...
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02Feb2013PASIL, Kalinga, Feb 2 (PIA) -- This remote upland town of Kalinga is showing signs that it can have a roaring economy with its dramatic 2012 tax performance rate that exceeded by more than 400 percent its previous collection. Based on its 2012 municipal revenue collection performance report, Pasil had collected local taxes amounting to P2,754,172 compared to P624,886 in 2011. Mayor James Edduba attributed the impressive revenue efforts to the newly revised Local Tax Code of the municipality...
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02Feb2013A provincial road that traverses the mountain ranges of this city and connects to the municipality of Bontoc has all the potentials to become a major roadmap for development in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and economic growth. The Lunas, Maasin up to Paku, Bontoc road section, a 30-kilometer (km) long, winding secondary highway network, has been concreted, piecemeal, since 2007 up to the present. The road, nonetheless, give travelers ease and comfort. “This road, when fully concreted,...
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02Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 2 -- Newly-installed NFA Administrator Orlan A. Calayag said the food agency shall continue its massive palay procurement strategies to achieve its target of 615,985 metric tons this year, even as he assured that the agency has enough supply of rice and food security buffer stocks. Calayag said that the food agency hopes to reach its target volume through intensified local procurement instead of importing rice from outside sources. “For us to finally achieve rice self suf...
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02Feb2013BASCO, Batanes, Feb.2 (PIA) -- The bio-intensive gardening (BIG) project of the Department of Agriculture (DA) implemented by the local government of Basco municipal agriculturist office (MAO) have new members/takers in January compared to 2012, said Josephine Castillo, Basco municipal agriculturist. In 2012 the project had 59 members in Basco; this January, an additional 38 had signed up. Castillo conducted last Wednesday evaluation session and to update members on the progress of the bio-in...
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02Feb2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Feb 2 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) region 2 is now processing the financial assistance for livelihood projects of organized fisherfolks in the coastal towns of the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. Assistant Regional Director Milagros Morales said part of the integrated coastal resource management program of BFAR is the organization of the fisherfolk sector to be deputized as their partners for the ‘aquasilvi’ culture project to reforest the...
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01Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 1 (PIA) -- In fulfillment of the Aquino Administration’s social contract with the people, a three-day planning conference that will include inputs from is now being held at the local government of Borongan City. Initiated by the Borongan Civil Society Organization (CSO), various groups are gathered to share their inputs which will in turn be submitted to the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Budget Department of Budget for evaluation and fundi...
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01Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) - - International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) President Mina Gabor called on key tourism players in the region to consider pushing for eco-tourism which is currently very viable in Asia and Pacific including the Philippines. Gabor, a former tourism secretary, in her talk during the Cordillera Regional Tourism Conference here, Tuesday, disclosed that in 2012, international tourist arrivals has put Asia and the Pacific at the top of the world regions in t...
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01Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to fund the Cordillera Coffee Industry Development Project that aims to increase regional production and sales volume of Robusta and Arabica coffee beans by 40 percent. Myrna Pablo, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), said the project seeks to increase supply of coffee beans in the local and international market by improving the p...
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01Feb2013LAOAG CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The Laoag city and the provincial government are teaming up for the first time in the area of job generation as they hold the joint jobs fair at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on February 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The local governments have been working in various areas of public service since Governor Imee Marcos launched the unifying cry: "One Ilocos Norte." The jobs fair will be the first work placement in the province this year. Eric Pascua, of the Capitol's ...
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01Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Lualhati Antonino reported that Mindanao did well over the last two years but it could perform better if the constraints to its development are properly addressed. “Mindanao’s performance came as a result of improved peace condition, improved investment climate and improved macro-economic performance,” Antonino said during the Mindanao Development Forum held in Davao City Friday. She said there is a ...
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01Feb2013DOLORES, Abra, Feb. 1 (PIA)-- There are signs that this fifth-class municipality is becoming more progressive, what with the construction of infrastructures to boost Dolores' socio-economic development. The bottoms-up budgeting system employed by the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s (NAPC) Poverty Reduction Program had brought about an influx of funds for the construction of much-need infrastructure support facilities in the municipality. Mayor Robert Victor G. Seares Jr. said that the NAP...
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01Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 1 (PIA) -- The total rice production of Eastern Visayas in 2012 soared by 10,955 metric tons from 994,972 metric tons in 2011. Regional Rice Program Focal Person and chief of the Department of Agriculture Region 8 Operations Division Dr. Rufino Ayaso III informed that rice production in Eastern Visayas hit a 1.11% increase compared to the output growth a year ago. This figure was based on the latest report furnished by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics in th...
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01Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The Borongan City Treasurer's Office (CTO) announced recently the offering of discounts to taxpayers who will pay their real property taxes earlier than the set deadline. According to Mr. Emmanuel D. Balondo, City Assistant Treasurer, the discount is 20% for real property taxes if payment is made on or before the due dates which is from January 1 to March 31, 2013. He added that the 20% discounts is applicable only if the taxpayers have consecu...
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01Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 1 (PIA) -- The Philippines is considering getting cheaper but quality medicines from India. This, after a group of Indian pharmaceutical firms visited the country to promote Indian-manufactured medicines. Ma. Lourdes Baua, President of Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) and Vice Chair of PITC Pharma Inc. (PITC Pharma) said that they will explore the possibility of importing therapeutic drugs from India. Right now, PITC Pharma does not import but instead buys me...
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31Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 31 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) visited different areas of the country last year to inform exporters of the opportunities in foreign markets covered by free-trade agreements (FTAs) entered into by the Philippines. DTI Undersecretary for Industry and Trade Policy Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. in a statement said that through the Department’s Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) outreach program, the DTI conducted a total of 116 DBFTA information sessions att...
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31Jan2013TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte, Jan. 31 -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is set to start the construction of a farm-to-market road project worth more than P40 million that would benefit over 20,000 residents in the municipality of Talaingod. The DAR-Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project 3 (ARISP) will implement the road construction along the junction of the National Road Sto. Niño-Sitio Igang, Palma Gil Road in said town. The project which costs a total of P40,612,376 with f...
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31Jan2013DAVAO CITY. Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that while the 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey show 9.4 million Filipinos could not afford to lead decent lives, the number of poor people in Mindanao has greatly decreased over the years. “Malaki ang difference ng pagbaba ng poverty incidence sa Mindanao (there is a big difference in the reduction of poverty incident in Mindanao) based on the latest SWS survey,” DSWD Communication Developmen...
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31Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 31(PIA) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Samar advocates for the replacement of senile or unproductive coconut trees. In an interview with newly appointed Provincial Coconut Development Manager (PCDM) Menardo Montano, he urged the coconut farmers to replace senile trees correctly. “We now ‘underplant’ or plant new seedlings beside or near the senile trees, once the new ones are growing well, that is the time we cut the old ones, it takes at lea...
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31Jan2013ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the city government here will be implementing low-impact developments in the pink sand island of Sta. Cruz to maintain its pristine condition while making it a first-class tourist destination. DOT-9 Regional Director Mary June Bugante, during a media tour last week, said development should not destroy the island’s beauty. “We want a low-impact development for the island toensure that the authentic beauty of the island is ...
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31Jan2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform turned over Wednesday P52.98-million worth of rural infrastructure projects implemented under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program (ARISP) Phase III in Barangay Berong, Quezon. The ARISP projects include the P33.41 million Tagbolante Bridge and approaches, P18.52 million Tagbolante Communal Irrigation Project (CIP), and the P1.05 million potable water supply project. Palawan Governor Abraham Kahli...
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31Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan 31 (PIA) - - With the campaign period for the May mid-term election about to start, the Bureau of Internal Revenue – Cordillera (BIR-CAR) is reminding political candidates and parties of the Bureau’s “Project Iboto Mo.” In Project Iboto Mo, BIR-CAR regional director Eduardo Bajador, clarified in the “Hatol ng Bayan” Philippine Information Agency (PIA) kapihan that their involvement is in the collection of income taxes from campaign expenditures and payments made b...
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31Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 31 --Responding to the financing needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.) recently grew risk-based lending to 22 banks nationwide. “This risk-based lending will provide deserving SMEs access to financing even without collateral, and in the long-run these banks will be able to lend with more confidence and maintain a good quality portfolio,” SB Corp. president and chief operating officer (COO) Benel P. Lagua said in a statemen...
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31Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) climbed to 6.8 percent in the last quarter of 2012 while full-year GDP estimate was posted at 6.6 percent from 3.7 percent in 2011. GDP is used to measure the value of goods and services in the country. In a statement, National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Secretary General Jose Ramon G. Albert said the increase was due to the strong performance of the services sector, with trade and real estate and renting a...
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31Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 31 -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has urged the country’s agricultural attaches to find ways to increase exports of Philippine farm and fishery products, and improve the country’s balance of trade, a statement from the Department of Agriculture said. “Help conclude trade transactions. Understand our products and find ways to break barriers for the benefit our farmers, fishers and agri-fishery stakeholders,” said Secretary Alcala, during his recent meeting...
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31Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) --The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the government has aided some 2,051 communities with P1.07 billion in Bicol for continued implementation this 2013. Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) disclosed that all provinces will receive grants to target poor communities, with Albay receiving P149 million; Camarines Sur, P360 million; Camari...
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31Jan2013Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte is a haven for pleasure seekers. Dipolog offers a myriad of fun-filled and exhilarating activities that caters to all types of tourists. For tourists seeking simple pleasures, the city offers a stroll along the immaculately clean 1.5-km Dipolog Boulevard or nature-tripping through the verdant forests at the outskirts of the city, or camping, trail trekking, canoeing, or simply swimming in the clear waters of Dipolog’s grey sand beaches For the more ...
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31Jan2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- Various agriculture products and tourist destinations from the province’s 33 towns and three cities were showcased in the four-day Bambanti Festival at the capitol grounds in this city from January 27 to 30. After Sunday's formal opening ceremony of the festival, Governor Faustino G. Dy III led the ribbon-cutting of the Agri-trade and Eco-tourism Fair. Governor Dy said that Isabela has its potentials both in agriculture and tourism industry and are seve...
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31Jan2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- A company based in Subic Bay Freeport is gearing up to become a leading player in the country’s renewable energy program after receiving accreditation from the Department of Energy (DOE). Bandacorp Solar Inc. was granted DOE accreditation which entitles it to avail of incentives such as zero-percent value added tax rate, tax and duty-free importation of components, parts and materials and income tax holidays. The accreditation, valid for three years, wa...
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31Jan2013QUEON CITY, Jan. 31 --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Regional Operations and Development Group (RODG) has partnered with the House of Representatives’ Committee on People’s Participation to conduct the industry clusters product and photo exhibit, and feature products of the Tindahang Pinoy or OTOP store in Clark. “With the theme “Strengthening industry cluster-based programs through people’s participation and inter-local cooperation”, this event aims to eleva...
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30Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 30 (PIA6) -- The recent statement of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6 that Iloilo needs to have more industries has turned the focus once again at the Regional Development Plan 2011-2016 which describes the industry sector as the “region’s (Western Visayas) engine of economic growth.” Although Iloilo thrives in the service sector, NEDA 6 said in recent media reports that the place needs to have more industries. And while Iloilo already has ...
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30Jan2013KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 30 (PIA-6) -- The week-long Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase held at the Kalibo Pastrana Park as one of the major attractions of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival 2013 earned for 28 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) P1.06 million in cash sales and booked orders. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said Although this year’s performance fell short by 28 percent as compared to last year’s performance of P1....
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30Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan 30 (PIA) - - The Department of Tourism – Cordillera (DOT-CAR) has gathered tourism stakeholders in the region for the Regional Tourism Conference on January 29 to 30 at Pines View here for the crafting the Cordillera Tourism Road Map. Anchored on the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), the conference specifically aims to identify and prioritize competitive tourism products in the Cordillera as well as to determine development requirements in the various identified to...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Top officials of the World Bank visited Aleosan and Libungan towns in North Cotabato on Tuesday to witness how the projects of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) have worked in the province. Leading the visiting team was John Roome, WB country director for East Asia and Pacific, who said the visit aimed to assess the on-going implementation of MRDP projects particularly in rural infrastructure (RI). “We are here to personally...
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30Jan2013SIQUIJOR, Jan 30 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCII) conducted a Product Development Program for tourism stakeholders in the province Wednesday, January 30 to 31. The project aims to make use of what is innate in the residents of Siquijor and what the island is all about, said Nimfa Virtucio, DTI-Siquijor provincial director. It also aims to develop more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) producing crafts and ot...
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30Jan2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) --The Department of Agriculture Region 2 (DA-2) and Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) in Cagayan simultaneously launched the 2013 National Year of Rice at the Cagayan provincial capitol and at the city gymnasium here with the theme “Sapat na Bigas, Kaya ng Pinas.” The launch is a communication strategy and an advocacy campaign enjoining stakeholders including the public to support the campaign. Dr. Lorenzo M. Caranguian, Regional Technical Direct...
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30Jan2013MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Jan 30 (PIA) -- A total of P51-million is being poured on public infrastructure projects here in this island-province. All these constructions and improvement projects are now ongoing, like the construction of the Camiguin Tourism Center and Sport Complex getting the biggest chunk of P17.5 million. Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo said that in two years time, the province will be ready to host the next regional sports meet. The Camiguin Tourism Center and Sports Complex i...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 30 (PIA) -- A total of 119 land titles were recently awarded to residents of nearby Tantangan town. Information from the regional office of the Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 12) indicated that said land parcels are located in barangays Maibo, Poblacion, and Bukay Pait. The activity, held at the municipality’s gymnasium on January 23, coincided with the kick-off of the five-day celebration of the 52nd Foundation Ann...
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30Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 30 (PIA)--The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Samar encouraged the coconut farmers for a massive replanting program to revive the coconut industry in the province by giving incentives to them supporting the Republic Act 8048 or Coconut Preservation Act. During the first Paranas Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting, Paranas Coconut Development officer Nita Babalcon announced the available seed nuts and incentives for the coconut farmers who are willing...
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30Jan2013MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The P1.9 million project rolled out by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BFAR-ARMM) on Monday targets to assist up to 400 seaweed farmers in the coastal town of Parang, Maguindanao. The project is intended to provide these fishers a more sustainable livelihood as well as boost the region’s seaweed production, said BFAR-ARMM Director Janice Musali. She said the project includes the provision ...
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30Jan2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Jan.30 (PIA6) -- The Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Western Visayas endorsed recently the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project of Talisay City. The project, dubbed “Talisay City Plaza Complex Heritage Restoration and Redevelopment Project”, is the pilot project of a local government unit of the PPP Center of the Philippines on urban renewal. It is also one of the 16 big-ticket projects to be rolled out this year under th...
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30Jan2013SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) together with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) has turned over P1.1-million worth of equipment to the Nueva Ecija Federation of Dairy Carabaos Cooperative (NEFEDCCO). The equipment was turned over last week in a ceremony at the NEFEDCCO processing plant in Barangay San Ricardo in Talavera town with KOICA resident representative Kim Jinoh and PCC Deputy Director Felomino Mamuad in attend...
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29Jan2013PAGADIAN CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) -- With the primary goal of attaining rice self-sufficiency this year, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 494 declaring 2013 as the National Year of Rice and mandated the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead the celebration. In a recent press conference held at Hotel Guillermo this city, DA-9 Regional Information Officer Melba Wee said part of the strategies to attain rice-self-sufficiency is the conduct of intensified information campaign and ...
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29Jan2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has posted a record profit of P789 million last year. This is a drastic turnaround the 20-year old agency's P1.2 billion loss in 2011. Roberto Garcia, SBMA chairman and administrator, said the turnaround was due to increased revenues, reduced operating expenses and a favorable exchange rate. The revenue increase of 16 percent versus 2011 was brought about by major projects in seaport operations such as the Vale ...
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29Jan2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Jan 29 (PIA) -- At least 31 farm extension workers (FEW) in the province are expected to get awards for assisting farmers in sustaining their good production yields. Fidel Ballesteros, assistant provincial agriculturist, said the extension workers will be receiving the regional award sometime next month from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PagRo). “These FEWs were able to assist our farmers in increasing their yield and sust...
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