by anyajulia | Feb 16, 2009 | Headlines, Major Events, National News
Last week, February 13, the U.S. Congress approved HR 1. This is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the economic stimulus bill, which includes legislation regarding Filipino World War II veterans. With this vote, the bill is expected to be signed by President Obama on February 16, Presidents’ Day. This is an historic advance for these veterans, who have been fighting for recognition of their service during WWII for over 60 years.
This bill recognizes these veterans’ military service as U.S. veterans, and additionally provides one-time payments of $15,000 to Filipino American veterans residing in the U.S. or in the Philippines, and $9,000 to veterans who are Philippine citizens. It also contains a provision for spouses and protects eligibility for benefits currently received by veterans.
The inclusion of the authorizing language in effect allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to disburse funds that have been appropriated for this purpose through the Filipino WWII Veterans Compensation Fund. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Daniel Inouye included the Filipino WWII Veterans legislation in the stimulus package. (perryscope)
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by anyajulia | Feb 6, 2009 | Headlines, Major Events, National News
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Minister Hassan A. Fakhro (Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Bahrain) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on agricultural and fisheries cooperation between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was held at the Judaibiya Palace of the Prime Minister. And was witnessed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and His Highness Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Salman Al Khalifa
The MOU establishes a general framework for bilateral cooperation in agriculture and fisheries for the purpose of fostering sectoral development for the enhancement of agri-related trade and investment.
To ensure the successful implementation of the MOU, the parties will create a joint committee composed of an equal number of representatives. After studying and formulating detailed programs for cooperation in the areas of agriculture and fisheries, the committee will submit a report jointly prepared and certified to by the Secretary Agriculture of the Philippines and the Minister of Industry and Commerce and the Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090206.htm&no=09
by anyajulia | Feb 6, 2009 | Headlines, Major Events, National News
Saudi Arabia revealed its intention to expand its investments in the Philippines. As such, King Abdullah told President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that he is sending a high-level business mission to look for investment opportunities in the Philippine agriculture sector.
It will be headed by Saudi Arabia’s ministers of commerce and agriculture and will look into projects aimed to meet Saudi Arabia’s increasing demand for fruits, vegetables and livestock.
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by anyajulia | Feb 5, 2009 | Headlines, Major Events
For the Overseas Filipino Workers who wish to get professional jobs for a brighter future abroad, the government started the Skills-Retooling program.
Professional Regulations Commission will carry out the examination for the granting of professional license for the workers in the country they work in.
This is the beginning for a brighter occasion for the OFWs to get a higher salary, according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her meeting with Filipino community there in Saudi.
Arroyo says that this will increase the skill of the Pinoy worker especially those with no license yet.
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by anyajulia | Feb 5, 2009 | Headlines, Major Events
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde confirms that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo accepted the invitation from US legislators to attend the National Prayer Breakfast to be held in Washington, D.C.
The National Prayer Breakfast is held annually in Washington DC every first Thursdayof February, which is today.
Frank Carlson, a former US Representative, Governor, and Senator started this event since 1935 in which 3,500 guests were from over 100 countries worldwide.
Arroyo looks forward to meeting President Barack Obama that is said to be one of the speakers in the said activity.
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by anyajulia | Feb 4, 2009 | Headlines, Major Events, National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrives tonight in the Kingdom of Bahrain for a two-day official visit. This is part of the government’s effort to further strengthen its economic and bilateral relations with Bahrain, host to thousands of Filipino overseas workers.
Bahrain Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Salman Al Khalifa will personally welcome the President when she disembarks at the presidential plane.
After the brief welcome rites, the President will be motored to the Gulf Hotel International Convention Center to meet the Filipino community there.
On the second day of her visit, the President is scheduled to visit Ama International University, Almabad Campus, where she is expected to lead the ribbon-cutting and electronic unveiling of the special dedication marker of the university.
After which, the President is also scheduled to meet His Majesty the King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the Gudaibiya Palace. There would also be the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Agriculture to be sign by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and his counterpart in Bahrain.
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