Sustainable source of income for poor families

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ties up with Rags2Riches, (R2R) Inc., to train selected beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Caloocan, Tondo and Quezon City on rug weaving as part of its effort to provide sustainable source of income for poor families and uplift their conditions in the society.

The DSWD and Rags2Riches has signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) dubbed as "Paghahabi Para sa Pantawid Pamilya Project" which coincides with DSWD's celebration of its 62nd Anniversary.

The agreement was set to run for one year focusing on enhancing the skills of some 25 4Ps beneficiaries in weaving and sewing.

It aims to eventually lead them to be suppliers of Rags2Riches merchandise to make them self-sufficient, productive, and with sustainable growth in income.

"The DSWD is committed to help 4Ps beneficiaries become self-reliant by enhancing their skills in livelihood enterprises," DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

Under the project, participants will undergo four-day training on weaving. Then, they will start receiving job orders from R2R and eventually, they will be tapped as regular suppliers of the company.

On the other hand, Secretary Soliman said that beneficiaries who have skills in sewing may be employed by R2R while the products that they created can be purchased by the sewing company and become part of their merchandise.

Secretary Soliman emphasized that the project is part of the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) which ensures the sustainability of the beneficiaries' income even after they graduate from the 4P's"

The SLP is a community-based capacity building program that seeks to improve the program participants' socio-economic status. It equips program participants to actively contribute to production and labor markets by looking at available resources and accessible markets. It relies on multi-stakeholder partnerships and participatory community planning, implementation and monitoring.

Contributions of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledged the contributions of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in nation building as the agency celebrated Tuesday its 40th anniversary.

The Philippine economy is growing, the President said in his message during the celebration held at NEDA's head office in Pasig City.

The chief executive said that while the economy grows, NEDA must strive hard to attain sustainable and broad-based growth for the benefit of the Filipinos.

"We have much left to do, and NEDA will become an even more important partner in the years ahead. If we want to be sure that our efforts will yield the best results, our next moves must be calculated," he said.

"We are counting on you. Today, I am asking each one of you to strive for even better performance of your duties,"

To sustain this growth, the government must continue its efforts to level the playing field, weed out corruption, and step up the country's competitiveness in the global market.

The government will also continue to invest in human capital through education, health, and social services, he said adding the administration also identified key sectors for growth and have put in place initiatives that will facilitate growth.

The President said he is glad NEDA is truly dedicated to fulfilling its mandate and serving the people not based on political convenience or self-aggrandizement.

This is the reason why in 2010, NEDA translated the administration's commitments in its Social Contract with the Filipino People into specific strategies and programs.

NEDA formulated the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, which set the administration's goals of achieving inclusive growth, creating employment opportunities, and reducing poverty, as well as the strategies it employs to realize important goals, the President said.

Reproductive Health law advocate Carlos Celdran

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said Tuesday it is respecting the conviction by a Manila City Metropolitan Trial Court on tour guide and Reproductive Health law advocate Carlos Celdran.

"For me the Court has spoken and we respect the Court. On our part, even long before we have forgiven him so whatever the Court decides we respect it," said CBCP President Archbishop Jose Palma in a Church-run forum in Manila Tuesday.

However, the Cebu prelate said he has not read the copy of MCMTC Branch 4 Judge Juan Bermejo decision as they have been preoccupied with the just concluded 106th Plenary Assembly at the Pope Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila.

He noted that they have forgiven Celdran even before the decision on the case filed Manila Cathedral rector Monsignor Nestor Cerbo came out.

"We respect the processes of the court and more than anything else love should prevail and we have already learned our lesson in the process. Respect should be given to every religion, respect the place and above all we should pray," Palma added.

He said the incident with the Manila tour guide was also a learning experience about respect.

On Monday, the Manila court found Celdran guilty of offending religious feelings which is covered by the Revised Penal Code Sec. 4 Art. 133.

Economic Success of the Philippines

The Philippines could fully succeed economically in the future if there is national unity and every Filipino makes individual commitments, President Benigno S. Aquino III said during the 40th anniversary celebration of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday.

The President, who arrived last weekend from attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Switzerland, recounted his experiences while in the European country.

There is a disparity in terms of the number of people between the Philippines and Switzerland, he said, noting that the latter even had to deal with a more hostile environment.

But despite the challenges, he said Switzerland has become a very rich country after striving hard to maximize the effects of its comparative advantage particularly in finance.

"Simple lang ---talagang mapaparating tayo sa paroroonan natin kung lahat tayo kumakayod at humahatak tungo sa isang direksyon, kung ibibigay natin ang kaya natin. Kung lalampasan natin ang akala nating kaya natin ay baka naman mapadali ang parating natin doon," the President said in his speech.

The use of timely and accurate government data is also important so that economic managers can formulate the right strategy and decision for the national good, he said.

"May kasabihan sa mahilig sa computer, 'Garbage in, garbage out.' Kapag mali ang datos, o hindi naaangkop ang lunas, lalong maaantala ang desisyon," he said.

The country also changed a lot since the administration took office more than two years ago, he said. Today, foreign investors are scrambling to put their businesses here. Several years ago, the Philippines wasn't even in their radar, the President said.

World Economic Forum

President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Sunday, fresh from his successful attendance to the World Economic Forum that was held in Davos, Switzerland from January 23 to 26.

The President's chartered Philippine Air Lines flight PR001 touched down at the NAIA tarmac at around 2:20 in the afternoon

Welcoming the President back were Vice President Jejomar Binay and Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

In his speech, the President expressed gladness at coming back to the warmer climate of the Philippines, saying the last time he had ever experienced below zero temperature was 30 years ago.

"Biruin po ninyo, mahigit tatlumpung taon na mula nang huli akong nakaranas ng winter, at talaga namang halos hindi makilala ang ating buong delegasyon sa sobrang pagkakabalot dahil sa ginaw. Siguro po ay matagal-tagal muling mapapahinga sa loob ng aparador ang guwantes, scarf, at overcoat na binaon natin sa ating pagbiyahe," the President said.

He then mentioned the achievements of his trip such as meeting with WEF founder and chief Professor Klaus Schwab and International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, keynoting the anti-corruption forum where he detailed programs to end corruption the country has adapted and inviting international business leaders meeting to invest in the Philippines.

"Dito po, nakita natin na napakarami talagang gustong sumakay sa pag-arangkada ng ating ekonomiya. Saksi po sila—Hindi tayo napako sa mga pangakong hatid ng agenda ng reporma. Ang mga kumpanyang matagal nang narito, ay magpapalawak ng kanilang operasyon, at niyaya ang mga kumpanyang Pilipinong sumali sa joint venture, hindi lang sa Pilipinas, kundi pati na rin sa ibang bansa," the President said.

"Hindi rin po nagkulang ang mga bagong kumpanyang nagpahayag ng interes tumungo sa Pilipinas upang humanap ng angkop na negosyo. Pinuri po nilang lahat ang pangmatagalang istratehiya natin ng pamumuhunan sa ating mamamayan -- sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, kalusugan, at iba pang serbisyong panlipunan. Mula po sa mga kumpanyang nakatutok sa edukasyon at imprastruktura, hanggang sa retail at information technology, at marami pang iba-- lahat sila, pumipila at nakikipag-ugnayan na sa atin; nakikita nila ang bagong mukha ng Pilipinas, at nagugustuhan nila ito," he added.

The President also mentioned the warm welcome he and his delegation received from the overseas Filipino workers from Switzerland and nearby Lichtenstein whom he said embodied the true spirit of "bayanihan" and selflessness for other Filipinos.

"Ang ikinatutuwa ko nga po, saan mang panig ng mundo man tayo mapadpad, ganoon pa rin ang ipinapakitang mabubuting katangian ng Pilipino: Palaging may handang ngiti, palaging nag-uumapaw sa malasakit ang puso, at palaging handang makipag-bayanihan upang iangat ang kanilang kapwa," the President said.

Successful attendance to the World Economic Forum

President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Sunday, fresh from his successful attendance to the World Economic Forum that was held in Davos, Switzerland from January 23 to 26.

The President's chartered Philippine Air Lines flight PR001 touched down at the NAIA tarmac at around 2:20 in the afternoon

Welcoming the President back were Vice President Jejomar Binay and Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

In his speech, the President expressed gladness at coming back to the warmer climate of the Philippines, saying the last time he had ever experienced below zero temperature was 30 years ago.

"Biruin po ninyo, mahigit tatlumpung taon na mula nang huli akong nakaranas ng winter, at talaga namang halos hindi makilala ang ating buong delegasyon sa sobrang pagkakabalot dahil sa ginaw. Siguro po ay matagal-tagal muling mapapahinga sa loob ng aparador ang guwantes, scarf, at overcoat na binaon natin sa ating pagbiyahe," the President said.

He then mentioned the achievements of his trip such as meeting with WEF founder and chief Professor Klaus Schwab and International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, keynoting the anti-corruption forum where he detailed programs to end corruption the country has adapted and inviting international business leaders meeting to invest in the Philippines.

"Dito po, nakita natin na napakarami talagang gustong sumakay sa pag-arangkada ng ating ekonomiya. Saksi po sila—Hindi tayo napako sa mga pangakong hatid ng agenda ng reporma. Ang mga kumpanyang matagal nang narito, ay magpapalawak ng kanilang operasyon, at niyaya ang mga kumpanyang Pilipinong sumali sa joint venture, hindi lang sa Pilipinas, kundi pati na rin sa ibang bansa," the President said.

"Hindi rin po nagkulang ang mga bagong kumpanyang nagpahayag ng interes tumungo sa Pilipinas upang humanap ng angkop na negosyo. Pinuri po nilang lahat ang pangmatagalang istratehiya natin ng pamumuhunan sa ating mamamayan -- sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, kalusugan, at iba pang serbisyong panlipunan. Mula po sa mga kumpanyang nakatutok sa edukasyon at imprastruktura, hanggang sa retail at information technology, at marami pang iba-- lahat sila, pumipila at nakikipag-ugnayan na sa atin; nakikita nila ang bagong mukha ng Pilipinas, at nagugustuhan nila ito," he added.

Case against Robert Blair Carabuena

The traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who was verbally assaulted and slapped by a tobacco executive last year said he was saddened by the decision of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) junking the request of the agency to revoke the abusive driver's license.

But Saturnino Fabros is still hoping that the LTO would hear their side on the case against Robert Blair Carabuena, adding that the MMDA has already filed a motion for reconsideration on the decision.

"Sa tingin ko sana po hindi na s'ya pinagbigyan kasi ang nangyari sa akin, hanggang ngayon natatakot pa din ako na baka muli n'ya akong madaanan (For me, he should not have been given another chance as I still fear that he could again see me on duty)," Fabros said.

He said the fear he feels is not only for himself but for all his colleagues manning traffic.

For his part, MMDA Assistant General Manager Emerson Carlos urged Fabros not to lose hope assuring that the agency will continue its effort to reverse the LTO decision by filing the motion for reconsideration.

"Tuloy lang natin ang trabaho at wag panghihinaan ng loob sa LTO decision na ito," Carlos said.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino expressed surprise at the LTO's dismissal of their request against Carabuena saying that he has done was a clear disregard of authority.

USJR Scandal: Download Free USJR Scandal

People have been asking where to download free the USJR Video Scandal in Cebu. USJR is a university in Cebu City run by a Roman Catholic denomination. One of USJR students got caught in a video scandal involving another male student from another university in Cebu. The two were making love inside a hotel or wherever. The guy made a video out of it. While the guy was drinking in a bar, he left his phone. Someone picked up his phone and found the USJR scandal video.

Then the unethical guy who found the USJR video scandal uploaded the file in one of the websites or was it on Facebook. Then the video goes viral. The Internet is full of curious people. So many Filipinos want to see the video. Why do they want to see a video that is very private thing? Why are people so eager to watch and download the USJR video scandal?

Why?

Records of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)

Cebu still holds the biggest voting population among the provinces at 2.5 million, records of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

Comelec Regional Director 7 Temie Lambino said the registered voters in Cebu reached 2,509,520, including the highly-urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue.

Almost 100,000 voters were added in the province during the registration last year, Lambino said.

Cebu had 2.4 million registered voters in the May 2010 elections.

"Cebu remains the number one richest voting population in the entire Philippines," Lambino said.

Lambino said this could be the reason politicians often visit Cebu during the election season.

Cebu Provincial Comelec Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano said people from the provinces in Central Visayas and Mindanao come to Cebu because it is more accessible when seeking economic opportunities than Manila.

He said there are more migrants who often come to look for jobs and business opportunities in Cebu.

"Many local government units require those asking for business permit to be a registered voter," Castillano said.

He said Cebu is densely populated, and 50 to 60 percent of the 4.5 million people are registered voters.

The number of voters in Cebu reached more than half of the total registered voters in the Central Visayas, which is 4,114,061.

It increased three percent compared to the three million registered voters in the region in the past elections.

Based on the records of Comelec 7, Bohol has 775,785 voters. Negros Oriental has 763,938, while Siquijor has 64,818, the province with the least voting population.

Farmers’ Cooperatives from Negros Occidental

The government has started rolling out a P1-billion loan facility for agrarian reform beneficiaries, with a farmers' cooperatives from Negros Occidental getting the privilege of being the first group to get approval for P30-million credit line for sugarcane production projects.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Monday reported that the Negros Island Savings and Credit Cooperative (NISCO) became the first beneficiary of the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), a joint undertaking of DAR, DA and the Land Bank of the Philippine.

The program provides for a P1 billion-fund to support credit requirements of agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide. Of the total amount, P300 million shall be allocated to the province of Negros Occidental.

According to the DAR, an initial amount of P1.77 million was already released last January 11 to finance 29.55 hectares of sugarcane farms being cultivated and managed by 26 member-beneficiaries of NISCO.

The farmers' cooperatives is headed by its chairman, Joel Palma, and composed of agrarian reform beneficiaries who are members of the Task Force Mapalad.

The DAR explained that the P1-billion credit facility aims to ensure sustainable production of crops and increase income of the program recipients by providing them with other support services such as marketing, crop insurance and farm facilities.

Likewise, it seeks to strengthen the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) and improve the capabilities of ARBs through the provisions of institutional capability building assistance through the DAR and technical assistance for agricultural production management through the DA.

Aside from Chairman Palma, signatories in the loan agreement were NISCO's vice-chairman Ronel Cañal, and Land Bank Lending Center head, Jeffrey Maningo. Also present at the signing ceremony were Marjorie Pontino, the coop secretary; Katherine Toleco, the coop bookkeeper; and Syvel Nobleza, the coop loan officer.

Maningo expressed optimism that the NISCO would make use of the initial fund release to ensure that the land awarded to the farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) would remain productive.

Last January 15, 2013, the DAR and the DA announced that the national government has allocated P1 billion for agricultural insurance coverage of at least 224,036 agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide.

According to the DAR, the P1-billion Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries-Agricultural Insurance Program (ARB-AIP) will be implemented in partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to ensure the productivity of lands awarded to farmers under CARP.

The program aims to protect agrarian reform beneficiaries against losses due to pest and disease infestations, natural calamities and extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change.

This is consistent with the integrated support services interventions provided by the national government to agrarian reform beneficiaries.