by Misael | May 27, 2008 | National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent off a 30-man medical mission to Myanmar to augment its government’s search and retrieval efforts as well as to provide medical and humanitarian service after cyclone Nargis devastated the country in early May.
The President was joined in the ceremonial send-off by Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Chairman Gilbert Teodoro, Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Social Welfare and Development Sec. Esperanza Cabral, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Alexaner Yano and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Pedrito Candungog.
In her statement, the President said the sending off of a medical mission to Myanmar was part of the country’s obligation as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She made an appeal to all countries for cooperation and brotherhood, they being part of a “community of nations.”
She also thanked the government of Myanmar for allowing the entry of foreign aid to assist the victims of the cyclone.
For his part, Dr. Arnel Rivera, leader of the Philippine medical team, said the “seasoned experts” who comprise the medical team, are veterans of the numerous relief and rescue missions conducted by the government during natural disasters hitting the country.
The medical team, composed of general surgeons, internists, infectious disease specialists, pediatricians, sanitary engineers, psycho-social interventionists and paramedics from the Department of Health (DoH), will bring P13-million worth of aid which includes medicines, water, used clothing, blankets and family food packs.
Before boarding, the crew and team were blessed by PAF Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Eustacio Galindo who prayed for their safe journey to and from Myanmar. (PIA/Bohol)
by Misael | May 27, 2008 | National News
PGMA STRESSES NEED TO CRUSH INSURGENCY BY 2010 TO ATTAIN FIRST WORLD STATUS
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that the insurgency must be crushed by 2010 if the Philippines is to realize its goal of attaining First World status in 20 years.
In her address before the Western Visayas Local Peace and Security Assembly in Bacolod City, the President said the country must no longer be hobbled by insurgency to enable it to join the elite circle of First World economies.
Peace and security, she pointed out, are part and parcel of the strong foundation of a country’s development and economic growth.
For too long, she said, the insurgency has been a drag on economic growth, especially in the countryside, and it’s time that the disruption caused by ideological upheaval is finally ended.
The President expressed optimism that by 2010, the country would be well on the way to achieving its vision of First World status.
She said she is banking on the local government units (LGUs) to lead the way in ending the insurgency in their respective jurisdictions as they understand the local conditions better than others. (PIA/Bohol)
by Misael | May 27, 2008 | National News
The celebration of the country’s 110th Independence Day on June 12 will no longer be the traditional display of military might, rather it will be on the Arroyo administration’s entrepreneurship program, with the “GoNegosyo” taking center stage at the Rizal Park.
This was revealed by Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Cerge Remonde.
According to Remonde, instead of the “traditional civic and military parade, we will showcase the government programs and projects at various points. Cabinet members are already assigned in the different regions with historical places and will launch their respective programs in those regions.”
The showcase of all the micro, small and medium enterprise products offered by the government also welcome the programs of the Magna Carta for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The celebration will also include the release of loans earlier applied for by micro entrepreneurs, Remonde added. (PIA/Bohol)
by Misael | May 27, 2008 | National News
The family of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. believe the speakership of the Philippines’ House of Representatives (HR) is their “family-owned corporation.”
Thus lamented Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo – the elder of two congressman sons of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — when asked for his opinion about the continuing barrage by the De Venecia family against the Arroyos.
The De Venecias have been blaming the Arroyos for the former speaker’s fall from the House speakership which he held for several years.
Rep. Arroyo stressed that a total of 174 congressmen voted for democracy in the House of Representatives, thus successfully replacing the then seemingly invincible former speaker.
Asked how his parents are taking the latest barrage from De Venecia’s spouse, Rep. Arroyo said: “I don’t think they are minding her.”
“My mom (President Arroyo) is very focused; while my dad is (busy) revitalizing his health…” , said Arroyo. (PIA/Bohol)
by Misael | May 27, 2008 | National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered the release of half a billion pesos as government assistance for displaced typhoon victims of Cosme, said Deputy Spokesman Anthony Golez.
According to Golez, the 500 million pesos would be a great help to the victims particularly in the reconstruction of their damage properties.
Typhoon Cosme’s path of destruction has left 53 people dead, 29 injured, some 252,000 families were affected, and 115,000 houses destroyed, revealed Deputy Spokesman Anthony Golez.
The affected families are spread over 1,459 barangays in 73 municipalities, seven cities and five provinces.
These areas are scattered over four regions – three in Northern Luzon (Region I or the Ilocandia, Region III or Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region) and Region VI or the Bicolandia, added Golez.
The deputy spokesman said updated typhoon damage reports, plus the assistance response of government agencies, will most probably be included in the agenda of the next Cabinet meeting which will be held in La Union. (PIA/Bohol)
