Media Center Building, Visayas Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
SSS OFFERS ONLINE APPLICATION FOR LOAN PENALTIES CONDONATION
Tuesday 22nd of May 2012
QUEZON CITY, May 22 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) is now offering its delinquent member-borrowers, who are eligible for condonation of 80 to 90 percent of their penalties, a more convenient way to file their applications and this by logging in to their website: www.sss.gov.ph.
SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi announced, "We have made it easier for members to apply for penalty condonation by allowing them to file online instead of going personally to an SSS branch.”
“As long as they are already registered SSS website users and they are qualified under Situation 2, they no longer have to submit supporting documents as pro...
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16Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- The city-run University of Makati (UMak) is now accepting incoming freshmen for academic year 2012-2013, according to a statement posted on the local government website. University president Tomas Lopez said the registration period will run until April. Applicants are advised to proceed to the Testing and Admission Center located at the ground floor, Building III of UMak. Lopez also said the schedule for the UMak Admission Test, which will determin...
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26Apr2013MANILA, April 26 (PIA) -- Cellphone jammers be warned: government announced on Thursday that anyone found guilty of using cellular phone signal jammers during the May 2013 midterm elections will be imprisoned. During a press conference held in Camp Crame, Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes said the use of jammers is regulated in the Philippines and its users during the conduct of the polls may face eight to 12 years in prison if found guilty. “We (Comelec) have a resolution th...
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18May2012QUEZON CITY, May 18 (PIA) -– The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said Thursday that its information campaign for the beneficiaries of Hacienda Luisita’s land distribution will begin today, May 18. More than 120 personnel from the national and field offices of DAR will troop to the 10 barangays of Hacienda Luisita in Concepcion, Tarlac on Friday for the simultaneous information drive for farm workers/benificiaries regarding the steps to be taken to qualify for farmlots distribution. DA...
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19Sep2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Sept 19 (PIA) -- Another chance awaits jobseekers to work in a world-class hotel, resort and gaming complex at the PAGCOR Entertainment City. In a statement, the Solaire Manila-Bloomberry Resorts Corp. in partnership with the Parañaque City Government will again hold a job fair on September 21 and 22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SM City-Sucat Building B Event Center in Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City. This is to fill its vacant positions in preparation for its opening ...
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25May2012QUEZON CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is planning to revive the famed "Blue Diamond" Squadron as soon as it acquires new aircraft capable of defending the country's airspace and humanitarian missions. This was learned from PAF spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol in an exlusive interview at Villamor Air Base (VAB) in Pasay City. “We have identified our needs through our capability upgrade program (CUP) and Defense Acquisition System (DAS) as identified by Defense Secret...
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25May2012PASAY CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is planning to revive the famed "Blue Diamond" Squadron as soon as it acquires new aircraft capable of defending the country's airspace and humanitarian missions. This was learned Monday from PAF spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol at the sidelines of the bloodletting activity here at the gymnasium. Blue Diamonds Squadron, the country's aerobatics team, disbanded because of the aging F-5 precision jets. “We have identified our need...
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27Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that the opening of classes for school year 2013–2014 in public elementary and secondary schools will be on June 3, a Monday. DepEd Order 10, series of 2013, details the school calendar for School Year (SY) 2013-2014 for elementary and high schools in the country. DepEd order said that SY 2013-2014 will have 201 school days, 180 of which are non-negotiable teacher-student contact time. A four-day in-service ...
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29Oct2012MANILA, Oct 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has advised ship passengers not to patronize "colorum" or "fly by night" inter-island shipping vessels. The advisory is part of “Oplan Ligtas Undas 2012” preparations of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). PCG Vice Commandant for Operations Rear Admiral Luis Tuason Jr. said the agency is monitoring port terminals as more passengers are expected to spend their vacation in the provinces. Last week, the Coast Gu...
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27Feb2012MANILA, February 27 (PIA) -- The relic of St. Clare of Assisi is now in the Philippines to visit different churches and monasteries in the country. According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the visit is part of the propagation of the devotion to the patron saint of navigators, those who want to have children, of life and of families. The CBCP added that Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, Mercedes A. Tuason was able to secur...
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24Nov2012MANILA, Nov 24 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accredited the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as its citizen’s arm for the May 2013 national and local elections. “The Commission recognizes PPCRV as one of the organizations which has established its membership and structure all over the Philippines and has demonstrated its capacity to promote public interest,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement. He noted PPCRV’s track record...
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26Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- Filipino workers who are based overseas and want to take their board licensure examinations can now do so without returning to the Philippines. The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE), has approved and issued a Resolution, revising the implementing guidelines on the conduct of Special Professional Licensure Board Examinations (SPLBE) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). “The new guideline...
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20Mar2012MANILA, March 20 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has lauded the Philippine National Police and various local officials for adopting and implementing contingency measures to maintain peace and order in the transport caravan-affected areas nationwide. The DILG chief said in a statement that the PNP and the concerned LGUs, aside for maintaining peace and order, should all be credited for their efforts in setting up local and police assistance centers to he...
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11Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced that the agency is preparing to hold more than 153 job fairs in 15 regions nationwide from October to December 2012. Earlier, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said they are conducting more than 40 job fairs all over the country for the month of September, and she also announced the last quarter job fairs schedule so interested job seekers can plan and prepare ahead of time. In a statement, ...
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21Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 21 (PIA) -- Twenty-five new digital films will compete in this year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila, Greenbelt 3 in Makati and Trinoma in Quezon City. According to a statement, the film festival will run from July 21-29 at Greenbelt and Trinoma, while its premiere film showing at the CCP was held Friday and will also run until 29th. This year, Cinemalaya gets even bigger with the addition of a new ma...
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17Jul2012MANILA, July 17 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) reminded its members that they can make phone inquiries about their contributions, benefits, loans, and other SSS concerns beyond regular business hours with the new SSS call center, open to callers 16 hours every weekday. In a statement, SSS president and chief executive officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said SSS service personnel will respond to inquiries through SSS hotline numbers 920-6446 to 55, Mondays to Fridays, from 7 a.m. until 11 p...
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07Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 7 (PIA) -- The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is set to implement the new Strong Parental Guidance (SPG) rating for TV programs starting February 09. MTRCB says in a press release that the new SPG rating strives to “balance the interest of the State to protect and promote the development and welfare of the youth with the interest of the broadcast industry to freedom of expression.” Programs classified &l...
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13Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 13 (PIA) -- The state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is looking for at least 600 nurses to be deployed to government hospitals nationwide as customer relations staff. PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Eduardo Banzon said in a news release, the nurses would be employed as part of the firm’s Customer Assistance, Relations and Empowerment Staff (CARES), and receive a monthly compensation of about P15,000 plus health in...
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04Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Eduction (DepEd) is all set to welcome today 21.49 million students in public schools for the opening of school year 2012-2013. Last year, the actual enrollment for public schools was 20.48 million. Of expected enrollees this year, 5.76 million are in secondary, 14 million are elementary, and 1.73 million are kindergarten, in over 45,000 public schools nationwide. However, other private elementary and secondary schools in Metro Manila and other ...
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01Dec2012MANILA, Dec 1 (PIA) -- The commemoration of the 149th birth anniversary of National Hero Andres Bonifacio’s was commemorated Friday, at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine in Taft Avenue in Manila City. Attended by government officials both from the national and local units, literary luminaries, artists, descendants of the hero, and students, among others, the event served as a tribute to Supremo Andres Bonifacio’s heroism in fighting for the country’s liberation from the Spanish colonizers....
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15Oct2012QUEZON CITY, OCT. 15 (PIA)--To make its services more accessible to the Filipino people, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Office of Consular Affairs-Authentication Division started to provide authentication services at its newly opened DFA National Capital Region West (DFA NCR West) office. Located, at the 5th floor of SM City Manila (beside Worlds of Fun Amusement Center), the DFA-NCR West–Authentication Section is now processing National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Police and Bar...
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09Sep2012MARIKINA CITY, Septr 9 (PIA) -- Marikina City is all set for this year’s much-awaited Sapatos Festival. The festival will kick-off Monday, at 8 a.m. at the Patio Del Zapateros also known as the "Courtyard of Shoemakers" along J.P. Rizal St., Barangay San Roque (formerly Ava and Eve Store). After the opening ceremony, the festival will then be opened to the public. With this year’s theme, “Walk this way! Gawang Marikina, Gawang Kinikilala," the festival aims to aims to revitalize Marikin...
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08Mar2012MANILA, March 8 (PIA) --The Philippine Coast Guard will hold an entrance test for enlistment on Saturday, March 10, 2012. PCG Chief Vice Admiral Edmund Tan said the admission test will be held simultaneously in the six Coast Guard Districts nationwide, a release from the agency said. “With the PCG’s current recruitment budget for calendar year 2012, the agency is slated to enlist at least 400 personnel to augment its present personnel strength,” Tan said. He added tha...
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19Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA)--The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) issued an advisory to ensure the correct payment of the workers 13th month bonuses. Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz issued Department Advisory No. 02 reiterating Section 8 of Presidential Decree No. 851 which requires private sector employers to pay their employees their 13th month pay on or before December 24 of every year. In a statement, Baldoz said that this early, workers are already expecting the paymen...
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19Feb2012MARIKINA CITY, Feb 19 (PIA) --Don't be idle this summer; Marikina is inviting Marikeños to join the free livelihood trainings this summer. Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman said residents of the city will be provided with quality trainings. "All the livelihood trainings by the Marikina Livelihood Training Office MLTC are TESDA-accredited. The trainings will help them find quality jobs both here and abroad,” De Guzman said. Aimed at promoting economic empowerment, the MLTC...
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07Jul2012MARIKINA CITY, July 7 (PIA) -- After the successful launching of Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Marikina yesterday, the city government expects that more residents will be more informed and prepared in times of disaster. In a press statement, Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman said that the project is very timely as the city is currently strengthening its disaster management plans and programs. “It is importa...
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16Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines together with the United States Armed Forces will come together for mutual defense and disaster response exercises beginning today April 16, 2012 for the Balikatan 2012 (BK12). In a release, this year’s Balikatan Exercise is the 28th of its series that calls for a more responsive partnership with the community focusing on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR) Training. According to the AFP, the 2012 RP-US Bal...
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19Jul2012MANILA, July 19 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) reminds all members that it has relaxed its eligibility requirements for its Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP) or Educ-Assist. In a statement posted on its website (sss.gov.ph), the agency said its new guidelines would enable more members, especially minimum wage and low-income workers in Metro Manila, to borrow enrollment funds for college, vocational or technical courses under the program. For his part, SSS president and Chi...
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18May2012QUEZON CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that training on the K to 12 curriculum is in full swing. This is in preparation for its implementation in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide this June. DepEd said that it has concluded a series of training of trainers and currently conducting training program for some 143,882 grade 1 and grade 7 teachers who will teach the initial K to 12 curriculum beginning this school year. The training prog...
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22Oct2012TAGUIG CITY, Oct 22 (PIA) -- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) continues to intensify its drive against "colorum" or illegal vehicles operating in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. In a statement, NCRPO said members of the Quezon City Police District’s Traffic Enforcement Unit together with personnel of city government’s Department of Public Order and Safety has conducted anti-colorum operations covering different major thoroughfares in the city. The operation conducted...
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09Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 9 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has launched a direct access channel for airing complaints, concerns, feedback, and recommendations to government agencies. Called Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), it places in one loop, access to six participating agencies: Civil Service Commission, National Computer Center, Bureau of Internal Revenue, PhilHealth, Department of Health, and Department of Trade and Industry. The public may also obtain the information on the services a...
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07Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- In a bid to put an end to illegal or “colorum” public utility vehicles plying in Metro Manila, the Philippine National Police is proposing joint operations with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome directed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Alan Purisima to closely coordinate with LTO and MMDA authorities for a stronger effort agains...
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30Aug2012LAS PIÑAS CITY, Aug 30 (PIA) -- The Las Pinas City government health workers started giving out antibiotics to protect the public from water-borne diseases such as leptospirosis. Las Pinas City Mayor Vergel Aguilar advised residents to take necessary measures to avoid the leptospirosis bacteria that thrive in (flood) water. Residents in affected barangays who waded in flood waters are advised to go to health centers in their area to get a dose of Doxycycline, a kind of anti-bacterial medici...
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24May2012QUEZON CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Science of Technology (DOST) has been holding a series of roundtable discussions on how safe it is to drink water. “The water crisis is not a problem of scarcity, but of governance,” so said former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan. These words stood as the guiding principle behind the Round Table Discussion sponsored by the DOST’s National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST). According to a press release posted in DOST...
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02May2012QUEZON CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- A day after Labor Day, the Manila Police District (MPD) reported that protests held during the Labor day, May 1, have been peaceful. According to MPD Chief Superintendent Alejandro Gutierrez, no untoward incident was reported during the protests staged by workers in Plaza Miranda, Mendiola, and at the Liwasang Bonifacio, despite afternoon rain showers. Gutierrez said around 3,000 police personnel were deployed in different staging areas, as well in as vital instal...
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02May2012QUEZON CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday evening said it was a “generally peaceful” Labor Day rites observed nationwide. PNP officials said in an email that workers’ groups from different labor organizations celebrated international Labor Day in Manila and other key cities in the country with "no untoward incident reported." PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome directed all PNP Regional Directors to continue implementing their respective secu...
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20Jul2012MAKATI CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- Eight graduates of the Makati Training Placement and Livelihood Consortia (MTPLC) have become trainers themselves after passing the month-long intensive trainers methodology training and competency assessment administered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) specialists. MTPLC is the city’s training arm that continuously offers free livelihood and skills training programs since its establishment in 2001. In a statement, Dr. Edita Chan,...
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02Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 2 (PIA) -- The local government is reminding the public that the registration period for incoming University of Makati (UMak) freshmen for academic year 2012-2013 will run until April 2012. In a statement, UMak president Tomas Lopez said the registration is being held at the Testing and Admission Center located at the Goundfloor, Building III of the said campus. "For interested applicants, admission is ongoing from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Saturday, a...
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03Jan2012MANILA, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The undersecretary for labor relations of the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE), Hans Leo Cacdac formally assumed office yesterday as the new administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Administrator Cacdac last week took the oath of office as the new POEA administrator before DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. In a simple turnover ceremony at the Patricia Sto. Tomas Hall of the Blas F. Ople Building in Ortigas...
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03Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- Hundreds of children with disabilities in Manila were treated Saturday to a day of fun-filled activities at the city's Manila Zoo. The children participated in different games and were toured around the zoo and its facilities. The event was spearheaded by the city government through the efforts of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, parks and recreations bureau director Engr. Deng Manimbo, and the private sector headed by photographer John Chua. At least a thousand people c...
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26Jul2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The Parañaque City government will hold a two-day job fair in time for the opening of the new Solaire Manila, a resort and gaming complex located at the PAGCOR Entertainment City in Parañaque. Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe said the city government is continuously exerting efforts to improve the life of citizens. “Apart from providing free training on priority skills needed in the different industries, it (job fair) organizes residents and helps them ...
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27May2012QUEZON CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) calls on professionals to join the PNP Officer Corps as Police Commissioned Officers. According to a statement posted in PNP’s website, around 75 vacancies are currently opened. According to PNP spokesman, Senior Superintendent Generoso R. Cerbo Jr, the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) is conducting another round of Lateral Entry screening process to fill authorized vacancies for technical service of...
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30Mar2012QUEZON CITY, Mar 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is working on strengthening the air quality monitoring in the country by focusing on both total suspended particulates and smaller particulate matter in the air. According to DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, the DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), has started putting air quality monitoring stations capable of gathering PM-10 (particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter) and PM-2.5 (pa...
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17Mar2013MAKATI CITY, March 17 (PIA) -- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino announced the opening of summer jobs for poor students. Tolentino said this is under the Special Program for the Education of Students (SPES), aimed at giving poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths a learning experience in government service. "SPES is an opportunity for our youths to learn what it is like working in public service and at the same time provide them with fi...
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01Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA)--The Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have agreed to a new Standard Employment Contract (SEC) that contains stronger guarantees for the welfare and protection for Filipino household service workers (HSWs). Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, in a statement, said that she is optimistic Filipino HSWs in Saudi Arabia will be amply protected after both countries reached an agreement for the resumption of the HSW contract verification and authentication which...
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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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05Sep2012MANILA, Sept. 5 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is now accepting entries for its second "Tanaw" art competition, a statement said. The BSP said that it is currently accepting entries at its main office in Manila and at its regional offices and branches until November 29, 2012. "Tanaw is open to Filipino professional and non-professional artists, aged 18 years old and above as of December 31, 2011, who have won, at least once, in national and international art contests and/or have been...
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09Jun2012MANILA, JUNE 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is all set for Independence Day job fair on Tuesday. Dubbed as Kalayaan 2012 Job Fair, it will be conducted at the Lagoon Area, Rizal Park, Manila from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. In a news release, DOLE-NCR Regional Director Alan M. Macaraya said a total of 48,516 job vacancies both local and overseas await applicants. The Philippine National Police will also be hiring 3,000 new police personnel and will be screening applicants...
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06Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- The Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) is opening their mobile phone lines to schools for easier response to emergencies. They are urging school authorities and students to make use of this tool to communicate with police officers in times of emergencies, situations, and other concerns, and will facilitate quicker response to these issues. In addition to setting up police assistance desks in schools and conducting school rounds, the 12 station commanders of the Q...
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24Jan2013QUEZON CITY, JAN. 24 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law the “Kasambahay bill (domestic helpers)” that sets a standard salary and other social protection for domestic workers "We are pleased to confirm that President Aquino signed Republic Act 10361 or 'An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers' last January 18, 2013," said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a statement issued Wednesday. Valte said RA 10361 will take...
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10Nov2012MANILA, November 10 (PIA) – After the successful run last December 2011, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to hold its 2nd Million Volunteer Run on February 10, 2013. PRC Chairman Richard Gordon in a statement said that the Red Cross Million Volunteer is aimed at recognizing the important role of volunteers in the humanitarian field, especially in times of disasters and other emergencies. Gordon cited that the country has to be prepared by getting more volunteers and training them with ...
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11Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- Reiterating strict compliance on the proper conduct of checkpoints, the Philippine National Police has issued guidelines for the public. “As the promotion of right-based policing becomes a focal point in the agenda of the PNP leadership, the conduct of police or law enforcement must be in compliance with human rights standard,” said PNP Chief Nicanor A. Bartolome. According to the PNP, the public advisory will help guide motorists on how to deal with autho...
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13Aug2012MAKATI CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- The local government is urging residents, including parents of unregistered minors, to avail themselves of the free registration program of the city government for late birth registrants being implemented by the City Civil Registration Office (CCRO) on Saturdays in a specific barangay. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the program is aimed to attain zero percent unregistered birth in the city by making civil registry services accessible to in...
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28May2012QUEZON CITY, May 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will host the first Civil Service Commission (CSC) – Lingkod Bayani Network (LBNet) Forum and Fellowship Monday, May 28 at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. In a release, PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome and CSC Chairman Francisco Duque will jointly lead the said forum at the PNP Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Crame Quezon City. With the theme “The Servant Hero: Sino ang Lingkod Bayani?” the forum enjoins all National Capi...
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22Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lifted the 13-year deployment ban to Filipinos who want to work in European countries as “au pairs.” Au pair is a term in French which means “on par” or “equal to.” “Au pair” is living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship with the host family and the children. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, in a news release, said that the ba...
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13Jul2012QUEZON CITY, JULY 13 (PIA) -- The Metro Manila Development Authority has issued guidelines for the strict implementation of the bus or yellow lanes on Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino signed on Thursday, July 12, Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 08 Series of 2012, directing all bus operators and drivers operating in Metro Manila to strictly follow roads/policies of the agency on EDSA. The memorandum circular was issued after MMDA’s consultation with bus opera...
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26Apr2012MARIKINA, April 26 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina, through the City Environmental Management Office (CEMO), is currently converting styrofoam wastes into paving blocks which are used in park beautification projects in the city. The said project themed “From Waste to Landscape” is in line with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. It also aims to increase the 55 percent waste diversion rate of Marikina. The CEMO collects wastes like used styrofo...
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22Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have launched a joint five-year project to help conserve and manage Philippine coastal and marine resources. During the launch, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA is proposing a P4.6-billion budget for the fishery sector under its 2013 national expenditure program to enable BFAR to rebound and sus...
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10May2012QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) on Wednesday announced the terms of its new P 7-billion loan window for college education and skills training, which is part of government’s efforts to enhance job prospects and ensure productive employment of current and future workers. SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi said members earning P 10,000 or less a month can apply for the Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP) to enable them or their dependents to defray enroll...
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16Aug2012QUEZON CITY, August 16 (PIA) -- With the implementation of Ordinance No. SP-2127, the use of plastics and other polysterene packaging materials are already prohibited within the Quezon City Hall and other government offices. The use of plastics and other polysterene products is prohibited in the course of official transactions and work, including meetings and other activities. Utility workers under the Office of the Mayor are directed to report employees who violate the ordinance. Visitors w...
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14Mar2012PASAY CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- The Pasay City Government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will be holding another Mega Job Fair on Friday, March 16 at the 3rd Floor of Pasay City Hall where more than 50 local and international companies have confirmed their participation. The private companies will be joined by government agencies that will provide on-the-spot frontline services to job applications. These agencies include the Social Security System (SSS), National Bure...
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22Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday signed into law R.A. 10174, creating a P1 billion People’s Survival Fund (PSF) to implement local climate change action plans and make communities more resilient to climate-induced disasters. The PSF is a special fund in the National Treasury in the amount of P1 billion pesos that will be appropriated annually under the General Appropriations Act for the financing of adaptation programs and projects based on the National...
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14Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Budget & Management has issued Budget Circular 2011-5 capping the collective negotiating agreement (CNA) incentives of government employees at P25,000. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a news release that there are cases when government agencies constricted expenses for crucial programs and projects only to manufacture incentives for CNA incentives. “Oftentimes, this practice has been abused, with a...
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26Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Defense spokesman Peter Galvez said Thursday said that communication lines between the Philippines and China remain open, and both countries continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the Panatag Reef and Scarborough Shoal issue. "The Philippine Government continue to discuss the issue with the Chinese government. The Philippine government is determined to find a peaceful solution to this," Galvez stressed. “We have to find a win-win, peaceful and diplomatic reso...
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21Apr2012MANILA, April 21 (PIA) -- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced Friday that the Philippines had successfully presented significant inputs to the regional framework of cooperation in the Abu Dhabi Dialogue II at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila. "I am happy to announce that the Philippine position on key issues in managing labor migration and maximizing the mutual benefits from labor mobility in the Asian region have been incorporated in the Framework on Regional Coopera...
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17May2012QUEZON CITY, May 17 (PIA) - - Government is set on uplifting the country’s workers in the informal economy. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced that the department is converging with other government agencies to ensure that informal sector workers will have access to strengthened social protection: general labor, safety and health standards, and social dialogue. “We are implementing the government’s intervention in four identified are...
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05Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- The Quezon City government and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) have just completed a trenching activity across the West Valley Fault line at Barangay Bagong Silangan, which is intended to identify ground rupture movements and slip rate estimates across the fault line. The activity involves excavations of two trenches, about 50 meters apart, within the 50-hectare property owned by Banco Filipino at Barangay B...
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07Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is announcing the opening of the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools for all public or private-run elementary and high schools, as well as colleges and universities. The DENR said that interested schools may now start submitting the documentation of their eco-friendly programs and activities until March 15, 2013. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje in a statement said, the eco-friendly...
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08Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA)--To institutionalize participatory budgeting in government, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a set of guidelines to standardize its partnership program with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other concerned stakeholders In a news release, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said that the guidelines reaffirm the Aquino administration's desire to institutionalize participatory budgeting in government. "We want...
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19Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 19 (PIA) – With P78.099 billion or 78 percent of its 2012 capital outlay's budget of P99.49 billion for this year, Public Works and Highways Rogelio L. Singson said the department is now focusing its efforts on improving the quality and safety of our national roads to be at par with international safety standards. In a release, Singson said this year’s bulk of the budget will go to the rehabilitation, widening, upgrading and construction of national roads. &nbs...
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30Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is setting up a one-stop-shop Jobs Fair on Labor Day to make it easy for job seekers to find jobs and access employment services. On May 1 at the 2012 Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fair at the World Trade in Pasay City, DOLE will be bringing an array of employment facilitation services for free. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said, “These employment facilitation services, such as application support docume...
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06Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 6 (PIA) -- The Quezon City government will install 10,000 new LED (Light Emitting Diodes) streetlights this year to increase by more than 80 percent the rate of illumination in the city, especially along major city roads and densely populated communities. The 10,000 new LED bulbs will be part of the 22,000 streetlights to be installed by the city government in a five--year period beginning 2012. Katipunan Avenue, Auror...
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11Sep2012MARIKINA CITY, Sept 11 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina formally opened the Sapatos Festival with the launching of the Patio Del Zapateros or the Courtyard of the Shoemakers (formerly Ava and Eve Store) along J.P. Rizal St. in Barangay San Roque, Markina City yesterday morning. The Sapatos Festival 2012 dubbed “Walk this way! Gawang Marikina, Gawang Kinikilala” aims to revitalize the city’s shoe industry and give recognition to Marikina-made shoes which gave the city its name the...
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23Sep2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Sept 23 (PIA) -- To protect the environment, the city government of Parañaque tapped schoolchildren to be part of the "Eco-Buddies" program. The program, in partnership with the Department of Education-Parañaque City Schools Division and Philippine Airlines was launched at the Parañaque Elementary School-Central campus. “By inculcating in children and adults the value of waste segregation at source, likewise composting and proper disposal, we not only decrease the volume...
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20Mar2012MAKATI, March 20 (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in partnership with the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc. (MMMSFI), launched today the “Search for Cleanest and Best in Solid Waste Management Barangay”in Metro Manila at the MMDA grounds in Makati City. The search aims to encourage all barangays in the metropolis to maintain and sustain cleanliness in their areas in line with MMDA’s program to keep Metro Ma...
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18Mar2012MANILA, March 18 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved two regulations—Microfinance Plus and Micro-Agri Loans--to provide banks the opportunity to expand the range of microfinance products for clients. “Microfinance Plus” is defined as loans granted to the basic sectors, on the basis of the borrower’s cash flow, for their growing microenterprises and small businesses. These loans are from P150,001 to P300,000. This is a liberalization of the...
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06Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has joined hands with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to battle climate change by planting 10 million trees until 2013. This, after the two government agencies recently signed a memorandum of agreement that officially launched PNP’s “Pulis Makakalikasan: 10 Milyong Puno, Pamana sa Kinabukasan” project. DENR Secretary Ramon Paje lauded PNP chief Nicanor A...
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08Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 8 (PIA) -- Lke many parts of the Metro and certain urban areas in the country, the much awaited Pacquiao-Marquez 4 on Sunday, could be viewed free. Residents of Marikina and Parañaque will have a chance to see the fight December 9, 9 a.m. for free. “The city government gives free live telecasts in the city each time Pacquiao fights. We want our residents to watch it and enjoy the game together,” Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman said. Venues in Marikina are: Marikina City H...
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01Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- As the government anticipates the thousands of high school students about to graduate this school year, the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) urges them to take courses that best suit jobs that are in-demand. “I urge our students to consult the latest information on current labor market trends and be guided on what jobs and industries are in-demand today,” Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, in a statement said. She told students to refrai...
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21Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 21 (PIA) -- Authorities from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently arrested a commercial pilot after selling methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to a poseur-buyer in Taguig City. In a statement, PDEA Director General Jose S. Gutierrez said the local airline pilot was caught by authorities from the PDEA regional office-National Capital Region July 14, with two plastic sachets of shabu weighing around 9.1433 grams. According to PDEA, the pilot-pusher also ...
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27Apr2012TAGUIG, April 27 (PIA) –- The city government of Taguig recently awarded 24 outstanding cooperatives with certificates of appreciation and financial assistance. According to Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, the awards were given to select cooperatives in recognition of their notable contributions to the city government’s effort in creating livelihood opportunities for Taguigenos, as well as their important role in nation-building. The awarding rites held last Tuesday, April 24 at the City Hall...
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01May2012MANILA, May 1 (PIA) -- The Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently approved the amendment to simplify its confirmation procedures, a statement posted on the BSP website said. The BSP said that the simplified confirmation procedures cover the election or appointment of directors and officers with rank of senior vice president (SVP) and above of banks. The confirmation requirement is pursuant to the mandate under Section 16 of the General Banking Law for the MB to...
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12Mar2012MANILA, March 12 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has set on March 30, 2012 the deadline for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to wrap up its investigation and come up with resolutions regarding the alleged anomalous P1.1 billion gun license card deal. This is in the wake of published reports about a 15-year contract made by the PNP with Nanjing Industrial Tools and Equipment Co. for the printing of license cards for gun holders and security guards...
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27Mar2013MANILA, March 27 (PIA) -- GSIS President and General Manager Robert Vergara has announced that the pension fund is accepting applications under its College Scholarship Program (GSP) in which 200 slots are available for Academic Year 2013-2014. The program provides an opportunity for state workers to send their children to colleges and universities that provide quality education. "We introduced amendments on the program to make it more equitable and responsive particularly to our low-income mem...
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12Feb2012MARIKINA CITY, February 12 (PIA) -- As one of the cities in Metro Manila covered by the West Valley Fault System, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman urged residents to help intensify the city’s disaster preparedness by participating in earthquake drills. We are very much aware that the Valley Fault System will pose great danger to Marikina in case of an earthquake. That’s why the city government ties up with non-government organizations as well as the comm...
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21Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 21 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will get over P20 billion for its modernization program. In a release, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Executive Vice President Aileen Zosa confirmed the funding for the AFP Modernization Program. “This project arose out of the disposition of the 34.5-hectare Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) area. The JUSMAG area will generate for the Armed Forces of the Philippines more than P20 billion o...
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07Jul2012MANILA, July 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communication is mapping out plans to institutionalize tranparency and accountability in the land transportation sector. Transport Secretary Mar Roxas III, in a meeting with land transport stakeholders at the DOTC headquarters, said he wanted to eliminate the "culture of patronage and corruption" that has riddled the transportation sector for years. Roxas told leaders of different PUV drivers’ and operators’ associations in the c...
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12Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade & Industry has made business registration for corporations and partnerships faster and easier by putting up the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo today unveiled the PBR kiosk at the SEC Registration area where clients can enjoy enjoy a hassle-free business registration in a more efficient way. Applicants...
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06Jun2012MANILA, June 6 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are set to strictly implement Section 14 of Republic Act No. 716 immediately following a local election, a statement posted on the agency website said. Section 14 of RA 7166 prohibits elective officials from holding public office if they failed to file their statement of campaign contributions and expenditures. Said measure covers local elective officials from the governor ...
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15Sep2012MANILA, Sept. 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will hold a simultaneous aptitude battery test for commissionship and enlistment on September 22, 2012, Saturday. PCG chief Vice Admiral Edmund Tan said the test will be held in preparation for the recruitment of 60 officers under the Coast Guard Officer’s Course (CGOC) for this year. To ensure equal opportunity for interested applicants, the coast guard has designated testing centers in PCG Headquarters in Manila, Coast Guard Dist...
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28May2012QUEZON CITY, May 28 (PIA) -- The National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) will launch the nationwide “BATANG MALAYA: Child labour free Philippines” campaign on June 26, 2012, Tuesday at the Fun Ranch Tiendesitas Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue corner C5 in Pasig City. A press release from the International Labour Organization (ILO) said the campaign will be launched exactly two weeks after the June 12 World Day against Child Labour. ILO said the campaign will support the Philippines’ commit...
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13Oct2011QUEZON CITY, Oct. 13 (PIA) -- Executive Director Victorino M. Manalo of the National Archives of the Philippines announced Thursday its office’ plans to do a nationwide inventory of “records” of various government agencies and private stakeholders beginning early 2011. Following his guesting at the “Talking Points” program of DZRB-Radyo ng Bayan, Manalo told PIA-NCR that his office needs to do the inventory to make certain, in a list, what documents governmen...
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15Oct2012MANILA, Oct 15 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has conferred the 2012 Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit Award - Highly Urbanized City Category to Valenzuela City during the culmination of the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel. In a statement, Valenzuela City government said it was chosen by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for its outstanding efforts in instituting good governance reforms to promote trade and investm...
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13May2012QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) said in a press statement that carnapping incidents continue to plunge in April as preventive police operations were stepped-up against organized crime groups engaged in carnapping. Mainly thru the efforts of the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG), a significant 68.3 percent decline in recorded carnapping cases was posted in April 2012 with only 39 carnapping incidents recorded, down from 123 cases recorded in April 2011. PNP-HPG ...
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09Oct2012PASAY CITY, Oct 9 (PIA) -- Affordable and decent housing units are now available in this year’s annual Housing Fair Expo at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. “If you are planning to buy a house, this is the best time to do it as you will find affordable and decent housing units in this fair,” said Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Jejomar C. Binay. Binay said around 15,000 acquired assets will be for sale and...
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22Apr2012MAKATI CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- The local government, through its Department of Environmental Services (DES), is set to lead the celebration of Earth Day 2012, today starting from 6:00 a.m. at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Today's celebration was dubbed as “Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere.” In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said Makati will host the event in partnership with Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc. (EDNPI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ...
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07May2012QUEZON CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- Two more socialized housing projects for Quezon City's informal settler families will be launched soon, according to city mayor Herbert M. Bautista. Early this year, the city government started constructing the first two socialized housing projects of Bautista – the Bistekville I in Barangay Payatas and Bistekville II in Barangay Kaligayahan in Novaliches. Under the pro-poor housing program of Bautista, housing communities will be developed to provide safe and a...
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11May2012By: Lucia F. Broño QUEZON CITY, May 11 (PIA) - The Commission on Election (COMELEC) passed a resolution last year ensuring polling precincts accessibility to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens for their participation in the coming 2013 election. Section 9 of Resolution 9149 states “Any illiterate or person with disability shall be assisted by the Election Officer in the preparation of his application form, or by any member of an accredited Citizen’s arm, or a relative ...
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16Mar2012MANILA, March 16 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is prohibiting the display of photos and names of local government officials in posters or streamers, particularly in the announcements of activities related to the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps). In a statement, DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said he issued a directive to provincial governors and city and municipal mayors upon the policy recommendation of the Nation...
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17Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 17 (PIA) -- Milagros Federizo of the National Nutrition Council of the National Capital Region (NNC-NCR) recently released the list of activities they lined up in celebration of the 38th Nutrition Month this July to advocate proper nutrition and strengthen implementation of nutrition programs. Nutrition Month is celebrated every July by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491, or Nutrition Act of the Philippines. The celebration aims to create awareness on the importance of goo...
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25Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said late Tuesday on a press release posted on its website, that it is looking forward to receiving its copy of the final ruling of the Supreme Court on the Hacienda Luisita case after the announcement by Supreme Court spokesperson Midas Marquez. Until it receives such a copy, it necessarily cannot comment on the details of the decision itself. DAR said it stands ready to implement the SC decision. Last January 2012, the ...
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14Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reiterated its appeal to vehicle owners to clean up their emissions to reduce air pollution in Metro Manila. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje made the appeal as he recently observed the operations of anti-smoke belching unit (ASBU) teams of the local government of Pasig City and the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), along C-5 Road. Paje was accompanied by representati...
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03May2012QUEZON CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- Seventeen state universities and colleges (SUCs) have been identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that would help in raising quality native tree seedlings and to help achieve 1.5 billion quality planting materials for the 2011-2016 National Greening Program (NGP), a release from the Department said. “We shall have around 29 SUC-based clonal nurseries before the year ends,” Paje said, noting that 12 SUCs have already been enlisted...
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22Mar2012TAGUIG CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- Commencement exercises in Taguig city public elementary and high schools can soon be viewed via live video stream in the city’s website, according to city mayor Lani Cayetano. The city government came up with e-Graduation, a hi-tech, pioneering public service to its constituents that will begin next week. The live stream can be accessed at www.taguig.gov.ph/egrad. “We are introducing this innovation so that friends and fa...
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21May2012QUEZON CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Sunday said, search and rescue efforts continue for two of its missing pilots after an SF-260TP trainer and light attack plane crashed in Mariveles, Bataan Friday morning. In an official release, Air Force personnel, in coordination with the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard, have narrowed their search area south west of La Monja Island near Corregidor. The PAF has also contracted the services of a seabed mapping ship t...
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28Mar2012MANILA, March 28 (PIA) -- Local candidates will now be strictly required to file their statement of election expenditures and contributions pursuant to Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized Election Act of 1991, a statement on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) website said. This developed after DILG signed an agreement with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure the strict adherence of local elective candidates on the requirement of filing their statement of el...
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29Jun2012MANILA, June 29 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced the launching of the Local Governance Watch or LG Watch, a social accountability mechanism that will encourage greater civil society participation in local governance. In a statement posted on its website, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said LG Watch primarily aims to facilitate the systematic and sustained engagement of civil society organizations (CSOs) in local public administration to ensure tran...
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07Feb2012The following measures were prepared by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in its pursuit to make the people and communities earthquake-ready. Pre-Earthquake I. Planning for Effective Disaster Prevention 1. Know the earthquake hazards in your area 2. Follow the structural design and engineering 3. Evaluate the structural soundness of the buildings and houses, strengthen or retrofit, if necessary II. Prepa...
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02Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 2 (PIA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has amended its guidelines in the suspension of classes in higher education institutions (HEIs) due to typhoons/storms, flooding, and other weather disturbances. The CHED, which governs both public and private higher education institutions, said that they do not issue cancellation or suspension of classes. Under CHED Memorandum Order series of 2012, classes in higher education is automatically suspended when Signal No. 3 is ...
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11Jun2012MANILA, JUNE 11 (PIA) --The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) is set to enhance the govrenment’s job portal, Phil-Job Net for better delivery of employment facilitation services. The PJN is an online job board where jobseekers are matched with the current available vacancies in the labor market. It also provides timely, relevant, and readily accessible information on job vacancies and job applicants at no cost to both jobseekers and employers registered in the system. In a news relea...
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16May2012QUEZON CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman on Tuesday, May 15, signed a pledge of commitment to alleviate poverty. The signing was in support of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Aquino administration. It coincided with the Right's Holders' Congress and Government Service Caravan "Akbay Kapwa 2012" at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City....
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26May2012QUEZON CITY, May 26 (PIA) -- Geohazard maps are now accessible and downloadable in other government websites and non-government organization. Aside from the DENR and (www.denr.gov.ph) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) (www.mgb.gov.ph) websites, geohazard maps are also available at the websites of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) (www.pia.gov.ph), and Environmental Science for Social Change (www.essc.org.ph), according to a press report from the Department of Environment and Nat...
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04Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture said over the weekend that the rat infestation in the provinces of Isabela and Quirino in Cagayan Valley in Region 2 (436 km north of Manila) is now under control. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Region 2 director Lucrecio R. Alviar Jr. said the infestation was slight, as damage was confined to palay crops planted along creeks and irrigation canals. Alviar said in Isabela, 7,977 hectares we...
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18Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- A new poster of the Social Security System illustrates a Filipino family enjoying a blanket of protection just by being an active SSS member. "Tuloy-tuloy ang hulog, tuloy-tuloy ang benepisyo. Mag-member na para protektado ka at 'yong pamilya," its message reads. (Up-to-date contribution means continuous benefits. Be a member now to protect yourself and your family.) The advertising material also enumerates various services and assistance an SSS member may avail includ...
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09Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 9 (PIA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently handed out some 15,000 copies of the “New Miranda Warning” cards to the Philippine National Police. PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome personally received the copies of the warning cards in Filipino, Bisaya and Cebuano versions from ICRC Deputy Head of the Delegation in the Philippines Graciella Leite Piccolo. Bartolome said the PNP is adopting the Human Rights-Ba...
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05Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 5 (PIA) -- Looking for giveaways which are practical and inexpensive? Be warned. A non-government group is warning the public against cheap coffee mugs decorated with popular Christmas symbols as they may contain toxic chemicals. The EcoWaste Coalition gave the warning in a press statement this weekend after analyzing 35 samples of Christmas mugs for heavy metals such as antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. “As the gift-giving season comes closer, we adv...
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10Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police remains optimistic in sustaining a more peaceful and orderly environment this year as the country’s premier police force continues to post improved crime trends. According to PNP report, index crime cases was down by 20.01 percent in January this year with 11,379 cases compared to the 14,227 listed cases in same period last 2011. PNP spokesperson Agrimero Cruz explained that index crime...
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07Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 7 (PIA) -- Members of a muti-sectoral group on Wednesday signed their pledge of commitment supporting President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2012-2016 aimed to address food security issues. Those who expressed support included civil servants, private and government medical doctors and nutritionists, among them were Dr. Elizabeth C. Ifurung-Gonzales of Makati Medical Center (MMC) and Department of Interior and Local Government–Natio...
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29Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- Production of pectin from mango peels can be upscaled to meet the country’s requirements for pectin, according to a study of the Department of Agriculture. This is the result of the recently concluded nine-month research jointly undertaken by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) and the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), an agency sta...
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04Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 4 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) recently forged a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to fight transnational crime and strengthen police cooperation at the same time. In a release, PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome and AFP Commissioner Tony Negus signed the MOU Tuesday in Canberra, Australia. “This agreement marks a new beginning in bilateral relations between the police forces of the Philippines and Australia under the sp...
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16Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will put into place a nationwide disaster mitigation system that will help key agencies and personalities make informed decisions to save lives and properties on Monday, June 18, 2:00 p.m. at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman campus in this city. Called NOAH or the National Operational Assessment of Hazards and Risks, the program is designed to serve as sentinel that will address the serious challenges br...
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24Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- Students who want to make their summer fruitful may apply for a job at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). DSWD will be hiring 90,865 youths nationwide under the Government Internship Program (GIP) for 2012 with a budget allocation of more than P1.3 billion. The internship program is part of the Aquino administration’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in nation-building, expose them to government service, train them on life skills...
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11May2012QUEZON CITY, May 11 (PIA) -- It is safe to drink water from the tap even without boiling it. This developed after the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) held a round table discussion on Water Borne Diseases at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Malate, Manila last May 10, Thursday. During the discussion, Dr. Nilo Marayad of the Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) said based on their tests for the month of April, the water ...
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07Nov2012MANILA, Nov 7 (PIA) -- The United States Embassy in Manila and the Valenzuela City government signed an agreement to promote the use of mobile money for payment of government services. In a statement, Usaid Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Economic Growth, Education and Environment Eric Postel, together with Usaid Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, and Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian signed a memorandum of agreement to pilot Usaid’s Scaling Innovations in Mobile ...
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17Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is urging the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) to include mephentermine in the list of dangerous substances PDEA Director General Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. said in a statement that mephentermine is a stimulant and has similar effects and characteristics with that of shabu but cheaper. The agency has expressed concern over the use of “mephentermine” as a potential substitute for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu by subs...
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10Jul2012MANILA, July 10 (PIA) -- Air transport industry stakeholders led by airline companies and various consumer groups unanimously expressed their full support for the creation of a comprehensive Passenger Bill of Rights for airline passengers. In a statement, the Department of Transportation and Communications said that the support was extended during the "historic and unprecedented" first public hearing held over the weekend at the DOTC headquarter to hear and solicit the views of the stakeholders...
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18May2012QUEZON CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- Solid waste management experts in the country met with their counterparts from Korea yesterday, May 16 at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City to learn more about state-of-the-art and environment-friendly recycling technologies developed by Koreans. The workshop, jointly organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the R&D Center for Valuable Recycling (RCVR) of Korea, s...
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14Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 14 (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jessie D. Dellosa directed the implementation of rotation policy for overstaying military personnel. In a release, Dellosa said the rotation policy is a crucial move in improving the operations in the AFP. “Alongside our goals of practicing increased transparency, we also see this as a window of opportunity to our personnel and officials as they are acquainted with ...
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01Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- The local government has announced the impending closure of the Acute Care Center (ACC) of the Ospital ng Makati in Bel-Air on March 25. In a statement, it said the closure will make way for the construction of a new full-service hospital that will cater to the healthcare needs of residents in the First District. Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay assured residents that the ACC management is taking measures to ensure the smooth transition of patients and equipme...
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21May2012QUEZON CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- A cosmetic surgeon specializing in alternative medicine on Monday urged employees of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to avoid cancer. Dr. Rommel Gloria, who was guest during Monday's flag raising rites PIA, said that eating the right food keeps people away from illnesses and diseases. “Stay away from processed foods. You may use raw vegetables in making a combination veggie-fruit juice by using a blender so you can ha...
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22Jun2012QUEZON CITY, JUNE 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will release next week new guidelines aimed at improving the delivery of passport and other consular services. In a news release, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Rafael Seguis said that the DFA have been working hard to fulfill its commitment to deliver fast and efficient services to the public. Seguis said the new guidelines will complement the steps that have been undertaken by the DFA to improve its ser...
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10Apr2012MANILA, April 10 (PIA)--THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, will undertake a state visit to the Philippines on April 10-11, 2012. This is the first-ever visit of a Qatari Emir to the country. The Philippines and Qatar have been enjoying a vibrant and dynamic partnership for 31 years. In a news release, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario said, the Emir's visit affirms the advancement of political...
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02Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 2 (PIA) - - Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman led Tuesday the distribution of relief goods to some 145 families housed at the evacuation center in Brgy. 105, Tondo, Manila. The affected families are informal settlers of Happyland whose houses were destroyed by two barges at the height of strong rains and winds brought by typhoon ‘Gener’ on Sunday. DSWD-NCR Regional Director, Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan, and 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner Up and DSWD Ambassadress ...
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02May2012QUEZON CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- About 50 bicycle enthusiasts went on a bike tour in Quezon City for the kick-off rites of the Month of the Ocean Celebration 2012 and ended at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Diliman. Volunteer cyclists, led by the Firefly Brigade and selected DENR employees, opened the day with a 5:30 a.m. bike tour starting at the Center's parking lot, and headed for East Avenue, EDSA, SM North Edsa, Monumento in Caloocan City, and back to Quezon Avenue, around the Qu...
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29May2012QUEZON CITY, May 29 (PIA) -- A medical tourism hospital with 500-patient capacity per day will soon rise in Quezon City. This, as the Board of Investments (BOI) recently approved the registration of P1.22 billion medical tourism project that involves the establishment and operation of a hospital called Providence Hospital, Inc. (PHI). In a news release, trade undersecretary and BOI managing head Adrian Cristobal Jr said the Philippines is developing a strong medical tourism market because of t...
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09Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 9 (PIA) -- The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) yesterday opened a mobile center for the registration of overseas absentee voters. Overseas-based Filipinos, who are currently in the country can now register for overseas absentee voting (OAV) at the CFOs office located at the Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway) in Manila. “The establishment of the OAV registration center in CFO aims to bring ...
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04Mar2012MANILA, March 4 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has called on all punong barangays to update the list of populations at risk in vulnerable areas, particularly in the cities and municipalities that were previously identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as landslide- and flashflood-prone. In a statement, Robredo said village chiefs should have a ready and updated list of at-risk communities such as those living in low-lying lands, along riverbanks, s...
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27May2012QUEZON CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- Metro Manila and suburbs will enjoy more supply and stable prices of fresh and quality fish with the upgrading of the 35-year old Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said in a statement that this would be the scenario in 2015, when the 47.5-hectare fish port complex would have been renovated and modernized. The upgrading of the NFPC, costing P2.7 billion, is one of the five big infrastructure projects recently endorsed and su...
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30Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- As the whole world gears up for Earth Hour 2012, the local government is set to take a crucial role in this global event after being chosen by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) to lead the ceremonial switch off on Saturday, March 31 at the Ayala Tower One in Ayala Avenue. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, who will lead the ceremony, thanked the WWF for once again choosing the city as the focal venue of the largest global call for action o...
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13Sep2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The City of Parañaque Multipurpose Employees Cooperative (CPMEC) in cooperation with the City Health Office will hold a bloodletting activity this week, in line with its community service program. CPMEC’s 14th bloodletting activity on Friday, September 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be held at the Assessor’s Lounge of the Parañaque City Hall. “We laud CPMEC’s invaluable contribution to the national effort to establish an adequate blood supply which i...
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26May2012QUEZON CITY, May 26 (PIA) -- A total of 127,875 individuals will troop to 46 testing centers nationwide on Sunday, May 27 for the first career service written examination of the year, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced Friday. CSC said in its press release that the figure is higher by 26 percent compared with the same period last year. Some 108,970 or 85.22 percent will take the Professional examination level, while 18,905 or 14.78 percent will attempt to pass the Sub-Professional lev...
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14Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reminded the public of the following guidelines on police checkpoints. • Checkpoint must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel. • Upon approach, slowdown, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights. Never step out of the vehicle. • Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed. • Do not submit to a physical or body search. • You are not obliged to open glove compartment, trunk or bags....
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25Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, an act providing compensation to victims of human rights violation during the martial law regime. The President signed the law, Monday, as one of the highlights of the 27th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power revolution. Around P10 billion funds from the Marcos assets seized by the Swiss government and turned over to the Philippines will be ...
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25Jun2012QUEZON CITY, JUNE 25 (PIA)--The Bureau of Immigration gave its full support in the investigation of the alleged involvement of immigration officers in human trafficking of Filipinos to strife-torn Syria. In a news release, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said his office is cooperating with the probe being carried out by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) which could lead to criminal charges or dismissal from government service. “We assure the public that this b...
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08Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Active GSIS members now have the option to transfer their UMID accounts from Unionbank to LandBank, an advisory posted on the bank's website said. Once transferred, LandBank said GSIS members will be able to withraw their GSIS benefits free of charge, anytime via Landbank's over 900 ATMs nationwide. It said that GSIS members need only email their name, date of birth, UMID Common Reference Number (CRN) and preferred LANDBANK branch to eservices@gsis.gov.ph. to tr...
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22Aug2012MANILA, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is offering a 60 discount on the pneumococcal vaccine to its members and their dependents aged 60 and above. In a statement, PhilHealth said this benefit may be availed in PhilHealth-accredited hospitals designated as Vaccine Access Points (VAP). The pneumonia vaccination program, dubbed "60+ na ako at OKs ang bakuna ko laban sa pulmonya (I'm 60 and up and my pneumonia shot is OK)," is in partnership with global ...
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01Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- The Philippine economy expanded by 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2012, the highest growth among ASEAN and other neighboring countries except China. In a statement sent by NEDA to PIA-NCR, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the growth is well above the market’s consensus forecast of 4.8 percent. "Within the ASEAN, the Philippine economic performance was above the preliminary average growth (3.7%) of the region, growing faster than Ind...
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06Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 6 (PIA) -- Of all the health concerns that catch the average Filipino’s attention one way or another, dental health is arguably the least prioritized. Studies reveal that Filipinos, especially children, have been negligent in terms of dental care. The 2006 National Oral Health Survey (NOHS) revealed that 97.1 percent of six-year-old children suffer from tooth decay. More than four out of every five children of this subgroup manifested symptoms of dentinogeni...
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04Jul2012QUEZON, July 4, (PIA) -- The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) received 3 entries for the 2012 Presidential Search for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities in the National Capital Region (NCR). Vying for title are the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasig City. Mandaluyong is the 2011 regional and national title holder for the Most Child-Friendly City in the highly urbanized city category. Makati is 3 times regional title holder while Pasig City has once aspired for the title. T...
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03Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government has developed a website where the public can readily see the finances and other transaction of local government units in line with the Aquino administration's "Daang Matuwid (straight path)" thrust. By logging on to the Full Disclosure Policy Portal (FDPP) through "fdpp.dilg.gov.ph" the public can view important LGU documents such as annual budget reports, statements of debt service, statements of receipts and expenditures...
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08May2012MANILA, May 8 (PIA) -- Members of the Manila Police District arrested over the weekend suspected big-time suppliers of the abortifacient drug Cytotec in the vicinity of Quiapo Church. In a release, a total of 2,000 tablets valued at P100,000 were seized from the suspects by MPD operatives. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim lauded MPD Police Station 3 commander Police Inspector Joselito Von Possel and his team for the successful operation. The following suspects identified as Masjid Khan Y. Bisnar, 34...
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21Jun2012MANILA, June 21 (PIA) -- The number of fire incidents nationwide went down by 3,058 from January to April this year, compared to the 3,479 for the same period last year or a 12.10 percent deduction. In a statement posted on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) website, the agency noted that while the nationwide fire incidents decreased, the estimated cost of damages reported by the Bureau of Fire Protection rose to P1.09 billion for January to April 2012 from P922.2 millio...
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27Sep2012VALENZUELA CITY , Sept 27 (PIA) -- Officials of local government units (LGU) of Cagayan De Oro, Batangas, and Iloilo, recipient LGUs for the implementation of a project of USAID, have visited Valenzuela City on different occasions to study the city’s investment promotion and economic development programs. In a statement, the two-year Investment Enabling Environment (Invest)-USAID project envisions developing model cities that can inspire other local government units to seek higher levels of e...
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17Apr2012MANILA, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said on Monday that the Philippines is finally making progress in introducing a new breed of jeepneys that run either on electricity or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In a statement, Efren Moncupa, DOTC undersecretary for project implementation and special concerns, noted that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recently approved the franchises of the first 20 e-jeepneys, which ply ...
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14Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are planning to re-activate its dormant anti-illegal gambling task force, intensify the “one-strike policy” campaign and pursue police personnel involved directly or indirectly in said illegal activities that have resurged and proliferated in many parts of the country. In a statement posted on the DILG website, PNP chief Gen. Nicanor Bartolome said he had called to a recent meeting all PNP directo...
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15Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 15 (PIA) -- The Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee approved last Monday the reconciled version of Senate Bill 2625 and House Bill 6339 which expands the Anti Trafficking Bill of 2003. Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2625 Senator Loren Legarda said, “This time, there is no reason for human trafficking to triumph against our collective crusade against this modern day slavery.” “We acknowledge that the problem of hu...
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22Sep2012MANILA, Sept 22 (PIA) -- Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the unveiling of the historical marker “Kalye Mendiola” Thursday, September 20, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the proclamation of Martial Law. In a statement, Lim together with Human Rights Advocate lawyer Rene Saguisag, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) board member Dr. Ferdinand Llanes, and Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocate chairperson Max de Mesa unveiled the marker along Mendiola in ...
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03Aug2012MANILA, Aug. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications is bidding out around P246-million worth of lighthouse equipment, a statement posted on its website (dotc.gov.ph) said. The DOTC said the project will modernize 143 light stations in different parts of the country. Under the invitation to bid, the DOTC said upgraded lighthouses are important aids to navigation because these work “As visual guides to ports and harbors especially for boats of fishers and even for large...
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09Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 9 (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force will formally accept four of the eight brand new combat utility helicopters from the biggest helicopter manufacturer in Poland, Wytwórnia Sprzętu Komunikacyjnego PZL-Świdnik S.A. Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin will lead the ceremonial pouring of champagne on the new aircrafts Friday, March 9 at the Air Force City in Clark Field, Pampanga. In a release, Philippine Air Force Public Information chi...
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02Apr2012MANILA, April 2 (PIA) -- The House of Representatives has approved at least 446 measures and ratified the bicameral report on the "Strengthening and Propagating Foster Care for Abandoned and Neglected Children and Children with Special Needs for the first quarter of 2012." In a statement, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said since July 26, 2010 until the adjournment for the Lenten season, the lower chamber processed some 3,088 measures during the 123 session days for an average of 25 measures pe...
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25Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment reminded private employers to observe proper pay rules for Eid-el Adha on October 26, the All Saints' weekend on Nov. 1 and 2, and Bonifacio Day on Nov. 30. President Benigno Aquino III has declared October 26 and November 30 as regular holidays and November 1 and 2 as nonworking days by virtue of Proclamation nos. 295 and 488. To ensure proper pay for workers who will report for work on those dates, Labor & Employment Secreta...
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09Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) has received an award from the Government Quality Management Committee (GQMC) during its 3rd ISO 9001 Recognition Ceremony recently held at the Malacanang Palace, a statement posted on its website said. LandBank was recognized for its successful attainment of ISO 9001 Quality Management certification in 2010 in three core banking processes: lending and financial services operations of the Public Sector Depart...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- February is known in Western and Western-influenced countries as the month of love because of the popular occasion known as “Valentine’s Day.” In the Philippines, however, the month is celebrated for two occasions, one for Valentines, the other, National Arts Month. It was January 1991 when then President Corazon Aquino signed Proclamation No. 683 declaring the month of February of every year as National Arts Month. It was this proclamation...
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26Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment has designated the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as the official and only authorized entity to handle pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS) for household service workers (HSWs). The Labor Department's decision for OWWA’s mandatory conduct of such seminars to service workers is geared to prevent cases of culture shock, maltreatment, rape, and other severe untoward incidents gathered by welfare officers abro...
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24Apr2012MANILA, APRIL 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment clarified that only the Kurdistan Region in Iraq is open for deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The department stressed that the deployment ban is still in effect in other regions of Iraq. Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) was excluded in the total deployment ban of OFWs to Iraq under Governing Board Resolution No. 03 Series of 2012 of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration...
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03Dec2012MAKATI CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Public elementary and high schools in Makati have bested public and private schools in the National Capital Region in the recent National Achievement Test (NAT) conducted by the Department of Education. In a statement posted on the city's website (makati.gov.ph), DepEd-Makati officer-in-charge, Dr. Dominico Idanan said the city’s public schools ranked first in the NCR after garnering an overall average rating of 65.64 percent in the elementary level, and 53.52 per...
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28Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III led today the inaugural rites of C-3-Quezon Avenue Interchange Project, in Quezon City which started construction on June 20 last year. The project, which covers 440 lineal meters (l.m.) and 330 l.m. in both directions aims to decongest the volume of traffic in the area and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles coming from and going to EDSA, Aurora Boulevard, and España Boulevard. In his speech, the President lauded the Department o...
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16Apr2012MANILA, April 16 (PIA) -- Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil de los Reyes said in a statement posted in DAR's website, that the government is keeping its hands off the P85 billion coconut levy fund in response to fears of some militant groups that the fund might be used to finance the distribution of the Hacienda Luisita that is owned by the family of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. De los Reyes said the controversial fund is set up for a specific objective and, if it would eventually be mad...
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16Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade & Industry urged tiangge and sari-sari store owners to register with the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) to legalize their businesses and reap benefits from government services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Tiangges and sari-sari stores are considered part of the “underground economy” due to its small business size and are usually not registered with appropriate government agencies. In a news release, DTI Underse...
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28May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 28, (PIA)--Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has instructed concerned offices of the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) to fast-track the hiring process of additional 372 labor compliance officers to ensure workers’ protection through the efficient and effective enforcement of all labor laws. In a news release, the labor chief said that it is no less than President Benigno Aquino III that said in his 2012 labor day message that he is adding he is adding 372 n...
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11Sep2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Sept 11 (PIA) -- More jobs await residents of Parañaque as Walter Mart Supermarket & Shopping Mall in Brgy. San Isidro this city is in need of additional personnel. The job openings were communicated to the Office of Parañaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. The Parañaque Livelihood Resource Management Office (PLRMO), Office of City Councilor Benjo Bernabe, and Walter Mart Supermarket and Shopping Mall will hold screening of applicants on September 18 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p....
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04Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA)--The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) advises overseas Filipino workers who are spending the holiday season in the Philippines to secure their overseas employment certificate or exit clearance early and not get caught with the last- minute dash to return to their jobs abroad. POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency has been preparing in anticipation of the arrival of thousands of OFWs this December and their subsequent departure after C...
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04Jun2012MAKATI, June 4 (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is intensifying its campaign against jaywalking. After getting approval from the Metro Manila Council (MMC) of raising the jaywalking fine from P150 to P 200 including a seminar on disaster preparedness, it is now embarking on an extensive re-painting and installation of new pedestrian lanes within the immediate vicinities of schools in Metro Manila. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino announced that at least 1,300 pedes...
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26Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 26 (PIA)--The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is now International Organization for Standardization (ISO)- certified after passing rigorous stages of audit. POEA’s ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certification for its 37 enrolled processes is valid for three years from October 8, 2012 to October 7, 2015. In a statement, Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the agency successfully completed the requirements for certification and was awarded a certifi...
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13Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 13 (PIA) -- Authorities from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday, April 12, led the destruction of some 261 kilograms (kg) and 301 liters of dangerous drugs. The P807.7-million worth of dangerous drugs were destroyed at the Integrated Waste Management Incorporated (IWMI) in Trece Martirez City, Cavite. PDEA chief Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. said the destruction was done in compliance with the guidelines stated under Section 21, Article II of Republic Act 9165...
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25Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) awarded the champions of science education during the 3rd Gawad Leadership and Innovations for Development Relevant to Science Education (Gawad LIDER) awarding ceremony Friday, August 24, 2012. In a statement, the DOST said the Exemplary Leadership Awards were bestowed on Dr. Luis Rey I.Velasco, renowned entomologist and former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) for the Individual ...
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16Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) warns overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against using commercial visas in going to Kuwait for work to avoid being placed in precarious and dangerous situation. Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz issued the warning after reports of unpaid salaries, unissued residence/work visas, maltreatment/harassment, and other work-related complaints from OFWs in Kuwait reached her office. Baldoz has instructed the Philippine Overseas...
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27Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- Just when coconut producers and growers were about to bid the industry goodbye, comes another coco product that will not only bring life to an otherwise moribund sector, but will bring wellness to the health conscious worldwide. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Euclides G. Forbes has announced a 92.78 percent increase in 2011 exports volume of coco sap sugar with 70,000 kilograms (km) compared with 36,310 km in 2010. In a statement posted on the...
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28May2012QUEZON CITY, May 28 (PIA) –- Marketing experts from all over the country will be converging at One Esplanade, SM Central Business Park in Pasay City on Wednesday, May 30 at 1 p.m. for the BiD Challenge Philippines. The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) said in a press release it is an annual business plan competition which aims to generate new and innovative business ideas that combine poverty reduction and profit, where viable ideas are matched with potential investors. PBSP sa...
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17Mar2012MANILA, March 17 (PIA) -- Another batch of sailors and marines were deployed Friday, March 16, to form part of the 15th Philippine Contingent to Haiti in line with the United Nations Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The joint send-off and closing ceremonies of the United Nations (UN) Core Pre-Deployment Training was held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The 155-strong, all-Navy contingent led by Marine Colonel Arthur M. Biyo was accompanied by 12 officers and 143 enlis...
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06Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Wednesday led the ground breaking for the first ever in-city relocation program in Malabon City that have the full participation of community members in partnership with the local government, civil society groups, and the private sector. He said the project will be the template of the Aquino government’s future housing efforts in other areas particularly those that are located near riverways and esteros that are at h...
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19Mar2012MANILA, March 18 (PIA) -- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on Filipinos to take part in the global campaign to combat climate change and promote energy conservation. In a release, CBCP’s Commission on Youth (ECY) executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta urged Filipinos, specially the youth to observe the Earth Hour on March 31, 2012 (Saturday). “Let us join millions in our country and around the world in switching off non-ess...
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18Sep2012MANILA, Sept 18 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has launched PhilHealth Express sites at Robinson's Land Corporation Malls in Metro East, Otis and at SM Sucat Hypermart in addition to the existing eight PhilHealth Express in key areas of Robinson’s at Ortigas, Manila, Novaliches Market, Dasmariñas Cavite, Starmills Pampanga, Luisita, Tarlac, Tacloban, Leyte and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. In a statement, PhilHealth said the launching ceremony was led by PhilHealth Pr...
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16Jun2012MANILA, June 16 (PIA) -- Starting July 1 this year, all jails under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be required to post their expenditures and donations in their bulletin boards nationwide, a statement posted on its website said. After the DILG required local governments to disclose their budget and finances, it said that it is now the turn of the jails to divulge their expenditures and donations to the public. In 2010, the DILG issued the Fu...
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31May2012QUEZON CITY, May 31 (PIA) -- Soon, a good number of personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will benefit from the fruits of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) strategic planning and well-executed program as 192 residential units in Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Air Base will soon be completed. According to the AFP, the P700 million-worth project consisting of 12 condominium-type units is located in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City while 10 buildings, with 1...
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07Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 7 (PIA) --The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) is set to roll out its convergence program using a synchronized strategies to effectively address the problem of child labor in the country. The program called “H.E.L.P.M.E.”, is community-based approach against child labor and has a proposed budget of P9 billion to be implemented in four years, or from 2013 to 2016. H.E.L.P. stands for health, education, livelihood, and prevention, protection, and prosecution, while M....
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03May2012MANILA, May 3 (PIA) -- The capital adequacy ratios (CARs) of the Philippine banking system remain healthy and above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)s’ minimum ratio of 10 percent and the Basel Accord’s standard ratio of 8 percent despite continued global difficulties, a statement posted on the BSP website said. The BSP said that the system-wide average CARs stood at 16.44 percent on solo basis and 17.43 percent on consolidated basis as of end-September 2011, which were slightly higher...
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20Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 20 (PIA) – Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has urged city and municipal mayors nationwide to create local committees against squatting syndicates and professional squatters (LCASSPS) in their respective localities to intensify the campaign against illegal activities of professional squatters. “The government is very serious in addressing the problem and it needs the active participation of local government units thro...
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11Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to implement soon several electoral reforms, including new registration of voters, in line with the administration’s desire and call for transparency and direction in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a statement posted on the DILG website said. Aside from new registration of voters, the DILG chief suggested to the poll body a review of a...
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04Mar2012MARIKINA CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- Valuing education, the city government of Marikina in cooperation with the Life and Livelihood Assistance Foundation (LALAF) recently launched an Alternative Learning System (ALS) for prisoners in the city. The project, dubbed “Karunungan ay Mahalaga sa Edukasyon ay Pag-asa,” aims to give prisoners a chance to study while inside the jail. Marikina City Mayor Del Guzman said the non-formal education program will greatly help prisoners...
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28Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) issued a warning to metro residents who will be spending vacation this Holy Week against summer diseases like diarrhea, sore eyes, headaches and flu. In a statement, DOH-NCR Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said that these diseases come with the summer season. “Let us take proper precautionary measures to avoid suffering from any of these illnesses and spending more time in the hospital rather tha...
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13Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- Malacanang is elated with the results of the recent survey of the Social Weather Station, maintaining its general performance net satisfaction at +56 percent since September 2011. In a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, Malacanang said, “This recent measurement of public opinion indicates that the public not only sees, but has tangibly felt, the government’s efforts to improve services, push for inclusiv...
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15Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The local government on Tuesday recognized the top three winners of the search for the “Most Child-Friendly Barangay” of Makati for 2012, led by Barangay West Rembo, during the annual Children’s Assembly held at the Main Theater of the University of Makati. Barangay West Rembo led by Brgy. Capt. Judith Baquiran-Celos won first place and received a cash prize of P100,000, a trophy and a marker declaring it as the “Most Child-Friendly Barangay of Makati 2012;...
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28Apr2012MAKATI CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- Makati, through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), will launch two summer youth employment programs on April 30, Monday, 8:00 a.m. at the City Hall Quadrangle, it said in a statement. Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay will lead the launching of the Government Internship Program (GIP) and Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) together with key officials of partner-agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional and fi...
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25Oct2012QUEZON CITY, OCT. 25 (PIA)--The Intellectual Property Office Philippines (Ipophil) seeks stiffer penalties against intellectual property infringers, citing that the Philippines’ lenient Intellectual Property laws causes problem in prosecution and conviction of violators. Ipophil Director General Ricardo Blancaflor in a statement said they have consulted Justice Secretary Leila de Lima about amending the relevant provisions of IP laws and they will submit a draft bill to the Congress before t...
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22Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- For the next three months, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be holding job fairs nationwide in time with the graduation of the students. In a news release, DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz said the agency has more than 200 job fairs to be conducted for just the first quarter by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) network, in cooperation with private and government sector employers. The job fairs will be held in conven...
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08Apr2012MANILA, APRIL 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) encouraged high school graduates to consider enrolling in short-term or collegiate entrepreneurial courses, which will equip them with formal business management training that they could use to build and establish viable and rewarding careers. “The Philippines is a good venue for business; and it would be a waste if we do not produce well-versed entrepreneurs who will strongly promote trade and create more wealth in the coun...
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01May2012QUEZON CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- Philhealth is open to people from all walks of life can who wants to avail the state-run health care program which is receiving a lot of support from the Aquino Administration. The government’s healthcare unit wants to provide health care coverage to laborers, fisherfolk, the jobless and the needy as well. “PhilHealth’s universal health-care agenda, based on objectives defined by President Aquino, gives priority attention to the poor, especially the poorest of...
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29May2012QUEZON CITY, May 29 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to present the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan’s first year assessment in a two-day conference at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in Quezon City on May 30 and 31. In a release posted in its website, the AFP through the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3 will be supporting the activity, which will be managed and hosted by the ADMU Department of Political Science-Working Gr...
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03Sep2012MANILA, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will procure additional P152-million disaster response equipment to further beef up PCG’s disaster response capability. In a statement posted, the PCG is inviting interested providers to participate in the open and transparent bidding for the procurement of 40 rubber boats, costing P32 million, and 15 M35 6X6 trucks amounting P120 million. This procurement exercise is in a...
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29Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 29 (PIA) - - To ease doing business in the city, the Quezon City (QC) government came up with four steps for 2013 tax payment and business renewal. Community Business taxpayers also need not fall in line separately to pay for their community tax (cedula) as this is already included in the assessment of all business taxes payable. The QC government emphasized that computerized assessment applies only to business taxpayers, and not to individuals. The four steps are: 1) Presen...
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26May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 26 (PIA) -- The World Bank (WB) cited the Philippine economy’s growth amid challenges that the country is facing in the first and second quarter of the year. “Amidst weakening markets for exports, the best prospects for the Philippines to maintain high growth rates, create more jobs, and reduce poverty are through greater investments in productivity-enhancing infrastructure and further economic integration with its trading partners,” WB said in its latest East Asia and Pa...
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31May2012MAKATI CITY, May 31 (PIA) -- Some of the country's leading business leaders on Wednesday expressed continued support for the President Benigno C. Aquino III's pro-poor programs. The industry leaders gave their assurance at the sidelines of the launching of the League of the Corporate Foundation (LCF) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Expo 2012 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Among the business leaders were PHINMA Corporation president Ramon del Rosario, Ayala Foundation president Lourd...
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19Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office of the National Capital Region (NSO-NCR) won “Best Statistical Information Dissemination Activity” award during the opening ceremony of the 23rd National Statistical Month (NSM) celebration held at the Century Park Hotel. The award was presented by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Vincent Andrew Leyson, chairperson of the 22nd NSM Awards Committee; Professor Solita Collas-Monsod, Chairperson of the fourt...
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19Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 19 (PIA) -- The Association of Information Officers of Metro Manila (AIMM), by adopting the World Health Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and encouraging the 17 local government units and 13 national government agencies to promote transparency and accountability in regulating the tobacco industry in the country, has signed a resolution in support of the passage of Senate Bill 3299 at the recently held AIMM regular meeting and forum on the Sin Tax Reform Bill. The Fifte...
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20Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- To improve disaster monitoring system in the country, the Department of Science and Technology recently partnered with telecommunication giants Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Sun Cellular, a statement said. Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo led the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding together with Smart President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno and Sun Cellular President and CEO Orlando B. Vea held Friday, March 16, 2012...
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13Nov2012MANILA, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has identified San Juan City as the pilot test site for the Citizens’ Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) in Metro Manila. The CSIS, a component of the Local Governance Watch or LG Watch, generates feedback on local government’s performance on service delivery and serves as a third party assessment on the results of the DILG’s Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), a self-assessment tool on t...
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22Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Philippines’ long-standing relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has improved significantly, a statement posted on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) website said. It said that the country has evolved from being a prolonged user of IMF resources to a holder of a creditor (or reserve) position in the IMF through its participation in the latter's Financial Transactions Plan (FTP). In 2010, the Philippines, through the B...
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05Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- Go out-of-the-box and check other healthcare careers, Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz advised nursing graduates yesterday stressing that jobs are aplenty in the healthcare industry. The labor chief also pointed out to licensed nurses, and other jobseekers with healthcare backgrounds, the array of non-clinical, yet, medical-related job opportunities as alternate careers available in the healthcare industry. “...
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12Nov2012SSS denies overcharging on members’ loans MANILA, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) clarified that it has not violated any law or policy on lending from any supervisory body of SSS nor overcharged its member-borrowers contrary to reports that came out in media recently. In a statement, SSS Assistant Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Ma. Luz C. Generoso emphasized that the computation, which the SSS uses to calculate the interests on loans, is based on a policy t...
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29Apr2012MANILA, April 29 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has cited the reasons behind the closure of the Export and Industry Bank, Inc. (EIB). In a statement, the BSP said that the Monetary Board placed EIB under receivership on April 26, 2012 pursuant to Section 30 of Republic Act No. 7653 or The New Central Bank Act. The BSP said the board made its decision on account of the bank's “inability to meet its obligations as they become due, insufficient realizable assets to meet its liabilitie...
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01May2012MANILA, May 1 (PIA) -- Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas has announced that the P60-billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, approved by the National Economic and Development Authority in March, is now set for bidding this month. “Sisimulan na natin ang bidding process sa pamamagitan ng pagpa-publish sa mga pahayagan ng invitation to bid para sa proyekto nang sa gayon ay maabot natin ang target completion natin na 2015,” Roxas said in a statement posted on the DOTC website. He said the con...
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23Oct2012MANILA, Oct 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is adopting the Logical Observations, Identifiers, Names and Codes (LOINC) for use in its electronic claims (eClaims) system. In his advisory to members, PhilHealth President and CEO Eduardo P. Banzon explained that LOINC is produced and managed by the Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana and is used for consistently coding common clinical and laboratory events that occur in the healthcare setting. Banzon...
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27Sep2012MANILA, Sept. 27 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines has approved more loans for returning Overseas Filipino Workers under the government’s OFW Reintegration Program (OFW-RP). In a statement posted on its website (landbank.com), the bank said this would allow more OFWs to start their own businesses. As of end-July 2012, Land Bank approved P272.8 million in loans for 425 OFWs so they can start their own business and engage in livelihood activities. This is expected to generate an estim...
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07Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 7 (PIA) -- Organizers led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said the 114th Independence Day celebrations dubbed “Kalayaan 2012” will be reflective of the Filipino culture and arts. The event commemorates the country's independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, and will have for its theme “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan.” Festivities will begin with Paco Park Presents “Panata sa Kalayaan,” a free musical tribute ...
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31Jul2012QUEZON CITY, JULY 31 (PIA)--Some 140 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be repatriated from Syria this week as a result of a successful negotiation of the Philippine Government with top Syrian officials. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Syrian Government assured Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis that it will assist in the repatriation of 1,404 more OFWs who have signified their intention to come home. The batches of repatriates will arrive at NAIA ...
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11Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- An estimated 90,000 students, faculty and staff took part in simultaneous earthquake drills ordered by Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay Jr. in all public schools in the city. The drill was conducted by Dep-Ed Makati, in coordination with the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management City Council (MDRRMC), in 28 elementary and 10 high schools. Binay had directed the DepEd-Makati officials to prioritize the conduct of preparedness drills for students...
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04Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has clarified that the P8.2-billion Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Road Transportation IT Infrastructure Project has not yet been awarded to any of the bidders that participated in the opening of the bid documents last Monday. In a statement, the DOTC said that the opening of bids was only a part of the process before a new system provider is appointed. Only the lowest bidder was announced in the open and tran...
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01Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 1 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) through the PNP Finance Service (PNPFS) has set new procedures to better serve pensioners. In a release, PNPFS chief Rolando A. Purugganan said that effective next month, all PNP and Integrated National Police (INP) pension checks, specifically those from National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 4A (Calabarzon) will be forwarded to their respective Regional Finance Service Offices for its orderly distribution. “This is part of...
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29Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 29 (PIA) -- The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has again been chosen as the National Capital Region Best Police District for 2012. QCPD Director Mario De La Vega led the district's men and women in uniform in receiving the award in a simple ceremony at Camp Crame. QCPD had been awarded the same honor for four consecutive years (2006 to 2009) and in 2011 by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). The Best Police District award criteria is based on the district'...
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06Jul2012MARIKINA CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday vowed his administration's full support for "Project NOAH," a Filipino-made geohazard mapping tool for disaster and risk mitigation. The President assured the public that before the end of 2013, government will have installed no less than 600 automatic rain gauges and 400 water level monitoring station along 18 major river channels across the country, that include the Marikina River, Cagayan de Oro River and Iligan River, ...
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18Oct2012MAKATI CITY, Oct 18 (PIA) -- The local government has won the 2012 "Gawad Pamana ng Lahi" award for the City Category after obtaining an overall performance rating of 85.50 points. The award, given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government at the regional level, comes with a P2 million cash incentive and a glass trophy for Makati, and elevates the city to a higher level of performance with its scaled-up criteria more stringent than that of the 2011 Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping ...
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19Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said on Thursday that at least 90 percent of the provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide have become more transparent during the past year. Robredo said that 1,551 of the 1,713 local government units (LGUs) have complied with the Full Disclosure Policy which requires local governments to post their budget and other financial transactions in websites, newspapers of general circulation and conspicuou...
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26Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -– Buo ang paniwala ni Defense spokesman Peter Galvez na magkakaroon ng mapayapa at diplomatikong solusyon sa usapin ng Scarborough Shoal. Sinabi ito ni Galvez sa Talking Point Radio Show na napapakinggan sa DZRB Radyo ng Bayan (738 kHz) at tinataguyod ng Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) at Philippines News Agency (PNA). “Hindi lamang sa usapang teritoryal ang pagbabasehan ng relasyon ng Pilipinas at Tsina...
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05Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 5 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepED), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and other government offices and agencies, through their officials, have pledged their continued support in uplifting and protecting human rights in the country at the "Solidarity Bike-Run for Human Rights" program yesterday. The event also served as the kick-off for the Nationa...
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10Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will continue to implement programs geared towards the reduction of carbon emissions and climate change mitigation as a way of dealing with extreme weather events and other impacts of global warming. Environment Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said addressing climate change remains a top priority of the department considering that the Philippines is among the countries in the world most vulnerable to this global ...
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03Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, USA held an overseas absentee voting (OAV) registration at Jollibee Restaurant in Daly City on August 25. Eighteen Filipinos took part in the OAV registration including Esmenio Martinez, a 73-year-old Filipino. Consul General Marciano A. Paynor Jr. commended Martinez for going out of his way to register for the 2013 Senatorial and Party-List representative election. “We hope that Mr. Martinez’ example would in...
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16Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) has partnered with web search engine Google to further innovate education in the Philippines. CEAP entered into a formal agreement with Google to provide free access of Google Apps for Education to all 1,345 member-schools through an internal email system among its administrators, teachers and students. Janet Yoon, head of Google Apps Supporting Program for the Philippines (GASP) said Google commits to pro...
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25May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment in cooperation with its partner agencies under the umbrella of Cabinet-level Human Development and Poverty Reduction cluster hold a two-day National Career Advocacy Congress (NCAC) that started yesterday at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. The gathering, aimed at formulating concrete measures to address the lingering issue on jobs and skills mismatch and further strengthening youth employability in the country is being attended by cl...
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24May2012MANILA, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo today ordered the removal from service of six members of the Taytay, Rizal Philippine National Police (PNP) traffic enforcement unit for allegedly mulcting money from jeepney and FX taxi drivers plying the Tikling, Taytay, Rizal route. Administrative charges will also be filed against the said personnel. A statement posted on the DILG website said those relieved, facing charges and will ...
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27Nov2012MARIKINA CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched the bike lanes today in the city. The 3.92-kilometer bike lane starts in front of SM City in Marikina up to Mc Donald’s area along Marcos Highway. It aims to encourage the public to use bicycles instead of vehicles at the same time, promote a more eco-friendly mode of transport. In a statement, Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman thanked MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino ...
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21Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Sec. Mar Roxas said that DOTC will purchase new vessels and search and rescue equipments to boost Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) disaster response capability. “In line with the government’s Kayo ang Boss advocacy, we want to upgrade the PCG’s rescue and relief capability to a level where they can protect our sea lanes and flooded areas when the rainy season comes,&...
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27Nov2012Roxas hails civil society's role in budget reform preparation MANILA, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has lauded leaders of civil society groups who have taken an active part in the preparation of the national budget to ensure that the country’s resources are maximized to the fullest and are able to meet the most basic needs of the people. In his keynote during the 5th Congress of the Caucus of Development NGO Network or CODE-NGO at the Ateneo de Manila Uni...
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14Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will intensify its collection of fees to continuously finance the modernization program of the fire bureau. BFP officer-in-charge C/Supt. Ruben Bearis Jr., has directed all BFP regional directors to adopt measures to increase the Fire Code fees collection within their respective areas of jurisdiction. “We still need more fire trucks and firefighting gear and equipment for our personnel,” Bearis said in a statement. Since ...
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11Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 11 (PIA) -- QUEZON CITY, October 10 (PIA) - - Senior citizens from the different local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila (MM) brought happiness to older persons currently sheltered in institutions when they simultaneously paid them a visit last Saturday (October 6). LGU delegates and representatives of the Senior Citizens Association of Philippines (FSCAP) in Metro Manila visited more than 1,200 visitor-less, sick and indigent older persons during the activity dubbed “D...
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28Nov2012MANILA, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications said that it has bid out in an open and transparent procurement process, the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Road Transportation IT Infrastructure Project worth P8.2 billion. In a statement, the DOTC said that five out of the nine companies that purchased bid documents participated in the procurement process. The DOTC said that Digitext Asia Corp. has won the bidding after putting up a bid of P3.8 billion, the lo...
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07Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 7 (PIA) -- Headline inflation rate in October 2012 slowed down to 3.1 percent from 3.6 percent in September bringing average inflation in the first three quarters at the low-end of government’s target. This is due to cheaper prices of agriculture and fish products, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said in its latest report. Inflation rate is the percent increase in the prices of goods and services commonly purchased by households, as measured by the C...
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11Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine Association for Teacher Education, led by its president, Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, will hold its 41st Annual Convention and 2nd International Philippine Association for Teacher Education Convention at the city sports club, Cebu City, on October 17-19. In a statement, Philippine Association for Teacher Education (Pafte) said the theme of the convention is Revolutionizing Teaching and Learning for Global Education through Research. Dr. Nap Imperial, Deputy...
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18May2012MAKATI CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- Some 97,000 indigent Makati residents plus their dependents will continue to enjoy access to health care anywhere in the country, a statement posted on the city's website said. This, after a new agreement was forged between the city government headed by Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) led by its president and CEO Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon. Under the Partial Subsidy Scheme provided in the Memorandum of Agreement ...
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13Apr2012MANILA, April 13 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Thursday bared that a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage and at least 10 witnesses may provide clues to the identities of the suspects in the almost simultaneous twin bomb explosions that injured three persons in El-Nido and Puerto Princesa City on Maundy Thursday. The DILG chief made the disclosure based on reports furnished him by Palawan police and local officials who are now closely working ha...
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30Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines recently welcomed its first female judge advocate general, Colonel Marian C. Aleido, from the Judge Advocate General Service (JAGS). In a statement, AFP Chief of Staff General Jessie D. Dellosa said, “The AFP welcomes Col. Aleido as its first female Judge Advocate General. Her service to the military embodied by her outstanding roster of works as military lawyer is met with great expectations from our part, in terms of furthe...
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25Mar2012MANILA, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- The Philippines stand to earn some P47 billion in carbon trading revenues from its enchanced nationwide coconut production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement. The DA said the coconut tree has the capability to sequester carbon dioxide in the atmoshphere, one of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) experts identified as driving climate change. Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala cited studies showing that a hectare of coconut land can sequester s...
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11Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 11 (PIA) - - A strengthened, more organized, and systematic airport interdiction operations was mutually agreed on by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The agreement was made by heads of the agencies when PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac Jr. called on BOC Commissioner Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon on November 8. In PDEA’s press statement, Cacdac said, “The successful arrests of drug couriers who attempted to ...
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03Feb2012MANDALUYONG, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- A 12-day fun-filled activities has been lined up to mark the 67th liberation and 18th cityhood of Mandaluyong, the “Tiger City.” The city, once a municipality, was liberated from the Japanese by the American forces on Feb. 9, 1945. Forty-nine years after its liberation from the Japanese, Mandaluyong has been converted into a highly urbanized city by virtue of Republic Act 7675. “While we look at our historic past with great pride, we also...
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19Mar2012VALENZUELA CITY, March 19 (PIA) -- The newly inaugurated Crime Laboratory Satellite Office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is propping up the Valenzuela City – Scene of the Crime Operatives in (SOCO) in tracking down perpetrators of complex crimes. The SOCO office, which will serve as the satellite office for the Northern Police District (NPD) or the whole CAMANAVA area, is equipped with advanced forensic tools provided by the City Government. The facility will be...
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22Apr2012LAS PIÑAS, April 22 (PIA) -- Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel Aguilar recently led barangay officials and green volunteers in a series of clean-up activities this summer. Aguilar said the clean-up activities in water ways and tributaries of wastes are being done in preparation for the onset of rainy season to prevent flooding. “We have launched our No Plastic Campaign and declared war against all forms of destructive environmental practices as our contribution to save Mother Earth,” Aguilar...
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19Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded the 2011 National Best PESO Award- Highly Urbanized Category to the Quezon City (QC) Public Employment Service Office (PESO) during the 12th National PESO Congress in Baguio City. The event was attended by more than 500 PESO managers and employees at the Baguio Country Club last October 11. Those who graced the National PESO Congress were Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Chairman of the...
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01May2012QUEZON CITY, May 1 (PIA) – As the nation observes Labor Day, members of the Philippine National Police were reminded to observe ‘maximum tolerance.’ PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome earlier directed all units to observe maximum tolerance to ensure no untoward incident will occur during the annual observance. According to PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., police personnel will be deployed for crime prevention and control as hundreds of protesters are expected in som...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- Amid threats of the passage of a bill in the United States that discourages firms from outsourcing overseas, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is enhancing its Training Regulations (TR) in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. This is to make potential call center and other BPO workers more competitive, efficient and attuned to the demands of the times. TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said that while he b...
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20Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) secretary Enrique Ona said that there is an urgent need to pass the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill to ensure the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) set by the United Nations for developing countries, according to a release by DOH. “Reducing maternal deaths and meeting our MDG requires critical legislation to address structural barriers to universal health care. Hence, we need to pass the Reproductive Health Bill now, ame...
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20Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- The Aquino Administration has tasked the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for a major role to help out in attaining rice self-sufficiency by 2013 by setting up new irrigation facilities. It is anchored on the Food Staples Self-Sufficiency Program (FSSP) of the Department of Agriculture. With the Philippines' total irrigable area of 3.126 Million hectares (ha), 50.11 % or 1.567M has been developed for irrigation: 783,457 ha for the national irrigation sys...
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27Nov2012Makati ups monthly allowance of state workers MAKATI CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The local government has approved four ordinances enacted by the City Council granting a P500-increase in the monthly allowances being given to national government personnel serving in the city, including teachers, policemen, firemen and jail guards. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, who signed said measures, said the additional allowance, which would have taken effect on October 1, 2012, was meant a...
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13May2012MAKATI CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- Twenty-five beautiful and talented women are vying for the title of Miss Makati 2012 in this year’s month-long celebration of the city’s 342nd anniversary culminating on June 1, the Foundation Day of the country’s premier financial district. In a statement, Mayor Erwin Jejomar S. Binay said that other than being titleholder, Miss Makati 2012 will serve as an ambassador of goodwill to national and international sectors, helping in the promotion of the city as t...
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28Jan2012MAKATI CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- The local government will be accepting applicants starting February 13 for its annual summer youth program dubbed Sports, Music, Arts and Recreational Training (SMART) at the Office of Councilor Ferdinand Eusebio at the 18th Floor of Makati City Hall. According to Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, the program can accommodate--on a first come, first serve basis--up to 3,000 young residents who wish to make their summer vacation worthwhile. “The SM...
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02Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is proposing a $627-million or P26.247-billion medium-term nationwide rural development program, called the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), a statement said. The DA said the nationwide rural development program will initially cover six regions (4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7 and 8) in Luzon and Visayas, and all provinces covered under the current Mindanao Rural Development Program Phase 2 (MRDP2). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala ...
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03Apr2012TAGUIG CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- Compliance to the department circular (DC) issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) addressing the power problem in Mindanao caused the rate of power outage incidence in the area to drop. This, after electric cooperatives who complied with the DC have contracted energy supply from power plants. The DC also aims to make use of embedded generation units of private utilities and firms to be able to lessen their withdrawal of power from the grid: in this way, these uti...
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26Apr2012MANILA, April 25(PIA) -- The Manila government has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ABS-CBN, allowing ABS-CBN foundation to manage the Paco Market for a period of ten years. The century-old Paco Market, which used to be a cultural landmark, has become one of the largest sources of pollution in Estero de Paco in recent years. Soon, it will be transformed into a prime tourist destination and a model for environmental operations, after the rehabilitation of the market and its surro...
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18Apr2012QUEZON CITY, APRIL 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has identified Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist as a mission-critical skill (MCS). A CNC machinist is specially trained to program, operate, and maintain CNC equipment. He or she uses expert knowledge to set up machines that are capable of cutting, bending, forming, and polishing raw metal into finished parts and tools. To retain workers with such skill, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz recent...
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13May2012QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles over the weekend assured civil society organizations (CSOs) and representing Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities that IP rights will be upheld and protected in the peace negotiations. Deles said in a press statement sent to the Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) that she consulted CSO representatives on the ongoing talks and delivered updates on the peace tracks. The Off...
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07Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 7 (PIA) - - Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Alicia R. Bala was appointed Deputy Secretary General of the Asean Secretariat. She will serve the Asean post on secondment status for three years effective September 8, 2012 until September 7, 2015. Bala was chosen because of her extensive knowledge and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly children, through leadership, advocacy, policy and program development, ...
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27Jun2012PASIG CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will be conducting a simultaneous earthquake-fire drill for public schools on Friday, June 29. This is part of the government’s continuing efforts in enhancing the nation’s capability in disaster prevention, management, and response In the National Capital Region, Pasig Central Elementary School in Barangay San Nicolas, Pasig City will host the ceremonial drill. With more than four thousand...
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06Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to honor the country’s top rice-producing provinces, cities, towns, irrigators’ associations (IAs), and outstanding agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in the first-ever 2011 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards. The event, dubbed as ‘Parangal sa mga Bosing ng Palayan,’ will be held on February 10 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), in Pasay City. Ag...
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11Mar2012MANILA, Mar. 11 (PIA) -- The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) performed better than expected in 2011 as it embarked on several programs that cut across its three major mandates composed of planning, regulation and adjudication, a statement posted on its website (www.hlurb.gov.ph) said. The HLURB, the government’s principal body for land use and housing development, is one of six Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs) under the aegis of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinat...
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05Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 5 (PIA) -- Foodies will savor the taste of an all-Filipino menu when they go restaurant hopping in Metro Manila during the 10-day celebration of the 114th Philippine Independence Day on June 10-20. Dubbed “Kulinarya Kalayaan (Freedom Cuisine)," this Philippine Food Festival will feature a sumptuous array of Filipino food that were believed to have been regarded as some of the favorite dishes of our national heroes like Dr. Jose Rizal, Gat Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini,...
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03Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP), in cooperation with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), plan to reforest the countryside with 10 million trees. This, after both agencies jumpstarted their nationwide PNP-initiated greening project dubbed “Pulis Makakalikasan: Sampung Milyong Puno Pamana sa Kinabukasan” through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed recently. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and PNP Chief Directo...
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25Mar2012MANILA, March 25 (PIA) -- After inspecting business establishments on their compliance with fire safety standards, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will now also focus on the home inspection of fire-prone residential areas nationwide to reduce structural fire incidents. In a report to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, BFP officer-in-charge CSupt. Samuel R. Perez said he directed all regional directors, provincial, city and municipal fire marshals to intensify the conduc...
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19Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The National Youth Commission (NYC) called on legislators to ensure that the Sin Tax Law that will be passed by Congress will dramatically increase prices of cigarettes to discourage young people from smoking. In a press statement, NYC Commissioner Perci Cendaña said that if the Sin Tax Law will not result in higher cost of cigarettes then it defeats the intent of making cigarettes inaccessible to young people. Commissioner Cendaña predicts that an insignificant ...
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11Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Health Center for Health Development-National Capital Region (DOH CHD- NCR) is exerting all efforts to prevent the increase of leptospirosis cases in the National Capital Region (NCR). Last Thursday, CHD-NCR regional director Eduardo Janairo led the distribution of doxycycline capsules and rubber boots and raincoats to all local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to help in the prevention of leptospirosis in evacuation centers. “We have to...
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29Mar2012MANILA, Mar. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) continues to rehabilitate Manila Bay through its One Day One Bay Metro-wide Waterways Clean-up campaign. DILG-NCR director Renato L. Brion said the campaign, which is conducted monthly every second and fourth Saturday of the month, targets various creeks, esteros and rivers in the entire Metro Manila. The campaign resulted in a number of simultaneous clean-up activities which involv...
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21Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- The World Water Day (WWD) celebration in the country will be highlighted by an attempt to create the largest human water drop formation, a variety show and a national water summit. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Ramon J. P. Paje said the celebration on March 22 will center on the theme, “Katiyakan sa Tubig, Katiyakan sa Pagkain,” a localized adaptation of the international theme “Water and Food Securit...
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03Nov2012QUEZON CITY, November 3 (PIA) - Marine turtles are now assured of a safe haven along the coasts of Carmen, Agusan del Norte which has been declared as a critical habitat by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2012-08 has designated a 5,756-hectare (57.56 square kilometer) area spanning the five barangays of Vinapor, Gosoon, San Agustin, Cahayagan and Tagcatong as the “Carmen Critical Habitat” for marine turtles. DENR Secretary Ram...
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27Sep2012QUEZON CITY, SEPT. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) created an administrative complaints committee to serve as a deterrent from graft and corruption after the results of the Social Weather Stations’ 2012 Survey of Enterprises which noted the much improved progress of the fight against corruption since 2009. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz signed Administrative Order No. 313, Series of 2012, creating an Administrative Complaints Committee (ACC) which will initially eval...
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26Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has warned hackers who have been defacing government websites and other security sensitive websites. “The rash of defaced foreign websites allegedly carried out by local hacker groups is neither sanctioned nor condoned by the Philippine Government, and must be stopped at the soonest,” said officials of Department of Science and Technology’s Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO). “We un...
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31Jul2012QUEZON CITY, JULY 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will open at least 14 mall-based passport offices in Metro Manila and other parts of the country before the year ends. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said this during the inauguration of the new DFA consular office at the Marquee Mall in Angeles City, the third mall-based consular facility in the country. In a statement, del Rosario said this was the result of the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangemen...
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10Jan2013MANILA, Jan 10 (PIA) - - More than 30,000 former Filipinos reacquired their Philippine citizenship under the so-called dual citizenship law, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reports. BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said that in 2012, the Bureau processed a total of 30,362 applications for dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003. Under said law, natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of other countries are deemed not ...
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12Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- The country’s agriculture sector has a total value of P956 billion at current prices, as it grew by 1.93 percent during the first nine months of the year, the Department of Agriculture said. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the modest growth was led by the crops, livestock and poultry subsectors, citing estimates by the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), during a media briefing at the sidelines of the 9th National Organic...
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06Jul2012MARIKINA CITY, July 6 (PIA) –- President Benigno S. Aquino III will grace the Project NOAH launch today, July 6 at the Nangka Del Covered Court in Balubad Settlement Phase II, Brgy. Nangka. NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards is a pilot project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) according to a statement sent by the Marikina local government to PIA-NCR. The city has been using the two-month old project as it provides more information on weather and floodi...
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04May2012MANILA, May 4 (PIA) -- To further motivate local governments to put disaster preparedness on top of their priority development agenda, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has launched the Seal of Disaster Preparedness for Floods (SDP) which aims to recognize the performance and efforts of local governments in institutionalizing disaster preparedness for floods. In a statement posted on the DILG website, Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said the Seal shall be conferred to...
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05Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture plans to increase investments in non-traditional coconut products for export like coconut water and virgin coconut oil (VCO). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is proposing a P1.75-billion budget for 2013, which is 47 percent more than this year’s budget of P1.2 billion. “We will devise and implement strategies to take advantage of the growing export demand on coco water, VCO and ...
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01May2012QUEZON CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Monday its new program raises the productivity of the country’s labor force. “More jobs, more equipped workers, more businesses, and more income—these are the ultimate aims of MakiBayan, DOST’s solution in raising the productivity of the metals industry in the country,” DOST officials said in an email to the Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region (PIA-NCR). Short for “Makinarya at Teknol...
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02May2012QUEZON CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- Two power projects that will help address the country’s energy supply requirements have been recently approved by the Board of Investments (BOI), aligned with the 2011 Investment Priorities Plan of the government meant to attract investments in key industries to achieve inclusive growth. In a news release, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Adrian Cristobal Jr. said that it is the BOI’s goal to ensure that approved inv...
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20May2012MANILA, May 20 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that domestic liquidity (M3) expanded by 5.6 percent year-on-year in March 2012, slower than the 7.2 percent growth recorded a month earlier to reach P4.5 trillion. On a monthly basis, seasonally-adjusted M3 declined marginally following a growth of 1.1 percent in the previous month, the BSP said. Money supply growth continued to be driven by the sustained increase in net foreign assets (NFA) at 11.8 percent in March. The ...
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26Mar2012MANILA, March 26 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo cited the unrelenting efforts of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in going after carjacking syndicates which resulted to a significant 63 percent decrease in carnapping incidents in February this year. Citing the report submitted by PNP-HPG Director, P/Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, Robredo said only 47 carnapping incidents transpired in February this year, which is 63 percent or 80 in...
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01Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture has beefed up its support for the Philippine dairy sector through the placement of proper technologies and intervention. In a statement, Agriculture chief Proceso J. Alcala has urged all DA line agencies to patronize local milk and other products derived from it to help increase demand for the produce. Alcala said that developing the local dairy industry is one of the government’s strategies to help reduce poverty in the country. ...
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18Jul2012MANILA, July 18 (PIA) -- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) assured all its overseas Filipino worker (OFW) members that they have been and will continue to be covered by the agency. In a press statement, PhilHealth president and CEO Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon assured OFW members that availment of their PhilHealth benefits, "have not been stopped nor compromised." "We assure all our OFW-members that they have been and will continue to be covered by PhilHealth," Banzon said. The Ph...
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09Sep2012Maynilad's website was down and I wasn't able to find a similar story elsewhere. :( Na-edit na din to (just in case) QUEZON CITY, Sept 8 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc., in partnership with the Parañaque City Government, joined hands to paint new houses for informal settlers residing along the Parañaque River. In a statement, Maynilad said the housing project led by Rotary Homes Paranaque Foundation, Inc. District 3830 aims to build 1,500 units in the 4.2 hectares government-own...
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27Sep2012MANILA, Sept 27 (PIA) -- On October 4, the National Museum will officially declare the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City, as well as the liturgical objects inside the church, as National Cultural Treasures. In a release, Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, OP, director of the Institute of Preaching, said the occasion will coincide with the traditional enthronement ceremonies of the canonical image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, La Naval de Manila. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of th...
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16Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) has deployed a mobile water treatment unit that will provide purified drinking water to people in evacuation centers in Metro Manila. Dr. Eduardo Janairo, DOH-NCR regional director said the unit is deployed in Malabon to provide purified water to affected families in evacuation centers. It will then be transferred to other affected areas once there is enough supply of potable water in the area for consumpt...
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04Jul2012MANILA, July 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has allotted P93.8 million to improve several ports in the country in anticipation of increased commercial shipping activities. In a statement posted on its website, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said the Aquino administration will rehabilitate and expand the sea ports in Corcuera, Romblon; Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, and Pili—all in Albay; Palid, Zamboanga Sibugay; Melga, Dinagat Island; and...
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16Jul2012MANILA, July 16 (PIA) -- Road widening activities of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in some parts of Manila will begin today, July 16. In a statement, DPWH’s Urban Road Projects Office – Project Management Office said it will start road widening activities along A.H. Lacson St. (formerly Gov. Forbes St.) for the C2-R7 (Lacson-España) Interchange Project. The DPWH advised motorist and the public to take the following alternate routes to avoid traffic inconveniences: So...
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09May2012MAKATI CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- The local government has lauded a local public high school student who will be part of the nine-member team that will represent the country at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA on May 13-18, 2012. In a statement posted on its website, it was said that Clint Allen Margallo, a fourth year student of Pitogo National High School, made it to the Philippine team after his entry won first place in the Natio...
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14Feb2012Dangwa Flower Market, also known as the Bulaklakan ng Maynila (Flower Market of Manila) is the place to visit for the freshest and cheapest flowers produced by ornamental growers all over the country and abroad all year round. Located in the Dos Castillas Street and Laong-Laan Street Sampaloc, Manila and adjacent to Dangwa Bus Terminal where it got its name According to some flower traders of Dangwa, in 1976 when the markets was said to have started; traders and...
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10May2012QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Wednesday that fishing activities can go on at Scarborough Shoal, off Masinloc, Zambales. Gazmin said this during the Defense Press Corps (DPC) Forum at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The Defense Secretary also denied earlier reports that Chinese are barring Filipino fishermen from fishing in the area. Gazmin said their agency communicated with Philippine Coast Guard chief Admiral Edmund Tan. Meanwhile, Gazmin said the DND has...
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12Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Roberdo has called on all punong barangays of the country to conduct disaster awareness and response campaign in their respective communities, following last Monday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas particularly Negros Oriental. In a statement posted on the DILG website (www.dilg.gov.ph), it said that Robredo made the call in a speech at the 2nd general assembly and Nati...
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11Apr2012MANILA, April 11 (PIA) -- To further strengthen its network and better serve its client base in the province of Sarangani, the Land Bank of the Philippines recently relocated its Alabel branch to a more spacious facility at the Provincial Capitol Complex of Sarangani, a statement said. Land Bank first established its presence in Alabel in 1996 with its first branch at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium. Among the major clients of the branch are the local government of Alabel, the provincial gover...
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19Apr2012QUEZON CITY, APRIL 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Health reminded the public to practice a healthy lifestyle to prevent the risk of having colorectal cancer. In a news release, Health Secretary Enrique Ona revealed that colorectal cancer affected approximately 5,787 Filipinos in 2010 alone. He added that the disease is more common in developing countries and in people aged 50 years and above. Ona said risk factors to the disease are both controllable and uncontrollable. Uncontrollable risk fact...
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01Apr2012MARIKINA, Apr. 1 (PIA) -- In observance of Holy Week, the city government of Marikina will hold its 4th Christian Festival from April 2 to 8. The 4th Christian Festival dubbed “Transforming Marikina City thru God’s Word” aims to gather Christians from all-over the city and commemorate the Lenten season. “This Christian festival aims to bring the residents of Marikina together with the same goal of honoring Jesus Christ and understanding what He went through for mankind’s salvation,...
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05Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 5 (PIA) -- Many schoolchildren in Quezon City, Navotas City, Pateros, and other parts of Metro Manila as well went to public elementary and secondary schools soaking wet due to rainshowers, reports reaching the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City said. The rains stopped towards early afternoon yesterday making it comfortable for many students. DepEd said in a press release that it has almost met all the requirements to ensure that Filipino students to...
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08Apr2012MANILA, April 8 (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is on the lookout for young (ages 17-25) summer interns to work in various MMDA divisions, in line with the agency's Special Program for the Education of Students (SPES). "We are doing this because we want the students to learn how to appreciate what MMDA has done and is doing," MMDA chairman Francis N. Tolentino said. "Government service is difficult. People will always question the motives of government servants. B...
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04Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 4 (PIA) -- In connection with the Grand Procession of the Black Nazarene on its feast day on January 9 MMDA issues the following traffic advisory: The Grand Procession will start in Quirino Grandstand (Luneta) at about 7 a.m. onwards. ROUTE: From Quirino Grandstand (Luneta), right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos,left Taft Ave.(P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge,right Palanca,thru under Quezon Bridge,left Quezon Blvd.,right Fraternal,right Vergara,left Duque de Alba,left Castillejos,...
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05May2012QUEZON CITY, May 5 (PIA) –- The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will soon collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to come up with a study on how to improve bridges in the country. In a release, DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said the study will result in high durability of bridges as well as safety against large-scale earthquakes. “This will keep DPWH construction standards and methodology for seismic design of bridges updated and further enha...
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07Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Aquino administration is working to provide much needed relief for the affected families in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley who were badly hit by Typhoon “Pablo” (international name Bopha). In a statement, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said the government's immediate goal is to send aid to the isolated coastal municipalities of Boston, Cateel, and Baganga in Davao Oriental and New Bataan in Compostela Valley. “Damage from Typhoon Pabl...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- High school students from Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. (DYCI) were recently requested by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino to build a robot traffic enforcer that could detect traffic violations without human interventions. The DYCI high school team composed of Romyr Gimeno, Chelsea Morales, Alexandra Mae Guevarra, Claire Receli Renosa and coach Beryl Cruz of Bocaue, Bulacan was honored during last Monday morning ...
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05Sep2012MARIKINA CITY, Sept 5 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina through the City Environmental Management Office (CEMO) mandates all city government officials and employees to lead the residents and business establishments in regulating the use of plastics and totally banning the use of styrofoam in the city. In a release, Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman issued Executive Order No. 15, Series of 2012 on July 30 which prohibits the use of disposables made of plastic and/or styrofoam in all governmen...
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04Mar2012MANILA, March 4 (PIA) -- To respond to the learning needs of children with learning disabilities or giftedness, the Department of Education (DepEd) has recognized the winners of the 2011 National Search for Outstanding Special Education (SPED) teachers and SPED centers across the country. In a statement, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said that teachers play a very important role in making Education For All (EFA) a reality, especially for children with special needs. “Inclusive...
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02Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 2 (PIA) - In a bid to fight dengue , the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said in a press release Friday it is distributing more than 435,000 Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Traps to public elementary and secondary schools nationwide before the rainy season comes. “DOST will provide OL Trap kits to every public school classroom all over the country,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said in the press release. “OL Traps prevent the larvae from maturing into dengue-carryi...
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14Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo has signed DOTC-DTI Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 1, Series of 2012, otherwise known as the Air Passenger Bill of Rights. The JAO was approved after three public hearings conducted by the two departments, the last of which was held on December 3, 2012. These were attended by various stakeholders, in...
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06Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Metro commuters are assured that to lessen traffic in city streets, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will stop road diggings, temporarily. Effective midnight of Dec. 10 until midnight of Jan. 4, 2013, the MMDA is suspending all diggings and excavations in all Metro Manila road right-of-way in anticipation of an increase in vehicular volume and pedestrian traffic during the Christmas season. In a statement, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the tempor...
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19Mar2012QUEZON CITY, Mach 19 (PIA) -- Recognizing the health and safety issues associated with Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) is now promoting programs that will ensure the health and safety of workers in the industry. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a news release that while the rapid growth of the business process outsourcing industry has created significant employment opportunities, the government also recognizes th...
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14Mar2012MANILA, March 14 (PIA) -- The Philippines may soon make use some of the Japanese latest techniques in future roads and bridge construction projects. Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that they are opening their doors to new technology that may aid in upgrading the quality of our infrastructure to boost the nation's economic growth. In a release, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the largest provider of bilateral Official Development Assist...
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03Apr2012MANILA, April 3 (PIA) -- To better prepare building occupants on what they should do in case of fire, the Pasay City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recently conducted a surprise fire drill on two buildings that are primarily being occupied and rented by call center companies at the Mall of Asia Complex in the city. In a report to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, Pasay City Fire Marshal C/Insp. Douglas Guiyab said he sent a team to spearhead the fire and earthquake dril...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) – Philippine and Lebanese labor officials Thursday signed two landmark agreements that may soon lead to the lifting of the deployment ban of Filipino workers in the country. Philippine Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Lebanese Labor Minister Charbel Nahaz signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Labor Cooperation and the accompanying protocol. The MOU guarantees more protection and welfare for overseas Filipino workers, especially household ...
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05Mar2012MANILA, March 5 (PIA) -- With two new utility boats and now, new anti-terror equipment, the Philippine Coast Guard sees a stronger maritime security. Philippine Coast Guard chief Vice Admiral Edmund C. Tan said the new anti-terror equipment composed of bullet proof vests, vest carrier, plates, ballistic helmets and visors will be used by the PCG’s Special Operations Group-Anti Terrorist Unit. “The new protective gears will add safety measures to the pr...
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23Apr2012MANILA, APRIL 23 (PIA)--The Department of Labor & Employment gears up for the holding of nationwide Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fair to be held on May at World Trade Center, Pasay City. In Metro Manila, some 100,000 jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities will be offered by nearly 300 employers. In a news release, Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the activity is open to all jobseekers, new graduates, returning and displaced OFWs, and other interested Filipinos. Baldoz said t...
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10May2012MANILA, May 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communication will open up bidding in May for the P500-million airport x-ray screening and security equipment project, a statement said on the DOTC website. According to Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas, the project aims to improve security in different airports in the country with commercial flights by installing, upgrading and properly layering security screening of passengers. “We would immediately be putting up notices for bi...
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07Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- As part of the continuous upgrading of the air quality monitoring in Metro Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) opens its fourth air quality monitoring station at the grounds of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in EDSA. The installation of real time ambient air quality monitoring equipment forms part of the priority programs of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, who aims to bring down concentrations...
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12Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 12 (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will conduct Oplan Metro Yakal today through an extensive earthquake drill and disaster response training of around 4,000 MMDA employees and volunteers at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino leads the training of some 3,000 MMDA personnel and 1,000 volunteers from different barangays in the metropolis. “This is a practice drill to prepare everybody on wha...
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25Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has embarked on a project to produce ‘Basmati’ rice, an aromatic, long-grain variety indigenous to India and Pakistan for possible export to Middle Eastern countries. In a statement posted on the DA website, it said that Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala last week approved the proposal of DA national rice program coordinator Assistant Secretary Dante S. Delima to conduct regional evaluation and on-farm production trials...
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19Nov2012MANILA, Nov. 19 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has identified 15 provinces in the priority watch list of the Philippine National Police where there could be violence during the upcoming 2013 midterm elections. In a statement, Roxas said the police have also identified 60 active private armed groups (PAGs) and another 47 with potential to become PAGs that could be utilized by politicians to harass and intimidate voters during the May 13 polls. Roxas made the disclos...
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06Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- Tiniyak ng National Telecomunications Commission (NTC) na handa nitong tugunan ang reklamo ng publiko hinggil sa nawawalang load balance ng mga prepaid mobile phone subscribers. Sa programang Talking Points na ginanap sa Philippine Information Agency, sinabi ni Common Carriers Authorization Department Director Edgardo V. Cabarios na maaaring idulog ang reklamo sa One Stop Public Assistance Center ng NTC (02) 926-7722 / 436-7722 o kaya ay mag-email sa ospac@ntc....
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17Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said Tuesday it is putting up solar-powered plants in agrarian reform areas nationwide as part of the Aquino administration’s effort to provide cheaper and cleaner electricity in the countryside. DAR also said it is offering an attractive rental package to a number of agrarian reform beneficiaries, who are willing to lease out their farms in areas where solar-powered plants could be built. Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil...
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18May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 18 (PIA) --The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) honored the 17 million informal sector workers during a separate Labor Day celebration for informal workers. The celebration was held May 15 at the Inchikawa Hall of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in Diliman, Quezon City with the theme: "Jobs and Social Protection for All: Making the President's Social Contract with the Filipino People Work for the Workers in the Informal Economy.” In a news release, La...
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23May2012QUEZON CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) is set to confer the “Gawad KALASAG 2012” for outstanding rescue workers and humanitarian personnel who showed extraordinary feats in times of disaster and other emergency situations throughout the country. Gawad KALASAG stands for KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan or Fight for Calamity and Accidents, Self Excellence for safety. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in a ...
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03Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) now serves at least 1.6 million pensioners in its roster, the pension fund said recently. According to SSS Pensions Administration head Rita Baloy, with these many pensioners, the agency is now requiring them to validate their eligibility by reporting to their depository banks or any of the pension fund’s branches nationwide to continue to receive pensions. Baloy said the change in the Annual Confirmation of Pension...
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06Jul2011MANILA, July 6 (PIA) -- Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have been ordered to tightly screen Filipino tourists bound for abroad especially Bahrain following reports that many of them end up becoming undocumented contract workers in the Middle East country. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. issued the order after the Philippine embassy in Bahrain alerted the bureau about the practice of many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who ...
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15Jul2012MAKÄTÏ CITY, July 15 (PIA) -- The city-owned University of Makati (UMak) has opened its Center of Pharmacy, the first of its kind in the country, under the College of Allied Health Studies (COAHS) for school year 2012-2013 to address the growing demand for pharmacists, a statement said on the city's website. University president Tomas Lopez said the Center of Pharmacy offers a six-year ladderized program consisting of the following two-year courses: Associate of Applied Science in Pharmaceut...
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14Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 14 (PIA)--The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) warned jobseekers against fake recruitment e-mails. Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said an e-mail congratulating an applicant for being selected for a specific job he or she did not apply for reeks of a recruitment scam. Cacdac advises jobseekers to think twice before replying to e-mails with the said subject especially those coming from “international companies” they have never heard of be...
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07Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has mobilized the country’s more than 42,000 barangays to lead the implementation of the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) through regular clean-up activities in the communities. An inter-agency cooperation strategy, ABKD is the government’s response to intensify the fight against dengue outbreak in order to reduce dengue cases and control dengue transmission. DILG Secretar...
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28Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- The University of Makati (UMak) continues to set higher standards in tertiary education as 10 of its curricular programs recently received accreditation from the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA). In a statement posted on the city's website (makati.gov.ph), UMak president Tomas B. Lopez said this development was another milestone achievement of the city government in its continuing mission to make the best quality...
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04Nov2012QUEZON CITY, NOV. 4 (PIA)--The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) will launch tomorrow an online appointment system for "balik manggagawa" - to allow overseas Filipino workers (OFW) vacationing in the country to process documents via Internet. POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, in a statement, said the online appointment system is an option for vacationing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to set an appointment with POEA for the processing of their exit clearance or overseas...
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21Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- As part of the government’s campaign for energy conservation and global warming mitigation, the Department of Energy (DOE) through the Energy Utilization Management Bureau will be conducting a “Seminar on Electricity Conservation in Households and Schools” in Valenzuela City on March 22, Thursday. This will be done in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines and the Philippine Information Agency. This i...
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28Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) -- “The forecast of the dry days will be very important to some sectors of the society, particularly those using sun as a means to dry their goods.” So said Dr. Flaviana D. Hilario during the 52nd Climate Outlook forum on Tuesday at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Central office in Quezon City. Hilario acknowledged the need to provide the public with so-called “dry day” ...
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12Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is calling on the public to join in the celebration of October as the Tamaraw Month. “This is one important event that all Filipinos should celebrate for having in our midst an important biodiversity resource that can be found nowhere else in the world, but only in the provinces of Mindoro Occidental and Mindoro Oriental,” Secretary Ramon Paje said in a statement. “Like the Philippine Eagle,” Paje...
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25Mar2012Altough the Philippines' observance of Fire Prevention Month this March would soon come to a close, fire safety will always be an important home and workplace topic throughout the year. While death and injury are the greatest risks and the ones with which most people are familiar, it is important to note that fires also destroy jobs and other livelihoods. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) says that a small fire can grow into a deadly one within one or two minutes. To help prevent a tragedy,...
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03Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday spearheaded the holding of the Philippine Bamboo Congress at the World Trade Center in Pasay City to push for a robust and sustainable bamboo industry by 2016. In a statement, Trade and Industry Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Development Group Merly Cruz said the Congress was organized to increases public awareness on the potentials of bamboo. Cruz added that by maximizing the use of bamboo, the governm...
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24Apr2012MANILA, APRIL 24 (PIA) -- Bureau of Customs has formed a revenue enhancement team that will coordinate with the different ports to ensure implementation of revenue enhancement and protection measures and policies. Task Force on Revenue Enhancements for the Attainment of Collection Targets’ or Task Force REACT was created through Customs Special Order No. 17-2012. Aside from recommending sources of non-traditional revenues, the Task Force is also mandated to recommend the issuances of Letters...
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15Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 15 (PIA) -- Consider courses that will lead to a career in banking and finance. This was the advice given by Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz as part of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) efforts at raising awareness on in-demand occupations and aimed at helping students to make wise career choices. According to Baldoz, workers in the banking and finance services sector earn as much as P15,000 to P40,000 per m...
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10Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- The Government Service Insurance System has announced that its Board of Trustees approved the allocation of P1.8 billion as Christmas Cash Gift for its 219,000 old-age, retirement and disability pensioners who are receiving their regular monthly pensions as of December 15, 2012. “We will credit the cash gift to our pensioners e-Card accounts on or before Christmas Day,” GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said in a statement. Pensioners whose 201...
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08Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) extended over P20-million worth of assistance to farmers, fishers, and local government units in Eastern Samar and Biliran (about 585 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila) in order to increase their productivity and incomes. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala handed over the respective certificates of awards to beneficiaries, during his recent visit, where he also dialogued with farmers, fishers, and local government official...
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28Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) – Six to 12 typhoons are expected to pass through the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) from March to August this year, said the Philippine Atmospheric, geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday. Weather Forecaster Anthony Joseph R. Lucero, during the 52nd Climate Outlook forum, said the weather during these months will be likely sunny with the La Nina phenomenon expected to dissipate sometime within these months. ...
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06May2012MANILA, May 6 (PIA) -- More than five million Red Cross and Red Crescent youth volunteers worldwide will be on the move to lead positive change in celebration of World Red Cross, Red Crescent Day on Tuesday, May 8. According to the Philippine Red Cross, this year's theme dubbed "Youth on the Move" will focus on three areas: help communities better prepare in the face of increasing disasters; address health care in danger or inequitable access to health care; and build a culture of non-violence ...
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29Sep2012MANILA, Sept 29 (PIA) -- The United States Embassy in Manila will recognize four Filipino environmentalists today in recognition of their environmental activism and ingenuity. United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. will lead the event in honoring environmental activists and entrepreneurs who have each made a unique contribution in protecting the environment in the Philippines, a statement from the US Embassy said. The honorees include Candy Reyes, owner-operator of Cor...
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15Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 15 (PIA) -- The Office of the Ombudsman and South Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) have signed an agreement against corruption. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and ACRC Chairperson Young-ran Kim signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Seoul, South Korea on September 7, a statement from the Office of the Ombudsman said. The agreement aims to establish and strengthen cooperation between the two Ombudsman organizations in developing systems...
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02Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 2 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways is doubling its efforts to putmore rainwater collection system (RWCS) units this year. Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson directed its field offices to fast track the construction of rainwater facilities particularly in public schools in far-flung barangays. “We plan to double the number of schools with these facilities this year to address the lack of water supply in sta...
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29Feb2012MARIKINA CITY, Feb. 29 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina is set to hold a Peace and Order Summit on Thursday, March 1 at 8:00 AM at the Marikina Convention Center. Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman said the summit aims to strengthen measures on security, and peace and order in the city. With the theme “Kapayapaan at Kaayusan Ating Itaguyod Tungo sa Tunay na Kaunlaran,” the summit will discuss laws to include Republic Act 9344 or the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare...
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10Mar2012PASAY CITY, March 10 (PIA) -- As part of its continuing service to the people, the Pasay City Government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will be holding another Mega Job Fair on Friday, March 16, 2012 at the 3rd floor of the Pasay City Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More than 50 local and international companies will be joining in this year’s Mega Job Fair. Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto urged jobseekers to take advantage of this opp...
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20Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) announced the nationwide hiring of 3,900 out of school and in-school youths aged 17-20 years old under its Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES). They will be employed by the Golden Arches Development Corporation, the company behind McDonald’s fast-food chain. 1,931 out of the 3, 900 available slots will be deployed to 103 Mc Donald&rs...
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20Jan2012QUEZON CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said that tobacco is not only a major ingredient in the manufacture of cigarettes, but could also be used for sustainable aquaculture practices, which could uplift both farmers’ and fishers’ income through organic methods. In a statement, the agency said this was demonstrated recently during the launching of sustainable aquaculture practices using tobacco dust in the province of La Union by the ...
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09Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 9 (PIA) -- Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Rogelio L. Singson announced recently that construction of the underpass along Quezon Avenue crossing Araneta Avenue (C-3 Road) in Quezon City will be completed soon, ahead of its September deadline. In a news release, the DPWH chief said that based on the report of the DPWH’s Urban Road Projects Office-Project Management Office (URPO-PMO), the said interchange project is now 70 percent complete. The early completion of th...
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28Dec2012MAKATI CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- Traffic in the city will be re-routed starting Dec. 29 until Jan. 1 to give way to the Makati New Year’s Eve Countdown. In a statement, the local government said that both lanes of Ayala Avenue, from Makati Avenue to Herrera Street; and both lanes of Paseo de Roxas, from Dela Rosa Street to Sedeno Street. Likewise, public utility buses will not be allowed to enter Ayala Avenue coming from EDSA or Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue. All passenger buses (PUB) coming from...
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30Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The local government of Quezon City (QC) is now using a file-and-pay approach in new business registration, making it faster for new businesses to get a mayor’s permit. This makes the city one of the few local governments that have been able to connect to the Philippine Business Registry. "Completing a business transaction in the Philippines requires many complex steps over a number of days," the International Finance Corporation (IFC) said in a statement. "But ...
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23Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 23 (PIA) -- The following is the list of monitored price per kiloof select commodities as reported by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics for Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012, in coordination with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). Commodity Specification Wholesale 1_/ (as of February 17, 2012) Retail 2_/ (as of February 21, 2012...
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31Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 31 (PIA) --President Benigno Aquino III highlighted government efforts to eradicate corruption in the country during the 5th International Conference of the Global organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). In his keynote speech, Aquino said that while policy formulation can at times be a complex matter, the overarching idea behind the government’s efforts is simply doing the right thing. The President related the success of the Department of Public Works &...
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10Oct2012MANILA, Oct. 10 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Wednesday announced the designation of Chief Supt. Ruben F. Bearis, Jr., Deputy Chief for Operations, as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Under Department Order 2012-742 dated October 9, 2012, Roxas ordered the designation of Bearis as BFP-OIC in view of the retirement of Fire Director Rolando M. Bandilla on August 20, 2012. Bearis, 53, is a member of the Philippine National Police A...
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27Jun2012QUEZON CITY, JUNE 27 (PIA) -- The Occupational Safety & Health Center (OSHC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is developing an online course on drug-free workplace to enable more to enable more workers to access information on the prevention and control of drug abuse. The on-line version of the Appreciation Course on Drug-Free Workplace is similar to the three-hour classroom training on the same course, and aims to respond to drug abuse problems experienced...
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11Mar2012MANILA, March 11 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said local executives must see to it that training and orientation on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) are organized and conducted at the local level by the disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMC). In a statement, Robredo said local government units should prepare for possible natural hazards, vulnerabilities and climate change risks that could affect their respective a...
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11Oct2012MANILA, Oct 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will hold a simultaneous aptitude battery test for commissionship on October 20, Saturday. The simultaneous exam is in line with PCG's mission and commitment to the West Philippine Sea HRM program for CY-2012 in preparation for the recruitment of 60 officers under the Coast Guard Officer’s Course for this year. The Coast Guard has designated testing centers in Coast Guard Districts Northwestern Luzon, Western Visayas and Northern Mind...
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09Feb2012MANILA, February 9 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo yesterday said the response extended by local chief executives in the earthquake struck areas in Central and Western Visayas had been satisfactory, but they need improvement in assessing and handling landslide-prone areas in their localities. In a statement posted on the agency's website, the DILG chief said this is in response to queries on how concerned LCEs fared in reacting to the 6.9 magnit...
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19Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces (USAF) on Wednesday learned a lot from their Japanese counterparts on a much different level of disaster response following the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on March 2011. Officials of the Japan Self-Defence Force’s (JSDF) Disaster and Response Operations (DRO) shared their experiences during Wednesday’s Balikatan Exercise 2012 (BK12) Senior Leader’s Seminar SLS on Humani...
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17May2012QUEZON CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- A businessman from Quezon City and a member of the Rotary International has asked government, the National Housing Authority (NHA) in particular, to commission his mobile container van home design for poor Filipinos. Entrepreneur Ronald Yap said his “House to Go” storage/container van can be availed by the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps). He also said the House to Go, which is made out of a 20-footer container van, is very affordab...
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12Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 12 (PIA)—It will be “more fun” in the 2013 Aliwan Fiesta as the Department of Tourism (DOT) partners with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) in the holding of the 11th edition of Aliwan Fiesta this April. In a statement, Tourism secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. said that he welcomed this new partnership with MBC adding that Aliwan is one of the highlight tourism activities during the summer month in the National Capital Region (NCR) “There is no doubt Aliwan Fiesta i...
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17Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 17 (PIA) -- Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje advised the public to recycle old electronic gadgets and appliances, instead of throwing them away. This was his reminder which also serves as warning that throwing electronic wastes in the trash causes serious problems to the environment and human health. Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, could have potentially toxic chemicals that can seep into the soil or water supply and escape into the air, posing danger to hu...
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02Apr2012MANILA, April 2 (PIA) -- Even during the Holy Week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will continue apprehending colorum vehicles along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue and other major thoroughfares. In a statement, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said they will not tolerate colorum operations during Holy Week as there are enough legitimate public utility vehicles to ferry commuters. "There will be no letup. In fact, we will intensify our anti-colorum operations during the Holy Week br...
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09May2012QUEZON CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Wednesday lauded various local government officials nationwide for giving full support to the peace talks of the government peace panel with rebel groups, according to a press release by the OPAPP. Local executives expressed approval of the peace talks during a meeting last week with government peace panel member Miriam Coronel Ferrer held last week. “The guidelines of President Benigno C. Aqu...
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10May2012QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a circular reminding DOJ officials and other concerned employees of the proper use of commemorative plates. This is in line with the government’s adherence to good governance, and in upholding the notion that public service is a public trust and not a source of private gains. "Commemorative plates are being used widely nowadays", DOJ Secretary De Lima said, "and it is in the interest of the public that they will not be u...
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16Jul2012MANILA, July 16 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines has sealed a $275-million loan agreement with the World Bank for the initial implementation of the Metro Manila Wastewater Management Project (MWMP). In a statement, Landbank said the project aims to address wastewater collection and treatment practices in selected areas in Metro Manila and also improve Manila Bay's water quality. Under the agreement, Landbank is the borrower, with the Department of Finance as the loan guarantor, while...
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20May2012QUEZON CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) will revitalize journalism in secondary education for the pilot implementation of the Special Program on Journalism (SPJ) and in line with the implementation of the K-12 Basic Education Program. A training workshop for English and Journalism teachers will be conducted to hone and enrich their journalistic skills and competencies. Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said, “The move is in line with the spiral approach ...
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02Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 2 -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said it continues to find ways to improve the effectiveness of the DOST-developed Mosquito Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) trap, inspired by President Aquino’s state of the nation address (SONA) saying that Filipino scientists are rigorous about testing anti-dengue gadgets. DOST continues to promote the use of the OL traps for the public, especially in places affected by dengue and it has shown impact in reducing dengue inciden...
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08May2012MANILA, May 8 (PIA) -- Personnel from the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently conducted a joint spot inspection at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC), Domestic Road in Pasay City to ensure that parcels are not being used for drug trafficking. In a release, the inspection team was led by PhilPost’s Inspection Service Division Director Noel R. Acuña and PDEA’s Special Enforcement Service Director Jeoffrey C. Tacio. Using...
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03Jul2012MARIKINA CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- The city of Marikina was chosen by the Department of Health (DOH) as the pilot city for the launching of the 38th Nutrition Month on Monday, July 2. With this year’s theme “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain,” the celebration aims to increase the country’s vegetable consumption and encourage the people to plant vegetables in their backyards. “Vegetables are important as it gives vitamins and minerals our body can use to prevent and fight ...
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10Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the National Irrigation Administration NIA will repair 11 national irrigation systems in 10 provinces, under a five-year National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (NISRIP), totaling P4 billion. In a statement posted in the DA's website, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the NISRIP forms part of the major thrust of the Aquino administration to bankroll and fast-track the restoration and ...
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26Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The local government led on Sunday the kick-off ceremony for the campaign for at least one ‘car-free day’ in Metro Manila during the month of November, dubbed “Clean Air? Pwede!!!” at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the campaign aimed to raise public awareness on the health benefits of walking and using non-motorized transport like bicycles to promote them as better alternatives to using cars and other ...
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21Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has awarded the P22 million contract to Miescor Builders Inc. to construct 465-meter test tack of the first all-Filipino mass transport—the automated Guideway Transit System—in the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP) campus in Quezon City. In a press release sent to PIA-NCR, the DOST said the ceremonial awarding was done during the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) Metals and Engi...
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24May2012MANILA, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is taking steps to steadily introduce to Metro Manila's roads a new breed of jeepneys that runs either on eco-friendly electricity or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) a press release from the department said. In a report to Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas, DOTC Undersecretary for Project Implementation and Special Concerns Efren Moncupa said that just recently the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Bo...
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26Jun2012MANILA, June 26 (PIA) -- “The Philippines is supporting the global efforts to stabilize the world economy and maintain it on a growth path." This was how Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. defended the $1 billion loan extended by the Philippine government to the International Monetary Fund. In a BSP statement, Tetangco said the Philippines, being a member of the IMF, also has a responsiblity to provide assistance to fellow members in their time of need. He ...
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16Oct2012PASAY, Oct 16, (PIA) - - After receiving a “fairly good” rating for the implementation of the Anti Red Tape Act (ARTA) or the R.A. 9485 from the Civil Service Commission, Pasay City Mayor Antonino “Tony” Calixto urged city government employees to raise the bar to further improve the delivery of basic social services for the public. “Of course I am pleased that we are compliant with the Anti Red Tape Act, but we will not rest there. I will make sure that what we aim for is to raise th...
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13May2012QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- The National Conference on Community–Driven Development (CDD) Program organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) starts today till May 15 at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas. The event aims to massively scale up the implementation of CDD in collaboration with other government departments and agencies. DSWD Sec. Corazon “Dinky” Soliman said, “ This is in pursuit of our efforts to fortify the government’s plan to scale up CDD to a na...
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24Aug2012PASIG CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) -- Relief goods and cash donations for victims of monsoon rains raised by the Department of Education (DepEd) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office have reached 1,793 families in 10 evacuation centers in affected areas by the recent calamity. In a statement, DepEd volunteers with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserved Command were the first to reach the schools and distributed relief goods to affected families in Gulod Elementary School...
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26Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday cited the efforts of local government units (LGUs) nationwide for their untiring role in disaster readiness. This developed after DILG launched the Seal of Disaster Preparedness for Floods (SDP), which aims to recognize the performance and efforts of local governments in institutionalizing disaster preparedness for floods. DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said the Seal shall be conferred to a lo...
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18Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- “Preparedness of other countries would mean preparedness of our own country." This was said by Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director in an article posted on the agency's website. Phivolcs hosted a “Wave Observation and Disaster Prevention” seminar in Quezon City recently. “The concept of a global community is that if one country is prepared, neig...
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05Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 5 (PIA) - - Victims of ‘Sendong “ need help. The loss of properties, livelihood, and loved ones have deeply traumatized them. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon-Juliano Soliman is calling for more volunteer- psychologists to help the victims rebuild their lives. In the recent “Bulong-Pulongan” forum held at Sofitel in Manila, Secretary Soliman said,” We need additional volunteer -psychologists&...
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15Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Monday instructed the Philippine National Police to strictly implement the rules on the provision of security details to candidates as part of the overall efforts to ensure a safe and orderly mid-term elections in May. He also called on the citizenry to report any incident of policemen providing unauthorized security for politicians. He promised swift action against anyone found violating the directive, which he said...
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04Oct2011Quezon City, the most populated city in the country is inhabited by some 2.96 million. The city covers a land area of 16,112.12 hectares or 160 sq.km., occupying one-fourth of Metro Manila's total land area of 638.55 sq.km. QC is home to some 61 government and private hospitals with huge bed capacities. Among these are the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, the National Kidney Transplant Institute, Veterans Medical Center, Quirino Medical Center, East Avenue Medical...
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24Jan2012MAKATI CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Local businesses that apply or renew business permits will soon be required to secure a Certificate of Employer Registration (COER) or Clearance from Pag-IBIG Fund first, as the case may be, within 30 days from issuance or renewal of business permits, a statement said Monday. The City Council is set to pass an ordinance that would require local businesses as part of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) recently signed by Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay with the Ho...
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02May2012QUEZON CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- Long neglected and skipped over, Siquijor will finally have its day as P35 million worth of agricultural and fishery projects are poured in this island province and in Negros Oriental. The Department of Agriculture (DA) extended agricultural assistance to these two provinces following the visit and dialogue with Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. In a statement posted on its website, the DA said that the visit is part of the agency’s efforts in bringing spe...
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06May2012MANILA, May 6 (PIA) -- The 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) has launched its largest financing initiative, the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF), following its Board’s first meeting on the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 45th Annual Meeting in Manila Thursday. The ASEAN Infrastructure Fund will finance the development of road, rail, power, water and other critical infrastructure needs, which are estimated at about $60 billion a year. “This is a w...
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20Mar2012MANILA, March 20 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines (Land Bank) continues to strengthen its overseas network with the remittance service tie-up with LBC Express Inc, a statement said. In a ceremony held recently at the Land Bank Plaza, the bank and LBC Express sealed the remittance tie-up which now allows Filipinos and other remitters to send funds through LBC branches and agent offices across the globe. These funds shall then be credited to Land Bank and may be withdrawn t...
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18Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has advised its members that hospital confinements due to Chikungunya and Novel Corona virus 2012 are covered by the health insurance agency. Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by mosquito with symptoms very similar to that, but not as deadly as to its more notorious cousin dengue, while the Novel Corona virus 2012 is believed to be a new type of corona virus which causes severe respiratory illness. In hi...
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26Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now implementing a new set of registration fees for business name registration (original and renewal), an advisory posted on the agency website said. The DTI said that under its new set of rules, the business name registration fee will be based as follows: Barangay PHP 200.00 City / Municipality PHP 500.00 Regional PHP 1,000.00 National PHP 2,000.00 However, the agency ...
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20Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 20 (PIA) -- As the whole country celebrates with the recent declaration of Puerto Princesa’s Underground River as one of the New7 Wonders of Nature, Filipinos will have something good to look forward to as 17 cities were recently included in Phase One of the New7Wonders of Cities. The New7Wonder Cities search is the third campaign organized by New7Wonders, following the man-made New7Wonders of the World and the New7...
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28Jun2012MAKATI CITY, June 28 (PIA) -- A new Executive Order (EO) signed by Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay that specifically distinguishes between primary and secondary packaging materials and exempts certain products from the plastic ban will take effect next week. In a statement posted on its website, the local government said Executive Order No. 007, Series of 2012 amends an earlier EO implemented last year that prescribed the implementing rules and regulations of Sections 21, 22 and 23 of the S...
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27Mar2012MANILA, Mar. 27 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has stepped up its fire prevention campaign by conducting it in informal settler areas. The first was held recently in a depressed community at Barangay Paso De Blas in Valenzuela City. In a report to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Valenzuela City Fire Marshal F/Supt. Mel Jose Lagan said the fire drill in Valenzuela City was the first time that to be done in an informal settler community. He said the fire b...
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22May2012QUEZON CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- About 100 yoga enthustiasts joined their colleagues worldwide Sunday evening as they lighted up candles at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City to commemorate International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Yoga for Life spokesman Evan Tan said they wanted to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and support those living with it and affected by its impact. Tan said similar events happened in 500 towns and villages in 115 countries around the world. Accor...
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22Jun2012MANILA, June 22 (PIA) -- Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to draft a bill of rights for jeepney, bus, and taxi passengers to protect them against abusive drivers and operators. In a statement posted on the DOTC website, Roxas said the bill of rights should be similar to the one being crafted for air passengers. The official gave the directive during the 25th anniversary of the LTFRB. He also stressed that the bill of rights...
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15Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- Anticipating petitions for wage hike as Labor Day draws near, the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) embarked on area based-workshops nationwide to assist the Regional Wage Boards in the implementation of the Two-Tiered Wage System (2TWS). DOLE’s national Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) completed the rounds of area-based orientation workshops on 2TWS last week. In a press conference held at DOLE&rsquo...
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07Feb2012MARIKINA CITY, February 7 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina officially opened its ‘Arts Festival 2012’ on Monday, February 6, 2012. The event is in line with the celebration of the Philippine Arts Festival spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts with the theme “Tradition and Innovation.” Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman said the festival aims to further promote Philippine arts and the Filipino’s regard for l...
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26Apr2012MAKATI CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The local government hosted the last of a series of global study visits conducted by the World Bank-funded Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) City-to-City Sharing Initiative (C2CSI) for Disaster Risk Reduction. In a statement, it is said that among the delegates who attended the event, from April 23 to 27, came from Quito, Ecuador and Kathmandu, Nepal. Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said he was very much satisfied with the results of the fi...
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13Apr2012MAKATI CITY, April 13 (PIA) -- Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay recently announced the winners of the Search for Ten Outstanding Students of Makati (TOSM) during the awarding ceremony held at the Session Hall, 22nd Floor of the New Makati City Hall. Binay said the search, now on its 36th year, aims to recognize the important role of the youth in the growth and development of the city that would also translate to the entire nation, thus motivating students to strive and bring out the best in ...
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19Jun2012VALENZUELA CITY, June 19 (PIA) -- Valenzuelanos recently underwent water lily livelihood training, where were taught how to turn abundant water lilies into handicrafts. Facilitated by an accredited Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) trainer, the training was participated by 30 residents of Barangay Coloong who gathered at Coloong Elementary School and were taught water lily processing and weaving. Water lilies are flowering plants known to thrive in bodies of water, g...
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22Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo reported over the weekend that 25 additional tourist police units (TPUs) have been established nationwide to ensure the safety and protection of both domestic and foreign tourists in the country. In a statement, Robredo said the creation of the 25 TPUs was made through a resolution issued by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in keeping with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise...
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19May2012QUEZON CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) invites high school and college students to join the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMMF) Sine-Phone Film Festival competition which is a prelude to the Metro Manila Festival. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in a press release posted in its website, said that entries should revolve around the theme “Restoring Road Courtesy among Motorists and Pedestrians” and should depict values such as courtes...
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20Sep2012MAKATI CITY, Sept 20 (PIA) -- The local government has hailed as "Icons of Women Empowerment" the three principals of public elementary schools in the city named among the country’s Five Outstanding Public School Principals by Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation, Inc. (SAS). School principals Zenaida S. Peñafuerte of Rizal Elementary School, Marilyn C. Macalma of Cembo Elementary School, and Dr. Elita T. Lopez of Comembo Elementary School were fe...
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23May2012MANILA, May 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Navy has launched its Integrated Personnel Management System (IPMS) in celebration of its 114th anniversary Tuesday, May 22. Navy’s Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Alexander Pama AFP together with other Navy officials and system experts led the demonstration. According to the Philippine Navy, the IPMS is a software application developed by the Naval Communications Electronics and Information Systems Center to provide the Naval Command secure, rel...
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17May2012TAGUIG, May 17 (PIA) -- The city government of Taguig is all set for this year’s National Schools Maintenance Week or more popularly known as ‘Brigada Eskewla.’ In a release, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ is alive and strong in the city. “I want to thank all those who volunteered their help. But I enjoin everyone to lend a hand so our students would have classrooms that would encourage learning. The more help we get, the better,” Cayetano said. She...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Febr. 3 (PIA) -- The country’s premier police force will not only be busy serving and protecting millions of Filipino people, but will also be definitely busy running after illegal drug groups. This, after Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor A. Bartolome ordered to intensify crackdown against illegal drugs nationwide. “We must continue to hit hard on organized crime groups behind the manufacture, cultivation and trafficking of illegal drugs in supp...
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15Oct2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Oct 15 (PIA) -- The City Government of Paranaque underscored the importance of a comprehensive disaster plan and strong linkages with other local government units during calamities. Paranaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe noted the importance of such plan during a disaster contingency planning workshop also attended by the cities of Valenzuela and San Juan and organized by the Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region and the United Nations Development Programme. “It i...
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16Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reminds importers, traders and distributors to secure FDA authorization in using “magic sugar” or the artificial sweetener. This after FDA Acting Director Dr. Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go issued on Monday, April 15 Advisory No. 2013-009 which allows the use of “magic sugar,” revoking BFAD Advisory No. 05 issued in 2000, which prohibits its importation, distribution and sale. According to FDA, the decision to finally allo...
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07Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stopped the issuance of permit to cut coconut trees in the Bicol Region. This, after Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala directed Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Euclides Forbes and PCA Bicol regional director Eduardo Allorde to cease the issuing of permit and impose a ban on the cutting of coconut trees. Such trees are usually the source of coco lumber and other construction mat...
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16Apr2012MANILA, April 16 (PIA) -- Two government agencies and a barangay association chapter recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to conduct capacity building interventions for the barangays on disaster risk reduction management (DRRM). The agreement, through the collaborative efforts of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Liga ng mga Barangay-National Capital Region Chapter (LnB-NCR), i...
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23Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will meet with hog and poultry industry leaders in the coming weeks to discuss and address lingering issues that have stunted the growth of the country’s livestock industry and posed unwarranted competition due to illegal imports of meat and meat products. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala made the commitment at the recent 21st Annual convention of the National Federation of Hog Raisers, Inc. (NFHFI) and Pork Producers F...
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05Dec2012QUEZON CITY, DEC. 5 (PIA)--The Department of Science & Technology (DOST), has launched a training software that aims to teach aspiring call center agents speak better English. The software, called the “Learning English Application for Pinoys” or LEAP, is part of the DOST’s Engineering Research and Development for Technology initiative and categorized under Project 7 of the ICT for Education Inter-diciplinary Signal Processing for Pinoys Progam (ISIP). DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, ...
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06Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- “The DSWD is advocating legal adoption to provide stable homes to the growing number of children who are orphaned, abandoned or neglected and who are in need of families who will love, care and protect them.” Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman said this after underscoring that legal adoption gives the child the same rights and duties as that of a biological child of the adoptive parents, including the rights t...
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15Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has provided P24.5 million in fishery and livelihood projects, benefiting thousands of fisherfolk families and their respective island-municipalities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “The DA-BFAR investment of P24.53 million was matched by almost the same amount by our ARMM local government units, either in the form of material or labor counterp...
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30Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- Filipinos employed in the dairy industry of New Zealand expressed interest in setting up dairy farms in the Philippines and sharing the knowledge and experience that they have gained from their employment, particularly on dairy production technology and pasture management. This was relayed by Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez during a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and National Dairy Authority Administrator Grace Cenas m...
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08May2012MANILA, May 8 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Monday directed the Philippine National Police, particularly the Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), to investigate and work for the arrest of suspects in the murder of three persons, including Alfred Mendiola, the government’s witness against the Dominguez brothers in the Venson Evangelista slay case. Mendiola also known as “Bading,” was found dead, bound and gagged together with two other men, one of whom was...
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30Jul2012VILLAMOR AIRBASE, PASAY CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- A new batch of Philippine troops are bound for a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission to Liberia. PAF Chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino G. Dela Cruz formally led the sendoff of the 115-strong 17th Philippine Contingent of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Liberia on July 28 at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) gymnasium here. “I expect the best discipline when they are there in Liberia. They are in Liberia to keep the peace. They are no...
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30Dec2011Lasting peace is every Filipino's dream. But to achieve peace, we must understand why there are those who choose to bear arms while scores of others become victims of conflict. "To date, the conflict in Mindanao has claimed some 120,000 lives, many of them civilians. More than a million people have been rendered homeless and destitute. An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 refugees have taken refuge in neighboring Sabah, Malaysia while many others have moved to Manila and other parts of t...
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07Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has good news for residents of Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Cavite, as the company is set to improve and expand its water services this year. “We are expediting our service improvement projects in Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Cavite because the residents there have waited too long to have access to our services,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ricky ...
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17Jan2013QUEZON CITY, JAN. 17 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III conferred Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander to AFP Chief Gen. Jesse Dellosa for his exceptional performance in the conduct of his duties as military officer. The conferment was done simultaneous with Dellosa’s retirement and turnover of command rites held this morning, Thursday, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Dellosa served as the 43rd Chief of Staff of the AFP following the retirement of General Eduardo Oban, Jr. ...
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28May2012MANILA, May 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communication has embarked on a project to expand existing berthing facilities in order to address projected increase in cargo handling and vessel traffic. In a statement posted on the agency website, Transportation secretary Mar Roxas said the government is allocating about P500 million to construct and upgrade existing berthing facilities in key ports in the country in line with the Aquino administration’s thrust to provide reliab...
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26Jul2012MAKATI CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The local government, through the Makati Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has completed the release of salaries of all participant-beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and Government Internship Program (GIP) on Wednesday, a statement on the city website said. Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said GIP beneficiaries each received P7,348.50, while those under...
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04Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has lauded and expressed thanks to Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and his staff, the country’s governors, mayors and barangay chairmen for their all-out support which resulted in the official declaration of Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The DILG Secretary, who is chairman of the Inter-agency Task Force for the PPUR campaign created under Presidentia...
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06Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 6 (PIA) -- At least seven people were killed by the strong earthquake that struck the central Philippine area particularly Cebu, Negros island, and Panay before noontime on Monday, hitting the Richter Scale at 6.9 magnitude. In its report, as of 4:00 p.m. Monday, the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the casualties were all from the Negros Oriental province: Bernadette Raidan,9 ; Anafe Estrebella, 11 years old; and five peo...
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28May2012QUEZON CITY, May 28 (PIA) -- Lead contents of most of the fitness and play equipment installed inside the 25-hectare Quezon Memorial Circle in Diliman, has been declared safe by environmentalists, the local government said Monday in a press release. This developed following the remediation efforts undertaken by the Quezon City government in ensuring the safety of all park equipment against toxic exposure. Toxic watchdog EcoWaste Coalition recently inspected and re-tested some of the exercise e...
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07Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 7 (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday continued its quarterly “Estero Blitz” in an effort to clear the creeks and waterways of Metro Manila and avoid the recurrence of dangers brought by calamities like ‘Ondoy.' MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino led yesterday’s morning resumption of the cleanup and dredging operations at the heavily-silted Estero De Vitas and Estero Kabulusan in Pritil District, Ton...
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07Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Starting next school year, 2012-2013, Makati scholars enrolled at the University of the Philippines (UP) and Philippine Normal University (PNU) will be receiving a monthly stipend of P4,000 after the City Council approved the P3.9-million budget appropriation through City Ordinance No. 2012-001. Under its college scholarship program, the city government grants full scholarship at the said universities to economically disadvantaged but deserving high ...
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03Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment reiterated its call to public sector employers to observe appropriate pay rules during the holidays. In a news release, Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz urged all private sector employers in the country to bear in mind the welfare of their workers by observing the applicable pay rules and other core labor standards during the nationwide holidays. A long vacation awaits Filiupino workers beginning next weekend due t...
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10Sep2012MANILA, Sept 10 (PIA) -- More than 175 representatives from government, the private sector, and some U.S. government-partner agencies are meeting this week to strengthen the country’s overall pandemic preparedness. In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said the Multi-Sectoral Pandemic Disaster Exercise four-day event aims to promote a “whole-of-society” approach to mitigate pandemic events and natural disasters. The U.S. government-funded event is being held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati...
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15May2012MANILA, May 15 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will formally launch today its 22nd Credit Surety Fund (CSF) in General Santos City. The Credit Surety Fund is a credit enhancement scheme designed to address the difficulty of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in obtaining loans from banks due to lack of acceptable collaterals, credit knowledge, and credit track records. The establishment of the CSF in the tuna capital of the Philippines is expected to spur economic ac...
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25May2012QUEZON CITY, May 25 (PIA) -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Friday its culinary experts have developeda cake made of horseradish and squash. DOST said in its press release that the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute of Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI) have made more nutritious cakes and breads with the addition of FNRI-developed malunggay (horseradish) powder. Malunggay in recent studies was shown to be a good source of vitamins and minerals suc...
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23Mar2012MANILA, March 23 (PIA) -- The Monetary Board has approved further revisions to foreign exchange regulations, in line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) continuing thrust to facilitate trade transactions, a statement from BSP said. The BSP said that after amending the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions or FX Manual, the move will also simplify the reporting requirements for trade transactions. Likewise, the approval increased the ceiling for importations as it...
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29May2012MAKATI CITY, May 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd-Makati) is all set to implement the curriculum for Grades 1 and 7 on the opening of classes on June 4 as part of the implementation of the Kindergarten to 12 (K to 12) program. In a statement posted on the city's website, DepEd-Makati officer-in-charge Priscila De Sagun said all the teachers who will be handling Grade 1 and Grade 7 (first year high school) are now undergoing series of trainings for the K to 12 education program cur...
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20May2012MANILA, May 20 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo lauded the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) for the continuous downtrend in carnapping incidents in the country, a statement posted on the DILG website said. The DILG said that operations conducted by the group resulted to a 68.3 percent decline in recorded carnapping cases in April this year. Citing the report submitted by PNP-HPG Director, P/Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, Robredo, for his par...
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22Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has provided a seed fund to assist food retailers in five municipalities of Negros Oriental adversely affected by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake, a statement posted on its website (www.da.gov.ph) said. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, DA region 7 director Leo Cañeda said the retailers have to date sold a total of P5 million worth of basic food items. Cañeda said efforts of...
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02May2012QUEZON CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz assures job seekers that DOLE will continue to process applications from job seekers even after Labor Day. Secretary Baldoz said that applicants who were not hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) need not worry as some employers may require qualified applicants to undergo their respective processes before they finally decide to hire. “Selecting job applicants can be a tough challenge for employers. They ...
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04Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The automotive manufacturing industry road map, proposed over the weekend the transformation of the industry from assembly of completely knocked down (CKD) units for the local market to outright manufacturing of vehicles for the local and export markets at the recent Third Automotive Manufacturing Summit. According to Vicente Mills Jr., president of the Philippine Automotive Federation and the ASEAN Automotive Federation, it is vital this tran...
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04Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 4 (PIA) – Soon, motorists traversing the southern part of Metro Manila will experience ease in traffic as the Department of Public Works and Highways and Ayala Corporation signed a concession agreement. Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and Ayala Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala yesterday, April 3, led the agreement signing together with officials from the DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, Assistant Secre...
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31May2012MANILA, May 31 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that as of end-March 2012, the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) stood at 2.36 percent, better by 0.63 percentage point from year ago’s 2.99 percent ratio but higher by 0.02 percentage point from the previous month’s 2.34 percent. In a statement posted on its website, the BSP said the month-on-month increase in the NPL ratio came about as the 1.04 percent hike in NPLs to P74.65 bi...
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31May2012MANILA, May 31 (PIA) -- For efforts to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB) among inmates, the Quezon City Jail was cited by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo on Wednesday cited the Quezon City Jail for its efforts to prevent the spread of tuberculosis among inmates with the inauguration of a new infirmary and isolation ward for inmates inflicted with tuberculosis in the annex building of the city jail. Robredo also acknowledged the support of the International Community ...
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02Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and two leading conservation groups at the forefront of saving the country’s indigenous trees entered into a five-year contract to ascertain the supply of tree seedlings of prized native tree species for the National Greening Program (NGP). DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje signed last week a Memorandum of Agreement with the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) and ...
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10Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 10 (PIA) -- The local government holds the distinction of launching the first EJeepney franchise for 21 units, a statement posted on its official website said. According to the statement, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted the franchises for 10 units to ply the Legaspi Loop and 11 units for the Salcedo Loop during a simple ceremony held at the Glorietta 3 Park (in front of Anson’s), Ayala Center...
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20Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said government will continue to address the major needs and concerns of hog raisers and pork producers by implementing policies and providing needed support to further develop and strengthen the country’s swine industry, and make it globally competitive. In a statement posted on the Department of Agriculture website, it said that Aquino made the call during the 21st Annual convention of the National Federation of Hog Raisers, Inc...
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03Jun2012MANILA, June 3 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has inspected at least 86 schools and universities and 65 dormitories in Metro Manila. Some of these have been discovered to have violated certain fire safety rules and regulations, BFP officer-in-charge CSupt. Samuel Perez said in a statement posted in the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) website. Perez said that of the 86 schools and universities inspected, 46 were in Manila, 21 in Muntinlupa, 11 in Makati and eigh...
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29Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development of the National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) has recently awarded capital assistance to 36 budding entrepreneurs. The 36 entrepreneurs are members of four organized Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) associations from the cities of Caloocan, Manila, Parañaque and Valenzuela, a release from the agency said. The amount of P325,000 was distributed to the 36 individuals with capital assistance ranging from P3,0...
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09Jul2012MAKATI CITY, July 9 (PIA) -- The local government, in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), will soon set up an overseas Filipino workers help desk that will give OFWs and their families better access to government services and programs. In a statement, Makati said that once established, the assistance desk will be located at its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) on the 5th floor of the city hall. Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said he will sign a memo...
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22Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Philippines has been categorized as a global “strong performer” after gaining higher marks in environmental performance, outranking Australia, the United States (USA), Singapore and Bulgaria. In the biennial Environmental Performance Index (EPI) prepared by Yale and Columbia Universities, the Philippines ranked 42 among 132 countries under the “strong performer” category. Meanwhile, Australia was ranked 48th, the USA 49t...
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15Apr2012MANILA, April 15 (PIA) -- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced over the weekend the step-by-step process on how to pre-register for the DOLE’s Job and Livelihood Fair on May 1, Labor Day, as she called on interested job seekers to pre-register. "We encourage all jobseekers, new graduates, returning and displaced OFWs, and other interested Filipinos who are interested to go to the event to pre-register," she said in a statement. “Pre-registration will make it ...
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01May2012QUEZON CITY, May 1 (PIA) –- The “Making Health a Lifestyle” program of Novartis Healthcare Philippines is the winner of the 2nd Department of Health (DOH) “Outstanding Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy Award” (OHLAA) for the Commercial Establishment category, a press statement said. World Health Organization Representative to the Philippines Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, and Dr. Danilo Baldemor, Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators president and OHLAA Search and Awards...
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08May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 8 (PIA) --The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-National Capitol Region is offering new Information Technology (IT) courses to provide overseas Filipino workers and their families additional skills to further facilitate communication between OFWs and their families using the fastest and cheapest technology. In a news release, OWWA also said that this is a good opportunity for OFWs and their dependents for family bonding, and to acquire new skills through IT course...
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27Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- Environment and Natural Resources Sec.Ramon Paje directed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to increase scholarship grants for geosciences courses to help in the geo-hazard mapping and assessment program of the government. Paje issued the directive in an effort to encourage students to take up geosciences courses to beef up the country’s geologists, including mining and metallurgical engineers, an agency statement said. “The past years saw a steady decline of ...
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03Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has released its Holy Week schedule. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines 1 and 2 will be closed on Wednesday, April 4 until April 8, Easter Sunday for the annual maintenance work on the systems. In a news release, LRTA Officer-In-Charge Engr. Emerson Benitez said they are suspending the commercial operations of LRT 1 and 2 starting at 8:00 p.m. on April 4 to conduct maintenance works for the two lines. Benitez said this will...
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30May2012QUEZON CITY, May 30 (PIA) –- Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Dean Marvic Leonen stressed that “meaningful autonomy,” which the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been eyeing to achieve for the Bangsamoro people, is “collective” and “democratic." “Meaningful autonomy is and has always been a collective effort of all Moros with the various other identities represented by the national government complementing their roles,” he stated in his ...
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21Mar2012MANILA, March 21 (PIA) -- Not only are they ready to defend our seas but they are also ever-ready to fight illiteracy as the Philippine Navy’s Fleet Team recently launched its “Kariton ni Mangcimo.” The project inspired by CNN 2009 Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida’s “Kariton Revolution” aims to promote volunteerism and instill the importance of education and cooperation among the youth. It also aims to prevent young on...
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21May2012MANILA, May 21 (PIA) -- Domestic airline passengers lining up to pay terminal fee at the country’s airports will soon be a thing of the past as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) formalized an agreement with major airline companies to integrate terminal fees into the total cost of airline tickets. This, after transportation secretary Mar Roxas and top officials of airline companies signed a memorandum of agreement a...
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22Jun2012MANILA, June 22 -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said portfolio investment transactions for the month of May yielded net inflows of US$106 million. In a statement posted on the BSP website, it said however, that the figure was 68.1 percent lower than the US$333 million recorded a month ago. In addition, registered investments were almost at the same level as April at US$1.5 billion due largely to several initial public offerings by Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, Rockwell Land Corpora...
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22Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The month of August has been declared as History Month to enable Filipinos to properly observe and reflect on the major events in the nation’s history. President Benigno Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 339 declaring August as History Month instead of September 15 to 21 as declared before thru Proclamation 1304 in 1974. Based on the Proclamation there is a need to transfer the observance of History Week from September 15 to 21 to the whole ...
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28Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partners are set to hold a Metro Manila Clean Air Summit on February 29, 2012 to draw attention to the adverse impact of air pollution on human health and environment. Around 300 clean air advocates, including representatives from concerned national agencies, local government units, transport sector and civic groups, are expected to assemble for the summit with the theme, &ldqu...
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10Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) in cooperation with the Association of Filipino Franchise, Inc., (AFFI) is going to hold the 11th Filipino Franchise Show to showcase the products of small & medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) and to promote One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program. In a statement, DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz said 38 SMEs and three OTOP stores are participating in the 11th Filipino Franchise Show at Halls B and C of the World Trade Center, Pasay City ...
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23Apr2012PASIG CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The city government of Pasig through the City Health Office is inviting young boys aged 10-12 years old to take advantage of the summer vacation and undergo circumcision as it recently launched its ‘Operation Tule’ program. According to the city government, the health program will be held in different barangay health centers on the following dates: DATE/ BARANGAY / VENUE April 24, 2012 Malinao - Barangay Health Center April 26, 2012 Kapitolyo - Barangay Hea...
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28May2012MANILA, May 28 (PIA) -- The Asia-Pacific Women Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (APWRATH), a Church-based network, has set up a new network in Metro Manila to further efforts in abolishing human trafficking particularly in Southeast Asia. According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the recent regional conference in Metro Manila commenced with a battle cry of “Asia-Pacific free of modern-day slavery” and with the network’s commitment for a stronger an...
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14Jun2012MANILA, June 14 (PIA) -- The Muntinlupa Central Fire Station of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will conduct water rescue training for its personnel and barangay volunteers in preparation for the coming rainy season in support of the Disaster Preparedness Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In a statement posted on the DILG website, Muntinlupa City Fire Marshal C/Insp. Rodrick Aguto said this training will be conducted in the eight flood-prone barangays of...
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08Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- Joining the battle against climate change, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is now promoting the use of environment-friendly materials inside Camp Aguinaldo. AFP chief Lieutenant General Jessie D. Dellosa said this initiative is long overdue since hazardous wastes have already affected the country. “The convenience we get in using Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials is nothing compared to the devastation we get from nat...
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14May2012QUEZON CITY, May 14 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to meet today some 1,000 farmers, fishers, indigenous peoples, and local government officials as he keynotes People’s Organizations (POs) Congress in Davao City as part of the nationwide Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration this May. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, who will join President Aquino in Davao, said in a statement that the participants are beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture’s Minda...
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23May2012QUEZON CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) campaign on promoting positive discipline is gaining strength. Recently, Save the Children, the world’s leading independent organization for children pledged to support this endeavor and has invited renowned child-clinical psychologist Prof. Joan Durrant, Ph.D of Manitoba, Canada to train a core group of trainers on positive discipline. Professor Durrant has over 2...
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03May2012QUEZON CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) is giving free cervical cancer screening to women of Metro Manila in observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this May as part of the Universal Health Care program of President Benigno C. Aquino III. This was announced on Thursday by Dr. Gil S. Gonzalez, head of the gynecology and oncology division of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital-Benavidez Cancer Institute (USTH-BCI), in the last episode of Talking Points Radio Show aired...
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20Mar2012MANILA, March 20 (PIA) -- Remittances from overseas Filipinos (OF) coursed through banks remained resilient, rising by an annual rate of 5.4 percent to US$1.6 billion in January 2012, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said in a statement. Remittances from both sea-based and land-based workers increased, as their transfers grew by 19.8 percent (to US$369 million) and 1.6 percent (to US$1.2 billion), respectively. In particular, more...
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31Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 31 (PIA) –- The leadership of the Philippine Military Academy assures parents of new cadets of their full support to the no hazing policy of the country’s premier military school. But the new breeds of military leaders were also encouraged by Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy to report any case of maltreatment. “In case maltreatment happens to their sons or daughters, they are encouraged to file a criminal case against the perpetrators in a civil co...
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01Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 1 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) said Friday it collected a total of P 46.68 billion in contributions during the first half of the year. “It was higher by nine percent compared with P 42.72 billion over the same period in 2011,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said during a press briefing at the SSS main office in Quezon City on the occasion of the system’s 55th founding anniversary. De Quiros said 39 percent of the total collec...
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15May2012QUEZON CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) said in a press statement Monday that it has set into motion a nationwide security and public safety plan ahead of the opening of the 2012 school opening in June. PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome ordered Director for Operations Police Director Samuel B Diciano, to mobilize all PNP Regional Offices and National Support Units to perform specific tasks and coordinating instructions to implement a nationwide security ...
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20Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 20 (PIA) -- After its pilot testing in Metro Manila last September 2011, the Philippine National Police will soon be implementing its electronic or “e-blotter” system nationwide. PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome said that by this year, all PNP units will be inter-connected with the e-blotter system through the PNP’s Information Communication and Technology Management. With the new system, information or citizen’s complai...
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29Mar2012TAGUIG CITY, March 29 (PIA) --Heeding the call to save Mother Earth, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano expressed full support to the upcoming Earth Day celebration on Saturday, March 31. Mayor Cayetano underscored the importance of caring for our planet Earth, even in our small, individual ways. “Caring for the environment—as seen in tasks like garbage segregation and avoiding the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam—should be a daily facet of our lives,” Cayetano stressed. Under a memo...
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03Mar2012MANILA, March 3 (PIA) –The role of women in disaster risk reduction and management will be the focus of celebrations of Women’s March, according to a press statement released by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo. “It is high time that we accentuate women’s involvement in disaster preparedness, risk reduction, recovery and rehabilitation,” said Robredo, adding that "they (women) too play an equally important role in these effo...
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06May2012MANILA, May 6 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is holding a series of regional summits which aims to advocate and institutionalize the concept of disaster preparedness among local government units nationwide, a statement said. Dubbed as "Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness," the first of the series of summits was conducted in the Western Visayas Region at the Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City recently. DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said the primary objective of ...
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02Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 2 (PIA) -- Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen said that he is "comfortable" with how this month's round of talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended, a press release from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said. The three-day 28th formal exploratory in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between the GPH and the MILF officially concluded Thursday with both sides agreeing to go back to their principals and fur...
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21Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 21 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Orland Calayag to head the National Food Authority. Calayag, a 38-year old entrepreneur and mortgage broker in the United States, replaces former NFA Administrator Lito Banayo. Calayag is also once the executive director of Progressive Community and Ecological Services Organization, a non-governmental group that not only provides livelihood assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, but cares for the environment. After bei...
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21Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 21 (PIA) -- The passage of the Sin Tax bill is landmark legislation and a victory for the health of the Filipino people. This was the statement of Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona this morning in Malacanang when President Aquino signed into law Republic Act 10351 (An Act Restructuring the Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco). The signing was witnessed by the Department of Health, health professionals, medical societies, patients’ groups, academe, and other health advocates from ...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is encouraging rice farmers, particularly those served by major irrigation systems in Luzon, to advance their ‘cropping calendar’ by a month or two to avoid typhoons that visit during the months of October to November. “We are usually hit by strong typhoons in October, so we have to set the (cropping) season earlier,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said in a statement. He said the DA, throu...
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26Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala has vowed to strengthen their agency's support to farmers, fisherfolk in the Visayas region. A statement posted on the DA website said that Alcala made his commitment after he met with farmers, fishers, livestock growers, other agricultural stakeholders, and local government officials in Central Visayas, to resolve major problems and discuss strategies to further increase productivity and incomes of Visayan f...
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05May2012MANILA, May 5 (PIA) -- This year’s first quarter national crime volume has dropped by 11,219 or an average drop of 16.77 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, in a statement posted on the DILG website, said that index crime records from January to March this year was 34,043, or a 19.86-percent decrease, compared to 42,479 incidents recorded for the same period past year, citing reports subm...
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24Aug2012QUEZON CITY, AUGUST 24 (PIA)--President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law Republic Act 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act of 2012,” which intends to protect the integrity and confidentiality of personal data collected by public and private entities. Signed on August 15, the new law paves the way for the creation of a National Privacy Commission under the Department of Transportation and Communications. The National Privacy Commission, which will implement the law, is mandated to receive c...
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13May2012QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- The Philippine agricultural sector grew by 1.08 percent in the first three months of 2012, bannered by the poultry, livestock and crop subsectors, while fishery production contracted due to conservation measures and high operation costs, according to the Department of Agriculture website. The total value of the country’s agriculture output for the first quarter of 2012 amounted to P341.1 billion at current prices, 3.14% less than last year for the same three-month...
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09May2011When newly-crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe was asked in the Q & A (question and answer) portion of the Bb. Pilipinas 2011 Coronation night on what cause she was championing, 27-year-old Shamcey Gorea Supsup, regally answered, “Education. You can have money and fame but they can take these away from you. Education is something that nobody can take away from you.” Shamcey is right, but how about those people who were not lucky in life to get the needed education from a schoo...
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27Mar2012MANILA, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allotting P72 million in Occidental Mindoro to construct an irrigation system and provide farmers and fisherfolks equipment and inputs. In a statement posted in their website, the DA said the projects aim to further increase productivity and income of Occidental Mindoro residents. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the amount includes P35 million to put up an irrigation system at the Sablayan Penal Farm (SPF) that will...
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23May2012QUEZON CITY, May 23 (PIA) -– British Ambassador Stephen Lillie recently received 11 young Filipino athletes bound for 2012 London Olympics, a press release from the British Cultural Council (BCC) said Wednesday. The athletes were selected among the gold medal winners of the 2011 Batang Pinoy (Filipino Kids) national sports championships. They will get the chance to personally attend the 2012 London Olympics alongside a two-week English and Sports summer program at St. Bede’s International S...
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26May2012MAKATI CITY, May 26 (PIA) --The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the investment project of Philippine company Aviva Shipping Corporation that is seen to further boost the country’s transportation infrastructure investments in the region. DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. noted the need to improve logistics facilities to make the country more competitive and the domestic supply chain activities more efficient and seamless, a press report from the departmen...
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29Apr2012MANILA, April 29 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is now preparing all necessary documents for the filing of administrative and criminal cases against at least 12 foreign fishermen suspected of illegal poaching in Philippine waters. In a statement posted on the Department of Agriculture website, it said that the fishermen, onboard a Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel, were apprehended recently by the joint operatives of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fi...
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13Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- Quezon City has grown some 19,379 seedlings of indigenous, flowering and shade trees in various open spaces, center islands, barangays, parks and playgrounds and along waterway embankments to help boost the implementation of the metro-wide urban greening program. The city’s tree-planting initiative, supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), also serves as the city’s blueprint in the promotion of city...
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04Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) - The NationalCommission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is organizing national activities in celebration of National Arts Month (NAM) which will take place in February 2013. NCCA, the country’s prime agency for the arts and culture, has been spearheading the celebration since 1991, with the signing of Presidential Proclamation 683 declaring February as National Arts Month. The Philippine Arts Festival (PAF), a consolidation of different NAM activities, is mainly c...
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23Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Quezon City (QC) government has given the city’s 142 barangays the go-signal to adopt barangay-based ordinances that would empower them to apprehend litterbugs. Tapping barangays in the city’s anti-littering drive will greatly complement the environmental police personnel deployed by the city’s environmental protection and waste management department to apprehend individuals who indiscriminately throw their garbage, said EPWMD head Frederika Rentoy at t...
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01May2012QUEZON CITY, May 1 (PIA) -– An official of the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) said Tuesday that they will open their social networking site accounts in Twitter, Facebook and Skype so they can reach out to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This was revealed by OWWA Advocacy and Social Marketing Division head Reynaldo Tayag during Talking Points Radio Show. He said it’s very important to use those social media in communicating with the OFWS. “We will know what they wa...
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05Jun2012MANILA, June 5 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced that it supports a bill that seeks to make voter education mandatory in the high school curriculum. House Bill No. 5784, introduced by Paranaque Rep. Edwin L. Olivarez, states that voters’ education should be taught to fourth year high school students in both public and private schools including those who are enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS). The bill tasks the Department of Education (DepEd), the CO...
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26Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The crime rates all over the country has dropped significantly in the first quarter of 2012, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said Tuesday. Robredo said this year’s first quarter national crime volume has dropped by 11,219 or an average drop of 16.77 percent compared to the same period last year. Citing reports submitted to him by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Investigation and Detective Manage...
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04Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has partnered with Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) for a trainers’ training program to support talent development in the information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry. TESDA allocated 900 vouchers amounting to P18 million for Trainers Methodology (TM) Plus, the first trainers’ training program for IT-BPO offered by the skills development agenc...
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29Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications is inviting interested companies to bid for the supply and installation of semi-permanent PVC tent terminal buildings in Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, and Clark International Airports to provide travel convenience for the increasing number of domestic and international visitors in these areas. The DOTC said it is implementing this P166.4-million project to augment the existing check-in and/or pre-departure are...
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05Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 5, ( PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field offices along the path of typhoon “Pablo” are on alert and ready to extend relief assistance. This was the assurance given by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman. She added that DSWD has enough resources with a standby fund amounting to P4.27 million and P43.41 million worth of relief supplies in all DSWD field offices along the typhoon path ready to augment resources of affected local government unit...
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02Jul2012MAKATI CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Makati Health Department (MHD), started implementing the first phase of a six-month dengue prevention and control program in the city’s 38 public elementary and high schools. This is in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd)-Makati, Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Data from the Makati Health Department showed that there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of dengue cases recorded from January...
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29May2012QUEZON CITY, May 29 (PIA) --Drivers, conductors, dispatchers, as well as administrative staff and managers from 26 bus companies recently participated in an orientation on occupational safety and health standards conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment-Occupational Safety and Health Center (DOLE-OSHC). According to DOLE press report, the said orientation aims to help owners and operators improve their working conditions, at the same time comply with the occupational safety and healt...
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05Aug2012MAKATI CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- "Sagip Tao (Rescue Man), an information drive by the city of Makati, aims just that -- to save the man on the street, in particular the marginalized persons from mendicancy. Makati wants to reiterate to the people about the Anti-Mendicancy Law which promotes responsible giving and discourage the exploitation of marginalized members of society. In a statement, Marjorie De Veyra, MSWD head, said the project is an advocacy campaign aimed to prevent the proliferation...
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04Apr2012MANILA, April 4 (PIA) -- To further enhance its extensive traffic monitoring systems, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today rolled out its Mobile Metrobase, a mobile command and communications van capable of reaching far-flung areas in Metro Manila and providing real-time traffic surveillance footages. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the Mobile Metrobase will enable the agency's Command Center in Guadalupe, Makati City to monitor blind spots, or areas where the MMDA h...
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24Jan2012QUEZON CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) launched over the weekend a sugarcane "block farm” project in Tuy, Batangas. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the project is a component of the DA-SRA sugar industry roadmap to encourage small farmers to form themselves into groups or cooperatives and adopt ‘economies of scale’ to...
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21Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- Members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) should work to transform their agricultural systems to maximize yields that will address the twin challenge of food security and climate change, an expert from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in a statement posted on the Department of Agriculture website. Hideki Kanamaru of the Climate, Energy and Tenure Division (NRC) of FAO said transforming agricultural systems means enabling farmers to ...
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06Dec2012MANILA, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The Catholic dioceses in Eastern Mindanao have appealed for aid for thousands of affected and displaced families brought by the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Fr. Antonio Galela, social action director of the Diocese of Tandag in a statement said that victims in around 35 evacuation centers in the province currently need food, potable water, clothing, and other basic necessities. “Food is the immedia...
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01Mar2012MANILA, March 1 (PIA) -- Philippine banks have begun to operate under the provisions of Republic Act 10000 or the Agri Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009, which mandates credit to agriculture and agrarian reform beneficiaries, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a statement. RA 10000 requires banks to allocate 15 percent of their loanable funds for agriculture and another 10 percent for agrarian reform beneficiaries. The new law, however, imposes stricter guidelines by limiting th...
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02Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reiterated its call for appropriate and timely legislations that will give more teeth to the anti-drug law and empower the agency to effectively execute its mandate to fight illegal drugs in the country. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. cited Section 3 of Republic Act 4200 which prohibits and penalizes wiretapping and other related violations of the privacy of communication. “The presen...
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01Aug2012MANILA, Aug 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has set the deadline for both local and international construction companies to a pre-qualify bid to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway Phase II Project. In a press statement, the invitation by the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects of the DPWH has set the deadline on September 18. DPWH chief Roge...
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26Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III urged Filipinos to continue to fight for the country’s goal of national progress, “to finally reap the rewards of the sacrifices of our fellow Filipinos who stood against the dictatorial government during the historic EDSA People Power in 1986.” In his speech during the celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power (EPP) held Monday at the People Power Monument along EDSA, PNoy reminded the people that EPP brough...
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07Mar2012MANILA, March 7 (PIA) -- Year-on-year headline inflation slowed down further to 2.7 percent in February from 4.0 percent (revised) in January using the 2006-based CPI series, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. The year-to-date average of 3.3 percent was within the government’s inflation target range of 3-5 percent for 2012 and the BSP’s internal monthly forecast of 2.7-3.6 percent. The lower February inflation outturn was due mainly to slowe...
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21Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- Some 54,303 pieces of essential school furniture and facilities have been produced from undocumented logs and lumber confiscated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This was done in support to the government’s efforts of improving the educational facilities of public schools. DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said the output involved the conversion of some seven million board feet of wood into 48,620 school chairs;...
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01Apr2012MANILA, Apr. 1 (PIA) -- Consumer sentiment improved in the first quarter of 2012 as the overall confidence index (CI) increased to -14.7 percent from -20.6 percent in Q4 2011 and -23.1 percent a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said. The BSP said that this indicates consumer demand is expected to remain strong and will continue to help fuel economic growth during the first quarter of the year. The CI is computed as the percentage of households that answered in the affirmative less t...
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14Jan2013MAKATI, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) which ran from December 25, 2012 to January 8, 2013 was a success as proven by its unofficial gross ticket sales which reached a record high of P767.8 million. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, concurrent MMFF Executive Committee head, said this year’s sale is 21 percent higher compared to 2011's P636.7 million. “The overwhelming support of the movie-going public proves that the ...
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27Jul2012MAKATI CITY, July 27, (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday officially launched the first-ever Cine-Phone Film Festival at the De La Salle College of St. Benilde's FDA Cinema in Manila. The Cine-Phone Film Festival will serve as a prelude to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in December. The competition seeks to widen the scope of the annual MMFF by attracting independent and young filmmakers, whose winning entries will be awarded during the MMFF. “...
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12Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) opens the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools. The nationwide contest dubbed "2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools" is a direct response to Republic Act No. 9512, also known as the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008. This activity aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a...
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06Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- An intensity 6 earthquake of tectonic origin and measuring 5.2 in magnitude shook Masbate at 7:06 a.m. on Tuesday, forcing schools to suspend classes in Masbate City. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in its situation report released before noon Tuesday, said the “strong local earthquake” occurred 12.40oN, 123.63oE, three kilometers of Masbate City, Masbate with depth of 23 kilometers. The N...
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10Apr2012QUEZON CITY.APRIL 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is inviting lot owners located within Metro Manila (or within a reasonable distance outside) to submit proposals for the use of their lots as prospective provincial bus terminals for its Integrated Transport System (ITS) Project. The ITS will put up a bus terminal north of Metro Manila for provincial buses with Northern Luzon routes and two in the south, one near the South Luzon Expressway and another near t...
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04May2012QUEZON CITY, May 4 (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) appealed to Filipinos to study the issues surrounding the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be able to contribute to the crafting of a final peace agreement, according to a press release by the OPAPP. “Read and study. You will see how broad and deep the government-MILF peace process is. You will understand how much there is that needs t...
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25May2012QUEZON CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said Friday in a press release it recently turned over some P 10-million worth of infrastructure projects to the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Cabucgayan, Biliran. DAR Regional Director Eliasem Castillo said in the press release that the 2.3-kilometer Kasabangan farm-to-market road (FMR) with a total project cost of P 5.07-million is expected to benefit 650 ARBs for the easy conveyance of farm products to the comme...
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07Jul2012MAKATI CITY, July 7 (PIA) -- The local government through the Office of the Building Official (OBO) has urged all building owners and administrators of high and medium-rise buildings, and all contractors and developers of ongoing construction, demolition or excavation projects in the city to strictly observe safety precautions to mitigate the risks posed by typhoons and other natural and human-induced disasters. In a statement sent to PIA-NCR, Engr. Nelson Morales, building official and city en...
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16Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), will allot an initial budget of P265 million in 2013 to beef up the Philippines' seaweed industry and regain the country's distinction as the world's top seaweed and carrageenan producer. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said, "The amount is more than six times the current 2012 budget of DA-BFAR for the seaweed sector of about P40.8 million, as we a...
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17May2012MANILA, May 17 (PIA) -- The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines is again inviting all aspiring and talented Filipino manga artists to join the 6th International MANGA Awards and get a chance to win a trip to Japan. In a release, the Gold Award will be given to the best manga and about three works of merit will also receive the Silver Award. Winners will have a chance to visit Japan and attend the Awarding Ceremony in Tokyo, Japan in January 2013. Now on its 6th year, the International MANGA ...
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17Apr2012MANILA, APRIL 17 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced today that remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) coursed through banks reached $1.6 billion in February 2012 posting 5.8 percent growth compared to the same period of last year. In a news release, BSP Governor Amando Tetangco said that about three-fourths (76.1 percent or $1.2 billion) of the total cash transfers for the month were sent by land-based workers while nearly one-fourth (23.9 percent or $0.4 billion) came...
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23Apr2012MANILA, April 23 (PIA) -- As of end-February 2012, the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of universal and commercial banks slightly eased to 2.34 percent from previous month’s 2.35 percent and by 0.59 percentage point from year ago’s 2.93 percent ratio. In a statement by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), it said that the month-on-month improvement in the NPL ratio took place as the 0.94 percent rise in NPLs to P73.88 billion from P73.20 billion was surpassed by the 1.01 percent hike in...
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27Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration created a border crossing coordinating committee that will oversee the fielding of Immigration personnel to border crossing stations near the country’s border with Indonesia and Malaysia due to reports of the alarming number of undocumented foreigners in Southern Philippines. In a news release, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the committee was formed to provide a mechanism for deploying BI personnel to the border crossin...
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21Jan2012CALOOCAN CITY, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- A multi-sectoral group, composed mainly of public transport drivers from Barangay 176 Bagong Silang, today led a local tree planting activity in the city in line with the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Aquino administration. At least 300 members of Pamato-Pilipinas Public Transport, Green Revolution Organization, senior citizen associations, barangay officials and grade school students spent their early Saturday morning planting some 400 seedlings...
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06Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 6 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines called on the Human Rights Watch (HRW) group to work hand-in-hand with them to put an end on human rights abuse. This, after the AFP led by its chief of Human Rights Office (HRO) Colonel Domingo J. Tutaan recently met with HRW for Asia Division representative Carlos H. Conde. In a release, the meeting was set to discuss the actions taken by the AFP in response to HRW’s report regard...
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09Mar2012MANILA, March 9 (PIA) -- With climate change turning Philippine weather more powerful and disastrous, the government has taken a more aggressive stance to fight this modern-day threat to humanity, a statement posted on the Climate Change Commission website said. According to Climate Change Commission Vice Chair Secretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, President Benigno Aquino III has not lifted Executive Order No. 23, which declared a suspension of all logging activities in the count...
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26Mar2012MANILA, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board, chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III, has approved three irrigation projects, worth P19.7 billion, during its recent meeting in Malacañang, a statement posted in the Department of Agriculture (DA) website said. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala thanked President Aquino and other NEDA Board members, as the three irrigation projects will contribute to sustaining rice production and food staple suffici...
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18May2012MANILA, May 18 (PIA) -- Remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) coursed through banks rose in March 2012 by five percent year-on-year to reach $1.7 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said in a statement. The continued increase in remittance flows in March brought the first quarter level to US$4.8 billion, higher by 5.4 percent than the $4.6 billion realized in the same period a year ago. Remittances from land-based ($3.7 billion) and sea-based ($1.1 ...
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21Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 21, (PIA) -- Human trafficker are now prowling communities devastated by typhoon Pablo in Mindanao for possible victims. This is the alarming report received by Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Legarda urges local government officials and citizens alike to be vigilant. “I have always emphasized that disasters are linked inextricably to poverty and socio-economic inequality. It ...
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22Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- The city has become the first local government in the country to conduct its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and is now making its GHG Management Plan. In a statement, Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the crafting of the city’s GHG management plan is being based on the results of the GHG inventory done by the city at the entity and community levels in 2010 and 2011, respectively, according to the standards set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IP...
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20Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) said in a press release Wednesday that local and foreign academic studies show that the country’s peace and order situation is improving. These studies are the 2012 Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace and The Pulse Asia's Ulat ng Bayan survey. The 2012 Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace ranked the Philippines among the top five nations that registered...
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21Apr2012MANILA, APRIL 21 (PIA) -- Another five overseas Filipino workers repatriated from Syria is scheduled to arrive today at 9:55 PM at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard Emirates Airlines Flight No. EK 334. Yesterday, 10 OFWs arrived aboad Philippine Airlines Flight PR 731 and Emirates Ailines Flight EK 334. Since the violence in Syria began to escalate, the Embassy has successfully brought over a thousand Filipinos back to the Philippines despite logistical challenges. In a news relea...
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10May2012QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- Filipino journalists have started an online petition for the immediate passage of the Freedom on Information (FOI) bill. This developed a few days after journalists celebrated World Press Freedom Day by advocating press freedom. The Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ), a network of media organizations working for press freedom and against violence against the media, is taking the lead on the online petition for the immediate passage of the FOI. The Center...
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07Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be planting 10 million trees in support of the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said PNP’s pledge of support for the NGP was officially sealed recently through a memorandum of agreement. He signed a MOA last week with PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome, which kicked off the i...
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27Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is already all set for this year’s ‘Oplan Bantay-Lakbay’ as part of the Philippine National Police ‘Oplan SumVac 2012'. PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome said this year’s ‘Oplan SumVac’ aims to promote travel safety for both local and foreign travelers this Lenten and summer season, an agency statement said. According to Bartolome, the NCRPO will lead the ‘Oplan Bantay-Lakbay’ in cooperation with the M...
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12May2012QUEZON CITY, May 12 (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is giving out tents and generators to the 17 local government units of Metro Manila (MM) to boost their disaster response capabilities, according to a press release posted in the MMDA website. MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said a total of 170 multi-purpose tents and an equal number of power generators will be donated such that each LGU will be receiving 10 multi-purpose tent and 10 power generator. MMDA said th...
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04May2012MANILA, May 4 (PIA) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is seeking to get banking services to all of the Asian region’s poor by 2020, it said in a statement. “Achievement of full financial inclusion is not a mere numbers game that can be measured through the bank accounts opened, transactions conducted, beneficiaries reached out to,” said Lakshmi Venkatachalam, ADB’s Vice President of Private Sector and Cofinancing Operations during the 45th Annual ADB Meeting held in the city. The off...
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20Apr2012MANILA, April 20 (PIA) -- At its meeting yesterday, the Monetary Board decided to keep the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)'s key policy rates at 4 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 6 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility. The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs, and special deposit accounts (SDAs) were also maintained accordingly. The reserve requirement ratios were kept steady as well, the BSP said in a statement. The Monetar...
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28Jun2012MARIKINA CITY, June 28 (PIA) -- The Marikina City Health Office (CHO) and the Office for Senior Citizens' Affairs (OSCA) will provide free pneumonia vaccination for its senior citizens starting Monday, July 2. Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman said the local government will start vaccinating this July since lung diseases are common during rainy season. “Pneumonia vaccines cost more than P1,000 in private hospitals and clinics. So to help our senior citizens coming from the marginalized sector, w...
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13Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 13 (PIA) -- Quezon City’s initiative to address the problem of housing and informal settlements has gained recognition and cash reward from the National Drive Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates (NDAPSSS) chaired by Vice President Jejomar Binay. For its initiative in the implementation of RA 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992 and Executive Order 153 or the national drive to suppress and eradicate profess...
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06Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 6 (PIA) -- Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) working in South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) are covered by the prospective minimum wage increase in their host country. This was announced by Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz after receiving a report from Philippine Labor Attache to South Korea Felicitas Bay, who said that OFWs in the country under the EPS are covered by the hourly wage hike in parity with the native Korean workfor...
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30Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- Despite the observance of the Holy Week and the long holiday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will continue to apprehend colorum vehicles plying along the thoroughfares of Metro Manila (MM). MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino stressed that colorum vehicles will not be tolerated since there are enough legitimate utility vehicles to serve commuters and they have no right to compete with duly franchised PUVs. "There will be no letup. In fact, we w...
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02May2012MANILA, May 2 (PIA) – An Asian Development Bank (ADB) official said countries in Asia and the Pacific can reap a seven-fold return on investment in urban disaster risk management if they devote resources to protect cities vulnerable to natural calamities. “Disaster risk management is often seen as a cost rather than an investment,” Vinod Thomas, Director General of ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department, said in a seminar entitled “Vulnerable Cities – Waking Up to the Need for Urb...
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22May2012MANILA, May 22 (PIA) -- A Catholic priest and also a legal expert is throwing his full support to the national identification (ID) system. According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Fr. Ranhillo Aquino, Dean of San Beda College’s Graduate School of Law, said the system would be more beneficial to the public. “It’s for the convenience of the State. But it is also for the convenience of the citizen,” Aquino said. He also believed that the national ID sy...
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31Mar2012MANILA, March 31 (PIA) -- All provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays nationwide are expected to join the rest of the world in the observance of Earth Hour by turning off their lights for at least one hour today, March 31 between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., a statement said. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said he has already issued a directive to all local governments to support Earth Hour 2012 by doing the simple act of turning off their lights for one hour. “L...
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02Oct2012PASAY CITY, Oct 2 (PIA) -- Hospital bills will no longer be a burden for poor families as well to teachers and nonteaching personnel of Pasay City as the “Take Care I Care Green Card” or the TCIC Green Card issued by the city will get them covered. The TCIC Green Card under the Pasay City Comprehensive Hospitalization Program states that “all poor residents, employees of the city government as well as teaching and nonteaching staff are qualified to avail of up to P25,000 in hospital bill...
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09Oct2012MANILA, Oct 9 --The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) expects that the full-year headline inflation rate for 2012 will be at the low end of the government's target. The NEDA statement followed the release of the inflation data by the National Statistics Office (NSO) which showed that headline inflation rate in September 2012 eased to 3.6 percent from 3.8 percent last month. “The September data brought the headline inflation rate for the first three quarters of the year to on...
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22Jan2012MAKATI CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The local government has intensified its support to providing assistance and protection for both local job seekers and overseas workers, a statement said over the weekend. This, after Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay signed an agreement with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) NCR to boost the city's employment programs. Binay and POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac signe...
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05Mar2012LAS PIÑAS, March 5 (PIA) -- The local government has intensified its implementation of a city ordinance that bans the use of plastics and non-biodegradable packaging materials by deploying "anti-plastik pulis," a statement said. According to Mayor Vergel Aguilar, the 'green' police will be responsible for strict implementation of the measure that prohibits the use of plastics and styrofoam materials in packaging and handling of items and food products in all estab...
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09Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 9 (PIA) -- The local government is encouraging women who are employed in government but are still lacking a college degree to avail themselves of an executive program being offered by the city-owned University of Makati through the Senator Aquilino Pimentel Center for Local Governance (SAPCLG). In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, who also led the in city celebrating International Women's Day 2012 on Thursday, has called on the wome...
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15Nov2012MANILA, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The Social Security System will implement a revised set of guidelines of SSS short-term loans in December 2012, which will allow members to take home bigger amount of loan proceeds, the agency said in a statement. “We will no longer deduct the first year's interest from the loanable amount. The 10 percent effective annual interest of the loan will be charged based on diminishing principal balance and it will be amortized over 24 months,” said Ma. Luz. C. Generoso, S...
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28May2012MANILA, May 28 (PIA) -- A public-private partnership supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allowed the installation of environment-friendy solar-powered light emitting diodes or LEDs to a four-lane tunnel that crosses the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). “ADB is proud to be associated with an initiative that helps the country move towards lower carbon emissions,” Anthony Jude, Director in ADB’s Southeast Asia Department, said in a statement posted on the ADB website. “...
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19Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- At least 11 investors have signified their intent to participate in the privatization of the diesel-fired Power Barge (PB) Nos. 101, 102, 103 and 104, a statment posted on the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation website (www.psalm.gov.ph) said recently. According to PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., 11 prospective bidders comprising both local and foreign companies submitted preliminary bidding requiremen...
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21Jan2012QUEZON CITY, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and launched the Agrikulturang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (PPP) initiative in Catubig province in Northern Samar, an agency statement said. The DA said the launch followed their partnership sealed by the two agencies in August 2011 on engaging landless farmers in DSWD’s Cash for Work Program in paddy diking. Such partnership ai...
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16Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 15 (PIA) -- President Aquino today inaugurated the new state-of-the art facilities of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) in time with the celebration of its 38th anniversary. According to PHC Executive Director, Dr. Manuel Chua Chiaco Jr., the centerpiece of the PHC’s new facilities is the Hybrid Operating Room, the first and only one in the Philippines, with a built-in robotic imaging system for advanced cardiovascular procedures. Chiaco describes the Hybrid Operating Room ...
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27Jun2011The National Greening Program was launched last February 24, by virtue of Executive Order No. 26. It is government's most massive reforestation attempt in the last 25 years in attaining sustainable development for poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Philippines has a total land area of 30 million hectares. Of this number, 15.9 million hectares or 52.9 percent are forestland and timberland while some 14.1 million ...
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12Feb2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) –- February 6 was a big day for the beneficiaries and organizers of Project FRESH as their aspirations were finally realized - better livelihood prospects, decreased hunger incidence and improved nutrition status of children. In line with this, Parañaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. together with the project management team members recognized the outstanding accomplishments of beneficiaries during the awarding ceremony of the 1st M...
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15Feb2012PASIG CITY, Feb 14 (DAP) -- The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) awarded 25 Philippine Microfinance Practitioners from the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development – Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI) with Certificate on Productivity and Quality Management for completing the core and major courses of the Masters in Productivity and Quality Management major in Microfinance.(MPQM-Microfinance) On this same occasion, Dr, Jaime Aristotle B. ...
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19Jan2012MARIKINA CITY, January 19 (PIA) - -The city government of Marikina led by Mayor Del De Guzman recently conducted "Mercury-Free School Program” in Marikina Elementary School (MES), Brgy. Sta. Elena. The activity was conducted in cooperation with the non-profit organization ‘Ban Toxics!’, who gave lectures on the hazard of toxic materials especially in schools, assessed the current mercury situation of the MES and replaced mercury-containing equipment and p...
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16Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 16 (PIA) -- After the first phase of nomination, seven cities of the country made it to the first phase of the prestigious New7Wonder Cities search. Moving on to the qualification phase, which runs March 7 to November 23, 2012 are the cities of Vigan, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Parañaque. Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe is honored that Philippine cities continue to be recognized and gain renown in international circles.&...
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27Apr2012MANILA, April 27 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has adopted the internationally-accepted Debt Management and Financial Analysis System (DMFAS), a statement said. The BSP said that the DMFAS system is powered by a software developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The DMFAS also provides technical assistance and advisory services in the area of debt management to strengthen the external debt management capability of countries. Similarly, the ...
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04Sep2012MARIKINA CITY, September 4 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina is gearing up for another round of shoe caravan starting October 1 to November 9, 2012. Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman is again inviting the public to support the event, not only to patronize high-quality, locally made shoes, but also to help revive the shoe industry that made the city as the 'Shoe Capital of the Philippines.' Prior to the caravan, the city government will formally open its ‘Sapatos Festival’ on Monday, Se...
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10Oct2012MAKATI CITY, Oct 10 (PIA) -- The local government has conducted random drug tests in line with its ongoing campaign for drug-free workplaces towards a drug-free Makati. In a statement, Makati City government said that the Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) has cleared 283 police personnel and 148 employees of illegal drug use or substance abuse after conducting random drug tests on police community precincts, the central police station and private establishments throughout the city. MADAC ...
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02Sep2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, September 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) in cooperation with the city government of Parañaque is targeting 8,884 more potential households to be registered in the Set 6 of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to be implemented this year. In a statement, the identification of the additional potential beneficiaries was presented by the DSWD-NCR to Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. “We commend ...
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19Apr2012Quezon City, April 19 (PIA) -- The Quezon City Council said it opposes a resolution opposing the proposal of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to use garbage incinerators in the city. Introduced by Quezon City Councilors Dorothy A. Delarmente and Gian Carlo G. Sotto, Resolution No. SP-5462 S-2012 strongly opposes the use of incinerators, except smokeless incinerators, in dealing with the garbage problem within QC. The proposal made by MMDA pertaining to the use of incin...
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22May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment has issued guidelines on handling cases on trafficking in persons, illegal recruitment, and child labor to achieve an organized and effective management of such. In a news release, Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said she has issued Department Circular No. 02, Series of 2012 also known as the Manual of Procedures in Handling Complaints on Trafficking in Persons, Illegal Recruitment and Child Labor. Baldoz said the ...
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02May2012MANILA, May 2 (PIA) -- Around 4,000 delegates have registered for the 45th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors on Tuesday at the Philippine International Convention Center. The event started this morning. The delegates--comprising top policymakers, business leaders, media, academics, civil society, and development institution representatives--attended the meeting. For the first time, this year ADB welcomes the participation of the President of the Inter-Ameri...
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30May2012MANILA, May 30 (PIA) -- Aimed at fighting rural poverty, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) and its financial arm, Philippine Postal Savings Bank Inc. have joined forces to help the rural banking sector. In a press release, PhilPost and Postal Bank have signed a memorandum of agreement Tuesday, May 29 and vowed to work together and pool their resources to spur economic activities in the countryside by providing financial assistance, services and job opportunities to the rural folk. ...
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20Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. this year boosts leak repair projects in the country by using state-of-the-art leak detection technologies. Maynilad President and CEO Ricky P. Vargas said many water pipes are either old or deteriorated. “Instead of implementing total pipe replacements which are very costly and disruptive to the public, we’re actively searching for underground leaks so we can repair them using more cost-efficient means,” said Vargas. D...
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01Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- Habi Footwear, shoes that care by Albert Go; and Pineapple Fiber Production of Batas Multi-Purpose Cooperative by Shiela Vergara emerged winners Wednesday night in the Business in Development (BiD) Challenge at One Esplanade, SM Central Business Park. This was announced by the organizer, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in a press release sent to the PIA-NCR. PBSP executive director Rafa C. Lopa said the two top winners will represent the country to...
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09Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 9 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said the country’s agriculture sector has achieved a lot in two years, and asked the public to continue supporting the reforms being initiated by his administration for the benefit of the Filipino people and the country as a whole. In a statement, the President said during the Makina-Saka 2012 Agri-Machinery Roadshow on July 5, “Kung may isa man pong sektor na talagang sumasalamin sa kung gaano ka-epektibo ang ating krusada sa tuw...
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20Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Department Agriculture (DA) will take appropriate measures and convene the National Food Authority (NFA) Council to address the demand of militant peasant groups to increase the farmgate price of palay (unhusked rice) from P17 to P20 per kilo, a statement said on its website. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, in a recent meeting with the leaders of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Amihan, and the Anakpawis Partylist, said he recognized the...
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13Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 13 (PIA) --The Department of Labor & Employment is waging an all-out war against child labor this year by rolling-out series of programs and activities to boost its campaign for the prevention and elimination of child labor. In a news release, Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that for 2012 they will be focusing on the country side in an effort to eradicate child labor, adding that they target 80 barangays to become chil...
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10May2012MANILA, May 10 (PIA) -- Private sector supporters of slain broadcaster and environmentalist Dr. Gerardo “Gerry” Ortega has put up a P300,000 bounty for informants who could provide leads in the arrest of his alleged murder masterminds, former Palawan Gov. Joel T. Reyes and his brother, Coron town mayor Mario Reyes Jr. In a statement posted on the DILG website, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said the funds were pooled from friends from the private sector and the fu...
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29Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 29 (PIA) -- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum Jr. assured the public that their agency will continue to function even if their central office in Quezon City is devastated by a powerful earthquake. "Worst case scenario - our regional office in Davao City will immediately take over in case the Phivolcs main office inside the University of the Philippines campus is decimated by a strong earthquake," he said speakin...
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30Apr2012MANILA, April 30 (PIA) -- Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas has announced a nationwide plan to construct and rehabilitate approximately 1,017 public toilets in its attached agencies, including airports, seaports, and train stations across the country. The plan is in line with President Benigno Aquino III’s “Kayo ang Boss Ko (You are the boss)” principle in putting the people’s welfare and convenience first. “We want to restore the pride and dignity o...
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30Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has classified 51 additional water bodies in terms of best usage and water quality in order to boost protection and ensure proper management of these water resources. This brings to 676 the number of water bodies which have been classified nationwide, and DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje explained that the classification is necessary to determine the best uses to be implemented within these waters and the se...
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03Mar2012MANILA, March 3 (PIA) -- Land Bank clients may soon enjoy the benefits of convenient, cashless purchases worldwide through LANDBANK Visa International Debit Card. An agreement has been signed between Land Bank of the Philippines, the country's official depository, and Visa Worldwide Pte., Limited to develop the said product. This card allows access to over 2 million ATMs and more than 31 million point-of-sale terminals connected to the Visa Worldwide network. With the ...
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13Jun2012MAKATI CITY, June 13 (PIA) -- The city-run University of Makati (UMak) recently conducted an orientation for some 4,587 enrollees of the K to 12 program (Kindergarten plus 12 years) in preparation for the opening of classes today. A statement posted on the local government website said that the city-owned university has been chosen to pilot test the implementation of the Department of Education K to12 offering Grades 11 and 12 or senior high school this school year 2012-2013. In a report to Ma...
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06Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) called on other government agencies to become partners in the Global Marketing and Intelligence System (GMIS), which will synchronize the trade and investment promotion activities in a more efficient and effective structure. DTI Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio made the appeal as he vigorously introduced the GMIS before the media, private sector, trade and investment promotion agencies of DTI and other government agencies rec...
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08Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will soon use biometrics for documenting the arrival and departure of international traveler. In a statement, BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the scheme will enhance the country’s border security and boost the agency’s capability to thwart the entry of foreign terrorists and other illegal aliens. Biometrics scheme involves the use of an ink-less device and digital camera in capturing the fingerprints and photographs of ...
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18May2012MANILA, May 18 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) approved an enhanced version of the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks (SPRB), a statement posted on the BSP website said. Labeled as the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks Plus (SPRB Plus), the program expands the original SPRB to include strong and well-managed thrift banks and commercial banks as among eligible Strategic Third Party Investor (STPI) or so-called “whit...
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19Jan2012MANILA, Jan 19 (PIA) -- A bill seeking the creation of an agency which will serve as a research center that will guide policymaking on various issues surrounding ageing in the country has been filed in the Senate. Senator Edgardo Angara, author of the Senior Citizen's Act of 1991 and National Health Insurance Act (PhilHealth Law), has recently filed Senate Bill No. 2982 seeking the creation of a Philippine Institute for Ageing, that will generate science and research-based solutions on social, ...
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20Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino yesterday enjoined the public to help in the crackdown against illegal jeepney terminals. Chairman Tolentino saidMMDA has been receiving text messages about illegal terminals and he is urging the public to help in calling the attention of barangay officials for appropriate actions. “We should alert our local officials especially at the barangay...
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15Apr2012MANILA, April 15 (PIA) -- Foreign direct investments (FDIs) posted net inflows amounting to $766 million during the start of this year, almost four times higher than the year-ago level of $214 million, a statement posted on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. The BSP said that this was achieved as a result of net equity capital inflows which stood at $739 million during January 2012 from only $31 million in January 2011. In particular, it said that gross equity capital placem...
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06Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 6 (PIA) –- To start the school year right, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has joined hands with the Department of Education (DepEd) and media company ABS-CBN in forging an agreement in constructing school buildings and providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR). The Memorandum of Agreement signing held Tuesday, June 5, is in time with the opening of the classes and onset of the rainy season. In a release sent to PIA-NCR, it said that the par...
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09Feb2012MARIKINA CITY, February 9 (PIA) -- Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman apologized for the heavy traffic yesterday as the A. Bonifacio Avenue was closed ydue to the filming of the “Bourne Legacy.” Yesterday’s closure of some streets in the vicinity of Marikina’s public market, coupled with the filming equipment, the set and props, the cast and crew; created long and heavy traffic. To somehow ease the traffic for today’s filming, Marikina May...
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28Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 28 (PIA) -- Quezon City completed conducting an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from government operations. Conducted in partnership with ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, USAID-Cenergy Project and the Philippine League of Local Environment and Natural Resources Officers, the inventory forms part of the city’s commitment to the Global Cities Covenant on Climate Change (or the Mexico City Pact) as a signatory. The inventory covers emi...
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15Apr2012MANILA, April 15 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Friday cited the unrelenting efforts of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in going after carjacking syndicates which resulted to a significant 49.5 percent decrease in carnapping incidents in March this year, according to a press release. Citing the report submitted by PNP-HPG Director, PChief Supt. Leonardo Espina, Robredo said only 53 carnapping incidents transpired in March this ...
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03May2012MANILA, May 3 -- National wealth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India could exceed that of the US and Europe combined by 2030,the Asian Development Bank (ADB) according to a statement released by ADB. The ADB said that the region's wealth potential could be realized if the three economies take steps now to overcome challenges and reduce risks, according to highlights of a new book launched Wednesday ADB and Asian Development Bank In...
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02Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- The local government has alloted a total budget of P2,190,946,000 for its programs and projects covering public pre-school, elementary, high school and tertiary levels. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the bulk of the education budget has been earmarked for expenditures in the pre-school to high school levels, with a total of P1,887,622,000. The remaining P303,324,000 constitutes the budget for the operations of the city-run Uni...
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24Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 24 (PIA) -- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) explained to members of media about the earthquake and tsunami alerts issued by the agency. Ma. Antonio V. Bornas, chief senior research specialist, Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, Phivolcs, said “tsunami alert cancellation” are often misinterpreted or understood to mean that the agency committed a mistake issuing an earlier warning. Bornas said the issuance of a tsunami alert...
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12Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has enjoined livestock and poultry industry stakeholders to continue joint efforts to maintain the country’s twin distinction of being free from foot and mouth disease (FMD) and avian flu. In a statement posted on the DA website (www.da.gov.ph), it said that Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala made the call during the opening of the 4th International Animal Health, Genetics and Nutrition (INAHGEN) Farmers Congres...
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18Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- To keep overseas Filipino worker (OFW) members updated on their PhilHealth coverage and membership, the national health insurance provider joined the orientation for predeparting OFWs. The three-day learning series held at the Blas Ople Training Center, Manila was conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and attended by 400 predeparture orientation seminar (PDOS) trainers. At present, PhilHealth covers around 2.52 million OFWs, plus 2.48 mil...
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29Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are now working actively to prevent and eliminate marine pollution. In a statement, both agencies said they are doubling their efforts to address the problem of pollution threatening the country’s fish supplies. In coordination with other concerned government agencies, the BFAR continues to intensify its efforts towards the complete elim...
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22Feb2012The Philippines is home to roughly 85 million Filipinos. Of this number, 84 percent are literate. The blind population is 467,000 while the deaf is estimated at 12 million, according to Paul Lewis study in 2009. With the archipelagic situation of the country composed of 7,000 islands, it is no wonder that the Philippines has different languages. In Paul Lewis’s study on Ethnologue: Languages of the World, the Philippines has 175 listed individual languages. Of these, 171 are livin...
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06Apr2012MANILA, April 6 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Tuesday said plans are underway to transfer the detention of high-risk inmates from the Kidapawan district jail in Kidapawan City to the Bicutan district jail in Taguig City. The plan, according to Robredo in a statement, is to prevent a repeat of last February 19 incident wherein around 50 unidentified heavily-armed men assaulted the Kidapawan district jail in a bid to rescue a detained Maguindanao-based notor...
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16Apr2012MANILA, April 16 (PIA) -- The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) announced its initial 13 graduates of its online Basic OSH course (e-BOSH). In a statement posted on its website (www.oshc.dole.gov.ph), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said that those who finished the course are Frances Dominguez, Renato Mateo, Ruel Teves, Anabel Punzalan, Lester Marqueses, Anthony Hermogino, Abelardo delos Santos, Timothy Manos, Elmar Godino, Noel Benitez...
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05Feb2012TAGUIG CITY, February 5 (PIA) -- Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano vowed to intensify its campaign against crimes. This, after Cayetano recently convened the city’s Peace and Order Security Council due to the unfortunate incidents that happened in the city including the explosion of a vintage bomb in a junk shop that left four persons dead on the spot including two members of the PNP Special Action Force and injuring 11 more. She also said that recent incidents, including th...
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28Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) led a rescue mission that saved 22 women including several minors bound for the Middle East during an operation against human trafficking Monday. In a news release, Vice President Jejomay Binay also the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) Concerns and concurrent Chairman Emeritus of the IACAT said two of those rescued were due to fly tomorrow from Manila to Cebu t...
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20Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 20 (PIA) -- Barely a week to go, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is all set for the annual entrance examinations. Thousands of aspiring future military officers are expected to flock in all 37 PMA testing centers nationwide on Sunday, August 26. In a statement, PMA Superintendent Major General Nonato Alfredo Peralta Jr. said the academy is expecting an increase in the number of applicants this year. “For this year, we are expecting an increase in the number of appli...
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07Aug2012MANILA, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has tapped the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) to support the agency's disaster risk reduction and management and environmental programs. In a statement, DILG said that DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and GSP National President Dr. Salud Bagalso has signed the memorandum of agreement that aims to encourage municipalities and barangays to organize girl scouts community-based troops that can help the government...
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30Mar2012MANILA, March 30 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has launched the Foreign Loan Approval and Registration System or FLAReS, a statement in the BSP website said. The new system is part of the Bangko Sentral’s continuing efforts to further enhance operational efficiency and delivery of services, using latest available technology. Currently, applications for approval and registration of foreign and FCDU loans are filed by clients in hard copies with the International Operations ...
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25Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. assured that the U.S. government will work collaboratively with the Philippine government over the grounding of the USS Guardian on Tubbataha Reef last week. In a statement, Thomas expressed his profound regret on the incident. “This was an unfortunate accident, and I recognize the legitimate concerns over the damage caused to a unique and precious wonder of nature, internationally recognized for its ...
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08Jan2013MANILA, Jan 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, together with the Philippine Medical Association, conducted the first ever 'ReachOut' Forum at the PMA Auditorium in Quezon City. The officers of the different specialty and regional societies were present with a total of 170 physicians attending the event. The dialogue aimed to thresh out issues regarding unreleased cheques, poor communication between PhilHealth and healthcare professionals, and circulars that were difficult t...
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28Jan2012MANILA, January 28 (PIA) -- More sea and air assets will soon be seen in stations of the Philippine Coast Guard as P1.6 billion will be earmarked for the acquisitions of equipment to boost the maritime agency’s search and rescue capabilities. Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said the additional fund, which was directed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, will help reinforce Coast Guard’s P3billion funds aimed at building a more mobile and f...
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12Mar2012MANILA, March 12 (PIA) -- Climate Change Commission Vice-chairperson Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering welcomed the assistance offered by the German government to help implement the country’s climate change mitigation and adaptation measures as embodied in the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC), and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), a statement said. The assistance, funded by the International Climate Initiative (ICI) of the German Federal Ministry...
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03Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the Global Marketing and Intelligence System (GMIS) that will effectively and efficiently synchronize the trade and investment promotion activities of the department and other government agencies. “Beyond the gains in efficiency, the ultimate objective of this change is to have an effective structure that can support our local industries in expanding their markets and bring new investments in prior...
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13Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partners have grown nearly 57 million seedlings in October this year. Of the 57 million, 83 percent or 47.2 million comprise indigenous forest tree species. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the importance given to Philippine native species for the National Greening Program (NGP) is “In pursuit of DENR’s phased approach to a shift from use of exotic to indigenous species.” “We can now sa...
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25Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 25 -- In support of the spirit of the Edsa People Power Revolution, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo led today agency officials and employees in the clean-up of Manila Bay under its “One Day. One Bay Campaign,” a metrowide coastal clean-up activity. Robredo said the clean-up activity is the Department’s contribution to the nation’s celebration of the 26th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution, as it highlights the ...
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18May2012MANILA, May 18 (PIA) -- State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Land Bank) continues to adopt measures to mitigate risks of lending to small farmers and fisher folk as loan disbursements to this sector reached P285.5 billion from 1991 to 2010, according to a press release posted at the website of Land Bank. Land Bank president and CEO Gilda E. Pico said the bank has strengthened the implementation of mitigating controls for lending to small farmers and fisher folk who in most cases do not hav...
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29Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched a tour itinerary- and poster-making contest in observance of National Heroes Day on August 27 and History Month in August. Dubbed Icons of Greatness, the competition seeks to honor the country’s heroes and commemorate the significant events in the history of the Filipino nation, a DOT statement said. Entries for both tour itinerary and poster must feature at least one of the icons of greatness defined as significant p...
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07Nov2012MANILA, Nov 7 (PIA) -- To address the increasing cases of theft, a growing number of Catholic churches in Metro Manila are installing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras inside churches. According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines (CBCP), several parishes under the Diocese of Cubao have already been installed with CCTV cameras to ensure close monitoring of their vicinity. “CCTV cameras are really helpful. In fact, some of our churches already have CCTVs at least ...
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03Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 3 (PIA) -- In strengthening the city's resiliency against earthquakes and other natural disasters, the Quezon City government partnered with the Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI). The EMl is an international scientific initiative organization established to advance urban risk reduction policy, knowledge, and practice in megacities and fast-growing metropolises. The group is a member of the UN Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and partner of the Global Fa...
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28Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 28 (PIA) -- Authorities from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday, February 27 nabbed a female Syrian national for possession of marijuana. In a release, PDEA Director General Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. identified the arrested Syrian national as Reem Suliman Altawijri, a 36-year old resident of Riyadh, Sahafa Area, Saudi Arabia. Altawijri was arrested during the final screening at the departure area of...
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15Jan2013MANILA, Jan 15 (PIA) -- Foreign direct investments (FDI) for the first ten months of 2012 recorded net inflows of US$1.1 billion, higher by 32.6 percent than the US$853 million posted in the comparable period in 2011. In a statement, the BSP said its statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows. Net inflows of equity capital—which increased by more than seven-fold to reach US$1.2 billion from US$170 million posted in the comparable period in the previous year—accounted for the b...
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21May2012MANILA, May 21 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in collaboration with General Santos City, participating cooperatives, and donor institutions, launched the General Santos City Credit Surety Fund (GSCCSF) in a formal ceremony held in General Santos City recently. In a statement posted in BSP's website, the BSP said that the Fund is a surety fund aimed at helping cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain access to credit from banks. The surety fund is gene...
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09Feb2012MANILA, February 9 (PIA) -- Public Works and Highways chief Rogelio L. Singson ordered the immediate restoration works on national roads in Central Visayas after it was hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake noontime last Monday, February 6. In a release, Singson sent composite teams of bridge and building experts and structural engineers from the DPWH Bureaus of Design, Construction, Research and Standards. The composite teams were directed to assess the extent of the damage to pub...
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14Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently donated P1.82 million to District 3830 Rotary Homes Parañaque Foundation, Inc. for the construction of 1,500 homes for informal settlers in Parañaque City. Maynilad’s Chief Operating Officer Herbert Consunji and Advocacy & Marketing Head Patricia Hizon presented the check to Rotary Homes officers, to include Past District Governor Tony Quila, President Rene Limjoco, President-Elect Reuben Valerio, Past Rotary Int’l ...
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24Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- Two schools in the Philippines were bestowed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Eco-Friendly Schools Award during the ministerial dinner for the launch of the ASEAN Environmental Year (AEY) 2012 on July 17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A press statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Iliranan Elementary School in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental and the Camarines Sur National High School were recognized along with other primary and...
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23Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) has formulated the 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) that will be launched in December 2012 in time for the annual celebration of the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM). In a statement, the DOE said the plan was formulated as agency recognized the long gestation periods of energy projects and investments and that energy, as a valuable commodity, has a direct impact on the country’s economic growth. The PEP, by develo...
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23May2012MANILA, May 23 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo directed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to step up the inspection of all school buildings, universities, colleges as well as student dormitories and boarding houses to check on compliance to fire safety requirements and standards in preparation for the opening of classes this June,. In a directive to BFP officer-in-charge C/Supt. Samuel Perez, Robredo said that the fire bureau should take the lead in the fire pre...
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14Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 14 (PIA)--The Department of Tourism launched its campaign “It’s more fun in the Philippines” in Berlin, Germany during the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB-Berlin) 2012, the world’s biggest travel fair. The Philippine delegation treated some 300 European travel trade and media representatives to a launch party and let them experience of how it is indeed more fun in the Philippines. According to a news release, the party was hosted b...
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27May2012MANILA, May 27 (PIA) -- Three Japanese training vessels are set to arrive Monday, May 28, at the port of Manila for a goodwill visit. The three training vessels of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Squadron Force (JMSDF) composed of JS Kashima (TV-3508), JS Shimayuki (TV-3513), and JS Matsuyuki (DD-130) will be headed by Rear Admiral Hidetoshi Fuchinoue. The five-day goodwill visit hopes to strengthen existing friendly relations between the two navies in a series of events to further enhance ...
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15Aug2012MANILA, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- Thirteen cities and municipalities in the country have emerged as consistent top performers in the local government state of performance report for the last three years, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In a statement, DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo identified the consistent top performing local government units (LGUs) as the provinces of La Union, Cavite, Albay and Ilocos Norte; and the cities of Valenzuela, Makati, Angeles, Ta...
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09May2012MANILA, May 9 (PIA) -- Manila City residents recently witnessed the inauguration of the newly-renovated Jacinto Ciria Cruz Swimming Pool at Selya Street in Pandacan. “The renovation of the pool signifies the importance given to swimming as a skill. The pool also serves as a venue where the youth could hone and practice swimming, which is a necessary skill in life-threatening scenarios,” Mayor Alfredo Lim said. “It is important that we know how to save ourselves in different disasters l...
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10May2012QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and Manila City Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will lead today the reopening of the newly reconstructed Honorio Lopez Bridge in Tondo, Manila. Singson said the early reopening of the P95.75 million-worth Honorio Lopez Bridge was made possible due to fast-tracking of construction works, weeks ahead before school opening in June. The bridge located across Estero de Sunog Apog in Balut, Tondo, Manila t...
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04Feb2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Feb 4 (PIA) -- Beginning Monday, February 6, the Parañaque City government will be implementing its anti-smoking drive. Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe said the city government is serious with its anti-smoking campaign for a healthy populace and clean environment. “We urge smokers to give-up this habit for their own sake and for the benefit of their family and the public,” Bernabe said. The campaign will initially ...
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02Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation (GK) recently formalized a joint undertaking for the benefit of the non-poor informal sector grantees of GK. The partnership, which is enshrined in a memorandum of agreement signed by said agencies, aims to further strengthen the Aquino Health Agenda of Universal Health Care or Kalusugang Pangkalahatan. The agreement calls for the enrollment and sustained coverage of GK vi...
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18Sep2012MARIKINA CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines) Inc. has donated several rescue and relief equipment to the city government of Marikina. In a statement, the equipment received were safety helmets, safety gloves, life vests, rescue cans, fiber glass urban bulldog rescue boats, engine frames, 25hp outdoor motors, trailers, and a light tower with silent diesel generator. Kitchen equipment were also donated such as soup ladle, stock pots, stock pot burners, rice cookers...
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30Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said that increased participation of stakeholders in managing marine protected areas (MPAs) will improve the condition of the country’s coral reefs. In a statement posted in the department's website, he said that in terms of coral cover, the country’s coral reefs have about 40 percent in poor condition and continue to face constant threats, mostly from humans. Threats to coral reefs i...
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12Apr2012QUEZON CITY, Apr. 12 (PIA) -- With a new irrigation system, the Aeta community in Barangay Villar in Botolan, Zambales now has more reason to return to their ancestral land after being displaced for years when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991. The irrigation system, which features a novel ram pump, series of pipes and hose, and water reservoir, is part of several agricultural projects, equipment and inputs totaling P60 million that the Department of Agriculture through Secretary Proceso J. Alcala ...
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16May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 16 (PIA) -- The recently approved House Bill 5727, which aims to reform the current excise tax system for alcohol and tobacco products is expected to generate at least P60.7 billion in revenues. This is according to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad who said in a news release that if the bill is passed into law, it will improve revenue and tax efficiencies in government. Abad said that the bulk of the revenue will go to critical health services which include health care coverage...
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22Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 22 (PIA) -- The 143,000 men and women of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now back on track to better health as PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome recently led the kick-off ceremony of the Weight Loss Management Program. In a release, the weight loss management program is part of the PNP’s Health Awareness Campaign and Pulis Pangkalusugan Program, PNP-Health Service in cooperation with Herbalife International. The PNP, being one of the community-based agencies, must be ...
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24May2012MANILA, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) allotted more than P22 million in the form of infrastructure projects, equipment, processing facilities, and farm inputs to Cavite farmers to further prop up their production and incomes. A statement posted on the agency’s website said Agriculture Sec. Proceso J. Alcala handed over the assistance to farmers’ groups and local government officials led by Governor Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr., during a recent provincial forum held in...
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30Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) announced the start of the search for the 2012 National Nutrition Awards. Vying for this year’s various nutrition awards are 17 local government units (LGUs) comprising of Batanes Province; Lal-lo, Cagayan; Santiago City, Isabela; Ifugao Province; Bulacan Province; Pagsanjan, Laguna; Sta. Rosa City; Numancia, Aklan; Tubigon, Bohol; Maasin City; Opol, Misamis Oriental, Ozamis City; Zambonga, Sibugay Province; South Cotabato...
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16Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- At least 150 individuals are facing charges for drug-related offenses after the Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Madac) conducted a series of joint operations with the Station Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Group (SAIDSOTG) from January to October of this year. In its report to City Hall, Madac said the suspects had been charged with violating R.A. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, including unlawful sale and delivery of dangerous d...
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06Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) expressed confidence that the continuing support extended by the different sectors of society to the national anti-drug campaign is a big boost to rid the country of illegal drugs. In a release, PDEA Director General Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. said he is hopeful that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) would consider the possibility of expanding its support to law enforcement. D...
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02Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb 2 (PIA) -- The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation is pursuing the implementation of the government’s power privatization program, with the issuance of the Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the auction of the diesel-fired Power Barges 101, 102, 103 and 104 capable of generating 32 megawatts (MW) each. According to PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., the bidding of the power barges continues ...
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07Dec2012QUEZON CITY, December 7 (PIA) --The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) bared that 7,372 barangays, out of 42,025 barangays nationwide or 18 percent, are affected by drugs. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. said the percentage is based on consolidated data validated by PDEA and partner drug law enforcement agencies. “A barangay is said to be drug-affected when there is a determined existence of drug user, pusher, manufacturer, marijuana cultivator or other dr...
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22Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 22 (PIA) -- On November 25, thousands of clean air advocates will gather and move from the Ayala Triangle in Makati City to Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City, to call for cleaner air and better health. The event, dubbed “Clean Air? Pwede!!!” is campaigning for at least one Car-Free Day in Metro Manila’s roads every November as National Clean Air Month, primarily to lessen air pollution in its busy thoroughfares. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said that motor vehicles remai...
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23May2012MANILA, May 23 (PIA) -- Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Mar Roxas said that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) component of the Road Transportation IT Infrastructure Project will lead to a permanent solution to the data access problem in vehicle registration. Roxas said in a statement that under the present automation set up of the LTO, key data such as vehicle registration are being handled by a third party provider and not by the government. He said the cur...
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28Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- Education Secretary Armin Luistro on Friday launched an exhibit expo dubbed “Greater Opportunities! (GO!) Education” campaign to promote the K to 12 Basic Education Program. It is organized with the support of the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The exhibit was launched in the wake of the 2012 State of the Nation Address Address ...
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19Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, January 18 signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), renewing the contract for mailing transactions between the two agencies. The agreement signing was led by Postmaster General Josefina M. Dela Cruz and Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima. During the signing, Dela Cruz acknowledged the Department of Justice as a valuable partner in the public sector spanni...
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12Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- In recognition of the role that husbands assume when their wives choose to work abroad, the Department of Labor & Employment holds a forum on “house husbands." The Institute of Labor Studies (ILS), the policy research and advocacy arm of the DOLE held a forum dubbed “Men Left Behind: The Social Costs of Feminized Labor migration in the Philippines”. The forum is about Filipino men left behind by the...
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07May2012QUEZON CITY, May 7 (PIA) –- Joint elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday, May 4 dismantled a mini-shabu laboratory in Malabon. In a release, PDEA chief Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. said the P5 million-worth of controlled precursors and essential chemicals were recovered by authorities from the illegal facility for manufacturing methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu in a residential compound in Malabon. Joints operatives of ...
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02Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation has opened its bidding process to interested bidders for the supply and delivery of oil-based fuel requirements for seven power facilities, including the 149-megawatt (MW) Naga Power Plant Complex, the 55-MW bunker-fired power facility of Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC), the 100-MW diesel plant of Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC), and Power Barges 101, 102, 103, an...
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04Jan2013QUEZON CITY, January 4, (PIA) - - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) may extend beyond January 6 the modified truck ban hours currently being implemented. “As per our initial assessment, the first three-week implementation of this modified truck ban has been a success, especially in reducing traffic congestion,” Tolentino explained. Tolentino is now in consultation with the Special Traffic Committee (STC) of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) on the planned extension of the n...
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28Nov2012TAGUIG CITY, NOV. 28 (PIA) --The Armed Forces of the Philippines launched today a music video entitled “Bayanihan: Para sa Kapayapaan”, a project initiated by the Philippine Army in support of the AFP’s advocacy in winning the peace through multi-sectoral engagement and approaches. The event was attended by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lesley Cordero, Optical Media Board Chair Ronnie Ricketts, Leah Navarro, director of the Movie & Television Review &...
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03Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 3 (PIA) -- The Philippines represented by Albay Governor Joey Salceda participated in the first Board Meeting of the Green Climate Fund held at the Centre de Conference de Varembe in Geneva, Switzerland last month. A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Salceda had expressed support for the proposal for Namibia’s participation in the discussion on the selection of the Fund’s host country. Not being a Board member or alternate, Namibia stated that i...
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08May2012MANILA, May 8 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines (Land Bank) has approved P129.3 million in loans under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's (OWWA) Overseas Filipino Workers Reintegration Program (OFW-RP), which will benefit close to 200 OFWs. In a statement, the Land Bank said that the OFW-RP aims to provide economic opportunities for OFWs including those affected by political crises in the Middle East and other countries seriously stricken by natural calamities. Qualified OFW...
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29Jul2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, July 29 (PIA) -- The city government of Parañaque has stepped up its anti-mendicancy advocacy campaign following the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s policy to stop mendicancy. “We support DSWD’s efforts to stop mendicancy. We need to put a halt to it as it breeds crime,” said Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe. In a release, Bernabe added that mendicancy (the practice of begging) endangers the life of mendicants, as well as expose them to abuse, indigni...
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18Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 18 (PIA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicanor A. Bartolome recently reiterated his call to all PNP unit commanders of the “One Strike and No Take Policy” as part of the anti-illegal gambling campaign. In a memorandum, Bartolome reiterated that the One Strike Policy shall be vigorously observed with greater emphasis on command responsibility, while the No Take Policy shall be the norm for all PNP personnel consistent with prescribed ethical standards and the an...
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02Jul2012QUEZON CITY, June 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is encouraging more private sector partners to support the Aquino administration’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) to attain sufficiency in rice and other food staples by the end of 2013. In a statement posted on its website, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the private sector can consider investing in grains handling and processing, and farm services outsourcing that could result in more efficient rice production,...
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19Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- As temperature continues to rise, the Department of Health (DOH) advises the public, especially the elders, to drink plenty of water this summer season. DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag advised the public to take at least 13 glasses of water daily to avoid dehydration and heat stroke. Tayag, chief of DOH’s Epidemiology Center explained that the regular eight glasses of water daily intake is not enough during the warm season, adding that too much exercise is...
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20Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 20, (PIA)--Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have tightened the screening of all African nationals following the spate of apprehensions of foreign drug mules at the premiere port in recent days. In a news release, Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson and acting intelligence chief Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang said the bureau’s intelligence agents are also closely monitoring African passengers arr...
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29Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that sugarcane outperformed other Philippine crops in 2011, registering four successive quarters of production increases highlighted by triple-digit growth rates during the April-June and July-September periods. Data released by the DA showed the country’s 2011 sugarcane production volume totaled nearly 28.40 million metric tons, which is 58.27 percent higher than the 17.93 million MTs this crop posted in 2010. &nbs...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Global Conference on Land-Ocean Connections (GLOC) and the Third Intergovernmental Review (IGR3) Meeting on the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of the Marine Environment ended with a high note with the recent adoption of the "Manila Declaration” by 381 delegates, including 17 environmental ministers, from 65 governments and the European Commission at the EDSA Shangrila Manila. At the same time, United ...
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07Jan2013MANILA, Jan 7 (PIA) -- Guyabano is good for you. The Department of Science and Technology said the guyabano (Anona muricata), or soursop is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber and Vitamins C, B1, and B2. Likewise, studies by its Industrial Technology Development Institute show that the guyabano generally has high flavonoid content. Flavonoids are phytochemicals that have been found to inhibit or even prevent the growth of viruses, carcinogens and allergens. These are just the few benefits t...
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10Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) of the Department of Education (DepEd) said it will celebrate the Literacy Week by holding the 2012 National Literacy Conference and Awards from September 17 to 21 in Teachers’ Camp Baguio City. In a statement, Education Secretary Bro Armin A. Luistro, FSC, said the conference aims to share good practices in making literacy programs more universal. “We want to make more Filipinos functionally literate by reaching out t...
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21Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 21(PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed their opposition against the commercialization of human organ and tissue donation. According to the agency’s website, DSWD submitted a letter to the House of Representatives through Congressman Alfredo D. Maranon III, chairman of the Committee on Health. The letter was in lieu of legislative proposals being raised in Congress to regulate human donations. The letter states th...
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19Oct2012MANILA, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The United States Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington will be in Manila for a goodwill visit on October 24, Wednesday. In a release, the visit aims to further enhance the strong historic ties between the United States and the Philippines through community relations projects, as well as professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts. The American nuclear-powered super carrier is the fourth United States Navy ship to be named after Geor...
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17Jun2012MANILA, June 17 -- Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas strongly abhorred the fact that the contract of Amalgamated Motors Philippines Inc. for the supply, production and delivery of driver’s license cards to the Land Transportation Office has already expired since 2006 and the company’s continued service is only a benefit derived from the writ of injunction issued by a Quezon City court. In a statement posted on the DOTC website, it said that the unauthorized changes made by AMPI in the orig...
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29Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 29 (PIA) -- Despite the continuing rise of oil price in the global market, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lieutenant General Jessie D. Dellosa assured that the implementation of austerity measures will not affect the operations of the AFP. Dellosa said their operational and administrative activities anchored with the implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan’s principles will continue. “We assure that this will not affect the performance of our major responsi...
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10Jul2012PASAY CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) with various partner organizations are inviting everyone to witness a wide array of remarkable cultural festivities in celebration of 56 years of longstanding friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. Philippines-Japan Friendship month is celebrated every month of July in commemoration of July 23 as the Philippines-Japan Friendship Day in the Golden Jubilee Celebratio...
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18Apr2012QUEZON CITY, APRIL 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) is lining up appropriate and quality health care services for the elderly, especially those who belong to the marginalized sector. In line with this, DOH recently launched an exercise video that provides opportunities for the senior citizens in adopting a healthy lifestyle. The video contains 12 minutes easy-to-follow choreographed movements which can be repeated if more exercise is desired. In a news release, Health Secretary Enri...
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07Apr2012MANILA, April 7 (PIA) -- Five waterless municipalities in Cagayan Valley and six waterless barangays in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will get cash assistance under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig) program for the construction of their respective water facilities, the DILG said. In a statement posted on the Department of the Interior and Local Government website, the agency said the plan would effectively address the problem of adequate potable water supply in th...
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10Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 10, (PIA) - - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces new schedules of its licensure examinations originally set this week. The rescheduling is due to flooding inside the premises of the PRC brought by the heavy monsoon rains, which resulted in the inaccessibility of its website and online services. Deadline for the filing of applications for the licensure examinations of Guidance Counselors and Medical Technologists i...
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02Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 2 (PIA) -- To meet international standards and secure the country’s share in the global market for agro-industrial products, the government is set to establish a product traceability system. A 3-year joint project dubbed as Program on Philippine Traceability for Revitalized Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement (P-TRACE) is being discussed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with other national g...
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23Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Quezon City (QC) Mayor Herbert Bautista signed into law an ordinance prohibiting QC residents from burning their garbage, trash or any other refuse materials. Bautista said it is about time for the city government to encourage the community dwellers to be part of the city’s bid to protect the environment to meet a balanced and healthful ecology that will benefit all QC residents. Ordinance No. 2022 S-2011 , known as “Iwas Siga Ordinance of 2011” is author...
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18May2012QUEZON CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a suspected drug pusher during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Manresa, Quezon City last May 15. The 48 year old, male suspect was arrested by elements of PDEA Regional Office-National Capital Region (PDEA RO-NCR) under Director Pedrito Magsino at the corner of Ragang and Panalturan Streets, Barangay Manresa, Quezon City after he sold one plastic sachet of shabu to a PDEA poseur-buyer, a press report from the...
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15Sep2012MARIKINA CITY, Sept 15 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina is offering a shoe-making training course for residents of the city. Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman is encouraging Marikeños to avail themselves of the free shoe-making training, one of the short livelihood courses offered by the city government of Marikina through the Marikina Livelihood Training Center (MLTC). The training aims to teach residents, especially the youth on how to make durable and quality shoes, which Marikina City ...
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10Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- An Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) center will soon open at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This, after a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was inked among the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Manila International Airport Administration (MIAA), and six other national government agencies, a statement from the PDEA said. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. thanked MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrad...
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15Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), has teamed up with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and SM Supermalls for the first ever information and communications technology (ICT) job fair for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The job fair dubbed, “ICT: Enabling People, an ICT Job and Skills Fair for PWDs,” was held Thursday, June 14, at the Cyberzone, SM North EDSA Ann...
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06Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 6 (PIA) -- Environment and natural resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje urged the public to be “nature-friendly” during the lenten holidays, and rest of the summer season. Paje issued the reminder in view of the five-day weekend from Maundy Thursday of Holy Week on April 5 to Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9. Paje said that regardless of how the break would be celebrated, the public should always remain mindful of the impact of their activities on the environment. He also ...
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20Dec2012PASAY CITY, December 19 (PIA) -- For putting disaster preparedness on top of the City’s development agenda, the City Government of Pasay was awarded the “Seal of Disaster Preparedness (SDP)” by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday (December 17, 2012). Pasay City was given the SDP (Level 1) award after it “exhibited exemplary performance in local governance” for demonstrating an acceptable level of disaster preparedness and disaster preparedness response...
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13Jul2012QUEZON CITY, JULY 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment’s Institute of Labor Studies (DOLE-ILS) recently held a forum on cultural heritage tourism to further promote the tourism sector, attract more tourists and investments and create job opportunities for young Filipinos. The forum held at the Ortigas Foundation Library in Pasig City with the theme, "It’s More Fun in the Philippines: Potentials of Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Economic Opportunities and Employment Generation...
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03Feb2012MAKATI CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo has sought the foreign business groups’ support for the Aquino government’s economic growth program. During the “Arangkada Philippines Forum” organized by Joint Foreign Chambers recently, Domingo told the foreign investors that economic growth rests on the partnership of the government and the business community. “The success story will really depend ...
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10Apr2012MANILA, April 10 (PIA) -- The country’s preliminary gross international reserves (GIR) as of end-March 2012 stood at $76.5 billion, lower by US$0.5 billion compared to the end-February 2012 GIR of $77.0 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced in a statement. The decline in the reserves level was due mainly to payments for maturing foreign exchange obligations of the national government, foreign currency withdrawals by authorized agent banks (AAB...
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20Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- The Film, Animation, and Gaming Congress 2012 will be held on July 26-27 at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The Congress is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) along with Half Ton Truck Productions, ActivAsia Inc. in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation. Stakeholders coming from several sectors will attend the event. These include filmmakers (directors/pr...
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31Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 31 (PIA) -- Pasig City government yesterday requested the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to assist them in mounting another job fair for its residents, after a successful job fair a month ago. In a statement, DOLE said Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio wrote a letter to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz expressing his gratitude for the assistance earlier extended by the agency to its previous job fair where 921 job seekers got hired-on-the-spot. Eusebio also requested D...
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05Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The World Bank (WB) has seen a 15.5 percent rise in the income of poor families, particularly those who benefited from the Mindanao Rural Development Program phase 2 (MRDP2), a WB-funded program implemented by the Department of Agriculture. Carolina Figueroa-Geron, WB specialist, said DA-MRDP2 has contributed to increasing the income of beneficiaries, mostly small farmers and fisherfolk, during a press briefing January 30 in Davao. Geron said that from a...
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27Dec2012MARIKINA CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- A few days before welcoming another year, the city government of Marikina reminded its residents to lessen the use of fireworks and firecrackers to prevent possible injuries and casualties. This is through the firework injury reduction campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) “APIR - Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction” which is being adopted by the City Health Office. “We can still celebrate New Year even without fireworks. It’s better if we will welcome...
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02Aug2012MANILA, Aug 1 (PIA) -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) declared on Tuesday that it has launched the largest infrastructure fund ever assembled for the country--at P25 billion. “It’s all systems go and the Fund is now open for business,” said Robert G. Vergara, GSIS president and general manager, in a statement posted on the pension fund's website (gsis.gov.ph). The creation of the fund, dubbed as "PInAI (Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure)," was first annou...
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03Jul2012MAKATI CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The local government has taken its advocacy for climate and disaster resiliency to a higher level with the recent passage of City Ordinance No. 2012-037, creating the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO). In a statement posted on its website, Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the institutionalization of the DRRMO serves to strengthen the city’s ongoing advocacy for resiliency against all forms of hazards and disasters, whether natural or hu...
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30May2012QUEZON CITY, May 30 (PIA) –- The country’s mango industry is reaping billions of pesos, according to a press release by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). DOST said with domestic mango production is valued at P 41.6 billion, and supports about 2.5 million farmers. Also, its gross value added contribution to agriculture is P 12.5 billion with exports valued at $31 million for its fresh fruits and $29.7 million for its processed products. The country is ranked as the 7th and ...
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18May2012QUEZON CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- The government is set to send to China a team of experts from the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) led by Director Clarito Barron to present the Philippines’ plant quarantine protocols, as well as coordinate and validate with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing that Philippine bananas are of export quality and free from insects, according to a press release by the DA posted on its website. “We want to make sure that Philippine ba...
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15Jan2013MAKATI CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- The Green Urban Design Center (GUDC) of the local government will hold the third in a series of presentations of green urban designs prepared by barangays on January 16, 23, and 30 at the Sampiro Conference Room, 21st floor of Makati City Hall. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said for each date, five barangays will be presenting their outputs after taking part in the third and fourth cycles of the six-day workshop held by GUDC for barangay offic...
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14Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Disaster Response Plan "Oplan Saklolo" remains in effect in Metro Manila and most parts of Luzon for rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations. In a statement, PNP Spokesman Generoso R. Cerbo Jr. said their rescue units remain deployed in some affected areas where flood victims need to be evacuated to safer ground or be supplied with basic provisions. Cerbo said local police and highway patrol group units also remain in thei...
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13Jul2012MAKATI CITY, July 13 (PIA) -- The local government on Thursday launched its official traffic Twitter account “@MakatiTraffic” that will provide motorists and commuters 24-hour traffic updates. In a statement, it said the project aims to provide fast and efficient delivery of updates on road conditions or incidents, real-time traffic information and advisories particularly on major streets in the city. The launching coincided with the 35th birthday celebration of local chief executive Er...
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24Jan2012MANILA, Jan 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has outlined its first quarter job fair schedules in the National Capital Region and nine other regions. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, in a news release said, jobseekers who are raring to work this year could start their job search at their own communities, as DOLE is making it easier for them by bringing the jobs through its job fairs in the regions. The schedule of the job fai...
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07Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 7 (PIA) -- The recognition of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of world’s Seven Wonders of Nature and the adoption of the Manila Declaration on furthering the implementation of the Global Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of the Marine Environment marked the celebration of World Wetlands Day in the country, as stressed recently by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje. This is definitely a ‘do...
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19Jul2012MANILA, July 19 (PIA) -- Landbank of the Philippines (Landbank) supports ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. in their pro-environment initiatives. In a statement, the bank signed an agreement with ABS-CBN to support the latter's Bantay Baterya and Bantay Langis projects. The Bantay Baterya project aims to aid in the eradication of pollutants caused by improper handling and disposal of batteries by collecting used, junk lead-acid batteries for recycling into fresh raw materials for the production of new ba...
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30Jun2012PASIG CITY, June 30 (PIA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) held the second quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake-fire frill in public schools on Friday, June 29. Pasig Central Elementary School in Barangay San Nicolas, Pasig City hosted this quarter’s drill. The activity commenced with the ceremonial sounding of the alarm which also signaled the start of a strong-magnitude earthquake. Some 4,000 students, faculty members and non-teaching personnel...
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05Jul2012MANILA, July 4 (PIA) -- As part of the Aquino administration's anti-corruption thrust, the Department of the Interior and Local Government will investigate alleged illegal mining issues hurled against the top official of Camarines Norte province (some 266.6 kilometers south of Manila). In a statement posted on its website, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Tuesday ordered an investigation of Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado for his alleged involvement in several il...
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04Feb2013QUEZON CITY, FEB 4 (PIA) -- The Caloocan City government is set to hold mega job fairs in an effort to provide employment opportunities to job seekers in the city. Mayor Enrico Echiverri said that they are going to hold not one but two job fairs, one for each district of the city. “On February 19, the job job fair will be conducted at the Caloocan City Hall in A. Mabini Street (District II) while the second one will be held at the city hall annex located in Zapote Road, Camarin II (District...
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08May2012QUEZON CITY, May 8 (PIA) -- Inflation rose to 3.0 percent in April from 2.6 percent in March. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said that higher inflation in April was attributed largely to the increase in inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels due to higher rental rates and electricity charges Food inflation also went up as prices of fish and vegetables increased as a result of Lenten season demand. Transport inflation also increased due to the implementation of the ...
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13May2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) Parañaque Branch, in cooperation with the city government of Parañaque will hold a forum on May 14, Monday, 9:00 AM at the Assessor’s Lounge of the City Hall. The forum aims to enlighten the public as well as business establishments on the importance of SSS coverage. Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe invites residents to participate in the said forum. “The Social Security System has a comprehensive welfare benefit program th...
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29Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be getting an additional P1.6 billion from the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Gas-Malampaya Collection to boost its modernization efforts, a statement said over the weekend. The PCG said the amount is under the special account in the General Fund 151 of DoE. "It will go to the acquisition of assets and equipment such as ships, platforms, aircraft and air surveillance so that in the event our citizens are pl...
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21May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 21 (PIA) --The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) on Friday launched the simultaneous kick-off of the child labor-free barangay campaign at the national and regional level that will further strengthen the implementation of the DOLE Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (DOLE-CLPEP) and contribute to the prevention and progressive elimination of child labor in the country. At the National Capital Region, the launching was held at the Ichikawa Hall of the Occupation...
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23Jan2012MANILA, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- Be a student in Japan! The Japanese government now opens its application for the 2012 Japanese Government Scholarship for Teacher Training and Japanese Studies category According to the Japanese Embassy, the scholarship is open to all Filipinos who can meet the following requirements: Category Requirements Age ...
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23Jan2012QUEZON CITY, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- Citing gains on anti-hijacking operations in 2011, the Philippine National Police vows to intensify operations this year. PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome directed all police regional offices and National Support Units to strengthen operations against organized crime groups engaged in hijacking and highway robbery. According to Bartolome, hijacking, especially commercial cargoes, has become a nuisance to industrial growth and can also be...
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12Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 12 (PIA) -- The Philippines’ Health Systems in Transition (HiT) report was launched as the membership of the country in the Asia Pacific Observatory (APO) on Health Systems and Policies was commemorated yesterday. The report presents a comprehensive review of the country’s health system and policy reforms and paves the way for easy access to relevant and timely information for policy makers and analysts. The HiT report covered a wide scope of topics, including the organiza...
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21May2012QUEZON CITY, MAY 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its market monitoring operations to prevent unreasonable price hike and proliferation of unsafe school items as the demand of the said goods increases with opening of school year gets nearer. In a news release, the DTI said it is closely working with other government agencies such as the Department of Health’s Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA), the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local governm...
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15Feb2013TAGUIG CITY, Feb 15 (PIA) -- The Taguig City government recently opened its Breast Cancer Screening Center at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital (TPDH). Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the said screening center, equipped with state-of-the-art mammogram and x-ray machine, is part of the local government’s effort to further enhance its cancer awareness program. “Breast cancer has been one of the leading causes of death among women for the longest time, so we provided easier access for det...
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04Jun2012MAKATI CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- The local government of Makati is ready for the opening of classes and implementation of the Kindergarten to 12 (K to 12) program today in all 28 public elementary and 10 high schools across the city, according to a press release from the Department of Education (DepEd). DepEd-Makati officer-in-charge Priscila de Sagun said all the teachers earlier attended a series of trainings for the K to 12 education program curriculum in order to prepare them for the start of c...
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12Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has started providing assistance to farmers and farming communities affected by dry spell caused by the onset of El Niño, particularly in Bohol. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) has already conducted a series of cloud-seeding operations that successfully induced rains over drought-affected areas in Bohol. DA Central Visayas Regional Direc...
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13Nov2012MANILA, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines continued to post higher profits with net income reaching P7.6 billion for the first nine months of this year. The seven percent growth from the P7.1 billion registered in the same period last year is due to the increase in income on loans and investments, foreign exchange profit, and slight decrease in expenses. The Land Bank attained a high return-on-equity of 14.2 percent as of September 2012. “Land Bank had a solid third quarter...
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19Jan2012MAKATI CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The local government has revealed its plan to construct additional disaster-resilient and environment-friendly or "green" public buildings this year, a statement said. According to Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, the city intends to take the lead in promoting disaster resiliency through green structures and technology, and will tap experts from the private sector for its plan to retrofit the 25-storey City Hall to make it a green building to...
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02Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 02 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the suspension for 90 days the five jail officers assigned at the Navotas City Jail after five detained suspects facing various criminal charges escaped from their custody at dawn of January 23 this year. DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo identified the suspended jail officers as Senior Inspector Manuel V. Serquina; Senior Jail Officer 3 Sencino Abrazaldo; Senior Jail Officer 1 Adan S. De Loza;...
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05Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The United Nations (UN) and the Philippine government has re-launched their flash appeal for aid for thousands of families affected by tropical storm Sendong in southern Philippines barely two months after the devastating floods hit the region. This time, the global appeal will be targeting to raise at least $39 million (P1.7 billion) for the victims, according to UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines Dr. Jacqui Badcock, adding that the amo...
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02Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has urged the public to give preference to fruits produced by the nation’s farmers and orchard operators. “Our country is blessed with many fruits that compare favorably in taste, nutritional and health benefits with those from other countries,” said the DA chief said in a statement. “Our mango, for example, is one of the most highly-valued fruits abroad. We also have pineapple, guava, lanzones, caimito, chico, durian...
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10May2012QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Jessie D. Dellosa, together with 28 other newly-promoted Generals and Flag Officers, took their oath before President Benigno C. Aquino in a ceremony held at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace, Manila, Wednesday. Among the newly promoted AFP officials who joined Dellosa in the oath-taking ceremony were LtGen Irineo C. Espino, AFP’s Inspector General; LtGen Lauro Catalino G. Dela Cruz, Philippine Air Forc...
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01Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Peb. 1 (PIA) -- Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III ngayong Miyerkules ang paglulunsad ng bagong website (pia.gov.ph) ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng ahensiya ng ika-25 taon anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag. Hamon ng Pangulo sa PIA na ipagpatuloy na gabayan ang mga mamamayan sa paggawa ng mahahalagang desisyon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaganap ng mga napapanahon at wastong impormasyon. Ang bagong PIA website ay naglala...
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26Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 26 (PIA) -- National Statistics Office (NSO) issued a clarification on the recently approved Republic Act (RA) 10172, "An Act Further Authorizing the City or Municipal Civil Registrar or the Consul General to Correct Clerical or Typographical Errors in the Day and Month in the Date of Birth or Sex of a Person Appearing in the Civil Register Without Need of a Judicial Order Amending for this Purpose Republic Act Numbered Ninety Forty-Eight." In a statement, NSO Administrator Ca...
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06Aug2012MANILA, Aug. 6 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) recently signed a supplemental agreement dubbed Strengthening Program for Rural Banks (SPRB) Plus to strengthen the thrift and rural banking industry in the country. In a statement, the BSP said the SPRB Plus would effectively serve the countryside and improve the delivery of financial services to rural communities. The SPRB Plus is an enhanced version of the original SPRB (Modu...
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03Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- After its proclamation as one of the World’s Seven Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in Palawan is on its way to be nominated as a Ramsar Site to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar Convention in Switzerland. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) will nominate PP...
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20Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 20 (PIA) -- Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wish to return to South Korea after finishing their contract may now find it easier to do so after the Korean government revised its Employment of Foreign Workers Act. According to Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac of the Philippine Overseas Emplyment Administration (POEA), the South Korean government has decided to grant two concerns petitioned by foreign workers, including OFWs, concerning changes in t...
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01Mar2012It was February in 2011 when three Filipinos were sentenced by the Chinese government to death penalty by lethal injection. The criminal offense: drug trafficking. The three executed Filipinos-- who first were arrested separately in China in 2008 for carrying packages of at least four kilograms of heroin, then prosecuted and convicted in 2009—were all victims of drug trafficking. Like the other Filipinos who engage in drug smuggling, these three were lured by the promise of money without k...
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09May2012QUEZON CITY, May 9 (PIA) –- A total of 236 orphans joined dependents of Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel during the PAF’s Children’s Day Event at the Villamor Air Base (VAB) in Pasay City held Tuesday. Event organizers said the orphans awee from My Father’s House and Little Mary’s Home in Parañaque City. They were beneficiaries of the activity dubbed, “Handog Saya sa Kabataan, Dulot ay Pag-Asa ng Bayan,” a run-up to the 65th founding anniversary of PAF. The group of orphans ...
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14May2012QUEZON CITY, May 14 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman will lead the distribution of basic services for the urban poor during the “Rights Holders Congress” and “Akbay Kapwa 2012” on Tuesday, May 15 at the Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City staring at 8:00 a.m. The event is in celebration of the United Nations (UN) International Day of ...
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14Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- The Quezon City Peace and Order Council (QCPOC) said the implementation of the QC crisis management plan as successful, noting that the QC Police District was able to solve many cases in the past months. The comprehensive plan, formulated by QCPD last year, set forth the operational guidelines, strategies, and tactics of QCPD in addressing man-made disastrous situations arising from violent incidents like hostage-taking and terrorist acts. During a meeting held r...
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15Jul2012MANILA, July 15 (PÏA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo is urging all local jails being managed by various local government units (LGUs) be placed under the control and supervision of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). In a statement posted on the DILG website, Robredo argued that the BJMP has the capability, technical know-how, equipage and trained personnel to manage them. The DILG chief said this in the wake of the escape of at least 11 “dangero...
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21Apr2012PASIG CITY, April 21 (PIA) – With the start of summer vacation, the city government of Pasig on Thursday, April 19 launched its Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES). Pasig City Mayor Bobby Eusebio welcomed the 2,500 underprivileged but deserving students during the opening ceremony of the summer employment program. Spearheaded by the Pasig Employment Services Office (PESO), the SPES is a yearly program for in-school youths aged between 15 to 25 years old to help them augment...
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22Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 22 -- The lessons of EDSA People Power revolution will be taught in all public elementary and secondary schools in the country this week in observance of the 27th anniversary of the historic event. “It is important that the lessons of the critical markers in Philippine history are not lost in generations of Filipino,” Department of Education (DepEd), Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, said in a statement as the country celebrates the 27 anniversary of the historic event...
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01Nov2012MANILA, Nov. 1 (PIA) -- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) revived its ‘Undas Online’ in time for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Undas) on November 1 and 2. The virtual portal was re-launched by CBCP’s Media Office for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who cannot visit their departed loved ones in cemeteries. “This is primarily intended for Filipinos abroad-OFWs and seafarers who will find it hard to celebrate Undas,” said CBCP Me...
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26Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) is set to hold 16 job fairs in the National Capital Region (NCR) on May 1, Labor Day. The job fairs highlight the celebration of the 2013 Labor Day with a theme, "Manggagawang Pilipino: Handa sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon". Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, in a statement said that the celebration of Labor Day is a way to give tribute to the nation’s workers, in recognition of their significant contri...
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13May2012QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- More than 3,000 Red Cross 143 volunteers joined the celebration of the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day last May 8 at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. Red Cross 143 is the flagship volunteer program of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) which recruits and trains 44 volunteers in every barangay – one team leader and 43 members to serve as disaster responders on the ground. The PRC highlighted the World Red Cross Day celebration with the launch of Million Volu...
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26Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- Quezon City is further simplifying the process of doing business in the city by cutting down by at least seven procedural steps the processing time of starting a new business in QC. Mayor Herbert Bautista gave this assurance during the formal launching of the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) system at the QC Hall to provide a faster process for business registration in the city. With the new system, the processing time to facilitate new business registration...
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18Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 18 (PIA) -– Authorities from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently seized drugs worth around P874 million from an abandoned industrial laboratory in Parañaque City. In a release, PDEA Assistant Secretary Carlos F. Gadapan confirmed the recovery of some 372 kilograms (kg) of ephedrine; 100 liters of liquid methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu); 8,419 kg of solid and 39, 884 liters of liquid chemicals; together with voluminous laboratory equipment and other m...
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28Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has asked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to investigate allegations of students of hospitality courses being exploited while undergoing on-the-job training (OJT) abroad. This developed after Binay wrote CHED Chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan saying he received reports of colleges requiring their Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) students to undergo OJT in foreign countries “where they work long hours as wait staff wi...
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12May2012QUEZON CITY, May 12 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. was recently awarded with ISO certifications in quality, environment, and safety and health management for its water distribution system. “We are very proud of this feat because a multi-site ISO certification is more difficult to achieve and maintain compared to a single ISO certification,” said Maynilad president and CEO Ricky Vargas. Vargas added that with a multi-site ISO certification, it is important to make sure that eac...
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15Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) –- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced Tuesday that 14,063 or 11.45 percent out of 122,824 examinees passed the Career Service Examinations administered nationwide by the CSC last May 27. The CSC said in a statement that of the said figure, 11,984 passed the Professional level while 2,079 passed the Sub-Professional level. Joanne G. Rebultan from the National Capital Region (NCR) topped the Professional level with a rating of 88.43 as Farshana A. Datukon ...
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07Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing US$100,000 to Catholic Relief Services to support disaster relief efforts in affected areas of the Philippines. In a statement, U.S. Embassy Manila Chargé d’ Affaires Brian L. Goldbeck has offered to provide immediate relief assistance following reports of widespread destruction due to the storm in various areas of the Philippines. “On behalf of the ...
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21May2012PARAÑAQUE, May 21 (PIA) -- As part of its healthy lifestyle, occupational health and safety programs, the city government of Parañaque recently held a two-day health fair for its employees last May 17 and 18 at the City Hall grounds. "We promote the well-being of our employees that they may enjoy life and improve their productivity for better service to the constituents. In good health, employees will not incur tardiness and absences. This way, we can prevent downtime and man-hour loss. It i...
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26Feb2012MANILA, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, February 21 received two units of seven-meter utility boats from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) boosting the capability of the PCG to monitor the coastal parts of the country, prevent intruders at bay, and generally make their presence felt to bad elements. Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas lauded JICA for the recent turnover of utility boats that will be used by coas...
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21Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- A P150 million-worth modern rice processing facility was recently constructed in Iloilo, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement. According to the DA, the project is a result of the continuing partnership between the governments of the Philippines and Korea. On behalf of President Benigno Aquino III and the Filipino people, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala expressed gratitude to the Korean government, repre...
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01Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 1 (PIA) -- Private sector workers in Metro Manila will get an additional pay starting today. An additional P10 shall be added to their daily minimum wage starting November 1. The amount is the second tranche of the Metro Manila’s cost of living allowance (COLA). In a statement, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) said the amount raises the daily minimum wage in non-agricultural sector to P426 basic pay plus P30 COLA or a total of P456 while for other ind...
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21May2012QUEZON CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- To further increase crop production and augment the incomes of farmers and other ruralfolk in Camarines Norte, the Department of Agriculture is investing an additional P74 million in the area. In a press statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the bulk of the fund or P60 million will be used to construct and rehabilitate various irrigation projects, and P13.7-million worth of assistance that include farm machinery, planting materials, fishing paraphe...
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18Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 17 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council of the National Capital Region (NNC-NCR) has held the 2012 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony to honor top performing local government units in nutrition program management in the NCR. The event was held last September 7 at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club and hosted by the City of Mandaluyong. Around 500 guests composed of local chief executives, nutrition action officers, barangay nutrition scholars and members of the Regional Man...
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14Mar2013MANILA, March 14 (PIA) – The 2013 Balikatan Exercises will be held on April 5 to 17, 2013. The Balikatan exercises focuses on training of both the United States and Philippine Armed Forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety. For this year, participants will undertake joint humanitarian assistance projects in communities throughout Zambales province. Preliminary work on community infrastructure projec...
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24Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 24 (PIA) –- The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently teamed up to provide jobs to homeless, vagrants. NPDC executive director Dr. Juliet H. Villegas led the team up with the DSWD-National Capital Region office to help alleviate the situation of street dwellers who depend mostly on alms for their daily subsistence. According to the NPDC, around 200 street dwellers or vagrants aged 18 to 59 years ol...
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25Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) said on Tuesday it saw its financial performance continue to strengthen, posting net earnings of P25.5 billion in 2011 as a result of intensified collection efforts, prudent management of operation expenses, and robust investment income. SSS president and chief executive officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said that service delivery to members likewise improved, thanks to enhancements in information technology systems. “The bottomline ...
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20Jan2012MAKATI CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urges other government agencies to support green procurement initiative to encourage manufacturers to produce more green products. DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Group (CWBRG) Zenaida Maglaya in a news release bared that trade and industry department together with other government agencies and the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc...
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25May2012MAKATI CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The local government will be holding a grand parade dubbed “Sampiro de Makati Festival” on Saturday, May 26, as part of the month-long festivities to mark the city’s 342nd foundation day on June 1. With the theme, “From Grass to Class,” the Sampiro de Makati festival, named in honor of the old Makati’s patron saint, San Pedro, aims to bring to fore Makati’s cultural heritage in various events, giving each a touch of history. Over 2,000 participants in...
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02Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has lined up a series of activities nationwide for the celebration of the 9th National Peace Consciousness Month (Peace Month) starting Sunday, September 2. OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said in a press release that the month-long celebration, which carries the theme ‘Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan’ aims to raise awareness among Filipinos on the need to advance the gover...
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03May2012QUEZON CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- More than a year to go before the 2013 local elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has set the registration of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). According to COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, the COMELEC thru the Inter-Agency and NGO Network on Empowering Persons With Disabilities which is composed of various government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) continues to seek solutions to undertake measures so that PWDs can enjoy the right o...
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09Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the minimal death toll in the two-week continuous monsoon rains in Metro Manila and nearby provinces indicated that local government units (LGUs) and their constituents are now more prepared and resilient in confronting such life-threatening situations. “I think that disaster-preparedness should not be just a slogan; it should be a way of life for all LGUs and their constituents. Saving lives is more imp...
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20May2012MARIKINA, May 20 (PIA) -- The city government of Marikina recently launched its “Handog Ngiti” project. The said project spearheaded by the Office of the Vice Mayor, City Health Office in partnership with the Smile Train Foundation, aims to provide free medical services to children with cleft lip and palate cases. “Most children with clefts are unable to eat and speak properly. Some are even treated with isolation by normal people. Due to the expense needed for the surgery, poor famil...
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25Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA) will aggressively promote export of coconut sap sugar, popularly called ‘coco sugar,’ a statement said. The DA said that it plans to corner a big share of a billion-dollar alternative sweetener market through effective marketing of the said product. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala announced the initiative in his speech at the opening of the four...
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08Jun2012MANILA, June 8 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines reported a net income of P3.1 billion for the first quarter of 2012, a 13 percent increase above the P2.8 billion in net income for the first quarter of 2011 and 32 percent higher than the first quarter target. Land Bank is the official depository bank of the Philippine government. In a statement, Land Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Gilda E. Pico said, "The consistent upward trend in our profitability is principally the resul...
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22Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Jejomar C. Binay has led the distribution of free patents or titles to qualified residential land owners of the city at the University of Makati Main Theater today. Dubbed “Handog Titulo” Program, it is a joint project of the city government of Makati, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Office of the Vice President. Mak...
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22Mar2012MANILA, March 22 (PIA) -- Administrators of Catholic schools, colleges and universities nationwide are encouraging their graduates to render volunteer work for their parishes while awaiting employment, according to a news release by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). “Volunteering for parish work is a worthwhile activity during the summer break and also while one is still unemployed,” said Fr. Gregg Bañaga Jr. of the Catholic Education...
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30Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- To reach out to more overseas Filipino workers and their families, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is continuously intensifying its ‘round the clock’ Operation Center (OpCen). In a news release, OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon said that those who wish to avail of the OpCen’s services in relation to OFW issues and concerns may do so by text, e-mail or calling through phone. The OpCen acts as OWWA’s Quick Response Desk and is manned b...
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07May2012QUEZON CITY, May 8 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday, three senior officers received their first star effective May 3, 2012 in a new batch of promotions duly approved by President and Commander in Chief Benigno C. Aquino III. Among the promoted officers were Col. Hernando Iriberri, Col. Remegio M Valdez, and Col. Crisologo Nayve. Iriberri, the current Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of National Defense, was promoted to Brigadier General. A member of t...
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09May2012MANILA, May 9 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is beefing-up its efforts against illegal, destructive fishing by providing productive and sustainable livelihoods in the country's coastal areas. With the current limitations of the bureau, the way to effectively address these compounding problems is to set priorities and to deal with it one after the other, BFAR director Atty. Asis G. Perez said in a statement posted on the Department of Agriculture website. “For i...
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15Dec2011MANILA, Dec. 15 (PIA)-- The Philippine experience in land administration and management has been featured as an example of successful solution in supporting rural and agricultural development during the 2011 Global South-South Development Expo. The Expo, held December 5-9, 2011, at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy attended by close to 250 high-level delegates, featured the Second Land Administration and Management Project (LAMP2) of the Ph...
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23Mar2012QUEZON CITY, Mar 23 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) will hold mobile jobs bridging program in the different parts of the National Capital Region to reach out to TESDA Specialistas. Dubbed “Trabaho Para sa TESDA Specialista,” TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said in a press release that the program launch for this year is very timely because it is graduation season. “Graduates can come to our jobs bridging venues and discover for themselve...
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10May2012QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The 2012 PNP Cup Inter-Unit Shooting Competition is set to fire-off on May 14-15, 2012 at the Tarlac Shooters Firing Range in Tarlac City. Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor A. Bartolome will lead this year’s shooting competition. Bartolome said, the competition will help upgrade the shooting skills of police personnel and officers, enhance firearms discipline among PNP shooters, develop sportsmanship and foster camaraderie among the uniformed personnel a...
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11Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 11 (PIA) –- The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati, presented The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) for 2012 Monday, June 11 during the flag raising ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. In a news release, AFP chief of staff General Jessie D. Dellosa expressed his congratulations and gratitude to the TOPS awardees. “In order for the AFP to fully perform its mandate as protector of the ...
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09Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is advising the public to disregard information currently circulating in the internet and other media about the alleged issuance of the BSP of a 150-Piso commemorative note. In an advisory posted on its website, the BSP said it has "never issued nor is planning to issue" such type of banknote. "Therefore, any 150-Piso commemorative note or similar banknote is fictitious," the BSP said....
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24Mar2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, March 24 (PIA) -- This women’s month, Parañaque recently held an awareness seminar on breast cancer to help raise awareness of female residents and employees. The lecture which centered on breast cancer symptoms, causes, early detection, and cure were discussed by medical officers of the city government and a specialist from the MacKay Life Sciences, Inc. Mayor Jun Bernabe said the city government organized the lecture-seminar to increase the awareness of women on the dre...
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29Aug2012PASAY CITY, August 29 (PIA) -- After heeding the clamor of stores and business owners, the city government of Pasay announced yesterday that it will give establishment owners and operators ample time to prepare for the implementation of plastic ban in the city. In a statement, Pasay City Mayor Antonino “Tony” G. Calixto said the city government will give more time to business establishments’ prior full implementation of City Ordinance No. 4647 signed September 12, 2011. “The City Ord...
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04Apr2011"Those who traffic in illegal drugs respect no laws, no boundaries and have no scruples about destroying lives. Our response must be relentless, with government and the citizenry working together to ensure vigilance and mutual support to prevent our countrymen from being used by drug pushers as sacrificial pawns, whether at home or abroad." Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during the press conference announcing the confirmation of the execution of Villanueva, Credo, and B...
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14Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Key officials representing local and foreign member-cities of CityNet comprising the Disaster Cluster has crafted a four-year strategic action plan on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) covering 2013 to 2016 during a two-day workshop hosted by the local government. The action plan will be presented to key representatives of international organizations, including World Bank, Asian Development Bank and its Cities Development Initiative for Asia, UN Interna...
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06Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 6 (PIA) -- The office of the vice president has tapped local government units (LGUs) in the drive against squatting syndicates and professional squatters, saying the active participation of LGUs is crucial in the national government’s anti-squatting campaign. “It is the LGUs who can immediately identify and stop these criminal elements at the first sign of illegal activity,” Vice President Jejomar Binay said. To encourage LGUs to participate, the Housing and Urban Deve...
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27Mar2012MANILA, March 27 (PIA) -- The Australia Awards for Development for 2013 is now open for Masters and PhD levels in Australia. The Australia Awards aims to promote knowledge, education links and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours through Australia's extensive scholarship programs. The Australia Awards is comprised of two streams: •an achievement stream that targets the best and brightest students, researchers and professionals to come to Australia and for Australians to do ...
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20Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) hailed the move by the Department of Education (DepEd) to require all public schools in Metro Manila to plant at least five species of native trees within their campuses to boost the government’s urban greening campaign DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro had earlier instructed all teachers and students in 763 public schools in the National Capital Region to take part in the National Greening Program (NGP) of t...
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13Oct2012MANILA, October 13 (PIA) – Thousands of Filipinos will be flying to Rome to witness the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint on October 21, 2012. In a statement, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said around 5,000 pilgrims will be coming from the Philippines and thousands more Filipinos living in the United States and other countries are expected to attend the historic event. Fr. Marvin Mejia, CBCP’s assistant secretary general, said th...
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25Oct2012MANILA, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The bidding for the P60-billion LRT 1 Cavite Extension Project will push through in January 2013, as originally scheduled. In a statement, the DOTC said that during the prequalification conference held recently in Mandaluyong City six companies submitted their prequalification documents, but two were rejected for arriving late at the event. “Being transparent is the rule of the game. We are here to ensure a clean, fair, and open bidding process for the DOTC’s larges...
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13Aug2012QUEZON CITY, August 13 (PIA) –- Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will band together with men and women of the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) in a mutual Humanitarian Civil Assistance (HCA) and Civil Military Operations (CMO) activities from August 20 to September 20, 2012 in Pampanga and Tarlac. The activity aims to enhance the response capability of both armed forces during times of disasters and calamities. “The Pacific Unity 12-6 comes very timely as we continue...
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04Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently completed its pipe laying project in Muntinlupa City. The P57 million worth project involves the laying of around 18 kilometers of pipes in two subdivisions in the city, San Jose and South Greenheights. “We continue to invest in our water infrastructure so that people in the South no longer have to pay private water tankers for expensive and unsafe water,” said Vargas. He also thanked the resid...
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24Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 24 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday asked retiring policemen in Metro Manila to file their retirement papers immediately or at least nine months before their service ends to avoid delay. PNP Retirement Benefits Administration Service (PNPRBAS) head Sr. Supt. Richard A. Albano said this during the Talking Points Radio Show aired over Radyo ng Bayan (DZRB 738 khz) hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Sel Baysa. The radio show is produced by the Presi...
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21Jan2011MANILA, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) expects the country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth to be more modest this year. According to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga, the economic growth is due mainly to the absence of election spending and recovery of the global economy. Paderanga, however, said that in preparation of this year's government budget, NEDA has assumed a conservative 5 percent GDP growth. He said that with ...
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27Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Health on Monday spearheaded the observance of the 8th National Biotechnology Week (NBW) and pushed for greater awareness and appreciation of the development in health care brought about by advances in biotechnology. “Rotavirus, pentavalent and pneumococcal vaccines are products of biotechnology. Introducing these vaccines as part of the national immunization program for children is a step towards attaining our Millennium Development Goals to red...
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13Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- Philippine tropical fabrics seized the limelight in the recent Bagong Habi, Salinlahi: Cutting Edge Philippine Textiles fashion show by the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI). Held recently at the InterContinental Hotel Manila, the fashion show featured DOST-PTRI-developed fabrics, such as water hyacinth, saluyot, maguey, piña, banana and abaca styled into classy and elegant pieces by youn...
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07Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 7 (PIA) -- The number of dead people has risen as the central Philippine area recovers from a powerful earthquake with maximum strength rated at intensity VII on Monday before noon. Apart from this, the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) reported early dawn on Tuesday that at least 29 people from barangay Planas, Guilhugan, Negros Oriental are still missing following the occurrence of a landslide. Also, the NDRRMC reported 5...
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09Apr2012MANILA, April 9 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police has signed the agreement for the latter's availment of the One Way Institutional Credit System. In a statement, the Land Bank said that this is a checkless ATM system which allows for the timely release of monthly pension, differentials and other benefits of PNP pensioners/beneficiaries. The bank also said that this includes the Integrated National Police and allottees by crediting funds directly to t...
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16Oct2012MAKATI CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) -- The Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) has won the 2012 Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) award given by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at Camp Aguinaldo recently. The NDRRMC has also granted the Hall of Fame award to Makati for winning in the national category for three consecutive years, from 2010 to 2012. Makati vied against Butuan City (2nd place) and Bac...
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16May2012MANILA, May 16 (PIA) -- Thousands of Manila residents will get health coverage after the signing of the memorandum of agreement by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and PhilHealth Vice President Shirley B. Domingo. The Manila Department of Social Welfare Chief, Jay dela Fuente said that PhilHealth will be giving away an additional 17,777 PhilHealth cards to Manila residents. A total of 79,998 PhilHealth cards had already been given by the city government of Manila to city residents whose families...
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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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25Sep2012MANILA, Sept 25 (PIA) -- Around 20 clubs of Rotary District 3830 will host a peace event on Friday, September 28. This event, with the overarching Rotary theme “Peace Through Service,” will be held in cooperation with the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (Opapp). This is also in line with OPAPP’s Campaign dubbed “Ikaw.Ako.Magkakaiba.Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan.” Opapp Secretary Teresita Deles welcomed the initiative of the Rotary. “Meaningful participation can be a...
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19Jan2012MANILA, Jan 19 (PIA) -- Strong remittance flows from both sea-based and land-based overseas Filipino workers for the first 11 months of 2011 reached US$18.3 billion. The amount is 7.3 percent higher than the level posted in the same period last year. In a statement, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. said that for November alone, remittances reached US$1.8 billion, the highest monthly level of remittances recorded. The 10.6 growth in remi...
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02Apr2012MANILA, April 2 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced that outstanding loans granted by foreign currency deposit units (FCDUs) of banks amounted to $7.1 billion at the close of 2011, reflecting an increase 7.6 percent from the end-September 2011 level of $6.6 billion. In a statement posted in the BSP’s website, BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said loan transactions resulted in net loan disbursements of $535 million (excess of disbursements over repayments) due to the favorab...
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07May2012PARAÑAQUE, May 7 (PIA) -- The Parañaque City Government and the North Star Training and Consultancy, Inc. will sponsor skills training on electric arc welding and call center job this month. “Our local government is committed to generate jobs and improve the livelihood prospects of our citizens. We thank the business establishments and companies in Parañaque as those based in other parts of Metro Manila, the Northstar Training and Consultancy Inc. among them for supporting this aspiration,...
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29Sep2012PARAÑAQUE CITY, Sept 29 (PIA) -- Some 42 street families from Paranaque received cash grants as part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Expanded Conditional Cash Transfer (ECCT) program. The DSWD-National Capital Region (NCR), in cooperation with the Paranaque city government, awarded the cash grants to street families on September 22 and 24, a statement from the Parañaque Information Office said. “We are grateful to the DSWD-NCR for their ongoing efforts in hel...
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15May2012QUEZON CITY, May 15 (PIA) -– The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has intensified police visibility patrols in preparation for this year’s school opening on June 4. In a release, NCRPO Chief Alan Purisima directed its five police districts to field personnel in strategic areas particularly within the vicinity of schools to achieve a “zero crime incident” in all school and university areas. Purisima also ordered police personnel to put up Police Assistance Desks to be manne...
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09Mar2012MANILA, March 9 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has ordered an investigation and arrest of suspects in two separate massacre incidents in a remote village in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur and Lopez, Quezon recently. According to a statement posted in the agency's website, the DILG chief specifically issued the directive to Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, Philippine National Police-Region 9 director and Senior Superintendent Ericson Velasquez,...
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16Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 16 (PIA) -- The local government has launched the search for the Most Gender-Responsive Programs in the barangays to recognize innovative approaches in governance and the equitable delivery of basic services to the residents in all social classes and gender. Crafted under the Gender and Development (GAD) advocacy of the city government, the search covers barangay programs in the areas of health, education, social welfare, urban development, economic enterprise, ...
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15Apr2012MAKATI CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- The local government has received a Certificate of Recognition for its “sustained good performance in the implementation of R.A. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” a statement said. It said that Makati garnered the award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) headed by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje. The said cer...
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29Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is gearing up its activities in line with their upcoming 65th founding anniversary celebration in July. On Monday, April 30, a bloodletting activity will take place 8:00 a.m. at the Philippine Air Force Gymnasium in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City. The whole day activity in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross Pasay City Chapter and Max Foundation targets 1,000 blood donors from the PAF headquarters. The beneficiaries of the sa...
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20Jan2012MAKATI CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- The city’s total revenue collection reached P11 billion in 2011 as it remains deficit-free, a statement posted on its website said. Based on a report from the city treasurer, Makati’s total collections for 2011 reached P10,929,989,221.01, or a nine percent increase over 2010 revenue. From business tax, P5,149,047,980.79 was collected, which was an increase of 16 percent over 2011. Realty tax closely followed with P4,047,547,205.00 or a ...
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20Sep2012TAGAYTAY CITY, Sept 20 (PIA) -- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) yesterday once again gave emphasis on the importance of understanding the color-coded rainfall advisories they have been issuing since June of this year. Pagasa Weather Specialist Raymond Ordinario, who was a guest speaker in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) “Resilience Project” workshop in Tagaytay, explained that these rainfall advi...
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20May2012QUEZON CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) provided Tawi-Tawi fishermen, farmers, and their respective local government units (LGUs) with various fishery and farm equipment and inputs worth P6.5 million to prop up their production and income. A statement posted on the DA website said Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala also committed to construct irrigation systems and establish agri-fishery trading post during his recent visit, the first time since he assumed the DA po...
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10Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture has called on the continued support of farmer groups, local government officials and the private sector to attain the major goals under the Aquino government’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). In a statement, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala made the call recently at the launch of the FSSP policy document during the Makina-Saka 2012 or 2nd Agri Machinery Roadshow, attended by about 2,000 members of Irrigators’ Associations (IAs)...
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04Sep2012MANILA, September 4 (PIA) -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is inviting photo enthusiasts to join the photo essay contest to give honor to overseas Filipinos. NCCA said the theme for the photo contest is ‘A day in the life of an overseas Filipino: Stories of excellence, ingenuity, patience, hard work and success.” The contest is open to all Filipinos based overseas, including migrant workers, immigrants, second and third generation Filipinos overseas, and form...
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02Mar2012MANILA, March 2 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) is targeting to open 20 new branches this year to serve its growing clientele and further expand its reach to underserved areas, according to a statement in their website. Of the 20 new branches to be put up, 14 will be in Luzon--2 in Northern and Central Luzon, 7 in the National Capital Region and 5 in Southern Luzon. Three new branches will open in the Visayas, and three in Mindanao. "Negotiations for t...
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19May2012QUEZON CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allotting P13 million for various agriculture and fishery projects, equipment and inputs to further spur the productivity and incomes of Basilan farmers and fisherfolk, a statement from DA said. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala led the turnover of said projects during a recent forum at Basilan’s provincial capitol in Isabela City, consisting of farmers, fisherfolk, and local government officials led by Governor Jum Jai...
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19May2012MANILA, May 19 (PIA) -- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. has announced that transactions in foreign portfolio investments in April surged to $333 million. In a press release, Tetangco said that the total investments amounted to more than twice the $158 million net inflows in March. On a year-on-year basis, however, the net inflow was down by 50 percent from the $674 million recorded in 2011. Registered investments for the month also rose to $1.5 billion fr...
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02Jun2012MANILA, June 2 (PIA) -- At least 86 schools and universities and 65 dormitories in Metro Manila have been inspected by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and have been found to have violated certain fire safety rules and regulations, BFP Officer-in-Charge C/Supt. Samuel Perez said in a statement released over the weekend. In a report to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, of the 86 schools and universities inspected, 46 were in Manila, 21 in Muntinlupa, 11 in Makati and...
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22Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 22 (PIA) -- The country’s agriculture industry grew by 2.92 percent in 2012, grossing P1.4 trillion at current prices due mainly to an increase in production by the crops, poultry and livestock sub-sectors. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the three sub-sectors--which accounted for about 82% of total farm output--posted a combined growth of 3.6%. The fisheries sub-sector, which shared 18% to total production, dipped by 0.04%, mainly due to a 3.9% ...
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17Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is working toward protecting more river systems in the country as part of its efforts to ensure clean, safe, and sustainable water quality for a greater number of Filipinos. This developed as DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje recently signed an administrative order designating another important river system in Mindanao as a water quality management area (WQMA) pursuant to Republic Act 9275, or the Philippine Cl...
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10Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb 10 (PIA) -- Aftershocks continue to shake central Philippines by at least 1,413 times since the area was hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Monday before noon. At 4:46 am on Friday, the latest quake was felt at La Libertad, Negros Oriental at a magnitude of 2.6 Mg, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported on its website. Earlier, PHIVOLCS official warned the public to remain calm yet vigilant as the aftershocks are expect...
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08Jun2012MANILA, June 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment urges the public to report child labor incidence using the internet. This, as the labor department launched the web site against child trafficking called CLKSS, or the Child Labor Knowledge Sharing System. The CLKSS is DOLE’s anti-child labor data hub which can be found on the website of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC). In a news release, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that anyone can register or log on...
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28Jun2012Despite being born with a disability, Mara San Jose, 25, has taken a huge responsibility of helping her widowed mother send her three younger siblings to school. Mara, a second child in a brood of five was born with short arms and legs and at her current age, she only stands at less than four feet, but despite that, Mara remains to be a bubbly person with a positive outlook at life. Mara has reasons to live life positively because the national government thru the Department of Labor and Empl...
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13Mar2012ERRATUM QUEZON CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- Philippine National Police chief Nicanor A. Bartolome ordered members of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to work double time in solving the recent attack on Daily Tribune reporter Fernan Angeles. In a release Monday, March 12, Bartolome ordered the NCRPO and the Eastern Police District (EPD) to look into the shooting incident and to immediately identify and arrest those responsible. Bartolome direct...
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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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03May2012TAGUIG CITY, MAY 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently launched “Makibayan” or Makina at Teknolohiya Para sa Bayan, a program that is expected to propel the metalworks, machinery and electronics industries toward newer heights of competitiveness both in the local and global markets. In a news release, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said that the country should have a strong, vibrant metalworking and electronic sector for it industrialize and modernize. The DOST...
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28Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) conferred the 2012 Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award to Dr. Virgina Castillo-Cuevas. In a news release posted in a DOST website, Dr. Cuevas was cited for her significant contributions in the development of technologies leading to agricultural sustainability that contributed to environmental conservation and protection. Dr. Cuevas, professor and scientist at ...
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02Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- School days are over nationwide but the learning never stops in Quezon City. Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) head Emelita Villanueva has announced the city library’s schedule of free tutorial classes this month for the city residents who are interested to learn the basics in computer operation. According to Villanueva, the computer tutorial program is open to all QC residents, most especially the out of school youth (OSY). The three-hour per session compute...
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14Jun2012QUEZON CITY, JUNE 14, (PIA)--House Bill No. 1815, the consolidated version of the Kasambahay bill, is now awaiting Senate’s concurrence. The Kasambahay bill, if passed into law, will empower the country’s estimated 1.93 million to 2.5 million household domestic service workers with better salaries, work conditions, and other benefits. It will also entitle household workers to 13th month pay, 14-day paid vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In a statement, Labor & Employment Secret...
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08Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently inaugurated another ‘Samahang Tubig Maynilad’ (STM) community in Quezon City. In a release, the new STM community established in Sitio Bakal is composed of 250 households that used to rely on unsafe water supply from small, private deep wells. “Providing communities with clean water, regardless of their social standing, has always been at the heart of our business. This is why we continue to help and empower communi...
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06Apr2012MANILA, APRIL 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) reminds Filipino jobseekers both here and abroad to be cautious when dealing with recruitment agencies so as not to fall in the lairs of illegal recruiters. In a news release, Labor & Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz calls on jobseekers, especially to those who would want to pursue a career abroad, to be vigilant and alert in their dealings with recruitment firms. “It would also help if they familiarize themselves with...
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06Nov2012MANDALUYONG CITY, Nov 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) have formalized their partnership to provide and secure health care for the poor in a joint order signing event for the "Philhealth para sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program" at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel held earlier today. The event, which was also the launching of the new 5Ps program, was attended by PhilHealth ...
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18Jun2012MANILA, June 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority to ensure the safety of passengers and take extra precautionary measures when tropical storms enter the Philippine area of responsibility. In a statement posted on its website, the DOTC directed the PCG to remind all shipping companies, agencies, and ships’ crew to strictly comply with the directive not to allow all vessels to sa...
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16Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said Filipinos must learn to accept the growing intensity of typhoons, including the great volume of water that comes with storms or monsoon rains as the “new normal.” “There is nothing we could do but to adapt to climate change, and the only way we could be prepared for the impact of climate change is to accept that these recent developments in our country like intense weather d...
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28Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma has asked state-owned and private media on Tuesday to uphold women’s rights. Coloma said this in a forum titled “Media and Gender Equality Committee Media Consultation” at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) main office in Quezon City. Coloma, who gave the opening remarks, noted the gender issues in the portrayal of women in m...
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17Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Sunday spearheaded a Unity Walk in Quezon City to formally mark the start of the 120-day election period. Roxas led the Unity Walk and Inter-Faith Prayer Rally for Secure and Fair Elections in 2013 (SAFE 2013), which started in different parts of Metro Manila and culminated in the historic Quezon Memorial Circle. About 3,000 people from various government agencies—including the DILG, Philippine National Police, Com...
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21Nov2012MUNTINLUPA CITY, Nov 21 (PIA) -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an advisory to remind the public to exercise food safety practice this holiday season. FDA Acting Director Kenneth Hartigan-Go issued the advisory citing the importance of food safety habits to avoid illnesses which are usually caused by microbiological, chemical, and food storage. According to FDA, typical symptoms of food-borne illnesses include vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms. Or, a few hours...
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03Jul2012QUEZON CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- The Quezon City government this morning suspended afternoon classes in all public and private elementary and secondary schools due to continuous rains, flooding and impassable streets brought by the low pressure area identified by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The QC government has coordinated closely with the Division of City Schools and the 142 barangay disaster risk reduction coordination committee in r...
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21Feb2012QUEZON CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) --The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the grant of incentives to the P14.89-billion redevelopment project of the Manila North Harbor in Tondo, Manila. The project, to be undertaken by Manila North Harbour Port Inc. (MNHPI), includes equipping the port with new cargo-handling machinery and upgrading its information technology (IT) systems. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade P...
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03May2012MANILA, May 3 -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has secured Special Drawing Rights amounting to $12.4 billion for the next four-year phase of its concessional development fund that will provide critical financial support to fight poverty in the Asia and Pacific region, according to a press release by ADB. “Asian Development Fund (ADF) borrowers face significant development challenges and have fewer resources of their own to address them. We particularly appreciate the strong support and gen...
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07Feb2012QUEZON CITY, February 7 (PIA) -- Quezon City sealed a partnership with the Camillian Society, a religious ministry composed of 1,016 priests and 131 brothers across the world, in an effort to further prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections in the city. Under the partnership, the Camillian HIV and AIDS Ministry will assist the city government in providing counseling, pastoral care, home care, self care and palliative care among QC residents with...
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21Jul2012QUEZON CITY, JULY 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) said they are going to hold 17 more job fairs this month. In a statement, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said for the remaining days of July, DOLE has 17 more job fairs where job seekers can go to find their dream job. In Metro Manila, job fairs scheduled for the remaning days of July are as follows: July 20, Marikina Sports Park, Marikina City; South Station II, Muntinlupa City; city hall, Las Piñas City; July 21, sev...
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20Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 20 (PIA)- -The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with five partners from the private sector for sustainable livelihood of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program beneficiaries. The private sectors include Globe Telecom Inc. Social Responsibility (Globe-CSR) arm, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Foundation, May Ginhawa at Gawa-Action to Serve (MGA GAWA-ACTS), Ang-Hortale...
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09Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 9 (PIA) - - “Early Registration Day” for the School Year(SY) 2013-2014 in all public elementary and secondary schools is on January 26 as stated in the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 89 of 2012 duly signed by DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro. Secretary Luistro stated in his order that the activity aims to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on Universalization of Primary (Basic) Education and the Education for All (EFA) and completion of the cycle thus th...
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24Apr2012MANILA, April 24 (PIA) –- Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim was recently named as one of the nominees to the prestigious 2012 World Mayor Prize. The World Mayor Prize is awarded every two years to a mayor who has made outstanding contributions to his/her community and has developed a vision for urban living and working that is relevant to towns and cities across the world. The project also aims to raise the profile of mayors worldwide and honor those who have served their communities well and con...
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27Apr2012MANILA, April 27 (PIA)--The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) cited the local government units and the national government agencies who supported the DOLE's major youth employment intervention program, a department statement said. Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz lauded the local government of Caloocan for hiring 1,190 poor but deserving students under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) that will work for the City as field enumerators. Earlier, the City Government of P...
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16Jan2013MANILA, Jan 16 (PIA) -- The newest batch of K-9 dogs of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is now ready for their mission. The four canines will be used in search-and-rescue operations during typhoons and other calamities. Coast Guard Chief Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena noted how climate change has brought about heavy rains in the country that resulted to flash floods and landslides. “With the addition of search and rescue (SAR) operations and cadaver trained dogs detailed to our K-9 unit, ...
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14Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently launched the Philippine component of an internationally-funded project on invasive alien species (IAS). The project, entitled “Removing Barriers to Invasive Species Management in the Production and Protection Forests in Southeast Asia,” is funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) through the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), with the DENR-Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB)...
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10Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA) -- The President has assured residents of Marikina City that the government is working towards solving the city’s problem of flooding. Flooding in the city occurs when the Marikina river bursts its confines due to strong rains. He gave the assurance in his short message after leading the distribution of family food packs to 1,229 families taking up temporary shelter at the Nangka Elementary School in Marikina City. He said he had directed the Department of Public ...
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28Mar2012CALOOCAN CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- The Caloocan government led the fight against tuberculosis in the city through the celebration of the World TB Day. The program dubbed “Stop TB in my lifetime, Stop TB in the City of Caloocan” was held last Friday at the Bulwagang Katipunan located at the Caloocan City Hall. During the event, Mayor Recom Echiverri revealed the local government’s pharmacy partners in getting rid of TB. These include RD’s Drugstore, New Mabini Drugstore, Marval Pharmacy a...
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01Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- A footwear retail promoting social entrepreneurship by making fashionable shoes from scrap cloths and rubber won the top prize of the 5th Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Business in Development (BiD) Challenge Philippines last Wednesday night in Pasay City. This was announced by PBSP executive director Rafa Lopa in a press release sent to the PIA-NCR. Lopa said Habi Footwear, a start-up business managed by 22-year-old Albert Go, will compete in the I...
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23May2012QUEZON CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- In an effort to expedite the land distribution process in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said in a press release that it has set up a computerized system with the capability of screening and validating, as accurately as possible, potential beneficiaries entitled to farmlots in the area. Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes stated that DAR will make use of the latest technological advances in communication to inform haci...
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20Feb2012MANILA, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Manila Water has completed the construction of a sanitation facility that will help hasten the rehabilitation and clean-up efforts for the Pasig River, a statement posted on its website said. In a simple ceremony Sunday, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) chair Gina Lopez, Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Water President Gerardo C. Ablaza, Jr. Manila Water inaugurated the ecological sanitation facility situated at the headwaters of...
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26Mar2013MANILA, March 26 (PIA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III today visited major public transport terminals in the city to inspect the security measures implemented in these areas. This is to ensure the safety of passengers who are expected to troop to bus, port, and airport terminals as they go home to the provinces to spend the Holy Week and the long holiday. Among the terminals visited by the President are the Pier 12 Passenger Terminal together with the Princess of the South (Cebu-bound) ...
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10Aug2012MAKATI CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA) -- The local government's disaster response and management gets a much-needed boost with the addition of 913 new volunteers comprising the first batch of trainees under the Red Cross 143 Project who will serve as the first responders in the city’s 33 barangays. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said, “This will greatly enhance the disaster mitigation and response efforts of Makati because the trained volunteers are barangay residents.” The m...
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23Jul2012MANILA, July 23 (PIA) -- An outspoken legislator has asked youth leaders to support women and gender empowerment and equality. Sen. Miriam D. Santiago said this recently during her speech at the general assembly of the Friends of the Asia-Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Social Hall in Manila. "I will conclude that for Filipina women to be truly empowered, all we have to do is to remember one basic rule: Women’s r...
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06Mar2012MANILA, March 6 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines (Land Bank) recently signed an agreement with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for a collection and remittance partnership on the premium contributions of overseas and migrant Filipino workers. In a statement, Land Bank said the partnership will initially kick off on March 15 in partnership with its remittance partners in three pilot countries: Hong Kong (Pacific Ace Forex H.K. Ltd.), Macau (...
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25Apr2012QUEZON CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently energized its Pasay Pumping Station discharge line, which stretches nearly four kilometers from the Pagcor Pumping Station in Pasay City to Coastal Road in Parañaque City, according to a press release posted in Maynilad’s website. According to Maynilad President and CEO Ricky P. Vargas, the said project was meant to improve water service levels in the southernmost portion of our concession area. “It will also allow us ...
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07Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) will hold a series of job fair especially intended for graduates of technical-vocational courses. DOLE Regional Director for NCR, Atty. Alan Macaraya, in a statement said, the holding of special job fairs dubbed as “Hanapbuhay para sa TESDA Specialistas” is a convergent project with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-NCR (TESDA-NCR), Philippine Overseas Employment A...
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06May2012MANILA, May 6 (PIA) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Saturday said that international financial safety nets need to be reorganized to ensure sufficient liquidity to combat systemic crises. During a seminar entitled, "Reforming International Financial Safety Nets," at the ADB's 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors held in Manila, ADB Chief Economist Changyong Rhee said, “International and regional financial safety nets have become much more important in an era of globalized fin...
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17Apr2012QUEZON CITY, APRIL 17 (PIA) -- The backdoor of the country has always been used for illicit undertakings, now there's another one to add to this list and it concerns human traffickers who bring their victims out of the country through this exit. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is warning Filipino workers, especially women, against accepting offers of employment that would require them to leave illegally using exit points in the south. In a news release, POEA Administra...
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20Sep2012QUEZON CITY, Sept 20 (PIA) -- An auditor whose exemplary work resulted in the dismissal of two government officers for malversation of public funds totalling P1.23 million is named one of this year’s Outstanding Public Officials and Employees. State Auditor Haydee P. Pasuelo of Commission on Audit Regional Office No. VI is one of the winners of the Dangal ng Bayan Award for exemplary adherence to the norms of conduct and ethical behavior. President Benigno S. Aquino conferred the award in t...
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04Jun2012MANILA, JUNE 4 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration has issued new guidelines in the registration and issuance of visas to dependent-children of foreign nationals in the country. The new rules were issued after the bureau stumbled upon records of hundreds of alien dependents who were mistakenly registered as native-born foreigners just because they were born in the Philippines. The guidelines contained in a memorandum circular issued by BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. and approved by Justice S...
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05Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 5 (PIA) -- Philippine National Police chief Nicanor A. Bartolome on Monday said the opening of classes was generally peaceful and orderly. In a release, Bartolome said the PNP’s National Operations Center in Camp Crame did not monitor any untoward incident. “I am personally satisfied with the deployment of troops for police beat patrol and visibility operations in Manila’s University Belt Area, and in the vicinity of school premises elsewhere around the country,” sa...
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25Jan2012TAGUIG CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) introduced a locally-developed scientific flood warning system that offers a more responsive disaster preparedness mechanism for the country. This is in compliance with President Benigno Aquino III’s directives to concerned government agencies to step up national efforts toward greater and more intensive disaster risk reduction and management procedures in the wake of Typhoon “Sendong.&n...
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26Jan2012QUEZON CITY, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- To promote the use of indigenous fibers in the country such as piña, banana, abaca, and Philippine silk, President Benigno Aquino III recently signed Proclamation No. 313 declaring January of every year as “Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month. President Aquino designated the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), which leads the research and development of technologies on ...
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06Jun2012QUEZON CITY, June 6 (PIA) -– Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said that building blocks for peace are being put in place to complement the ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The GPH and the MILF peace panels recently concluded the three-day 28th formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last month with both parties agreeing to return to their principals and further r...
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09Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Vice President Jejomar Binay recommended the use of seized items of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for the government’s relief operations. A statement from the Office of the Vice President said that, Binay in a letter to Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, recommended to the finance department the use of confiscated goods at the BoC to cater to the needs of those affected by heavy rains that pounded Luzon this week. “In view of the devastation caused by torrential ...
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07Mar2012MAKATI CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- The local government collected a total of PhP4.9-billion in revenue for the month of January this year, a statement posted on its website said. Likewise, Makati posted an increase of nine percent over total earnings in January 2011. Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay expressed satisfaction over the recent income hike, saying that it will allow the city to beef up its programs for this year and pursue more innovations for the best...
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21Apr2012MAKATI CITY, April 21 (PIA) -- Traffic will be rerouted at the Makati Central Business District (CBD) starting at 6:00am of April 22, Sunday, to make way for the Celebration of Earth Day 2012 dubbed “Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere” at the Ayala Triangle Gardens and Tower One & Exchange Plaza (TOEP). In a statement posted on the Makati website, Ayala Property Management Corporation Traffic Consultant Estela Lomat said westbound lanes of Ayala Avenue from Makati Avenue to Paseo de Roxas; Nor...
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14Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines recently signed an agreement with manning agency Cebu Ace-Maritime International Inc. for the servicing of the agency’s inward foreign exchange remittances and payroll distribution to its deployed seamen and their beneficiaries. Cebu Ace-Maritime is the bank’s first manning agency client outside Metro Manila. The strategic location of the agency’s office and its proximity to the Land Bank Plaza Independencia Branch provides conv...
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12Mar2012MANILA, March 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has continued its impressive performance after posting a P3.36 billion gross income in January this year, a statement said. This figure, it said in its website (http://www.pagcor.ph), is P600 million higher compared to the income earned by PAGCOR during the same month last year. “We earned a P3.36 billion gross income last month. This was better by almost 22% compared to our January 2011 in...
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25Mar2012MANILA, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines has earned a net income of P9 billion last year, which was 11 percent higher compared to its 2010 net income of P8.1 billion. According to Landbank president and chief executive officer Gilda E. Pico, the bank's strong performance can be attributed the its robust overall performance to increased income from loans, prudent cost management and clear institutional focus. From its 2011 net income, Landbank remitted to the national ...
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07Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 7 (PIA) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said additional K-9s will help the government it its illegal drug detection efforts. PDEA chief Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. said the agency will empower private canine service providers to boost the quality and credibility of accredited drug-sniffing dogs in the country. “Public places, such as schools and other establishments where illegal drugs are smuggled and transited, will be duly covered with the presence of more qua...
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16Jun2012MAKATI CITY, June 16 (PIA) -- The local government on Friday launched its 3rd weather monitoring station at San Lorenzo Barangay Hall, in partnership with Manila Observatory of Ateneo de Manila, in order to provide localized weather forecast. In its web news, Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said that the localized weather forecast can provide numerous information and indicators that will assist city officials in making significant decisions that affect the lives and properties of the people in Mak...
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13Aug2012QUEZON CITY, Aug 13 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III led the distribution of family packs to residents of Montalban, Rizal affected by what is now known as Habagat 2012, a more than a week-long deluge that brought torrential rains and floods over a large portion of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, at the Kasiglahan Elementary School on Sunday. Joining the President for the distribution of the much needed food and clothing contained in the family packs which were provided to some 1,560 famil...
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25Oct2012QUEZON CITY, Oct 25 (PIA) -- A 48-year old civil engineer-turned-rice farmer from Kalinga and a 62-year old farmer from Ilocos Norte lead this year’s outstanding farmers and fishermen or 2011-12 Gawad Saka national awardees. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said engineer-farmer Teodoro Kub-ao Jr. of Kalinga is the national Gawad Saka winner for integrated rice farming, while Ricarte Corpuz of Ilocos Norte is the best in hybrid rice farming. Kub-ao earned more than P1....
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05Mar2012QUEZON CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- The Tandang Sora Shrine in Quezon City has been declared a national shrine by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). With the NHCP declaration, QC now boasts of two national historical shrines, the other, being the Quezon Memorial Shrine, where the remains of former President Manuel L. Quezon, are entombed. The declaration of Tandang Sora’s resting place at Banlat Road as a national shrine was in support...
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03Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 3 (PIA)--The Food & Drug Administration (FDA, warned the public to be extremely cautious in purchasing their drugs and medicines online, internet, or mail-order pharmacies. The FDA said that drugs being sold online may possibly cause more harm than good. “Online pharmacies, internet pharmacies, or mail-order pharmacies present risks and concerns,” the statement added. The FDA said that they are concerned about the illegal or unethical pharmacies that sell outdated, subst...
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18Apr2012MANILA, April 18 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has detained the eight Koreans arrested recently by the Philippine National Police in San Pablo City and Calauan in Laguna for allegedly operating an illegal gambling racket involving pitbulls. In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said he ordered the Koreans’ confinement at the BI jail in Bicutan, Taguig after they were released for further investigatio