by anyajulia | Oct 14, 2009 | Headlines, National News
The Government of Japan’s US$4.5 million donation was welcomed by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). This aid aims to feed hundreds of thousands of flood victims in the Philippines as well as providing much-needed financial support for WFP’s newly-arrived helicopters.
The contribution, the largest to date in support of WFP’s flood relief efforts, will be used to buy 6,700 metric tons of rice—enough to assist the efforts to provide food assistance to 670,000 people for one month.
It will also help to ensure that WFP’s three emergency relief helicopters remain airborne over the course of the next month to facilitate a swift and coordinated response by the Government of the Philippines and other humanitarian agencies.
Besides Japan, other donors who have so far contributed to WFP’s flood relief effort in the Philippines include UN CERF (US$ 3 million); Spain (US$ 2 million); Australia (US$ 1.7 million) and ECHO (US$ 600,000). (WFP)
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by anyajulia | Oct 14, 2009 | Headlines, National News
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has intensified the government’s peace efforts with rebel groups, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
As a result of Former OPAPP Secretary Avelino Razon’s relentless pursuit for peace, the government and the MILF have agreed to create an International Contact Group (ICG) to pave the way for the revival of the stalled peace talks.
Razon said that despite the continuing impasse in the negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF, parallel channels of engagement continued to be explored in the pursuit of the peace process through intensified human rights monitoring work; sustained support to community-based peace initiatives; sustained linkages with peace stakeholders; and continued implementation of confidence-building measures.
In compliance with the government’s new paradigm on the peace process focusing on one that is centered with rebel groups to community dialogues and the integration of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) as a rule of engagement of the government in peace negotiation with rebel groups.
OPAPP has established a DDR center tasked to provide planning and technical support, policy advisory and program design input in the efforts to accomplish the renewed peace initiatives with various rebel groups. (PIA)
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by anyajulia | Oct 14, 2009 | Headlines, National News
“Observe austerity and simplicity in the offices.”
In a memorandum circulated to all Department of Education (DepEd) officials and school heads, Secretary Jesli Lapus directed all employees to restrain from engaging in lavish celebrations or festivities and prohibited extravagant spending. Any DedEd personnel who will be found violating the order will be dealt with severely.
“The act of engaging in lavish celebrations and display of wealth at this time when the country is reeling from severe losses in lives and property is unlawful and unconscionable,” Lapus explained. (DepEd)
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by anyajulia | Oct 14, 2009 | Headlines, National News
The Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines holds the 2009 NSCM celebration and seminar workshop. This is in collaboration with the Department of Education, in its bid to help promote the organization’s vision and mission as a Science umbrella organization in the country.
The said occasion is a vital tool in honing the leadership qualities of science leaders in upgrading science culture in education and prepares them for a renewed passion and dedication in science clubbing. (PIA)
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by anyajulia | Oct 14, 2009 | Headlines, National News
Four months remain for Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans to file their claims for the FVEC benefit. These are among the many provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law February 17, 2009 by U.S. President Barack Obama. Veterans have until February 16, 2010 to claim their benefits.
For those claimants who have not yet filed an application, instructions are posted on the U.S. Embassy website at http://manila.usembassy.gov. New applications may be mailed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office located at the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens are asked to submit a copy of their U.S. passport.
The USDVA will conduct targeted outreach throughout the Philippines to increase awareness about the February 16 deadline among Filipino WW II veterans who may be entitled receive the benefits. (US Embassy)
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