THE GOVERNMENT has created a roadmap aimed at increasing dairy production output by 2020 by means of enhancing the processing efficiency of these products.
Apr 082016
Apr 072016
HONGKONG and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) has raised its growth forecast for the Philippines this year to a level slightly higher than 2015’s as prospects remain stellar, highlighted by an estimated above-7% rise in the first quarter.
Apr 072016
DAVAO CITY — The 200-hectare (ha) reclamation and port project here, as proposed by Mega Harbour Port Development, Inc. to the city government, will undergo another Swiss challenge as the matter is elevated to the agencies of the national government.
Apr 072016
DAVAO CITY — The shortfall on the Mindanao power grid has again widened after one of the two 150-megawatt (MW) coal-fired plants of Therma South Inc. (TSI) was shut down following a tripping of the transmission line in Toril, Davao City on Wednesday afternoon.
Apr 062016
President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the new facilities of the Kaertech Electronics Philippines, Inc. (KEPI), Innorev Building in Phase 6A Laguna Technopark, Inc., Special Export Processing Zone in Biñan City, Laguna on Thursday (March 31). Also in photo are KEPI President Michael Bouffaut, DTI Secretary Adrian Cristobal, Jr. and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman.(MNS photo) MANILA, April 6 (PNA) – Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz reiterated the warning issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that cautions job applicants not to be duped by a recurring employment scam using the name of a hotel company. “We were informed that in addition to the previous modus operandi of these unscrupulous scammers, which include sending e-mails to unsuspecting job seekers, they are now prowling for victims in social media. I advise our jobseekers to be extra cautious, and apply only at recruitment agencies licensed by POEA, and deal with licensed agencies with legal job orders,” said Baldoz. POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said that in a Facebook post, the scammer alleged that the management of Marriott Hotel Canada needs new workers for diverse positions such as stewards, nurses, technicians, fashion designers, comedians and entertainers, models, actors, dancers, medical doctor, artisans, mechanics, waiter, waitress and other hotel job category. Cacdac said a new email doing the rounds, is offering jobs with Marriott Hotel in the United Kingdom. He said scammers use legitimate company names, such as Marriott, to make false offers of employment but telltale signs of it Read More …
Apr 062016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In line with the economic diplomacy strategy of the Philippine Embassy that aims to diversify stakeholder profile in the Philippine economy, the Philippine Overseas Labor and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Offices (POLO-OWWA) in Washington, D.C. conducted the first-ever seminar on Options for Livelihood and Development for overseas Filipinos on 31 March 2016 at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall. Commercial Counselor Raymond Batac shared the presentation from the Philippine Franchise Authority (PFA) that gave an overview on franchising, including the benefits to and obligations of both franchisor and franchisee. “The primary advantage of a franchise is that it draws from the brand strength and business model of an already established enterprise. However, these factors also create responsibilities for the franchisee, particularly in meeting standards of quality and preserving the reputation of the business,” he explained to the participants. Dr. Josyline Javelosa, Philippine Agricultural Attaché for the Americas, presented investment opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors, ranging from the more traditional activities of rice and crop farming and fishing, to the increasingly lucrative agri-tourism and organic farming businesses. “Agriculture remains a top driver of the Philippine economy. Innovations in technology and services are changing the face of agriculture in the Philippines, and more and more avenues are being opened to those interested in entering the sector,” Dr. Javelosa said. The Embassy’s Economic Officer, Minister Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, assured the participants of the Embassy’s willingness to provide advice and appropriate referrals to US-based Filipinos who are looking into establishing businesses in Read More …
Apr 062016
Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo (left) urges her supporters to vote for Team Daang Matuwid during a rally held at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City on Friday (April 1, 2016). (MNS photo) MANILA, Apr 6 (Mabuhay) – Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo asked the government and various interest groups to cease finger-pointing and focus on the interest and welfare of the drought-stricken farmers first. “Walang mangyayari sa pagtuturuan dahil wala itong maitutulong para mapabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga magsasaka (Nothing will come out of finger-pointing as it will not help the condition of our farmers),” Robredo said in a statement. A wounded protester is helped by his comrades after a violent dispersal of a rally in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato on Friday. Several people were wounded when the protesters, demanding help from the government because of the effects of drought on their farms, were dispersed by authorities.(MNS photo) “Unahin muna natin tingnan ang kalagayan ng mga magsasaka, pati na ang kanilang mga pamilya, dahil alam naman natin na sila talaga’y naapektuhan ng mariing tagtuyot (Let us first focus on the welfare of the farmers and their families because they are the ones directly affected by drought),” she added. The Camarines Sur representative has earlier demanded that heads should roll at the aftermath of the violent dispersal of farmers which killed at least three people and injured scores of people. “Bakit kailangang mangyari? Bakit kailangang may patayan? Bakit kailangang may barilan? Read More …
Apr 062016
Passengers wait outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)’s Terminal 3 following a power outage at the airport terminal in Manila early on Sunday. A rare power outage plunged a major section of the Philippine capital’s main airport into darkness overnight, forcing flight cancellations that stranded thousands.(MNS photo) MANILA, Apr 6 (Mabuhay) – Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Wednesday rejected premature calls for Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to resign from his post following the power outage at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport over the weekend. In an interview with reporters in Oriental Mindoro, Roxas said such resignation calls should be based on facts established in a proper investigation. “Itong mga panawagan na ito ay dapat batay sa kung anong kinalabasan ng imbestigasyon. Meron naman tayong proseso, so tignan natin, antayin natin kung ano talagang nangyari,” he said. “Mahirap na—hindi ko masasabi kung ano dahil hindi ko naman alam kung anong nangyari dun sa airport,” Roxas added. Abaya replaced Roxas at the helm of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) after the latter was appointed chief of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) following the death of then Secretary Jesse Robredo. On Tuesday, vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. asked for Abaya’s resignation, saying the DOTC Secretary “has been the source of many problems.” “When he came in we had hoped we would be the one to rationalize his department but he has been a disappointment kasi walang maayos na nangyari,” Marcos Read More …
Apr 062016
Coconut farmers from Quezon province and the Bicol region criticize the alleged connivance between businessman Danding Cojuangco and presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe on the use of the Coco Levy Fund, during a press conference in Quezon City on Monday.(MNS photo) BAGUIO CITY, Apr 6 (Mabuhay) – With finality, Sen. Grace Poe can run for president in the May 9 elections. This, after the Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed its March 8 ruling that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) committed grave abuse of discretion when it canceled the lawmaker’s certificate of candidacy for president. A court insider said “there is no reversal of the decision of the majority.” The source, however, said the minority requested to be given time to submit their respective dissenting opinions. In its original decision on March 8, a majority of nine justices, including Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, outnumbered the minority of six magistrates in declaring that the poll body erred when it canceled Poe’s certificate of candidacy for president. The source said the voting was unchanged: 9-6 in favor of Poe. Now that it’s final, the SC decision eliminates any legal obstacle against Poe’s presidential candidacy, said the same source. The source said the tribunal voted in a timely manner “in consideration of the remaining days leading up to the elections.” At a media briefing here, SC Public Information Office chief and spokesman Theodore Te confirmed that the en banc had already reached a decision on the motions for reconsideration on the SC’s March Read More …
Apr 062016
Luis Manzano (MNS Photo) Luis Manzano has mastered the art of “deadma” when it comes to questions about his sexual preference. In an interview after the press conference for ABS-CBN’s newest game show “Family Feud,” which will debut on April 9, Manzano pointed out that speculations that he is gay started back when he was still young. “Bata pa lang ako, ‘yan na talaga. Siguro hindi lang nila makuha ang katawan ko. Parang siguro ‘yung pagnanasa nila ay rurok na,” Manzano jokingly said, adding that it doesn’t offend him. “Walang masama sa pagiging bakla, it’s not a deregatory term. Kung bakla ka, bakla ka by all means. Pero alam mo kapag ginagamit siya bilang masamang pang-asar …kung tira sa akin, ginagamit siya with negative connotation, para sa akin ay mali ‘yon,” Manzano said. In the interview, Manzano also thanked his former girlfriend, Angel Locsin, for defending him against bashers who call him gay. Manzano also defended Locsin against those who are saying that Locsin is a lesbian. “It’s part of the industry, name-calling, bashing. Ang dami kong naririning na isyu sa akin na kahit katiting na pinanggalingan ay wala. May balita nga ako na may nabuntis akong beauty queen, sabi ko paano nangyari ‘yon? If people only understood this industry more than what they see on TV, they will be completely surprised,” he said. (MNS)