Customs Bicol overshoots 1st semester collection goal by 99.85 percent
By Ed de Leon
LEGAZPI CITY, July 4 (PIA) --The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Bicol Collection District has collected a total of P113,312,511.80 during the first six months of the current year overshooting by P56, 612,511.80 or 99.85 percent its collection goal of P56.7 million for the period of January-June 2011.
Titus A. Sangil , BOC Bicol customs collection chief, said that the 2011 first semester collection is also 157.02 percent higher compared to the agency’s actual collection during the same period in 2010 of only P44.08 million,
Sangil said that the dramatic increase in January to June collection this year was due to the agency’s strict collection efforts from Bicol based importers and exporters.
He said that the booming mining industry in Bicol has contributed largely to the steady growth in the collections of taxes from its export of gold, copper, zinc and other minerals, and importation made by Sea oil of oil products.
Sangil said that during the period under review exports from the Bicol region reached $163,118,001.50 an increase of $76,259,304.80 from last year’s $86,858,696.72 or an 87.80 percent increment due to rise in mineral exports from three mining companies operating in Bicol.
Sangil said despite the lower vessel arrivals this year with only 57 vessels that docked in ports of Bicol and lower volume of tonnage of cargo the bureau was able to collect more customs duties due to the higher value of the commodities that arrived and the higher rates of duties and taxes assessed on the exported mineral products. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)
'Oplan Sikyu' launched by DOLE V to look into welfare of security services
LEGAZPI CITY, July 4 (PIA/DOLE) -- With reports of numerous complaints from security guards, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Bicol has launched the long planned Operation Security Guards dubbed "Oplan Sikyu”.
“Actually the implementation of the program has been put in abeyance since last year as guidelines remained to be reviewed and finalized. At the very least, we will have this program running in full blast by August” DOLE Bicol regional director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor said assuringly.
Oplan Sikyu is DOLE Bicol’s initiative in battling the high percentage of labor problems emanating mostly from security guards and services agencies which comprised 90 percent of the cases filed at DOLE and NLRC Bicol.
The move is said to increase compliance rate of security agencies when it comes to the giving of proper financial benefits like minimum wage, night shift differential and OT pay of guards as some sort of ‘voluntary compliance’. It is also perceived to be a tool in professionalizing the security services industry.
“What we want is to trim down, by at least 30 percent, the labor cases being filed by security guards at DOLE and NLRC through this effort” Villamor reiterated at least four (4) times during the meeting while security owners nodded distinctly in unison.
Some 32 owners and operators of local based security and services agencies, PADPAO officers, a representative from the PNP’s Security Agency Licensing Division (PSALD) were in attendance during the meeting last June 28.
Oplan Sikyu also intends to address the long-time issue of cut-throat competition among security agencies by giving the ‘lowest bid’ to a client which is being pin-pointed as the root cause of underpayment of wages and the commission other labor violations by the agency to the security guards.
“I myself wanted to give the proper benefit to my guards but how? Our clients wanted the lowest possible bid! If I’m going to give the benefits, then I will have a higher bid which will end up in me not having a client. It’s a dog eat dog competition out there! I hope DOLE understands…if you can fix this then much better,” an ex-military man and now a security agency operator who does not want to be named voiced out.
Through Oplan Sikyu, DOLE-Bicol will implement a ‘Standardized Wage Ceiling’ (SWC) and craft a ‘Suggested Minimum Bid Contract’ (SMBC) that must be adhered upon by security agencies and principal as well. It will be used as the baseline and lowest possible rate in any security services bidding be it a government or a non government client.
DOLE will also improve its ‘No pending Case Clearance Certificate” to include SSS and PAG-IBIG as signatories. Agency owners and operators were more than willing to follow the suggestion and have agreed unanimously adding that those who will not follow these ‘DOLE Supplied Rates” must be penalized. The penalties, they (agencies), suggested is dropping from PADPAO membership and revocation of the PNP license to operate.
“Now we have a common ground. To elevate this industry means that you must not look cheap in the eyes of the clients. Security Guard kame may presyo kame kase ROI and dala namin! Binabantayan namin ang milyones ninyo. That’s what you should tell your clients rather than cut down the bid and let the guards suffer.” Major Cagas of PNP Bicol’s SADC said.
Oplan Sikyu wil have its test run in Albay this June to July with DOLE-PFO Albay headed by Engr. Arturo Corbe as the lead province supported by TSSD Chief Jose “Pepe” Banda.
The program is expected to be in full swing region wide come August 2011.
“Looking at the records of filed labor cases here with us, I can see that 7 out of 10 complaints are coming from security guards. The ratio at the NLRC is not far from this figure also. By December I want to see this go really down or else…” Villamor said.
The participants were also briefed on the details of DO No. 18-02 Sub-contracting Law, the new minimum wage order, DOLE’s establishments registration, employment details and other necessary labor laws and forms.
Oplan Sikyu will hold its next activity by making a consultation meeting with the security agency’s principal clients – the local businessmen and government office’s directors. The meeting will revolve on SWC and SMBC. It is aimed at advocating the need to adhere in these DOLE-Bicol’s initiative to solve the long time burden of underpayment of security guards in Bicol. (MAL/RPE, DOLE V)
Public-Private Mix Initiative launches TB prevention and eradication drive
by Irma a. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- "Our presence speaks of our personal, professional and organizational representation and statement for advocacy to be strong partners and ally in tuberculosis eradication drive," thus stated a regional official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol.
Dr. Chito Avelino, DOH V assistant regional director, said the agency is very optimistic the program will gain grounds and expect positive result with province-wide Public-Private Mix Initiative (PPMI) launching and signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the drive aginst tuberculosis.
Dr. Myrna Listanco, DOH V program coordinator for TB prevention and control, said that this activity has been significantly supported by the provincial government of Sorsogon with the full cooperation of almost all government line agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector.
"This is one of the global targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sorsogon has been piloted in the implementation of the program specially the assistance provided to the city government here," she said.
According to Listanco, PPMI has been successful in pursuing strong partnership to support the Aquino Health Agenda, especially in the universal implementation of the PhilHealth registration which focuses on providing proper public health priority as the main health agenda.
PPMI likewise according to Avelino is the best strategy to enjoin everyone to be a carer of one's health and in the same manner be aware of one's role to help others too.
PPMI focuses on engaging all stakeholders in basic communities to strategise, come up with both national and local means on the best possible means of early detection, reporting, validating and recommending patients for treatment found out to have TB.
"Tuberculosis if early detected can be cured easily. Government provides free medical treatment including medicines," Avelino explained.
"The intensified activity launched through the MOU signing will also open avenues for critical roles of agencies to support through their mandates," Avelino stated.
"Tuberculosis today is no longer a dreaded disease," Edgar Garcia, provincial health officer of the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital (PHO) explained in his message.
The PHO according to him through the intensified campaign of all health workers in the province down to the farthest barangays has made this program alive, well-organized and supported.
"With the PPMI, we are emerging as one global community .We engage everyone to join hands in supporting this program .Let us help in the information dissemination, provide right education, conduct fora and say that everyone is responsible to become a cure", Garcia said.
Sorsogon is the third province which also organized the Public-Private Mix Coordinating Council (PPMCC) , that plans the systematized way of implementing the TB eradication program.
"As key players, let us state a clear policy in the critical factors of identifying our significant roles as we signify each one's commitment and affixing one's signature in the MOU and individually saying , "You are the cure". Garcia expressed. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
PNoy’s Sis Pinky heads AGAPP team in Camarines Sur for classroom turn over
by Lizel S. Macatangay
BATO, Camarines Sur, July 4 (PIA) -- Setting the phase on the forefront of instilling the value of quality education in every community, President Benigno Aquino III has explicitly expressed his administration's intention to pursue education programs that in no time, every child will be provided with education.
Today, three schools became the recipients of school buildings cum library realized thru the effort of Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa or (AGAPP) Foundation, led by no less than the Presidential sister, Pinky Aquino – Abellada.
Bato North Central School located in the municipality of Bato ; Nabua East Central Pilot School in Nabua town and Romero Elementary School in Bula, Camarines Sur were the lucky recipients of AGAPP’s new pre-school buildings called “Silid-Pangarap”.
Comparable to other existing pre- school facilities, the buildings contain learning materials, educational toys and other learning paraphernalia that would suit the educational need of every pre-schooler.
As the foundations’ President, Abellada has been closely working with the Department of Education and other private organizations to solicit funding and assistance to help them build more pre-school classrooms to realize PNoy’s principle that no child will be left behind under his education program.
“We want to pursue this dream and we will start it here in every “silid-Pangarap” built through the effort of our partners, donors and volunteers. Every structure symbolically enshrines every child’s dream and every parent’s wish for a better future.”
Just 11 months since the inception of AGAPP, Ms. Aquino-Abellada and her group has already built 109 classrooms all over the Philippines . In Bicol, 12 Silid Pangarap, 6 in Camarines Sur and 6 in the province of Albay are now being used by pre schoolers in the region.
Ms. Aquino-Abellada thanked the Camarinenses for the warm reception and vowed to come back to the region to give more classrooms to the Bicolanos.
She specially thanked Dr. Ofelia Samar-Sy, president of Pinoy Power Bicol Coalition of Volunteers Inc. (PPBCV) for facilitating the realization of this project, San Miguel Corporation for the school buildings and other donors who made “Silid-Pangarap” a reality.
This endeavour is also part of strengthening the public-private partnership which is one of the main agenda of the Aquino Administration. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
DTI awards 5 outstanding entrepreneurs
by Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Provincial Micro-Small-and-Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) here recently awarded five winners of the search for Outstanding Catandungan EntrePinoy 2011.
The awardees in the five categories are: Processed Food - Evelyn Bonifacio of Belen’s Pinahamis na Pili, Atbp. based in Sto. Niño. Virac; Handicraft – Floro Teaño of Lucky F Abaca Trading & Handicraft in Sta. Isabel, Bato; Furniture – Amparo Teves of A. Teves Enterprise in Calatagan, Virac; Agri-Business – Billy James Apanti of Baras; and, Tourism –Rafael Rodulfo of Rakdell Inn in Salvacion, Virac. They received plaques and cash prizes donated by Congressman Cesar Sarmiento, Governor Joseph Cua, PBM Rafael Zuniega, PBM Nel Asanza and PBM Shirley Abundo.
An active member of the Savings and Loans System of the Agricultural and Rural Development for Catanduanes, Inc. (ARDCI), Bonifacio expanded her budding business in the past three years, more than doubling her investment, employment and sales as well as pursuing aggressive marketing strategies.
Teaño’s Lucky F gained the nod of the search committee for its management excellence as well as increases in employment and investment areas.
A recipient of a business loan from the Department of Science and Technology that she used in buying specialized equipment, Teves has consistent ranked in the top three in generating sales during trade fairs in Manila.
Only 22, BJ Apanti used what he learned in finishing a two-year course in technical agriculture at the Catanduanes State Colleges by using his half-hectare plot to pursue aqua-silvi culture, off-season vegetable raising, poultry and livestock raising, and fishery production. Rodulfo’s Rakdell Inn, where the awarding ceremony was held, was cited for its expansion in employment as well as management excellence.
Cash prizes were also given to the other nominees – Elpedes Pancit Factory (processed food), Fiber Art Handicraft Enterprises (handicraft), Domingo Moraleda (agri-business), Jaime de Leon (agri-business), ETBAL Enterprises (furniture), Mendoza Furniture Shop, and Marclo Furniture Shop.
Lauding the DTI and PMSMEDC for its efforts in encouraging investments in business opportunities, DTI regional director Jocelyn Blanco said there is no reason for anyone to be poor in Catanduanes as long as its bountiful natural resources are utilized by those who value attitude, integrity, responsibility, respect for law and order, hard work, the need for savings, punctuality and the will to act.
On the other hand, Congressman Sarmiento expressed his support for local entrepreneurship by vowing to build a building inside the Virac airport which will serve both as display area for locally-produced goods and as waiting area for passengers. He said his office has set aside a sizeable amount for the development of caragumoy weaving.
Echoing the solon’s statement, Tony Peña, who represented the governor, stressed that the triumvirate of the governor, the congressman and the local government units would ensure that Catandunganons would benefit from their efforts to spur trade on the island.
During the MSME Forum, established financing institutions released loan checks to qualified applicants from the island while newcomers presented their business loan windows.
The Development Bank of the Philippines, whose local branch will be opened sometime in August, released P3.7 million to a Virac couple for the construction of a three-storey, 46-bed dormitory in San Isidro Village. ARDCI released checks totaling P77,00.00 to six SLS members for sari-sari store operation, food vending and rattan trading while Visionbank gave P150,000.00 in loans to three Virac residents for various ventures.
The Pinoy Lingap-Damayan Credit Cooperative (PLDCC) released P95,000.00 in loans to two tricycle operators and a piggery owner while the Batong Paluway Producers Cooperative (BAPAPCO) released P118,000.00 in micro-finance and business loans to three recipients.
Meanwhile, the DTI and PMSMEDC expressed its gratitude to the search sponsors and committee members including SUWECO, Catanduanes Bankers Association, Abella Pawnshop, DPWH, DILG, PASO, FICELCO, RB Camalig, Legaspi Savings Bank, BAPAPCO, PLDC, BDO, Land Bank, and PNB, among others. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes/with reports from DTI)
61% of surveyed parents of public school students gather for Philhealth Sabado 2
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Reports of the six provincial task forces on National Philhealth Registration Day (NPPRD) II revealed that majority or 61 percent of targeted parents appeared in the 14 sites for the Philhealth Sabado conducted last June 25 across the country.
As this year’s registration was public school-focused, teachers distributed survey forms to pupils and students of public elementary and secondary schools. Of the 30,256 forms distributed, a total number of 18,541 parents trooped to the schools to avail of the special registration day.
The registration teams were able to determine fifty-seven per cent or 10,615 of the attendees to be non Philhealth members. The rest or 7,926 individuals were already members.
Some of the new registrants paid their membership fees outright totaling to P33,100. Others promised to visit the nearest Philhealth offices located in the six provinces of the region.
All participating parents be they new registrants or existing members attended the health insurance advocacy campaign and were oriented on the benefits, rights and responsibilities as Philhealth members.
The Department of Education NPRDP II regional task force member Dr. Romulo Retuerma M.D. reported that Bicol had the second highest number of pilot sites for the registration. In the region each of the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon had two registration sites, 1 each for elementary and secondary schools. Camarines Sur being the biggest in land area and population had 4 registration sites with 2 each for elementary and secondary schools.
Since June 2 was the NPRD II launching in 14 selected schools only, the Department of Health Bicol and Philhealth announced that similar advocacy campaigns will be conducted in as many schools the promotion will reach until December this year.
As a start up, a massive advocacy in various general parent-teachers association (GPTA) assemblies will be conducted this July. This was one of the strategies agreed upon during the June 30 NRDP II launching evaluation and planning presided by Dr. Gil Ludovice, head health operations division DOH Bicol held at the health regional office.
Meantime, Philhealth Bicol Officer Dave Escandor reported that a total of 350,000 cards for indigents named in the National Household Targeting System by the Department of Social Welfare and Development have been sent to the different municipalities for distribution to beneficiaries.
Owners of these identification cards were ascertained during the October 2 National Philhealth Registration (NPRD) I held October 2 last year.
Said IDs were turned over to the different Municipal Social Welfare Offices in the region who have been distributing the cards since last month.
Philhealth said the validity of these cards is from April 1 to December 31, 2011. All indigent cardholders are entitled to Philhealth benefits. (MAL/AAN, PIAV)
Filipino Ford Fellows represent PH in media forum in Moscow
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Two former scholars of the Ford Foundation’s International Fellowships Program (IFP), one of whom is a Bicolano, represented the Philippines in a recently-concluded international forum of media practitioners and academics in Moscow, Russia.
Gremil Alessandro A. Naz and Charmy G. Sabigan attended the Future Media International Forum organized by RIA Novosti, the Russian state news agency, on June 24. The gathering was the main event of the agency’s 70th anniversary celebration.
One of the partners in the said event was the IFP, which invited all former scholars from around the world to attend. The IFP paid for all travel expenses.
Topics discussed in the forum included the effects of new technology on traditional media, the role of the Internet in information dissemination, and the future of the media.
The speakers were among the most respected journalists in the world, representing the globe’s top media establishments. Among them were Alan Rusbridger, editor-in-chief of the Guardian News & Media; Thomas Kent, deputy editor-in-chief of the Associated Press; and Svetlana Mironyuk, editor-in-chief of RIA Novosti.
A day before the June 24 forum, a special event was hosted by RIA Novosti to provide a platform for former IFP scholars from around the world to talk about the state of the media in their own countries.
Naz and Sabigan provided the audience with an overview of the Philippine media. Other countries represented were Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Peru. IFP scholars from the host country also shared their experiences as journalists in Russia.
Naz said, “It was interesting to note that the provincial media in the Philippines share similar challenges with Russian journalists working away from the capital Moscow.”
The IFP is a program of the Ford Foundation that funds graduate studies of individuals who have demonstrated social commitment, leadership, and academic achievement from different parts of the globe. In the Philippines, the IFP is administered by the Philippine Social Science Council.
Through the said scholarship program, Naz and Sabigan were able tofinish master’s degrees in communication from the United States.
Naz finished his Masters in Media, Culture and Communication in New York University in 2008 while Sabigan graduated from University of Florida in 2007 with a master degree in mass communication.
Sabigan is currently the Luzon Area Manager of Bombo Radyo Philippines. Before that she was the station manager of Bombo Radyo Cebu.
Naz on the other hand was the chairman of the journalism department of Bicol University College of Arts and Letters, Legazpi City before he joined the Educational Testing Preparation Services, Inc. based in Makati City as a writer. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)
Monday, July 4, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Sen. Chiz , kinilala ang nagawa at tiwala sa magagawa pa ni Pangulong Aquino
…mga civil engineers, hinikayat maging kaisa sa pagbabago, pagkamit ng pangarap
LUNGSOD NG LEGAZPI, Hulyo 2 (PIA) -- Buo ang paniniwala at supurta ni Senador Francis Escudero sa Pangulong Benigno Aquino III na nasa kamay at balikat ng huli ang pag-unlad ng ating bansa.
Binigyang diin ni Escudero na naibalik ng Pangulo Aquino ang respeto, kumpiyansa at integridad sa Tanggapan ng Pangulo at mismo sa Pangulo ng bansa.
Umaasa ang senador na magagamit ng Pangulo ang tiwalang ibinigay ng taong bayan sa kanya tungo sa tunay na pagbabagong hinahanap ng ating bansa.
Sa pagsalita ni Escudero sa Midyear National Convention ng Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers o PICE na ginaganap sa Ibalong Centrum for Recreation dito sa lungsod, hinamon ng senador ang halos limang libong lumahok na mga enhinyero sa buong bansa na maging kaisa, kasama at kakampi sa pagkamit sa pangarap ng taong bayan.
Inihayag ni Escudero na ang hamon kay Pangulong Aquino o anumang hamon ng tadhana sa ating bansa ay hindi kayang tugunang mag isa ng Pangulo, kundi kailangan ang supurta ng bawat sektor ng lipunan, partikular mula sa hanay ng mga inhenyero.
Binigyang diin ni Escudero na malalagpasan ng Pangulo at ng bansa ang lahat ng mga ito kung tayo ay magkakasama bilang isang bansa at isang lahi.
Aniya ang hinahangad na pagbabago ay huwag hintaying maganap sa susunod pang mga henerasyon kundi ngayon na, dagdag pa na huwag maging bahagi ng problema sa halip maging parte ng solusyon.
Ipinagbigay halimbawa ng senador ang mga kababayan nating sa ibang bansa, aniya kung sinusunod nila ang batas sa ibang bansa, kalangang pagbalik sa bansa ganoon pa rin.
Kaugnay nito, pinapurihan ng senador ang mga engineers sa kanilang national convention sapagkat nagkakausap at nagkikita ang mga ito tungo sa iisang daan para sa bayan.
Nangako rin si Escudero na itutulak nito ang pag-amyenda ng 50 taon nang Civil Engineers Act, kung saan kailangan ang mga probisyon na, una, dapat maging mandatory ang membership ng mga civil engineer sa PICE; pangalawa kailangang maging mandatory din ang tuluy-tuloy na edukasyon at training; at panghuli, ang propesyonalismo sa hanay ng mga civil engineers.
Hiniling ng senador mula sa grupo na pag-aralan ang kaukulang mga hakbangin ukol sa inihayag ng Phivolcs na kung tumama sa bansa ang sobra sa 8 magnitude na lindol ay masisira ang halos 99 porsiyento ng mga gusali at tulay, lalung lalo na sa Metro Manila.
Kinakailangan maging kaisa rin ang mga inhenyero, ayon kay Escudero, sa pagsasagawa ng mga hakbangin bunsod ng mga hamon at epekto ng climate change at pag-iwas sa mga sakuna bunsod ng mga kalamidad, lalo na sa pagsiguro na matatag at ligtas ang mga gusali at iba pang imprastraktura sa buong bansa. (MAL, PIA V/NIM, RnB)
…mga civil engineers, hinikayat maging kaisa sa pagbabago, pagkamit ng pangarap
LUNGSOD NG LEGAZPI, Hulyo 2 (PIA) -- Buo ang paniniwala at supurta ni Senador Francis Escudero sa Pangulong Benigno Aquino III na nasa kamay at balikat ng huli ang pag-unlad ng ating bansa.
Binigyang diin ni Escudero na naibalik ng Pangulo Aquino ang respeto, kumpiyansa at integridad sa Tanggapan ng Pangulo at mismo sa Pangulo ng bansa.
Umaasa ang senador na magagamit ng Pangulo ang tiwalang ibinigay ng taong bayan sa kanya tungo sa tunay na pagbabagong hinahanap ng ating bansa.
Sa pagsalita ni Escudero sa Midyear National Convention ng Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers o PICE na ginaganap sa Ibalong Centrum for Recreation dito sa lungsod, hinamon ng senador ang halos limang libong lumahok na mga enhinyero sa buong bansa na maging kaisa, kasama at kakampi sa pagkamit sa pangarap ng taong bayan.
Inihayag ni Escudero na ang hamon kay Pangulong Aquino o anumang hamon ng tadhana sa ating bansa ay hindi kayang tugunang mag isa ng Pangulo, kundi kailangan ang supurta ng bawat sektor ng lipunan, partikular mula sa hanay ng mga inhenyero.
Binigyang diin ni Escudero na malalagpasan ng Pangulo at ng bansa ang lahat ng mga ito kung tayo ay magkakasama bilang isang bansa at isang lahi.
Aniya ang hinahangad na pagbabago ay huwag hintaying maganap sa susunod pang mga henerasyon kundi ngayon na, dagdag pa na huwag maging bahagi ng problema sa halip maging parte ng solusyon.
Ipinagbigay halimbawa ng senador ang mga kababayan nating sa ibang bansa, aniya kung sinusunod nila ang batas sa ibang bansa, kalangang pagbalik sa bansa ganoon pa rin.
Kaugnay nito, pinapurihan ng senador ang mga engineers sa kanilang national convention sapagkat nagkakausap at nagkikita ang mga ito tungo sa iisang daan para sa bayan.
Nangako rin si Escudero na itutulak nito ang pag-amyenda ng 50 taon nang Civil Engineers Act, kung saan kailangan ang mga probisyon na, una, dapat maging mandatory ang membership ng mga civil engineer sa PICE; pangalawa kailangang maging mandatory din ang tuluy-tuloy na edukasyon at training; at panghuli, ang propesyonalismo sa hanay ng mga civil engineers.
Hiniling ng senador mula sa grupo na pag-aralan ang kaukulang mga hakbangin ukol sa inihayag ng Phivolcs na kung tumama sa bansa ang sobra sa 8 magnitude na lindol ay masisira ang halos 99 porsiyento ng mga gusali at tulay, lalung lalo na sa Metro Manila.
Kinakailangan maging kaisa rin ang mga inhenyero, ayon kay Escudero, sa pagsasagawa ng mga hakbangin bunsod ng mga hamon at epekto ng climate change at pag-iwas sa mga sakuna bunsod ng mga kalamidad, lalo na sa pagsiguro na matatag at ligtas ang mga gusali at iba pang imprastraktura sa buong bansa. (MAL, PIA V/NIM, RnB)
Paje vows to purge mining industry in Bicol
LEGAZPI CITY, July 1 (PAI/DENR) -- Mining speculators will be stamped out for good to safeguard the legitimate mining industry players in Bicol region.
Environment Sec. Ramon Paje has assured the Bikolanos that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has made its move against unscrupulous mining speculators by strict implementation of the “use it or lose it” policy.
“President Aquino’s order is to cleanse the mining industry with all non-compliant projects, we will never compromise environmental protection, and we are mining to progress not to ruin our communities or our environment” Sec. Paje emphasized during a recently concluded Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) Forum aired at Radyo ng Bayan nationwide.
Secretary Paje confirmed that 1,148 mining applications were already cancelled by DENR since the implementation of the “use it or lose it” policy.
Paje criticized scheming speculators that made claims over mining tenements which they hardly managed properly or put an investment to, instead used it as an opportunistic tool in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to raise their stock prizes. “The government’s focus is to help real miners, and get rid of speculators in this industry,” he added.
The environment chief however warned “if a company will venture into mining, it should be compliant to environmental laws, clean and pollution-free, since the president requires us to cleanse this industry.”
Engr. Ricardo P. Nacional, chief, Mine Management Division of MGB Bicol disclosed that 153 aging/pending mining applications were stricken out while 11 others were endorsed to the central office for further action. “MGB Bicol has 85 per cent compliance of the “use it or lose it” policy,” he averred.
Nacional said by end of the second quarter at least 194 mining speculators will be weeded out from 2,180 mining tenement applications in the region.
Mining tenements include mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA), exploration permit (EP) and financial and technical assistance agreement (FTAA).
Under the “use it or lose it” policy, exploration contracts that have already expired for five years or more and mining contracts that have not implemented the three-year work program for two consecutive years are also subject of final action by the DENR. (MAL/JSBasanta, DENR V)
Sorsogon campaigns for Puerto Princesa underground river to the 7 Wonders of Nature
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 1 (PIA) -- Presidential Proclamation No. 182 (PP No 182), declaring a National and International Promotion Campaign for Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature is now a a provincial campaign here in the province of Sorsogon through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) supported by all media outlets.
To awaken the sense of national pride of Filipinos to be cognizant of their own natural resources and given one of the best natural ecotourism sites in our country, PIA Sorsogon has spearheaded the information dissemination campaign through a radio interview this morning at PBN- DZMS in Bangerahan with Reline Defeo-Arallano as anchor for the PPUR text voting and by sending it to 6852 which will automatically vote for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Proclamation also underscored that it intends to awaken the sense of patriotism and national pride of the 30 million Filipino internet users and 77 million Filipino mobile subscribers.
To those who have done the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Cruise, it is one of the most awesome eye- strucking experience to find out and see how nature has made a very amazing brush strokes of colors , shapes and forms naturally etched out of the stalactites and stalagmites. How million of birds inside the cave can make beautiful blended squeaking sounds. The river cruise significantly is one memory of God's great grandeur.
PIA Sorsogon will also gather email addresses and mobile phone numbers that will be forwarded to PIA Regional Operation Department as a support to gather votes and drumbeat the campaign here.
It has been stressed out that the PNoy administration hopes to engage local communities to really be aware of the best natural tourism destinations in the country that will propel economic returns and highlight interesting local activities
Simple procedure was disseminated by PIA to all local media outlets, local government units, non-governmental organizations, schools and almost all agencies and entities so that the PPUR voting launch for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park be one tourism voice here in the province.
PIA will coordinate with the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council (SPTC), City and Municipal Tourism Councils and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee chair on Tourism, Hon. Eric Ravanilla to really make a statement of solidarity in this national campaign.
This PPUR text voting starts this June and results of the New 7 Wonders of Nature will be known this November 11, 2011. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
DTI conducts gift giving, Pili tree planting
by Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted an early gift-giving activity in time for the opening of classes late last month in Barangay Sto. Cristo, this municipality.
60 students of Santo Cristo Elementary School were given a gift of caragumoy bags complete with school supplies and 12 teachers were also given caragumoy bags.
Meanwhile, Pili tree planting activity was done inside the school campus as part of the “Plant a Tree Program” of DTI-CARP.
Launched last year, the program focused on Pili tree distribution giving out 1,670 trees so far to its conduit groups and enterprises. This activity is meant to address the concern on supply sufficiency to support the growing pilinut processing industry.
In her visit to the province on June 10, DTI 5 Regional Director Jocelyn LB Blanco, assisted by PD Ireneo B. Panti Jr. of DTI Catanduanes distributed the gift packages in Santo Cristo Elementary School.
Among those that came along to witness the gift giving and join the pili tree planting activity afterwards, were PBM Neil Asansa, Virac Councilor Rene Abella and the barangay officials of Santo Cristo headed by Barangay Captain Simeon Poniado.
Santo Cristo Elementary School was selected as beneficiary when it came to the attention of DTI that pupils in said school were using common plastic grocery bags as their school bags due to plain neediness. Santo Cristo is one of the conduit communities of DTI-CARP.
Among those who have taken part in planting the pili trees in the 1st quarter of 2011 were: Buyo Caragumoy Products Producers Association (800), Calabnigan Farmers Association (100), Manambrag Abaca Hammock Makers Association (100), San Andres Slippers Association (200), Patagan Abaca Craft Makers Association (100), Biong Farmers Multi-Purpose Coop. (100), Burac Central Weavers Association (170) and Buenavista Crafts Makers (100). The activity was coordinated in the respective barangay councils. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Feature:
More working moms, number of male workers stand still in Bicol
LEGAZPI CITY, July 1 (PIA) -- Female workers in Bicol is on the rise while the number of male workers is on a stand still.
This came out after employment experts from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here recently studied the ‘employment trending’ in the region from 2009 up to the early quarter of this year.
Generally, more and more females are up for a job or employment, a trend that in a deeply cultured region, has yet experienced in the early years.
The rise of female workers was actually first seen by DOLE Bicol in the later part of 2009, during the onset of the Global Financial Crisis, wherein female household members and mostly “moms” are going ‘out of the shelves’ to look for a job in pursuit to help their husbands.
DOLE Bicol, in its series of sponsored jobs fairs, has recorded 11,591 female applicants in 2009, 11,093 in 2010 and consequently 5,489 applicants from January to May this year.
Combined this would yield a total of 28,173 female applicants which is only about 0.77% less than the total male applicants of 36,373 -- just a little few to be almost at par with the macho genes. A data never before seen in Bicol.
Records also show that in the formal sector workplace, female applicants are more favored than male applicants. Establishments in Bicol region, especially those in the category of services like restaurants and malls or those that require front line services, whether big or small, would prefer female than male workers. A phenomenon that stirs Bicolana women to take advantage of the job opportunities being made readily available for them.
In fact, from 2009 up to press time, there were 10,329 females hired.
Gina Bermas Echaluce, 38-years old , married with 3 kids and manager of Globalink Co., a local chain of internet café here, with a total workforce of 5 males and 10 females, said that she prefers to hire the latter.
“Hahaha! Of course I prefer females specially when it comes to paper works. But there are tasks, like the technical stuff that only males can do, so I still hire them (chuckles)” she added.
An HR manager of a large company in Albay, known for its female front liners, outlines the reason why they prefer female workers like the females patience, ability to adopt, most of the time giving and sheepish not arrogant, easily trained, attention to details and most importantly being ‘easy to handle’.
Meanwhile, services establishments like to hire female employees due to its additional ‘ads’ value. Owners claim that their business is ‘better’ if they have a female employees specially the cute ones.
“Before I had more guys here then I tried hiring a female then whala! Suddenly my business booms. I duno perhaps its (female employees) a natural advertising” A local shop owner who does not want to be named blurted.
POEA and OWWA Bicol also recorded an increase in the number of females and ‘moms’ going abroad to work.
OWWA Bicol’s data dated 27 June recorded, a remarkable 27,284 females, mostly ‘moms’, working as land based OFWs abroad which is 0.56% higher than the 15,529 recorded male land based OFWs. In 2010, female OFWs are also higher than male which OWWA recorded at 26,029 land based female OFWs compared to only 14,921 land based male OFWs. The female OFWs work either as domestic helpers (DH), nurses, caregivers etc. DH however is still the highest OFW placement for Bicolanos. The 2nd is nurses which is also a female led work environment. This, DOLE said, can be attributed to the need to earn money to support their families.
While DOLE Bicol is quite ‘happy’ about this workforce trend, the office is also somewhat ‘disturbed’ of the underlying circumstances that may come into the so-called parenting issue vis-à-vis the slow death of the old Bicolano tradition and notion that the husbands work and the wives stay home to care for children.
“This trend can be both good and bad. Good, because if both parents are earning then there is more financial freedom for the family. Bad, because children will be left to nanny’s or other family members earlier without the supervision of parents.” DOLE Bicol Regional Director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor said.
Rodrigo Alcoy, 47-years old, DOLE Bicol’s messenger, a father of four and a husband to a Hongkong OFW wife, said that if only he had more income he would not have permitted his wife to leave home. “Lalo na sa mga bata, iba pa din pag may nanay sa bahay…kung di lang talaga kailangan, nungka!” he shared.
Bicolano critics however are wary of this trend. They said that while a family may be financially stable, the upbringing of the children will be compromised. They said that this trend may bring more evil than good and that they prefer to keep the old notion that women, specially moms, must stay home to care for the children.
Some concerned groups are even pointing to working parents as the main culprit in teenage juvenile delinquency. But this, DOLE said, is not verified. “There might be a truth regarding this accusation but it should be supported by studies and researches. Parents want the best for their children and the best can be given if it is backed up financially. Working means having more financial freedom for the family. What working parents need is quality time for their kids” DOLE Bicol assistant regional director Irma S. Valiente, a working mom herself said.
John Ariate, 18-years old, a student of STI College taking up Diploma in IT, said that he prefers his mom to be around to ‘raise’ him and his 3 siblings rather than to work. He said that the time of his ‘mom’ with them is priceless and can never be replaced by money.
He also said that when he was small, he misses his mom every time she would leave for work. “Iba po syempre pag nandiyan ang nanay. Syempre na ga-guide talaga yung mga bata kaya hindi magiging pasaway.” He added.
DOLE Bicol alone is a living proof of this female phenomenon with males being outnumbered at a ratio of 2:1. Currently, the office has a total of 66 workforce with 44 females and only 22 males.
Malls and drugstores in the region share almost the same ratio of men and women workers while service establishments like restaurants and food chains have a higher women workforce.
“The issue here is not about women or men power, but the relevance of employment in the lives of the Bicolanos. More and more Bicolanos are now open in finding jobs and this is the challenge to us, DOLE, to provide decent jobs to these new breed of workers.” Villamor added. (MAL/RPE, DOLE V)
LEGAZPI CITY, July 1 (PAI/DENR) -- Mining speculators will be stamped out for good to safeguard the legitimate mining industry players in Bicol region.
Environment Sec. Ramon Paje has assured the Bikolanos that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has made its move against unscrupulous mining speculators by strict implementation of the “use it or lose it” policy.
“President Aquino’s order is to cleanse the mining industry with all non-compliant projects, we will never compromise environmental protection, and we are mining to progress not to ruin our communities or our environment” Sec. Paje emphasized during a recently concluded Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) Forum aired at Radyo ng Bayan nationwide.
Secretary Paje confirmed that 1,148 mining applications were already cancelled by DENR since the implementation of the “use it or lose it” policy.
Paje criticized scheming speculators that made claims over mining tenements which they hardly managed properly or put an investment to, instead used it as an opportunistic tool in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to raise their stock prizes. “The government’s focus is to help real miners, and get rid of speculators in this industry,” he added.
The environment chief however warned “if a company will venture into mining, it should be compliant to environmental laws, clean and pollution-free, since the president requires us to cleanse this industry.”
Engr. Ricardo P. Nacional, chief, Mine Management Division of MGB Bicol disclosed that 153 aging/pending mining applications were stricken out while 11 others were endorsed to the central office for further action. “MGB Bicol has 85 per cent compliance of the “use it or lose it” policy,” he averred.
Nacional said by end of the second quarter at least 194 mining speculators will be weeded out from 2,180 mining tenement applications in the region.
Mining tenements include mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA), exploration permit (EP) and financial and technical assistance agreement (FTAA).
Under the “use it or lose it” policy, exploration contracts that have already expired for five years or more and mining contracts that have not implemented the three-year work program for two consecutive years are also subject of final action by the DENR. (MAL/JSBasanta, DENR V)
Sorsogon campaigns for Puerto Princesa underground river to the 7 Wonders of Nature
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 1 (PIA) -- Presidential Proclamation No. 182 (PP No 182), declaring a National and International Promotion Campaign for Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature is now a a provincial campaign here in the province of Sorsogon through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) supported by all media outlets.
To awaken the sense of national pride of Filipinos to be cognizant of their own natural resources and given one of the best natural ecotourism sites in our country, PIA Sorsogon has spearheaded the information dissemination campaign through a radio interview this morning at PBN- DZMS in Bangerahan with Reline Defeo-Arallano as anchor for the PPUR text voting and by sending it to 6852 which will automatically vote for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Proclamation also underscored that it intends to awaken the sense of patriotism and national pride of the 30 million Filipino internet users and 77 million Filipino mobile subscribers.
To those who have done the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Cruise, it is one of the most awesome eye- strucking experience to find out and see how nature has made a very amazing brush strokes of colors , shapes and forms naturally etched out of the stalactites and stalagmites. How million of birds inside the cave can make beautiful blended squeaking sounds. The river cruise significantly is one memory of God's great grandeur.
PIA Sorsogon will also gather email addresses and mobile phone numbers that will be forwarded to PIA Regional Operation Department as a support to gather votes and drumbeat the campaign here.
It has been stressed out that the PNoy administration hopes to engage local communities to really be aware of the best natural tourism destinations in the country that will propel economic returns and highlight interesting local activities
Simple procedure was disseminated by PIA to all local media outlets, local government units, non-governmental organizations, schools and almost all agencies and entities so that the PPUR voting launch for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park be one tourism voice here in the province.
PIA will coordinate with the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council (SPTC), City and Municipal Tourism Councils and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee chair on Tourism, Hon. Eric Ravanilla to really make a statement of solidarity in this national campaign.
This PPUR text voting starts this June and results of the New 7 Wonders of Nature will be known this November 11, 2011. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
DTI conducts gift giving, Pili tree planting
by Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted an early gift-giving activity in time for the opening of classes late last month in Barangay Sto. Cristo, this municipality.
60 students of Santo Cristo Elementary School were given a gift of caragumoy bags complete with school supplies and 12 teachers were also given caragumoy bags.
Meanwhile, Pili tree planting activity was done inside the school campus as part of the “Plant a Tree Program” of DTI-CARP.
Launched last year, the program focused on Pili tree distribution giving out 1,670 trees so far to its conduit groups and enterprises. This activity is meant to address the concern on supply sufficiency to support the growing pilinut processing industry.
In her visit to the province on June 10, DTI 5 Regional Director Jocelyn LB Blanco, assisted by PD Ireneo B. Panti Jr. of DTI Catanduanes distributed the gift packages in Santo Cristo Elementary School.
Among those that came along to witness the gift giving and join the pili tree planting activity afterwards, were PBM Neil Asansa, Virac Councilor Rene Abella and the barangay officials of Santo Cristo headed by Barangay Captain Simeon Poniado.
Santo Cristo Elementary School was selected as beneficiary when it came to the attention of DTI that pupils in said school were using common plastic grocery bags as their school bags due to plain neediness. Santo Cristo is one of the conduit communities of DTI-CARP.
Among those who have taken part in planting the pili trees in the 1st quarter of 2011 were: Buyo Caragumoy Products Producers Association (800), Calabnigan Farmers Association (100), Manambrag Abaca Hammock Makers Association (100), San Andres Slippers Association (200), Patagan Abaca Craft Makers Association (100), Biong Farmers Multi-Purpose Coop. (100), Burac Central Weavers Association (170) and Buenavista Crafts Makers (100). The activity was coordinated in the respective barangay councils. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Feature:
More working moms, number of male workers stand still in Bicol
LEGAZPI CITY, July 1 (PIA) -- Female workers in Bicol is on the rise while the number of male workers is on a stand still.
This came out after employment experts from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here recently studied the ‘employment trending’ in the region from 2009 up to the early quarter of this year.
Generally, more and more females are up for a job or employment, a trend that in a deeply cultured region, has yet experienced in the early years.
The rise of female workers was actually first seen by DOLE Bicol in the later part of 2009, during the onset of the Global Financial Crisis, wherein female household members and mostly “moms” are going ‘out of the shelves’ to look for a job in pursuit to help their husbands.
DOLE Bicol, in its series of sponsored jobs fairs, has recorded 11,591 female applicants in 2009, 11,093 in 2010 and consequently 5,489 applicants from January to May this year.
Combined this would yield a total of 28,173 female applicants which is only about 0.77% less than the total male applicants of 36,373 -- just a little few to be almost at par with the macho genes. A data never before seen in Bicol.
Records also show that in the formal sector workplace, female applicants are more favored than male applicants. Establishments in Bicol region, especially those in the category of services like restaurants and malls or those that require front line services, whether big or small, would prefer female than male workers. A phenomenon that stirs Bicolana women to take advantage of the job opportunities being made readily available for them.
In fact, from 2009 up to press time, there were 10,329 females hired.
Gina Bermas Echaluce, 38-years old , married with 3 kids and manager of Globalink Co., a local chain of internet café here, with a total workforce of 5 males and 10 females, said that she prefers to hire the latter.
“Hahaha! Of course I prefer females specially when it comes to paper works. But there are tasks, like the technical stuff that only males can do, so I still hire them (chuckles)” she added.
An HR manager of a large company in Albay, known for its female front liners, outlines the reason why they prefer female workers like the females patience, ability to adopt, most of the time giving and sheepish not arrogant, easily trained, attention to details and most importantly being ‘easy to handle’.
Meanwhile, services establishments like to hire female employees due to its additional ‘ads’ value. Owners claim that their business is ‘better’ if they have a female employees specially the cute ones.
“Before I had more guys here then I tried hiring a female then whala! Suddenly my business booms. I duno perhaps its (female employees) a natural advertising” A local shop owner who does not want to be named blurted.
POEA and OWWA Bicol also recorded an increase in the number of females and ‘moms’ going abroad to work.
OWWA Bicol’s data dated 27 June recorded, a remarkable 27,284 females, mostly ‘moms’, working as land based OFWs abroad which is 0.56% higher than the 15,529 recorded male land based OFWs. In 2010, female OFWs are also higher than male which OWWA recorded at 26,029 land based female OFWs compared to only 14,921 land based male OFWs. The female OFWs work either as domestic helpers (DH), nurses, caregivers etc. DH however is still the highest OFW placement for Bicolanos. The 2nd is nurses which is also a female led work environment. This, DOLE said, can be attributed to the need to earn money to support their families.
While DOLE Bicol is quite ‘happy’ about this workforce trend, the office is also somewhat ‘disturbed’ of the underlying circumstances that may come into the so-called parenting issue vis-à-vis the slow death of the old Bicolano tradition and notion that the husbands work and the wives stay home to care for children.
“This trend can be both good and bad. Good, because if both parents are earning then there is more financial freedom for the family. Bad, because children will be left to nanny’s or other family members earlier without the supervision of parents.” DOLE Bicol Regional Director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor said.
Rodrigo Alcoy, 47-years old, DOLE Bicol’s messenger, a father of four and a husband to a Hongkong OFW wife, said that if only he had more income he would not have permitted his wife to leave home. “Lalo na sa mga bata, iba pa din pag may nanay sa bahay…kung di lang talaga kailangan, nungka!” he shared.
Bicolano critics however are wary of this trend. They said that while a family may be financially stable, the upbringing of the children will be compromised. They said that this trend may bring more evil than good and that they prefer to keep the old notion that women, specially moms, must stay home to care for the children.
Some concerned groups are even pointing to working parents as the main culprit in teenage juvenile delinquency. But this, DOLE said, is not verified. “There might be a truth regarding this accusation but it should be supported by studies and researches. Parents want the best for their children and the best can be given if it is backed up financially. Working means having more financial freedom for the family. What working parents need is quality time for their kids” DOLE Bicol assistant regional director Irma S. Valiente, a working mom herself said.
John Ariate, 18-years old, a student of STI College taking up Diploma in IT, said that he prefers his mom to be around to ‘raise’ him and his 3 siblings rather than to work. He said that the time of his ‘mom’ with them is priceless and can never be replaced by money.
He also said that when he was small, he misses his mom every time she would leave for work. “Iba po syempre pag nandiyan ang nanay. Syempre na ga-guide talaga yung mga bata kaya hindi magiging pasaway.” He added.
DOLE Bicol alone is a living proof of this female phenomenon with males being outnumbered at a ratio of 2:1. Currently, the office has a total of 66 workforce with 44 females and only 22 males.
Malls and drugstores in the region share almost the same ratio of men and women workers while service establishments like restaurants and food chains have a higher women workforce.
“The issue here is not about women or men power, but the relevance of employment in the lives of the Bicolanos. More and more Bicolanos are now open in finding jobs and this is the challenge to us, DOLE, to provide decent jobs to these new breed of workers.” Villamor added. (MAL/RPE, DOLE V)
ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE FOR NDCM LAUNCH... Most Rev. Joel Zamudio Baylon, D.D. Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi leads the Ecumenical Prayers, with PSupt Samuel Erandio, PRO5 Regional Chaplain, during the launch of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this year, with the theme “Makialam, Makiisa, sa Pagsugpo sa Panganib may Maitutulong Ka” held at Lignon Hill, Legazpi City, Friday (July 1) (Alex Cal, PIA V)
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