PGMA endorses Senator Miriam's UN-ICJ candidacy
NEW YORK CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo endorsed today Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's candidacy to the United Nation's International Court of Justice (UN-ICJ) presidency in a reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in New York at the UN Headquarters here.
The reception was attended by UN permanent representatives of member nations.
In her message where she openly campaigned for Senator Santiago's candidacy, the President said '' the Philippines is truly a child of the values and aspirations of the UN.''
The President added: ''Everyday, we work to lift ourselves and the world, to serve humankind and bring social justice, gender equality and human dignity to our people and the world.''
She said the Philippines is the largest provider of UN policemen and women, sends peacekeepers to troubled spots, and fully embraces the multilateral system in law, diplomacy and trade.
She added that with the support of the UN, the Philippines' initiated interfaith dialogue in achieving peace, especially in Mindanao, is working quite well.
All of these values, the President said, could very well be represented by Senator Santiago.
''No one represents these values better than Senator Miriam Defensor- Santiago, whom the Philippine National Group has nominated for a seat in the UN-ICJ,'' the President said.
''Senator Santiago is independent, tough-minded and well-qualified. She would serve as an example of effective gender mainstreaming, particularly in a position of leadership. Senator Santiago will do justice to the interest of justice across the globe,'' the President added.
The President then thanked the permanent representatives who were present ''for your support to the Philippines.''
PGMA visits the ‘Big Board,’ witnesses MOU signing between NYSE and PSE
NEW YORK CITY -- Thursday, June 26 --- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited today the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the ''Big Board'' and witnessed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between the world's largest stock exchange, on one hand, and Southeast Asia's oldest stock exchange, on the other hand.
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Euronext Chief Operating Officer Duncan Niederauer and Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Chair retired Supreme Court associate justice Jose Vitug signed the MOU that would hasten the transformation of the PSE into a premier world stock exchange as the agreement allows PSE to purchase new trading system technology from NYSE and its affiliates.
In a broader perspective, the MOU establishes cooperation between the exchange companies to explore opportunities in trading system,architecture, technology,exchange traded products,market participation connectivity and market data management.
Trade Secretary Peter Favila said the MOU, in the long run, would pave the way for the NYSE to put equities at the PSE.
At the same time, PSE's access to funds would be easier.
''We welcome the opportunity to partner with Chairman Vitug and his colleagues. We are committed to the success of the alliance which will benefit and create growth opportunities for both markets and their respective customers,'' Niederauer said.
''This historic MOU will provide us a common base to explore together a whole new frontier of opportunities, from which we can reenergize our markets for future waves of growth,'' Vitug said.
PSE President and CEO Francis Lim said: ''Each possible area of mutual cooperation identified in the MOU will hopefully serve as a guide in pursuing definitive agreements in the future.''
He added that the common goal of both companies is to provide investors worldwide protection and operating fair, orderly and efficient markets.
The NYSE is the largest stock exchange in the world by dollar volume and with 2,764 listed securities, has the second most securities of all stock exchanges.
PGMA made honored member of Women Divers Hall of Fame
NEW YORK CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was elected today as an honored member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of marine conservation.
WDHOF ranking officials led by its founder Dr. Hillary Viders and its president Martha Watkins Gilkes presented the President a membership plaque during a meeting with the Filipino community who came all the way from various parts of the United States Thursday at the Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel here.
“As a scuba diver and a world leader, President Arroyo recognizes that a healthy marine environment is the foundation of a stable, productive society that can develop in a sustainable manner,” Viders said.
Viders pointed out that the President has made an unprecedented strides to protect coral reefs throughout South Asia’s Coral Triangle.
She said that President Macapagal-Arroyo has enacted a national conservation policy to protect the Philippines’ unique and rich marine resources.
According to Viders, the President has likewise enacted in January 2005 a legislation declaring the second week of January of each year as the “Best Dives Philippines Week” promoting scuba diving with an emphasis on protection and conservation of the country’s underwater marine resources.
At the same time, Viders noted that the President also signed Proclamation No. 1512 in May 2008, proclaiming the Month of June of every year as “Celebrate the Sea Month.”
Viders described these proclamation as “truly a milestone” adding that this is the first time that nation of more than 80 million people has been called upon to celebrate the sea by its president.
WDHOF is an international non-profit professional honor society that recognizes the top women divers in every area of diving: arts, science, medicine, sports, exploration, maritime archeology, media, service, dive training and education, safety, business, marine environment and conservation, free diving, commercial diving, and military diving.
Founded in year 2000, WDHOF has 150 members from 30 U.S. states and territories and 13 countries worldwide.
Obama calls PGMA over the phone
NEW YORK CITY, June 26 -- The meeting between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barrack Obama may not have materialized but they did have a few minutes of pleasant conversation over the phone mid-afternoon today Thursday.
Obama made the call at about 3 p.m. today while the President was in her presidential suite at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel here.
The meeting was supposed to take place today in Washington but because ''the two of them had to be in different places at the same time, there was no opportunity for a personal visit,'' Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said in late night press briefing here.
Obama was reportedly in Washington today with the Clintons while the President was here in New York to meet with possible investors and businesses already operating in the Philippines for expansion projects.
''The President was in high spirits after the call,'' Dureza said.
''I think from the assessment from the Obama camp, it would be better that a phone call be made rather than the President shuttling to and from New York and Washington.
Substantially, Obama welcomed the President's visit to the US, ''recognizing the shared values that we have with the US,'' Dureza said.
Obama, a strong supporter of the Veterans Equity bill, was aware that the President was pushing for its passage.
The Democratic presidentiable also expressed concern and sympathy over the typhoon Frank tragedy.
Dureza however made an assurance that the meeting between the President and Republican Presidential candidate John McCain would push through as scheduled on Saturday, June 28, Washington time, before the President flies back to Manila.
PGMA orders insecticide sealed off and search & rescue/retrieval operation suspended
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the sealing-off of a 40-foot container van filled with highly-toxic insecticide inside the cargo hold of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars to prevent any contamination of rescuers and nearby fishing communities.
The Presidential directive was revealed by Deputy Presidential Spokesman Antonio Golez in an interview over Radio Station DZBB this morning.
Golez – who further revealed that the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) had decided to suspend the Search and Rescue/Retrieval (SAR) operations -- added that President Arroyo also wants the container van retrieved so as to prevent any spill that poses grave danger to rescuers and possibly cause a fish kill:
“… Si Presidente Arroyo ay nag-utos na sa ating mga iba’t-ibang kawani ng gobyerno to make sure that the area is going to be contained (so that) the contamination (if any) will not be spread.”
“And hopefully na ma-retrieve iyong 40-foot container na iyan dahil naka-selyado na iyan. So ma-retrieve iyan para hindi na kumalat pa nag peligro na mukhang hinaharap natin ngayon,” concluded Golez.
Golez -- who is also NDCC chief executive officer – said the SAR shall remain suspended until such time that the toxic cargo is finally retrieved.
“Pinatigil na po ang search and rescue operations para dito sa MV Princess of the Stars… Dahil nalaman lang natin kahapon na ang MV Princess of the Stars mayroon palang kargamento na nagko-contain ng isang 40-foot container na… insecticide.
“Ito pong insecticide na ito is highly toxic sa atin, sa mga tao at saka sa mga isda… Dapat itigil muna nila iyong kanilang ginagawang search and rescue… Huwag munang mag-dive sa ilalim,” said medical doctor Golez who added that the container has not yet been located.
The insecticide-filled container inside the ill-fated ship’s cargo hold was not declared by Sulpicio Lines to authorities conducting the SAR, lamented Golez who said the NDCC found out about the cargo only from a letter of the Pesticide and Fertilizer Authority (FPA) to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).
Golez said the grave omission by ship owner Sulpicio Lines is another ground to ground the remiss shipping line.
“Isa po iyan sa tinitingnan namin na talagang kakasuhan natin ang management ng Sulpicio Lines because they withheld that information. Isang lingo nap o na hindi sinasabi sa atin na mayroon ganyang klaseng kargamento,” warned the NDCC executive director.
Filipino Equity Bill a ‘done deal’ in US Congress after PGMA’s appeal
WASHINGTON, DC --June 26 (via PLDT) -- Their heroic battlefield exploits under the service of the Stars and Stripes ended 62 years ago with the victory of the Allied Forces against the Japanese Imperial Army in the Far East, but for Filipino World War II veterans, the struggle-- albeit, in another front -- continues.
Only the war zones have shifted from Bataan, Tarlac, Bukidnon, Bicol and other blood-soaked WWII battlegrounds in the Philippines to the ornate halls of the US Congress, where the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 is fighting its own kind of battle.
The VBEA, which incorporates the Filipino Equity Bill, seeks to expand the health, education housing and pension benefits of US veterans.
The bill also provides for a special monthly $300 non-service disability to surviving members of the the Philippine Scouts and United States Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) living in the Philippines.
Under the legislative measure, Filipino veterans living in the United States would receive the same monthly pension as WWII US veterans ranging from $900 to $1,400.
The US Senate had voted in favor of the Veterans' Equity Bill by an overwhelming number of 96-1, but the legislative proposal has yet to hurdle the obstacle course at the US House of Representatives, where its fate hangs on the endorsement of 72 more US congressmen.
The latest count of "yes" votes for the bill stands at 218, or 72 short of the required two-thirds vote of the House.
But now, at last, support for the bill is gaining momentum. California Rep. Bob Filner, who, along with Rep. Darrel Issa and other friends of the Philippines, is shepherding the bill in the House of Representative, has expressed confidence that the proposal would hurdle the legislative gauntlet this year.
In a moving appeal for equity for the Filipino veterans, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the US Congress during her visit here this week to finally approve the legislative proposal, saying it is not "too late to honor the service of our fathers - American and Philippine - who fought for American and believed in the promise of American."
In her address at the reception of the Philippine-US Friendship Caucus, and the Filipino community in Washington DC, the President reminded Americans of the heroism of the Filipino soldiers in World War II. "Filipinos served as US soldiers, fought side by side with Americans, and died under the banner of the Stars and Stripes.
"They suffered through some of the most brutal acts of World War II, including the notorious Bataan Death March. Yet, they prevailed, and together we vanquished the enemy and brought freedom and human dignity back to Asia and the world."
The President pointed out that for as long as the full measure of the Filipino soldier's sacrifice alongside his American comrade is not recognized by way of the approval of the veterans equity bill, so long will the history US-Philippine alliance remain incomplete.
She thanked the leaders and members of the Philippine Caucus for leading the movement in the US Congress to give justice to the Filipino veterans of the last war.
"It is time we honor the past as we build for the future. Equity for the Philippine Veterans of World War II is within our grasp. We thank you for keeping the faith. We hope we can find a way to set history on its proper course and do justice to the greatest generation," she said.
The Philippine-US Friendship Caucus was officially launched here on Feb. 12, 2003 with bipartisan members of the US House of Representatives. The Caucus was initiated by eight US congressmen who wrote a letter in 2002 to the House of Representatives underscoring the "historically close and special relations" between the Philippines and the US.
"The Philippines has had a historically close and special relations with the United States and has become (the US') closest active Asian ally in the war on terrorism," the Caucus members said in their "Dear Colleague" letter.
PGMA trip to New York: Advances RP economic and investment opportunities
NEW YORK CITY---President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo starts her campaign here to advance economic and investment opportunities in the Philippines that would create more new jobs and sustain economic growth.
Day One in New York, the President had several business meetings with ''Manhattan-based corporations to expand their investments in and trade with the Philippines and to add new jobs,'' the President said in her statement at the reception of the Filipino community here at the Hilton Hotel.
''During our trip, we are advancing key issues that impact on the Philippines, particularly during this time of global economic uncertainty, ''the President said.
This morning, the President met with Vikas Kapoor of IQor, witnessed the signing of an agreement between Clark Freeport Zone and Berthaphil, and the memorandum of agreement between the New York Stock Exchange and the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Then she would also meet with officials of Libbys Fruits, Rotec, Target Sourcing, APAC and Citi Group.
Trade Secretary Peter Favila said Berthaphil, a business outsourcing company located at the Clark Freeport Zone agreed to support efforts to create the secondary development of the information technology after the primary infrastructures are in place.
''We told them to put up the facilities similar to Eastwood Cityin Libis so in the evening, these employees would have a place to eat and listen to music or what have you, ''Favila said.
IQor, also a BPO company, would be expanding its 1,400 seats with another 800 seats while Libby's Fruits would be on canned pineapples from Camarines Sur.
Libby's Fruits specializes in canned tropical fruits such as pineapple juice, canned guavas, red and yellow papaya, sliced mangoes, mandarin orange, among others.
''Libby's went to Camarines Sur for canned pineapples. I will help them initially through the National Development Corp. and then have an exit mechanism and get them some private local partners,' Favila said.
Target Sourcing , a provider of high-quality, trend-right merchandise at an outstanding value for more than a thousand outlets, would want to get Philippine products for their outlets.
''It is more on trade--we will be selling to them our items,'' Favila said.
Rotec, on the other hand, is an Australian-based company but has a design center at Silicon Valley. It is a world leader in the design and development of highly-efficient diesel engine technology.
Favila said the Philippines is inviting Rotec to put up their facilities in the country.
COGEO congratulates PGMA for fruitful 10-day trip to U.S.
THE Confederation of Government Employees Organizations (COGEO) headed by Atty. Jesus I. Santos congratulated today President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her fruitful 10-day working visit to San Francisco, Washington and New York.
The two-million strong government workers’ confederation at the same time greeted the First Gentleman, Atty. Jose Miguel T. Arroyo, who accompanied the President in her successful trip to the U.S., a happy birthday anniversary today.
To show her concern for the people, Atty. Santos said, the President will come to the succor of typhoon Frank’s victims immediately upon her arrival in Manila early Monday morning.
Santos said, the President who is scheduled to arrive via Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino Int’l Airport at around 4:30 a.m. is expected to cross over to the PAF headquarters at Villamor Air Base to send off plane-loads of relief goods to the typhoon’s victims.
Atty. Santos said among the President’s accomplishments in her US trip follows:
1. Discussed with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates bilateral military cooperation between the two countries even beyond 2010, particularly the possible expansion of U.S. military assistance and training to help RP fulfill its defense reform program.
2. Courted American business leaders to invest in the Philippines or expand their existing investments.
3. Sealing of agreement between RP and US on food security in the next five years where the US pledged $218 M in grants and loans to RP.
4. President Arroyo and President Bush during their bilateral talks reaffirmed strong RP-US ties, cooperation on food security, defense and economic development.
5. Powerful RP-US Friendship Caucus, a group of US solons friendly to Filipinos, assured President Arroyo of veterans equity bill passage where WWII Filipino vets living in RP would get $300 monthly pension while Filipino vets living in the US will get the same amount US vets are entitled to ($900 to $1,400) pension.
6. Memorandum of Agreement signing between the New York Stock Exchange and the Philippine Stock Exchange that would hasten the transformation of the PSE into a premier world stock exchange.
PGMA thanks U.S. gov’t and citizens for their assistance to victims of typhoon ‘Frank’
NEW YORK CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today expressed her profound thanks to the United States government and the American people including the Filipino-Americans for their immediate assistance to the victims and families of the super Typhoon “Frank” that hit the country recently and the ferry disaster.
“The US was one of the first nations to offer assistance because we are such strong, dependable allies of each other,” the Chief Executive said in her speech before members of the Filipino community from various parts of the United States who were present during a meeting with them Thursday at the Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel here.
The President said the US government immediately sent to the Philippines the USNS Stockham, two helicopters, a P-3 maritime surveillance aircraft, and a U.S. navy divers to assist in the rescue and recovery operations at the height of the super howler in the country.
She said that the US government likewise sent the newest and largest Nimitz aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan plus the cruiser USS Chancellorsville, the destroyers USS Decatur, USS Gridley, and USS Howard, the frigate USS Thatch, and other supporting vessels including the aircraft on top of the carrier mainly to “assist in transporting cargo, aerial damage assessment, search-and-rescue, production and delivery of potable water, medical assistance and machinery repair.”
“That is what a good ally does,” the President stressed.
Saying that the Philippine-US relationship is strong, growing and mature, President Macapagal-Arroyo noted that there are now four million Americans of Filipino descent and 250,000 US citizens who live and work in the country.
At a time of global tensions and economic uncertainty, the President emphasized that the ”two countries “remain steadfast allies and friends.”
“Strengthening relations between the Philippines and the world, especially the U.S. is a central pillar of our strategy for economic growth and political stability,” the President said adding that the “strong economy that we are building today is helping us meet the challenges of the global surge in the price of fuel and food.”
During her speech, the President reported that as of 6 pm of June 26, 2008, Manila time, the total number of affected population is 600,000 families in 4,000 barangays, 380 municipalities and cities in 45 provinces of Ilocos, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Mimaropa, Bicol, Visayas, Northern, Southern and Central Mindanao, the National Capital Region, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Caraga Region.
Spared by the typhoon are Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and Western Mindanao.
The President gave all assurances that the government is doing everything to aid in the clean-up, provide disaster relief and bring comfort to the families of the victims.
“We are also holding the ferry company accountable to ensure that “we find out how this ferry tragedy could have occurred/ so that we can take steps to make sure it never happens again,” the President concluded.
NDCC confirms presence of pesticide in the sunken M/V Princess of the Stars
THE National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) today confirmed the presence of 10 metric tons of endosulfan in the sunken M/V Princess of the Stars.
Earlier, because of this discovery, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the sealing of a 40-foot container van filled with this insecticide. She also ordered that rescue/retrieval operations be suspended to prevent any contamination of rescuers.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque said Endosulfan is a restricted pesticide for use in pineapple plantations.
He said toxic levels and following ingestion it can cause death or affect the central nervous system manifesting as headache, dizziness, tremors and convulsions and may also include cardiovascular symptoms. Blood from exposed individuals can be tested to detect presence of the poison. Treatment is supportive.
He said when released in the environment, endosulfan enters the air, water and soil. It does not dissolve easily in water. Most of the chemical in surface water is attached to soil particles floating in the water or attached to soil at the bottom. The small amounts of endosulfan that dissolve in water break down over time. Depending on the conditions in the water, endosulfan may break down within 1 day or it may take several months. Some endosulfan in surface water evaporates into air and breaks down. Animals, like fishes, that live in endosulfan-contaminated waters can build up endosulfan in their bodies. The amount of endosulfan in their bodies can be several times greater than in the surrounding water.
Presently there are no observable signs of endosulfan contamination in and around the waters of the ship such as fish kills or divers getting sick.
Despite these, diving and recovery operations have been aborted. There are now efforts to assess exposures of divers and possible illness in case there was endosulfan exposure.
Fish and other marine life harvested from that area are now considered not fit for human consumption until complete tests indicate that there was no endosulfan contamination. DOH has set up disease surveillance to monitor other health effects of residents in the area.
P4.8-M relief goods released to typhoon victims
ILOILO CITY (27 June) – Through teleconferencing, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is being kept abreast on the status of the devastation of typhoon "Frank in the country and has ordered massive rescue, rehabilitation and relief operations.
As part of the massive relief and rehabilitation activities of government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 (DSWD 6) has already released a total of P4,830,941.86 worth of relief goods to the various local government units in Panay Island as part of its augmentation support for victims of typhoon "Frank."
Of the amount, the DSWD 6 reported that the province of Iloilo received P147,700.00 worth of relief goods in the form of family food packs that contained rice, noodles and canned foods.
On the other hand some P71,500 worth of relief goods went to the 1st district of the province of Iloilo; P1,613,804.00, 2nd district; P558,760, 3rd district; and P85,804, 5th district. Also, the city of Iloilo received P245,210.00 worth of family food packs and family packs of used clothing.
The province of Antique has also been released worth P360,300.00 of relief goods and its lone district some P22,000. A total of 1,200 sacks of rice worth P1,095,000.00 has been released to the province from the Philippine Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congressman Exequiel Javier.
According to the DSWD report, a total of P985,969.94 worth of relief goods and water jugs has also been released to the province of Aklan.
Some P165,000 worth of family packs went to the province of Capiz; P282,793.92 to its 1st district and P231,000 to its 2nd district.
Also, 350 sacks of rice worth P319,375 has been purchased for distribution from the PDAF of Congressman Miguel Zubiri and 574 sacks from the PDAF of Senator Ramon Revilla.
As of June 25, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council VI report indicates that 58,559 families or 304,578 persons are still in various evacuation centers in Western Visayas.
Nat'l gov't gives P7.3M to Capiz
By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY (27 June) -- The national government has already given some P7.3 million aid to Capiz.
Vice President Noli de Castro, together with top ranking national officials of the country, personally visited Capiz for a briefing on the extent of damage wrought by typhoon Frank.
De Castro personally turned over P500,000 financial assistance of the national government to Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr.
The financial assistance to the Capiceño victims came from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who was also with de Castro, announced that they have also brought to Capiz some P400,000 worth of drugs, medicines, purifying solutions and other health supplies.
On the other hand, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral has turned over to the province some P900,000 worth of relief goods, water jugs, and family clothing and family food packs.
Yesterday, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes personally handed over P5 million assistance to the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) General Manager Edgar Diaz, Gov. Tanco, and Congressman Antonio del Rosario.
Reyes was here to assess the impact of typhoon Frank on the electric power and to ensure immediate restoration of power supply in all the towns and city of Capiz by Sunday morning.
Capiz starts to recover from typhoon
By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY (27 June) -- The province of Capiz is starting to recover from the devastation wrought by typhoon Frank.
Capiz Governor Victor Tanco said that Capiz is now going back to normal as telecommunications facilities, business and power have started to be put in place.
Tanco said that with the support from the national government Capiceños are expected to recover soon from the effects of said typhoon that hardly hit Capiz.
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) chaired by Gov. Tanco continues its relief operation assistance to the 16 towns of Capiz.
Typhoon Frank affected more than 354,453 Capiceños covering some 64,095 families.
Senator Manuel A. Roxas yesterday brought to Capiz top ranking officials of the country, namely Vice President Noli de Castro, Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul N. Banias to personally bring the national support to Capiceños.
Aside from the immediate relief assistance from the national government, Capiceños urges the government to also support the rehabilitative aspects, particularly on agriculture and fishery as well as on the long-term plans to counter the perennial flooding problem in Capiz.
Meanwhile, De Castro disclosed that all the data of the PDCC must be presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Iloilo City on July 1 when she is scheduled to convene the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) there and to personally assess the damage wrought by typhoon Frank in Western Visayas.
Nat'l gov't aid reaches Capiceños; typhoon damages bared
By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY (27 June) -- Typhoon Frank has already claimed the lives of 24 Capiceños as of yesterday.
Reports from the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) of Capiz show that as of 5 o'clock of June 26, the province has already recorded 24 deaths with 136 injured persons and 10 missing individuals.
Accordingly, about 64,095 families composed of 354,453 persons were reportedly affected by typhoon Frank that hardly hit the province of Capiz.
On the other hand, the partial report on damage on fisheries reached more than P246.76 million covering more than 5,000 hectares, the same report showed.
The estimated partial damage on rice so far was recorded at more than 429.4 million from the 24,693 hectares, PDCC Action Officer Arnold Talabucon disclosed, adding that more than P95.15 million partial damage was also noted on corn.
On livestock, the damage was estimated at more than P15.24 million while the damage on infrastructure was also recorded at more than P680 million which includes buildings, roads and bridges, Talabucon said.
Aside from the lives of Capiceños that were claimed by typhoon Frank, the total partial estimated damage on agriculture, fishery and infrastructure already reached more than P1.45 billion.
Meanwhile, relief goods, financial assistance and other support services from the national government have already reached Capiceños after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo instructed the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to immediately respond to the needs of provinces that were hardly hit by typhoon Frank.
So far, the national government has already given some P7.3 million relief assistance to Capiz.
Yesterday, Vice President Noli De Castro has assured local government officials whose areas were affected by Typhoon "Frank" that the national government will assist them in coping with the damages wrought by the natural calamity.
De Castro was also accompanied by Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul N. Banias.
No disease outbreak in Capiz
By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY (27 June) -- There is no calamity-related disease outbreak in Capiz, says health officials.
Dr. Samuel Delfin, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), reported during the typhoon aftermath briefing in Capiz that so far there is no disaster-related disease outbreak in Capiz.
The briefing here yesterday was presided over by Vice President Noli de Castro, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Senator Mar Roxas. ]
Delfin reported that as of June 26, they have recorded 82 diarrhea cases and 273 cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI), particularly coughs and colds.
Health officials here have also given Vitamin A and immunization on measles and oral polio vaccine to about 52 children who were still in the two evacuation centers in Pontevedra, Capiz.
According to him, the Department of Health (DOH) central office had already sent two DOH doctors to assist local health personnel and DOH representatives in Capiz in the conduct of rapid health impact assessment here.
Meanwhile, Secretary Duque revealed that they have already provided the province of Capiz some P400,000 worth of drugs and medicines and other health supplies like water purifying solutions.
At the height of the devastation in Capiz by typhoon Frank, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco had also ordered health officials from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here to purchase nearly P400,000 worth of medicines that were already augmented to the various Rural Health Units in the province.
Meanwhile, Delfin disclosed that they are now stepping up their information campaign by issuing health advisories, particularly focusing on safe drinking water.
Transco completes repair of typhoon-damaged transmission lines
MANILA (27 June) -- The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) announced that it has energized all substations serving its customers in Cebu, Negros, Bohol, Samar, and Leyte after completing repair works on transmission lines damaged by Typhoon Frank.
Despite widespread flooding in Panay, TransCo has so far energized 50% of its connected load in the island, which was one of the areas worst hit by the typhoon.
TransCo VP for Visayas Operation & Maintenance Jules S. Alcantara said TransCo expects to energize substations and deliver power to its customers Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO), Iloilo Electric Cooperative 1 (ILECO 1), and Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) today, June 27.
Pres. Roxas Substation connected to Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) and all substations of ILECO 3 are expected to be energized by June 29.
Repair works are ongoing on TransCo's 69-kV Panit-an-Kalibo/Nabas/Caticlan/Culasi line which sustained 11 toppled structures and the 69-kV Sta. Barbara-Sibalom line which had 21 toppled and 4 leaning structures. To date, all 21 toppled poles along the latter line have been repaired and erected. Stringing of conductors is ongoing.
TransCo is yet to finish repair works on the Dingle-Calinog 69-kV line, which had 13 toppled structures located in muddy, heavily flooded areas. Repairs will be done on the said line once ground condition is stable enough to carry the weight of 69-kV line structures.
In a related development, three days ago, the National Power Corporation's new 15-megawatt modular generator located in Panit-an has started supplying power to Roxas City within the franchise area of CAPELCO.
Alcantara said TransCo appreciates the assistance of electric cooperatives in Southern Panay, particularly ILECO 1 and ANTECO, in the power restoration efforts. He also acknowledged the assistance of Northern Panay electric cooperatives like CAPELCO, AKELCO, ILECO 2, and ILECO 3 in the inspection and patrolling of affected transmission lines.
TransCo assures its customers that all efforts are being exerted to restore the power supply as soon as possible in Panay.
Electric coop suffers P10M damages, but works double to restore Capiz power
By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY (27 June) -- Typhoon Frank has damaged more than P10 million facilities of the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO).
According to CAPELCO General Manager Edgar Diaz during the briefing of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) with Vice President Noli de Castro, the electric cooperative here has an initial estimated damage of about P10.5 million.
Diaz said that about 267 structures of the cooperative here aside from the transformers, posts, and other equipments and facilities were damaged by typhoon Frank.
Instead of the original June 30 target for the total restoration of power supply in the 16 towns and city of Capiz, Diaz told VP de Castro and some members of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) during the briefing here, that they are now working double time to make it on June 28.
Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes had personally turned over P5 million financial assistance to CAPELCO last June 25 during his assessment visit in Capiz upon President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's directive to ensure immediate restoration of power supply in typhoon hardly hit areas in the country.
ASEAN Secretariat receives grant for people-centric projects
THE ASEAN Secretariat received a US$5 million grant from the Nippon Foundation today to fund the implementation of projects that would benefit the peoples of ASEAN.
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and Mr Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, signed the Memorandum of Agreement on the grant this afternoon.
Under the Agreement, the Nippon Foundation will provide US$5 million over the next five years to fund projects that promote the well-being of the peoples of ASEAN. Among the possible areas of cooperation include maritime civilian safety, leprosy and human dignity, human resource networking and development for ASEAN integration, promotion of traditional and alternative medicine for primary healthcare, and promoting equal opportunities and capacity building for the disabled. The ASEAN Secretariat and Nippon Foundation will jointly identify, develop and implement the projects.
“This grant will be very useful to ASEAN as we transform ourselves into a people-oriented organisation, where peoples are at the heart of our activities. We would like to thank the Nippon Foundation for supporting us in this endeavour,” said Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
Earlier, the Nippon Foundation contributed US$100,000 to the ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance.(ASEAN Sec)
Secretary-General of ASEAN witnesses first-hand the damage wrought by Cyclone Nargis on the Irrawady Delta
THE Secretary-General of ASEAN and Chair of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, today saw first hand the extent of the damage wrought by Cyclone Nargis on Myanmar . Dr Surin traveled by helicopter to visit the township of Bogale, Set San village and Kyein Chaung Gyi village in the Irrawady Delta.
In Bogale, he was briefed on the extent of the damage to the township and the recovery efforts underway there. He also visited a high school and a hospital. Dr Surin also said the temporary shelters set up in Set San and Kyein Chaung Gyi to house the victims of Cyclone Nargis as well as the temporary schools set up there.
Dr. Surin said, “To see how they suffer is a heartbreak. To observe how they refuse to surrender and their determination to rebuild their lives is certainly an inspiration.”
Dr. Surin added, “What ASEAN can do is to help these unfortunate people of the Irrawady Delta get back on their feet quickly. Township-focused, village-based approaches could be appropriate. For reconstruction and long-term integrated planning for the entire Delta, that will have to wait for the international community to come together and decide together.”
The visit was held a day after the 3rd meeting of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force in Yangon to review the work of the Tripartite Core Group and the next steps forward following the ASEAN Roundtable on Post Nargis Joint Assessment on 24 June 2008. Accompanying Dr Surin during today’s visit were the ASEAN media, who had been invited to cover the meetings and field trip. (ASEAN Sec)
Secretary-General of ASEAN urges early entry into force of ASEAN-Japan trade and economic pact
THE Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Surin Pitsuwan welcomed the ratification of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement by the Japanese Diet on June 21. “This only reaffirms Japan ’s commitment to having the AJCEP Agreement enter into force by this year,” Dr. Surin said in his statement. The Secretary-General of ASEAN expressed hope that the Japanese ratification of the AJCEP Agreement would provide the momentum for the rest of the Parties in ASEAN to do the same.
The AJCEP Agreement is a free trade accord that hopes to establish the ASEAN-Japan Free Trade Area within 10 years. While it is ASEAN’s third free trade agreement with a Dialogue Partner, following China and Korea, it is ASEAN’s first comprehensive free trade agreement with a developed trading partner. Dr. Surin mentioned that Japan’s early ratification is a “manifestation of Japan’s keen interest to strengthen trade and economic ties and to contribute to ASEAN and East Asia community building efforts.”
The free trade agreement eliminates duties on more than 85% of products traded between ASEAN and Japan upon entry into force of the Agreement. Japanese firms and ASEAN supporting industries stand to gain most from this Agreement primarily because of the cumulative rules of origin.
The AJCEP Agreement was signed in April 2008 following almost five years of intensive negotiations. Aside from this Agreement, Japan also has bilateral economic partnership agreements with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and is about to conclude a similar agreement with Viet Nam.
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