The eMagazine of Philippine Information Agency 10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016
MisOr benefits from DA Mechanization Program
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To drum up the farm mechanization assistance of the agency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Corn Program recently turned over about P4.2 million worth of farm machineries and equipment to the provincial government unit of Misamis Oriental (PLGU-MisOr), in a simple ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.
A total of two units farm tractor worth P1,810,000 per unit and two units silage chopper for P292,000 per unit were formally handed over to the province. The PLGU-MisOr counter parted 10 percent of the farm tractors’ total project cost and the rest was shouldered by the DA-RF0 10, while the units of silage chopper were given to the province as full grant from the aggie dept. Gracing the event to accept the projects in behalf of the farmerbeneficiaries is MisOr Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, who expressed his sincerest appreciation for the DA, in unwaveringly extending out assistance those targets to mechanize the operations among producers in their respective farmlands, since he
has taken helm as governor of the province. He also underscored the responsibility of accepting the projects by guaranteeing that of the province and the farmers’ role of apportioning funds for the repair and maintenance of the said farm machineries and equipment. Meanwhile, Engr. Roxana H. Hojas, assistant regional director of DA-RFO 10, corroborated the governor’s statement saying that they should value the projects bestowed to them, as these are tailored fit to reduce their production cost, increase farm efficiency and ensure timeliness of farm activities, which would overall augment farmers’ productivity and income. (JLOlson, DA-RFO 10)
NorMin task force monitors breastfeeding stations in establishments CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Infant and Young Child Feeding regional task force in region 10 is starting to monitor and require establishments to have lactation station within their facility to promote breastfeeding as mandated by law. Section 11 of Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 requires all health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions shall
establish lactation stations. Further, it shall be adequately provided with the necessary equipment and facilities, such as: lavatory for hand-washing, unless
there is an easily-accessible lavatory nearby; refrigeration or appropriate cooling facilities for storing expressed breastmilk; electrical outlets for breast pumps; a small table; comfortable seats; and other items, the standards of which shall be defined by the Department of Health. According to Telesfora Madelo of Department of Health (DOH) region 10, out of the 10 establishments monitored on 8 August 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City, only four had a lactation facility namely Concentrix, SM, Ororama, and Centrio Ayala Mall. Among the recommendation include another visit to these establishments who have not complied and a written report directly to its manager or Human Resource officer. It was also discussed that this monitoring must be in coordination with its counterpart local government unit for the sanctions. Moreover, the task force emphasized that there should be a workplace breastfeeding policy in every company. Companies must allow nursing/ lactating employees no less than 40 minutes paid lactation break for every eight hour work period divided into two to three milk expressions (exclusive of meal breaks); provide lactation station for nursing/lactating employees; orient/reorient all employees on breastfeeding and RA 10028 annually as part of their Human Resource Development activities.
The companies must also encourage mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months and to continue breastfeeding for two years or beyond along with the introduction of appropriate and adequate complementary foods after six months. Further, establishments must prohibit activities promoting use of breastmilk substitutes, teats and pacifiers within the lactation station; prohibit posting of marketing or sales materials on infant formula and/ or breastmilk substitutes within the lactation station and post guidelines on the use of the station. On the other hand, companies may seek exemption of lactation station as provided under Annex A of Department Order 143 s. 2015, of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on the “Guidelines Governing Exemption of Establishments from Setting Up Workplace Lactation Stations.� Meanwhile, lactation stations in government offices are monitored by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). (JMOR/PIA10)
DTI cites matrix of consumer agencies, areas of concerns ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte – The Lanao del Norte Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has cited the matrix of agencies and its areas of concerns for the guidance of consumers in case of complaints or needed information. According to Ruel B. Paclipan, provincial director, DTI-Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) - Animal Feed Standard Division and Laboratory Services handles adulterated livestock feeds, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and biologics. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) concerns particulary on banks, nonbank financial institutions, pawnshops, and credit cards. Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) caters on claim for insured deposit, follow-up status of claim for insured deposit, queries on deposit insurance coverage, other bank related issues/concerns i.e. unserviced withdrawals, automated teller machine (ATM) problems, among others. Energy Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB)/ Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO)/Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) tackles on energy. Department of Agriculture (DA) Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) on fertilizer and pesticide concerns.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) addresses concerning fish and fishery products. City Health Office of the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) enforces laws on food in restaurants, eateries and sidewalk vendors as well as on regulation of practice relative to weights and measures. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on forest and forest-based products, and Ozone-depleting substances. Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI) on fruits and vegetables. Department of Health (DOH), Center for Health Development Metro Manila, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cater hospitals and doctor’s services, processed foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical services or household products with hazardous substances. Insurance Commission (IC) is on life and non-life insurance claim, pre-need plans such as educational, pension and memorial. DTI caters on manufactured products.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Corporation Finance Department handles mutual funds (investment), financing/lending, listed companies, registered issuers of securities (time sharing). Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) - Animal Health Division addresses concerning pet animals. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) handles on Quality Standards of coconut-based products and prices of coconut oil, husked nuts, and fresh young coconuts. National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) handles processed and unprocessed meat and dressed chicken. Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) handles quality/price of the
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid fuels. National Food Authority (NFA) on rice while Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on sugar quality and price. Lastly, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) addresses concerns on telephone rates, cellphones, TV and radio broadcast. Republic Act No. 7394 otherwise known as “The Consumer Act of the Philippines” identifies various consumer protecting agencies to implement programs and enforce laws as provided to promote consumers’ general well-being, says Paclipan. (Elvira G. Redublado, chief, TIDS-DTI LDN/PIA-10 LDN)