by magnolia_eic | Apr 8, 2011 | Headlines, National News
PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III bared plans to come up with a project concerning the
creation of a comprehensive three dimensional (3D) map of the whole country that will
help concerned government agencies in their efforts to avert possible damage to lives and
properties in times of calamities.
In his keynote speech during the inauguration of the Improved Agno River Basin Flood
Forecasting and Warning System (FFWS) and Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning
Center (FFWC) in Pangasinan, Aquino said that studies are underway for the proposed
creation of the one-billion peso 3D mapping system of the Philippines that will give a broader
geographical view for various government agencies on the different parts of the country that
will eventually assist them in flood forecasting and damage assessment for a more effective
approach in times of calamities.
The Chief Executive noted that the Philippines is a geo-hazard area with 66 provinces on
threat especially in times of calamities, which justifies the said allocation to ensure averting
possible devastating effects of various types of calamities.
President Aquino stressed that the project aims to protect and save lives of the people
including their properties and livelihood.
The President commended the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its
leadership and untiring efforts in developing programs for the benefit of the country and the
people. (PCOO)
by magnolia_eic | Mar 22, 2011 | Headlines, National News
PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III assured that the government will put in place contingency
measures for the country to be able to cope with the global impact of the powerful earthquake
and tsunami that hit Japan last week.
In a press briefing on Monday at Malacanang, the President said the Japan twin disasters
will definitely have an effect on the country’s economy. He said his economic team is now
studying the effects of Japan’s economy falling out on the country.
“I was informed by the economic team that we will be guided (by the study) as to how we
will cope with the fall of one of the world’s biggest economies, one of our biggest official
development assistance (ODA) source and one of our biggest trading partners,” the
President said.
“The directions that we will take after the study will tell us exactly what needs to be done so
we can cope with this development that has happened,” he added.
Some of the country’s economists have said that the government should look for other loan
and financing alternatives as Japan gears for a massive reconstruction of its economy.
Reports said that reconstruction in Japan may take at least 10 years and a lot of spending.
(PCOO)
by magnolia_eic | Feb 23, 2011 | Headlines, National News
PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III lauded on Tuesday Filipino micro-enterprise consortium
PinoyME for its pioneering efforts at helping government’s poverty-alleviation programs
by providing enterprising Filipinos in poor communities with innovative and cost-effective
opportunities to link up with the mainstream market and thereby uplift their quality of life.
The President congratulated PinoyME for heeding his mother, former President Corazon
Aquino’s call “to continue tapping into the spirit of People Power so that we may create better
lives for our less fortunate countrymen.”
“And I must congratulate PinoyME for doing just that (heeding his mother’s call) through
their continued work toward giving our countrymen more opportunities to defeat poverty
through their own efforts—specifically through microfinance and micro-entrepreneurship,” the
President said.
“These activities of PinoyME have been a significant help in our administration’s efforts
to alleviate poverty. Through your help, less fortunate Filipinos are able to earn additional
income. This reduces their dependency on state subsidies, and strengthens their resistance
to external shocks such as calamities or family emergencies,” he added.
He likewise lauded other microfinance institutions “for taking the lead in promoting a lasting
way of lifting the poor out of poverty.” (PIA)
by magnolia_eic | Jan 24, 2011 | Headlines, National News
President Benigno S. Aquino III received 10 million peso-worth pledge of commitment from a Chinese-Filipino conglomerate which will fund a gift-giving activity in line with the celebration of the Chinese New Year IN February this year.
In a simple turnover ceremony on Tuesday at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace, the President received from Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S. K. Ty the donation from the Metrobank Group through its social responsibility arm, Metrobank Foundation in the form of a pledge.
Dubbed as “Bags of Blessings”, the gift-giving project will be spearheaded by Metrobank Group in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) where bags of goods will be distributed to the chosen 10,000 marginalized families. The recipients include victims of the recent calamities causing floods and landslides in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and some provinces in Mindanao.
The actual week-long distribution of “Bags of Blessings” will start on February 4 until February 10.
Various branches of Metrobank together with the DSWD will disseminate the food packs to the underprivileged families and victims of floods and landslides in Luzon, Visayas, Minadanao and the National Capital Region (NCR).
(PIA/PCOO)
by magnolia_eic | Jan 21, 2011 | Headlines, National News
President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that newly- appointed Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman veteran election lawyer Sixto Brillantes , Jr., is capable of ensuring reforms in the country’s electoral system.
“I have always said that correct identification of a problem leads to the correct solutions. Brillantes’ long career in election law has given him extensive on-the-ground expertise, not just of the law, but also of the systems and processes that govern our electoral exercises,” the President said in a statement read by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing in Malacanang Monday.
The President appointed Brillantes last Jan. 15 to serve out the unexpired term of former COMELEC chairman Jose Melo, who resigned on the same date.
The Chief Executive stressed that Brillantes’ extensive knowledge of the law and experience as election lawyer is what the country needs to initiate electoral reforms.
He added that Brillantes’ main task is to ensure that there will be an orderly and credible election in 2013. (PIA/PCOO)
