YOUTH AWARD GIVES OUT ITS 100TH RECOGNITION

MANILA, December 6, 2012-In 2002, youth organizations from all over the Philippines were given a chance to be part of a selection of the most dynamic groups of young individuals yearning to effect positive change in their communities. This year will mark the 10th batch of winners of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) who will receive their trophies at an

  awarding ceremony with President Benigno S. Aquino III on December 6 at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang, completing its first hundred awardees.

"We once again thank our TAYO winners for being the shining light amidst the darkness of the world. Thank you for being the break of dawn that signifies the start of a new, changed day. Thank you for showing us with your work that indeed, we have every reason to be helpful; that in fact, genuine change is now before us, is now happening, is now becoming a reality," said Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, who is recognized as the person who thought of recognizing outstanding youth organizations.

TAYO Awards Foundation President Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said, “When Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and the National Youth Commission started TAYO in 2002, we thought that we would soon run out of organizations and the youth will continue coming up with the same projects as before. But we are continuously surprised with the variety of projects and the number of organizations and their locations. It seems that in every corner of the country, and for every issue that our countrymen have faced, there is a youth organization working to alleviate the problem.”

Asec. Georgina Nava, the Chairperson of the TAYO 10 National Organizing Committee, surmised that "Based on the project entries that we went through during the national judging the other day, we witness the growth of agriculture and social entrepreneurship-related projects. We now see that whenever our youth sees one problem in their community, they are able to come up with various innovative solutions that respond to the situation. Talagang magaling at likas na malikhain ang mga kabataang Pilipino!“

NYC Chairman Leon G. Flores III adds, “I hope that with a hundred organizations all over the country as walking best practices, our youth get more encouraged to become socially aware and join organizations and participate in activities that aid in nation-building”.

The 10th batch of TAYO awardees come from diverse backgrounds, offering alternative approaches to seemingly similar problems. First up is the problem of the lack of electricity in remote areas. One Million Lights Philippines tied up with an international organization to access thousands of solar lamps which they were then able to distribute to needy communities all over the country. On the other hand, RMTU – Electrical Engineering Society saw the same problem in a village in Zambales, provided a solar power charging station and solar lamps to Aeta families and are now looking into providing a more sustainable renewable power source in the area.

To respond to the needs of their communities to recycle trash and generate income, two organizations made similar projects, using discarded tarpaulins to make bags. I CAN Make a Difference provided differently-abled young Zamboanguenos a way to earn a living, while the Cebuano Youth Ambassadors gave out of work moms in the slum areas the ability to provide extra income to provide for their families’ needs.

Other organizations saw the need to maintain the livelihood opportunities of people in their area. Monte Verde 4-H Club from Zamboanga City helps young farmers and their families improve their earnings not only through agricultural training for better yields, but processing their crops for better earnings. The CBA-Kalipunan Marketing Junior Executives aims to encourage organic farmers in Benguet by providing them with greenhouses, ensuring that their produce earns them enough money to make a living. On another hand, the University of Luzon Students in Free Enterprise provided fisherfolk in Pangasinan a chance to regain lost income from environmental degradation through the technology of Aquaphonics, which allow them to form fish condominiums that can also support crops like mushrooms.

The remaining three organizations focused on improving the way of life of the people around them. Angat Kabataan caused the awakening of hope and renewal of cooperation from various sectors in their town in Rizal by cleaning up and revitalizing a dead creek. Dire Husi Initiatives from Cagayan de Oro not only encouraged street children to stay away from vices, but also to go back to school, earn a living though learning a trade, and turn their lives around through a common ground, art education. The La Salle Debate Society put the Philippines on the map of the international debating scene by organizing the World Debates Championship, the largest academic gathering of students in the world, amassing not only income from tourism but fostering friendships and encouraging local support in the field of debate.

Other organizations who joined this year are: the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority and Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity, both from the UP Manila College of Medicine; Tingug-CDO; Students in Free Enterprise – Sultan Kudarat State University; Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Student Chapter of West Negros University; Hayag Youth Organization; Development Communication Society of Benguet State University; English Society of Aklan State University; Kythe Ateneo; and JBLFMU Molo Community Extension Service Society.

Presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, TAYO Year 10 is organized by the TAYO Awards Foundation, Office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan and the National Youth Commission. It is supported by the Philippine Council of Young Leaders in Governance (PCYLG) and sponsored by Cebu Pacific, Jollibee, SMART, Cemex, Lenovo and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

JINGGOY CHALLENGES LMP: BRING BENEFITS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH TO RURAL, POOR COMMUNITIES

MANILA, December 6, 2012-“Make sure that the economic growth we have posted will trickle down to the countryside, to the far-flung communities and municipalities.”

LMP ASSEMBLY. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada delivers a solidarity message during the 2012 General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) with the theme “Layunin ang Matuwid na Pamahalaan at Pagkakaisa, 2012 and beyond.” Sen. Estrada, former LMP President, cites how the anti-corruption efforts of the Aquino administration have positively affected the national economy. He also urges the local government officials to sustain the momentum in order to bring the benefits of impressive economic growth to poor and marginalized communities. 

 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada issued this challenge to the officials and members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) during the closing ceremonies and fellowship night last Wednesday evening.

 

The theme for this year’s general assembly is “LMP: Layunin ang Matuwid na Pamahalaan at Pagkakaisa, 2012 and Beyond.”

 

“The challenge for us, not only for the incumbent administration but more importantly for our local government units, is how to bring the blessings of growth to reach the poor, the marginalized, the disadvantaged who reside in our communities,” Sen. Estrada said in a speech.

 

Sen. Estrada served as the National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, during his final tenure as Mayor of San Juan City.

 

Recently, government officials have announced an impressive growth rate in our country’s gross domestic product or GDP during the third quarter of this year.

 

“The growth is reported to have reached about 7 percent, which I consider as remarkably high because it is higher than our past economic performance and relatively comparable with the record posted by our neighboring countries,” Jinggoy asserted.

 

Sen. Estrada attributed this as a result of collective effort with the present administration to rebuild and reform our society from the excesses of the previous regime.

 

“Ang buong sambayanang Pilipino ay nakulong sa selda ng kahirapan. Ikinulong sila sa kadena ng kahirapan samantalang ang pondo ng bayan ay winawaldas. Iyong mga magbubukid na dapat tulungan, ang pera dapat para sa saka nila, ninanakaw pa. Kaya iyong mga anomalya noon parang pyramiding scam din,” Sen. Estrada lamented.

 

Moreover, the lawmaker urged the local officials to be at the forefront and center of activities which engage people to become active participants and partners into achieving, and not just beneficiaries of, development and growth.

 

Lastly, Sen. Estrada urged the local legislature and councils to pass and enact laws that will be pro-poor, will bring livelihood opportunities and will protect them against exploitation and oppression.

Legarda Enjoins Filipinos in a Day of Prayer, Mourning and Awakening in the Wake of Typhoon Pablo

MANILA, December 6, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed sympathy for the victims and families affected by Typhoon Pablo and enjoined Filipinos in a day of prayer, mourning and awakening.

“I deeply commiserate with the families who have lost their loved ones due to Typhoon Pablo. This tragedy should bring us together in offering prayers for the victims and all those affected. More importantly, this disaster should serve as another lesson to us. The cold statistics on the dead and missing should bring us to the realization that we still need to do more to save our communities from the painful experience of losing to disasters,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

Latest statistics from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) revealed that at least 325 individuals died, while 379 others remained missing due to Typhoon Pablo. It has also affected more than 48,000 families in 25 provinces in the country.

However, Legarda noted an observation by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) that the death toll could have been much worse if not for the improved early warning systems in place.

“While we are saddened by the tragedy, we remain hopeful because the UNISDR recognized our improved disaster preparedness, particularly in early warning. But this should not make us complacent because one death is one too many. We should always aspire for zero casualty. In this particular experience, the need for valuable information regarding the risks in our communities was highlighted. We must provide every municipality with geo-hazard maps and make sure that these are followed to avoid exposing our homes and our people to disaster risks,” she stressed.

“As we move to relief, recovery and reconstruction, we must bear in mind that it will not be enough to build people’s lives and communities to where they were before the disaster – we need to rebuild communities with the confidence that we are not rebuilding the risks again; we need to ensure that reconstruction of homes and infrastructure will be in safer ground following sound construction standards; we need to soon re-start and create livelihoods; and restore normalcy in people’s lives with a stronger sense of hope and confidence for the future,” Legarda concluded.

On the relief operations in the wake of Typhoon Pablo

MANILA, December 6, 2012-As part of government’s relief operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is calling for donations in the form of dry goods. Here is a listing of the dry goods needed in the evacuation centers:

• Banig (woven mats)
• Children’s clothing
• Blankets
• Plastic sheets
• Flash lights
• Batteries

Tarpaulins are also needed for use as temporary roofing in the sites as well as generator sets to provide power to the centers. In Metro Manila, these goods and donations may be delivered to the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center located along Chapel Road in Pasay City with telephone number (02) 8528081.

A listing of donation drop-off centers for the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be posted momentarily. Please visit the Crisis Response Page for Typhoon Pablo (http://www.gov.ph/crisis/typhoon-pablo/), the Official Gazette Facebook page at (https://www.facebook.com/govph), and follow @govph, @ndrrmc_opcen, and @dswdserves.

Social media coordination of relief efforts is being spearheaded and promoted by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. On Twitter, we enjoin netizens to use the hashtag #reliefPH to amplify information on what is needed by our countrymen in the wake of Typhoon Pablo. For additional information, please tweet or message @dswdserves. 

Filipino solidarity is at its most potent amidst testing times. We call on our countrymen to give generously for the relief and well-being of our brethren in the Visayas and Mindanao who, themselves, generously came to the aid of Metro Manila and Luzon in previous calamities.

On the relief operations in the wake of Typhoon Pablo

MANILA, December 6, 2012-As part of government’s relief operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is calling for donations in the form of dry goods. Here is a listing of the dry goods needed in the evacuation centers:

• Banig (woven mats)
• Children’s clothing
• Blankets
• Plastic sheets
• Flash lights
• Batteries

Tarpaulins are also needed for use as temporary roofing in the sites as well as generator sets to provide power to the centers. In Metro Manila, these goods and donations may be delivered to the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center located along Chapel Road in Pasay City with telephone number (02) 8528081.

A listing of donation drop-off centers for the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be posted momentarily. Please visit the Crisis Response Page for Typhoon Pablo (http://www.gov.ph/crisis/typhoon-pablo/), the Official Gazette Facebook page at (https://www.facebook.com/govph), and follow @govph, @ndrrmc_opcen, and @dswdserves.

Social media coordination of relief efforts is being spearheaded and promoted by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. On Twitter, we enjoin netizens to use the hashtag #reliefPH to amplify information on what is needed by our countrymen in the wake of Typhoon Pablo. For additional information, please tweet or message @dswdserves. 

Filipino solidarity is at its most potent amidst testing times. We call on our countrymen to give generously for the relief and well-being of our brethren in the Visayas and Mindanao who, themselves, generously came to the aid of Metro Manila and Luzon in previous calamities.

On the Philippines’ 24-place jump in the Corruption Perception Index

MANILA, December 5, 2012-The Aquino Administration continues to make big strides in its anti-corruption agenda, as it leapfrogged 24 places in the recently released Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International. Out of 176 countries in its list, our country is now ranked 105th, up from 129th last year.

We see this as an affirmation of the efforts to strengthen institutions, provide deterrents against corrupt practices, and hold accountable those who have used power for personal gain.

While the improvement in our rankings upholds President Aquino’s resolve to tread the straight path of good governance, the administration nonetheless acknowledges that the anti-corruption drive remains a work in progress. Transparency needs to be instituted across all government agencies, whether on the national or local level. There are still bumps that need to be evened out for the playing field to be truly leveled. In many cases, justice remains to be served.

Thus is the test of a truly mature democracy: The change we are experiencing now must be etched into our institutions so that the new found vibrancy of our country will not merely be a blip in the radar, but a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed by future generations of Filipinos.

Situationer from Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Manuel Mar A. Roxas

MANILA, December 5, 2012-Damage from Typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental is centered in three coastal towns—Baganga, Cateel, and Boston. Compounding the damage sustained, the three towns—with a total population of approximately 150,000 individuals—have become isolated as bridge connections—south from Mati and North from Compostela Valley—were struck down during the typhoon.

Relief goods—primarily food, water, generators, tents, and medicine provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units, and civilian donations—are stored in the capital, Mati. I have thus authorized the local government of Mati, its Mayor and the provincial Governor, to use their calamity funds to hire all available large, local fishing boats for an immediate sea-lift transfer of goods to the affected areas. They are currently carrying out the directives. In addition, Secretary of Transportation and Communications Jun Abaya is sending a vessel from the Philippine Coast Guard; the Philippine Navy has likewise arranged to send over a vessel.

The situation in the rest of Davao Oriental is normalizing, and there are no visible signs of damage. The most difficult challenge we face is the restoration of power to the entire province, due to electric posts that were toppled during the typhoon. The local electric cooperative has assured us that gradual restoration of power begins twenty-four to thirty-six hours from now.

Legarda Alarmed over Loss of Lives, Damage Caused by Typhoon Pablo

MANILA, December 5, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today renewed her call for heightened disaster preparedness and risk management in all communities all over the country as she expressed alarm over the loss of lives and damage to livelihoods caused by Typhoon Pablo.

“LGUs affected by Typhoon Pablo should immediately assess the causes and effects of the landslides and flooding that occurred and make recommendations to improve mitigation and management before another typhoon hits their area,” she explained.

Based on reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Typhoon Pablo has already claimed at least 77 lives, injured more than 100 individuals, and affected over 21,000 families.

“Typhoon Pablo, like Sendong, Ondoy, and many other natural hazards, test our resilience as a people and compel us, especially those of us in government, to implement our laws better in order to alleviate the suffering of our people. It is the responsibility of LGUs to set up early warning systems, create a team of flood volunteers to be mobilized during emergency situations, and improve their land use plans,” she said.

“We have to take note that the number of casualties and damaged properties caused by Typhoon Pablo could be due to lack of awareness of the risks in their communities. With the recent trend, it is likely that we will be experiencing storms as strong as this, or even stronger, in the coming years. Thus, information dissemination and community disaster preparedness are important because an educated populace would be prepared and know what to do in times of disaster,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Keynotes at Assemblies of Mayors, Councilors

MANILA, December 5, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda imparted her message on effective legislation and good governance in the face of natural hazards at the General Assembly of the League of Municipalities and the 4th Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting of the Philippine Councilors’ League.

“Besides the Philippine Climate Change Act and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, we have successfully ushered the passage of the People’s Survival Fund Law. I am also relentlessly pushing for the full implementation of our major environmental laws: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Solid Waste Management Act, and the Renewable Energy Act. But without our local government units (LGUs), these laws will not be implemented efficiently and effectively,” she explained.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, noted that LGUs know best the disaster-prone areas based on geo-hazard maps. 

The Senator warned that a possible 4-degree Celsius global temperature, as shown in a study by the World Bank, will be detrimental to the country, especially to vulnerable communities. She noted that changes in temperature, rain fall and sea level would likely cause a decline of crop yield by 19% and rice yield by 75% in Asia toward the end of the century. A 2- to 4-degree Celsius in global temperature will also lead to a decline in global GDP. 

“The warming climate will greatly affect our local communities, our farmers and fisherfolk, our rural workers, and the poor. We must address this challenge locally with the full support from the national government,” she said.

“Closest to the people, local government leaders have the privilege to translate national policies, plans and programs into concrete and visible actions for the people. Much is expected from you by the people. This is why we must work hand in hand,” she emphasized.

The Senator reminded the local government officials that Filipinos today demand good governance, and said that governing with effective disaster risk reduction is certainly a mark of good local governance, especially in the face of stronger typhoons and higher risks of floods and landslides.

“Now is the time to face bravely the many challenges ahead. The fusion of socio-economic realities and extreme climatic events demand scaled up efforts in reducing disaster and climate risks. But through concerted action and the participation of all citizens, we will be able to make it through these challenges,” Legarda concluded.

On the inflation rate of November

We are pleased with the announcement that inflation for the month of November had slowed down to 2.8% from October’s 3.1%. This comes at a time when the Philippine economy is growing at a strong 7.1%, contrary to the common notion that rapid economic growth is usually accompanied by inflationary pressures.

According to the National Statistics Office, the easing of inflation is due to stable prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, utilities, and transportation. This small reduction in inflation brings the consumer price index from January to November this year to 3.2% or well within the lower range of the medium-term target of 3-5% set in the Philippine Development Plan.

KIKO URGES PNP: GO AFTER SOURCES OF “BOTCHA”

MANILA, December 4, 2012-Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan calls on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to raid farms that are the source of double-dead meat, or "botcha", that have been proliferating the market.

"If the police will continue being reactive as opposed to being proactive with regard to botcha, then the raids in our palengkes will never end. It has to go beyond that. Why not raid the farms responsible for flooding the markets with double-dead meat? Surely our PNP have intelligence reports as to where these farms are and the persons responsible for this."

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, seeks to raise penalties for those found violating the National Meat Inspection Service Code. Pangilinan is also proposing amendments to the NMIS code so that there will be tighter coordination among different agencies involved in preventing the proliferation of botcha.

"I refuse to believe that we are helpless against the proliferation of double-dead meats. Are we to allow bureaucracies to prevent us from ending the practice of selling botcha? We have to pinpoint culpability, otherwise consumers will think that the whole industry is vulnerable--ultimately bringing the whole industry down on its knees."

"Matagal na nating problema ito, siguro naman may sapat na tayong kaalaman kung paano pugsain ang pagbenta ng botcha. Kapag tinuligsa natin ang mga pinagmumulan ng mga botcha na ito at masampolan ng pagmulta, pagkakulong, at pagtanggal ng lisensya, siguradong matitigil na ang problemang ito."

Legarda to Present Anti-Trafficking Bicam Report

MANILA, December 4, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda is set to report today before the Senate the Bicameral Conference Committee report on the proposed Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act.

Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2625, said that she hails the prompt action of all the parties involved, and looks forward to the immediate enactment of the strengthened anti-trafficking measure.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this is the reason for the need to strengthen the existing law. The proposed measure that has been approved by the Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee imposes more stringent penalties, including provisions on accessory liability,” she remarked.

She explained that the present law, R.A. 9208, does not have a provision on pre-empted trafficking, but this new law covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, thereby covering under the mantle of the law those individuals who have any involvement in human trafficking.

“I hope that that the measure will be signed by the President in time for December 12, or the day of awareness and vigilance for the countless victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a problem that can and must be solved, and it is high time to make another bold and positive stride in our fight against it,” Legarda concluded.

DOH allots P500 million for contraceptives under 2013 budget

MANILA, December 4, 2012-The Department of Health has set aside more than P500 million in its next year’s budget for the purchase of contraceptives while allotting only P31 million for natural family planning.

The huge discrepancy was disclosed by Senate majority leader Vicente Sotto III during interpellations of the DOH budget at the Senate.

The amount is lumped under the Family Health and Responsible Parenting program, which has a budget of P2.539 billion.

Sotto said this proves that there is no need for the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, since the major provisions sought by the measure is already being implemented by the DOH.

In his interpellation on the DOH budget which was sponsored by Senator Franklin Drilon, Sotto itemized the breakdown of the P2.539 billion budget for the family health and parenting program.

These include: reproduction of family planning materials at P3 million; purchase of pills at P245.051 million; injectables, P91.225 million; intra-uterine devices, P170.441 million and bilateral tubal ligation kits , P11.336 million.

It is not clear where the purchase of condoms has been inserted, although there is a provision of P365.719 million as ‘Support of Operation of Community Health Team.’

On the other hand, only P31.186 million has been set aside for the acquisition of NFP bundle packs.

Sotto pointed out to Drilon that given the budget for contraceptives, the government has been providing condoms and pills to couples for free since last year.

“I think the people should be informed that we have these, that we have these family planning supplies and birth control methods for free. It is available now. It has been available since last year. Isn’t it?” Sotto said.

To which Drilon replied: “Yes.”

Apart from these figures, the Population Commission  has set aside a budget amounting to P127.501 million for subsidies, grants and contributions in support of the population program, Sotto also pointed out.

Drilon explained that the amount will cover responsible parenthood, barangay classes and natural family planning methods, and dissemination of family planning materials.

The DOH is asking for some P51 billion budget next year, of which P21.7 billion has been earmarked for RH-related services. Sotto summed the figures based on the line budget items identified in the DOH budget.

The biggest bulk, P13.558 billion, has been set aside for Health Facilities Enhancement Program targeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the country for health improvement.

The MDGs are international development goals agreed by members of the United Nations to combat poverty, address illiteracy, maternal deaths, child mortality rates, gender inequality, HIV and other diseases, environmental sustainability and global development. Each country has adopted targets they should achieve by 2015.

Sotto pointed out that the P13.558 billion will finance the Basic Emergency Obstetric and New Born Care (BEMONC) and the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC).

The DOH budget also included a P2.539 billion budget for Family Health and Responsible Parenthood; P2.9 billion for Human Resource Development and P269.8 million for women’s health and safe motherhood project.

Given the proposed DOH budget, Sotto echoed his position that the best argument against the RH is the DOH itself, “because they are already doing this (RH services) and they are doing it well.”

“They have a budget for it.  They are doing it…but without the provisions that are controversial and questionable on the RH bill. That is the point I would like to stress. Nagagawa ito ng DOH. Kayang gawin ito ng DOH at ginagawa nila ito through the GAA (General Appropriations Act),” Sotto said.

The RH bill, which is now on the stage of amendment in the Senate,  has divided the chamber between pros and antis. Those who were opposed on the RH bill argue that it makes contraceptive mentality a national policy and provides an opening for a legislated abortion.

Since the DOH is already performing what the RH hopes to achieve, the senator said the bill has become redundant.  He said it is the foreign agencies that are lobbying for the RH bill, with an eye for lucrative market on contraceptives.

“We are for family health, benefits, training for health workers. But we have no need for these foreign organizations coming in dictating to us what to do in making a law, penalizing us if we do not follow the law, mandating the use of contraceptives, IUDs and condoms. We do not need foreign intervention. We do not need the imposition of foreign agencies and foreign groups,” Sotto stressed.

Bicam to sign final report on P2.006-T 2013 budget Wednesday

MANILA, December 4, 2012-Senate Finance Committee Chairman Franklin M. Drilon today announced that the Bicameral Conference Committee appears poised to finalize the report on Wednesday on the proposed P2.006-trillion national budget which Drilon described as a tool for empowerment.

Drilon said the committee is expected to sign the final report on the budget on Wednesday when they finally settle the differences between the Senate and House versions. The report will immediately be submitted for ratification by Congress.

“Once we have reconciled the contentious provisions of the appropriations bill, the bicameral conference committee will immediately submit it to both chambers for ratification,” said Drilon.  

Drilon explained that a technical working group was authorized last week by the committee chairs to look into the disagreeing provisions in the budget which are not substantial. He said the group worked through the weekend to come up with the report.

“We will wrap up everything this week, so that we can proceed with the printing of the enrolled bill. We expect it to be signed by the House Speaker and the Senate President by the third week of December,” said Drilon.

“We are confident that on or before December 20, the President should be able to finish reviewing the budget and sign the general appropriations bill,” he added. “This will be the third year that the budget will be enacted into law in time for the coming fiscal year.”

The budget, which the Senate approved on November 28, is 10.5 percent higher than this year’s P1.816 trillion.

Earlier, Drilon said the 2013 national budget will provide funding for public services, provide more jobs, better education, and improved healthcare services.

“The 2013 national budget, once signed into law, will provide for funds to finally close the resource gaps in education system such as the shortage of teachers and educational resources, as well as the lack of enough classrooms,” he said.

On the President’s Meeting with the Members of the House of Representatives regarding the Responsible Parenthood Bill

MANILA, December 3, 2012-The President met today with members of the House of Representatives to discuss the Responsible Parenthood Bill. The President began his remarks by telling the gathered representatives that, if he were still a member of the House, he would vote for the Responsible Parenthood Bill. He shared with the gathered congressmen and women the discernment that led to his taking this position.

The President recalled a visit to the Baseco compound in Manila, during which he met a 16 year-old mother who had just given birth to her second child and whose husband had no stable source of income. The President reflected on the sobering realities the young lady's plight represented: instead of being able to have a normal adolescence, here was a young lady already struggling with the truth of having two children. He asked the representatives to consider, too, the circumstances surrounding the child born to such a young parent: what kind of a future would such a child have, in terms of basic needs like nutrition, and other future prospects down the line?

The President said that confronted with the girl's story, he had to ask himself, whose failure was it for the young girl and her children to be so disadvantaged? The President said that such a situation posed a challenge of conscience and leadership to all those who have put themselves forward to serve their constituents. Can you, the President asked, in good conscience, consent to the perpetuation of this state of affairs?

The President discussed with the congressmen his belief that genuine leaders cannot postpone a decision on what is a divisive issue. It should be resolved at the soonest possible time. Leadership comes not just with perks, but also with responsibilities, and among those responsibilities is that of making a choice. He asked how anyone could oppose offering parents the opportunity to make informed choices about the number of children they have, and about having the fullest opportunity to understand the requirements for raising healthy offspring.

The President also pointed out that the House must act on the pending bill sooner rather than later. The issue has been divisive for too long; the time has come to put the matter to rest. He suggested that a week should be adequate time to consider amendments that genuinely improve the bill – in contrast to "killer amendments" – and that at the end of that period, it is incumbent on representatives to vote.

There are material issues that we need to address – and we must address them in conscience, the President said. He further told the lawmakers that we are taught that our conscience is the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong – and that at the end of the day, we will all be asked: What did you do to the least of your brethren?

The President closed his remarks by stating that to do nothing is to exacerbate the problem. Our responsibility is to craft the best possible measure, to offer the best possible opportunities for our children to grow and prosper.

Legarda Supports Passage of FOI Bill

MANILA, December 3, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed support to the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, stressing that honesty, transparency and accountability must always be upheld to gain back the people’s confidence and faith in the bureaucracy.

“While the present administration is undertaking efforts to elevate the citizens’ trust and confidence in the government, we must give the people something that they can hold on to,” said Legarda.

In her co-sponsorship speech for Senate Bill 3208, An Act Fortifying the People’s Right of Ownership over Information Held by the People’s Government, Legarda explained that the various controversies in the past decade have left Filipino citizens doubting the capability of the government to do its mandate of serving the best interest of the people.

“Under this proposed measure, we aim to feed our people with information about us, the leaders they elected in office, and the businesses our offices deal with. All government agencies will be mandated to disclose information on public interest transactions, documents or records,” she pointed out.

The Senator said that the compulsory disclosure shall be done by posting the aforementioned documents on government websites for easy access, aside from providing these documents upon a person’s request. Furthermore, vital information must be translated into major Filipino languages and made easier to comprehend.

Legarda Pushes for Senate Concurrence in UNESCO Learning Center for Sustainable Development

MANILA, December 3, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today urged the Senate to concur in the agreement between the Philippines and the UNESCO concerning the establishment of a South-East Asian Center for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development (SEA CLLSD) in the country.

“The establishment of the SEA CLLSD seeks to develop and provide appropriate learning programs, which aim to benefit the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and the underserved members of the population, including our indigenous peoples, our out-of-school youth and our non-literate adults, as it envisions to create an educational framework that works for sustainable development,” she explained in her sponsorship speech for Senate Resolution No. 898, under Committee Report No. 482.

  

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, noted that the UNESCO CLLSD is intended to serve the Southeast Asian sub-region.

“It will provide the Philippines with the opportunity for technical exchanges, collaboration and cooperation with our immediate neighbors in the field of lifelong education for sustainability. We will not only gain knowledge, we will also grow closer to our Southeast Asian neighbors,” she said.

“We will be able to share, compare, and learn from one another’s practices and experiences. Through this, we can expect to continuously renew, improve and innovate on our learning and education systems to serve the higher goals of social development and sustainability,” Legarda concluded.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL JUSTICE SET TO HEAR CENTENARIANS' BILL

MANILA, December 3, 2012-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, seeks to pass Senate Bill 3328 or the "Centenarian Act of 2012".

"We would do well to honor our elderly, especially those who have reached the age of 100. They comprise less than one percent of our population, and it is a remarkable feat to have lived for that long."

The bill seeks to grant centenarians Php100,000 and to declare September 25 as National Respect for Centenarians Day.

"It is rare that anyone reaches the age of 100. Most live up to 60 years old; some reach the age of 80 if lucky. The amount of Php100,000 would be a small token from the government in recognition of our centenarians."

The Senate Committee on Social Justice will hear the bill on December 4, 2012.

Legarda Urges LGUs, Public to Be Prepared for Typhoon Pablo

MANILA, December 3, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today urged local government units and the public to be prepared and remain alert as Typhoon Pablo entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“Let us heed the warning and the lessons of Ondoy, Pepeng and Sendong. Both the government and our people should have been prepared way before the typhoon entered the country,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

According to PAGASA, Surigao del Sur and the Northern part of Davao Oriental were placed under Storm Signal No. 2, while 22 other areas in Visayas and Mindanao were placed under Signal No. 1, even as Typhoon Pablo weakened slightly on Monday morning.

“Our LGUs already know the disaster-prone areas based on their geo-hazard maps. Early warning should work to save lives and properties. People and settlements at risk of landslides should be relocated ahead of heavy rains. Risk awareness and political will are very important,” she remarked.

“Our communities should also clear the esteros and the waterways, pay attention to early warning systems and do not hesitate to evacuate once the signal to do so is given,” she added.

The Senator also said that “PAGASA is doing its best, and our monitoring and warning systems have greatly improved over the past few years. Let us pay attention to the news reports and help each other by disseminating information, whether through radio, text, television, or social networking sites. Let us also remember to relay only verified and official information so as not to create confusion.”

“The fusion of socio-economic realities and extreme climatic events demand scaled up efforts in reducing disaster and climate risks. But through concerted action and the participation of all citizens, we will be able to make it through these challenges,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Highlights Best Practices in Climate Change Adaptation to Set Example for LGUs

MANILA, December 2, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today underscored the best practices in climate change adaptation by communities and urged other local governments to follow suit, especially with the alarming statistics on disaster risks and the natural hazards expected to visit the country in the last month of the year.

“PAGASA officials already warned that the incoming Typhoon Pablo could even be stronger than Tropical Storm Sendong in 2011. Our LGUs should now be prepared for it,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

“Furthermore, the warming global climate we are experiencing, which, according to a World Bank study, could even reach 4 Degrees Celsius, should make us all the more committed to increasing our efforts in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging industrialized countries to do their share,” she added.

“We usually see images of devastation every time typhoons or earthquakes hit the country. But we also have examples of best practices in making communities disaster-resilient. It is time we take a look at these model communities and follow their example,” she stressed.

Legarda said that one of the best practices in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in the Philippines is the Purok System in the Municipality of San Francisco in Camotes Island, Cebu, which won the 2011 UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction. The Purok System focuses on addressing the vulnerability of every barangay in the municipality by mobilizing local resources in creating local and practical solutions based on the unique needs of every community.

The Municipality of San Francisco, along with Makati City and Albay, is also among the UN’s 29 model communities worldwide that are exemplars in disaster risk reduction and management.

Makati City was included in the list for integrating DRR practices and policies in its system of governance, most especially in urban planning, health programs, disaster response and risk governance; while the Province of Albay was recognized for its focus on preparing comprehensive land use plans that address climate and disaster risks, and for investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure.

In Montalban, Rizal, a group of women farmers started to practice agroforestry to adapt to the prolonged wet season; while in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, a group of women fisherfolk reforested over a hundred hectares of mangrove areas to protect their settlements from storm surges and secure additional source of food for their families.

Meanwhile, the Province of Bulacan won the Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the National Gawad Kalasag 2012 for its effective management of the dams in the province.

“We have many best practices that other LGUs can use as guide in crafting their own programs. Communities that have yet to establish DRR and CCA practices should start now with both a short-term plan for the natural hazards expected to come within the next months, and a long-term program to ensure disaster-resilient communities in the future,” Legarda concluded.

JINGGOY WANTS LAW PROTECTING INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS

MANILA, December 2, 2012-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is pushing for the passage of a law which aims to protect the rights and lives of victims of internal displacement caused by armed conflicts, mass violence and natural disasters.

 

“Internally displaced persons do not enjoy adequate protection and assistance compared to their counterparts who crossed an internationally recognized border. They experience suffering, neglect and deprivation,” Sen. Estrada laments.

 

Section 3 of Senate Bill 530 defines “internal displacement” as “the forced or obliged movement of person or group of persons to flee or leave their homes or places of habitual residence, without crossing an internationally recognized State border, as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights or other natural or human-made disasters.”

 

Sen. Estrada cites an online report¹ saying that fighting rebel groups in Central Mindanao in 2008 caused the forced displacement of 600,000 persons.

 

In another instance, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reveals that during the onslaught of typhoon Juaning in July 2011, more than 123,000 families or 614,688 individuals were reported to have been evacuated.

 

“The Philippines ranked third after Burma and Indonesia as countries in Southeast

Asia with the most number of internally displaced persons and among the top forty (40) countries all over the world where internal displacement is considered as a significant phenomenon. Counterinsurgency operations and related military activities under the government's war on terrorism were identified as the leading causes of conflict-induced displacement in the country, especially in Mindanao,” Sen. Estrada states in the bill’s explanatory note.

 

The proposed measure is also to formulate a local mechanism to prevent the occurrence of and avoid conditions leading to internal displacement, in consonance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 

Senate Bill 530 contains terms on prohibition against internal displacement; protection against crime, discriminatory practices and curtailment of human freedoms during the period of displacement; extension of humanitarian assistance to IDPs; and provision of support during the return, resettlement or local integration of the IDPs.

Legarda Calls for Heightened Action as Phl Ranked 4th among Countries Affected by Climate Change

MANILA, December 1, 2012-In light of the results of the 2013 Global Climate Risk Index, which ranked the Philippines fourth among more than 190 countries greatly affected by climate change in the past 20 years, Senator Loren Legarda today called for heightened action from all communities across the Philippines.

“Despite increasing awareness about climate change over the past few years, the damage of irresponsible development models and large-scale environmental destruction has not yet been reversed. I urge all communities from all walks of life to contribute to the efforts in lessening our greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing our overall carbon footprint,” she remarked.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and UN Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Asia Pacific, noted that all sectors can contribute to the fight against climate change.

“Government officials, especially at the local level, can increase preparedness by implementing our laws such as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and the Climate Change Act, and by using the People's Survival Fund,” she said.

“Business communities should be encouraged to invest in clean new technologies, adopt energy efficiency measures and re-engineer corporate social responsibility to reflect the joint values of achieving business sustainability through building disaster-resilient local communities. Even we, in our own homes, can strive for sustainable means of living through recycling, composting, and lessening our use of non-renewable resources,” she detailed.

Legarda added that the media should underscore the message that it is time to recognize that disasters, turbocharged by a changing climate, can undo years of development gains, and that, unsound and short-sighted development practices play a significant role in worsening disaster risks.

She cited World Bank’s estimate that for every dollar invested in disaster reduction measures saves seven to ten dollars in losses from natural hazards.

“We will never tire of reiterating our call for heightened action on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation because we have to free ourselves from the exhausting and costly cycle of rebuilding our communities every single time a natural hazard occurs,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Joins Infanta Residents in a Day of Prayer

Residents of Infanta, Quezon warmly welcome Senator Loren Legarda, who was the Guest Speaker at the Day of Prayer to commemorate the 8th year anniversary of the REINA (Real, Infanta, and Gen. Nakar) flashflood caused by Tropical Storm Winnie in 2004. In her speech, Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, stressed on the importance of making communities disaster-resilient to reduce the risks and be able to immediately recover from disasters.

Senator Loren Legarda at the Flashflood Commemorative Stone in Infanta, Quezon. Legarda was the Guest Speaker during the 8th Year commemoration of the REINA  flashflood caused by Tropical Storm Winnie in 2004.