21st Anniversary of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
Published October 30, 2012 | Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
30 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the 21st anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Camp Aguinaldo and witnessed the ceremonial turnover of four refurbished fire trucks donated by the Korean Federation of Fire Associations (KFFA) to the BFP.
Two of the four units were already turned over to the municipalities of Alang-Alang, Leyte and Talacugon, Agusan Del Sur as part of the National Action Plan for the Philippines in relation the ASEAN Peatland Forest Project. The other two were given to the municipalities of Candoni, Negros Occidental and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato last September 2012. Certificates of appreciation were also given to groups of Volunteer Fire Brigade.
In his speech, the President reiterated the reforms on the BFP started by the late Sec. Jesse Robredo like the purchase of 76 Rosenbauer 1,000 gallon water pumper fire trucks for the Bureau. Twelve of these units will be available by December and the rest will be ready by the end of 2013. Around 1,800 housing units for the BFP employees will also be given before the end of August next year.
A signed tripartite agreement for the Buying a Living Tree System (BLTS) between DSWD, DILG-BFP and DENR was also presented to President Aquino. Under the system initiated by the Bureau of Fire Protection, eligible Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries shall receive P500 every month for every 500 seedlings planted but 425 living seedlings must be maintained throughout the year in order for them to continuously receive the payment on a monthly basis.
With the theme “BFP @ 21: Committed to the Promotion of Economic Development and Environmental Protection,” the event highlights BFP’s contribution to economic development by ensuring fire safety establishments and structures and in promoting environmental protection though BLTS initiative in rehabilitating, protecting and enhancing the sustainable use of forest resources through community awareness and responsibility.
* * *
Courtesy Call by ROK Special Envoy Shim Jae-Cheol
Published October 30, 2012 | Malacañang
30 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III received Republic of Korea’s (ROK) President Lee Myun Bak Special Envoy Shim Jae-Cheol in Malacanang.
He was accompanied by ROK National Assembly Representative Kim Yong Tae, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk and Political Counsellor Kweon Ki Hwan.
Also present during the call were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Theresa Lazaro.
* * *
111th Anniversary of National Museum
Published October 29, 2012 | National Museum of the Philippines, Manila
29 October 2012
Courtesy Call of United States Senator Richard Lugar
Published October 29, 2012 | Malacañang
29 October 2012
United States Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana met with President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang to promote the expansion of the Nunn-Lugar Global Cooperative Threat Reduction program he is spearheading.
Senator Lugar is on a tour to several Asia Pacific nations and is now in the country to talk with top Philippine officials about the program that intends to reduce the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In a statement by Lugar, he said that Southeast Asia is a major intersection of global trade and commerce by water and air. U.S. strategic economic and foreign policy needs to become more robust in the Asia-Pacific region and Nunn-Lugar Global Cooperative Threat Reduction will be an important tool for our diplomatic and military leaders as we seek a more integrated approach to the region.
He was accompanied during the call by US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Director Kenneth Myers III, Senior Professional Staff Member Keith Luse, DTRA Cooperative Threat Reduction Director for Operations, Readiness and Exercise William Faircloth and DTRA Asia Pacific Office Chief Gary Finchum.
On the Philippine side, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin were also present.
* * *
Business Meeting with Austal
Published October 25, 2012 | Sydney, Australia
25 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Greg Jason, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Australian military and commercial boat builder Austal. The company chose the Philippines as one of its global manufacturing operations center because of the country’s high level of growth, location and English-speaking people who have the skills and work ethic.
The Austal facility in the Philippines is located in Balamban shipyard in Cebu. It will soon start exporting state-of-the-art vessels and will possibly include servicing the military vessels from around the world as part of its expansion projects. The US$12 million project is expected to increase the workforce to around 1,000 employees.
* * *
Posted in Foreign Trips Articles, President's Activities | 
activities, Austal, australia, Sydney, videosBusiness Meeting with Macquarie
Published October 25, 2012 | Sydney, Australia
25 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Shemara Wikramanayake, Global Head of Macquarie Funds Group, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney. The President thanked Macquarie for being one of the finance partners of the Philippine government’s projects.
Macquarie, one of the largest financial services companies in the world, is investing a total of US$625 million to finance various infrastucture projects under the administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. The fund is under the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure (PINAI) Fund. The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia where Macqurie has invested because of its growth potential. The group is currently eyeing to finance the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 extension from Baclaran to Cavite, as well as the proposed Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway project.
* * *
Posted in Foreign Trips Articles, President's Activities | activities, australia, Macquarie, Sydney, videosState Luncheon hosted by Hon. Barry O’Farrell, MP, Premier of New South Wales
Published October 25, 2012 | Parliament House, Sydney, Australia
25 October 2012
After the courtesy call of Hon. Barry O’Farrell to President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Premier of New South Wales hosted a state luncheon in honor of the President. Before the ceremonial toast, Premiere O’Farrell said that the visit of President Aquino opens up more future opportunities in both countries. He also added that out of 200 nationalities presently working and residing in Australia, the Filipinos are the most vibrant, energetic and has a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
President Aquino thanked the people of New South Wales for their warm hospitality. According to the President, Australia is a long committed ally of the Philippines, a firm believer of democracy and has the same value of kindness, hospitality and compassion.
* * *
Posted in Foreign Trips Articles, President's Activities | activites, australia, State Luncheon, Sydney, videosCall by the Hon. Barry O’Farrell, MP, Premier of New South Wales
Published October 25, 2012 | Parliament House, Sydney, Australia
25 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Premier Barry O’Farrell after his arrival in Sydney, Australia. Hon. O’Farrell is the 43rd Premier of New South Wales who won a landslide vote in the 2011 elections and also the leader of the Liberal party and the opposition.
The State of New South Wales encompasses the whole of the Australian capital territory. Sydney is the state’s most popular city.
* * *
Wreath Laying and Tour of Selected Galleries
Published October 24, 2012 | Australian War Memorial
Canberra, Australia
24 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on the first day of his visit here. He went first to the Pool of Reflection then offered a wreath at the Hall of Memory, the center of the memorial and a quiet place for contemplation on the efforts of the people of Australia who suffered and died during wars. Afterwards, he signed the Visitors’ Book and had a tour of selected galleries inside the hall.
The Australian War Memorial is Australia’s national memorial for the members of its armed forces who participated and those who died in the wars of Australia. It is considered as one of the most significant memorials in the world.
* * *
Signing of Air Services Agreement
Published October 24, 2012 | Canberra, Australia
24 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Julia Gillard MP witnessed the signing of the Air Services Agreement between the Philippines and Australia.
The agreement wishes to promote an international aviation system and to encourage international airlines to develop and implement innovative and competitive services. This also aims to ensure the security in international air transport and to go over the acts or threats againsts the security of aircrafts relating to the two countries’ air services.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario signed the agreement for the Philippine side while Minister for Trade and Competitiveness Craig Emerson signed for the Australian side.
* * *
Meeting with Hon. Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia
Published October 24, 2012 | Canberra, Australia
24 October 2012
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard MP welcomed President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Parliament House in Canberra. The President signed the Prime Minister’s Visitors’ Book before their official photo was taken. Thereafter, the two leaders went to Her Excellency’s office where President Aquino was introduced to the Australian officials and Prime Minister Gillard to the Philippine officials.
The two leaders discussed about the developments in the two countries’ political, economic and defense partnership, and other development areas. Currently, the Philippines’ two strategic partners are the United States of America (USA) and Japan. The Philippine government is offering the third to Australia and President Aquino earlier said that the Australian government is presently studying the offer.
President Aquino and Prime Minister Gillard likewise updated each other on national developments which include the recently signed GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro which aims to bring about lasting peace in the Mindanao region.
Prime Minister Gillard has been the Prime Minister of Australia and the Leader of the Australian Labor Party since June 24, 2010. She is the 27th leader of Australia and the first female to hold both offices.
* * *
Philippines-New Zealand Business Forum
Published October 23, 2012 | Sky City Auckland Convention Centre
Auckland, New Zealand
23 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the Business Forum spearheaded by the Philippines-New Zealand Business Council (PNZBC) in cooperation with the New Zealand-Philippines Business Council (NZPBC). Around 200 business delegates from both countries converged for a unified cause, to establish a platform in uplifting the profile of Philippine business in New Zealand by promoting an increased awareness of the Philippines and Filipinos by the New Zealand business, and to encourage New Zealand business interests in the Philippines.
In his speech, President Aquino reiterated that the Philippines is open for business and under a new management where the rules are clear and the playing field is levelled. He encouraged the New Zealander businessmen to invest in our country where business climate is characterized by fairness and integrity and all are given the opportunity to profit. He also added that business contracts will be awarded based on the ability to deliver projects and not on backroom deals and political favors.
In 2011, Philippine exports to New Zealand amounted to 44.86 million US dollars, equivalent to only about 8.6 percent of the value of our imports (dairy products) from New Zealand with a total amount of 524.23 million US dollars. President Aquino is keen in narrowing this sizeable gap by enhancing the trade relations of the two countries. Aside from tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples and coconuts that the Philippines is exporting to New Zealand, the President invited them to explore other Philippine products including electronics, home furnishings and garments.
The President was joined by Trade and Industry Sec. Gregory Domingo, Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert Del Rosario, His Worship Len Brown, the City Mayor of Auckland and Minister Maurice Williamson representing the New Zealand government.
* * *
Meeting with the Filipino Community in New Zealand
Published October 22, 2012 | Sky City Auckland Convention Center
Auckland, New Zealand
22 October 2012
Posted in Foreign Trips Articles, President's Speeches | Auckland, Filcom, New Zealand, speeches, videosMeeting with the Filipino Community in New Zealand
Published October 22, 2012 | Sky City Auckland Convention Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
22 October 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with the Filipino community upon his arrival for his two day state visit in New Zealand. Around 36,000 Filipinos are working and residing in different parts of New Zealand and they are considered as the third largest group of skilled migrants in the country. Around 70-75% or more than 26,000 overseas Filipinos are based in Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand. They are presently working as engineers, teachers, I.T specialists and healthcare professionals.
In his speech, the President mentioned the on-going reforms of the government especially in the areas of education (school buildings/classrooms), agriculture (rice self-sufficiency), infrastructure (roads and bridges) and disaster preparedness (modernization of PAGASA). He was joined by more than a thousand Filipinos who also participated at the “Labor Day Weekend” being celebrated in the entire country.
* * *
Advancer #17 Wellington, New Zealand
Published October 22, 2012 | Wellington, New Zealand
22 October 2012
Cuba Street
Advancer #11 Wellington, New Zealand
Published October 19, 2012 | Wellington, New Zealand
19 October 2012
Victoria Lookout
The 360-degree panoramic view of the whole Wellington City can be viewed at the Mt. Victoria Lookout, the highest peak of the city.
Advancer #10 Wellington
Published October 19, 2012 | Wellington, New Zealand
19 October 2012
Botanic Gardens
The temperate weather in Wellington City allows plants and trees to healthily grow and bloom at the Botanic Gardens. The 25-hectare landscape houses conifers, specialised plant collections and colourful displays and the protected native forest.
Advancer #9 Wellington
Published October 19, 2012 | Wellington, New Zealand
19 October 2012
Katherine Mansfield’s Birthplace
Katherine Mansfield is a world-known modernist writer who was born in Wellington, New Zealand on October 14, 1888. She was admired all over the globe because of her authored non-fiction books like The Garden Party, The Daughters of the Late Colonel and The Fly.
Courtesy Call of Chinese Vice Foreign Minister and Special Envoy Fu Ying
Published October 19, 2012 | Music Room, Malacañang
19 October 2012
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang as part of the regular consultations being held to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
The special envoy was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asian Affairs Department Deputy Director General Hong Liang, MFA Asian Affairs Counselor Dai Qingli, MFA Director Yin HaiHong and MFA Asian Affairs Deputy Director Wang Hong Liu.
Fu will also meet with other Philippine senior officials to review issues of mutual concern and discuss bilateral cooperation in various fields like tourism, education, agriculture, defense and security relations.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Foreign Affairs China Division Director Aileen Mendiola-Rau were also present during the meeting.
2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Awards Rite
Published September 19, 2012 | Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
19 September 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III honored this year’s outstanding civil servants by conferring the Presidential Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan and CSC Pagasa Award in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace.
Twenty-two (22) individuals and six groups comprise the 2012 awardees that were selected from 383 nominations submitted from all over the country through the government’s Honor Awards Program (HAP) administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
“Sila ang mga Pilipinong tumatawid mula sa pagiging lingkod-bayan, tungo sa pagiging isang lingkod-bayani. Sila mismo ang magsasabi sa sambayanang Pilipino: isa akong kawani ng gobyerno, at ganito ang tunay na kahulugan ng serbisyo-publiko…Totoo nga po: naibabalik na natin ang pambansang dangal sa pamamahalang naka-angkla sa integridad, dedikayon at pananagutan,” President Aquino said in giving due recognition to the awardees.
The President added that he issued Executive Order Number 80 this year to promote the Performance-Based Incentive System in the Executive Branch. “Ito ang susukat sa performance ng mga ahensiya at mga empleyadong nasa sangay ehekutibo, at siyang magiging basehan sa kanilang insentibo. Ang hangad natin dito: ma-engganyong magdoble-kayod pa sa trabaho, at magkaroon ng higit pang pananagutan ang mga nasa pampublikong sektor…Puwede pong umabot ang bonus sa tatlumpu’t limang libong piso, depende sa kanilang ipinakitang husay sa trabaho. 9.97 billion pesos po ang inilaan ng DBM para sa inisyatibang ito,” the Chief Executive stated.
The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is conferred on an individual or group for exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest. Eleven awardees were recognized for this category.
The Dangal ng Bayan Award is given to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of observance of the norms of conduct provided under Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Six individuals garnered the recognition.
The CSC Pagasa Award is granted to an individual or group for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more than one department of government on a certain degree of standard. Eleven awardees were given the said award.
* * *
|
|
|
| 
|
Connect With Us