A BOOMING INDUSTRY IN CATANDUANES FOR 2009

CATANDUANES Province (4 March) — More revenues are expected to be generated from several local industries in this province this year following the completion of bridge projects and the Circumferential Road Improvement Project (CRIP) here.

Presidential Assistant for Bicol Tomasito B. Monzon said the agriculture and fishery industry, trade and commerce, as well as tourism ventures are seen to grow this year.

“Mabubuhay at magkakaigwa ning kulay ang negosyo saka ekonomiya sa Catanduanes dahil napakaray na ang mga dalan at tulay sa probinsiya,” Monzon said.

“Almost all major bridges in the province, under the Urgent Bridges Projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as well as Austrian Assisted Bridge Projects implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), were already completed last year,” he added.

The Libjo and Batolinao bridges in the municipality of Bato and the Gogon bridge in Virac town were among the completed bridges under the Urgent Bridges Projects; while the Bote bridge, also in Bato, and the Tilod bridge in Baras town were under the Austrian assisted projects.

The provincial government here meanwhile has been sourcing out funds for the Almojuela bridge in Viga town, one of the projects originally funded under the Austrian Assisted Bridge Projects, after funds for its construction was realigned to Bote bridge.

Meanwhile, Catanduanes CRIP, a national road stretching a total of 200.185 kilometers and a project under the Arterial Road Links Development Project (ARLDP) IV of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was also inaugurated October 22, 2007.

With the completion of CCRIP Phase I covering the stretch of Coron-San Andres-Virac-San Miguel-Viga towns in 2007, travel time has bee reduced from 4 hours to just 45 minutes or an hour. Transportation fare was also reduced from P120 to P80.

At the same time, the project resulted to more economic activities in the along the areas of the CCRIP. Means of public or mass transportation have also increase in number, from one bus plying the route to several public utility vans and jeeps now catering to the locals.

Monzon, concurrent Program Director of Bicol River Basin-Program Management Office (BRB-PMO), said the bridges would be of great help and service to the residents of Catanduanes, particularly in transporting their products to the different parts of the province.

“The completion of these major bridges is one big factor in realizing local economic growth here. Siring man dakulang tabang sa mga residente digdi ang pagkakagibo kan CCRIP dahil lalong magiging makusog ang pagnenegosyo sa probinsiya,” he said.

He stressed that if the province has 40-50 percent socio-economic activity in the past years, this year it might achieve 90 percent or more, which could improve the province economy at par with other Bicol provinces.(OPAB/PIA release)

WORKERS HIRED UNDER DPWH JOB GENERATION PROGRAM

ALBAY Province (4 March) — At least 360 were hired from the 742 applicants… and counting, on the on-going jobs fair program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol in support to the desire of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to provide gainful employment to Filipinos through investment in infrastructure programs.

Dubbed “Programang Pangtrabaho ni Pangulong Gloria”, DPWH Bicol director Orlando Roces said the program also aims to forge a way out of the world economic crisis.

I’m glad, I took the chance to apply and be interviewed at the Jobs Fair even though the job I aspired for was not mentioned in the advertisement,” said Marisol Lubrin, 26 years old Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who returned from Kuwait last December 2008.

Ms. Lubrin was hired on spot by Ajan Jeadan, Inc., Legazpi City. “Fate was smiling at me, because the owner, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Chan themselves were at the Jobs Fair yesterday. They needed a clerical staff in their field office for immediate employment,” she added.

DPWH advertised for civil engineers and construction workers such as foreman, heavy equipment operator, steel man, carpenters, painters and laborers.

The jobs fair is being carried out in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Constructors Association of the Philippines (NACAP), and the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PCA).

“DPWH serves as the ’Matching Conduit’. Our office receives applications for employment from prospective workers then we will match the worker’s capability and their preference as to work destination with the available infrastructure project,” said Roces.

“When these are all satisfied, we will make recommendation for their placement to contractors undertaking projects for our office,” the director added.

“Dr. Ma. Teodora Losantas, our Human Resource Management Officer is still interviewing applicants. Hopefully, our contractors can accommodate most, if not all the qualified aspirants,” said Dr. Flocerpida Azotea, DPWH 5 Chief-Administrative Officer.

At least 87 government pump priming projects are up for implementation amounting to P2,923,790,000 in the Bicol region.(LVCastañeda, DPWH/PIA)

STUDENTS, WORKERS TO BENEFIT FROM TESDA-PGSP

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE (4 March) — Some 957 students and workers will benefit from the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program (PGSP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here.

TESDA Provincial Director Elizabeth Bornas said that students and workers may avail of the scholarship through the partners institutions that they have accredited.

She said that as of this time TESDA has approved 5 institutions that have facilities for training and will offer 9 courses.

Bornas stressed that anybody can avail of the program including those out of school youths, high school graduates, jobless, laid-off workers and others who may qualify for the program.

Included in the courses are those in demand in local and in abroad like automotive, construction, metal, engineering, electronics, tourism, health, information technology and others.

The PGSP is formerly known as the Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo-Training for Work Scholarship Program (PGMA-TWSP) launched in 2006.

On the other hand, some 250 students will finish their short courses at the regular TESDA trainings this coming March.

She added that there are 147 scholar under the Private Education Support Fund (PESPA) and some 100 under the Ladderized Education Program (LEP) this school year.(RBManlangit, PIA Cams. Norte)

MARINA DEPUTIZES CHAIRS OF COASTAL BARANGAYS

LEGAZPI CITY (4 March) — Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Bicol has now deputized punong barangays watching over shores and waters off coastal areas during inclement weather conditions to forestall maritime calamities.

The new system called “Deputization of Barangay Captains” is aimed to reinforce the authority of MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with the aid of the punong barangays in prohibit passenger-carrying and fishing vessels from setting sail when there is a public storm warning.

MARINA Bicol regional director Lucita Madarang said the authority cannot monitor the entire region since it lacks manpower, similarly not all coasts have PCG stations, thus MARINA now has considered deputizing barangay chief executives.

She said that although coordination has been undertaken with chief executives of coastal towns all over Bicol in January to inform their respective barangays chief executives, the new memorandum circular which includes the guidelines of the deputization program is not yet released.

“Punong barangays who will be deputized should have the qualification requirements and will have to undergo necessary trainings,” the director added.

The new memorandum circular is yet to be approved by the MARINA Board,” Madarang noted.

However, Madarang clarified that barangays chief executives are not compelled to do the task as the deputization is only a ‘request’ and it will be their concern and discretion whether to take action or not.(IAJacob, BUCAL/PIA)

DOLE TAPS GUIDANCE COUNSELORSTO ADDRESS SKILLS MISMATCH

LEGAZPI CITY (4 March) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol has created the Guidance Counselors Network in the region and pushed for the immediate training for Guidance Counselors and PESO managers on Guidance and Career Counseling.

DOLE Bicol regional director Ernesto Bihis bared the his office, the regional federation of Public Employment Services Office (PESO), PESO Sorsogon provincial office and the Sorsogon State College school-based PESO agreed that one of the most debated problems in employment placement, skills mismatch, may soon be addressed through guidance counseling.

The problem in mismatch was traced on the increasing number of ‘confused’ youngsters taking courses far from their inborn skills which later would have a catastrophic result when entering or applying for a job.

This mismatch, DOLE said can be avoided if and only if, proper guidance was effected during the student’s younger years.

“The problem is that 90 per cent of our youngster, does not know what course to take up and the lack of guidance counseling,” Bihis added.

The guidance counselors, based on studies conducted by the DOLE, are the proper authorities that could either make or break a student’s job placement later in life.

“The GCs are the catalyst of change in this mismatch. They could change the future of the nation,” he stressed.

“GCs are as important as the PESO managers. While the PESO managers provide direct counseling to job seekers, the GCs have the direct access to would-be workers. If they are properly trained then we will have less problems in mismatch,” the director concluded.(RPEscalante, DOLE/PIA)

Palace welcomes the passage of P11.3-B supplemental budget for poll automation

MANILA — Malacañang welcomes the passage of the P11.3-billion supplemental budget to automate the 2010 elections.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the approval of the poll budget is a big boost to the government’s initiative to make the 2010 elections fully automated.

Remonde also said that this is will be the legacy that the current leaders can share to the next generation for a more efficient administration of the elections.

Likewise, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, shared the same view, saying the passage of the poll automation budget “is a legacy that the administration is proud to share with all Filipinos.”

“The approval of the poll automation budget on final reading is a victory for Filipino voters, who deserve clean, honest, orderly, and peaceful elections that deliver fast and decisive results,” Fajardo said.

Taking into consideration that the full automation of the 2010 elections is one of the top priorities of the administration, Remonde said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is open to a call for a special session, if necessary, to enable both chambers of Congress to pass the proposed measure.

The House of Representatives passed House bill 5715 on third and final reading Monday night with 193 voting in the affirmative, one voting negative, and one abstention.
The Senate version, on the other hand, is still pending in the Finance committee chaired by Senator Edgardo Angara.

However, Angara had earlier assured the approval of the budget without any reservation.

"We will approve it as a supplemental budget. We are not going to impose any condition, we are not going to require any kind of technology or impose any specification," he said.
Congress goes on a recess starting March 7 and will resume session April 13.(PIA V Release)

RP goes for Guinness World Record on march vs. illegal drugs

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman and chief executive officer Efraim C. Genuino are expected to lead more than 500,000 public elementary school children in what is hoped to be the world's first and largest march against illegal drugs on March 21 along Roxas Blvd. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex.

Dubbed as the Grand Bida March under the Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA) project headed by PAGCOR and supported by various other government agencies and non-government organizations, the organizers hope to earn for the country a place in history and a shot at a Guinness Book World Record.

Participants in the grand event will converge at the CCP Complex at 1 p.m., march through the length of Roxas Blvd. towards the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park for the country's biggest march against illegal drugs.

All registered participants with barcoded cards will receive a free T-shirt, a one-day MRT-LRT pass, jeepney ride and free snacks.

"We strongly encourage everyone, young and old alike from all walks of life to join us in making the Philippines a drug-free nation.

"Let us make our country a safer place to live in. We owe it to our children and the future generations," said PAGCOR executive Edward King, who represented Genuino in a Wednesday movie press briefing at the Alegria of Manila Pavilion.

A message read by King for Genuino also noted that this initiative is relevant to recent events which had led President Arroyo's decision to appoint herself as the "anti-drugs czar."

In today's press briefing, several Kapuso stars from Channel 7 expressed their support for the kids and parents' march.

Some of the stars who were around are TV program host and Dangerous Drugs Board spokesman Roxanne Barcelo, teenage stars Pauleen Luna, Nadine Samonte and Isabelle Oli. Beauty queens headed by 2008 Ms Earth and her court were also present.

Meanwhile, BIDA Foundation corporate secretary Josephine Evangelista explained that the Grand Bida March is all about creating awareness on the physical, emotional and mental harm prohibited drugs give to children and adults as well on a global scale.

The highlight of the event is a free concert at the Quirino Grandstand featuring some of the country's most popular celebrities and musical bands.(PIA V Release)

National and local government partnership to combat global financial crisis

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo underscored the importance of national and local government partnership in combating the adverse effects of the global financial crisis.

In her keynote speech at the inaugural rites of the spanking and brand new Rizal Provincial Capitol Building in Antipolo City today, the President said the solid partnership among national and local officials and private sector leaders make a formidable force for development and against major threats.
Such unity, the President pointed out, is reflected by the effective fiscal and economic reforms instituted by her administration, through the support of other leaders, which have shielded the country from the wave of threats and challenges since last year of the huge spikes in food, fuel and rice prices, and now the global financial crisis.

She said the sacrifices and measures undertaken by her administration in the recent past have enabled government to shore up its finances and invested in public welfare that now benefit the people in many aspects including the shield against the harsh effects of the global crisis.

With the President at the inaugural rites were Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III, Representatives Michael John Duavit and Adelina Rodriguez of Rizal’s first and second districts, respectively; Reps . Roberto Puno and Angelito Gatlabayan of Antipolo City’s first and second districts, respectively; Antipolo City Mayor Danilo Leyble; DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and Cabinet Official for Regional Development (CORD) for Region IV Secretary Leandro Mendoza. (PIA V Release)

PGMA reaffirms commitment to end insurgency in 2010

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today reaffirmed her administration’s strong commitment and resolve to put an end to insurgency problem in 2010, and underscored the importance of peace to the country’s march towards sustainable development.

“Peace is an essential ingredient for progress and development,” the President stressed as she formally welcomed the 18 former communist rebels from Central Luzon who have given up their armed struggle in favor of living a peaceful and productive life.

The Chief Executive said the return to the fold of law of the former rebels and the peace the government has unceasingly endeavored to build and promote are pillars the country needs to push the country towards prosperity.

“Today, we embrace our rebel brothers in the fold and spirit of unity and reconciliation,” she said.
Appreciating the former rebels’ surrender initiative, the President assured them their decision will not be in vain. She called on them to work hand-in-hand with government for the welfare of their families and the nation.

“You do not need to sacrifice your lives for the future of your families and the nation. The sacrifice of hard work and persistence is what we, together, shall undertake,” she stressed.

To show the government’s sincere efforts to help them return to mainstream society, the President handed them certificates of livelihood assistance.

The livelihood assistance which worth P50,000 each forms part of the government’s Social Reintegration Program (SIP) being undertaken by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

For rebels-returnees Gil Abalajen, her daughter Mariel and Rolando Dabu Marzan, the government’s initiative is the substantive solution against poverty and not the communist ideology they embraced for years.

Gil, an erstwhile squad leader of the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan based in Pampanga, said his years of futile armed struggle merely earned him more miseries and hardships. He said he joined the New People's Army (NPA) in 1998 but decided to surrender last year after he heard of the government’s program to help rebel returnees return to normal community life.

“I would like to thank the President for helping us to re-integrate into mainstream society. Because of this program, I would now be able to feed my family through a modest livelihood project we will undertake,” he said in the vernacular.

For Mariel, who is only 15 years old, the future now looks brighter as she will be provided by the government with an educational assistance. She said she will study earnestly and prepare for a better future.

The 40-yeard old Marzan, on the other hand, said his reintegration gives him more time with his family, from whom he was often separated during his involvement in the futile armed struggle.

The three rebels-returnees are among the beneficiaries of the government’s various assistance packages under its Social Integration Program (SIP).

Officially launched on June 18, 2008. the SIP has already benefited 235 rebel-returnees nationwide In the last seven months.(PIA V Release)

Recruitment industry joins revitalization of job opportunities, OFWs' protection

MANILA — To shore up the overseas employment program in the midst of the global economic crisis, the recruitment industry agreed to jointly pursue with government measures aimed at invigorating the employment chances and capabilities of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to face the challenges brought about by the global crisis.

Representatives of more than 150 land-based and sea-based recruitment industry stamped their commitment to support job generation and preservation in a "communiqué" personally presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang last Monday (March 2) with the full backing of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the communiqué contains the list of measures that the recruitment industry and concerned government agencies would jointly pursue to preserve the employment of OFWs and at the same time generate jobs for other Filipinos wanting to work abroad.

The measures, he said, include:
1) aggressive investments in skills training and skills enhancements;
2) streamlining of recruitment processes and policies;
3) sharing of government and private sector registry of workers;
4) strengthening welfare and protection mechanisms of workers;
5) review of prevailing salary standards; and,
6) conduct of bilateral missions for the protection of OFWs onsite.

Roque also said that the industry partners, in a series of recent consultations, assisted government in identifying the myriad of concerns and suggested solutions to promote job preservation and job generation in the land-based and sea-based areas overseas to be jointly conducted by the two sectors.

He said the two sectors agreed to vigorously build on programs geared on skills enhancement through the continuous training of skilled workers, accreditation of more trade centers particularly in the regions, strengthening of the on-the-job-training program, and promotion of public awareness on the need for skills training through information dissemination and education at the grassroots level.
Industry associations also agreed to collectively invest resources in the establishment of training centers with the full support of TESDA.

To facilitate hiring and placement of workers, Roque said the DOLE and POEA shall develop mechanisms aimed at streamlining existing recruitment policies and procedures.

Recent consultations attended by Philippine labor attachés from the Middle East, Europe and Asia also called on strengthened efforts against illegal recruitment and human trafficking of expatriate Filipino workers, and improvement of the competitiveness of Philippine vessels/ships lay-up areas by opening more lay-up ports.(PIA V Release)