Davao del Norte, November 26 (PIA) - - Around 54% of Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) cases in Davao del Norte prevailed among middle aged men and
women.
Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry from the National Epidemiology
Center (NEC) showed that among the 102 cases in the province since 1984,
55 cases belonged to the bracket group of 25-34 years old.
According to the registry, there were 36 cases in 15-24 years old age group, 9 cases in 35-49 and 2 cases in 50 and older.
The registry stated that the median age with HIV and AIDS in the province is 26 years old.
Meanwhile, Tagum, Panabo and Sto. Tomas topped the towns in the province with the most number of cases.
The three towns covered 79 out of the 102 cases or about 78% of HIV and AIDS cases in the province.
The registry also showed that nine cases came from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). (PIA 11, Michael Uy)
Monday, December 1, 2014
DSWD pours P1.5-B to Pablo-hit towns in DavOr
Davao del Norte, November 26 (PIA) - - The Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) poured in a total of P1.5-billion to the three
towns of Davao Oriental, which are highly affected by Typhoon Pablo.
DSWD Sec. Corazon “Dinky” Soliman disclosed recently that the
national government, through her office, allocated more than a billion worth of
projects to Baganga, Cateel and Boston, all towns of Davao Oriental that
Typhoon Pablo made a major damage almost two years ago.
Sec. Dinky Soliman said that the bulk of their funding covered
modified shelter assistance in the province, which amounts to more than
P1.3-billion and gave shelter to 18,432 families.
“Aside from that we also allotted P77-million for Emergency
Shelter Assistance, which gave out P 10,000 to 7,786 families, and a total of
more than P 49-million for Sustainable Livelihood Program,” Secretary Soliman
said.
Soliman emphasized some of the sustainable livelihood programs in
the province such as goat, native chicken and abaca production in Baganga;
bangus and danggit culture in Boston; and chilli and rice production in Cateel.
“These projects are on top of the regular programs, which we
continuously implemented in the province,” she said.
Soliman added that the office’s regular program included the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program benefiting 8,126 families, Social Pension
for Indigent Senior Citizen serving 548 individuals and Supplementary Feeding
Program covering 3,490 children.
She said that the regular programs have an allocation of around
P28-million.
Meanwhile, Gov. Corazon Malanyaon thanked Sec. Soliman for
constantly helping the province in rehabilitating from the devastation of the
typhoon.
“I truly appreciate Sec. Soliman and the DSWD because they were
there from when the typhoon struck us until now that we are recovering,”
Governor Malanyaon said.
Malanyaon said that the rehabilitation carries the banner
‘Building Back Better Davao Oriental.’
“We are not only restoring what was lost; but rehabilitating and
rebuilding a new and better community and perhaps better people,” she said.
(PIA 11, Michael Uy)
DPWH Chief urges contractors to comply with projects' specs
“Do good to your country by being truthful in the implementation of
your projects. That’s the least you can do to pay back the taxpayers,
after all, they’re the ones paying for your services”, said Public Works
and Highways Rogelio L. Singson as he appeals for the contractors’
sense of patriotism in implementing government projects.
While procurement for the 9,278 projects valued at P269.7 Billion for CY 2015 infrastructure program has started, Singson asks the contractors to help in the Department’s transparency and accountability efforts by not conniving with anyone or giving “commissions” to anyone including DPWH employees, politicians or with other contractors in securing projects from DPWH. Instead, the contractors are told to give the best price and follow specifications.
Singson also appealed to the contractors to strictly comply with the approved plans and specifications. “Do not shortchange the Filipino people by engaging yourselves to corrupt practices,” he added.
With considerable increase of infrastructure investments programmed in the 2015 national budget, DPWH has enough public works projects for qualified and competent contractors.
However, there are still reports that contractors are giving advance payments to unscrupulous individuals peddling projects in exchange for a promise of bagging government contracts. Nobody in DPWH can commit projects to anyone.
“As corruption perception survey results in the past has shown positive improvement of the Department due to its transformation program to include efficiency and transparency in the procurement process, we continue to appeal to the contractors to refrain from colluding with either DPWH employees or with other contractors”, added Singson.
To lessen opportunities for collusion, DPWH has simplified the bidding process with only five documentary requirements and eliminated the submission of letter of intent to encourage participation of more bidders. DPWH also no longer accepts credit line certification from banks to augment financial contracting capacity which is also another source of corruption.
DPWH is also monitoring the contractors who just participate in many of the biddings without any intention of winning any bid as evidenced by the variance from the approved budget for the contract.
To date, there are at least 89 blacklisted contractors in the list of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP). (DPWH)
While procurement for the 9,278 projects valued at P269.7 Billion for CY 2015 infrastructure program has started, Singson asks the contractors to help in the Department’s transparency and accountability efforts by not conniving with anyone or giving “commissions” to anyone including DPWH employees, politicians or with other contractors in securing projects from DPWH. Instead, the contractors are told to give the best price and follow specifications.
Singson also appealed to the contractors to strictly comply with the approved plans and specifications. “Do not shortchange the Filipino people by engaging yourselves to corrupt practices,” he added.
With considerable increase of infrastructure investments programmed in the 2015 national budget, DPWH has enough public works projects for qualified and competent contractors.
However, there are still reports that contractors are giving advance payments to unscrupulous individuals peddling projects in exchange for a promise of bagging government contracts. Nobody in DPWH can commit projects to anyone.
“As corruption perception survey results in the past has shown positive improvement of the Department due to its transformation program to include efficiency and transparency in the procurement process, we continue to appeal to the contractors to refrain from colluding with either DPWH employees or with other contractors”, added Singson.
To lessen opportunities for collusion, DPWH has simplified the bidding process with only five documentary requirements and eliminated the submission of letter of intent to encourage participation of more bidders. DPWH also no longer accepts credit line certification from banks to augment financial contracting capacity which is also another source of corruption.
DPWH is also monitoring the contractors who just participate in many of the biddings without any intention of winning any bid as evidenced by the variance from the approved budget for the contract.
To date, there are at least 89 blacklisted contractors in the list of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP). (DPWH)
Monetary Board authorizes thrift, rural and coop banks to buy/sell foreign exchange
The Monetary Board approved the amendments to the powers and scope
of authorities of banks to explicitly recognize the authority of thrift banks,
rural banks and cooperative banks to buy and sell foreign exchange. This will
enable these banks to play a more active role in the remittance business.
These amendments serve to expressly classify thrift, rural and cooperative banks as authorized agent banks (AABs) under the Manual of Regulations for Foreign Exchange Transactions (MORFXT), thus allowing such entities to buy and sell foreign exchange as part of the banking services these financial institutions can offer its clients.
The BSP emphasizes that the classification of the subject banks as AABs necessarily binds them to strictly abide by the applicable provisions of the MORFXT, particularly on the sale of foreign exchange. Moreover, the banks are expected to manage the risks arising from the exercise of their authority.
While it is recognized that the buying and selling of foreign exchange will entail additional market risks, ample prudential safeguards are in place. Monitoring of foreign exchange exposures are adequately captured in the BSP prudential reports and the extent of thrift, rural and cooperative banks’ compliance and assessment of risk management, and risk exposures are evaluated during the BSP on-site examination. (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
These amendments serve to expressly classify thrift, rural and cooperative banks as authorized agent banks (AABs) under the Manual of Regulations for Foreign Exchange Transactions (MORFXT), thus allowing such entities to buy and sell foreign exchange as part of the banking services these financial institutions can offer its clients.
The BSP emphasizes that the classification of the subject banks as AABs necessarily binds them to strictly abide by the applicable provisions of the MORFXT, particularly on the sale of foreign exchange. Moreover, the banks are expected to manage the risks arising from the exercise of their authority.
While it is recognized that the buying and selling of foreign exchange will entail additional market risks, ample prudential safeguards are in place. Monitoring of foreign exchange exposures are adequately captured in the BSP prudential reports and the extent of thrift, rural and cooperative banks’ compliance and assessment of risk management, and risk exposures are evaluated during the BSP on-site examination. (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
More Pablo survivors receive new, safer homes from DSWD
Some 2,779 more family-survivors of Typhoon Pablo from the towns of
Bangaga, Cateel, Boston, and Tarragona in Davao Oriental have received
new safer homes from Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Corazon
Juliano-Soliman and Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon during a simple
turnover ceremony over the weekend.
The shelter units were built through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) in partnership with the provincial local government.
With the turn over of these houses, a total of 10,716 units have already been completed for ‘Pablo’ survivors .
Each shelter unit has a lot area of 70 square meters. It has a two-room division, bathroom, and separate kitchen. Its walls are concrete and newly-painted.
Upon seeing her new home, Virginia Otig, 69, a widower who lives alone, cannot contain her happiness especially when Sec. Soliman handed her the Certificate of Occupancy.
“Sa totoo lang, mas maganda pa itong bahay na ito kaysa doon sa nawala naming bahay. Bagong buhay talaga ang dala ng bahay na ito [The truth is, this house is even better in terms of materials compared to what I had before the storm wiped it out. I’m truly lucky and I’m really grateful. It’s like claiming a new lease on life],” shared Virgina, as tears welled up her eyes.
Virgina said that after the typhoon, she collected the debris she found on the streets, made herself a makeshift shelter, and went through cold and uncomfortable nights without a proper bed and a roof above her head.
“Iba talaga kapag may totoong bahay kang tinitirahan. Aalagaan ko ang bahay na ito [It is really different if you live in a real house. I will take good care of this house),” Virgina said.
Sec. Soliman in her message emphasized that the permanent homes would not have been completed without the cooperation of the local government units and the beneficiaries who helped build the units through the DSWD Cash for Work program.
“Bawat isa sa inyo dito ay parte ng proyekto. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit magaganda ang mga bahay ninyo, dahil kayo mismo ang gumawa nito. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtutulungan upang tuluyan na ang ating pagbangon [Everyone of you here is part of this project. That’s the reason why these houses are beautiful because you, the owners also assisted in building it. Let us continue to work together and help each one rise up and get on with our interrupted lives],” Sec. Soliman said.
Aside from permanent shelters, earlier on, the survivors also received family food packs, emergency shelter assistance, supplementary feeding program, social pension, cash assistance, and livelihood opportunities from DSWD. (DSWD)
The shelter units were built through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) in partnership with the provincial local government.
With the turn over of these houses, a total of 10,716 units have already been completed for ‘Pablo’ survivors .
Each shelter unit has a lot area of 70 square meters. It has a two-room division, bathroom, and separate kitchen. Its walls are concrete and newly-painted.
Upon seeing her new home, Virginia Otig, 69, a widower who lives alone, cannot contain her happiness especially when Sec. Soliman handed her the Certificate of Occupancy.
“Sa totoo lang, mas maganda pa itong bahay na ito kaysa doon sa nawala naming bahay. Bagong buhay talaga ang dala ng bahay na ito [The truth is, this house is even better in terms of materials compared to what I had before the storm wiped it out. I’m truly lucky and I’m really grateful. It’s like claiming a new lease on life],” shared Virgina, as tears welled up her eyes.
Virgina said that after the typhoon, she collected the debris she found on the streets, made herself a makeshift shelter, and went through cold and uncomfortable nights without a proper bed and a roof above her head.
“Iba talaga kapag may totoong bahay kang tinitirahan. Aalagaan ko ang bahay na ito [It is really different if you live in a real house. I will take good care of this house),” Virgina said.
Sec. Soliman in her message emphasized that the permanent homes would not have been completed without the cooperation of the local government units and the beneficiaries who helped build the units through the DSWD Cash for Work program.
“Bawat isa sa inyo dito ay parte ng proyekto. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit magaganda ang mga bahay ninyo, dahil kayo mismo ang gumawa nito. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtutulungan upang tuluyan na ang ating pagbangon [Everyone of you here is part of this project. That’s the reason why these houses are beautiful because you, the owners also assisted in building it. Let us continue to work together and help each one rise up and get on with our interrupted lives],” Sec. Soliman said.
Aside from permanent shelters, earlier on, the survivors also received family food packs, emergency shelter assistance, supplementary feeding program, social pension, cash assistance, and livelihood opportunities from DSWD. (DSWD)
DBM releases P1.38-B for coco industry expansion
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P1.38 billion
to the Philippine Coconut Agency (PCA) to support their operations and
various programs that can help strengthen the country’s coconut
industry.
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “Coconut production is an important agri-business industry in our country. Not only does it contribute to the growth of our economy, it also generates a large number of jobs and income for our farmers. Through their efforts and their programs, the PCA is helping create a resilient and sustainable future for both the farmers and the industry.”
Charged against the 2014 national budget, the P1.38-billion release will pay for the agency’s operating requirements and locally-funded projects for the second semester of the year. The funds will also jumpstart the agency’s procurement activities, which in turn would fast-track their programs.
Of this amount, the PCA will first get P466 million to partially cover their operations and select programs that are ready for implementation, like the payment of farmers’ incentives under the Participatory Coconut Planting Program, as well as the organic fertilizers for the Coconut Fertilization Program. It will also help coconut farmers in capacity-building under the Intercropping Program.
The release will likewise support other projects, including the Accelerated Coconut Planting/Replanting and the KAANIB Enterprise Development. It will also be used to address the coconut scale insect (CSI) infestation that has plagued coconut trees across the country.
Abad said, “With the right measures and funding, the PCA has been able to address an agricultural crisis like the coconut insect infestation. This is a good example of how our agencies’ capacity to deal with major issues has been ably supported by the National Government.”
The PCA had earlier received P400 million to combat the CSI infestation last June under the Scale Insect Emergency Action Program. An estimated 1.2 million trees had been seriously affected by an infestation of the pest Aspidiotus rigidus in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, and Basilan, leading the government to put parts of CALABARZON and the island of Basilan under a state of emergency. (DBM)
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “Coconut production is an important agri-business industry in our country. Not only does it contribute to the growth of our economy, it also generates a large number of jobs and income for our farmers. Through their efforts and their programs, the PCA is helping create a resilient and sustainable future for both the farmers and the industry.”
Charged against the 2014 national budget, the P1.38-billion release will pay for the agency’s operating requirements and locally-funded projects for the second semester of the year. The funds will also jumpstart the agency’s procurement activities, which in turn would fast-track their programs.
Of this amount, the PCA will first get P466 million to partially cover their operations and select programs that are ready for implementation, like the payment of farmers’ incentives under the Participatory Coconut Planting Program, as well as the organic fertilizers for the Coconut Fertilization Program. It will also help coconut farmers in capacity-building under the Intercropping Program.
The release will likewise support other projects, including the Accelerated Coconut Planting/Replanting and the KAANIB Enterprise Development. It will also be used to address the coconut scale insect (CSI) infestation that has plagued coconut trees across the country.
Abad said, “With the right measures and funding, the PCA has been able to address an agricultural crisis like the coconut insect infestation. This is a good example of how our agencies’ capacity to deal with major issues has been ably supported by the National Government.”
The PCA had earlier received P400 million to combat the CSI infestation last June under the Scale Insect Emergency Action Program. An estimated 1.2 million trees had been seriously affected by an infestation of the pest Aspidiotus rigidus in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, and Basilan, leading the government to put parts of CALABARZON and the island of Basilan under a state of emergency. (DBM)
Pres. Aquino presents government’s plans for coconut industry, farmers
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday laid out the
government’s plans on how to improve the coconut industry – and the lives of
its farmers -- as the government awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on the
longstanding issue on the P71-billion Coco Levy Fund.
During a dialogue with members of the Kilus Magniniyog, who staged a 71-day march from Davao City to Malacañang Palace, President Aquino said the government has sincerely tried to resolve the issue, citing the various court decisions on the fund that were in favor the coconut sector.
“Ang problema lang po: hangga’t wala pang hatol hinggil sa motion for partial reconsideration na ating nilatag para sa kasong COCOFED vs. Republic, at wala pang utos ang Korte Suprema hinggil sa nilatag nating motion for partial entry of judgment para sa kaso, hindi pa po tapos ang proseso, at hindi pa rin po natin maaaring gugulin ang perang dapat nakalaan sa industriya ng niyog,” he explained.
He however noted that while waiting for the court decision, the government has increased the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) funding from P593 million in 2010 to P5.1 billion in 2013.
Giving an example, he said intercropping has been introduced in coconut farms to increase the farmers’ harvests.
“Kung magkakaroon po tayo ng fertilization, at dadagdagan ng saging ang sasakahin sa pamamagitan ng intercropping, tinataya ko aabot ng 129,000 piso ang kabuuang kita kada ektarya. Kung hahabulin nating anihin ang coco sap sugar, nang may fertilization at dagdag ding saging, aabot ang kita sa 185,900 piso. Kung sa virgin coconut oil naman po, dagdag sa saging at kung may fertilization, ang dati pong 20,000 piso mula sa kopra, aangat sa 250,320 piso sa kada ektarya kada taon. Kabilang nga po ito sa mga inisyatiba natin upang palakihin ang inyong kita,” said President Aquino.
The Chief Executive further said that the government is strengthening coco-based farming enterprises, such as those on coco-sugar, coco coir, vinegar, and other coconut-based products.
It has also set up scholarship programs to improve the skills of the next generation of farmers, he said, emphasizing that all these programs were funded by the national budget.
The President stated that he is open to the sale of the government’s controlling stakes in the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).
He has also directed government agencies to study the best way to mobilize the Coco Levy Fund, once the High Tribunal has made a decision.
Coconut farmers will be consulted in the crafting of legislation that would aid the country’s coconut industry, he said, adding that Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan has already held discussions with coconut farmers.
“Ibinahagi niya po sa akin ang iba pang napagkasunduan. Una: Bagaman mas maganda kung mayroong batas, habang wala po ito, inaaral na rin po natin ang mungkahi ninyong gumawa na muna ako ng isang Executive Order. Ikalawa: Na ang pondo ng Coco Levy Fund ay bukod pa sa pondong inilalaan natin sa Philippine Coconut Authority, mula sa pambansang budget. Sang-ayon po tayo dito. Ikatlo: Sang-ayon din po ako na tanging interest income mula sa Coco Levy Fund ang ating gagamitin, upang pati ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng magsasaka ay mapakinabangan ito,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s support for the coconut industry, President Aquino enjoined the coconut farmers to continue trusting the administration and sought their cooperation in fulfilling their aspirations. (PCOO News Release)
During a dialogue with members of the Kilus Magniniyog, who staged a 71-day march from Davao City to Malacañang Palace, President Aquino said the government has sincerely tried to resolve the issue, citing the various court decisions on the fund that were in favor the coconut sector.
“Ang problema lang po: hangga’t wala pang hatol hinggil sa motion for partial reconsideration na ating nilatag para sa kasong COCOFED vs. Republic, at wala pang utos ang Korte Suprema hinggil sa nilatag nating motion for partial entry of judgment para sa kaso, hindi pa po tapos ang proseso, at hindi pa rin po natin maaaring gugulin ang perang dapat nakalaan sa industriya ng niyog,” he explained.
He however noted that while waiting for the court decision, the government has increased the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) funding from P593 million in 2010 to P5.1 billion in 2013.
Giving an example, he said intercropping has been introduced in coconut farms to increase the farmers’ harvests.
“Kung magkakaroon po tayo ng fertilization, at dadagdagan ng saging ang sasakahin sa pamamagitan ng intercropping, tinataya ko aabot ng 129,000 piso ang kabuuang kita kada ektarya. Kung hahabulin nating anihin ang coco sap sugar, nang may fertilization at dagdag ding saging, aabot ang kita sa 185,900 piso. Kung sa virgin coconut oil naman po, dagdag sa saging at kung may fertilization, ang dati pong 20,000 piso mula sa kopra, aangat sa 250,320 piso sa kada ektarya kada taon. Kabilang nga po ito sa mga inisyatiba natin upang palakihin ang inyong kita,” said President Aquino.
The Chief Executive further said that the government is strengthening coco-based farming enterprises, such as those on coco-sugar, coco coir, vinegar, and other coconut-based products.
It has also set up scholarship programs to improve the skills of the next generation of farmers, he said, emphasizing that all these programs were funded by the national budget.
The President stated that he is open to the sale of the government’s controlling stakes in the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).
He has also directed government agencies to study the best way to mobilize the Coco Levy Fund, once the High Tribunal has made a decision.
Coconut farmers will be consulted in the crafting of legislation that would aid the country’s coconut industry, he said, adding that Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan has already held discussions with coconut farmers.
“Ibinahagi niya po sa akin ang iba pang napagkasunduan. Una: Bagaman mas maganda kung mayroong batas, habang wala po ito, inaaral na rin po natin ang mungkahi ninyong gumawa na muna ako ng isang Executive Order. Ikalawa: Na ang pondo ng Coco Levy Fund ay bukod pa sa pondong inilalaan natin sa Philippine Coconut Authority, mula sa pambansang budget. Sang-ayon po tayo dito. Ikatlo: Sang-ayon din po ako na tanging interest income mula sa Coco Levy Fund ang ating gagamitin, upang pati ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng magsasaka ay mapakinabangan ito,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s support for the coconut industry, President Aquino enjoined the coconut farmers to continue trusting the administration and sought their cooperation in fulfilling their aspirations. (PCOO News Release)
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