iSIQUIJOR Information is our business.
THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY - SIQUIJOR | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH and the DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - SIQUIJOR | WWW.DOST.GOV.PH VOL. 4| NO. 42 December 12-31, 2016
Siquijor solon calls for police support to make a change SIQUIJOR, Dec 28 (PIA) -- Siquijor Rep. Ramon Vicente Antonio “Rav” Rocamora said he believes in President Rodrigo Duterte’s sincerity as he urged the police to also make sincere efforts in helping the President . “You are in a special position to help him in his quest to make a change,” Rocamora said during the “Pasko sa Kampo” held
December 28 at the Siquijor Police Provincial Office Parade Ground in Caipilan, Siquijor. Citing the dramatic drop in crime as claimed to be the result of the government’s intensified anti-drug operations, Rocamora said this is the special time for the law enforcers to make use of their potential because “you have a President who support you and who has the political will to really support the law. “ We h a v e a president who is radical in his way but I believe in his sincerity. We want him to succeed for the sake of the Filipino people,” he said. He said if the president could pursue
based on his commitment to make a change with a little moderation, he will succeed. In a press release earlier, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said President Duterte was elated over his six-month accomplishments and expressed optimism for this year. President Rodrigo Duterte said he wished for a peaceful and progressive Philippines this new year as he sat down for one-on-one interviews for several media organizations this week. Six months after assuming the presidency, President Duterte discussed during the interviews wide range of issues such as his administration’s accomplishments in the past few months and the prospects of the coming year. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
Cong. Rav Rocamora, as the Guest of Honor during the SPPO’s Christmas Party dubbed “Pasko sa Kampo.” (PNP photo)
BSP extends deadline for exchange of old banknotes The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) extends the deadline for exchanging old banknotes to the new series. On Wednesday, the BSP said old bills can now be exchanged for new tender until March 31, 2017. After this date, the old bills will have no value and will not be accepted for transactions. Banks will also no longer accept these after the deadline. The BSP began its demonetization program in 2010 with the launch of new banknotes called New Generation Currency. These have updated security features, designs and colors. The old-generation bills called New Design Series were not allowed for transaction beginning Jan. 1, 2016, but the BSP said these can be exchanged at authorized banks and BSP offices until the end of 2016. The BSP earlier set a deadline for January 1, 2017. The BSP reminds the public that they can exchange old notes at any bank and they do not need to have an existing account to trade old notes for new ones.
The gracious hosts of the night, NUP Janet O. Jumalon and PO1 Jimmar Ponce. (PNP photo)
CEBUANO NEWS
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Gipalapdan nga SPES program mohatag ug dugang benepisyo
MANILA, December 23 (PIA)— Ang Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) sa Department of Labor and Employment gipalapdan pinaagi sa expanded benefits and coverage matud ni Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello lll. Base sa balaod sa SPES mga kabus lamang nga estudyante, out-of-school youth ug mga dependents sa nawad-an ug trabaho tungod sa mga kompanya nga nasirado ug sa mga hitabo nga kalamidad ang mahimong mo enroll sa bisan asa nga secondary, tertiary ug technical-vocational institutions. Ang employment period sa SPES gi usbaw gikan sa 52 ka adlaw ngadto sa 78 o tulo (3) ka bulan. Ang edad sa student
beneficiaries gi patas-an na gikan sa 15 hangtud 25 anyos ngadto sa 15 hangtud 30 anyos. Midugang si Bello nga ubos sa bag-ong balaod sa SPES program ang mga benepisaryo hatagan ug social protection nga insurance coverage sulod sa usa (1) ka tuig sa Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Ang mandato nga RA 7323 adtong tuig 1992 gitumong nga muhatag ug trabaho sa “poor but deserving” high school, vocational ug college students nga makatrabaho ug mahatagan ug hustong sweldo panahon sa bakasyon ug pasko. Ang SPES Act unang gi amendar pinaagi sa RA 9574 sa tuig 2009 nga mipalapad sa programa aron maapil ang mga out-of-
Siquijor Vice Governor Mei Ling Quezon met with the staff of the Provincial Tourism Office and discussed issues and concerns that cropped up during the Siquijor Tourism Council meeting at the SP Session Hall. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
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the Island of Siquijor’s first electronic newsletter produced by the Philippine Information Agency-Siquijor Information Center and the DOST - Provincial Science and Technology Center. It contains snippets of information about Siquijor, Central Visayas and the Philippine Government.
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school youth ug drop out students nga adunay maayong record apan napugos ug undang tungod sa ka kalisud sa ilang panginabuhi. Tungod niini gi-awhag usab ang pribadong kompanya nga mo suporta sa programa aron matabangan ang mga estudyante nga makatrabaho ug mahatagan sa insakto nga sweldo panahon sa bakasyon. Si Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominique Tutay namahayag nga ang natungdang agalon mubayad sa 60 porsyento nga kantidad ug ang 40 porsyento abagahon sa gobyerno aron magamit sa estudyante alang sa galastohan sa tuition fees ug uban pa nga balayran sa iya unyang pagbalik ug tungha. (lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)
Balikbayan box nga nagkantidad ug dili mo sobra sa P150,000 tax free na MANILA, Disyembre 22 (PIA)— Maayong balita alang sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) ning panahon sa pasko tungod kay sugod karong Disyembre 25 mga balikbayan boxes nga dili mo sobra sa kantidad nga P150,00 ang sulod niini tax free na. Kining maayong balita gipahibalo ni Bureau of Customs spokesperson Col. Neil Anthony Estrella niadtong Disyembre 20 atol sa gipahigayon nga briefing didto sa Malacañan. Aron makahimulos niining pribilihiyo kinahanglan nga personal ug mga gamit alang sa panimalay lamang ug dili para negosyo
o baligya ang sulod sa balikbayan box. Si Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon mipahibalo nga hangtud sa tulo lamang ka higayon matag “calendar year” mahimong makahimulos niini nga pribilihiyo. Base sa Bureau of Customs Administrative Order 05-2016 gi libkas ang buhis balayranan sa mga balibayan boxes alang sa mga kwalipikadong Pilipino nga kasamtangan tua sa abroad ug sa mga Filipino citizens nga nagpuyo na didto lakip na ang mga estudyante, negosyante nga naghupot ug tourist visa. (lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS BLOGSFEATURESPHOTOS REFLECTIONS
Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) Seminars on Franchising (above) and Greening Up for Success (below) under the SME Roving Academy (SMERA)- Gabay-negosyo sa pag asenso program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). SMERA is a continuous learning program aimed to capacitate the industry sector in the province to increase entrepreneurial capacity, improve productivity level and boost the competitiveness of the sector. Participants are entrepreneurs, retirees, spouses of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and other individuals who are into and/or planning to venture into business.
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iNFOBYTES
Thousands of families benefiting from 1,825 completed potable water supply projects nationwide - DILG
Some 840,381 households nationwide are now benefiting from the 1,825 completed potable water supply projects from the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB)-Water Supply Project since the program started in 2013, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The BuB-Water Supply Projects is one of the components under the DILGBuB program which aims to strengthen local communities’ participation in national budget formulation and project implementation. “We all know that water is life and these potable water supply projects will greatly help our fellow Filipinos in the waterless municipalities to have access to potable drinking water,” said DILG Secretary Ismael D. Sueno. Sueno said that the Department through the Office of Project Development Services Water Supply and Sanitation Unit (OPDS- WSSU) is also monitoring the progress of the remaining 1,469 projects that are in
various stages of project implementation. Of the 1,469 projects, 697 are ongoing implementation, 252 are on procurement stage, 334 have approved initial documents like Detailed Engineering Design (DED) or Program of Work (POW), and 186 are on preparation of initial documents. The DILG Secretary explained that potable water supply projects take a long time to complete because of the nature of work needed to be done. The initial documents take about 2-3 months to complete then the procurement takes another 2-3 months. The entire project implementation phase takes about 18-20 months to finish.
Billions allotted yearly for water projects The DILG Secretary explained that the Department allotted a total of P1.058 billion in 2013 for the 678 potable water supply projects. Of these, 643 are completed, 30 are on-going implementation, and 5 are on
procurement stage. He added that another P2.136 billion was allotted for the implementation of 1,075 BuB-water supply projects in 2014. Of these, 734 are completed, 253 are on-going implementation, 65 on procurement stage, 21 with approved initial documents, and 2 are under preparation of initial documents. For the 2015 program, 1,145 projects amounting to P2.791 billion was programmed by the DILG. A total of 445 projects out of these have been completed, 390 are on-going implementation, 143 on procurement stage, 135 with approved initial documents, and 32 are on preparation of initial documents. For the 2016 program, the DILG allotted P2.082 billion for the implementation of 396 BuB water supply projects. Three of these are already complete, 24 are on-going implementation, 39 are on procurement stage, 178 have approved initial documents, and 152 are under preparation of initial documents. (DILG)
SPIRITUALITY
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from Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation
Image credit: Le Bateau-atelier (detail), 1874, by Claude Monet (1840-1926), Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands
Everything Belongs:
The Three Boxes
First the fall, and then the recovery from the fall, and both are the mercy of God. —Julian of Norwich [1] Whenever we’re led out of normalcy into sacred, open space, it’s going to feel like suffering, because it is letting go of what we’re used to. This is always painful at some level. But part of us has to die if we are ever to grow larger (John 12:24). If we’re not willing to let go and die to our small, false self, we won’t enter into any new or sacred space. The role of the prophet is to lead us into sacred space by deconstructing the old space; the role of the priest is to teach us how to live fruitfully in sacred space. The prophet disconnects us from the false, and the priest reconnects us to the real at ever larger levels. If “priests” have been largely unsuccessful, it is because there are so few prophets. And to be honest, most ministers confuse the maintaining of order with re-order! This is a huge issue. Such “priests” might talk of new realms but never lead us out of the old realm where we are still largely trapped and addicted; they have little personal knowledge of the further journey. Thus our Western spirituality is so lopsided. Let’s think in terms of what I call “the three boxes”: order > disorder > reorder. The first order, where we all begin, is a necessary first “containment.” But this structure is dangerous if we stay there too long. It is too small and selfserving, and it must be deconstructed by the trials and vagaries of life (“the cross” or disorder). Initial “order” doesn’t really know the full picture, but it thinks it does. Only in the final “reorder” stage can darkness and light coexist, can paradox be okay. We are finally at home in the only world that ever existed. This is true and contemplative knowing. Here death is a part of life, failure is a part of victory, and imperfection is included in perfection. Opposites collide and unite; everything belongs. We dare not get rid of our pain before we have learned what it has to teach us. Most of religion gives answers too quickly, dismisses pain too easily, and seeks to be distracted—to maintain some ideal order. So we must resist the instant fix and acknowledge ourselves as beginners to be open to true transformation. In the great spiritual traditions, the wounds to our ego are our teachers to be welcomed. They should be paid attention to, not litigated or even perfectly resolved. How can a Christian look at the Crucified One and not get this essential point? The Resurrected Christ is the icon of the third box or reorder Once we can learn to live in this third spacious place, neither fighting nor fleeing reality but holding the creative tension itself, we are in the spacious place of grace out of which all newness comes. There is no direct flight from order to reorder, you must go through disorder, which is surely why Jesus dramatically and shockingly endured it on the cross. He knew we would all want to deny disorder unless he made it clear. But we denied it anyway. Gateway to Silence: All things work together for good. —Romans 8:28
Universal Love
Love [people] even in [their] sin, for that is the semblance of Divine Love and is the highest love on earth. Love all God’s creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God’s light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you have perceived it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love. —Fyodor Dostoyevsky [1] God restores rather than punishes, which is a much higher notion of how things are “justified” before God. The full and final Biblical message is restorative justice, but most of history has only been able to understand retributive justice. Now, I know you’re probably thinking of many passages in the Old Testament that sure sound like serious retribution. And I can’t deny there are numerous black and white, vengeful scriptures, which is precisely why we must recognize that all scriptures are not equally inspired or from the same level of consciousness. (This is why models of human development like Spiral Dynamics can be so helpful.) Literal interpretation of Scripture is the Achilles’ heel of fundamentalist Christians. [2] Yes, you have to begin with dualistic thinking, just as you must first develop a healthy frame before you can move beyond it. Jesus often made strong binary statements, for example, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24); “The Son of Man will separate the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32-33). We must first be capable of some basic distinctions between good and evil before we then move higher. Without basic honesty and clarity, nondual thinking becomes very naïve. We must first succeed at good dualistic thinking before we also discover its final inadequacy in terms of wisdom and compassion. Not surprisingly, Jesus exemplifies and teaches both dualistic clarity and then non-dual wisdom and compassion: “My Father’s sun shines on both the good and the bad; his rain falls on both the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). The ego prefers a dualistic worldview where bad people are eternally punished and good people (like ourselves) are totally rewarded. The soul does not need to see others punished to be happy. Why would anyone like the notion of somebody being tortured for all eternity? What kind of psyche or soul can condemn others to hellfire? Certainly not Divine Love. As long as your ego is in charge, you will demand a retributive God; you’ll insist that hell is necessary. But if you have been transformed by love, hell will no longer make sense to you because you know that God has always loved you in your sinfulness. Why would God change policies after death? We are all saved by mercy and grace without exception—before, during, and after our life in this world. Could God’s love really be that great and universal? Love is the lesson, and God’s love is so great that God will finally teach it to all of us. Who would be able to resist it once they see it? We’ll finally surrender, and God—Love—will finally win. God never loses. That is what it means to be God. That will be God’s “justice,” which will swallow up our lesser versions of retributive justice. Gateway to Silence: All things work together for good. —Romans 8:28
ISLAND VIEWS
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7 Breathtaking Spots in Siquijor Few People Have Seen Repost from: http://ellry.com/blog/siquijor-island-breathtaking-spots By Claire Marie Algarme For years, many travelers have skipped the island of Siquijor because of its reputation as a mystical island where healers and sorcerers abound. But as more and more explorers discover the beaches, tourist attractions, and swimming spots of Siquijor, the veil of mystery is taken down, revealing the enchanting beauty of the island. Blue green waters surrounding the Siquijor Island and those found inland cannot keep water lovers from taking a plunge and dipping into its clear seas and pools. No amount of potion is needed to lure travelers to Siquijor. At the Siquijor port alone, the sight of the white sand beach, with the green mountains at the backdrop and the clear water in the foreground, is magical and alluring enough to those who haven’t yet set foot on the island. To get around the island, tourists charter a tricycle right at the Siquijor port, or you can have your resort arrange for one that will include port transfers and a tour of
(1st of two parts)
the island. Rates can range from P800 to P1,500 depending on the number of passengers and how many destinations you want to see. Let your bargaining skills work wonders here. Some jeepneys ply from town to town but they are quite few, and it will leave you wasting precious time just trying
to get into one. The whole island can be circumnavigated in just a day, and you can allot a few hours per stop. From Siquijor town, you can work counterclockwise to the towns of San Juan, Lazi, Maria, Enrique Villanueva, Larena, and back to Siquijor. 1. Paliton Beach, San Juan Paliton Beach is at the northern end of the stretch of San Juan town’s beach line. It is a public area, but because it is quite remote, with no resorts and a distance from the highway, not many go to this part of Siquijor. But ask a local tricycle driver where a beautiful place to swim is and they’ll immediately point you to Paliton. 2. Capilay Spring Park, San Juan
The spring park is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. It is an enclosed area located in the heart of San Juan town, and the entrance is free. It is divided into three areas. The first part is the upper pool where the large trees are found. A pedestrian bridge divides the upper pool to the second pool, which is the swimming area. The water flows underneath the highway to a small stream at the other side of the road, which is the laundry area, and exits to the sea.
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NATIONAL NEWS
DSWD in 2016: Public service centered on genuine compassion
With the leadership of Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reinforced its commitment to genuine public service by focusing all interventions around the concept of “maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo na walang bahid ng katiwalian” or prompt and compassionate service devoid of corruption. In support to the Duterte Administration’s overall message of a ‘government for the masses, from the masses’, DSWD has aligned its strategies, policies, and implementation in knowing the public that it serves. These are the major highlights of the Department’s accomplishments under the helm of Sec. Taguiwalo. ‘Kamustahan’ with partner beneficiaries True to its mandate of providing prompt and genuine service to the poor, the Department has embarked on a nationwide ‘Kamustahan’ of its program beneficiaries, particularly those enrolled under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). As part of the ‘Kamustahan’, DSWD officials, led by Sec. Taguiwalo, have been visiting the poorest areas in different parts of the country. The aim of the activity is for DSWD officials as well as rank and file employees to see for themselves the situation faced by the country’s poorest sectors. This is to enable DSWD staff and officials to be better equipped at re-aligning the agency’s programs and services so they will be more responsive to the needs of beneficiaries. It is also a way to bring the DSWD closer to poor communities and encourage all DSWD employees to work with the poor in efforts to address their immediate needs against poverty. The DSWD’s main rallying call is “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo (Prompt and compassionate service)” for the poor and the rest of the Filipino people. According to Sec. Taguiwalo, it is important for officials and employees of the DSWD to personally visit the poor and not just wait for reports in the office. This way, they will have a better understanding of the situation poor families face every day, enabling them to further improve the Department’s programs and services to assist the underprivileged. Mass information drive To increase awareness of the programs and services it provides to poor Filipinos, the DSWD started conducting this year a Mass Information Drive. The information drive aims to educate poor Filipinos of the programs and services that the DSWD provides. It is also a way to reach the poor, as mandated by Sec. Taguiwalo. Disaster response From tropical depression ‘Ambo’ to severe tropical storm ‘Nina,’ a total of fourteen tropical cyclones hit the country in 2016. The Department monitored these disasters, prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) in Field Offices to ensure ample resources for disasteraffected families, mobilized quick response teams (QRTs), and provided augmentation support to local government units (LGUs). To further strengthen its disaster response operations, the Department through its Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau (DReAMB) launched in August its Emergency Operations Center for Disaster Response and its online version, the Virtual Operations Center (VOC) microsite available via the Internet. The online facility makes information on the DSWD’s disaster preparedness and response efforts available to the general public, facilitating transparency and good governance.
With a plethora of lessons learned from Typhoon Yolanda that hit the country in November 2013, the Department also reinforced this year the prepositioning of FFPs at the local level to ensure that there are enough resources whenever a disaster strikes. It also strengthened even more its coordination with LGUs especially during the preemptive evacuation of residents in critical and lowlying areas and the provision of relief assistance to victims of disasters. Apart from providing assistance to victims of natural calamities, the DSWD also extended aid to families and individuals affected by man-made disasters. The DSWD also extended aid to farmers affected by the onslaught of the El Niño phenomenon in Region VII and in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the form or rice subsidies and through its cash-for-work program. Victims of armed conflict were also assisted through the provision of food packs and conduct of counselling. At the same time, Lumads who were displaced due to armed conflict were assisted in returning to their ancestral lands. Overdue benefits for PWD sector The sector of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has been lobbying for additional benefits to help them become productive and live better and dignified lives despite their disabilities. In support to this advocacy, the Department conducted the first ever PWD Summit on November 11, gathering some 350 PWDs to discuss the appropriate needs of the sector. During the summit, the PWDs formulated an agenda which formed part of the DSWD’s recommendations for inclusion in the Philippine Development Plan for 2018-2022. Likewise, as a result of the strengthened advocacy, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10754 or an Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability (DSWD) was signed, with DSWD as the lead. The IRR was signed by Sec. Taguiwalo, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, and National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Director Carmen Zubiaga. Through the IRR, PWDs will now be able to enjoy a 20% discount and exemption from the value added tax on the sale of certain goods and services such as medicines and food for special medical purposes, medical and dental services, restaurants, lodging establishments, purchase of medicines, transportation fees, funeral and burial services, and recreation services. Additional benefits for centenarians In the second half of the year 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 which pays homage to the elderly Filipino citizens 100 years old and above. By 2017, the centenarians will be awarded P100,000 in incentives under the leadership of the Department to serve as recognition of the role of the elderly in nation building. Assistance to soldiers killed in action/wounded in action In line with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directives to extend assistance to the families of soldiers killed in action/wounded in action, the Department and other NGAs came-up with the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CBSP) for AFP/PNP Battle/Duty Casualties and their Dependents which was approved by the cabinet during its meeting on November 3, 2016. The CBSP provides the framework
for the effective and efficient delivery of social services/assistance to the identified beneficiaries in recognition and appreciation of their heroism and dedication. It aims to provide high impact social assistance to the affected families to help reduce the effect of the loss or incapacitation of the KIA/ WIA personnel and their dependents. President Duterte’s directives included automatic enrollment of battle casualties’ families to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, provision of scholarships to their children, livelihood/employment for their spouses, provision of sacks of rice, extension of PhilHealth benefit packages to eligible surviving dependents, and establishment of regional one-stop-shop facilities that will facilitate the immediate release of death benefit claims. The CBSP shall cover AFP and PNP casualties of legitimate military or police operations starting July 1, 2016. Based on data from PNP and AFP, there were 194 casualties from July 1-October 10, 2016. Assistance to OFWs in distress DSWD also conducted Humanitarian Mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dubbed as “Operation Bring Them Home: Special Mission for Stranded Overseas Filipinos (OFWs)” from August 11, 2016 to September 12, 2016 with the end goal of bringing home the stranded/ overstaying Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in crisis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Humanitarian Team was led by former U/sec. Vilma B. Cabrera, OPG-Protective Programs and A/sec. Hope V. Hervilla, OPG. The DSWD Team served a total of 9,476 OFWs from different companies such as Saudi Bin Laden Group, Saudi Oger, Mohammad Al Mojil (MMG), and various sub-contracting companies in three major cities of KSA: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Al-Khobar. A total of 1,511 OFWs from Saudi Oger Company and Mohammad Al Mojil were repatriated between August 30 to October 12, 2016 and their transportation expenses (plane tickets) have been provided by the Saudi Government. Services provided in KSA include psychosocial, counseling, food packs, hygiene kits, transportation and financial assistance. Upon arrival in the Philippines, they were provided with financial assistance amounting to Php2,000 – 10,000. Majority received food packs, educational assistance and endorsement/referred to Sustainable Livelihood Programs (SLP), Local Social Welfare Development Offices (LSWDO). DSWD as Voice of the Poor in 2017 and beyond As 2016 closes and 2017 begins, Sec. Taguiwalo also said that the agency will adopt a new vision and mission which also takes off from the Duterte government’s Ambisyon Natin 2040, the government’s 25-year long-term vision for the Philippines. “At the DSWD, we will also set a new vision: we envision all Filipinos free from hunger and poverty, have equal opportunities, enabled by a fair, just, and peaceful society. We are one with the Filipino people. Sec. Taguiwalo said that the department’s vision and the way to achieve it will be based on actual people’s needs. DSWD will make regular assessment activities as integral to its operations so that regular check and balance activities on the implementation of programs and services are established. With such a huge task ahead, DSWD cannot do this alone. Strengthening partnership and collaboration with partners is therefore, also a key part of DSWD’s thrusts and priorities next year. (DSWD)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
RTWPB appeals to businesses to “right size”, not downsize Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) member and Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Asteria Caberte proposed “rightsizing” amidst the veiled threats that labor groups and businesses in Bohol issued over the rising petitions for wage increase in the region. A year after the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE) implemented the P310 daily wage, the ban for a wage increase is lifted, and without any supervening conditions in the region, the RTWPB now convenes to hear labor and management sentiments, especially with two groups petitioning for across the board increases in the daily pay of workers, explained RTWPB Chair and Labor Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga Jr.
CENTRAL VISAYAS, December 27 (PIA) --- Several government agencies in Region 7 sent various relief goods to areas in Region 5 that were badly hit by Typhoon Nina. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) sent a total 2,600 food packs, while the Department of Health (DOH-7) sent 66 boxes of assorted medicines, 29 gallons and 50 pails. The relief goods were transported via a C130 of the Philippine Air Force to Virac, Catanduanes. Office of Civil Defense Assistant Regional Director Engr. Verniel Balaba said the operation started yesterday afternoon with C130 flying to Virac Catanduanes carrying 1,500 food packs. The second batch was sent early this morning. Balaba said the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC -7) – Disaster Response Emergency Operation Center was immediately established at the Mactan Airbase as the logistics hub for
Typhoon Nina. He said that since yesterday, the relief goods were already prepared waiting for the go signal to be transported to Virac, Catanduanes. “Yesterday afternoon the goods were already in the hands of DSWD -5 and we assumed that immediately upon receiving the distribution of goods to affected areas started,” Balaba said.
CV sends relief goods to storm-hit areas in Region 5
Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-7), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-7), and Philippine National Police (PNP) served as porter of goods, while personnel from the National Telecommunications (NTC-7) and volunteers from the Federation of Volunteers Radio and Communication (FVRC) supported in the communication process. DSWD-7 targeted 10,000 food packs for sending to typhoon-stricken areas. Balaba added that the RDRRMC/ OCD-7 is on standby should manpower for Response Team and assessors will be needed. (rmn/ays/PIA-7)
Earlier, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has proposed for a P161 across-the-board increase in minimum wage, as incorporated in a position paper submitted to DOLE. Another labor group, SENTRO / Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) along with major labor unions in Cebu asked for P140 across the board increase. At the wage consultation held at the Metrocenter Hotel last week, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR) appealed for a moratorium on the wage increase. “Wage increase at this time, would create an alarming destabilization in the employers level that could result in the downsizing or relieving of employees, price inflation, closure of businesses, loan defaults and loss of investments,” BCCI representative Dominic Butalid reads from the group’s formal petition. Hearing this, DTI Regional Director Caberte appealed to local businesses to “right size” instead. Caberte noted that one of the most stunning differences in local establishments and foreign companies is the number of employees. “You get into a mall here and you will notice so much number of sales people following you,” she pointed out. These, she hinted, are ways where the business establishment could explore to cut on the operational costs. And to bolster Caberte’s claim, Sarcauga guided everyone to think as to why fast food businesses flourish. Right sizing, he illustrated, is how fast food companies use minimal employees to efficiently do multiple tasks. Fastfood companies often employ cashiers who also double as counter assistants, busboys, ushers, and other tasks in the frontline. RTWPB is not just about wages, it is also about productivity, and the only way the Philippines can be as competitive as with other countries is through these innovations, Sarcauga stressed. In Bohol, while a P310 minimum wage is in effect, labor sectors have accused DOLE of failure to monitor and implement the right wage. Complaints of employees being made to sign double payrolls abound even as labor agents continue to scour the establishments to get proof of the possible labor malpractice. On this, resort owner operating in Anda and in Panglao, Fred Carmona, asked DOLE to strictly implement and impose the P310 minimum wage, rather than push for a possibly devastating across the board increase all over the region. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)