NATIONAL NEWS

DPWH to adopt 2 inches minimum thickness in asphalt road projects
With the objective to standardize and further ensure quality of work of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has ordered the use of a minimum design thickness of 50 mm (2 inches) in all asphalt road projects. Department Order No. 39 signed by Secretary Ebdane directs all concerned DPWH officials and all heads of project implementing offices to strictly implement the order to adopt a minimum design thickness in all their asphalt overlay works/projects in accordance to the provision of Subsection 307.3.10 under Item 307 – Bituminous Plant – Mix Surface Course of the DPWH Standard Specifications for Highways, Bridges and Airports, Volume II, 2004 Edition. “Based on empirical studies and actual observations in the field, the use of less than 50 mm (2 inches) design thickness, among other design factors and considerations, has a detrimental effect on the structural stability/durability of the asphalt overlay,” Ebdane said. Ebdane added that in using a less than 50 mm thickness, the projects shall be more prone to premature cracking, potholes, peeling-off, among other defects, thereby affecting the smooth riding surface of the asphalt pavement. Ebdane stressed that his order is timely to guarantee that all asphalt overlay projects of the Department serve their purpose especially in improving the condition of the riding public and beneficiaries within the area of each project.



4th VP Noli search for tops launched in baguio
THE 4th Vice President Noli De Castro Academic Excellence and Exemplary Leadership Awards, Search for Ten Outstanding Public School Students (TOPS) was launched in Baguio City recently (September 7).
The launching of the activity signalled the reopening of opportunities for poor but deserving students to gain college educational scholarships.
Implemented in 2006, the program has already provided scholarships to numerous deserving students from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who underwent competitive examinations, in-depth interviews and screening where the selection committee probed their life.
“The life stories of the selected student scholars serve as an inspiration to the youth to hurdle their own personal challenges in achieving their goals.. The student awardees have shown that through perseverance and hard work, poverty should not be a hindrance to success,” Atty. Jesse Andres, De Castro’s Chief of Staff, said.
De Castro urged the young leaders to join the awards and search. “Malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ng kabataan sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Bilang suporta sa ating kabataan, inaanyayahan ko ang mga student leaders na lumahok sa naturang programa para makatanggap ng scholarships,” he said.




Palace dares presidential aspirants to surpass PGMA’s economic performance
MANILA, - Malacanang dares presidential aspirants to equal or even surpass the performance of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, particularly in the economic side.
Deputy Presidential Spokesman for economic affairs Gary Olivar dared this amid criticisms hurled by opposition groups against President Arroyo concerning the decline of the Philippine ranking in the global competitiveness as surveyed by World Economic Forum.
Olivar said that President Arroyo would leave a legacy wherein the country experienced under her term an interrupted 34 quarters of economic growth.
He also said that because of the reforms initiated by the President, the global recession experienced by 2/3 of the world did not hurt the Philippines but instead recorded a positive growth.
“This is the gold standard by which we should judge the candidates aspiring to replace the President. Will that candidate build upon her record, maybe even do better than he or will the candidate turn back the clock?” Olivar said.


Duque tops latest pulse asia survey
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III topped anew in a survey involving public approval among Cabinet members.
In the Pulse Asia survey conducted in July and August this year, Secretary Duque was given a 51% approval rating by the public.
“This is very flattering considering that I was only doing my job, which is to always make sure that the health of the public is always guarded against all kinds of diseases, whether the emerging or the endemic ones. I have to stress, however, that I am not alone in all these endeavors because behind me is the most committed and tireless health workforce,” Secretary Duque said.
The SWS survey explained that the high rating of 51% means that about half of Filipinos who are aware of Secretary Duque are satisfied with his performance at the Department of Health. The SWS further said that net-wise, Secretary Duque’s latest rating is the highest since he took office in June 2005.
In the most recent Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) report card released this August the leadership of Secretary Duque was recognized anew for his efforts in fighting graft and corruption.
Secretary Duque said that with a committed, dedicated and steadfast health workforce it is no wonder that the DOH consistently leads in integrity and high approval ratings by the Filipino public.


DOT launches Kayaking in the Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently launched its newest tourism product that features kayaking around the Philippines.
Introduced to major foreign buyers attending the Philippine Travel Exchange ’09 (PHITEX), the new tourism product highlights kayaking adventure in beaches, lagoons, rivers, lakes, springs, and fjords.
“In a country of 7,107 islands, one can only imagine the infinite possibilities of kayaking adventure. Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
“Kayaking allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets, channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands,” shared Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions.
Stanie Soriano, Corporate Relations Manager of Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, (PCVC) DOT’s partner in the project, added that, “These paddling spots can be availed through several tour packages such as the New Adventure-Kayak Hundred Islands, Historic Manila Bay Kayaking Adventures; Luxury Kayaking Safari in Bacuit Bay, Palawan, and Bohol Extreme Packages: Kayamping (Kayak and Camping).”



Loren blasts child labor in RP
Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday blasted the government for failure to fully implement the Anti-Child Labor Law of 2003 as declared by the United States’ Department of Labor ‘s Bureau of International Labor Affairs.
“I’ m flabbergasted to know that many of our children are still being exploited and employed in many industries in our country, contrary to our national law and international labor standards,” said Loren.
She made the comment after the US’s department of labor publicly listed goods imported from the Philippines into the United States which were allegedly produced using child labor in violation of international standards. These goods include coconuts, bananas, corn, sugarcane, rice, rubber, tobacco, hogs, fashion accessories, gold, pyrotechnics and pornography.
Loren appealed to the local Department of Labor and Employment to strengthen its enforcement of the “Anti-Child Labor Law” which was signed into law by the President in December 2003.
The law seeks to eliminate the worst forms of child labor such as those involving slavery: such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage, serfdom, including recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; prostitution and pornography; use of children for illegal activities, including drug trafficking; and any work that is hazardous and harmful to the health, safety and morals of children.


DepEd chief commends Metrobank’s outstanding teachers
“It is the teachers time to shine now.”
Zoilo Pinongcos, Jr. of Leganes National High School in Leganes, Iloilo shared this as he was honored as one of the ten awardees of 2009 Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT).
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred gold medallions to Pinongcos and the nine other awardees at Malacañang Palace recently.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus lauded the annual Search as it institutionalizes the giving of award to the best and brightest in the teaching profession.
This year’s awardees for the elementary level are: Lourdes Matan of Mag-Ubay Elementary School in Calbayog City; Gemma Cortez of Dasmariñas Elementary
School in Dasmariñas, Cavite; Benjamin Martinez of San Sebastian Elementary School in Tarlac City; and Eva Imingan of Nellie E. Brown Elementary School in Olongapo City.
Aside from Pinongcos, other awardees for the secondary level are: Shena Faith Ganela of Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City; Rochelle Papasin of Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao
Campus in Davao City; and Ma. Petra Romualdo of Minapan High School in Tulunan, Cotabato.
For the higher education level, the awardees are: Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo of the University of the Philippines-Diliman; and Dr. Ramon Del Fierro of University of San Carlos in Cebu City.
Awardees will be presented with plaques and P300,000 cash each during formal ceremonies at Metrobank Plaza in Makati. The awarding ceremony serves as the highlight of the 47th anniversary celebration of the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company.