DOLE TO SET UP CGN PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is embarking on a career guidance network (CGN) program in both public and private secondary and tertiary educational institutions across the country to provide graduates better opportunity for employment.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, in his recent visit here, said the agency will organize among guidance counselors of secondary and tertiary schools the CGN that will guide students in assessing their aptitude skills and capabilities and determining the courses that would better fit them for employment.

Roque added the CGN program, which will be pilot tested in the Bicol region, seeks to address “jobs mismatch” wherein graduates could hardly found suitable jobs for them fit for the courses they have pursued in college.

He explained that the school counselors will then provide career guidance to students in thier early years in college in choosing the courses that would match the demand of jobs in the country as well as overseas.

He noted that the challenge right now is to get this program to the high school level in order for the students to know the career they would pursue, thus would choose to take up courses that will suit up for their employment.

The poor employment fitness of the graduates significantly contributes to the country’s unemployment and underemployments since the courses they have pursued are not best suited to the jobs available.

DOLE has since been establishing linkage with business industries, training institutions and educators, and guidance counselors in preparation for the mainstreaming of the CGN program.

Roque, meanwhile, has led the ceremonial launching of DOLE’s 6-priority programs for Bicol including the Nego-Cart Project (Negosyo sa Kariton), Livelihood Starter Kit (Trabaho sa Baga), Project SPEED (Bilis-Litis)), Kabataan Ito (K-ITO), Ready Tech-Go (Serbilis) and Project Jobs Fit.

He also turned-over to Legazpi City Mayor Rosal the 24 food carts which cost some P240,000 as part of the ‘DOLE’s Negosyo sa Kariton project”

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOLE and the Southern Luzon Technological Foundation, Inc. (SLTCFI) for the Kabataan-Ito (K-ITO) project capped the Secretary’s sorties here. (MALoterte, PIA/NHMediavillo, RnB)


ANNUAL NATIONAL LIBARIANS CONFAB SET

LEGAZPI CITY— The Philippine Librarians Associations, Inc. (PLAI), in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and National Committee on Library and Information Services (NCLIS), will hold its Annual Congress on November 25-27, 2009 at the Heritage Hotel Manila, EDSA, Pasay City.

This year’s congress evolves on the theme: “The Promotion of Environmental Sustainability through Libraries and Information Centers”.

Expected participants include not only librarians but also information professionals/managers, archivists, administrators and students.

Registration fee is P3,600.00, already inclusive of kit, conference papers, meals, certificate of attendance/participation, and Fellowship Luncheon ticket.

For inquiries, please call the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) at telefax number 525-9401. (CSC V/PIA)


DENR SUSPENDS ISSUANCE OF CHARCOAL PERMITS IN CAMARINES NORTE

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has issued an order suspending the issuance of charcoal permits in villages within the periphery of the Bicol Natural Park (BNP), one of the remaining lowland dipterocarp forests in the country.

The directive would give a better chance for the BNP to recover and continue as a forest area in the Bicol peninsula, the DENR said.

Alfredo Araya, DENR spokesman said the agency has intensified its campaign against charcoal production using forest tree species in the BNP amidst clandestine charcoal production as a means to earn a living.

This was announced during a recent consultation meeting conducted by the DENR with village chiefs of barangays Tuaca, Plaridel and San Pascual of Basud; Salvacion, Manlimonsito and San Antonio of San Lorenzo Ruiz, all in Camarines Norte.

Quoting a report from Camarines Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Elpidio Orata, Araya said efforts are exerted to promote other option as sources of income for the barangays such as seedling production, and farming using the agro-forestry technology, among others.

During the said consultation meeting, copies of DAO 008-26 series of 2009, National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act were posted and the showing of related video to inform the communities regarding existing forestry laws, and protected area conservation regulations.

The Bicol Natural Park is considered as the region’s natural heritage having endemic tree and wildlife species and a tourist destination owed to its pristine rivers emanating in San Lorenzo Ruiz up to Bahi area. (ASAraya, DENR V/PIA)


SUSPECTED JOURNALIST KILLER ARRESTED IN MASBATE

MASBATE CITY—A former soldier wanted for the killing of a journalist in Batangas more than five years ago was arrested by police in Cataingan, Masbate while working as “tanod” (village watcher).

The long arm of the law finally caught up with Michael R. Garcia alias Mark Anthony Garcia at around 9:40 a.m. near the barangay captain’s office in Barangay Poblacion.

Police Station Commander Eusebio Arturo E. Estopare said the alleged gunman in the murder of journalist Arnel Manalo was not armed and did not resist arrest.

Garcia, the 9th most wanted accused in media killings in the country, has standing arrest warrant for murder.

His arrest was made possible by tips given to authorities by civilian informants.

He was later turned over to the police in Bauan, Batangas.

Garcia was a former member of the Philippine Army and a native of Nueva Ecija.

Media accounts said Manalo was shot twice while on his way home to Barangay As-is, Bauan town, at about 7:15 a.m. on Aug. 5, 2004.

Manalo was a dzRH correspondent and wrote a column for Dyaryo Veritas in Batangas.

He was also the 54th journalist murdered in the country since 1986. (EADelgado/PIA Masbate)


4Ps HELPS IMPROVE THE ECONOMY OF LIBON

LIBON, Albay — Stall owners in the pubic market and drugstores here are having their share of the benefits from the release of cash grants for 2,796 beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

Tesoro Cha, a store owner, related that every time cash assistance is released to beneficiaries in this municipality, an increase of 50% up to 75% in their sales compared to previous days where there is no pay out.

“Upon receipt of their cash grants, beneficiaries usually spent for groceries and other needs of their families,” he explained. Other store owners are experiencing the same; this is to include the drug stores.

Gina Duka, a drug store owner, shared the same story surprised on the sudden increase on the sales of health supplements, particularly multivitamins and milk formula for children.

Duka also observed 4Ps has also motivated mothers to become more aware and concerned about the health and nutritional status of their children.

For 4Ps beneficiaries buying goods form local stores is in response to Libon Mayor Agnes Dycoco’s call to improve the local economy.

A total of P5 million has already been released benefiting 27 barangays in the municipality.

4Ps is the government’s poverty alleviation program, under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aimed at promoting human capital accumulation among the young children to break intergenerational cycle of poverty among poor households. (MZVillagomez, 4Ps IO-DSWD/PIA)


PGMA wants environment- friendly entrepreneurs

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today expressed hope that entrepreneurs will put up businesses that are environment- friendly and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

''I hope next year I will be giving awards to entrepreneurs whose kind of businesses are those that help mitigate the effects of climate change,'' the President said at the Go Negosyo Caravan in this city known worldwide as the site of the historic Death March.

The President visited Bataan province today to lead the awarding of outstanding entrepreneurs.

The President said charcoal briquettes produced from garbage with the use of the technology developed by the Department of Science and Technology should replace destructive small-scale logging practice.

She said used and discarded plastics could be recycled into construction materials such as hollow blocks.

She added water lilies, which often clog waterways, could be made into handicrafts such as slippers, baskets and bags.

The President, assisted by Go Negosyo founder and Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Jose Concepcion III and Bataan Gov. Enrique Enriquez, led the awarding of 14 outstanding individuals who served as role models in their respective trades and to the community.

The Most Oustanding Bataeno Entrepreneurs are Oscar Banzon of Crown Royal Hotel, Lavista, and ABESCO; Armanda Battad of Amanda's Marine Products; Lorna Belen of Bataan Commercial Enterprises; Eduardo de Guzman of Jollibee and ICMC; Miguel Mateo of McDo Furniture Shop; Elizabeth Sioson of Elizabeth Supermarket and Elizabeth Group of Companies; Elvira Tamayo of Elvira's Farm; and Celso Valdecanas of Joyous Resort and VL Construction.

The Most Inspiring Bataeno Micro-entrepreneurs , on the other hand, are Lorna Banzon of Avon Products; Pocholo Gonzales of Creative Voices Productions; Jane Manansala of Orient Sports Gear; Noel Ramirez of Noel Aqua Farm and Agri-Agra General Merchandise; Pamela Santos of Beakris House of Goodies; Cherrylou Tiongson of NC Tiongson Enterprises; and Rosario Villaviray of Aling Chayong's Cashew Products.

Tiongson was also adjudged winner of the BPI Savings Bank Business Excellence Award while Belen was given the Nokia Mobile Entrepreneur Award.

More than 12 thousand Bataenos trooped to the People's Center here to participate in what was described by Concepcion as the ''biggest Go Negosyo Caravan so far.''

''The outpouring of support and the enthusiasm from the public and the local government is a clear indication that the Filipino people are taking charge of their destiny instead of letting poverty get the better of them,'' he said.

The Go Negosyo Bataan caravan consisted of free seminars, lectures, and fora on entrepreneurship with varying topics including mindset change, self-mastery, spotting opportunities and finding the right market business, product development, basic marketing and financial management. (PIA V Release)


PGMA has not yet appointed new SC member –Remonde

MANILA — Malacanang clarified that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has not appointed new member of the Supreme Court as replacement for retired Associate Justices Consuelo Ynares-Santiago and Leonardo Quisuimbing.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde made the clarification during the media briefing at Malacanang after newspaper reports said that High Tribunal clerk of court Maria Luisa Villarama was named by President Arroyo as Santiago’s replacement.

Villarama was the daughter of the late former Associate Justice Arsenio Dizon.

Secretary Remonde also said that it was not the clerk of court of the SC that was one among the nominees for the vacancy in the High Tribunal but her husband, Court of Appeals Associate Justice Martin Villarama Jr.

Remonde admitted that Justice Villarama was among the four nominees submitted to President Arroyo by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

The Palace official said, Mrs. Arroyo has not yet decided on the JBC recommendations since there were ample time (30 days) for the chief executive to study further the recommendations before naming a new member of the High Tribunal. (PIA V Release)


Police and the military are covered by ECC law

MANILA — An advisory was issued recently by the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) in response to complaints from the employees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arising from the non- acceptance by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) of their employees’ compensation claims solely on the absence of GSIS Insurance policy numbers.

The ECC declared that despite the exclusion of soldiers and policemen from coverage under the Government Service Insurance Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8291), they are still covered by the Employees’ Compensation Law (PD 626, as amended). The ECC pointed to Article 168 of the law which clearly provides that coverage in the State Insurance Fund is compulsory to all employers and their employees not over 60 years old.

Article 167 (g1 of PD 626, as amended, provides that the term “employee” includes members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Philippine National Police at the time of effectivity of PD 626 on January 1, 1975 was one of the major services of the AFP. The defunct Philippine Constabulary- Integrated National Police-INP) was the predecessor of the PNP.

In addition, Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure for the Filing and Disposition of Employees’ Compensation Claims does not require a GSIS policy number.

Coverage under the Employees’ Compensation Program entitles a worker or his dependents to income, medical, rehabilitation, as well as death benefits once a covered employee suffers from a work- related sickness, injury, disability or death. (PIA V Release)


ECC says company ID is proof of employment

MANILA — The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) recently issued an
advisory allowing the submission of the identification card of a worker as proof of employment in response to numerous complaints concerning the non-acceptance of EC claims by the employees’ compensation program administering agencies, the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), due to failure of the covered member to submit a certificate of employment.

The admissibility of an identification card in the absence of a certificate of employment which may occur when the employer refuses to issue or sign the worker’s certificate of employment has long been settled by the ECC when a policy was issued allowing secondary evidence like a company identification card as proof to establish the existence of an employer- employee relationship.

Even the Supreme Court recognizes the fact that no particular form of evidence is required to prove the existence of employer-employee relationship. The High Tribunal said that any competent and relevant evidence to prove the relationship maybe admitted.

The High Court added that in a business establishment, an identification card is usually provided not only as security measure but mainly to identify the holder as a bonafide employee of the firm that issues it.

The Rules of Procedure for the Filing and Disposition of Employees’ Compensation Claims require the submission of updated service records or certificate ofemployment signed by the employer or his authorized representative, as one of the supporting documents in filing a disability or death benefits claim under the Employees’ Compensation Program. (PIA V Release)


Remonde cites PGMA’s role in BPO expansion

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo built the infrastructure for, and created the climate conducive to, the growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in country.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said not even the most malicious critics of the administration can deny the statistics.

He noted that from 4,000 call center agents when Mrs. Arroyo assumed office nine years ago, the industry has grown so much that it now employ close to 400,000 young men and women, mostly college graduates and even students.

Remonde acknowledged that call centers thrive because of the proficiency of Filipinos in the English language. However, he stressed, it is equally true that President Arroyo has made the growth of the industry possible by adopting and implementing the right policy.

The President, Remonde said, is not one to rest on her laurels. He pointed out that Mrs. Arroyo, in a speech before the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) summit in Clark the other day, told industry leaders to prepare themselves for “the next level of the technological challenge.”

He said the BPO industry “has become an iconic image for the Arroyo administration but there are other accomplishments that the next administration can build on, such as electrification of the whole country.

“Soon we will be able to extend the benefits of electrification to all barangays nationwide, thus enabling us to build call centers everywhere,” he added.

The President, according to Remonde, has also embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development, building roads and bridges, seaports and airports, and irrigation systems all over the country.

Today, he said, the President’s attention is drawn to climate change and the destruction it regularly inflicts on the nation.

He added that on that score, the president will preside on Tuesday over a joint NDCC (National Disaster Coordinating Council)- National Economic and Development Authority meeting in Bohol, where she will tackle the issues of disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management.

“We are confident that everybody in the political spectrum will join us in the search for a strategy that the government can adopt to mitigate the effects of the changing and unpredictable weather pattern,” he said.

The outcome of the Cabinet meeting, he said, will form a significant input to the forthcoming APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in Singapore, where climate change is expected to dominate the agenda. (PIA V Release)


Palace welcomes Bishops, Ulama suggestion on Sinnott release

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Palace welcomes the suggestions made by the Bishops-Ulama conference that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Army (MILF) should treat each other with sincerity when they talk to find a way to effect the release of Father Michael Sinnott, who was kidnapped last Oct. 11 in Pagadian City.

“The Bishops-Ulama conference is our ally in the pursuit of peace in Mindanao all these years. We can’t ignore their contribution towards this end,” Remonde said in his regular Friday briefing at the New Executive Building. “I hope the MILF will accept the suggestion.”

The government has not “lost hope that MILF will make good on its promise to help the government work for the speedy release of Father Sinnott,” Remonde said, even as top officials of the military and police are meeting somewhere in Mindanao to rescue the Irish Catholic priest.

“We can only hope for the best,” Remonde said in response to a question on the possibility of Sinnott’s release in time for Christmas. (PIA V Release)