Farmers get support from DA, capitol

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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO- The Pampanga Irrigators Association and several farmers’ cooperatives received farm machineries and equipments from the Department of Agriculture and Provincial Government recently.

They were given 30 shallow tube wells (STWs), rice combine harvesters, 12 units of hand tractors, and a unit of 4 wheeler tractors.
Provincial Agriculturist Crispin Guinto said that the Pampanga Irrigators  earlier requested STWs to the provincial government to irrigate rice fields in higher grounds.

Guinto explained most these rice fields were not covered by the irrigation system of National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

“This limits their rice production especially during dry season,” he noted.

He added that these shallow tube wells can serve another 90 hectares of unirrigated land.

“The shallow tube well can help the farmers in irrigating their rice fields in any season making them productive for the whole year,” Guinto said.

Guinto clarified that the STWs were purchased by the capitol while the rest of the equipment were 85 percent subsidized by Department of Agriculture and 15 percent from the provincial government.

With the instruction of Governor Lilia Pineda, the provincial agriculture office procured 5,951 laminated or waterproof sacks to be distributed to marginalized farmers in the province.

Mayoralty bet tightens security

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ARAYAT – Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad disclosed that he has tightened his security  following the continuing increase of killing incidents in this town.

Trinidad is the standard bearer of Kapanalig at Kambilan neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) for the mayoralty race here.

“Mayroon na tayong security at nag iingat tayo lalu na at papalapit na ang eleksiyon,” he told Sun Star Pampanga in an interview.

Earlier, Senior Superintendent R’win Pagkalinawan, police provincial director identified this town as with most number of recorded election related violence.

“Yung Arayat lamang ang may insidente ng election related violence nung nagdaang halalan na nauulit ngayon,” he stated.

Pagkalinawan stressed if there is a place in the province to be considered as high risk this coming midterm elections, this is only the town of Arayat.

He suggested that candidates with imminent threat on their life may request security from the police.

“Kailangan nilang ipakita na mayroon talagang existence ng threat sa kanilang request. Tapos yung request nila ay ipapasa natin sa higher headquarters,” the police director earlier stated.

However, Pagkalinawan  clarified  that incumbents officials were given priority in terms police security. 
 

Foreign delegates laud capitol’s program on migrant workers

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The delegates of the 5th World Social Forum on Migration (WSFR) yesterday lauded the provincial government for organized approach on dealing with the affairs and needs of the Kapampangan working abroad.

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Sudhagaran Stanley, a Malaysian and officer of Penang Office for Human Development Diocesan Migrant Ministry said that it was only the Philippines and Pampanga in particular which already established existence in their country in terms of providing a system focus on the welfare of the Filipinos.

“I observed that the Philippines really looks into the needs of the Filipino working in Malaysia. We have been closely working with them on some concerns,” Stanley told Sun Star Pampanga.

Marcy Jacinto, coordinator of Migrant Workers in Diocese of Yokohama said that they were  happy to note the measure implemented by the provincial government that promote the interest of the migrant workers.

Jacinto narrated that before their visit in the province, they have seen Filipinos in Japan who have been there for 16 – 25 years but eventually arrested by authorities for lack of papers to support their staying.

She suggested a full cooperation  between their group, Pampanga Action Center For OFW Concerns (Pacoc), Pampanga Inter-Agency Council for Migrants Concern (Piamco) to reach out Filipinos currently detained by Japan authorities for working illegally.

 The migrant forum was held at the Benigno Hall and  participated in by at least 48 delegates from different countries.

A Piamco official disclosed  that the province was first in the country to organize an office whose main task is to address and resolve issues affecting Kapampanga foreign workers.

It was learned that Pampanga has at least 115,575 migrant workers making it third in the country with most number of people working abroad. 

P1-B funds for province development bared

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial government recently bared at least P1-B fund is still available to support important projects intended for the development and improvement of the way of life of the Kapampangan.

Governor Lilia Pineda assured the people during her visit in different towns in the province that they could expect more tangible projects from the provincial government which they think is immediate and beneficial to the communities. 

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel the other day expressed admiration to  Governor Pineda and Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao for bringing the province into the right direction.

“Let me express my admiration for the many achievement of the province of Pampanga,” he earlier stated in his speech delivered before the local officials.

He also cited the P1.2-B spent by the province on various infrastructures such as construction and renovation of district hospitals, classrooms buildings and other provincial institutions, municipal and barangay farm to market roads.

The office of the Provincial Engineers told Sun Star Pampanga that more than P856-M has been spent on the infrastructure projects implemented through the effort of the provincial government.

Olimpio Pangan, assistant provincial engineer disclosed that the provincial government also allocated at least P562,532,277.95 for the construction of roads, bridges, hospitals and other allied structures.

Governor Pineda spearheaded the general renovation and improvement of all existing district hospital buildings in the province including facilities and medical equipments.

The provincial government also funded the establishment of dialysis centers in some selected hospitals to provide cheaper treatment for patients.

In some instances, other interested groups, stakeholders and individuals also help in the  construction of these centers.

The provincial government has already constructed some 182 newly classrooms and several covered courts in various public schools in the province with an estimated amount of P176-million and more this year.

Senator “Koko” pushes for more share on national taxes

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Senator Aguilino “Kiko” Pimentel III yesterday urged Kapampangan to support his pending Senate Bill referred to as “Bigger Pie, Bigger Slice.”

Pimental  told the provincial government officials and employees during the flag raising ceremony at the capitol ground that he wanted to amend Section 284  of the Local Government Code of 1991.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel joins Gov. Lilia Pineda and Vice-Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guaio in the distribution of farm equipment to Kapampangan farmers. Photo by Jun Jaso, PIO Pampanga

This bill was filed on the occasion of the anniversary of Local Government Code on October 10, 2011.

He explained that under his bill the “Bigger Pie” refers to the tax base.

Currently the local government units’ (LGUs)  internal revenue allotment (IRA) is based on sums corresponding to “national internal revenue taxes” collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

With his proposal, LGU’s will no longer get 40% of the internal revenues collected by the national government  under the local government code.

 “Once the pie is bigger, the LGU will now be entitled to the ‘Bigger Slice,’” he noted.

“I am proposing that the sharing will be ‘hating kapatid’ or 50 – 50 of all national taxes between the national government and local government units,” Pimentel stated.

The senator also pointed out that if the local government units are given wider responsibilities, “they should also be given resources,” he added.

Pimentel shared that if his bill is approved, the province’s ‘share on national taxes” or SNT, this time,  no longer Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) would be P1,448,449,328 from the current P1,195,255,825.

“There would be an immediate increase of P253,193,503,” he ended.

Naguit mum on P7.1-M town hall bills

STO. TOMAS – The mayor here has refused to comment on the reported unpaid electrical bills amounting to more than P7.1 million.

Mayor Joselito Naguit

As per document obtained from the Pampanga III Electric Cooperative Inc., (Pelco III)  signed by its billing officer Corazon Mamangun printed on November 14 this year, the municipal government has an outstanding  obligation of P5,359,165.38.

On the same date, Mamangun again issued and printed again another billing statement covering the some of  P1,182,288.90 with an accumulated interest of P341,590.63.

It was also learned that Sto. Tomas municipal building annex likewise has unpaid electrical bills amounting to P255,663.91 with an interest of at least P25,331.78.

Pelco III insider, who requested not to be named disclosed that the municipality of Sto. Tomas has not been paying electrical bills for the past five years.

Based on the LBP Form No. 3 titled as “Program Appropriation and Obligation by Object and Expenditure” the municipality of Sto. Tomas has been allocating annually the sum of  P1.200,000 for the installation and maintenance of streets' lighting system.

The same document also revealed that the municipality of Sto. Tomas  has set aside another P800,000 for the electricity expenses every year chargeable to the general fund.

Unconfirmed reports have it, the electrical expenses of the mayor’s residential house is also being charged to the account of the municipal government.

Sun Star Pampanga tried to get the side of Mayor Joselito Naguit who attended the flag raising ceremony in the provincial ground yesterday but to no avail.

Also as early as 7:38 in the morning, this reporter texted the mayor and subsequently  his administrator for possible interview schedule but failed to reply.

Groups get livelihood from coop office

MACABEBE – The Provincial Cooperative Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) yesterday provided livelihood assistance to several organized groups here under the “Negosyo King Panyulong Program” (NPP).  

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Mamerto Gatus, PCEDO head said that some P850,000 were given to qualified groups to serve as an additional capital.

Gatus added this initiative is aimed at providing economic opportunities to dedicated individuals who wanted improve their condition of living.

The distribution of livelihood assistance was led by Governor Lilia Pineda and assisted by Mayors Annette Flores-Balgan and Jun Tetangco (Apalit).

The beneficiaries came from the barangays of San Esteban, Sta. Maria and Consuelo this town. Each of them received P10,000.

As this developed, Balgan thanked Pineda for the livelihood assistance which according to her is beneficial to the  resident-beneficiaries.

“Salamat po Governor Pineda sa walang sawang pagtulong ninyo sa amin at sa lahat ng mga proyektong ibinibigay ninyo sa amin,” she stated.

Lalaine Dela Cruz, President of the Consuelo NPP Association claimed that the program has been a big help to their group.

“Malaki po ang naitulong ng programa sa aming buhay. Napaaral ko po ng college ang aking anak  dahil sa kinikita ko dito. Dati nasa bahay lang tayo pero ngayon ay natututo na  tayo maghanapbuhay,” she pointed out.

 “Negosyo King Panyulong Program” is a socialized lending program which serves as capital or additional capital to the economic activities being undertaken by the marginalized sector in a given community.

More villages receive additional funds from capitol

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Fourteen more villages in three towns had received additional funds from the provincial government yesterday.

The barangay-beneficiaries in Mexico town were Buenavista, Kawayan,  Eden, Gandos, Masamat, Panipuan, San Rafael, San Roque and Suklaban.

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Other beneficiaries were San Bartolome, San Jose and  Sto. Rosario all in Sta. Ana town and San Agustin Sur including Lapaz Turu in Arayat.

Each of these barangays were given at least P200,000.

Governor Lilia Pineda clarified that only those barangays with Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of P1.1-million and below were identified to benefit on the program.  

She said that the same is intended to augment on the operational needs of the barangays considering their limited share from the national taxes.

As this developed, the barangay officials thanked Governor Pineda for continuously looking into  their needs.

“Ngayon lamang po kami nabigyan ng ganitong pansin at pagpapahalaga,” one of the barangay officials told Sun star Pampanga.

Top cop warns unlicensed gun owners

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - A top cop here has warned gun owners who failed to renew permits and licenses from appropriate government agencies for several years now.

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Senior Superintendent R’win Pagkalinawan, police provincial director disclosed that they have received instruction from the higher headquarter of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to tract all gun owners in the province whose permits and licenses were not renewed for the past three years.

This according to him, is part of continuing effort of the police crackdown the proliferation of unlicensed firearms various communities in the province

Pagkalinawan explained that chiefs of police in different municipalities in coordination with the police provincial office will be tapped to lead an aggressive drive to recover loose firearms

With this, he urged gun owners to secure permits and licenses this early to avoid inconvenience as they are set to implement massive searches.

“Kapag mayroon na tayong listahan ng mga gun owners na hindi naka rehistro ay magco-conduct tayo ng massive search sa kanilang mga bahay bahay,” Pagkalinawan noted.

The  police  provincial director also stressed that this initiative is in preparation with the upcoming midterm elections to neutralize armed groups and individual gun owners from engaging into political harassment.

It can be recalled that in the first quarter of this year, the Police Regional Office 3 launched “Oplan Paglalansag Omega,” a campaign against private armies and loose firearms.

This resulted to the confiscation of six assorted loose firearms with several ammunitions in a series of operations in the provinces of Aurora, Pampanga, Tarlac including Angeles City.

Kambilan mayoralty bet targets youth

Patrick Gerald  “Kuya Pat” Pelayo

CANDABA – The standard bearer of Kapanalig at Kambilan neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) for mayoralty race here targeted the youth to bolster his chances of winning comes 2013 elections.

Patrick Gerald  “Kuya Pat”, son of Mayor Jerry Pelayo has led  an estimated of 1,000 youth during the launching and opening of the second inter barangay tournament participated in by all 33 barangays with at least two teams each.

The opening ceremony was held at the Ms. Earth Park in Barangay Mandasig this town.

It was graced by Governor Lilia Pineda, Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, Sto. Tomas Mayor Joselito Naguit, Minalin Mayor Arthur Naguit and other local officials.

“Kuya Pat” was also joined by some of  his friends who were already playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) including Will Miller (Globalport) and Larry Fonacier (Talk’n Text Tropang Texters).

Political observers who requested anonymity told Sun Star Pampanga that at least seventy five percent of the voters in town are traditional voters.

These  were already associated to political candidates whom they intend to support these coming elections.

“Ang pinag aagawan na lamang nila ay iyong remaining 25 percent. Mga independent ito, nag-iisip at bumuboto batay sa sarili nilang pananaw. Kalimitan mga kabataan ang mga ito,” one of the political observers here noted.

The younger Pelayo likewise founded the “Anak Ng Candaba” (ANC) early last year to unify the Candabenios who advocated countrywide developments focused on agriculture, tourism, livelihood and education.

It is currently spearheading community based projects by providing livelihood training to organized groups of women in various villages.

Mayor’s man appointed on coop board

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APALIT – Mayor Jun Tetanco’s trusted man was appointed as a new member of Pampanga Electric Cooperative Inc. III’s (Pelco III) Board of Directors.

Jun Sigua claimed that he will be taking his oath of office tomorrow which is a requirement before he can formally and discharge his duties, responsibilities and rights as a member of the board.

Sigua said he merely replaced the late Atty Restituto Capulong who served as Director-President of Pelco III during his lifetime.

“Itutuloy lang natin yung remaining unserve two years ni Atty Capulong,” he clarified.

It was learned that the cooperative board is in-charged in the formulation of policies and other important matters involving the operation and management.

“Marami po tayong aayusing problema,” he stressed in an interview.

Sigua stated that he will help in improving the services to provide the best to the resident-members of the cooperative

Pelco III was providing electricity in towns of Apalit, San Simon, San Luis, Sto. Tomas, Masantol, Minalin, Macabebe.

ANC’s basketball league kicks off today

CANDABA – The Anak ng Candaba (ANC) - local party here   here will formally open its second inter-barangay basketball league today.

More than 66 teams from the 33 barangays in this town  comprising of seniors and juniors basketball enthusiasts joined the league.

This sports activity is expected to end early next year according to the organizers taking into consideration the numbers of participating teams.

Diony Guevarra, one of the convenors of ACM and league organizers stressed that the league is aimed at improving the athletic ability of the youth in the same manner as they develop discipline, camaraderie and sense of belongingness among the players in various barangays.

It can be noted that since last year, Mayor Jerry Pelayo with the help of some professional basketball coaches like Coach Aric del Rosario has been sponsoring sports clinic to provide opportunities to Candabenios  who wanted to pursue careers in bigger league in the country.

ACM is a local party organized by Patrick “Pat” Pelayo who is running for mayor under the Kapanalig at Kambilan neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan).

This local party is envisioned to establish a society that will promote partnership development in the municipality on all sectors. It was also the intention to establish a democratic and centralized political structure that will protect and look up to the welfare of every individual in the municipality.

P700-M quarry revenue eyed in Pineda’s 3 years

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Attorney Andres Pangilinan Jr., provincial administrator has expressed confidence that the provincial government of Pampanga could easily achieved the P700-million quarry revenue target set by  Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda before the end of her first term.

The provincial administrator and Engr. Arthur Punzalan, provincial environment and natural resources officer told Sun Star Pampanga in an interview that the quarry industry in the province is doing better under Pineda’s administration.
 

“Yung P700-million na target natin ay achievable. Mayroon pa tayong almost eight months ang average kasi natin ngayon ay P20-million per month. Kaya tingin natin ay makukuha natin ang target,” Punsalan stated.
 

During the first year of Governor Pineda in office, the total quarry collection reached to P119,385,000 and during the second year, the provincial government recorded at least P238,380,000.
 

For 2012, as of November 14, the total quarry collections already reached P 258,453,000 .
In a span of 28 months and two weeks in office, the Pineda administration has collected at least P616,217,500.
 

This year, the provincial government has reached its all time highest collection. Last March, the quarry collection reached to P28, 420,000. This collection was surpassed in May this year with P28,962,000.
 

Last Month (October), the provincial government has registered a quarry collection of P26,915,000. As of October, 31, it has an average monthly collection of P21,660,267.
Since the imposition of the weighing scale last June 11, it has collected a weighing fee of at least P9,730,500.

Groups inaugurate classrooms in Apalit, San Simon

APALIT – A multi sectoral group yesterday led the inauguration and blessing of eight classrooms under the ‘Barrio School Program’ here and San Simon town.’

The City of San Fernando Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SFFCCII), Blue Eagle Alumni Foundation Inc., Provincial Government and two other municipal governments gathered during the occasion to dedicate and turn over the classrooms to the school officials.

These classrooms were constructed in San Vicente Central Elementary Schools in Apalit (2 rooms), Sto. Nino Elementary School (4 rooms) and San Agustin Elementary School (2 rooms) both are in San Simon town.

NEW CLASSROOMS. Gov. Lilia Pineda, Lirios Quezon of Blue Eagle Alumni Foundation Inc., and Eddie Chua of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Pampanga Chapter (FILCHI) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new 2-classroom building for San Vicente Central School in Apalit. They are joined by Mayor Jun Tetangco, BM Nestor Tolentino, BM Fritzie David-Dizon, and FilChi officer. Photo by Jun Jaso

SFFCCII president Eddie Chua said that they were able to accomplish these projects through the help of some noted personalities and  other non-governmental organization.

For the two-classroom building in San Vicente Central Elementary School, Chua said it was the Blue Eagle Foundation who provided the funds.

Lirous Quezon, Blue Eagle Foundation’s representative shared that the funds came from the proceeds of the 3^rd Charity Golf Tournament wherein the both the provincial government and the municipality of Apalit were very supportive.

“Three hundred thousands lamang po ang pondo natin kung kaya’t nakipag partner tayo Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce dahil wala po tayong kakayahan gawin ang mga silid aralang ito,” Quezon stated.

Initially, she stressed that t they are planning to donate a computer laboratory, however, during the inspection, they noticed that a sophisticated computer laboratory is already existing.

“Kaya sabi po noon ng dating principal ay kulang sa sila sa classrooms,” Quezon recalled.

Meanwhile, Governor Lilia Pineda and Mayor Jun Tetangco thanked the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SFFCCII), Blue Eagle Alumni Foundation Inc., for selecting the province of Pampanga-Apalit town in particular to be the recipient of the ‘Barrio School Program.”

“Malaking bagay po itong mga classrooms dahil nagagamit din po itong evacuation center sa panahon ng kalamidad. Never pong binaha ang San Vicenter Elementary School,” Mayor Tetangco stated.

Also present during the occasion were Board Members Nestor Tolentino, Fritzie David-Dizon, along with the respective local officials.

On the new Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

This afternoon, the President has appointed Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court after having received the short list from the Judicial and Bar Council and interviewing each nominee.

Marvic Leonen, 49, is Chairman of the GPH-MILF Peace Panel and former Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law. He received his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines and Master of Laws from the Columbia University in New York.

The newest appointment to the tribunal fills the seat vacated by Maria Lourdes Sereno who was appointed Chief Justice. President Aquino views his appointment as a contribution to his vision of an empowered, independent, and reformist Judiciary.

Dean Leonen had contributed significantly to the cause of a just, dignified, and lasting peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters while keeping with the spirit and letter of the Constitution. The appointment of Dean Leonen is one that the President views as a lasting legacy of his administration, consistent with his desire of a Judiciary imbued with the highest standards of independence, probity and integrity.

A revitalized Supreme Court, with the renewed confidence and public trust of our people, is essential to the fulfillment of the President’s Social Contract with the Filipino People: a truly impartial judicial system that delivers equal justice to rich or poor.(Press Release)

Guv okays P3-M center for elderly

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The construction of the proposed senior citizens’ center amounting to some P3-million has been approved by Governor Lilia Pineda.

This came as Pineda met with the officials of senior citizens’ organization who pushed for more comprehensive services and programs individuals.

Pineda believed that with modern center for this group, the provincial government can immediately response on the needs of the elderly base on the list of priorities as determined by their leaders.

The center was planned to be constructed in a lot located between this city and Bacolor town along the stretch of Jose Abad Santos Avenue.

Joining the governor in the meeting were Linda Gaddi-David, president of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) in Region III, former Justice Agustin Dizon, FSCAP  honorary chairman and consultant and Frank Olingay.

Both Dizon and David were nominees of Comelec accredited Aagapay sa Matatanda, Inc. (AMA) partylist who may represent the elderly in Congress if they could get the needed votes in the 2013 elections.

David said, there is a need to encourage and inspire the elderly through the provision of activities and services which reflect the diverse needs and interests of older persons which can be done in the center.

 "The senior citizens who serve as the uniting factor in the family, at their age, they want to relax and enjoy the company of their peers or hold dancing and singing activities," David said.

Dizon said the proposed center could serve as meeting place and an information unit that can link senior citizens to benefits and services.

The former justice stressed that the center can offer comprehensive fitness and wellness program and major social activities include classes, trips and parties.

"The center will also provide facilities for relaxation and avenues of social activities for their leisure time," Dizon added.

He said  they commended  the governor for the proposed center that may keep the old age persons united in dealing with the challenges that may confront them.

Top cop gets surprise with Pampanga’s tagging as elections hot spot

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The leadership of Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) was caught ‘flat footed’ as they also got surprised with the move of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which includes the province in the list of elections hot spots  or ‘high risk areas.’ 
 

Senior Superintendent R’win Pagkalinawan, police provincial director said that he did not recommend declaring Pampanga as an election hot spot considering the peace and order situation is in good shape and continuously improving.

      Senior Superintendent R’win Pagkalinawan

“Walang pa tayong recommendation tungkol dito, perhaps tinignan nila yung previous records pero sa bayan lamang ng Arayat nauulit ang ganung mga insidente,” Pagkalinawan added.

The top cop explained that from an average of five hundred crimes per month in 2011, the same had been reduced to an average of two hundred crimes per month in 2012.

Most of these, according to him were crimes against property and person.

However, he clarified that as per his understanding, DILG Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas only presented a watch list of high risk areas and not really a declaration of elections hot spots.

Pagkalinawan claimed that only the town of Arayat should be considered in the inclusion  of election hot spots if Roxas really looks into the previous records of crime incidents.

“Kung magdedeklara sila ng hot spot, Arayat lamang ang bayan na nauulit yung crime incident noong nakaraan. Hindi dapat yung buong probinsiya,” he noted.

Pagkalinawan stated that the implication of having a province included in the list elections hot spots is that the local police will be placed under the instructions of the Commission on Elections.

He likewise stressed that this move will send bad impression to investors who already decided to put investments in the province.

Among the provinces included in the elections hot spots were Pampanga Abra, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Cavite, Masbate, Samar, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan.

Statement of Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail F. Valte on Consumer Confidence

 Spokesperson Abigail F. Valte

The Philippines ranked second in a Global Consumer Confidence Survey conducted by The Nielsen Company, representing a two-point increase in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the second quarter this year. With a score of 118, the Philippines comes second only to India and Indonesia which both share the top spot with 119 among 58 countries surveyed. The bullish consumer sentiment shows a positive attitude towards the Philippine economy, one bright spot in only 12 countries that registered “more optimism” out of the 58 surveyed.

The survey’s index notes that a score of 101 and higher indicates more optimism while a score of 100 and lower means more pessimism.  Among countries in the Southeast Asian region, consumer confidence the Philippines ranked second, besting Thailand by 6 points and Malaysia by 13 points. Singapore with a score of 98 and Vietnam with 87 both measured below the index of 100.

On the signing of the Purchase Agreement for the sale of the FTI property to Ayala Land

Today, the President witnessed the signing of the Purchase Agreement for the sale of the 74-hectare Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI) property to Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) marking the successful privatization of one of the largest state-owned properties in Metro Manila.

President Benigno Aquino III

At the ceremonial signing held in Malacañan Palace, government was represented by Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Finance Undersecretary and Chief Privatization Officer Karen Singson, and FTI President Rene Fuentes. ALI was represented by its Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala and President and CEO Antonino Aquino.

The privatization of the FTI property is a significant step towards developing former state-owned lands to maximize potentials for economic growth and infrastructure development. In this particular case, portions of the property have been set aside for the Metro Manila Integrated Transport System which aims to ease traffic congestion by connecting provincial commuters to other modes of urban transportation. Meanwhile, a connector road has been proposed by the DPWH which will link the C-5 Road to the South Luzon Expressway through the FTI property.

Earlier, ALI had won the bid for the FTI property with an offer of P24.33 billion or more than double the base price of P10.25 billion, an impressive haul for government that will redound to funding the social infrastructure that complements the building of roads, bridges, and tollways.

Equitable and inclusive growth is at the core of the Aquino administration’s economic model. We believe this is achievable only through a steady and mutually beneficial partnership between both the public and private sectors. The sale of the FTI property to one of the country’s largest real estate developers shows that the relationship between government and business is flourishing and will continue to grow.

On the Merchandise Export Performance for September 2012

Philippine export earnings rallied in September expanding by 22.8% to $4.784 billion from $3.897 in September 2011 and growing at the fastest pace to date this year. According to the National Statistics Office, growth was “brought about by the increase in value of shipments of tuna, metal components, fresh bananas, and woodcrafts and furniture.” September’s figure also shows a sharp rebound compared to the 9% decline in August. Other exports that recorded year-on-year gains are ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircrafts, and ships, petroleum products, coconut oil, and electronic products.

Japan remains the biggest destination for Philippine exports followed by the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China. Among Southeast Asian nations, Singapore and Thailand register among the country’s top ten export markets.

The export performance for September is promising and shows a healthy demand for our products and merchandise. Amidst concerns of a global economic slowdown, Philippine exports for this year have remained resilient, underscored by positive growth in cumulative merchandise exports for the first nine months of the year which recorded an increase of 7.2% to $40.067 billion from $37.376 billion posted in the same period in 2011.(Press Release)

World’s largest floating book fair now in Subic

The world’s largest floating book fair, announces its 2nd visit to Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines, from Nov. 20 to Dec. 02, 2012. It's first visit to Subic was on March 16 to April 8, this year. The purpose of the visit is to bring knowledge, help and hope for visiting children , adults and professionals. Books will be made available at nominal cost. Cultural programs participated in by its volunteering crew members from various countries await school children. Visiting hours are from 02:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday except on Monday. Entrance fee is P10 each for both adult and children. The ship is open to the general public, most especially school children and their teachers.

As part of a non-profit educational charity, Logos Hope carries the world largest floating book fair – over 5,000 titles of literature is available for visitors. Logos Hope’s unique crew is united in wanting to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. Around 45 different nationalities are represented in the crew of 400, and all are without remuneration; even the Captain is not paid.

Logos Hope is the sister ship of Doulos, which was in Subic Bay in her last visit in December 2007, and welcomed more than 60,000 visitors in 18 days on board the ship.

This new vessel called Logos Hope is twice as big as any previous GBA ships; and provides a wider range of possibilities for visitors as well as better facilities for crew and staff.

For your local transport requirements from Clark, contact DNS Shuttle Svc., Mobile 0916-644-9349 / 0923-659-0368 (bus); T-Des Transport, Mobile 0915-597-1579 (vans) - both DOT accredited transport operators. Or try the Scandanavian Buffet at Casablanca Hotel on Nov. 24 @ P500 / person. Call them at Tel. No. (63 47) 252 - 1996 Attn: Kristina Dy or Mobile 0908 - 136 - 3611 / 0905 - 575 - 1797.

For your tour itinerary, please contact SBMA Tourism Department, 2/F Subic Bay Convention Center, Efficiency St., Subic Bay Gateway Park, SBFZ, Tel. No. (63 47) 252-4655 / 4362 / 4242 / 4149 Fax (63 47) 252-4194 Attn: Ms. Nida Rojo Email adin_ojor@yahoo.com.

Among the places of interest to go to while in Subic include: Brent Intl School (prior arrangement required), Subic Techno Park, Subic Bay Intl Airport, Triboa Bay Apec Villas, Subic Bay Nature Park, Ammunition Bunkers, Bat Viewing, Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, TreeTop Adventure, plus shopping at Ayala Mall or duty-free shopping as well.(Press Release)

Roxas relieves PNP chiefs in Zamboanga del Sur, Pagadian City over Aman Futures scam

MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today relieved Zamboanga del Sur Provincial PNP Director Senior Superintendent William T. Manzan and Pagadian City Chief of Police Superintendent Kenneth H. Mission in connection with the Aman Futures investment scam that victimized thousands in the province and parts of Mindanao.

Roxas said this is meant to avoid chances of whitewash in the ongoing police investigation into the latest “get-rich-quick” scheme that has reportedly duped some 15,000 individuals into investing about P12 billion of their hard-earned money.

The DILG chief also said Manzan and Mission were suspended for their supposed negligence in stopping Aman Futures early on in their operations.

“This scam has been perpetrated beginning as early as February this year and there have been very loud indicators that this scam was happening. People were lining up as early as 2:00 in the morning to try to get in the premises of Aman,” he said.

“The fact that there was no report that filtered up from the City PNP to the province to the region all the way to headquarters indicates, at the very least, negligence or laziness,” Roxas added.

Roxas said apart from Manzan and Mission, 21 other PNP officers who reportedly invested in Aman were recalled back to camp. He said this is to ensure that they do not use their authority to exact revenge against Aman Futures and its representatives.

Roxas also said the DILG has requested treasurers of local government units in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur to submit their respective LGU bank balances for examination. This is to verify reports that public funds may have been used to invest in Aman.

The government is conducting a manhunt for the officials of Aman, including its president, Manuel K. Amalilio and Fernando “Nonoy” R. Luna, head of the Aman operations in Pagadian City.

Aman Futures was able to lure investors, mostly in Pagadian City, by offering a 30-percent to 40-percent return on investment within eight days, and a 50-percent to 80-percent profit for 18 to 20 days.

Aman Futures claimed that the profit would come from a customer agreement with Malaysian brokerage firm Okachi (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. that in turn engages in futures trading of commodities such as oil, manganese, palm oil and nickel.

At first, the victims could receive cash by just showing their official receipts. But later, investors were issued post-dated checks with a 50-day maturity date in lieu of cash. Investors started to panic when the Aman office in Pagadian closed last September 26.(Press Release)