PCOO ONLINE NEWS 30 OCTOBER 2013 PH welcomes first PAL charter flight from Russia Purisima meets with transferred Customs Officials National Government Records P18.6 Billion Budget Deficit in September DILG asks local execs to mobilize forces for Undas 2013 To serve well, DOLE officials and employees should be healthy and well--Baldoz Consumer Loans Sustain Rise as Non-Performing CLs Decline Philippine Ambassador, Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry Discuss Trade and Investment Promotion DSWD, LGUs work closely to help quake-hit Bohol DSWD constructs makeshift hospitals, shelters in quake-hit Bohol DPWH activates Lakbay Alalay for Undas 2013 DPWH Chief reiterates warning re - fraudulent fund raising scheme using his name DENR bats for garbage-free barangay polls, ‘Undas’ DBM kicks off new features on PDAF website Govt springs to post-quake aid with P3.5-B in funds DOLE expands package of productivity programs ________________________________________ PH welcomes first PAL charter flight from Russia Source: tourism.gov.ph From October 2013 to April 2014, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will run regular charter flights every twelve days connecting Vladivostok and the Russian Fareast region to the prime tourist destinations of the country. On 27 October 2013 at 0930H, PR 761 will touch down at the NAIA Terminal 2 carrying over a hundred Russian tourists raring to explore the tropical islands of the country. This marks the first time a Philippine carrier will fly the friendly Russian skies. The fun in the Philippines can now be experienced by more tourists from Fareast Russia. The facilitation of charter programs from this region of Russia, which is only four and a half hours away from Manila, is one of our key strategies to catalyze growth. Russia is a priority opportunity market of the Department of Tourism (DOT) that is envisioned to contribute to the target of 10 million international visitors by 2016,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said. The charter flight is a collaboration between the 60 offices around the region of the Primorsky Agency of Aviation Companies TM Biletur, the biggest travel company in the Far East region which has been in operation for the past 18 years. From September 2012 to April 2013, Biletur was able to sell 1,500 room nights in the Philippines to their clients. Bulk of the tourists for this maiden flight will be visiting Boracay, a trend destination for many Russian tourists. The partner ground handler for this program is Uniorient Travel, Inc. Visitor arrivals from Russia reached 28,270 in 2012, growing by 40% and becoming the fastest growing market for the Philippines out of Europe. Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, key cities in Fareast Russia, were ranked second and fourth biggest sources of arrivals from Russia, posting growth rates of 37% and 83%, respectively, from the previous year. For the first eight months of 2013, Russian arrivals reached 21,736 growing by 32.53% over the same period in 2012. “The charter program is indicative of the steady interest that Russians have for our country. This may be attributed to our healthy relationships with travel trade counterparts in Russia, our consumer marketing efforts, as well as word-of-mouth marketing from the many satisfied visitors who have come back for either more or longer holiday and business trips. We enjoin our travel partners and hosts to sustain this interest through our unique brand of fun and service excellence,” the tourism chief added. |TOP| ________________________________________ Purisima meets with transferred Customs Officials Source: dof.gov.ph Officials of the Department of Finance led by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima met with senior officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) who had been detailed to the Customs Policy Research Office (CPRO). The meeting clarified issues and concerns surrounding the implementation of Customs Personnel Order (CPO) No. B-189-2013, detailing 27 Collectors of the BOC to the CPRO and apprised the officials on the directions for policy and legislative reforms that need to be undertaken at the BOC. “I need you to do this. You are the best resource people to take on this job because of your long experience and institutional knowledge of the Bureau of Customs. These reforms are urgent,” said Purisima to the Customs officials. The Finance chief cited antiquated laws and policies as a major source of revenue leakage for the BOC. Data from the Finance Department showed that an estimated P200-Billion in revenues is lost to the Bureau of Customs because of loopholes in customs policies and procedures, as well as outdated laws. The Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, which is the primary law that enables and empowers the Bureau of Customs, has remained largely unchanged since 1957. “We need data to set the baseline for customs collections. It is important that we do this now with all the rapid changes in the global trading environment. We need metrics and accurate information for analysis and identification of revenue loss areas so that we can plug the loopholes.” The meeting with the detailed BOC officials was held amidst cases pending before the courts. Eleven of the 27 officials detailed to CPRO filed a case before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) questioning the validity of CPO No. B-189-2013, while the DOF and the BOC filed a Petition before the Supreme Court that seeks to bar the Manila RTC from acting on the bid of district collectors citing lack of jurisdiction as it is the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that has the sole jurisdiction on the promotion and transfer of government employees. To date, at least twenty (20) of the twenty-seven (27) affected Customs officials have reported to the CPRO. Imelda Cruz, who held the rank of Collector V, tendered her irrevocable resignation last October 2; while Macabantug Mandangan and Juan Tan, who both hold the rank Collector V, both retired from the BOC with the former reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 last October 25, and the latter availed of the government’s early retirement package last October 16. |TOP| ________________________________________ National Government Records P18.6 Billion Budget Deficit in September Source: dof.gov.ph 30 October 2013 Manila, Philippines – The National Government incurred a P18.6 billion deficit in September, 43% or P14.2 billion lower compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date, overall fiscal shortfall amounted to P101.2 billion which is well within Government target of P144.5 billion for the first nine months of the year. Revenue Performance Revenue collections reached P127.3 billion in September, 20.9% or P22.0 billion higher compared to the same period in 2012. Collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BoC) were recorded at P86 billion and P25.7 billion, reflecting 21.1% and 10.9% year-on-year revenue growth, respectively. Revenue from other offices grew 21.3% from a year ago to P8.4 billion while Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) income rose 72.7% year-on-year to P7.2 billion. Total collections reached P1,266.6 billion for the first nine months of the year showing an 13% improvement over comparable collections last year. Actual collections for January to September were recorded at P898 billion for BIR and P224.6 billion for BOC, increasing 16% and 5%, respectively, on a year-on-year basis. BTr income totaled P68.1 billion and other offices contributed P75.9 billion. Total tax revenues amounted to P112.8 billion, representing 89% of total revenues while the remaining P14.5 billion came from non-tax collections. Expenditures Actual disbursements for September amounted to P145.9 billion, reflecting a 5.7% or P7.8 billion increase, year-on-year. Interest payments amounting to P29.2 billion accounted for 19% of total expenditures for the period. Total disbursements for January to September reached P1,367.8 billion, a 12% increase over the same period in 2012. Primary Surplus/ (Deficit) Netting out interest payments from expenditures, the National Government posted a primary surplus of P10.6 billion in September, bringing the January to September surplus to P156.9 billion. [Please see attached doc to view graphs] |TOP| ________________________________________ DILG asks local execs to mobilize forces for Undas 2013 Source: dilg.gov.ph Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has directed the country’s city and town mayors to convene their Local Peace and Order Councils as soon as possible and adopt measures that will ensure safe and peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Roxas, at the same time, ordered the Philippine National Police to go on full alert in order to ensure the safe travel of passengers and motorists who will be visiting their dead during the two-day Undas holiday. In a Memorandum Circular dated October 25, 2013, the DILG chief instructed the mayors, all DILG regional directors and the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to deploy law enforcers and barangay tanods in cemeteries and other public areas to ensure safe and peaceful observance of Undas 2013. “The local chief executives should convene their Local Peace and Order Councils to formulate a contingency plan on peace and order and public safety during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day,” Roxas said. As part of the contingency plan, Roxas specifically cited the need to deploy law enforcers, barangay tanods and medical personnel in public and private cemeteries and memorial parks all over the country. “They should see to it that cleanliness and orderliness in cemeteries and other public places before, during and after Undas 2013 shall be maintained,” he added. As to law enforcers led by the local Philippine National Police units and the barangay tanods, Roxas said they should provide assistance and intensify visibility to the travelling public and motorists and implement effective traffic management. He said the country’s various ports, bus and other transport terminals must also be secured to ensure the safety and convenience of travellers. “The local PNP units should also be on guard in critical areas within the city or municipality to prevent the entry and exit of lawless elements and to apprehend individuals violating rules to ensure the safe observance of Undas 2013,” Roxas said. “It would also be better if they could set-up help desks with trained medics along local and national roads in their localities to provide assistance to the travelling public,” Roxas said. After the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the DILG chief said the local chief executives are expected to ensure efficient garbage collection and clean-up operations in cemeteries and other public places. |TOP| ________________________________________ To serve well, DOLE officials and employees should be healthy and well--Baldoz Source: dole.gov.ph Saying that good physical, mental, and emotional health will enable DOLE officials and employees to serve their clients in their best abilities, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended member-agencies of the DOLE Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) in Region 1 headed by Regional Director Grace Ursua for taking time off from their busy schedules to engage in wellness activities. The annual event, the 3rd DOLE- RCC Wellness Activity, was held last week at the grounds of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Region 1 in San Fernando, La Union. Citing a report of Director Ursua, Baldoz said officials and employees of the member-agencies of the RCC, namely, DOLE Regional Office No. 1; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB); National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC); Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB); and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), enthusiastically participated in the one-day wellness activity. The one-day event kicked off with a “Hataw” Dance Exercise choreographed by the TESDA and the Department of Health, where participants danced and grooved under the sun. Parlor games, facilitated by the NCMB and the OWWA, tested the strength and agility of the participants, and strengthened their spirit of sportsmanship. Healthy snacks followed after the activities. As part of the wellness program, a lecture on stress management was delivered by Dr. Francisco Valdez, MD, the head of the Ilocos Training and Medical Center (ITRMC). The lecture covered the causes of stress and the ways on how to overcome it. The DOLE-RCC Wellness Activity is a valuable event. It was an opportunity for the participants to realize that a healthy body and a sound mind is important if we are to render quality services to our clients, said Ursua. |TOP| ________________________________________ Consumer Loans Sustain Rise as Non-Performing CLs Decline Source: bsp.gov.ph Consumer loans (CLs) by universal, commercial (U/KBs) and thrift banks (TBs) stood at Php 680.4 billion in June, an increase of 15.9 percent from the Php 587.0 billion registered a year earlier. Consumer lending also sustained its quarter-on-quarter growth as the June figure rose by more than 5 percent from the Php 647.1 billion posted in March. Residential real estate, auto, credit card and other CLs rose in June amid the upbeat consumer view of the property market and the opening of classes. While consumer lending continued to rise, the ratio of soured consumer loans to total CLs declined. Non-performing CLs represented 6.1 percent of CLs in June, a drop from the 6.7 percent recorded during the same month last year. Moreover, the banks continue to put in place adequate safety nets against consumer credit risks. In June, the U/KBs and TBs set aside loan loss reserves of 69.4 percent of their soured CLs. Non-performing consumer loans represent just one percent of the banks’ total loan portfolio during the period. As a percentage of total lending, consumer loans in the Philippines remain below the figures posted by the country’s peers in Southeast Asia. In June, the 16.6 percent CL exposure of the Philippines is markedly lower than Malaysia’s 56.9 percent, Indonesia’s 29.3 percent and Singapore’s 26.5 percent. As part of its goal of promoting financial stability, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) monitors consumer and other types of bank lending to ensure continued adherence to high credit standards. Financial stability is essential to the sustainable growth of the economy, which is a key objective of the BSP. |TOP| ________________________________________ Philippine Ambassador, Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry Discuss Trade and Investment Promotion Source: https://dfa.gov.ph 30 October 2013 – Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin H. Tago met on October 27 Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Tawfiq. F. Al-Rabiah, at the Minister’s office in Riyadh to discuss Philippines-Saudi Arabia economic relations and promote bilateral trade and investments. After reviewing existing trade and commercial relations and noting the increase in total trade between the two countries, both Ambassador Tago and Minister Al-Rabiah agreed on the need to further enhance and diversify economic relations between the two countries. Philippine exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia increased by approximately 37 percent from US$ 62.60 million in 2011 to US$ 85.82 million in 2012, but the balance of trade remains in favor of Saudi Arabia due to the Philippines’ importing its energy requirements from the Kingdom. Ambassador Tago briefed Minister Al-Rabiah on the significant progress the Philippines has achieved, particularly in economic growth for 2012 and 2013 which was among the highest in East and Southeast Asia. He also noted the Philippines’ recent upgrades to investment rating from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. The Ambassador likewise extended an invitation to the Minister to visit the country and sought the latter’s assistance in promoting the Philippines as an investment destination for the Saudi private sector. Ambassador Tago stressed that the Philippines has recently extended its visa-free facility to Saudi nationals from 21 to 30 days to encourage more visitors and investors to come to the Philippines. Some of the Philippine export products promoted by the Ambassador were halal food (fresh and processed), fresh fruits and vegetables, furniture and wood based products, garments and textiles (medium to high end), construction materials, health and beauty care products, fashion accessories, leather goods, machineries and equipment, gifts and home décor. Ambassador Tago also invited the Kingdom to consider investing in various sectors in the Philippines, including in agriculture, construction, power and energy, tourism, mining and real estate. Noting that a Philippine business delegation will visit Saudi Arabia on from October 30 to November 7, Ambassador Tago invited the Minister to head a business mission to the Philippines, and to participate in Public-Private-Partnership projects. These comprise traditional infrastructure projects, such as power, transportation, and water sectors, and non-traditional infrastructure and development sectors, such as information and communications technology, health, and property development. Minister Al-Rabiah expressed support for the promotion of Philippine goods in the Kingdom and encouraged the Philippines to hold an exhibition of its diverse products. He also expressed their wish to expand their trade with Philippines to cover non-oil exports. Minister Al-Rabiah invited Philippine contracting companies to join the bidding process for construction projects in the Kingdom. Both officials reiterated their commitment to work together for the mutual benefit of both economies. |TOP| ________________________________________ DSWD, LGUs work closely to help quake-hit Bohol Source: dswd.gov.ph The devastation brought by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake which shook Central Visayas on October 15, showed the strong partnership and coordination of the national government and local government units in times of disasters. In the aftermath of the earthquake, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) readily assisted the affected local government units (LGUs), working round the clock to bring immediate relief to the shaken communities. The DSWD, in coordination with the LGUs, specifically the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDO) of the affected towns closely monitored the situation, provided relief goods, and deployed stress debriefers and counselors for the grieving families. Grateful for the quick response In the municipality of Bilar, the LGU was quick in responding to the needs of the people in Barangay Bonifacio, which was hit hard by the tremor. DSWD was equally fast in identifying the different evacuation sites and providing relief goods to affected families. “Nakahatag dayon ug relief ang ang munisipyo pagka hapon dayon ug padayun lang jud ang ayuda handtod karon (The municipality has provided us relief goods on the afternoon of the first day, and relief goods are continually coming in even now),” said Lorena Lasive, a resident of Barangay Bonifacio. Her family has been staying at the evacuation site in the barangay since the first day after the earthquake. Gemma Sumampong, another survivor also expressed her gratitude to DSWD and their local officials. “Dako pud kog pasalamat sa DSWD ug sa ubang mga tawo nga muanhi diri halos kada adlaw ug muhatag ug makaon mao ng nabuhi mi sa pito ka niaging adlaw (I am also thankful to DSWD and to our LGU who come here almost everyday and give us food to eat),” she narrated. DSWD also provided laminated plastic tents at the evacuation site in Barangay Bonifacio. Each tent can accommodate two to three families. Josefa Sinco, 74, was thankful to DSWD and LGUs for these. “Nahurot na ang baligya nga laminated sacks sa merkado ug katong among ginagamit namo sa una kay dili na maayo labi na kung muulan (There were no available laminated sacks in the market and what we were using before were already tattered and would not protect us from the elements),” she explained. A total of 3,419 families or 17,098 individuals were affected in the town of Bilar, four died and eight were injured. As of October 29, DSWD recorded a total of 17,793 families staying in 371 evacuation centers in Bohol. While continuing its relief efforts, DSWD in partnership with the LGUs, local, and international humanitarian groups are now working on the rehabilitation and recovery efforts. |TOP| ________________________________________ DSWD constructs makeshift hospitals, shelters in quake-hit Bohol Source: dswd.gov.ph The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with Habitat for Humanity, recently completed the construction of three makeshift hospital tents in Carmen, Loon, and Sagbayan, all in Bohol Province, to immediately address the medical needs of the families affected by the earthquake that hit the province. The hospital tents are manned by doctors from the district hospitals and municipal health officers. In addition, hospital tents are also being constructed in the towns of Tubigon, Sagbayan, Clarin, Calape, Buenavista, Inabanga, and Loon. “Based on the extent of the damage, we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to provide shelter kits for families with partially destroyed houses, and construct shelters for families with totally damaged houses,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman stated. “The shelter kits are comprised of galvanized iron sheets for roofing, mesh wire, steel bars, and other materials for the repair of partially destroyed houses,” Secretary Soliman added. According to Vince Delector, Jr., Manager of the Water, Sanitation and Sustainable Operations Team of Habitat for Humanity, some 10,000 shelter kits will be provided while 2,000 core shelters will be built within the next two years. Delector announced that Habitat for Humanity will start the construction of permanent shelters in Barangay Mantacida in Catigbian, one of the hardest hit areas in Bohol. “In building the houses, we will use bamboo and cement, encasing the shelters in a lightweight steel frame with a cement foundation,” Delector explained. Habitat for Humanity has been a long time partner of DSWD in building shelters for victims of disasters, such as Typhoon Sendong which hit Cagayan De Oro in 2011 and Typhoon Pablo which devastated Davao region and Compostela Valley in 2012. As of October 29, DSWD recorded a total of 17,793 families staying in 371 evacuation centers in Bohol. Based on DSWD’s latest validation report, the number of totally damaged houses in the province rose to 12,672. Evacuation centers in Cebu have already closed but 1,364 families or 6,806 individuals who are home-based or staying in their relatives’ or friends’ houses continue to receive food assistance from DSWD and local government units. |TOP| ________________________________________ DPWH activates Lakbay Alalay for Undas 2013 Source: dpwh.gov.ph Field units of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Regional and District level activates the “Lakbay Alalay” motorists assistance program of the Department for the upcoming commemoration of the “Undas” 2013. Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that he has directed DPWH Regional Directors and District Engineers nationwide to set-up this regular service program of the Department starting at 5:00 PM on October 30, 2013 until 12:00 noon of November 4, 2013. Composite team from the DPWH Regional and District Offices will be dispatched in strategic locations along national highways for the expected influx of motorists going to both public and private cemeteries in the cities and provinces. The team composed of engineers, mechanics, equipment operators and other service crews will extend free roadside emergency repair assistance and help for travelers. Earlier, Singson reminded his men in the field to ensure that proper signage, warning and readable directional signs, along the national roads and all on-going projects are installed properly. “All on-going road construction should have warning signs with deployed traffic aides/personnel to manage traffic and reduce inconvenience to public”, added Singson. In Pangasinan, Region 1 OIC-Director Melanio C. Briosos reported that a traffic rerouting scheme or alternate route to avoid heavy traffic at the on-going rehabilitation along the Binalonan-Pozorubbio-Sison Section of Manila North Road has been implemented. The following alternative routes were identified by the DPWH Pangasinan 3rd District Engineering Office in coordination with the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, and concerned Local Government Units to avoid traffic gridlock at the Tarlac-Pangasinan (Carmen) Boundary to Pangasinan-La Union (Sison): a) Carmen-Rosales-Sta. Maria-Asingan-Binalonan Road (Magilas Trail); b) Binalonan-Laoac-Pozorrubio Road; c) Urdaneta-Manaoag-San Jacinto-San Fabian-Damortis Jct., La Union Road (for light vehicles only); and d) Binalonan-Laoac-Manaoag-San Jacinto-San Fabian-Damortis Jct., La Union (for light vehicles only). Motorists who opted to use Manila North Road are advised to brace for traffic bottlenecks and alternate one way traffic and warn against overtaking or counterflowing at chokepoints and on approaching stationary vehicles queues to prevent further traffic jams especially during peak hours from 7:00AM to 9:00AM and 4:00PM to 7:00PM As more people are expected to troop to cemeteries because of the long week-end holiday, DPWH Region 5 will dispatched 31 Motorists’ Assistance Centers along Bicol’s arterial roads: in Camarines Norte – a) Tabugon Section, K0248, Junction Andaya Highway; in Camarines Sur – a) DPWH Field Office, Gaongan, Sipocot, b) GAD Building, Pamplona (K0418+100), c) Concepcion Grande, Naga City (K0439+820) or in front of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) Headquarters, d) Sta. Teresita, Baao - in front of DPWH Camarines Sur 4th District Engineering Office (DEO), e) Lourdes Young, Nabua - in front of Nabua Cemetery, f) Caraycayon, Tigaon in front of DPWH Camarines Sur 3rd DEO; in Albay – a) Paulog, Ligao in front of DPWH 3rd DEO, b) Busay, Daraga (K0522+050), c) Basud, Sto. Domingo (K0540+005); and in Sorsogon – a) Dona Pepita Park, Brgy. Bucalbucalan, and San Pedro Multi-Purpose Brgy. Hall, Irosin (K0621+800). Assistance centers will also be set-up in the island provinces of Bicol Region: seven (7) in Catanduanes and twelve (12) in Masbate. |TOP| ________________________________________ DPWH Chief reiterates warning re - fraudulent fund raising scheme using his name Source: dpwh.gov.ph Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson repeats his previous calls or warnings to the public that he, nor his officers and staff, is not in way - whether on official or personal capacity - involved in any fund raising activity, and neither endorsing any individual, entity or group to solicit on his behalf. The warning is in view of the latest report that alleged members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Retired Veterans Association, Inc. are allegedly selling Thanksgiving Dinner Tickets, for a Ballroom Dancing and Christmas Gift Giving Activity (which is) to be held on December 28, 2013 at the Halls of Flags Veterans Centers in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City; which is worth P600 each. Per report, a certain person, impersonating Secretary Singson, is said to be calling the contractors, who are currently under contract in various DPWH projects, to personally push (these contractors) to buy the fund raising tickets. But, knowing that the DPWH is not involved in any fundraising, per previous advisory, the act to solicit was reported by the contractor to – both – DPWH and the Philippine National Police (PNP) which led to the arrest of an alleged culprit – one named Anita M. Marasigan, a 60-year old widow residing at Project 2, Quezon City, who was detained for swindling. Marasigan has presented to the police authorities an identification card showing her alleged affiliation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Retired Veterans Association, Inc. “I am making this call again to the public, especially our current suppliers and contractors doing business with the agency, to not be deceived nor entertain any attempt of these unscrupulous individuals or groups to drag my name, or any of our officers and staff, in their fund raising project,” Singson said, and added, “ we should not be fooled, and – together – we put a stop to their illegal activities by reporting to us, or to the nearest police station.” The public, especially individuals or companies, who receive sponsorship tickets or deceptive letter solicitations should report immediately significant information about the solicitor/s misrepresenting themselves as connected with the DPWH organization thru e-mail [email protected] or contact the Stakeholders Relations Service at telephone numbers (02) 302-9196; 304-3370; 304-3280; or 304-3279 or to the nearest Police Stations. “These unscrupulous individuals are misleading the public. The DPWH contractors, consultants and suppliers should be made aware that any contribution or donation they made is not in any way connected to official DPWH activities,” Singson further said. |TOP| ________________________________________ DENR bats for garbage-free barangay polls, ‘Undas’ Source: denr.gov.ph In anticipation of the barangay elections and Undas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged the public to keep schools and cemeteries garbage-free during the upcoming holidays. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said that just like any other public holidays, the village polls scheduled on Oct. 28 and the All Saints Day and All Souls Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively, are expected to significantly increase waste generation. Both occasions will undoubtedly have a festive atmosphere, with a lot of waste from campaign materials, food containers and the like, Paje said. We remind Filipinos to be more creative with their needs and use materials that are reusable or recyclable so that we generate less solid waste, Paje said. The environment chief added: The easiest thing to remember about reducing waste is to utilize reusable or recyclable materials or containers especially when packing food and drinks, and to take time to throw trash in bins coded to segregate them accordingly. An estimated 30,000 tons of garbage is generated in the country every day, with 8,000 tons produced in Metro Manila alone. The volume shoots up during public events. For the barangay polls, Paje called on governors and mayors to ensure that the candidates observe a litter-free election and oversee the cleanup operations in schools and other polling precincts immediately after the polls. He reminded that local government units have the primary task of enforcing the provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Under the law, a person caught littering could be fined from P300 to P1,000, or render community service. At the same time, Paje encouraged voters to watch out for candidates who opt for an environment-friendly campaign and who will assist in cleanup activities afterwards, as these are good signs that they will make good on their duty to keep your community clean and green. He said immediate cleanup activities after the elections would prevent trash from clogging waterways and cause floods during rains. Paje also urged the candidates to revisit the joint memorandum circular issued by the DENR, Commission on Elections and the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the national and local elections held last May. The circular was issued to make sure that local officials, political parties, party-list organizations, candidates, and their supporters would adhere to the provisions of RA 9003 during the campaign period. As for the succeeding long weekend of Undas, where Filipinos are expected to troop to cemeteries to commemorate their departed loved ones, Paje gave the following tips to make the occasion garbage-free: • Abide by local ordinances regarding the use of plastic bags • Reduce wastage by bringing only a sufficient amount of food • Use fresh flowers and small potted plants • Lessen air pollution by ensuring that vehicles are well-maintained, observing carpooling, or using public transportation. |TOP| ________________________________________ Source: dbm.gov.ph |TOP| ________________________________________ DBM kicks off new features on PDAF website Source: dbm.gov.ph In its continuing drive to implement budget innovation and reforms, the Department of Budget and Management has introduced new features on the electronic Transparency and Accountability Initiative for Lump Sum Funds (e-TAILS) website (pdaf.dbm.gov.ph), installing a feedback mechanism to monitor and report on the spending of Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) allocated to lawmakers. Launched in 2011, e-TAILS keeps track of use of PDAF by showing information on the breakdown of releases to legislators, where and when the funds were released, the projects that a legislator endorsed for PDAF support, as well as the project beneficiaries. The new features allow citizens to download the yearly report of PDAF releases, post comments and upload photos or videos as feedback on PDAF-funded projects, as well as find key information on how PDAF works. “The rationale behind the e-TAILS website is to make sure that information on PDAF releases and the projects they support are presented in an accurate and user-friendly platform, so that the public can gain quick access to PDAF information and give feedback on the projects endorsed by legislators. With its new features, the eTAILS website strengthens the DBM’s commitment to increase citizen awareness and engagement, specifically with respect to PDAF use and management,” DBM Undersecretary and Chief Information Officer Richard Moya said. “Although the new features are already up and running, we’re continually improving the site post-launch so it better responds to the needs of those who visit it,” he added. According to Moya, citizens can now click on a specific project and post a comment using their Facebook account, or post a photo or video to show the implementation status and result of ;PDAF-supportec projects. The homepage also leads site visitors to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on PDAF, besides featuring a step-by-step guide in navigating the new features on the website. “We’re keeping pace with an audience that uses the internet as their main information resource. More important, however, is the fact that we’re also giving concerned citizens an interactive online venue where they can give honest feedback on PDAF projects,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. “Altogether, e-TAILS has been improved to empower the Filipino people by giving them easier access to information. This is also a very well-timed development, given the growing clamor for better transparency and accountability in government, a call that the Aquino administration is responding to by creating spaces for dialogue and public participation in the budget process,” he added. |TOP| ________________________________________ Govt springs to post-quake aid with P3.5-B in funds Source: dbm.gov.ph/ In the wake of the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked several parts of Visayas and Mindanao, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad gave reassurance that the Aquino administration is prepared to provide quick relief to quake-stricken areas, adding that P1 billion from the 2013 Calamity and Contingency funds are ready to support the aid requirements of all affected families and communities. Abad added that approximately P2.3 billion in Quick Response Funds (QRFs) under various implementing agencies can also be mobilized to provide immediate assistance and support to all displaced and affected families. QRFs under the Office of Civil Defense and Office of the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) amount to P554 million and P326 million, respectively, while the departments of Education and Agriculture have respective QRFs amounting to P455 million and P196 million. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has roughly P200 million remaining in its QRF. DBM records also show that QRFs under the Department of Public Works and Highways—including those under Continuing Appropriations—amount to roughly P600 million. “We are completely attuned to the urgent plight of families and communities in areas damaged by the quake. The Administration is already tapping the proper fund sources to provide quick and sufficient assistance to those affected by this disaster. Besides the Contingency and Calamity funds that can be used for this purpose, QRFs under agencies will likewise allow us begin rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts at the soonest possible time,” Abad said. The Budget chief also reported that a request has been sent to President Benigno S. Aquino III to draw additional calamity funds from government savings. “We have identified sources in our savings to efficiently augment both our Calamity and Contingent funds to provide additional support as needed. This request will still require the President’s approval. As far as funding the relief and rehabilitation operations in Bohol and Cebu is concerned, we shouldn’t meet any problems, as the government is fully prepared to deliver swift relief assistance wherever it’s needed,” Abad added. Abad said that the Contingency and Calamity funds—with remaining balances of P824 million and P176 million, respectively—are designed to implement urgent projects and services to support relief and rehabilitation efforts to communities and areas affected by natural calamities, disasters, or humanitarian emergencies, among others. QRFs, on the other hand, are standby allocations that represent pre-disaster funds to immediately provide assistance to disaster-stricken areas. These are built-in appropriations in the budgets of implementing agencies, namely, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of National Defense (DND), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). |TOP| ________________________________________ DOLE expands package of productivity programs Source: dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz last week bared that the DOLE, through the National Wages and Productivity Commission, has effectively expanded its package of productivity programs consistent with the strategy to further strengthen DOLE capacity to assist firms towards the road to productivity. In her keynote address at the awarding ceremonies of the 2013 Productivity Olympics at the Century Park Hotel in Manila--where the DOLE and the NWPC recognized micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the agribusiness, industry, and services sectors for their best productivity improvement practices--Baldoz announced she had instructed the NWPC and its Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) to upgrade and expand the package of productivity programs so that more MSMEs could avail of these. This is in relation to the strengthened implementation of DOLEs wage policy reform, which advocates for a tighter link between pay and productivity, she said, emphasizing that what makes the DOLEs strategy more unique from the rest is that all our productivity advocacy and capacity building interventions are offered free to the MSMEs. She said that in 2010, the DOLE had first consolidated all training programs, and developed and deployed improved modules on quality and productivity technologies to strengthen productivity advocacy. We have also expanded coverage of the value-driven ISTIV Productivity Awareness Program to include constructive and cooperative worker and employer relations modules from ILO’s Succeeding in Business Program. The module is now called ISTIV Plus, she said. I-S-T-I-V stands for Industrious, Systematic, Time-conscious, Innovative, and Strong Value for work. Baldoz also said the Service Quality for Hotels and Restaurants Industry Program towards zero-error in attending to customers needs now also covers the tourism value chain, which includes airports/ports; gift shops; transport service; tourist guides; and local police. Preliminary demonstration of this enhanced module was done in Dapitan and Dipolog Cities, and Boracay Island. We are currently expanding our partnership agreement on Service Quality with the Department of Tourism to cover the value chain of the tourism industry. In recognition of providing quality service as a strategy to attract more tourists, the DOT has adopted a modified accreditation system, which requires tourist service providers, such as hotels, restaurants, and resorts to demonstrate quality service in order to secure DOT accreditation. The DOT has institutionalized this arrangement, Baldoz explained. Other reforms the DOLE is implementing: (1) Expansion of the training approach from the enterprise to the value chain to ensure a more holistic and seamless approach to training and to create a viral effect on the other industries in the chain. This is relative to the implementation of the 2nd tier or productivity-based incentive scheme. (2) Launching of the DOLEs green productivity program dubbed, Green ME (My Enterprise) Program, a strategy to enhance productivity performance and environmental sustainability. (3) Provision of a productivity perspective in the development of training modules relative to the shift in new labor standards enforcement framework towards voluntary compliance. The newly-recruited 372 labor law compliance officers--who have been trained to advise, assist and guide enterprises towards voluntary compliance and, eventually, continuous improvement, growth, and competitiveness--will implement the new labor law compliance system using a mix of developmental and regulatory approaches to benefit MSMEs. (4) Convergence of labor management cooperation schemes (NCMB) and productivity improvement programs (NWPC) to tighten the link between the promotion of LMC and capacity-building on productivity. MSMEs interested to avail of the new Integrated Productivity Program, or the ladderized approach, to productivity must undergo the foundational courses of Productivity 101 on basic productivity concepts and measurements, values awareness, and the 5S of good housekeeping. These are requirements for the more advanced productivity training programs, Baldoz further elaborated. Finally, she said the RTWPBs have been tasked to monitor post-implementation of productivity improvement programs as part of their strategy to tap potential Productivity Olympics nominees. With our expanded menu of productivity improvement programs, I hope many more MSMEs will embark on their own productivity journey for the country to attain competitiveness, progress, and inclusive growth, she said. |TOP|
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 08:41:09 +0000
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