Chiz urges gov’t to craft comprehensive labor policy for OFWs

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) -- Senator Francis Escudero underscored the need for the government to forge an agreement with countries employing Filipino workers to protect them against labor malpractice and abuses.

In an email to PIA Bicol News Service, Escudero said that since taking on overseas jobs remain a personal choice of millions of Filipinos, the government should put in place a comprehensive labor migration policy for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to ensure that they are safe and protected.

According to the senator, the government should address the common complaints of OFWs against health and safety, labor malpractice, non-payment of overtime pay, absence of pay slips, poor accommodation, discrepancies in wages and repatriation in case of crisis, among others.

“It is high time that our government start to acknowledge that we have a labor-export policy and rid the industry of unscrupulous labor recruiters and protect our migrant workers,” Escudero said.

“We already have enough, ripe reasons to initiate a government- to-government arrangement for labor migration since we have long seen the reality of labor exodus of Filipinos to other countries. The Philippine government can no longer deny this,” he added.

“OFWs are our modern-day heroes and the remittances they send to their families propel our economy. I think the best way to repay them is to ensure that they would be safe and properly compensated in the countries where they would be deployed,” Escudero furthered.

The senator also called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to look into the conditions of OFWs working in Madagascar, many of whom have contracted malaria in their work place.

Reports reaching Escudero’s office said OFWs working in the Ambatovy project in the town of Toamasina had been asking the government that they wanted to be repatriated after their company, Kentz Engineers and Constructors, failed to pay them salaries and overtime pay.

Aside from labor malpractices, OFWs in Madagascar have also complained that they were not given any anti-malaria medication as the place in known to be infested with malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Escudero also asked the DFA and the DOLE to look into reports that a Filipino supervisor had succumbed to malaria last month in the area.

Kentz currently employs around 2,000 OFWs working in the Ambatovy project, a large-tonnage mining project that integrates many facilities to process and refine nickel into pure nickel briquettes. (PIA V/Albay)


BIR launches 2011 tax campaign plan
By Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) -- The Bureau Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here launched its 2011 tax campaign kick-off Wednesday morning (March 16) with a motorcade participated in by various sectors from the business, professionals, government, academe and the media and a short program at the LCC Mall activity center.

In his message, Nelson Aspe , BIR deputy commissioner for operations, congratulated the BIR regional officials, headed byDirector Diosdado Mendoza, for its continued good performance in its tax collection efforts in Bicol in surpassing its goal since 2007 up to last year when the collection goal was surpassed by more than P254 million.

Aspe said that he was confident BIR Bicol will again exceed its collection goal for this year tentatively set at 20 percent of the 2010 goal of P4.5 billion with its innovative approaches and teamwork that they shown in reaching tax payers to pay the correct taxes.

He said that one of the reforms that is being made by the revenue agency is for taxpayers to be able to pay their taxes electronically in the very near future and the establishment of a tax academy were personnel of the Bureau will be continuously trained to further enhance their skills in effective tax collection and how to provide prompt courteous and efficient service to taxpayers.

Aspe also said that to promote the tax awareness of the young people the agency will be working with the Department of Education for the inclusion in the intermediate or in high school curriculum some subjects that would strengthen the tax awareness among the youth who will be the future taxpayers.

During the program the slogan “BIR Bicol: Paglaom para sa Kauswagan” and its logo for the 2011 tax drive was unveiled by Assistant Regional Director Elisa Pellejera.(PIA V/Albay/mal)

Governor cites army for Masbate’s peace and development

PILI, Camarines Sur – The Army in the Bicol region earned praises from a local chief executive during a military ceremony held at Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division in Camp Elias Angeles here Wednesday (March 16).

In the oath taking ceremony of the new batch of Army recruits, Masbate Governor Rizalina “Dayan” Lanete said that the presence of the military drastically improved the peace and order situation in her province.

“The soldiers are doing the right thing in maintaining peace and order, especially in far-flung areas of Masbate where ordinary men dare not go,” she said.

She also she urged the soldiers, especially the new recruits who will be assigned in Masbate, to support her administration in delivering various public services to her constituents.

“If we work hard enough together as a community, not even the most arid deserts can stop this grace from blooming. We hold in our hands the keys to making our dreams come true,” said Lanete.

The Army and the Philippine National Police in Masbate have earned accolades during the conduct of national and local elections last year.

For the first time, the 2010 elections posted the lowest number of election-related violent incidents in its many decades of polls which are usually marred by political violence. (MALoterte, PIA Albay)

Shefa province and Naga City seal sisterhood pact
By Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA City , (PIA)---The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement Thursday (March 17) sealed off the sisterhood pact between the Shefa Province and the local government of Naga, strengthening their resolve to jointly pursue significant endeavors which will enhance areas concerning education, health and waste management in their respective areas.

Shefa province speaks well of the city’s accomplishment, and looks forward for the implementation of its best practices in their very own community.

The city government here has more than 150 awards not only locally but also in the national and international categories for its unique inclusive governance. Its programs on health, children, social service, governance, settlements and women were cited for their significant contribution in the progress of the city and the nation as well.

Led by President Lami Sope, Shefa delegates sought the presence of the city’s council members to express their intention of marking a linkage that would give mutual benefits to both areas. Assistant Secretary General Ernest Kaloris also presented the objective of the study visit.

Earlier, Naga City Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado and Councilor DC Nathan Sergio helped out to hasten the sisterhood process by issuing authority to the City Mayor to sign for and in behalf of the City Government of Naga in sealing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Shefa Province . The said motion was collectively seconded by the members of the Council.

The said visit was facilitated and made possible by the Naga City People’s Council, an aggrupation of 80 accredited non-government organizations and people’s organization operating in the City of Naga and the partner of the city government on its people-centered development program.

Shefa is a province of Vanuato . Its name was derived from the initial letters Shepherd and Efate . It also serves as a gateway for many tourists into other parts of Vanuato. It boasts of underwater beauty, active volcanoes and lush landscape that attract more and more tourists each year.

Shefa is a favorite hide away for honeymooners, cruise shippers and dating couples. (PIA Camarines Sur/mal)

Public hearing on the use of plastic buntings in Catanduanes set
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes- A Public Hearing on the proposed ordinance prohibiting the use of plastic buntings during fiestas and other similar occasions in the province of Catanduanes effective this 2011 and provides administrative sanctions and penalties for violation will be held at the Provincial Capitol Dome at 08:00 a.m. on March 23, 2011.

Expected to attend are the 11 municipal mayors, municipal engineers, Association of Barangay Captains Municipal Presidents, Tourism Officer, Chairman of Solid Waste Management and the Management Councils, Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) and the general public.

In the proposed ordinance, it is stated that traditional community festivals such as fiestas contribute to the proliferation of this environmental nuisance by using buntings made from plastic bags, packaging leftovers and product ads as adornments during these celebrations and recklessly dumping them afterwards ins storm drains and other bodies of water thus blocking the water path and causing immense flooding resulting to injuries and even deaths among marine fauna and even hastily burning them thereby releasing harmful pollutants such a dioxin which can cause a range of serious health problems.

If the said ordinance pass Sangguniang Panlalawigan approval, any person found violating any provision of the ordinance shall be meted with fines or imprisonment under the discretion of the court. (PIA Catanduanes/mal)

CSC cites 60 outstanding students for leadership, academic excellence
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, (PIA) - Sixty tertiary students of the Catanduanes State Colleges will receive citations for their leadership, academic excellence and co-curricular achievements during the annual Civil Service Commission (CSC) recognition ceremonies on March 18, 2011, 3:00 P.M. at the CSC covered court.

The annual rites will honor outstanding student leaders, dean’s listers, quiz winners, outstanding undergraduate thesis authors, outstanding campus journalists, theater arts performers and college varsitarians.

Leading the 10 Outstanding Student Leaders for 2010-2011 is John Elmar B. Templonuevo, Bachelor of Secondary Education, followed by Elvin Randolph R. Jubay, BS in Accountancy; Jann Marvin Posada, BS in Nursing; Joey D. Antonio, Bachelor of Elementary Education; John Michael P. Veruen, BS in Nursing; Joefrey T. Ereso, BS in Accountancy; Kelly B. Advincula, Bachelor of Elementary Education; John Alrey B. Tidon, Bachelor of Elementary Education; Mark Anthony A. Isorena, BS in Nursing and Noreen S. Gianan, BS in Business Administration – Financial Management.

Thirteen nominees vied for the search and were evaluated by a panel of judges based on their evidence of leadership as shown in their positions held in school-based student organization and out-of-school organizations; activities participated in at school-based organizations; contests participated in and won, conventions, seminars and trainings attended, and special activities or projects conducted.

The contenders’ academic standing and evidence of performance through awards and distinctions received in local, regional, national and international level as well as communication ability were likewise evaluated.

Meanwhile, John Michael T. Bernal, 4th year BS in Civil Engineering student tops this year’s roster of Dean’s Listers for obtaining an average rating of 1.40 for the first semester of SY 2010-2011.

Also on the list are John Elmar B. Templonuevo, 4th year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.44); Frenzy Joy R. Mancanes, 1st year BS in Accountancy (1.44); Arjay Tayas, 3rd year BS in Accountancy (1.45); Francis Isaac T. Bernal, 1st year BS in Civil Engineering (1.45); Marjorie T. Arcilla, 2nd year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.45); Frances Fatima T. Tolod, 2nd year Bachelor of Elementary Education (1.45);

Joey D. Antonio, 4th year Bachelor of Elementary Education (1.46); John William J. Tarnate, 1st year BS in Nursing (1.46); Annie Mae T. Zafe, 1st year BS in Biology (1.46); Lalaine S. Vitalicio, 5th year BS in Accountancy (1.48); John Paolo F. Pablo, 1st year BS in Civil Engineering (1.48); Zoren I. Añonuevo, 2nd year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.48); Loi Nadine V. Brusola, 1st year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.48); Francis G. Timbal, 3rd year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.48);

Noreen S. Gianan, 4th year BS in Business Administration – Financial Management (1.50); Raquel Velasco, 4th year BS in Business Administration-Financial Management (1.50); Aileen T. Bajaro, 3rd year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.50); Jomar Cervantes, 3rd year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.50) and John Ely B. Templonuevo, 1st year Bachelor of Secondary Education (1.50).

The graduating members of the CSC Statesman, the official tertiary student publication of the CSC will also given an award for their role in advancing campus press and for their achievements in regional, Luzonwide and national press competitions which consistently brought honors to CSC. To be given citations are John Elmar B. Templonuevo, editor in chief; Elvin Randolph R. Jubay, managing editor; Jann Marvin Posada, news editor and finance officer; Ezekiel V. Tanael, sports editor; John Michael P. Veruen, literary editor and Richard C. Icawat, assistant art editor.

The graduating Hablon Dawani performers who have provided invaluable services to the cultural outreach programs of the CSC will be also given citations and they are Rhena Hennie M. Alberto, BS in Entrepreneurship; Analiza Artos, Bachelor of Secondary Education; Kevin A. de Leon, BS in Nursing; Carol Claire F. Jacob, Bachelor of Secondary Education; Elvin Randolph R. Jubay, BS in Accountancy; Efraim T. Rosalita, Bachelor of Secondary Education and Mc Xavier A. Tanteo, BS in Information Management.

To be recognized too for their award-winning performances in regional sporting events are the graduating athletes composed of Ann Frances delos Santos, Rowena Tablate, Reolita Satairapan and Andelyn Sorra (softball); Ivan Keith Go, Jason Traqueña and Jose Marie dela Cruz (basketball); Louiegi Tomes (volleyball and Perfecto Bien (taekwondo) and Elvin Randolph R. Jubay (danceport).

Margarette J. Telpo will be also given citation for garnering the First Runner Up honor in chess (women) during the National SCUAA Olympics on February 21-25, 2011 in Ilagan, Isabela.
Moreover, Ma. Karla T. Avila, John Michael T. Bernal, Jeremy M. dela Cruz, Benjames T. Go, Jerwin D. Rendon and Yuri I. Soriao, civil engineering students who won in regional and national engineering quiz contests will be also honored in the ceremonies.

The best undergraduate thesis authors will be given with the CSC Research Services’ Pisog nin Uswag Award. In the science and technology category, Renee Daisy Avila, graduating BS in Biology student was declared first place winner for her study titled Antimicrobial Property of Abaca Musa Textiles Sap.

Geronimo Tapas, BS in Nutrition and Dietetics senior bagged the 2nd place award for his research titled Development and Standardization of Cream Puff out of Kadyos Cajanus cajan Flour.

Meanwhile, garnering first place award in the non-science and technology category was Kristel C. Maliñana and Jayson B. Tabor, AB major in Economics senior students for their study titled Street Children in Virac, Catanduanes: Case Study.

The research on Level of Acceptability of Selected Virac Businessmen on the dissemination of Rules & Regulations in the Payment of Taxes implemented by BIR which was conducted by Ezekiel V. Tanael, Joeffrey T. Ereso, Lionell T. Masagca, Elvin Randolph R. Jubay and Ronan John B. Toririt, got the second place award. (PIA/Catanduanes/CSC/mal)

Training-workshop on tourism awareness and capability development on-going
By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, (PIA) – The provincial government of Camarines Norte will conduct starting Thursday (March 17) a 2-day training-workshop on sustainable tourism awareness and capability development at the Department of Education (DepEd) conference hall, here.

Atty. Debbie cited the training workshop intends to enhance awareness of sustainable tourism and its prospects for the province; conduct a participatory assessment of the tourism assets among tourism program implementers; and identify strategic plans and programs to strengthen the province’s tourism industry.

Atty. Debbee G. Francisco, Provincial Tourism Officer, said that the rationale behind the activity is to showcase Camarines Norte’s natural features as well as cultural heritage sites.

She added tourism requires a systematic planning process that takes into consideration economic, social and environmental factors and when fully developed and promoted, could help attain the goals of socio-economic progress.

The training-workshop participants are tourism officers and municipal planning officers of the different municipalities; representatives of national government agencies concerned, tourism business establishments, civic organizations, media and community leaders. Expected guest is DOT Regional Director Maria O. Ravanilla who will discuss the Bicol Region’s Tourism Trends and Prospects.

The topics for the workshop include: tourism development plan; plans, programs and activities of the tourism operations division; assessment of tourism resources of the province; tourism planning and management; tourism product development, and marketing and promotions. (PIA Camarines Norte/mal)

Fire safety inspections on-going in Daet
By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, (PIA) - The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is continuously conducting fire safety inspection in major business establishments, under construction buildings, residential houses, schools, hospitals and other buildings here.

Daet Municipal Fire Marshal Inspector Adonis Osea said that they inspect and see to it if buildings and other establishments here are in accordance with the fire safety requirements set by their office.

He said that the fire safety inspection is a year round activity of their agency to ensure the safety of private and public buildings.

Osea said that they will be conducting fire drill to private schools here as part of their awareness to students in connection with the fire prevention month.

He said that they will also distribute next week flyers on fire safety tips also in connection with the fire prevention month this March supported by Daet Mayor Tito Sarion.

This year’s theme for the fire prevention “ Kahandaan sa sunog, tungo sa kaunlaran”. (PIA Camarines Norte/mal)

Legarda’s 800 TESDA scholars graduating

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) -- Hundreds of individuals are now ready to be either call center agents or baristas after finishing their training sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

In an email to PIA Bicol News Service, Legarda said 865 scholars from Quezon City who were trained by TRI-LINK school for two to three weeks as call center agents or baristas, graduated today in rites held at the Ichikawa Hall of the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Diliman, Quezon City.

Legarda said she is pleased that many individuals grabbed the chance to acquire skills that would help them get hired in areas where there are many job opportunities.

The graduates are from Quezon City's Barangay Bagabag, Barangay Sauyo, Barangay Talipapa. Barangay Greater Lagro, Barangay Sta Monica, Batasan Hills, Socorro, Apolonio Samson, Masambong, Holy Spirit, Balon Bato and Gulod.

Senator Legarda was welcomed by TESDA Director General Joey Villanueva, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Quezon City Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina Belmonte. (MALoterte, PIA Albay)