PNoy thanks NegOr folks’ support for change,cites govt’s initiatives By Rizalie Anding Calibo DUMAGUETE CITY, September 9 (PIA)-- Following his inauguration of the Mercado de Bais and site visit to Link Sy IT park in Dumaguate City Wednesday (September 7), President Benigno S. Aquino III met with around 1,000 supporters and volunteers from Negros Oriental at the Convention Center here. The President thanked the Negros Oriental People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) for their strong support that “put him to his position and keeps his advocacy for change going.” “Isang karangalan sa akin ang makasama kayo…, kayong mga nag-alay ng pagod at oras mula pa noong kampanya, kayong mga hindi nag-atubiling humakbang pasulong upang makiisa sa krusada natin sa matuwid na landas ng pamamahala,” he said as he pointed out the government’s initiatives against corruption. Aquino counted the volunteers’ outpouring of support as he cited several initiatives of the administration to straighten the system and win back people’s trust. “Iisa naman po ang hangarin natin: ang maituwid ang nabaluktot na sistema, ang muling manaig ang katapatan laban sa katiwalian, ang maipanumbalik ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa pamahalaan.” He cited the implementation of the Zero-Based Budgeting approach in the national budget, the DILG’s full-disclosure policy and the DBM’s Electronic Transparency and Accountability in Lump Sum Fund System to stop the wasteful use of government funds and make sure that they go directly to the intended beneficiaries. Aquino said, the government is also going after smugglers and tax evaders. With its Run After Tax Evaders o RATE Program, tax evasion cases filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has reached to 60 from July 2010 to August of this year alone compared to the total 129 filed in last administration in nine and a half years. This could reached almost P29 billion taxable amount, he said. According to him, the administration continues to help impoverished Filipino families through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program o 4P’s targeting 2.3 million Filipino families registered in 2011. In 2012, another 700,000 families will be added to reach three million, he said. He expressed confidence that by 2014, the administration will be able to finish enrolling the 4.6 families living below the poverty line. Counting on the youth’s great contribution, the President said programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are also put in place. Among these are the Training-for-Work Scholarship, Training for Prospective Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Workers and the Private Education Student Financial Assistance Program. Some P700M are allocated for the scholarship program, while P20M for the BPO training, he said as he pointed out and called on the CHED, DOLE, TESDA, and the DepEd to help the students. Aquino also spoke of improvement of farm to market roads, irrigation system, the almost 30% increase in farm gate price as few of the initiatives to increase production and farmer’s income. “Kinakailangan ko ang patuloy niyong sigasig sa pagboboluntaryo,” Aquino finally said while renewing his promise of giving his best as President. (PIA-NegOr/mbcn/RAC) |
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Army’s 302 Brigade joins Bais City’s 43rd Charter Day and Fiesta Celeb
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) The Bais City marks the 43rd Charter Day and weeklong fiesta celebration from September 1-10 with the 302nd Brigade’s military static display.
The exhibit includes capability demonstration and photos, display of tanks, howitzer gun, military vehicles, crew-served and light weapons at the City Plaza on Monday with a short opening program.
Brigade Commander, Col. Francisco Patrimonio appreciated Bais City Karen Villanueva for supporting behind the anti-insurgency campaign by providing basic social services to address poverty in the area.
The brigade’s operationally controlled (OPCON) units also participated in Civil Military Operations while the 703rd Community Development Center, Reserve Command also put up a recruitment booth.
According to Brigade Information Officer, Major Conrado Evangelista, the army booth installed displayed brochures and leaflets on how to join Philippine Army and conducted a film showing highlighting the current army capabilities, mission and heroism of soldiers.
A live band concert of the 302nd Achievers Brigade band also played music to entertain the crowd in the evening, said Evangelista.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III has inaugurated the unique structure public market in the country, “Mercado de Bais” followed by a Sipong Festival, a colorful and lively mardi gras festival participated in by the different barangays, local and national offices in a choreographed showdown and street dancing.
Bais City, a premier dolphin and whale watching attraction with 45 minutes away from Dumaguete, the capital city of Negros Oriental. (PIA NegOr/JCT)