July - September 2018
RDC Communicator EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Phlorita A. Ridao, OIC-RD ASSOCIATE EDITORS Susan C. Valerio, OIC-ARD Renato C. Herrera, CEDS, PDIPBD Eleanor M. Reyes, CEDS, DRD Norman Jose E. Ramirez, CEDS, PMED Rodrigp A. Manuel, OIC, PFPD Ronald Von D. Rivera, CAO FAD PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Vilma M. Julian DESIGN AND LAYOUT Daryll L. Cabico CONTRIBUTORS Vilma M. Julian, NEDA IX Fatima Jane G. Salihuddin, OWWA RWO IX Ardi Abril T. Layugue, NEDA IX Idzmhar L. Ismael, NEDA IX Ric Mark Anthony B. Garcia, PSA IX Ceferino E. Pelinggon, NEDA IX Eleanor M. Reyes, NEDA IX Mumar I. Ibbin, DSWD IX Miraflor J. Casanes and Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX) Edward Non, DA IX Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX Ceselle C. Harina, NEDA IX
INFO The RDC Communicator is published quarterly by Regional Development Council (RDC) IX. The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose the articles to be published due to space limitation. Articles and pictures will become property of RDC IX. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Contact: The Editorial Board NEDA Regional Offifce IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center Balintawak, Pagadian City 7016 Telephone Nos. (062) 913-0164, 0165, 0168 Fax No. (062) 945-0049 Email Address: ord@nro9.neda.gov.ph URL: http://nro9.neda.gov.ph facebook.com/nedaregion9
2
RDC IX holds 163rd regular meeting R
egional Development Council (RDC) IX held its 163rd Regular Meeting on September 6, 2018 at LM Metro Hotel, Tetuan, Zamboanga City. Private Sector Representative (PSR) for Labor Sector and the Council’s Co-Chairperson Mr. Jose J. Suan, presided the meeting. Co-Chair Suan expressed his sincere gratitude to Zamboecozone headed by Christopher Lawrence S. Arnuco, Chairperson and Administrator, for generously hosting the meeting. He informed the body that with the transfer of Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos to NEDA XII, OIC-Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao of NEDA IX is now acting as RDC IX Vice-Chairperson. One of the major agenda items tackled during the meeting was the Zamboanga Peninsula Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2020. The AIP 2020 is the annual slice of the Regional Development Investment Program, 2017-2022 containing the priority programs and projects of the regional line agencies (RLAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and special development authority (SDA) for national government funding. These programs are supportive of the goals, objectives and strategies of the Philippine Development Plan and the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2017-2022. The sectoral components of the ZamPen 2020 AIP were discussed thoroughly and endorsed by the four RDC IX committees. Forty one members of the Council attended the meeting including Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles and Assistant Secretary Robert O. Ferrer of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Council passed 35 resolutions, among which were the following: (1) Endorsing of Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) CY 2020 AIP amounting to P186.86 billion; (2) Endorsing of the ZamPen Regional Statistical Development Program, 20182023 to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); (3) Requesting DBM and DILG to allow Zambonga del Sur to re-align the funds for road projects under the Conditional July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
OWWA IX grants cash assistance to qualified OFWs
A
n increasing number of Filipinos choose to work abroad to seek a brighter life for their families. But being away from home deprives overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of opportunities to be with their loved ones, see their children grow and attend milestone family events like birthdays and graduation. Some of them suffer and experience abuses from their employers and recruiters.
Matching Grant to Provinces for Road Repair, Rehabilitation and Improvement or CMGP and Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan tungo sa Daang Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran or KALSADA with issue on fund overlapping with DPWH IX; (4) Requesting the Amendment of Section 5.11 of JMC 2017-2 Allowing LGUs to Modify the Location, Specifications and Design of Projects Encountering Fund Overlapping. (5) Proposed Port Delineation of the Port of Isabela City; (6) Approving the conduct of ZamPen Water Summit; (7) Requesting DOTr to Present Updates on the Conduct of the Feasibility Study on the Transfer of the Zamboanga International Airport; (8) Creating the RDC IX Technical Working Group under the Development Administration Committee for the Review of the Proposed Federal Constitution; (9) Requesting PSA to Create a Distinct Code for Zamboanga City in the Philippine Geographic Standard Code; (10) Requesting Mines and Geosciences Bureau to Conduct a Regional Forum on Mining; and (11) Requesting Regional Line Agencies, Private Sector, Local Government Units and Stakeholders to Support the Commission on Human Rights Recommendations on Reproductive Health and Rights. (Vilma M. Julian, NEDA IX) July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
Fruit vending, piggery, and sari-sari store are among the livelihood projects of Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program beneficiaries
But with the right timing, hard work, and determination coupled with the livelihood grant in the amount of P20,000 given by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), some OFWs have decided to come home to the Philippines and see the merit of investing in a business venture. To enable OFWs and their families to start/manage a livelihood undertaking through self-employment, Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program was implemented. It is a cash assistance amounting to P20,000 given to active or non-active OWWA members who were: (1) displaced by hostilities or wars/political conflicts, policy reforms or changes by host governments; (2) victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking or other distressful situations; (3) distressed wards at the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers who are due for repatriation; and (4) repatriated OWWA-members who were employed by foreign employers which are beset with financial difficulties due to economic conditions. OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) IX awarded a total of P84,770,000 to 4,251 OFWs from January to September 2018. As motivated recipients, the dream of these OFWs is to successfully make something sustainable out of OWWA’s grant and their hard-earned money. (Fatima Jane G. Salihuddin, OWWA RWO IX)
3
110 planners convene for ZamPen 2020 AIP Forum/ Workshop
A
total of 110 planners representing 52 offices from Zamboanga Peninsula’s regional line agencies (RLAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), local government units (LGUs), congressional district offices, and Regional Development Council (RDC) IX private sector representatives convened for the ZamPen 2020 Annual Investment Program (AIP) Forum cum Workshop on 18 July 2018 at Chandler Suites, Pagadian City. The main objective of the one-day activity was to orient regional and local planners on the formulation process of the AIP; and to provide a venue for the congressional representatives, Provincial LGUs (as representative of the municipal LGUs) and City LGUs to consult with concerned regional line agencies on the possible fund support for their proposed 2020 priority programs and projects. The CY 2020 AIP shall serve as basis in
Workshop participants listening to the lecture on AIP formulation
the preparation and RDC IX review of the FY 2020 budget proposals of the concerned RLAs and SUCs.
priorities of concerned agencies and SUCs for CY 2020.
During the workshop, the participants were grouped by sector, namely: Development Administration Sector; Economic Development Sector; Social Development Sector; and the Infrastructure Development Sector. Representatives of LGUs and the office of the congresspersons were given time to consult and present their proposals for possible inclusion in the investment
The 2020 AIP were presented by the RLAs/SUCs during the special RDC IX sectoral committee meetings in August 2018 for review and endorsement to RDC IX. The SecCom-endorsed AIP were further reviewed and endorsed by the Council during its 163rd Regular Meeting on 6 September 2018 in Zamboanga City. (Ardi Abril T. Layugue, NEDA IX)
NEDA IX receives CSC recognition
I
n line with Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2012 and CSC Resolution No. 1200241 dated February 01, 2012 regarding the implementation of PRIME-HRM or “Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management,” NEDA Regional Office IX was found compliant with the requirements for Level II (Accredited) of the said program.
Program and the CSC Agency Accreditation Program. It is a program to inculcate meritocracy and excellence in the public service human resource management through a program of reward, recognition, empowerment and continuous development. (Idzmhar L. Ismael, NEDA IX)
CSC IX Regional Director Alvin R. Araneta, through CSC Zamboanga del Sur and Sibugay Field Director Atty. Mario Jose T. Cunting, awarded NEDA IX then Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos a Certificate of Recognition in obtaining PRIME-HRM Maturity Level 2 Accreditation for the four core human resource systems on July 30, 2018 at NEDA Regional Office IX, President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City. CSC’s PRIME-HRM is a program that integrates and enhances the Personnel Management Assessment and Assistance
4
NEDA IX then Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos (center) with the Human Resource team and CSC IX Zamboanga del Sur and Sibugay Field Director Atty. Mario Jose T. Cunting (3rd from right) holding the Certification of Recognition in obtaining PRIME-HRM Maturity Level 2 Accreditation July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
PSA IX kickstarts 29th NSM celebration In her message, Regional Director Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar of Department of Tourism (DOT) IX emphasized the importance of statistics towards sustainable tourism development. DOT IX was the host agency for the opening event.
(PHOTO)
The 29th NSM Motorcade passing through the streets of Zamboanga City going to Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar
T
he Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) IX officially commenced the 29th National Statistics Month (NSM) in Zamboanga Peninsula on October 1, 2018 in Zamboanga City, with the theme “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics Towards Sustainable Tourism Development.” To kick off the month-long celebration, a motorcade was conducted along the streets of Zamboanga City leading to Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar for the Opening Ceremony. The motorcade started promptly at 9:30 AM with participants coming from the regional line agencies, local government units, government owned and controlled corporations, and the academe bringing their vehicles in support of the NSM celebration and to help raise awareness on the important role that statistics plays in ensuring sustainable development. The opening ceremony was highlighted by the presentations of tourism and ecotourism in the region. Regional Statistics Committee Chair and National July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
Economic and Development Authority IX OIC-Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao delivered the opening remarks. She said that the theme outlines the important role of statistics in helping identify potential sustainable tourism haven and areas that require intervention. She also said that with the rapid development of information and communications technology coupled by more affordable transportation cost, more people are getting interested to travel with friends and family. She added that this was reflected in the crafting of Ambisyon Natin 2040, a long-term vision of Filipinos for themselves and the country for the next 25 years, where the vision is: In 2040, we will all enjoy a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure in the knowledge that we have enough for our daily needs and unexpected expenses, that we can plan and prepare for our own and our children’s future. Our family lives together in a place of our own, and we have the freedom to go where we desire, protected and enabled
In her message, PSA RSSO IX Regional Director Dr. Mewchun WS. Pamaran, thanked everyone for once again making the opening ceremonies of the NSM a success and for the support given to the Philippine Statistical System through the years. This year’s NSM is the 29th of the series which started in 1990 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino on September 20, 1990, declaring the month of October of every year as the NSM. The month-long celebration is observed to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society; and elicit cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standard of statistics in the country. (Ric Mark Anthony B. Garcia, PSA IX)
PSA IX Dir. Mewchun WS. Pamaran delivering her heartfelt gratitude to all who supported the 29th NSM celebration
5
Acting Mayor Horacio Velasco of Dipolog City (center front), EnP Ramirez, Head of the
NEDA IX OIC-Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao (center) OICAssistant Regional Director Susan C. Valerio, and Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division Staff headed by EnP Ramirez together with the participants during the orientation
RPMC IX conducts RPMES orientation for ZamPen LPMCs perform their functions as provided in EO 376 to ensure the attainment of the objectives of the RPMES.” Ms. Idelle Winters, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of Jose Dalman gave the impression at the end of the training. She emphasized that monitoring and evaluation is indeed important in ensuring that programs and projects of government are implemented properly. She further said that although it is an additional workload, the members of the LPMCs are bound to perform their duties as provided in the guidelines. Acting Mayor Horacio Velasco of Dipolog City (center front), EnP Ramirez, Head of the RPMC IX Team (L-4) together with the 1st Batch of participants from Zamboanga del Norte
On September 26, 2018, RPMC IX Team proceeded to Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte to conduct the orientation for the 2nd batch. The participants were from the LPMCs of Godod, Gutalac, Kalawit, Labason, Leon Postigo, Liloy,
T
he Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) of RDC IX, conducted an orientation on the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) for the Local Project Monitoring Committees (LPMCs) of Zamboanga del Norte. For the 1st batch, it was conducted on September 25, 2018 in Dipolog City. The participants were from the LPMCs of Dapitan City, Dipolog City, Municipalities of Jose Dalman, La Libertad, Manukan, Mutia, Piñan, Roxas, and Provincial PMC of Zamboanga del Norte. Dr. Horacio B. Velasco, acting Mayor of Dipolog City, delivered the welcome message. He thanked the RPMC IX Team for the conduct of the orientation, as well as the attendance of the different LMPCs of Zamboanga del Norte. He said that “monitoring is never fun but LPMCs are also mandated to
6
Mayor Nilo Florentino Sy of Sindangan (seated 2nd from left), Engr. Iniego Yano, SB Member of Sindangan (beside Mayor Sy), RPMC IX Team headed by EnP Norman Jose E. Ramirez together with the 2nd Batch of participants
July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
Salug, Siayan, Sibuco, Siocon, Sindangan, Tampilisan, Katipunan, and Sibutad. Sindangan Mayor Nilo Florentino Z. Sy welcomed the participants. He thanked the RPMC IX Team for the conduct of the orientation, and the delegates on their attendance to the said activity. He shared that the Sindangan LGU hosted the sports fest in line with the Civil Service Commission celebration. He said that despite the hectic schedule of the LGU, the participants still attended the orientation as they recognized the importance of monitoring and evaluation in the performance of their mandate. Relatedly, RPMC IX also conducted similar orientation for the LMPCs of Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City on August 9 and 10, 2018 in Pagadian City. There were around thirty participants from Pagadian City, Aurora, Bayog, Dinas,
Dumalinao, Dumingag, Josefina, Kumalaran, Lapuyan, Mahayag, Midsalip, Molave, Pitogo, Ramon Magsaysay, San Pablo, Sominot, Tambulig, Tigbao Tukuran and Vincenzo Sagun. Members of the RPMC IX Technical Working Group, Mr. Erwin Marcos of DBM IX, Mr. Arnel Eballena of DILG IX and Mr. Fortunato Magsayo of DOLE IX were also present during the said activity. Another RPMES orientation was conducted for the LPMCs of Isabela City, Zamboanga City and the municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay on October 17, 2018 in Ipil. (Ceferino E. Pelinggon, NEDA IX)
PCW recognizes RGADC IX
T
he Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) awarded Regional Gender and Development
Committee (RGADC) IX a plaque of commendation for successfully conducting the First Regional Gender and Development Summit. The award was conferred during the 2nd RGADC Summit held on September 25-26, 2018 at Hive Hotel, Quezon City. The award was received by RGADC IX Chairperson Raymond B. Domingo, Regional Head-Mindanao Area of National Youth Commission. Mr. Domingo is also a Special Non-Voting Member of Regional Development Council IX.
RGADC IX Chairperson Raymond B. Domingo receiving the plaque of commendation from Ms. Rhodora M. Bucoy, Chairperson, PCW together with NEDA Undersecretary Jose Miguel R. de la Rosa (extreme left), and from center to the right, OIC-ARD Susan C. Valerio and Eleanor M. Reyes of NEDA IX and PCW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa
The GAD Summit was held on March 1-3, 2018, at Palacio del Sur, Marcian Garden Hotel, Zamboanga City. A total of 250 participants from the line agencies, state universities and colleges, civil society and local government units of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Isabela City and Zamboanga City attended. The citation also mentioned, “the GAD Summit featured international and local gender experts who discussed critical gender issues affecting women and men, and served as a venue to share practical approaches and notable practices
July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
to mainstream gender perspectives in academic institutions.� Among the speakers were: PCW Exec. Director Emmeline Verzosa, Former PCW Chairperson Remedios Rikken, Atty. Kristine Jazz V. Tamayo of Rainbow Rights, Prof. Rosalyn Echem of the Western Mindanao State University, Dr Jhamie Tetz I. Mateo and Joseph Lou Sta. Teresa of CHED IX. (Eleanor M. Reyes,
NEDA IX)
7
DSWD conducts regional consultation on SP Operational Framework
A
s a follow through activity of a high level conference on Social Protection (SP) conducted earlier this year engaging international and local experts, a regional consultation workshop on enhancing the Philippine Social Protection Operational Framework was conducted by DSWD-Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PPDB) on September 6-8, 2018 at Ever-O Hotel, Zamboanga City. Fe L. Dela Cruz, Chief of Policy and Plans Division (PPD) of DSWD IX, said that the two-day activity aimed to generate inputs from key stakeholders for the revision of the Social Operational Framework and the SP Plan, which should be aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), 20172022.
“At the regional level, various engagements with partner agencies and other stakeholders were undertaken to collate comments and feedback from the SWD sectors as well as to propose strategies and initiatives from a regional perspective,” Ms. Dela Cruz said. Susan C. Valerio, OIC-ARD of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) IX presented the Regional Development Plan focusing on social protection mainstreaming a key strategy in operationalizing the PDP. Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba, Dean and Professor of Economics from the School of Social Sciences of Ateneo de Manila University who is the Consultant for the SP Framework
8
Review, spearheaded the regional consultation and provided salient inputs for the enhancement of the Philippine Social Protection Operational Framework and the Proposed Medium-Term SP Plan. In line with the operationalization of the PDP, Ms. Dela Cruz elicited insights on challenges, policy issues, and gaps in transitioning from one medium-term plan to the next, onward to attaining the country’s long-term development plan dubbed “Ambisyon Natin 2040.” Ms. Valerio cited the limited capacity of the implementing agencies, lack of data from the local level as crucial inputs to planning, continuity of policies and emerging priorities given the changes in administration every three years, and overlapping of funds and resources for some projects, as among the challenges in the execution of development strategies. Ms. Valerio also underscored the importance of observing check and balance through the enhanced participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in monitoring and evaluation of the various programs, projects, and services. The SP is considered one of the strategies to build the socioeconomic resilience of individuals and families by reducing their vulnerability to various risks and disasters (PDP 20172022). The PDP aims to provide universal and transformative SP that will benefit the entire population. Since 2007, various perspectives, issues and recommendations were raised by different sectors in implementing and mainstreaming SP. The two-day activity was attended by 28 participants from regional line agencies, local government units, CSOs, and key technical staff and development planners from Region IX and ARMM-BaSulTa. (Mumar I. Ibbin, DSWD IX)
July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
DOLE 9 resolves construction dispute, releases P4.2 million in benefits
D
epartment of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IX facilitated the release of P4.2 million as payment of benefits to 45 workers of a construction firm. DOLE IX Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo personally handed the checks to workers on July 27, 2018 at the DOLE Regional Office. One hundred percent of the checks were released to workers where the highest amount paid was P162,769.20. Some 23 workers received more than P100,000 each while the rest received varying amounts for underpayment of minimum wage, nonpayment of 13th month pay, holiday pay, special holiday, overtime and five days service incentive leave. Dir. Domingo said that DOLE IX is continually implementing public information campaigns urging employers to comply with core labor standards, reminding them of their obligation to pay the mandatory holiday pay and other statutory benefits. She also emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between the employers and workers.
Dir. Domingo said that the release of checks was the product of issuance of a compliance order by virtue of DOLE’s visitorial and enforcement power. DOLE IX, after issuing the said order, compelled the company to pay the entitlements to workers. The entire process took three months to resolve which began with a complaint inspection conducted by DOLE IX Labor Inspectors. The labor case went on with two mandatory conferences and four more special conferences handled by
DOLE IX Director Ofelia Domingo addressing the workers prior to release of checks
the Hearing Officer from the Technical Support and Services Division of DOLE IX. Prior to releasing the checks, Dir. Domingo told the workers that DOLE is concerned with their plight which enabled the case to be resolved speedily. She advised the workers to spend their money wisely. The workers who received their monetary benefits were very grateful to DOLE IX for the assistance. DOLE IX conducted profiling of the workers for possible future employment and for provision of livelihood starter kits for those who are interested in venturing into an enterprise. (Miraflor J. Casanes and Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX)
Dir. Ofelia Domingo during the release of checks to affected workers
July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
9
200 attend organic agriculture congress T
he Department of Agriculture (DA) IX through the Organic Agriculture Program conducted the 4th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) last September 2527, 2018 at the Boulevard Function Hall in Dipolog City. The event was participated in by 200 stakeholders from the academe, farmers organizations/cooperatives, agricultural extension workers/ city and municipal agriculturists, provincial organic agriculture focal persons, local government units, and farm owners engaged in organic and natural farming from the entire Zamboanga Peninsula. DA regional organic agriculture focal person Janice Legaspi said that the ROAC aims to convene all organic agriculture stakeholders to provide them updates on programs and projects implemented in the region, and its impact on the industry. She
10
also said that the event is already the 4th Organic Congress held in the region. “ROAC is very unique, we set up an exhibit for organic products display, and our menu is also organic. Aside from the lectures, the participants will have a field visit in organic farms in Dipolog,� she said. The ROAC also aims to provide opportunity for stakeholders to raise relevant issues and concerns to improve future program planning and implementation and to provide stakeholders the knowledge on best practices through product showcase and field visits. Resource speakers presented updates on the National Organic Agriculture Program, National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) accomplishment and interventions, technology updates, health and wellness, investment opportunities
Stakeholders participating in the 4th Regional Organic Agriculture in Congress Stakeholders participating the 4th onAgriculture SeptemberCongress 25-27, 2018 Regional Organic on
September 25-27, 2018
in promoting organic agriculture or natural farming in the region. To further enhance the knowledge of the participants about organic agriculture, they visited the Organic Processing Center at Lubing Ugis, Dipolog City where City Agriculturist Engr. Jose Kerr Porlas briefed them on how the center operates and the process of making organic fertilizers. Among those present during the ROAC were Zamboanga del Norte Vice-Governor Senen Angeles, Dipolog City Vice Mayor Horacio Velasco, DA IX Regional Director Constancio G. Alama; NOAB Dir. Adelberto B. Baniqued, DA Agribusiness Chief Ferdinand D. Gamorot, and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council IX Chairperson Leonardo Caparida. (Edward Non, DA IX)
July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
W
orkers in Zamboanga Peninsula are to expect additional increase in the minimum wage brought about by Wage Order No. RIX-20 as announced by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IX. The wage adjustment took effect on July 31, 2018, fifteen days after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board IX published the Order on July 15, 2018 in two newspapers of local circulation in the region. DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo, who chairs the RTWPB IX or commonly known as the Wage Board, said that workers will be receiving an additional P20.00 per day. “The Board has gone through a series of sectoral consultations to arrive at this decision to adjust wages. I believe that the increase in the minimum wage will enable the workers to cope up with the rising cost of living,” Dir. Domingo said. Under the previous Wage Order RIX19, workers under the non-agricultural category to include private hospitals, educational institutions, security
R9 workers to expect P20 daily wage increase and janitorial agencies, retail/service establishments employing more than 30 workers who are paid P296.00/ day will be receiving a daily wage of P316.00 under the new wage order. For those in the agricultural, retail and service establishments including rubber-based plantations and nonplantations; micro-enterprises; and retail/service establishments employing not more than 30 workers, minimum wage will increase from P283.00 to P303.00. Dir. Domingo noted that the P20 increase is based on a thorough assessment of the socio-economic conditions in the region, particularly the Consumer Price Index, Erosion of the Purchasing Power of the Peso, and Poverty Threshold Level. Dir. Domingo said that the Board has determined the need to adjust the
prevailing wage rates without hampering the sustainability of business and industry, consistent with the government’s policy of achieving higher levels of productivity, promote economic growth, generate employment and to augment the income of workers. The DOLE Chairs the Wage Board, while the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry act as the Vice-Chairpersons, with the labor and management sector representatives as regular members. The wage rates prescribed in the new wage order shall apply to workers receiving the minimum wage in the region regardless of their position, employment status, and of as to how their wages are paid. (Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX)
OCD IX conducts DRRM orientation and BEEP preparation
O
ffice of Civil Defense (OCD) IX, in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) IX headed by OIC-Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao, conducted a two-day Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Orientation and Building Emergency Evacuation Plan (BEEP) Preparation on September 12-13, 2018 at NEDA IX Office, Pagadian City. The training was attended by 32 NEDA IX staff. The training aimed at raising the participants’ appreciation and understanding of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, the various hazards in the working environment, and the organization’s ability to effectively respond to emergencies. It also aimed to organize the NEDA IX Disaster Management Committee,
July-September 2018 - RDC Communicator
formulate the NEDA IX Emergency and Evacuation Plan, and familiarize on the elements outlined within the emergency and evacuation plan. Mr. Jose Eric S. Castillo, Assistant Chief, DRRM Division and Head, Rehabilitation and Recovery Section of OCD IX presented the Philippine Disaster Risk Profile, and the Philippine Disaster Risk and Reduction Management System. Mr. Casmar J. Pajiji Chief, Training Section of OCD IX discussed the BEEP, and how to conduct earthquake drill. Mr. Al-Emran A. Asani, Officer-InCharge, Planning Section of OCD IX lectured on Family Preparedness for all Hazards. During the activity, three workshops were conducted and participated in actively by the staff. The first
workshop highlighted the identification of hazards and their assessment. The second workshop focused on the identification of duties and responsibilities of the teams composed of an over-all coordinator, search and rescue group, security group, evacuation group, fire safety group, first aid group, maintenance group, and communication group. The third workshop centered on earthquake and fire drills following the duck, cover and hold positions. At the end of the activity, the staff were oriented and guided on DRRM to enhance their skills to facilitate the preparation of NEDA IX Emergency and Evacuation Plan and the organization of the NEDA IX Disaster Management Committee including the action groups. (Ceselle C. Harina, NEDA IX)
11