About 150,000 graduating but cash-strapped students will benefit from an emergency loan program for students to be launched this month by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The program, called Students Higher Education Relief and Emergency Loan Fund, will have a seed fund of P300 million to P500 million.

The program is intended to help graduating students who need financial assistance to allow them to continue their education.

"We want this to be made available to the less privileged sectors of our society and we will try to make it as broad as possible. The President’s directive is to have it implemented nationwide within the next five months," Presidential Chief of Staff Rigoberto Tiglao said.

The program involves providing low-interest loans of P3,000 to as much as P15,000 per semester to students graduating from college and vocational schools. The loan will be payable after a two-year grace period, to be amortized in five years.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Bro. Rolando Dizon said the program is a take-off from CHED’s "Study Now Pay Later Plan" which, due to lack of funding, has been very limited in scope.

Additional funding has made it possible for the expansion of the service, Dizon said.

"This is the time of the year when students need a lot of financial assistance," Dizon said, adding that many of the students cannot graduate because of lack of financial capability.

Dizon expressed optimism that the program will enable students, who are experiencing financial problems, to be able to graduate on time.

He cited statistics showing that up to 40 percent of students stop schooling after the first two years of college because of financial constraints.

Tiglao said that the program has been under gestation since last year, but had to be put on hold because of budget-deficit problems.

The program has already received full support from Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. who assured that he would work for a supplementary budget for the program estimated to initially amount to P350 million.

The President, however, wanted a seed money of P500 million.

The students’ assistance fund program is one of several initiatives the President ordered undertaken this month as part of her overall campaign since 2001 to get government provide services to the people.

I call on the public to be calm, unified and organized in facing the looming water crisis.

Concerned government agencies as well as the local government units are now mapping out plans to cushion the negative effects of the situation.

Let the Senate investigation ferret out the truth on all the issues surrounding the controversy.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today assured the public that the government is prepared to provide water to communities expected to be affected by the water shortage in Mega-Manila and some parts of Northern Luzon.

In a statement, the President also appealed to the public to remain calm and start organizing its ranks amid the possible water scarcity to hit Metro Manila and some northern provinces after the six dams in Luzon hit the below-critical water elevations.

"I call on the public to be calm, unified and organized in facing the looming water crisis. We shall continue to deliver water to the poorest communities that are hardest hit by the crisis," the Chief Executive said.

She also stressed that concerned government agencies, as well as the local government units are now mapping out plans to cushion the negative effect of the situation as part of the contingency plan of the government.

The directive of the President came after the six major dams in Luzon registered drops in water level, particularly the Angat Dam in Bulacan whose water level has dipped to 198.77 meters in the past 24 hours.

The Bulacan dam supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water requirements covering about 8 million consumers.

Other Luzon dams being monitored are the Magat Dam in Isabela, Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija, Binga Dam and Ambuklao Dam in Benguet and San Roque Dam in Pangasinan.

Malacaņang today welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to hear new evidence on the case of the two men convicted of kidnapping and scheduled for execution by lethal injection on January 30.

"This is a welcome development, this chance given those representing the two to explain their side," Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said this morning in a radio interview.

"The intervention of the Supreme Court only shows the rule of law, which we respect, prevails," Bunye added.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is personally against the imposition of the death penalty, had been steadfast in her stand of allowing the execution to be carried out, but has said that she would abide by any decision of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Public Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Solicitor General and the pro and anti-death penalty groups to participate in oral arguments set January 26.

The PAO said they have new witnesses who are willing to execute affidavits to prove that the two convicts are innocent.

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P35-million Fort Magsaysay Improvement Project here that is expected to help spur economic growth in Nueva Ecija province.

The President said the runway project, coupled with the nearby port in Dingalan town in Aurora province, would help increase economic activities and create jobs for the residents of the province.

Once completed, the President said, the new runway, capable for the operations of C-130 cargo planes, could also be used to move in passengers and products to the province.

The project, that includes the construction of a 1.5-kilometer runway, is supported by a $600,000 fund under the United States Department of Defense Exercise Related Constructed Program.

The project would be jointly implemented in 170 days by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Engineers and the US Naval Task Force Construction Division.

"Ito ang halimbawa kung paano natin ginagamit sa maikling panahon ng aking panguluhan ang karanasan at pagkakaibigan sa foreign policy para ipaglaban ang ating mga panaginip para sa pangkaraniwang mamamayang Pilipino (This is an example of how in my short stint we were able to use experience and friendship in our foreign policy to help the ordinary Filipinos)," the President said.

Before she took over as President, she said the Philippines only got a measly $1.9 million foreign military assistance.

The President said she toughened the country’s foreign policy, including war against terrorism, resulting on the inflow of around $400 million of foreign military assistance, including the multi-million airport in Basilan.

The President was accorded full military honors when she arrived here this morning on board the presidential helicopter.

Welcoming the President were local and military officials led by Governor Tomas Joson III, Palayan City Mayor Lorelei, 7^th Infantry Division commanding general M/Gen. Alberto Braganza, Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) commander Lt./Gen. Romeo Dominguez, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 3 commander M/Gen. Vidal Querol.

After meeting with Region 3 military, police and local officials, the President led the laying of the project capsule at the airstrip of the Army Aviation Battalion here.

Assisting the President were Abaya, Governor Joson, and Acting US Ambassador to the Philippines Joseph Mussomeli.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated Tuesday the biggest of all her "Patubig" projects in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila, providing relief to some 30,000 urban poor residents who have long waited for affordable and potable water supply.

The sixth and the latest in her "Patubig ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo" project inaugurated this month in the East Zone of Metro Manila is operated by the Ayala-led Manila Water Company.

Prior to the launching, the Vulcan Compound in Barangay 900 was among the problematic areas in the district due to its poor water supply. This is because of its distance from the main pumping station and reservoir in Balara, Quezon City, and the old pipes that connect the area to the main distribution network.

In her brief impromptu speech, the President informed the residents that it was her decision to celebrate her third anniversary of the presidency in the area because Sta. Ana is close to her heart and to her late father, former President Diosdado Macapagal.

"Punta, Sta. Ana is very close to my father’s heart and also to me because the first tenement housing was established in this place. The reason why I am here is to deliver clean and affordable water to all of you," she said.

The President informed the residents that since Christmas Eve when she first inaugurated the "Patubig" project in Payatas, Quezon City some 160,000 household families have already been provided with clean and potable water.

Upon her arrival in the area, the President personally inspected and witnessed the blessing of the newly installed direct water connection.

During the program, she witnessed the awarding of certificate of appreciation to Samuel Bello as the 100,000^th family customer for 2003 of Manila Water Company.

The President was welcomed by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, former 4^th District Representative Sandy Ocampo, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) managing head Ram Agoncillo and Manila Water President Antonio Aquino.

The "Patubig" is a priority project of the President with assistance from different local government agencies such as Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and its private concessionaires Maynilad Water and Manila Water Company, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Isabela Representative Rodolfo B. Albano as Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Albano was named as chief of the ERC in place of Manuel R. Sanchez who is running for a congressional seat in Rizal.

Albano has been Isabela representative for several terms since 1969.

He was first elected Congressman of Isabela in 1969 to 1973. After serving the first term, he was appointed as Presiding Judge of Davao City from 1975 to 1978.

Then he decided to go back to the legislative from 1984 to 1986. He became Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1985 during the Marcos era.

Albano returned to the legislative as Congressman of the 1^st District of Isabela from 1987 to 1998. After a lull of three years, he returned to the House of Representatives in 2001.

During his current term, he is chairman of several key committees and is a member of the bicameral Commission on Appointments.

From l987 to l998, Albano was either majority floor leader, senior deputy majority leader, and minority leader when he was in the opposition.

He has opted not to seek reelection in the May 10 polls.

Albano obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from Manuel L. Quezon University in 1956 and passed the bar examination in 1957.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozun assured the public today that the government is prepared to deal with the expected water crisis.

In the second Special Cabinet meeting in Malacanang presided by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo, Gozun reported that when the water level in Angat Dam reached 201 meters, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) started reducing release of the dam by five percent.

She said the current water level of Angat Dam right now is a little over 198 meters, and continues to decline by about one fourth meter per day.

Gozun also pointed out a 10 percent water reduction for irrigation purposes is still acceptable for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) as many areas have already finished planting.

With the continuous cloud seeding, Gozun reported that it rained for four days last week in the Angat Dam area.

The DENR secretary said they have finished the ground water assessment in Metro Manila and have identified four sites where DENR can possibly tap water to augment the present supply.

She also reported the discovery of a desalination plant in the Sucat Power Plant of the National Power Corp., saying the facility, which was decommissioned four years ago, can be functioning again within two weeks.

"It can produce about 4,000 cubic meters of treated water with a cost of about P7 million to P8 million that can be financed by the private sector provided they are assured of a permit for at least five years," Gozun said.

The DENR has identified other water sources outside of Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga.

Gozun cited Bataan which has adequate water supply. "There is a possibility to tap the water from there," she said.

Gozun proposed that the water for the "Patubig" program of the President can be sourced from Bataan instead of Angat Dam which supplies potable water to some 150,000 households.

On the demand side, Gozun said the revised infomercial for water conservation used in the 2001 El Nino crisis will come out on Friday.

"So far, everybody has been very cooperative," Gozun said, citing the local government units, and the Federation of Residents Association composed of high-end subdivisions including Forbes Park, Dasmarinas, Magallanes and the Ayala Group which have committed to help push the government’s water conservation campaign.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today called on the public to stay calm and vigilant in the face of the opposition’s threat to launch a massive protest if their standard bearer is disqualified in the May 2004 Presidential elections.

In an official statement, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye appealed to everyone to stay sober against the threat of demonstration if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declares Fernando Poe Jr. ineligible for the presidential race.

"We reiterate our call to the public to treat this matter with prudence and sobriety and lawful conduct," says Bunye.

In a press briefing, Presidential Campaign Spokesman Michael Defensor also called on to the opposition not to turn the controversy into a political matter.

The Secretary stressed that there’s no need for any camp to ride on the issue and make it into a full-blown controversy.

Defensor welcomed the Senate efforts to clarify the authenticity of the documents presented to Comelec by Atty. Victorino Fornier, National Archives chief Ricardo Manapat, and Poe’s defense team.

He added that it is normal for the opposition to accuse the administration of fabricating documents against Poe to show to the public that the administration is desperate to win in the coming polls.

"Surveys show the President is picking up and we believe the real issues, the platform and track record will prevail and the President will get the support of the electorate," Defensor said.

Defensor supported an investigation to verity if the documents from the National Archives are authentic.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo swore into office today seven newly promoted chief superintendents of the Philippine National Police (PNP), a member of the government panel to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace talks, and officials of certain government agencies.

The newly promoted policemen are Chief Superintendents Percy Aliac Brawner, Ernesto Villanueva Belen, Johnny Hojas Salvana, Alejandro Carpio Lapinid, Alejandro Avila Andres, Ricardo Calimlim Quinto, and Noe Albano Wong.

During the oath taking rites held at Malacaņang’s Ceremonial Hall, the President also swore in Saeed Daof as member of the government panel to the peace talks with the MILF, Presidential Assistant Dennis Cunanan of the Office of Youth Affairs and Commodore Fidel E. Dinoso of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy.

The other inductees were Secretary Joe Nathan P. Tenefrancia, acting Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; Undersecretary Aida Araceli Roxas-Rivera of the Presidential Legal Counsel; Commissioner Alipio Fernandez, Jr. of the Bureau of Immigration; Linglingay Lacanlale, Chief of the Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs; Assistant Secretary Martin Antonio Crisostomo of the Office of the Press Secretary; Executive Director Jose Calida of the Dangerous Drugs Board; Chairman Eduardo Manzano of the Videogran Regulatory Board; Chairman Rodolfo Albano of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

"Conserve water!"

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea G. Gozun made this appeal today to lessen the impact of an impending water crisis.

"Our call for all the people, conserve water as much as we can," Gozun said.

Gozun said there are now 10.8 million people being served by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). If each one will do his/her share to conserve water, Gozun indicated it would be a big factor to mitigate the adverse effects of a water shortage.

She said the government intends to launch an information dissemination on water conservation thru infomercials that have been developed in 2001 by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).upon instructions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The DENR chief added that the infomercials will be released in the next few days through the television, radio and in certain theaters to encourage the public to conserve wter.

Gozun also reported that she has been meeting with specific groups to notably homeowners associations in Metro Manila, which expressed full support to government efforts to save on water.

She revealed that she would also meet with mechanical engineers of major industries and commercial establishments, hotel and restaurant associations in a bid to strengthen the water conservation drive.

Gozun said the campaign likewise involves encouraging the public to immediately report leaking pipes and illegal connections to the proper authorities.

She pointed out that about 50 percent of water generated by the water concessionaires are wasted and unaccounted for.

She said that the Manila Water Company Inc. has hotline 1627, while Maynilad Water Inc. has 1626. Both telephones are manned round the clock.