Albay honors local heroes
By Sally A. Atento
LEGAZPI CITY, Apr 23 (PIA) – The provincial government of Albay led today the memorial for Albayano heroes in time for the celebration of the Daragang Magayon Festival 2013.
Albay governor Joey Salceda said that the memorial day for Albayano Heroes of National Liberation, held since last year and will be observed every April 23 the following years, is a tribute aimed to highlight the legacies of the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of the province against its oppressors.
Salceda said that the event is expected to promote awareness among the people of Albay on the contributions of local heroes and in turn appreciate their heroic deeds foster unity as one race and enrich national pride.
To be honored are General Jose Ignacio Paua, General Simeon Arboleda Ola and Camilio Jacob.
Paua is the chinese revolutionary sent by Emilio Aguinaldo to the Bicol region in 1899 to raise funds for the newly-established Philippine Republic while Ola is the last revolutionary general from Guinobatan, Albay to surrender to the Americans in 1903.
Jacob, a photojournalist from Polangui Albay, was one of the 15 martyrs of Bikol shot on the same spot where Jose Rizal was martyred.
Also featured on the said event is the Sesquicentennial 150th year anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio who is considered as the Father of the Philippine Revolution.
Salceda related that Bonifacio had been in this province between 1895 and 1896 to work and recruit members for the Katipunan.
“Albay then was a very rich province and Bonifacio was working here. He actually belonged to the middle class contrary to the common notion that he comes from a poor family,” said Salceda.
“This story has been in the history books of Teodoro Agoncillo, Gregorio Zaide and Ambeth Ocampo,” Salceda added.
The statues of these four local heroes will be highlighted in the civil-military parade and wreath laying ceremonies at the Bicol University oval, opposite the Camp Simeon Ola in Albay.
The Memorial Day is part of the week long events headed by the provincial government in partnership with the uniformed service departments in promoting peace, development and tourism in the province.
These departments include the Office of the Civil Defense Region V, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Also part of the events is the 2nd Youth Leaders Training on National Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation at Cagraray Eco Park, Misibis, Cagraray Island on April 22 -26.
Among the events lined-up for the culmination of the week-long events are the “Ang Sir kong Pogi 2013 on April 23 at Albay Astrodome, a friendly competition among uniformed officers and “Adopt a Barangay (Barrio Fest)” on April 28 at Barangay Taysan, Legazpi City. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)
CHED opens scholarship program for SY 2013-2014
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has invited anew qualified students to avail of the three types of financial grants for incoming college students under its Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAP) this 2013-2014.
Education program specialist Cyril Badiola of CHED said the program is comprised of the Full or Half Merit, Grant-in-Aid, and Student Loan.
Badiola explained that scholarship of full merit is for poor but deserving Filipino students whose General Weighted Average (GWA) is 90% in above. Beneficiaries under this can enrol in ant government or private college/ university. Stipend P15,000.00 per semester.
Half merit scholarship, according to Badiola, is given to poor but deserving to Filipino students whose GWA is 85-89%. Beneficiaries under this program shall enrol in any government or private higher education institutions (HEIs). It also includes person with disabilities (PWDs). As allowance will be P7,500.00 per semester.
She furthered that Grant-in-Aid Programs which is Tulong Dunong is also for poor but deserving students whose GWA is 80-84%. It is intended for the following members of cultural minority groups of the hill tribe, solo parents and their children and, and senior citizens.
Students Loans are also offered. Under its Study-Now-Pay-Later Program, indigent but deserving students can avail of an educational loan.
According to her, CHED also offers other Grant-in-Aid Programs to deserving students under the office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process-CHED Student Grant Program for Rebel (OPAPP CHED SGPRR), DND-CHED-PASUC Study Grant and CHED Special Study Grant Program for Congressional District/ Senate.
In addition, the office has also a priority courses which are Information Technology, Teacher Education, Engineering, Agriculture, Science and Math, and Atmospheric Science. (MAL/RBEbuenga-OJT-BU/PIA5)
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2 firms in Masbate pay P1.1M workers’ claims
By Marlon A. Loterte
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Two sub-contractors of Filmenira Mining Resources in Masbate province, one of the biggest mining firm in the region, paid P1.1 million to 592 workers on April 10 after having been found out that they violated a number of labor laws.
DOLE Bicol regional director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said owners of the two sub-contractors intend to pay their employees following findings during a routine inspection of the agency that violations were committed on non-payment of holiday pay, premium pay, overtime pay, night shift differential, and non-payment of service incentive leave (SIL).
“Labor violations found during inspections, if not settled or corrected immediately, will result into a labor case," Lacambra said.
“Upon receipt of the notice of violations, they (sub-contractors), paid their workers and the best part of it is, no worker was terminated,” he said.
The subcontractors are the NC Lanting Security Specialist Agency which paid P1,036,874.28 to 516 employees and Galeo Equipment and Mining Company, Inc. which paid P117,491.66 to 76 employees.
It can be recalled that DOLE Bicol had initiated an inspection of subcontractors in mining firms early this year after a number of employees of Good Found Cement factory came to DOLE to air their complaint of underpayment of wages and related benefits.
“It was a wake up call. We need not wait for any other complaints to come, the reason why I ordered the inspection sweep on subcontractors,” Lacambra said. (MAL-PIA5, Albay )
Catanduanes hosts seminar on children’s rights and child abuse prevention
By Marvie Ann Gonzales
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Catanduanes Police Provincial Officer (CPPO) and the Regional Women and Children’s Protection Desk (DESK) spearheaded a two-day seminar on Children’s rights and child sexual abuse prevention on April 15-16 at the CPPO conference hall.
Aimed at strengthening the capability of police officers in dealing with abuses against women and children, Nancyline P. Agaid, senior trainer and advocacy officer of Stairway Foundation, discussed the duties and responsibilities of police officers and the different approaches and skills in dealing with said types of abuses.
Judge Ave Alba, presiding judge of Municipal Trial Court of Daraga and Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Catanduanes, dealt on the salient features of RA 9344 or "Juvenile Justice Act of 2006."
Alba explained that the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 was enacted into law as the State recognizes the vital role of children and youth in nation building and for the State to promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.
Pursuant to Article 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the State recognizes the right of every child who is alleged as, accused of, adjudged, or recognized as having infringed the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense of dignity and worth, taking into account the child’s age and in promoting his/her reintegration.
The administration of the juvenile justice and welfare system should take into consideration the cultural and religious perspectives of the Filipino people, particularly the indigenous peoples and the Muslims, consistent with the protection of the rights of children belonging to these communities; and the State should apply the principles of restorative justice in all its laws, policies and programs applicable to children in conflict with the law.
Judge Lelu P. Contreras, presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court Virac Catanduanes, meanwhile discussed RA 9262 “Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004.″
RA 9262, explained Contreras, provides protective measures and safeguards for survivor-victims, and prescribes penalties for the commission of the act.
This seminar also aimed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of police officers in handling child sexual abuse cases and to assist in strengthening existing networks catering to the protection of the children and women. (MAL/MAG-OJT-BU-PIA5)
Police steps up operations for peaceful election in Masbate
By Sally A. Atento
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol is determined to make a difference in its effort to attain a secure and fair election (SAFE), according to PNP RO5 spokesperson PSupt. Renato Bataller.
Bataller said, along with this effort is the intensified campaign and police operations in the province of Masbate against loose firearms and presence of private armed groups (PAGS) which is part of the challenge posed by PNP Director General Alan Purisima during his recent visit here.
“The intensified campaign and relentless efforts were the result of the challenge posed by Purisima to PRO5 regional director P/CSupt Clarence V. Guinto, RSOTG Masbate commander P/SSupt Heriberto Olitoquit to step up the campaign against loose firearms and presence of private armed groups (PAGS) in Masbate leading to the May 13 elections,” said Bataller.
Bataller reported that the operations conducted by the Regional Special Operations Task Group Masbate (RSOTG) and Masbate Police Provincial Office (MasPPO) in the province have recorded 58 persons arrested due to election-related violations and one dismantled private/partisan armed group.
Also confiscated were eight deadly weapons, 46 low-powered firearms, 23 high-powered firearms, and 315 explosives.
Bataller added these campaigns are also in compliance with the rules and regulations issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the ban on bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons and the employment, availment or engagement of the service. (MAL/SAA-PIA5, Albay)
Legazpi City vows to produce manpower needs for BPO industry
By Danny O. Calleja
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- This city will live to its name as a “feeder” of highly qualified manpower to the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry at the height of shortage in talent confronting the industry.
Mayor Geraldine Rosal of this city said that the local government is coming up with measures to improve its current pool of talents in the wake of recent assessment of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) that the supply of manpower cannot meet the growing industry.
This shortage, according to BPAP, continues to increase at the rate of 20 percent even as the country has 500,000 college graduates annually.
Rosal revealed that the city government is coordinating with the regional office of the Commission on Higher Education in doing an inventory of these graduates as well as previous graduates for possible enlistment with the city’s current pool of BPO talents who are already gainfully employed locally.
The chief executive noted that the city’s two universities, Bicol University (BU) and Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL), plus the over a dozen of colleges produced this year a total of about 10,000 graduates, and majority of them--like those in information technology (IT), nursing, finance, accounting and other courses related to business outsourcing--could serve the purpose.
There are now several BPO firms operating here with a combined call center seats of about 15,000.
The city is also anticipating the opening this year of Sutherland Global Services, an international provider of business process and technology management services that will offer 4,500 seats in its three-storey building now undergoing construction along the Legazpi City Boulevard.
“We are especially concerned with graduates in the fields that will address the demands for talents in Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing, Finance and Accounting Outsourcing, Human Resources Outsourcing and Animation and Game Development Outsourcing which are fast growing and emerging as promising fields,” she said.
According to the Department of Science and Technology, Healthcare IT-BPO careers have expanded into various disciplines that open windows of career opportunities for nursing graduates and allied medical professionals.
Through the IT-BPO sector, these professionals can opt to take alternative careers such as medical transcriptors, medical secretaries, medical coders and billers, medical assistants, medical representatives, medical butlers and clinical research associates.
For BPAP, the health information management continues to be the fastest growing sector at the BPO industry, growing 200 percent in 2012, and although BPO health sector requires US-registered nurses, anybody employed under the industry will be earning more than what an overseas Filipino worker is getting abroad.
The BPAP said USA covers 80 percent of the country’s BPO clients and the country hopes to capture more clients from Europe and Australia.
Finance and accounting, digital management and game development are other growing BPO industry sectors and according to BPAP.
The big gap in manpower supply is on the finance and accounting sector that is expanding mostly in captive banks and require highly-skilled and certified public accountants.
As to English language proficiency, which the BPAP is citing as another problem, Rosal said, “We are arranging interventions, perhaps remedial courses, with schools and local industry players in addressing this.”
The BPAP has said that based on testing of 15,500 students from 45 schools, majority falls below industry’s minimum competency requirement of 60 percent.
“We do not want our reputation as feeder city for providing highly qualified manpower to other outsourcing centers across the country to go to naught, that is why we want to maintain for the city a large pool of highly qualified manpower to the BPO industry,” the lady mayor said.
Legazpi is now listed as among the New Wave Cities--joining last year top-listed Davao City and other early entrants such as Bacolod, Baguio, Malolos, Iloilo, Cavite, Lipa, and Cagayan de Oro cities.
The city, the government’s regional center for Bicol, also scored high in the cost of doing business and availability of needed physical IT infrastructures to support the outsourcing industry, according to the BPAP.
Being a New Wave City provides a great avenue for local empowerment as its increases its talent pool and stems salary and rental inflation.
It also eases the pressures to raise salaries and rental rates in these major hubs, and spread the benefits of employment, higher incomes and increased business activity across the country. (LGU/MAL/DOCalleja-PIA5, Legazpi City)
Comelec creates task force for ‘Operation Baklas’
By Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 23 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office here has recently created a task force that will remove illegal posters in the 11 towns of the province.
The group is composed of the Comelec, PNP, Philippine Army, DENR, DPWH, and other government agencies.
According to Comelec provincial election supervisor, Atty. Ma. Aurea C. Bo-Bonao, "Operation Baklas (remove)" will remove over-sized campaign posters placed in prohibited areas.
For parties and partylist, posters must be 12 by 16 feet, or its equivalent but must not exceed a total area of 192 square feet.
Meanwhile, common poster areas for independent candidates must be 4 by 6 feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 24 square feet.
As stated in Comelec Resolution Number 9615, common poster areas will be allowed by the election officer in selected public places such as plazas, markets and barangay centers where posters can be seen or read by the public.
Except when private residences allow, Comelec rules that candidates must not post their campaign posters in houses, fences, electric posts, trees, and other public structures.
Furthermore, parties and candidates may put up a common poster area in every barangay. (MAL/EAB-PIA5, Catanduanes)
Feature: Going Beyond: A Mother’s Love
She bags gravel and sand, shovels cement, mixes, pours, and spreads concrete. She smoothens and finishes freshly poured cement -- a whole new experience for a woman who persists despite life’s difficulties.
Five months have passed since the day her husband abandoned them without any word. She now assumes the full parental responsibility over her sons performing both the roles of a mother and a father.
“Pangarap ko para sa aking mga anak na makatapos ng pagaaral. Hanggat kaya, ikakayod ko para sa kanila [I only wish my children would finish their studies. For as long as I can, I will do it for them].”
This was the emotional utterance of Rose Oximar, a mother of two, who shares the same dream just like any mother would do.
She earns a living by salvaging garbage in their community. On average, she earns P300 a week which is enough to buy them rice. However, she was forced to try a construction job and was accepted as a paid laborer in their community.
“Nagtanong ako kung pwede pumasok at tinanggap naman ako. Dagdag naman kasi yun sa kikitain. [I inquired if I could apply and I was accepted. It will be an additional earning],” she said.
She provides any form assistance whenever the mason asks for her help and gets paid with P300 daily which is better than collecting and selling trash.
“Alas singko gising na ako para magigib ng tubig. Nagluluto na rin ako para sa buong araw kasi iiwan ko na ang mga anak ko para makapagtrabaho. [I wake up at five in the morning to fetch water. I cook all the meals for the day because I will leave my children for work]”
A mother’s love does not end in preparing and cooking the dishes, washing clothes, tidying up the house, looking after the kids and performing other household chores. It entails a greater fortitude when traversing difficult situations.
“Kahit anong trabaho pinapasok ko mabuhay lang ang dalawa kong anak kasi wala naman akong ibang maasahan [I will apply to any type of work just to support my kids because there’s no other person whom I can rely],”she said.
Though her engagement in the construction is temporary, she was very thankful for it.
“Malaki ang tulong nito sa amin kasi wala akong ibang trabaho kundi ang pagbabasura tsaka lumayas ang aking asawa [It is a big help for us because the only work I know is to make money out of garbage and my husband left us],” Rose said.
On the other hand, being part of the people in making a long time dream come true is monumental for her. The construction of their health center through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehnsive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) project implemented through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), was an answer to Rose and their community’s need of an accessible health facility.
“Maalala ko na nadiyan ako nung tinatayo ang aming health center [I will remember the time I was there during the construction of our health center],” she added.
Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development (CDD) project in the Philippines which strongly advocates the involvement of local communities in the design and implementation of development projects to address the issue of poverty in the country. It aims to improve local governance by employing the participation of the people in the communities in the development process.
Kalahi-CIDSS advocates the participation of women and other marginalized sector by involving and capacitating them in its activities.
“Kaya talaga ng mga babae. Kung pahina-pahina ka, magugutom ka. Hindi ka mabubuhay sa pagnanakaw. Kailangan ka magtrabaho ng maayos. Sige lang hanggat kaya. Kung kaya ng lalake, kaya ng babae kaya na bastat para sa pamilya [Women can do it. If you’re vulnerable, you will starve. We can’t live by stealing. We need to work. As long as I can, I will do it. If men can do it, women can also do it specially for their families.],” Rose added.
Community residents consensually decide on what type of poverty-reduction projects they prioritize for funding based from the collective analysis of their needs. Community proposals can vary from public goods/access projects, enterprise or livelihood projects or human development projects.
“Magandang programa ng gobyerno ang Kalahi dahil kahit papaano nakakatulong sa amin. [Kalahi-CIDSS is a good project by the government because it supports us even and offers even the smallest form of assistance,” Rose said.
Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the core programs of DSWD along with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The convergence of the three programs is aimed for a greater impact in reducing poverty. (MAL/JBM-DSWD5/PIA5)
By Sally A. Atento
LEGAZPI CITY, Apr 23 (PIA) – The provincial government of Albay led today the memorial for Albayano heroes in time for the celebration of the Daragang Magayon Festival 2013.
Albay governor Joey Salceda said that the memorial day for Albayano Heroes of National Liberation, held since last year and will be observed every April 23 the following years, is a tribute aimed to highlight the legacies of the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of the province against its oppressors.
Salceda said that the event is expected to promote awareness among the people of Albay on the contributions of local heroes and in turn appreciate their heroic deeds foster unity as one race and enrich national pride.
To be honored are General Jose Ignacio Paua, General Simeon Arboleda Ola and Camilio Jacob.
Paua is the chinese revolutionary sent by Emilio Aguinaldo to the Bicol region in 1899 to raise funds for the newly-established Philippine Republic while Ola is the last revolutionary general from Guinobatan, Albay to surrender to the Americans in 1903.
Jacob, a photojournalist from Polangui Albay, was one of the 15 martyrs of Bikol shot on the same spot where Jose Rizal was martyred.
Also featured on the said event is the Sesquicentennial 150th year anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio who is considered as the Father of the Philippine Revolution.
Salceda related that Bonifacio had been in this province between 1895 and 1896 to work and recruit members for the Katipunan.
“Albay then was a very rich province and Bonifacio was working here. He actually belonged to the middle class contrary to the common notion that he comes from a poor family,” said Salceda.
“This story has been in the history books of Teodoro Agoncillo, Gregorio Zaide and Ambeth Ocampo,” Salceda added.
The statues of these four local heroes will be highlighted in the civil-military parade and wreath laying ceremonies at the Bicol University oval, opposite the Camp Simeon Ola in Albay.
The Memorial Day is part of the week long events headed by the provincial government in partnership with the uniformed service departments in promoting peace, development and tourism in the province.
These departments include the Office of the Civil Defense Region V, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Also part of the events is the 2nd Youth Leaders Training on National Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation at Cagraray Eco Park, Misibis, Cagraray Island on April 22 -26.
Among the events lined-up for the culmination of the week-long events are the “Ang Sir kong Pogi 2013 on April 23 at Albay Astrodome, a friendly competition among uniformed officers and “Adopt a Barangay (Barrio Fest)” on April 28 at Barangay Taysan, Legazpi City. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)
CHED opens scholarship program for SY 2013-2014
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has invited anew qualified students to avail of the three types of financial grants for incoming college students under its Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAP) this 2013-2014.
Education program specialist Cyril Badiola of CHED said the program is comprised of the Full or Half Merit, Grant-in-Aid, and Student Loan.
Badiola explained that scholarship of full merit is for poor but deserving Filipino students whose General Weighted Average (GWA) is 90% in above. Beneficiaries under this can enrol in ant government or private college/ university. Stipend P15,000.00 per semester.
Half merit scholarship, according to Badiola, is given to poor but deserving to Filipino students whose GWA is 85-89%. Beneficiaries under this program shall enrol in any government or private higher education institutions (HEIs). It also includes person with disabilities (PWDs). As allowance will be P7,500.00 per semester.
She furthered that Grant-in-Aid Programs which is Tulong Dunong is also for poor but deserving students whose GWA is 80-84%. It is intended for the following members of cultural minority groups of the hill tribe, solo parents and their children and, and senior citizens.
Students Loans are also offered. Under its Study-Now-Pay-Later Program, indigent but deserving students can avail of an educational loan.
According to her, CHED also offers other Grant-in-Aid Programs to deserving students under the office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process-CHED Student Grant Program for Rebel (OPAPP CHED SGPRR), DND-CHED-PASUC Study Grant and CHED Special Study Grant Program for Congressional District/ Senate.
In addition, the office has also a priority courses which are Information Technology, Teacher Education, Engineering, Agriculture, Science and Math, and Atmospheric Science. (MAL/RBEbuenga-OJT-BU/PIA5)
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2 firms in Masbate pay P1.1M workers’ claims
By Marlon A. Loterte
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Two sub-contractors of Filmenira Mining Resources in Masbate province, one of the biggest mining firm in the region, paid P1.1 million to 592 workers on April 10 after having been found out that they violated a number of labor laws.
DOLE Bicol regional director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said owners of the two sub-contractors intend to pay their employees following findings during a routine inspection of the agency that violations were committed on non-payment of holiday pay, premium pay, overtime pay, night shift differential, and non-payment of service incentive leave (SIL).
“Labor violations found during inspections, if not settled or corrected immediately, will result into a labor case," Lacambra said.
“Upon receipt of the notice of violations, they (sub-contractors), paid their workers and the best part of it is, no worker was terminated,” he said.
The subcontractors are the NC Lanting Security Specialist Agency which paid P1,036,874.28 to 516 employees and Galeo Equipment and Mining Company, Inc. which paid P117,491.66 to 76 employees.
It can be recalled that DOLE Bicol had initiated an inspection of subcontractors in mining firms early this year after a number of employees of Good Found Cement factory came to DOLE to air their complaint of underpayment of wages and related benefits.
“It was a wake up call. We need not wait for any other complaints to come, the reason why I ordered the inspection sweep on subcontractors,” Lacambra said. (MAL-PIA5, Albay )
Catanduanes hosts seminar on children’s rights and child abuse prevention
By Marvie Ann Gonzales
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Catanduanes Police Provincial Officer (CPPO) and the Regional Women and Children’s Protection Desk (DESK) spearheaded a two-day seminar on Children’s rights and child sexual abuse prevention on April 15-16 at the CPPO conference hall.
Aimed at strengthening the capability of police officers in dealing with abuses against women and children, Nancyline P. Agaid, senior trainer and advocacy officer of Stairway Foundation, discussed the duties and responsibilities of police officers and the different approaches and skills in dealing with said types of abuses.
Judge Ave Alba, presiding judge of Municipal Trial Court of Daraga and Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Catanduanes, dealt on the salient features of RA 9344 or "Juvenile Justice Act of 2006."
Alba explained that the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 was enacted into law as the State recognizes the vital role of children and youth in nation building and for the State to promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.
Pursuant to Article 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the State recognizes the right of every child who is alleged as, accused of, adjudged, or recognized as having infringed the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense of dignity and worth, taking into account the child’s age and in promoting his/her reintegration.
The administration of the juvenile justice and welfare system should take into consideration the cultural and religious perspectives of the Filipino people, particularly the indigenous peoples and the Muslims, consistent with the protection of the rights of children belonging to these communities; and the State should apply the principles of restorative justice in all its laws, policies and programs applicable to children in conflict with the law.
Judge Lelu P. Contreras, presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court Virac Catanduanes, meanwhile discussed RA 9262 “Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004.″
RA 9262, explained Contreras, provides protective measures and safeguards for survivor-victims, and prescribes penalties for the commission of the act.
This seminar also aimed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of police officers in handling child sexual abuse cases and to assist in strengthening existing networks catering to the protection of the children and women. (MAL/MAG-OJT-BU-PIA5)
Police steps up operations for peaceful election in Masbate
By Sally A. Atento
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol is determined to make a difference in its effort to attain a secure and fair election (SAFE), according to PNP RO5 spokesperson PSupt. Renato Bataller.
Bataller said, along with this effort is the intensified campaign and police operations in the province of Masbate against loose firearms and presence of private armed groups (PAGS) which is part of the challenge posed by PNP Director General Alan Purisima during his recent visit here.
“The intensified campaign and relentless efforts were the result of the challenge posed by Purisima to PRO5 regional director P/CSupt Clarence V. Guinto, RSOTG Masbate commander P/SSupt Heriberto Olitoquit to step up the campaign against loose firearms and presence of private armed groups (PAGS) in Masbate leading to the May 13 elections,” said Bataller.
Bataller reported that the operations conducted by the Regional Special Operations Task Group Masbate (RSOTG) and Masbate Police Provincial Office (MasPPO) in the province have recorded 58 persons arrested due to election-related violations and one dismantled private/partisan armed group.
Also confiscated were eight deadly weapons, 46 low-powered firearms, 23 high-powered firearms, and 315 explosives.
Bataller added these campaigns are also in compliance with the rules and regulations issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the ban on bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons and the employment, availment or engagement of the service. (MAL/SAA-PIA5, Albay)
Legazpi City vows to produce manpower needs for BPO industry
By Danny O. Calleja
LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- This city will live to its name as a “feeder” of highly qualified manpower to the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry at the height of shortage in talent confronting the industry.
Mayor Geraldine Rosal of this city said that the local government is coming up with measures to improve its current pool of talents in the wake of recent assessment of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) that the supply of manpower cannot meet the growing industry.
This shortage, according to BPAP, continues to increase at the rate of 20 percent even as the country has 500,000 college graduates annually.
Rosal revealed that the city government is coordinating with the regional office of the Commission on Higher Education in doing an inventory of these graduates as well as previous graduates for possible enlistment with the city’s current pool of BPO talents who are already gainfully employed locally.
The chief executive noted that the city’s two universities, Bicol University (BU) and Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL), plus the over a dozen of colleges produced this year a total of about 10,000 graduates, and majority of them--like those in information technology (IT), nursing, finance, accounting and other courses related to business outsourcing--could serve the purpose.
There are now several BPO firms operating here with a combined call center seats of about 15,000.
The city is also anticipating the opening this year of Sutherland Global Services, an international provider of business process and technology management services that will offer 4,500 seats in its three-storey building now undergoing construction along the Legazpi City Boulevard.
“We are especially concerned with graduates in the fields that will address the demands for talents in Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing, Finance and Accounting Outsourcing, Human Resources Outsourcing and Animation and Game Development Outsourcing which are fast growing and emerging as promising fields,” she said.
According to the Department of Science and Technology, Healthcare IT-BPO careers have expanded into various disciplines that open windows of career opportunities for nursing graduates and allied medical professionals.
Through the IT-BPO sector, these professionals can opt to take alternative careers such as medical transcriptors, medical secretaries, medical coders and billers, medical assistants, medical representatives, medical butlers and clinical research associates.
For BPAP, the health information management continues to be the fastest growing sector at the BPO industry, growing 200 percent in 2012, and although BPO health sector requires US-registered nurses, anybody employed under the industry will be earning more than what an overseas Filipino worker is getting abroad.
The BPAP said USA covers 80 percent of the country’s BPO clients and the country hopes to capture more clients from Europe and Australia.
Finance and accounting, digital management and game development are other growing BPO industry sectors and according to BPAP.
The big gap in manpower supply is on the finance and accounting sector that is expanding mostly in captive banks and require highly-skilled and certified public accountants.
As to English language proficiency, which the BPAP is citing as another problem, Rosal said, “We are arranging interventions, perhaps remedial courses, with schools and local industry players in addressing this.”
The BPAP has said that based on testing of 15,500 students from 45 schools, majority falls below industry’s minimum competency requirement of 60 percent.
“We do not want our reputation as feeder city for providing highly qualified manpower to other outsourcing centers across the country to go to naught, that is why we want to maintain for the city a large pool of highly qualified manpower to the BPO industry,” the lady mayor said.
Legazpi is now listed as among the New Wave Cities--joining last year top-listed Davao City and other early entrants such as Bacolod, Baguio, Malolos, Iloilo, Cavite, Lipa, and Cagayan de Oro cities.
The city, the government’s regional center for Bicol, also scored high in the cost of doing business and availability of needed physical IT infrastructures to support the outsourcing industry, according to the BPAP.
Being a New Wave City provides a great avenue for local empowerment as its increases its talent pool and stems salary and rental inflation.
It also eases the pressures to raise salaries and rental rates in these major hubs, and spread the benefits of employment, higher incomes and increased business activity across the country. (LGU/MAL/DOCalleja-PIA5, Legazpi City)
Comelec creates task force for ‘Operation Baklas’
By Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 23 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office here has recently created a task force that will remove illegal posters in the 11 towns of the province.
The group is composed of the Comelec, PNP, Philippine Army, DENR, DPWH, and other government agencies.
According to Comelec provincial election supervisor, Atty. Ma. Aurea C. Bo-Bonao, "Operation Baklas (remove)" will remove over-sized campaign posters placed in prohibited areas.
For parties and partylist, posters must be 12 by 16 feet, or its equivalent but must not exceed a total area of 192 square feet.
Meanwhile, common poster areas for independent candidates must be 4 by 6 feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 24 square feet.
As stated in Comelec Resolution Number 9615, common poster areas will be allowed by the election officer in selected public places such as plazas, markets and barangay centers where posters can be seen or read by the public.
Except when private residences allow, Comelec rules that candidates must not post their campaign posters in houses, fences, electric posts, trees, and other public structures.
Furthermore, parties and candidates may put up a common poster area in every barangay. (MAL/EAB-PIA5, Catanduanes)
Feature: Going Beyond: A Mother’s Love
She bags gravel and sand, shovels cement, mixes, pours, and spreads concrete. She smoothens and finishes freshly poured cement -- a whole new experience for a woman who persists despite life’s difficulties.
Five months have passed since the day her husband abandoned them without any word. She now assumes the full parental responsibility over her sons performing both the roles of a mother and a father.
“Pangarap ko para sa aking mga anak na makatapos ng pagaaral. Hanggat kaya, ikakayod ko para sa kanila [I only wish my children would finish their studies. For as long as I can, I will do it for them].”
This was the emotional utterance of Rose Oximar, a mother of two, who shares the same dream just like any mother would do.
She earns a living by salvaging garbage in their community. On average, she earns P300 a week which is enough to buy them rice. However, she was forced to try a construction job and was accepted as a paid laborer in their community.
“Nagtanong ako kung pwede pumasok at tinanggap naman ako. Dagdag naman kasi yun sa kikitain. [I inquired if I could apply and I was accepted. It will be an additional earning],” she said.
She provides any form assistance whenever the mason asks for her help and gets paid with P300 daily which is better than collecting and selling trash.
“Alas singko gising na ako para magigib ng tubig. Nagluluto na rin ako para sa buong araw kasi iiwan ko na ang mga anak ko para makapagtrabaho. [I wake up at five in the morning to fetch water. I cook all the meals for the day because I will leave my children for work]”
A mother’s love does not end in preparing and cooking the dishes, washing clothes, tidying up the house, looking after the kids and performing other household chores. It entails a greater fortitude when traversing difficult situations.
“Kahit anong trabaho pinapasok ko mabuhay lang ang dalawa kong anak kasi wala naman akong ibang maasahan [I will apply to any type of work just to support my kids because there’s no other person whom I can rely],”she said.
Though her engagement in the construction is temporary, she was very thankful for it.
“Malaki ang tulong nito sa amin kasi wala akong ibang trabaho kundi ang pagbabasura tsaka lumayas ang aking asawa [It is a big help for us because the only work I know is to make money out of garbage and my husband left us],” Rose said.
On the other hand, being part of the people in making a long time dream come true is monumental for her. The construction of their health center through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehnsive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) project implemented through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), was an answer to Rose and their community’s need of an accessible health facility.
“Maalala ko na nadiyan ako nung tinatayo ang aming health center [I will remember the time I was there during the construction of our health center],” she added.
Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development (CDD) project in the Philippines which strongly advocates the involvement of local communities in the design and implementation of development projects to address the issue of poverty in the country. It aims to improve local governance by employing the participation of the people in the communities in the development process.
Kalahi-CIDSS advocates the participation of women and other marginalized sector by involving and capacitating them in its activities.
“Kaya talaga ng mga babae. Kung pahina-pahina ka, magugutom ka. Hindi ka mabubuhay sa pagnanakaw. Kailangan ka magtrabaho ng maayos. Sige lang hanggat kaya. Kung kaya ng lalake, kaya ng babae kaya na bastat para sa pamilya [Women can do it. If you’re vulnerable, you will starve. We can’t live by stealing. We need to work. As long as I can, I will do it. If men can do it, women can also do it specially for their families.],” Rose added.
Community residents consensually decide on what type of poverty-reduction projects they prioritize for funding based from the collective analysis of their needs. Community proposals can vary from public goods/access projects, enterprise or livelihood projects or human development projects.
“Magandang programa ng gobyerno ang Kalahi dahil kahit papaano nakakatulong sa amin. [Kalahi-CIDSS is a good project by the government because it supports us even and offers even the smallest form of assistance,” Rose said.
Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the core programs of DSWD along with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The convergence of the three programs is aimed for a greater impact in reducing poverty. (MAL/JBM-DSWD5/PIA5)
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