114th Philippine Independence Day – June 12, 2012

June 12, 2012: The Philippines is celebrating in today's very significant 114^th Philippines Independence Day.

President Benigno Aquino III Message

President Benigno S. Aquino III today stressed that upholding the constitution is the true essence of democracy as the ideals and aspirations of the nation are embodied in it.

In his Independence Day message, Aquino imparted that "even in the early years, our forefathers were already cognizant of the principles underlying democracy- that absolute power lies on the Filipino people. This served as the guiding principle of the 70 statesmen from various provinces of the archipelago that gathered here in Barasoain Church and drafted our first Constitution."

The Chief Executive added "it is the responsibility of every public official to read, understand and lived by the Constitution, thinking of the general welfare of his/her constituents more than his/her own."

Aquino narrated that when he was just starting his political career as representative of the second district of Tarlac, he already had the Constitution as the pillar of his public service, guiding him in fulfilling his mandate.

That is why the President bared he sometimes gets dismayed over some public officials who use their constitution-given powers to satisfy their personal interests even to the point of circumventing laws and neglect their duties.

This led to widespread corruption brought about not only by greed but also of muteness of the constituents and institutions that are tasked to enforce punishment to these lawbreakers.

Aquino underscored that during his administration, which has taken off to the straight path, will never allow detours to the grim roads.

As the constitution provides, the President noted "the strength of the nation stems from its people. That is why it is just that they benefit from the fruits of our labor."

"That's why with all the reforms that we push- from jobs to enforcement of social justice; from improving the social system to prudent fiscal reforms- should reflect the principles adopted right in this church in 1898" the Chief Executive ended. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

VP Binay leads flag raising in Luneta

Vice President Jejomar Binay and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim led the flag raising and wreath laying ceremony today at Rizal Monument to commemorate the 114th Araw ng Kalayaan.

The weather cooperated during the flag raising as rain abruptly stop shortly before the program starts.

Simultaneous flag raising ceremonies were also held in different historical sites in the country as part of the celebration of the Araw ng Kalayaan.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines executive committee prepared several events fitted for the occasion to make it more meaningful and memorable.

This year's theme for the 114th Araw ng Kalayaan is "Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng bayan para sa tuwid na daan." NHCP will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The celebration shall stress on accountability and responsibility of the citizenry.

A mega job fair is also being conducted today, led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). More than 40,000 jobs are being offered in the said activity to assist Filipinos land a job. Different line agencies also set up their respective booths to serve the general public who wants to avail of their services.

A program dubbed "LUZVIMINDA: A kalayaan cultural dance drama musicale" will also be at 6:00 p.m. to 9:00PM at the Luneta Grandstand. It is a three-segment cultural show featuring renowned folkloric, cultural, ballet and modern dance groups, classical, indigenous, alternative and contemporary song artists and musicians and it will be capped by a 25-minute firework display with music titled as Pailaw ng bayan. (PIA-Central)

OFW – Celebrates 114^th Philippines Independence Day 2012-06-12

10 Million OFW around the world celebrates the 114^th Philippines Independence Day. From USA, to Middle East back to East Asia in Japan and South Korea to Canada and around the world.

 Though many are still in their work but the spirit of Philippine independence day is still celebrated in each and everyone's OFW heart.

"Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.. Mag malambuon- ug mag madaugon ang Pilipinas" 

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President Aquino brings home $2.5 B investments from US-UK trip

President Benigno Aquino III brought home $2.5 billion-worth of investments from his recent foreign trips in United Kingdom and USA.

In his speech upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Sunday, June 10, Mr. Aquino said the bulk of the committed investments, or around $1.5 billion, were in power generation and transportation and included the following:

 a $500-600 million pledge by Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp., majority owned by commodities trading giant Glencore, to expand its smelting capacity and build a power plant to support its operations;

$150-million agreement between Aboitiz Equity ventures and GazAsia Ltd. creating Asea Gaz Corp., which will develop a plant that will convert organic waste into liquid methane;

 an agreement between Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. with the Philippine government to explore the potential of building a liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas; and

a $280-million memorandum of understanding between Rolls Royce Holdings PLC, a global power systems company, and Cebu Pacific on the acquisition of new Trent 700 engines for up to eight leased Airbus aircraft that will be used on long-haul flights to be launched in the second half of 2013.

Officials of Nestle SA, meanwhile, reiterated a plan to increase investments in the Philippines, particularly on raising coffee sourced from local farmers.

The remaining $1 billion in secured investment pledges, said Mr. Aquino will come from companies whose officials he met in the US.

Sithe Global Denham and GNPower Ltd. Co. are looking at construction of additional coal-fired power plants in Mariveles, Bataan, while Underwriters Laboratories pledged that the Philippines would be one of the Asian locations for the expansion of its research and development facilities.

"Overall, we expect at least $2.5 billion in investments to come in to the country from Britain and the US. This means jobs ... that will bring food to the tables," Mr. Aquino said.

The president also claimed that "along with good news for the economy, the trip has also resulted in enhanced political and economic ties with UK and the US."

British Prime Minister David Cameron promised continued support to the peace process in Mindanao. The UK is a member of the International Contact Group that facilitates peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

US Aid

Talks with US President Barack Obama at the Oval Office, meanwhile, were highlighted by discussions on defense and security cooperation as Washington shifts its military focus to Asia.

Mr. Obama said the US would help the Philippines beef up its antiquated materiel and build a "minimum credible defense posture," while stressing the importance of diplomacy in resolving tensions in the South China Sea.

"President Obama himself stressed the importance of the Philippines as an ally. We are partners in pushing for freedom of navigation in the West Philippines Sea," Mr. Aquino said.

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, who also met Mr. Aquino in Washington, said the US would help the Philippines build a National Coast Watch System to enhance maritime security.

"The president makes sure that whatever expenses are incurred will be returned by way of investments---the investments that we get whenever the President goes out of the country," presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview.

Aquino also reported that during his US trip; he was informed that the Philippines have become a beneficiary of the debt-for-nature swap. The country does not have to pay its $23 million-worth of debts to the US government, and instead the Aquino government could just channel it to tree planting activities in the country.

The Philippines also received an additional $30 million under its Partnership for Growth program with the US for poverty alleviation.

Aquino added that President Barack Obama himself "stressed the importance of the Philippines as an ally" with a shared interest to maintain freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Aquino that they will help construct a Coast Watch system and deploy additional Peace Corps volunteers in the country.

"These will come a long way in protecting our shores," Aquino said.

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