DOLE – Davao lauds 13 labor laws compliant establishments

Labor laws may be rigid, but those who abide by it are awarded.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) lauds 13 establishments in Davao region which have shown commitment and exemplary adherence to labor laws and standards as they bat to maintain industrial peace, enterprise stability and competitiveness.

As part of DOLE’s Incentivizing Compliance Program, it conferred the Tripartite Certificate of Compliance with Labor Standards (TCCLS) to various industries in the region ranging from agriculture to mining to manufacturing to academe and even cooperative.

Among the establishment issued TCCLS in 2013 and conferred recently during the DOLE’s 6th Social Partnership Event included Apex Mining Co, Inc (mining industry); Carmen Corrugated Containers (manufacturing); Craft International Services, Inc. (Port Services); Davao Doctors’ Hospital (Health Care); Dole-Stanfilco Valley Zone (agriculture); Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy (academe); and Interbev Philippines, Inc. (manufacturing/distribution).

The awardees also included the MAGSIGE Multipurpose Cooperative (cooperative/service provider); Mindanao Integrated Logistics Services, Inc. (logistics and stevedoring); Stanfilco-Plastic Plant (manufacturing); Stanfilco– Vapor Heat Treatment Facility (fresh fruit processing); Therma Marine, Inc. (power generation); and Unifrutti Philippines, Inc. (Support group services).

DOLE regional director Joffrey M. Suyao said the TCCLS recognition came after tripartite audit process, on-site validation, and assessment by the members of the Regional Tripartite Industry Peace Council (RTIPC). 

“The TCCLS  recognition, one of DOLE’s reform measure instituted in 2012,  lauds the companies that voluntarily show commitment and exemplary adherence to the provisions on General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, the Child Labor Law under Republic Act 9231, industrial peace, enterprise stability and competitiveness,” Suyao said.

The TCCLS certificate is a requirement to qualify for the National Productivity Olympics, Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK), and Child Labor-Free Establishment (CLFE) awards. It is a basic pre-qualification requirement to the DOLE Secretary's Labor Law Compliance Award and the Tripartite Seal of Excellence (TSE), the highest award given by the Department.

The DOLE – Davao has awarded 13 TCCLS on 2012 and another 13 TCCLS last year. (Sherwin B. Manual/DOLE11)

PNP Compostela creates advisory council

COMPOSTELA VALLEY, March 27 (PIA) ---- The province of Compostela Valley now has a civilian body tasked to looked into the way the police operates and how its elements carry out expected duties especially while on duty.

The Compostela Valley Police Provincial Office (CVPPO) organized on March 25 (Tuesday) the Provincial Advisory Council which formed part of institutionalizing the Performance Governance System (PGS) that the Philippine National Police intended to implement  down to  its units.

During the fist PAC meeting, CVPPO Police Provincial Director CamiloPancratiusCascolan expected the PAC members to guide  and to provide the police their suggestions and observations leading to  the improvement of police operation.

“We want to get the pulse of the public. We are hoping to conduct our program of PNP Patrol Plan 2030 with your guidance,” Cascolan said.

The Police Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation  and Upholding the Rule of Law (PATROL) 2030 embodies the PGS which PNP uses as  the measure of integrating transformation and enhancing its performance. 

Released by CVPPO, the terms of reference  (TOR) of creating the PAC cited as basis the PGS viewed as  the strategic guidelines of  reforms in PNP.

The PGS requires the creation of a multi-sectoral governance council known in  the PNP as the Provincial Advisory group on Police Transformation and Development referred to as the “Provincial Advisory Council.”

Among its primary functions are to advise and assist the Comval PPO in identifying key priorities and strategic issues in accordance with the PATROL 2030; evaluate and revise the strategies for the implementation of the PGS in accordance with the CVPPO thrusts, programs, projects and activities of CVPPO; to  assist and advise the CVPPO on possible ways to generate additional resources to support and sustain the its plans and programs.

The PAC is also expected to carry out an active advocacy program, leading to the formation of a broad and effective multi-sectoral coalition to realize the PNP vision to become a capable, effective  and credible  Police Force.

Picked by CVPPO as members of the PAC were IsabeloMelendres of the Provincial Governor’s Office, Ruben Reponte of DepEdCompostela , Ma. NildaRigodon of the Civil Service Commission of Compostela Valley from the government sector; Samuel Merca (private businessman), Louie Zerrudo  of  the Philippine Red Cross, Boy Ocampo of the Chamber of Commerce, EulogioTumbali of Rotary Club Nabunturan.

Other members are  Rev. Ernesto Gestosani of the Fundamental Baptist Church, Rev. EdgardoBonghanoyof St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Bro. Marvin Begornia of Iglesia Ni Cristo and Imam Abdulabasit R. Basir from the religious sector;SinfronioMerlas of Nabunturan National Comprehensive  High School, Sr. Myrna Taganas of  Assumption College Nabunturan from the academe and  JeaneviveAbanganof DavComval Information Center of the Philippine Information Agency XI.   (PIA XI/ jmda)

Visit Samal targets more tourists

DAVAO CITY- With the start of the summer season, the Island Garden City of Samal again beckons to tourists.

Now on its 4th year, Visit Samal Island 2014 (April 25 to May 3) is a marketing strategy to promote the city. A concerted effort between IGaCoS public and private sectors particularly the resort owners who will be benefiting from increased tourist arrivals.

First launched in 2011, Visit Samal Island campaign mission is to position the island as the tourism destination of choice in the Philippines and eventually Asia and the world.

According to Jennifer Cariaga, tourism officer of IGaCoS, VSI 2014 will promise a fun-filled and exciting nine days with the goal of reviving art forms and merge them with modern perspectives of island life.

Cariaga also said that VisitSamal 2014 would show the various festivals of the city as the schedules of the island’s festivals will be harmonized to be incorporated in the festivals. These events include Kabasan Festival, White Nights Festival and MadyawHugyaw and will be held in the culmination of the festival.

Cariaga said that she hopes that the island will see a hike in visitor arrivals last year. They are projecting a 20% increase of arrivals as compared to 2013.

Last year the city recorded 177,000 overnight visitors and 399,000 daytime tourists during the last year’s summer season.

Located in the heart of Davao Gulf, IGaCoS made up of Samal and Talicud islands along with smaller islets is a popular vacation destination with its beaches and dive spots. (PIA/RG Alama)

Panabo banana exporter adopts Carmen river

DAVAO DEL NORTE, March 26 (PIA)– Panabo-based banana exporter, through its partner foundation, has adopted a local river as their Adopt-A-River project, in support to their commitment in the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government.

A division of Dole Philippines, Dole-Stanfilco through Kasilak Development Foundation inked on March 25 an agreement with the provincial government of Davao del Norte and the municipality of Carmen for the protection, preservation and conservation of Carmen River, formerly Ising River.

Done during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting, the agreement was signed by Governor Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte, Mayor MarcelinoPerandos of Carmen and JoemilMontebon, executive director of Kasilak Foundation.

Montebon said that DOLE Stanfilco chose Carmen River as their next project upon the recommendation of its Panabo office, citing the river to have denuded riverbanks that should be rehabilitated as Carmen River forms part of the major catch-basin in Davao del Norte.

In an interview, Mayor Perandos said that the project will eventually lessen the occurrence of flooding in their municipality since the protection and preservation of the riverbank will minimize soil erosion and over-flooding of water.

This will also be a good opportunity to increase the awareness of the people in the locality on mitigating the effects of climate change in their area, Mayor Perandos said.

The project amounting to P 172,800 will be implemented until January 2015 by the project management team composed of the Kasilak Foundation, DOLE-Stanfilco, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), municipal government of Carmen, Department of Education (DepEd) and the barangays within the riverbanks.

Montebon said that although the MOA stated a duration of one year, the Kasilak Foundation will implement a three-year program in Carmen River depending on the extent of  its rehabilitation and  the environmental protection needs of the community surrounding it.

Launched on March 18, the project management team started planting 7,000 forest, fruit and bamboo trees in the three-kilometer stretch riverbank.

Aside from that, the team will also be calling for meetings among local stakeholders to intensify and institutionalize their participation through conduct of information and education campaigns in schools, churches, plantations and barangay.

The management team will also organize  River Watch teams and multi-tripartite stakeholders group as well as  establish two-community based nursery center.

The team will also implement and enforce appropriate land use practices and regulations, and environmental protection laws.

Carmen River is the third Adopt-A-River project of the foundation. The previous projects were Dapongpong Creek in Maragusan, Compostela Valley and Cogan Creek in Malagos, Davao City. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

Gov. Uy ipadayon ang 100% nga suporta sa mga kalihukan sa Boy Scout

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Magpadayon gihapon ang 100% support ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy sa mga kalihukan sa Boy Scout of the Philippines ComVal Council, ug matud ni Senior Board Member Tyron Uy nga apil sad ang tanang mga lumilihok niini padayon gihapon sila nga makatagamtam sa iyang 100% support.

Si Senior Board Member Tyrone Uy maoy mihatag sa mensahe sa gobernador atol sa 8th Annual Local Council Meeting (ALCM) nga malampusong gihimo sa Kapitolyo niadtong Marso 21, 2014. Matud pa niya nga sama sa iyang amahan siya usab padayong motunol sa hugtanong suporta ug tabang sa mga kalihukan sa Boy Scout. Kini tungod ang mga kalihukan niini labi na ang pagsunod sa scout laws, haom kaayo sa iyang adbokasiya ug dakong tinguha nga mahatagan ug kasegurohan nga mapalambo ang mga kabataan ug kabatan-onan sa ComVal.

Iyang kauban nga mihatag usab sa ilang mensahe sila si Assistant Schools Division Supervisor Dee Desilva nga maoy mihatag sa Wecome Message ni SDS Nenita E. Lumaad, ug si Scouter Jesus M. Meris ang kasamtangang Scout Director sa Boy Scout of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Region.

Gihimo atol sa bag-o nahumang 8th Annual Local Council Meeting ang election alang sa upat ka mga sakop sa Council Executive Board nag-expire karong tuiga ang ilang tulo ka tuig nga termino, ug  sa malampusong piniliay subli gihapon nga gipili sila si Gov. Uy, Provincial Treasurer Carmen Razul, ug SB Member Vivencia L. Secuya.  Samtang, maoy napili aron mohulip kang Madam Carmen Agustin si Mr. Jonathan A. Banez.  (gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

Comval Youth Farmers nag-engkwentro sa Agri-Skills ug Literary Musical

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Gawas sa talagsaong kahanas sa panguma, gipakita sad sa mga kabatan-onang mangunguma sa ComVal nga bisan sa arts, literary, ug sa musika dili sad sila maulahi, ug ang ilang abilidad pwedeng hitupngan apan lisud malabwan.

Kini maoy napasundayag sa Comval Youth Farmers nga sakop usab sa 4-H Club gikan sa 11 ka mga lungsod atol sa gihimo nilang panagtapok diha sa Kapitolyo niadtong Marso 20, 2014 alang sa usa ka adlaw’ng “Provincial Farm Youth/4-H Achievement Cum Agri-Skills and Literary Musical Contest” nga gipasiugdahan sa probinsiya.

Ilalom sa Farm Youth Development Program ni Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy, giila ug gihatagan sa liderato sa probinsiya ug hugtanong suporta ang mga kalihokan nga makapalambo sa katakos ug abilidad sa mga batan-ong mangunguma sa ComVal. Apil na niini ang paggahin ug adlaw nga sila managtigom aron mapasidunggan ug mapahalipayan.

Gitinguha usab sa probinsiya nga ang gihimong panagtapok makapromotar sa panaghiusa, malipayong panag-uban, panagsandurot ug nakahatag kanila’g dugang kadasig sa padayong pagpalambo sa ilang kahibalo ug katakos. Sa gihimong panagtapok, ang Youth Farmers gikan sa onse ka mga lungsod sa ComVal malipayong  nag-engkwentro sa lain-laing Friendly Competitions may labot sa panguma ilalom sa lain-laing mga kategorya.                                   

Sa crops adunay contests sa Banana Processing and Preservation, Asexual Propagation (grafting) contest sa Cacao, ug Rice and Corn Production Contest. Aduna say handicraft contest nga naglakip sa corn husk flower arrangement and novelties, handicraft contest sa livestock and poultry by product, contest sa corn husk doll making, ug handicraft contest sa livestock and poultry by products.

Dugang sa gihimong friendly competitions ang gihimong engkwentro sa extemporaneous speech, engkwentro sa quiz bee, enkwentro sa poster making, ug OPM-minus one singing contest.  (gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

Sa Comval: Dugang 33 mil Cacao Seedlings gipanghatag

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Human madawat sa probinsiya gikan sa Cacao Industry Development Association in Mindanao, Incorporated (CIDAMI) ang mokabat 33,000 ka punoang semilya sa Cacao, gimando usab dayon ni Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy ang pagpang apud-apod niini ngadto sa mga mangunguma diha sa mga lungsod sa Monkayo, sa Montevista, sa New Bataan, sa Compostela , ug sa Capital Town niini nga mao ang lungsod sa Nabunturan.  Angayon paghatag niini ang lima ka mga lungsod nga makadawat ug 6,500 ang kada usa.

Mismong ang Managing Director sa CIDAMI nga si Mr. Val Turtur maoy nagtunol sa mga semilya sa Cacao ngadto kang Gov. Uy atol sa Ceremonial Turn-over diha sa Kapitolyo niadtong Marso 24, 2014 nga gihimo panahon sa regular nga convocation program sa mga empleyado. Kauban sa gobernador sa pagdawat niini si P. A. Virgilia S. Allones, PAGRO Chief Dr. Rolando Simene, ug si SP Member Macario Humol nga maoy Chairman sa Committee on Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Livehood sa Comval SP.

Apan giklaro sa gobernador nga sa himoong pagpanghatag sa liderato sa probinsiya magpadayon gihapon ang  training component ug maoy pagahatagan kadtong nakaaapil sa libreng training sa pagsemilya, sa pag-alima, ug sa pag-harvest. Kini tungod taas kaayo ang success rate sa gihimong dispersal nga dunay libreng training.

Matud pa usab niya nga dool sa iyang dughan ang Cacao Industry, ug siya mismo gusto gyod magtanom ug Cacao. Kini tungod gawas sa taas nga demand ug mahal ang presyo niini, paborito niya nga pagkaon ang chocolate ug ganahan sad siya nga manghatag niini ngadto sa iyang mga higala.  (gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

New Bataan Youth Farmers nang hawod sa 4-H Achievement Contest

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Human naangkon ang dagkong mga kadaugan sa lain-laing mga kategorya, maoy nahimong Overall Champion  ang Youth Farmers sa lungsod sa New Bataan sa kinatas-ang Score nga 87 Points atol sa bag-o nahumang “Provincial Farm Youth/4-H Achievement Cum Literary-Musical Contest” nga gipasiugdahan sa probinsiya.

Sa gihimong Friendly Competitions sa Kapitolyo niadtong Marso 20, 2014, gisakmit sa New Bataan Youth Farmers ang dagkong mga kadaugan sa mokabat unom ka mga kategorya. Sila maoy  1st Prize Winner sa Poster Making Contest; 1st Prize Winner sa Banana Processing and Preservation Contest; 1st Prize Winner sa Extemporaneous Speech Contest; 1st Prize Winner sa Rice Production Contest; ug sa Handy Craft Category sila maoy 1st Prize Winner sa Livestock and Poultry by Products Contest ug 1st  Prize Winner sad sa Husk Doll Making Contest.

Nagsunod sa New Bataan Youth Farmers ang mga taga-Maragusan sa Score nga 60 Points, ug ikatulo ang mga taga Monkayo sa Score nga 57 Points. Ang mga taga-Maragusan maoy 1st Prize winner sa Corn production. Samtang, ang taga-Monkayo maoy 1st Prize Winner sa Handy Craft Corn Husk Flowers and Novelties Display.

Ilalom sa temang “Produktibong Kabataan, Kaagapay sa Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran,” ang  mga Youth Farmers gikan sa onse ka mga lungsod sa ComVal nagtapok sa Kapitolyo ug maoy labing dakong kalihukan atol sa ilang panagtapok ang gihimong friendly competitions sa lain-laing mga kategorya.

Ilalom sa Farm Youth Development Program ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy, giila ug gihatagan sa liderato sa probinsiya ug hugtanong suporta ang mga kalihukan nga makapalambo sa katakos ug abilidad sa mga batan-ong mangunguma sa ComVal. Apil na niini ang paggahin ug adlaw nga sila managtigom aron mapasidunggan ug mapahalipayan. Gitinguha usab sa probinsiya nga ang gihimong panagtapok makapromotar sa panaghiusa, malipayong panag-uban, panagsandurot ug nakahatag kanila’g dugang kadasig sa padayong pagpalambo sa ilang kahibalo ug katakos.  (gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

Tagumeños advocate for peace through fun run

TAGUM CITY—More than 4,000 runners took their advocacy to the streets and showed support to peace through the Run of Peace held last March 22, 2014 in Tagum City as organized by the City Government led by Mayor Allan L. Rellon in partnership with the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, 10ID, Philippine Army.

Now on its 3rd installment, the Run of Peace aims to advocate peace and promoting the healthy practice of jogging and walking in Tagum City, where many fun runs are held year-round and is also well-known to have parks and sports facilities that cater to runners and joggers.

Mayor Rellon explained that "Run of Peace” participants have committed themselves to peace, and that they are running to spread peace.

“We are not running for peace. This means, we already have peace,” he added.

Run of Peace 3 coincides with the 117th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army and proceeds of the said run shall be used for various peace and development efforts, said Col. Harold N. Cabreros, the commanding officer of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

“We would like to thank everyone in supporting our peace campaign. This activity is not just a call for more advocates but a proof that we are one and strong towards sustainable development in the realization of just and lasting peace,” Cabreros said.

Among those who participated in the said fun run are professionals from different fields, city officials and employees, barangay functionaries, students, teachers and even dog lovers who tagged along their pet dogs during their run.

Participants started off their run at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday at Tagum City’s Rotary Park and also ended in the same place where the finish line was located. | Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

Nabunturan among Philhealth-DOH ALAGA’s nationwide launch

Compostela Valley Province-- In a nationwide launch done simultaneously, Nabunturan represents Region XI for the launching of the program “ALAGA KA para sa Maayos na Buhay” on March 24, 2014 held at the Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School Gym.

This is in line with the national government’s efforts, through the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) in coordination with local government units and the private sector, to ensure that the 14.7 million families enrolled are provided with primary health care services and full financial risk protection.

Bearing the key message, “Alaga Ka” or ALamin At GAmitin para sa KAlusugan,  Philhealth Regional Vice President Dennis Adre said the program aims to increase  utilization of primary care services by the enrolled indigent families to bring them a step closer to achieving better lives.

“Alaga ng gobyerno ang lahat ng mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay at pagpapanatili ng magandang kalusugan sa lahat ng Pilipino,” he said.

He added that the government wants to empower them with the right and accurate information about their benefits, how and where to use them and that the poor families are being taken cared of by their government. 

A farm worker Loreto Lacorte, a resident of Purok 18, Nabunturan, expressed his gratitude saying that this program will greatly benefit his family. “Daku kaayo ning matabang sa amua nga nagkalisud, labi na nga 5 akong anak ug ako ra ang giasahan sa akong pamilya kay si Misis walay trabaho,”  (This will greatly help us especially that I have 5 children and my wife has no work),  he said.

Lacorte has proved how Philhealth greatly helped them when just last February, he was operated for Appendectomy  at DRH-Tagum City and availed the No-Balance Billing (NBB) policy of Philhealth. “Daku kaayo ang akong kalipay ug pasalamat kay wa koy gibayran maski gamay,” (I was so happy and thankful because I haven’t paid even a small amount) he said.

Lacorte is among more than a thousand enrolled families in Poblacion Nabunturan who were invited in the launching which covers a short program and a whole-day profiling of the families conducted by the Rural Health Unit of Nabunturan (RHU).

Meanwhile, Christopher Molina, Philhealth SO Head for Comval, revealed this is not the first time for Nabunturan. It can be recalled that the town also hosted the simultaneous “Philhealth Sabado” years ago. 

“We have chosen Nabunturan yet again for their commendable efforts in terms of implementing their health programs. In fact, they are the Best Performing RHU in the region. For us assigned in the provinces as Service Office, we will continue to work for the benefit of our Filipino people and most especially among the poor families,” Molina said.    

Also giving their messages of support during the program are DOH Regional Director Abdullah Dumama Jr., Nabunturan Mayor Romeo Clarin, and other guests and officials.

President Benigno S. Aquino III also gave his message via live streaming through a video wall mounted at the NNCHS gym. (rholly maestre// phic-lhio nabunturan)

Barangay frontliners on disaster management trained on risks assessment

By: Tagum City Information Office

TAGUM CITY—Enwrapped on the goal of achieving a resilient, proactive and adaptable disaster management, 55 frontliners in disaster management in the barangay level rigorously underwent a three-day Community-Based Risk Assessment Training (CBRAT) spearheaded by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Office of Civil Defense last March 19-21, 2014.

During the training, they were briefed on the basic knowledge on disaster preparedness, response and mitigation that should be deeply-rooted in the barangay level and as such, leaders in the disaster-prone barangays are thrust into capability-building aimed at harnessing their effectiveness in dealing with disasters.

These barangays are Canocotan, Cuambogan, Pagsabangan and San Miguel. Other participants are the organic members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Health Office, Bureau of Fire, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and City Agriculture Office.

The seminar touched on several topics that include disaster understanding may it be geologic and volcanic hazards, hydrological, meteorological hazard, storm surge, climatic variability, rain-induced flooding and landslide, bomb threats and awareness and fire prevention.

The participants were also briefed on the disaster management concept in the local government, community risks assessment and most importantly, the town watching and mapping where barangay leaders went to their respective areas of responsibility to identify and assess their community’s hazards.

At the end of the activity, they were able to initialize the formulation of their Barangay Vulnerability and Risks Map which is an important tool in conducting contingency planning to address a specific disaster.(Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)

Dogs get free rabies vaccination; responsible pet ownership pushed

By: Tagum City Information Office

TAGUM CITY—Close to 200 dogs received free rabies vaccination as part of the local government’s goal of minimizing, if not eradicating, rabies infection in the city as well as promoting responsible pet ownership among per lovers.

City Veterinarian Jesus G. Edullantes said the activity, which was held at the gymnasium of Barangay Magugpo South last March 26, 2014, is in consonance with the celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month.

Also conducted during the event are free neutering and spaying, which he said is an ideal approach in depopulating dogs and cats, which are the main cause of rabies infections. A pet blessing was also held during the activity.

“We wanted to contribute in the national goal of eradicating rabies in the Philippines by 2015,” he added.

The City Veterinary Office will expand their massive free rabies vaccination until May where they aimed to vaccinate 70-80% dog population in the city.

Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza hailed the City Veterinarian Office for spearheading the activity, saying this is a major step towards a rabies-free city.

Extending their professional services during the Pet Care Day are the veterinarians of LGU Tagum and some private practitioners from Mati and Panabo Cities, respectively. The said activity was also made possible with the support of the Provincial Veterinary Office.

Pet owners were also briefed on responsible pet ownership by the members of the Dog Owners of Tagum Association (DOTA), where inputs on pet care, dog training and feeding were discussed.

A separate forum on rabies awareness was also conducted in the University of Mindanao Tagum Campus, which was attended by 1,000 students.

The massive vaccination of dogs is mandated under Republic Act or “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007”. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)

Panabo showcases local produce in mall

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, March 24 (PIA)– The City Government of Panabo through the City Tourism and Investment Promotion Office opened on March 22 a souvenir exhibit of local products in a mall.

To run for 16 days until April 6, the souvenir exhibit at the Grand Gaisano Mall of Panabo   serves as  a showcase of the Tatak Panabo Pasalubong Center  which has its regular display area at the Panabo City Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal.

Among those who attended the opening  ceremony were Edwin Banquerigo, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte Provincial Office; Leo Balasabas, branch manager of the mall; Ramon Sawan, city administrator; Jovito Glodo, executive secretary of the city mayor; Dizon Namuag, president of the Panabo City Tourism Council; and city councilors Miguel Niez, Emmanuel Pamisaran, and Emeterio Blase.

Cher Bastida, officer-in-charge city tourism officer , said her office launched the exhibit in line with the mandate of the city government to assist local micro, small and medium enterprises in giving them access to market.

Tatak Panabo is a local branding of products produced in the city by local entrepreneurs.

“This is also an avenue for Panaboans, who produces quality products to know that this program of the government exist and can help them  access  their target market,” Bastida said.

Bastida encouraged local producers to go to the City Tourism and Investment Promotion Office located at the new Panabo City Hall and register their products under Tatak Panabo.

Their products will undergo screening by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council of the city, she explained.

Bastida conveyed  appreciation of City Mayor Jose Silvosa  the mall management which allowed a free of charge display of souvenir items at  the prime area  in the mall.

The city government was hopeful that the mall management would  approve its request to extend  the Pasalubong display period until  December this year, Bastida said.

Panao City Council of Women official, Letecia Basadre expected the  exhibit to provide council members the opportunity to earn substantial income out  of their display.

Same with those found at the transport terminal, the  Tatak Panabo exhibit at Grand Gaisano Mall of Panabo includes bottled Bangus, peanut butter, banana chips, printing souvenirs, art works, durian and cacao-based products,  handicrafts, bags, slippers and rags.

Aside from staging it at the Gaisano  Mall, Tatak Panabo was also showcased by the city government in local and international trade fairs such as the National Food Fair and  the International Food Expo. (PIA 11/ Michael Uy/jmda)

LTO to deputize PNP, TMU as local traffic enforcers in Panabo

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, March 25   (PIA)– Due to the worsening traffic congestion, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will deputize police and Traffic Management Unit (TMU) personnel  to enforce traffic regulations.

Ramon Sawan, Panabo city administrator, said that the city government requested the LTO the deputization because the city does not have traffic enforcers.

Sawan said that motorists in the city, based on his observations, tend to ignore the citations on traffic misconduct.

This prompted the city to enforce the traffic law with the help of LTO by capacitating local enforcers to issue Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) as well as confiscate drivers’ licenses.

As a requirement to deputize local enforcers, Atty. Gomer Dy, regional director of LTO XI, together with Eleanor Calderon, LTO XI chief of the operations division, recently conducted orientation seminar on Traffic Law Enforcement to 35 police and six  TMU personnel in Panabo City.

Sawan also encouraged individuals to join the seminar  for local traffic law enforcers as the city government is promoting volunteerism in traffic management.

Since January, the city conducted several trainings on Traffic Direction, and Endurance and Character Building for 41 traffic personnel, participated by five private individuals. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

Panabo Jobs Fair records high number of hired

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, March 25 – The city government of Panabo, through the Public Service Employment Office (PESO), recorded the highest number of hired-on-the-spots (HOTS) individuals so far in a Job Fair conducted in the city on March 22.

The job fair resulted to 39 hired-on-the-spot individuals with 15 individuals landed jobs with overseas companies and 24 with local.

PESO Data showed that the overseas jobs filled in were more of technical skilled work such as electricians, drivers, and welders while among the local jobs were bagger, accounting assistant and call center agent.

Cherelle Espinosa, manager of Panabo PESO, said that the record was reached due to the consultation services and Pre-Employment Seminars for Local Applicants (PESLA) conducted every Tuesdays and Thursday at PESO from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Aside from the hired individuals, 238 others of the 327 applicants were scheduled for final interview this week.

Thirteen overseas manpower agencies and 21 local companies participated in the job fair, posting over 7,000 job vacancies available for the jobs fair.

 Participating government agencies involved in employment facilitation were Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund or PAG-IBIG, National Statistics Office (NSO), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Meanwhile, Panabo PESO was recently awarded as the 2013 Top Performing PESO in the Davao Region for its intensive implementation of PESLA, given by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

Kalahi-CIDSS completes drainage canal in ComVal village

MARAGUSAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY -Amidst the heat and humidity, the people of Barangay New Panay were overwhelmed as they finally witnessed the Turnover and Blessing of the drainage canal community project that they’ve been working on for the past few months.  

 

Held in New Panay Elementary School, said turnover of the 200 linear meter drainage line canal was attended by Mayor Caesar C. Colina Sr., Barangay Captain George Jacosta, barangay officials, family beneficiaries, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Regional Director for Operations Ma. Vilia L. Vigil, Kalahi-CIDSS Community Development Specialist Mr. Nick Elvi Digol, teachers, students, and Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteers.

Kalahi-CIDSS, now known as National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) is the flagship program of DSWD along with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

It is a poverty reduction project where decision-making resides in the community. 

Volunteers, through the NCDDP Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC), are taught to analyze their situation, identify their needs, manage their finances and procure materials for their prioritized sub-project.

This drainage project here was initiated to alleviate problems that hinder the community from attaining economic stability as it aims to mobilize the people’s active participation in implementing projects.

For the past years, the community struggled with their recurrent drainage problem. The water would continuously overflow when heavy rains pour in the barangay.

Students, especially, would suffer from this because the flood also seeps into their classrooms leading to high rate of absenteeism.

Consequently, students will be deprived of education -the higher the illiteracy rate, the bigger the chance that the economy of the community would waver.

“Students are our investment to attain a better life in the future. We agreed on a project that would serve as a foundation in reducing poverty. Poverty is like a cycle in the community and we want to cut the chain,” Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) Chair Rey E. Jaboneta explained.

Mayor Caesar Colina stressed, “No words could contain my happiness, for this project helped my constituents in New Panay. The project embodies transparency. Despite the differences that surfaced during the planning stage, the community has put their acts together and now I am very happy to announce that this project, through the help of Kalahi-CIDSS, finally came to reality.”

One of the Community Volunteers Mary de Guzman said, “It’s hard to determine the main problems that we have in the community. There were different opinions from left to right. But through the process of Kalahi-CIDSS, it became easier for us in identifying our primary needs and how to address these.”

Even the children in the village were pleased. Their boisterous sounds of laughter were heard all over the place, heralding that their own community is once again taking another leap towards progress.

Along with the turnover, DSWD also conducted a Municipal Orientation as Kalahi-CIDSS/NCDDP starts another cycle in the municipality. (DSWD/jabfr/ccd)                      

Tagum holds gender and development awareness confab

By: Tagum City Information Office

The Tagum City Gender and Development (GAD) Council, has been taking concrete steps towards the integration of gender and development that is crucial in the development process of the city.

As such, a 3-day Seminar on Gender and Development was held at Big 8 Corporate Hotel last March 19-21, 2014 which aims to promote gender equality and empowering women, analyzing the women’s contribution within the context of work done in the household and outside their respective communities.

The participants coming from different sectors in the city headed by Chairperson GAD Council Hon. Allan L. Rellon, Co-Chairperson Hon. Geterito Gementiza, Vice Chairperson Atty. Eva Loraine Estabillo, head secretariat Ms. Anthonette J. Leones, the members from City Prosecutor’s Office, City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Philippine National Police, WCPDO, City Legal Office, Women Organizations, Senior Citizens Group and Barangay Captains.

Different topics were discussed which include the difference of Gender and Sex, Sexual Basic Gender Concepts and Issues, Using Non-Sexist or Gender Fair Language, Manifestations of Gender bias, Reproductive and Sexual Rights-Violence Against Women and Children and HIV, STI, and AIDS and other issues related in the development.

The GAD Council also produced the Gender and Awareness Module, which will serve as a focal point in expanding knowledge of Tagumeños on GAD in the 23 barangays, following the goal of eradicating explicit and implicit potential gender bias. | Gleiza Delgado of CIO Tagum

LGU fetes 2 Tagumeño PMA grads

By: Tagum City Information Office

TAGUM CITY—The City Government of Tagum on Monday recognized two Tagumeños who graduated recently in the Philippine Military Academy, the premier military institution of the country and is the training ground for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon led city officials and employees in honoring 2nd Lt. Precious Jewel Forrosuelo and Ensign Nonex Miguel J. Miranda who are among the 223 members of the PMA Siklab-Diwa (Sundalong Ikarararangal ng Lahing Bayani sa Diwang Wagas) who recently hold their graduation ceremony last March 16 in Fort Gregorio del Pilar, attended by no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Mayor Rellon said their example is a shining beacon of inspiration for the Tagumeño youth and their perseverance and hard work is worthy of emulation. The two were officially presented a plaque inscribing the full text of the Sangguaniang Panlungsod resolution, which commended their achievement.

Forrosuelo, a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Tagum High School Department, is making history as the first child of a Medal of Valor Awardee—the highest military award given to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines—to graduate from PMA. 

His father, the late Technical Sgt. Claudio Forrosuelo, was killed in a daring tactical assault against 500 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Matanog, Maguindanao on May 3, 2000.

"Expectations were high and the pressure is even greater because they think of me as someone as strong and brave as my father," the newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Forrosuelo told the Philippine News Agency.

Jewel was only eight years old then, thus not fully understanding what was happening back then and only felt the impact of her father's death in the years that came by.

"The thought of my father's sacrifice not only for our family, but for the whole nation uplift me and provided me the motivation to carry on," she added.

She is among the nine female members of PMA Siklab-Diwa Class of 2014 who joined the Army.

On the other hand, Ensign Miranda is a graduate of Tagum City National Comprehensive High School (he graduated salutatorian in 2006) and a College Graduate student of University of Mindanao Tagum College before entering the PMA.

Ensign Miranda, a son of a public school teacher and a businessman, will be serving under the Philippine Navy.

Meanwhile, the local government also congratulated Katrina Mae Balaga who took home the crown as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Binibining Laang Kawal held last March 19, 2014 in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Manila.

It is an annual beauty contest participated by different universities across the country, which advocates Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program to the youth as a necessary component in nation-building.  (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)

DOLE – Davao Region now ISO certified

DAVAO CITY --- Standard quality delivery of services now marks the Department of Labor and Employment in Davao Region.

DOLE-Davao is recently conferred the ISO 9001:2008 certification after satisfying the requirement of the certifying body - Certification International Philippines (CIP).

DOLE Davao regional director Joffrey M. Suyao said that with the Department’s steadfast resolve to provide better service, it has pursued the ISO certification of a standard system, processes and delivery of quality service to achieve ultimate satisfaction of clienteles.

“As a government agency, it is our primary mandate to deliver quality public service and our clienteles in Davao region deserve no less than premium quality service at par with international standards,” Suyao said.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz during the press briefing in Waterfront Insular Hotel here said that among the priorities of her administration is to institute quality management systems to make work and its delivery more efficient.  

“Aside from the providing quality service the ISO certification (of standards) will help us eliminate corruption in the system,” Baldoz said.

She added this is the DOLE’s contribution to the Aquino administration's vow to institute irreversible reforms in the  fight against corruption in the government.

"The move for ISO certification was also a proactive response to the challenge of secretary Baldoz to establish a quality management systems in the whole DOLE set-up," Suyao said.

The DOLE Davao region’s Quality Management System covers provision of employment facilitation and manpower development, employment relations, standards enforcement and protection, and employment enhancement, empowerment, and welfare services.

Moreover, assistant regional director Venerando C. Cebrano said the conferment of certification was an effort of all DOLE stakeholders from the regional office down to the field offices.

“We had a thorough review of our systems and procedures and found out that we need to improve on a number of aspects should we aim for quality service,” said Cebrano who is also the Quality Management representative (QMR).

As QMR, Cebrano has to ensure that the standards established are implemented and maintained. He also has to report to top management for areas of improvement.

DOLE – Davao certification is valid from three years valid until March 2017. Within the period, the office has to maintain its status and standards compliance which is checked periodically by the CIP through a surveillance audit.

 

“With the certification, we now take the path to a more systematized and efficient delivery of our work and continually find rooms for improvement,” Cebrano added. 

CIP Managing director Renato V. Navarette conferred the certification during the DOLE - Davao's 6th  Social Partnership Activity held recently in Waterfront Insular Hotel here. (Sherwin B. Manual/ DOLE 11)

Peace Advocates to hold a forum on CARHRIHL in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Mar 21 (PIA) Peace advocates in Davao Region will discuss the impact of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law sixteen years after it was forged by the government and the communist movement in a forum at the Ateneo De Davao University on March 25.

Professor Gail Ilagan, convenor of the  Bantay-Bayanihan cited the need to expound further the agreement to the community since the document remains not very well understood.

She said various stakeholders have endeavored to convene a forum to create a dialogue space towards building an extensive constituency to reaffirm the CARHRIHL’s salient provisions which uphold and protect the rights and interests of civilians.

The CARHRIHL Multi-stakeholders Summit shall be held on March 25, 2014 at 8:00am-12:00 p.m. Finster Auditorium, 7th Floor of Finster Hall, Ateneo de Davao University.

Ilagan said key leaders coming from the academe, indigenous peoples, civil society groups, local government units, national agencies, business, governance, the religious, media, and the security sector are expected to convene in this summit to affirm their collective interests for peace, social justice, and the common good.

Lead convenors include the Ateneo de Davao University, Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA), Bantay Bayanihan – Davao, Bishop-Ulama Conference (BUC), Mindanao Business Council (MBC), and the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL). (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Resident ombudsman program under evaluation

DAVAO CITY, Mar 24 (PIA) The newly-appointed Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao revealed the current evaluation of the resident ombudsman program to effectively fight graft and corruption in the government service.

Atty. Rodolfo Elman, deputy ombudsman for Mindanao said there were instances where resident ombudsmen were involved in irregularities by which his office also filed cases against them.

He said cases about erring ombudsmen occur in areas which are far from the central or Mindanao office like the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Elman said his office has been very careful in accrediting ombudsmen especially in far-away places.

He said there were instances when accredited ombudsmen abuse by using large identification cards, consequently deceiving the confidence of the public.

“There is an ongoing review of the resident ombudsman program, and one measure that we have followed here is not to allow them to conduct fact-finding investigation.  They are primarily responsible in extending public assistance,” Elman said.

He said fact-finding investigations are usually done by his office or with the cooperation of other agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation.  

Elman clarified that resident ombudsmen are not employees of the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao, but they have been designated to act as the agency’s eyes and ears, and to act immediately on requests for assistance that they may receive in their respective offices.

He explained that the designation of resident ombudsman is prompted by the lack of manpower in his agency.

“We have to get the necessary assistance from them and they are required to submit regular reports to us on their accomplishments on a regular basis,” Elman said.

He said his office even seeks the observation of the clergy particularly their observation on the character of the candidate for the post.  

Meantime, Elman enumerated the cases filed by the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao against officials of local government units and employees of line government agencies as of the end of 2013.

He said these were 344 cases filed against LGUs, 40 cases against  employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform,  36 cases against the employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,  21 cases against the employees of the Land Transportation Office, 18 cases against the employees of the Department of Education, 17 cases against the members of the Philippine National Police, 14 cases against the employees of state colleges and universities, 13 cases against the employees of the  Bureau of Internal Revenue, nine cases against the employees of the Department of Agriculture,  four against the employees of Bureau of Customs, four against the employees of the Department of Interior and Local Government and three against the employees of the Bureau of Fire Protection.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Megaworld to build P15-billion township in Davao City

DAVAO CITY- An 11-hectare property in Davao's bustling Lanang district will soon host a P15-billion township project to be developed by Megaworld.

The property giant whose developments include Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, Newport City in Pasay, Mckinley Hill in Taguig and the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park in Iloilo signaled their entry in Mindanao with a mix-used office and residential development situated in the former Lanang Golf and Country Club owned by the Dakudaos. 

Named as the Davao Park District, Megaworld's township will have modern office towers aimed for business process outsourcing companies, there also will be condominiums, malls, commercial strips and a school.

Jericho Go, Megaworld's First Vice-President said the project is expected to generate about 20,000 jobs. 

The project is aimed to become Davao City's newest Central Business District and a center for information technology and BPO industries in Mindanao.

Go speaking to reporters during their launch press conference held last March 19 in Marco Polo Hotel Davao said that they are luring Megaworld's existing 130  tenants mostly IT-BPO and multination companies and many has expressed interest in the project.

Go bared that about 5 to 10 locators are interested to put offices in the business park.

Megaworld officials cited Davao's favorable business climate which is friendly to businesses particularly in the aspect of peace and order.

Lanang, a former sleepy suburb in the northern part of the city now hosts major real estate developments like malls, hotels  condominums and IT-BPO parks. (PIA/RG Alama)