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GIA 10.24.

16

1. Subsidized housing for Filipino families and no free


housing NHA

October 13, 2016

QUEZON CITY, Oct. 13 -- Committed to housing the indigent Filipinos, the National
Housing Authority (NHA) reiterates its mission to provide adequate and affordable
housing to low-income and underprivileged families.
According to NHA Acting General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr., The NHA
under the Duterte Administration ensures the public that it will address the countrys
housing needs as it will lead the construction and development of new communities
and maximize government resources.
NHA would like to emphasize that its housing program only caters to the lowest 30
percent, the poorest of the urban population.
It is mandated to provide housing and related assistance to ISFs living along danger
zones and areas affected by government infrastructure projects.
Specifically, the National Government prioritizes housing programs within the six
year Philippine Development Plan (PDP) which is the basis of NHAs target each
year.
Currently, the on-going housing projects of the Authority have identified familybeneficiaries who were qualified during the planning and pre-qualification process
which will be the basis for their award.
Likewise, the NHA extends its service delivery to families affected by calamities,
housing for indigenous peoples and local/regional housing and resettlement projects
in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and congressional
representatives.
Towards resolving the housing backlog, the programs for ISFs are made sustainable
and cost recoverable in order to benefit more families.
Per NHAs policies, for housing intended for the ISFs, price subsidies are extended
so that the housing package prices are affordable.
Based on the UDHA, the eligibility criteria to avail government housing are the
following: 1) must be a Filipino citizen; 2) must be an underprivileged and homeless
citizen; 3) must not own any real property whether in the urban or rural areas, and; 4)
must not be a professional squatter or a member of squatting syndicates.
In a related story, the NHA in compliance with President Rodrigo R. Dutertes
statement on No demolition without relocation, shall continue to comply with the
provisions of the Urban Development Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992 (RA7279),

which provides for a humane relocation and resettlement strategy that includes prerelocation, relocation and post relocation processes. (NHA)

2. Bataan students benefit from new DPWH footbridge

October 13, 2016

MANILA, Oct. 13 -- A four-lane highway regularly crossed by students in Orion,


Bataan is now safer, with the recently completed footbridge project of the Department
of Public Works and Highway (DPWH).
The newly-constructed footbridge worth P17 million, located in front of Daang Pare
Elementary School, now links two sides of the busy Roman Expressway, securing the
safety of the residents especially the young pedestrians crossing the street.
DPWH-Bataan 2nd District Engineering Office has also installed elevator at both
ends of the pedestrian overpass to make it easier, more convenient and more
accessible for persons with disabilities, older persons and other vulnerable sectors to
cross from one side of the road to the other.
Along with pedestrian safety, the completed project is seen to ease the traffic along
Roman Expressway which could result to smoother transportation of local goods and
better travel experience for tourists and local residents.
The new footbridge supplements recently completed projects of the DPWH along
Roman Expressway which include road rehabilitation and widening of intermittent
sections in the amount of P203 million, as well as three bridge projects namely Dona
Bridge costing P5.5 million, Samal Bridge costing P22.9 million and Mambog Bridge
costing P17.4 million. (DPWH)

3. GSIS allots P631-M for members, pensioners for


emergency loan in Luzon

October 13, 2016

PASAY CITY, Oct. 13 -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) allotted
over P631 million in emergency loan for 22,778 members and 2,187 old-age
pensioners who were affected by typhoon Ferdie in Batanes and by monsoon rains
and heavy floods in seven areas in Pampanga and Bataan.
Active members working or residing in San Fernando City and municipality of Sto.
Tomas in Pampanga, as well as old-age pensioners in the areas, may apply for the
loan facility until 08 October 2016.
The deadline for loan application in Batanes, in the municipalities of Guagua, San
Simon, Macabebe, and Minalin in Pampanga, and in Hermosa, Bataan is 21 October
2016.

Qualified to avail of the loan are members who are not on leave of absence without
pay, have no arrears in paying premium contributions, and have no unpaid loans for
more than six months.
Members who have no existing emergency loan balance may apply for a P20,000
loan, while those with existing loan may avail of up to P40,000.
Active members may apply through any GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System
(GWAPS) kiosk located in all GSIS branch and extension offices; provincial capitols;
city halls; selected municipal offices; large government agencies such as the
Department of Education; Robinsons Malls; and SM City branches in North Edsa,
Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and SM Aura in Taguig.
Pensioners must apply in person at any GSIS office to avail of the P20,000 emergency
loan. Those who are also active members (after having reentered government service)
may avail of the loan only once.
Emergency loan is payable in 36 equal monthly installments and carries a 6 percent
interest rate per annum computed in advance. It is covered by a loan redemption
insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of the borrower's demise, provided
the loan repayment is up to date.
Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower's electronic card (eCard) or
Unified Multipurpose Identification (UMID) card.
For inquiries, visit the GSIS website, www.gsis.gov.ph; email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph;
or call the GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747. (GSIS)

4. Region I is home to 1,536 cooperatives and 5


billionaires

October 13, 2016


VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO

DAGUPAN CITY, October 13 (PIA) There are now 1,536 cooperatives operating
in Ilocos region with Pangasinan having the most number and Ilocos Sur having the
richest.
Regional Director Josefina Bitonio of the Cooperative Development Authority said
the cooperatives in the region continue to improve as there are sustained increase in
the number and reach of cooperatives.
Out of the 1,536 coops, only 878 are compliant and have been religiously submitting
documents to the CDA regional office. At least 714 coops have updated their reports.
Their classification according to assets range from micro (68.20%); small (22.4%);
medium (7.42%); and large (1.96%.)
The province of Pangasinan has the most number of coops with 383 covering 24
municipalities. La Union comes in second with 115 in 14 towns. Ilocos Sur
contributes 101 coops in its 21 towns and 115 for Ilocos Norte in 14 municipalities.

While Pangasinan has the most number, it only has one billionaire coop which is the
electric cooperative PANELCO III. The province of Ilocos Sur boasts of three
billionaires namely: Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, Sacred Heart
Savings Cooperative and Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative
(SACDECO). La Union has one which is the Tubao Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc.
Bitonio said the coops in region one contribute P9.6 billion share to the nationwide
income.
Social change is elusive and breaking poverty is formidable as ever that is why we
urge cooperative members to be catalysts of change through poverty eradication and
social transformation, Bitonio said during the regional cooperative month
celebration held in Dagupan City.
CDA Chairman Orlando Ravanera, the events guest of honor, enjoined members of
the cooperatives in the region to value their membership, patronize Filipino products
and live up to the virtues of social justice, equity, and development.
Ravanera said the products of the cooperatives are good and harmonization and
complementation are needed to sustain them.
Cooperatives have addressed the physical barriers that hinder people from being
included in the formal financial system. Aside from physical access to financial
services, these services must be affordable, of good quality and relevant to lead to
actual usage that can benefit the person accessing the said service, Ravanera said.
Aside from the main forum, the CDA also held contests for coop members like group
dance showdown and Your Face Sounds Familiar. Members also had the chance
to display and sell their products to other coop members in the region.
Proclamation No. 493, series of 2004 declares the annual celebration of the
Cooperative Month every month of October where the spirit of cooperativism is
rekindled through the holding of national and local activities with the participation of
cooperatives and partner agencies. (JNPD/VHS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

5. Malungon farmers
DA

receive Php5.5 M worth of aid

from

October 13, 2016

MALUNGON, Sarangani Oct. 13 (PIA) -- Local farmer groups here have


received Php5.5 million worth of farm machineries and other facilities from the
Department of Agriculture in line with the agencys efforts to beef up food
production in villages.
Malungon Mayor Atty. Ma. Theresa Constantino said the aid, which were delivered
in September consisted of two high-powered four-wheel drive tractors, two drip
irrigation systems and three collapsible case dryers.

These machines and facilities, Constantino said, are beneficial to address concerns of
local farmers, especially those in remote villages, regarding increasing farm
production and improving the quality of their produce.
Constantino said, she lauds DA for its unrelenting support to the municipality and its
residents since the time of her father former Mayor Bongbong Constantino who
decided on making agriculture as the local governments flagship program.
With the DA support, the local chief executive foresees a boost in the intensive
implementation of her administrations I-HEARD initiative that centers on the
fortification of infrastructure to establish more access roads and bridges for easy
and less expansive transport of farm products to trading places.
Local agriculturist Nelson Sadang said one of the 4-wheel drive tractors, worth
Php2.64 M was released to the Malandag Irrigators Association while the other
one has been set as a roving land tilling machine to serve local farmers in need of
services
Meanwhile, the Alkikan Vegetable Growers Association in Barangay Alkikan got
two drip irrigation systems.
The collapsible case dryers were endorsed to the farmers associations in
Barangays Buntalan, Kalubihan and Lambalot. (Malungon Information
Office/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

6. Sugar migrant workers get orientation on rights,


responsibilities

October 13, 2016


Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Department of Labor and Employment is


conducting an Orientation on Pre-employment of migrant workers (OPEM) before
their deployment to work in different sugarcane plantation in Negros island.
Lorraine Villegas, Provincial Director of DOLE said that prior to their departure
OPEM will be conducted to ensure they know their responsibilities stated in the
contract as well as their rights and privileges.
On October 12, two batches of workers attended OPEM conducted by Benjie
Requintina, DOLE focal Officer for Migrant Workers in partnership with Angeline
Javier from Sacada Desk of the Provincial Government of Antique.
Requintina cited their responsibilities as stated in the contract as well as their rights
and privileges including descent shelter, social security coverage (SSS, PhilHealth)
but they should also submit necessary requirements like birth certificate.
They were also given tips on health and safety. Requintina emphasized the need to
maintain good working relationships with co-workers to avoid conflict among them.

Women sugar migrant workers are also entitled for maternity benefits in the amount
of P5,000 from DOLE. They could also avail of skills training program from TESDA
during off planting and milling-season in case they wanted to learn new skills and
start a livelihood activity.
In cases of death, the family of the worker is also entitled to death claim in the amount
of P10,000 from DOLE under the Social Amelioration Program.
DOLE likewise offers scholarship program for children of sugar migrant workers who
wish to pursue their college education. Interested party could inquire at DOLE
provincial office.
The sacadas were also given hotline number of DOLE in cases they need assistance
while working in Negros island. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

7. MisOr town student wins DTI provincial quiz bee

October 13, 2016


Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, October 12 (PIA) - Algin John P. Bade, student of


Laguindingan National High School in Misamis Oriental won first place in the
recently conducted Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental
provincial quiz bee at SM Mall Cagayan de Oro City.
Bade along with 74 other high school participants (Grades 9 and 10) went through 35
items ranging from easy to difficult questions regarding consumer welfare, consumer
rights and trade laws among others.
Bade and Michelle S. Piales of Alubijid National High School tied with a score of 28.
However, in the tie breaker round, Bade won ahead of Piales with three points
(equivalent to one correctly answered item).
Bade said he did not expect to win although he said all his long nights of studying
paid off. He said this is a good activity to make high school students more aware of
consumer rights.
Lerio Madridano, coach of Bade explained that they prepared for the quiz bee through
research online on consumer rights, fair trade laws and others. She said she is so
proud of Bade and commends the activity for making these students more aware of
their responsibilities as consumers.
Bade also won P4,000 as prize.
Meanwhile, Almer Masillones, chief of DTI Misamis Oriental Consumer Welfare
Division said that this is the 10th year of the provincial quiz bee in partnership with
the Department of Education (DepEd). She said the objective is to really make the
young ones know their consumer rights at an early age.

According to her, winners here will further compete in the regional quiz bee this
month.
Winners for the second and third place were Michelle S. Piales of Alubijid National
High School and Leslie Ann T. Remellete of Cagayan de Oro National High School,
respectively.
This years celebration of Consumer Welfare Month is hosted by Bangko Sentral Ng
Pilipinas (BSP) with the theme: Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.
(JMOR/PIA10)
8. Biliran crime incident drops by 81%

October 11, 2016


Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, October 11 (PIA) A significant drop in crime


incident in Biliran province was recorded in September this year, the
top police official in Biliran province revealed in an interview.
Crime incident in Biliran recorded only 11 cases in September, 2016
compared to 59 cases in the same period last year, P/Supt. Carlito
De Guzman Gallardo, OIC provincial director of the Biliran Police
Provincial Office (BPPO) reported during the Kapihan at PulongPulong ng Bayan hosted by Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Biliran
provincial information center live over Radyo Natin-Naval.
Gallardo related the significant decrease in crime incident in
Biliran province with the relentless anti-illegal drugs campaign of
the Duterte administration implemented all over the country to
include Biliran, since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) assumed
office in June 30.
Almost all of the crimes committed are drug-related, the OIC of
BPPO said.
He added that majority of the reasons nowadays why an individual
kills, steals, rapes or commits heinous crimes is being hooked on
illegal drugs.
He also warned identified drug personalities in Biliran province who
voluntary surrendered to police authorities under Operation Tokhang
who go back to illegal drugs trade to stop, to avoid facing dire
consequences.
There might be an Operation Tokhang 2 that will be implemented by
PNP which is more stringent and might put the identified
personalities involved in illegal drug activities in danger, he
emphasized.
Gallardo also reported that there were 17 drug pushers and two drug
users apprehended in Biliran province from July 1 until end of
September this year. (afj/FJ/rvictoria/PIA Biliran) #PartnerForChange

9. 4SF Army brings goods, livelihood to remote MNLF


village in Basilan

October 06, 2016


Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct 4 (PIA) The Philippine Armys 4th Special Forces
Battalion in Basilan brought some volunteers and fed a hundred kids in Barangay
Masula, this city recently.
LTC Andrew B. Bacala Jr., commanding officer of the 4SF said that volunteers from
Tribes Mission of Iloilo City sponsored a treat to the children of Barangay Masula by
providing packed lunch from a famous Philippine fast food chain to some 100 kids
The Tribes Mission has decided to visit Basilan to bring some joy, even in a simple
manner, Bacala said adding that the initiative is part of the Civil Military
Operations peace activities.
Bacala added that livelihood training in agriculture was shared to some members of
the community, as the militarys contribution to the nations observance of the
Peace Consciousness Month in September. The locals also benefitted from the
services of the dental team during the activity.
In an interview, Isabel Grace P. Villegas, a tribal teacher-volunteer from Iloilo
expressed her joy for being able to help.
We witnessed that not all places here in Basilan are in conflict. This is one thing
that we wanted to prove to outsiders, and that people and communities need help here
to improve their lives, she said.
Her first time to be in Basilan, she was amazed of the possibilities that the cooperation
between and among the military, the Moro National Liberation Front, and the
volunteers could bring about positive change in the community.
Posible pala na magsama-sama ang military, MNLF, at ibang sector para
magtulung-tulong para sa magandang kinabukasan ng mga kabataan (It is indeed
possible for military, MNLFs and other sectors to unite so that more help could be
extended to effect better future for the youth), she said.
The military also surveyed the destroyed box culvert crossing a major road in the said
barangay and that they will source out some donors who can help fix the box culvert
soon.
Bacala said the road is crucial in the transport of goods for the peoples livelihood in
this MNLF community.
Aside from that, they received some livelihood farm inputs like vegetable seeds and
seedlings. The CMO team led by 1Lt Ron Villarosa taught them how to do seedling
production using empty boxes of ammunitions and demonstrated how to operate the
kuliglig, a motorized farm equipment used to till the land..

The equipment was lent for about three days and the military wanted to see some
results in the use of the machines and apply what they learned in the coming days.
The 4SF Battalion in Basilan has been initiating social programs and projects to
enable communities to become more productive, improve peoples lives, and create
a positive impact. (ALT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan)
GOVERNMENT IN ACTION OCTOBER 24, 2016
1. The National Housing Authority (NHA) reiterates its mission to provide adequate
and affordable housing to low-income and underprivileged families.
NHA would like to emphasize that its housing program only caters to the lowest 30
percent, the poorest of the urban population.
It is mandated to provide housing and related assistance to Informal Settler Families
(ISFs) living along danger zones and areas affected by government infrastructure
projects.
Specifically, the National Government prioritizes housing programs within the six
year Philippine Development Plan (PDP) which is the basis of NHAs target each
year.
Currently, the on-going housing projects of NHA have identified family-beneficiaries
who were qualified during the planning and pre-qualification process which will be
the basis for their award.
Likewise, the NHA extends its service to families affected by calamities, housing for
indigenous peoples and housing and resettlement projects in coordination with the
Local Government Units (LGUs) and congressional representatives.
2. A four-lane highway regularly crossed by students in Orion, Bataan is now safer,
with the recently completed footbridge project of the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH).
The newly-constructed footbridge worth P17 million, located in front of Daang Pare
Elementary School, now links two sides of the busy Roman Expressway, securing the
safety of the residents especially the young pedestrians crossing the street.
An elevator was also installed at both ends of the pedestrian overpass to make it easier
for persons with disabilities, older persons and other vulnerable sectors to cross from
one side of the road to the other.
The completed project is also seen to ease the traffic along Roman Expressway for
smoother transportation of local goods and better travel experience for tourists and
local residents.
The new footbridge supplements recently completed projects of the DPWH along
Roman Expressway which include road rehabilitation and widening of intermittent
sections.

3. The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has allotted over P631 million
in emergency loan for 22,778 members and 2,187 old-age pensioners who were
affected by calamities in Pampanga and Bataan.
Active members working or residing in San Fernando City and municipality of Sto.
Tomas in Pampanga, as well as old-age pensioners in the areas, are the targeted
beneficiaries of this grant.
Emergency loan is payable in 36 equal monthly installments and carries a 6 percent
interest rate per annum computed in advance.
It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case
of the borrower's demise, provided the loan repayment is up to date.
Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower's electronic card (eCard) or
Unified Multipurpose Identification (UMID) card.
4. There are now 1,536 cooperatives operating in Ilocos region with Pangasinan
having the most number and Ilocos Sur having the richest.
Regional Director Josefina Bitonio of the Cooperative Development Authority said
the cooperatives in the region continue to improve as there are sustained increase in
the number and reach of cooperatives.
Bitonio said the coops in region one contribute P9.6 billion share to the nationwide
income.
Cooperative members in the region are encouraged to value their membership,
patronize Filipino products and live up to the virtues of social justice, equity, and
development.
Proclamation No. 493, series of 2004 declares the annual celebration of the
Cooperative Month every October where the spirit of cooperativism is rekindled
through national and local activities with the participation of cooperatives and partner
agencies.
5. Local farmer groups in Sarangani have received Php5.5 million worth of farm
machineries and other facilities from the Department of Agriculture, in line with the
agencys efforts to beef up food production in villages.
Malungon Mayor Atty. Ma. Theresa Constantino says the aid consists of two highpowered four-wheel drive tractors, two drip irrigation systems and three collapsible
case dryers.
These machines and facilities are beneficial to address concerns of local farmers,
especially those in remote villages, in increasing farm production and improving
the quality of their produce.
Mayor Constantino lauds DA for its unrelenting support to the municipality and its
residents.

With the DA support, a boost is foreseen in the intensive implementation of


administrations I-HEARD initiative that centers on the fortification of
infrastructure.
This is to establish more access roads and bridges for easy and less expansive
transport of farm products to trading places.
6. The Department of Labor and Employment is conducting an Orientation on Preemployment of migrant workers (OPEM) before their deployment to work in different
sugarcane plantation in Negros island.
Prior to their departure, OPEM will be conducted to ensure they know their
responsibilities stated in the contract as well as their rights and privileges.
Women sugar migrant workers are also entitled for maternity benefits in the amount
of P5,000 from DOLE.
They could also avail of skills training program from TESDA during off planting and
milling-season in case they wanted to learn new skills and start a livelihood activity.
In cases of death, the family of the worker is also entitled to death claim in the amount
of P10,000 from DOLE under the Social Amelioration Program.
DOLE likewise offers scholarship program for children of sugar migrant workers who
wish to pursue their college education. Interested party could inquire at DOLE
provincial office.
7. Algin John P. Bade, student of Laguindingan National High School in Misamis
Oriental won first place and 4,000 pesos in the recent Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental provincial quiz bee at SM Mall Cagayan de Oro
City.
Bade along with 74 other high school participants (Grades 9 and 10) went through 35
items ranging from easy to difficult questions regarding consumer welfare, consumer
rights and trade laws among others.
This is the 10th year of the provincial quiz bee in partnership with the Department of
Education (DepEd).
The quiz bee aims to really make the young ones know their consumer rights and
responsibilities at an early age.
This years celebration of Consumer Welfare Month is hosted by Bangko Sentral Ng
Pilipinas (BSP) with the theme: Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.
8. A significant drop in crime incident in Biliran province was recorded late this year.
Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) reports that crime incident in Biliran
recorded only 11 cases in September, 2016 compared to 59 cases in the same period
last year.

P/Supt. Carlito De Guzman Gallardo relates the significant decrease in crime incident
with the relentless anti-illegal drugs campaign of the Duterte administration.
He added that majority of the reasons nowadays why an individual kills, steals, rapes
or commits heinous crimes is being hooked on illegal drugs.
He also warns identified drug personalities in Biliran province who voluntary
surrendered to police authorities under Operation Tokhang who go back to illegal
drugs trade to stop, to avoid facing dire consequences.
Gallardo also reports that there were 17 drug pushers and two drug users apprehended
in Biliran province from July 1 until end of September this year.
9.

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