Maniolas

(photo courtesy of UP Program for Environmental Governance Facebook page) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the University of the Philippines (UP) have forged a partnership to launch a unique training program focusing on environmental governance. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and UP President Alfredo Pascual will lead the unveiling of the UP Program for Environmental Governance or UPPEG at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman on Jan. 18. UPPEG is the newest training program being offered by the country’s premier university. It harnesses the “multi-disciplinary expertise” of the DENR and the UP System—through its Center for Integrative and Development Studies—in the field of environmental governance. The training program is open to all government and private organizations that have a stake in effective environmental governance like the Department of the Interior and Local Government and peoples organizations. UPPEG taps the expertise of 22 high ranking UP professors as trainers. They are expected to promote the program’s primary objective of strengthening the competence of environmental authorities, especially those who are at the forefront of implementing the government’s policies on natural resource conservation and protection. The trainers will discuss issues ranging from policy formulation and analysis, transformational leadership, conflict resolution, effective communication skills, resource mobilization for business development and networking, environmental management planning, and managing environmental risks and resiliency. Thirty provincial environment and natural resources officers or PENROS comprise the first batch of trainees under a six-module program consisting of 19 sessions to be Read More …

Ciara Sotto (MNS photo) Actress Ciara Sotto finally broke her silence on rumors that she has left her husband, Jojo Oconer, and their home. In an Instagram post, Sotto confirmed that she has decided to go back to the house of her parents, Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa. She said the past weeks have been difficult for her and her son. “The truth is painful, but it is what it is. I know that the Lord will strengthen me after this,” she wrote. “I prefer to keep my privacy at this time and I would appreciate the public respecting this. Thank you to those who are sending me messages of support and encouragement.” Sotto did not say the exact reason why she left her husband and their home. But in her Instagram posts last week, the actress hinted at instances of cheating. Sotto married Oconer in 2010. They gave birth to their first child, Vincezo Xose, last year. (MNS)

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the concession agreement from BulacanGovWinhelminoSy-Alvarado for the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project at the Atis Function Hall of the BarCie International Center in Catmon, Malolos City, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The concession agreement will undertake the detailed design, construction, and maintenance of the conveyance facilities, treatment facilities and water source within a 30-year concession period. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III reiterated on Friday his reasons for turning down a bill providing for the increase in pensions of Social Security System (SSS) members. Aquino, during an event in Bulacan, said it was unfair to grant the increase at the expense of the other SSS members. “Matutuwa yung 2 million, mapapahamak yung 30 million. Tama ba ang pagbabantay natin ng pondong ito?” he said during an ambush interview broadcasted over state-run Radyo ng Bayan. (While 2 million (members) will be delighted, the other 30 million will be at risk. Are watching over this fund appropriately?) The President discussed the factors considered, including the current income generated by SSS and the current economic and financial situation affecting the agency’s holdings. President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the 3rd Global Social Business Summit and Gawad Kalinga’s 13th Anniversary at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation of the GK Enchanted Farm in Barangay Encanto, Angat, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The event has for its theme: “The Business of Kindness: Doing Good Makes Business Read More …

Passengers form long queues to the immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday morning. Some passengers missed their flights as the whole check-in process took hours due to the shortage of manpower from the Bureau of Immigration. (MNS Photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – The charges against the Qatari national who attempted to jump off the ledge of the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday have been dismissed after the Qatar Embassy insisted diplomatic immunity. Saud Salman Al-Thani who, according to his passport, is a sheik and a member of the ruling family of Qatar, immediately departed the Philippines after the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the charges of alarm and scandal and resisting arrest against him. This, after the Qatar embassy presented a certification, confirming that Al-Thani is a member of the ruling family of Qatar and therefore enjoys diplomatic immunity and is exempted from criminal charges in the Philippines. Qatar embassy Charge d’Affaires Abdullah Ali Al-Kubaisi presented the certification during the inquest proceedings for the commotion caused by Al-Thani when he tried to commit suicide twice at the departure area of the NAIA Terminal 1. Senior Superintendent Adolfo Samala Jr. of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) released Al-Thani to the custody of Embassy officials after the charges against him were dropped. Al-Thani was immediately flown out of the Philippines on board a Qatar Airlines flight.(MNS)

Liberal Party (LP) chairman President Benigno S. Aquino III raises the hands of the administration senate slate for the 2016 national elections during the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid: Ang Pagpapakilala at the Balay Expo Centro Building in EDSA corner McArthur Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on Monday (October 12). The 12 senatorial bets includes COOP NATCCO party-list Representative Cresente Paez; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) director and former Akbayan party-list Representative Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel; former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Emmanuel “Joel” Villanueva; former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla; Senator Ralph Recto; Senate President Franklin Drilon; former Senator and former food security czar Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima; Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Muslim Affairs and Special Concerns Nariman Ambolodto; Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III; and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) general manger and chief operating officer Mark Lapid. Also in photo are LP Presidential Candidate former DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II; LP Vice Presidential Candidate Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo; and LP vice chairman and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Friday shrugged off the results of the recent Social Weather Stations survey showing a decline in the ratings of administration presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. “Public opinion survey results continue to be in flux as the start of the campaign period draws nearer,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in text statement. Coloma said Read More …