DOLE-R1 sets up 2-way feedback mechanism to improve service delivery
San Fernando City, La Union (31 August) — The Department of Labor and Employment-Region 1 has recently set up a 2-way feedback mechanism at its Regional Office and six Field Offices to receive information or questions from the public to be able to further facilitate and improve its service delivery services.
“The effort is aligned with the administration’s thrust of strengthening the process of consultation and feedback, in its bid to respond more effectively and quickly to its clients’ concerns,” DOLE 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena explained.
Jalbuena said that the DOLE Regional Office and its field offices in the Cities of Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Vigan (Ilocos Sur), San Fernando (La Union), Dagupan and Alaminos (Pangasinan); and Rosales (Pangasinan) have set up “feedback boxes” where feedback forms containing comments, suggestions and questions from clients will be dropped.
Broadly, the feedback mechanism involves: 1) receipt of the feedback from the client and 2) communicating the responses back to the client or the general public.
First, an Officer-of-the-Day requests all clients to fill out a form after transacting with the office and to drop it in a box intended for the purpose. The forms will be collected every fifteen days, summarized into reports and submitted to the DOLE Central Office for appropriate action.
“The public can be assured that all their concerns on labor and employment will reach Malacañang through the DOLE,” Jalbuena said, as he explained that all concerns actionable at the regional or field level will be immediately responded to.
All responses to client concerns will be documented by its communications office, which will communicate them back to the clients and the general public for their information.
Jalbuena added that aside from the feedback boxes, its regional website also provides a forum for public queries. According to him, the DOLE 1 replies to at least 10 queries every month since the publication of the website.
To allow for wider communication between the DOLE and the people, DOLE 1 will also look into the possibility of using other mediums like SMS, where the latter may send their questions or concerns to a designated specialized number.
“Ultimately, these communication channels will enable the public to know more about DOLE services and how they can benefit from these by giving them easy access to all our offices,” Jalbuena said. (PIA)
NVizcaya TESDA awards mining firm
by Ben Moses Ebreo
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (August 31) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority(TESDA) here recently awarded a mining firm for his support and contribution in advocating and harnessing the skills of Novo Vizcayanos towards employment.
The enterprise-based program award was given to MTL company during the recent culminating program of TESDA’s 16th anniversary which also featured trainings and job and livelihood fairs.
“MTL was awarded for their support and contribution in implementing the programs and services of TESDA in Nueva Vizcaya,” Eva Doniego, TESDA’s senior technical education and skills development officer said.
MTL which was later on transformed into FCF Minerals Corporation also received an award from TESDA for being an active partner on the employment program of the agency and for sustaining its role.
Doniego said FCF Minerals Corporation was an active supporter of TESDA’s recruitment and advocacy program in employing skilled workers from the province through the provision of technical and financial assistance.
From 2006 to 2010, the company has employed some 770 Novo Vizcayanos through the Hanjin Heavy Industries Incorporated (HHII) based in Subic, Zambales.
“We are glad that Hanjin resumed its recruitment through the FCF Minerals Corporation after its participation to the global recession in 2009,” Doniego said. (PIA NVizcaya)
OWWA invites 4th year HS dependents of OFWS to apply for scholarship
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (28 August) — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is calling on fourth year high school students who are dependent of active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to apply for the OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).
According to Laranang, the EDSP is open to all fourth year high school who is either a child of a married OFW or a brother/sister of a single or unmarried OFW, and active OWWA member.
The top 150 examiners for this year’s qualifying examination nationwide will be included as OWWA EDSP scholars.
‘Application for the qualifying examination is already available at the OWWA regional office or can be downloaded from the OWWA website – www.owwa.gov.ph. Deadline for submission is September 30,’ Laranang said.
Last year, six students from the region – one each from Baguio and Benguet and four from Kalinga, qualified for the scholarships. Four of them are now enrolled at the Saint Louis University, one at the University of Baguio and one enrolled in a university in Manila. At present, OWWA-CAR maintains 29 EDSP scholars for the region.
EDSP provides a P60,000 per year or P30,000 per semester scholarship assistance to qualified scholars, who can enroll in any four to five years baccalaureate course in any Commission on Higher Education (CHED)- accredited higher education institution in the country.
For the documentary requirements, applicants need to show an OWWA membership certification for their OFW benefactor, a birth certificate (for a child of an OFW) and birth certificate of both the applicant and his OFW brother or sister (if the applicant is a sibling of a single OWWA member OFW), a certification from their school (for good moral character and certification that they belong to the high school graduating batch), an a health certificate.
The applications can be submitted to the OWWA regional office located at Private Road, Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City or can be endorsed through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial offices.
For more details and information, interested applicants can call OWWA-CAR at telephone numbers 445-2260 or 300-3658.
Meanwhile, Laranang also reiterated OWWA’s call on any non-government organization, people’s organization (POs), religious organizations or associations, community-based socio-civic organizations/associations, and local government units all throughout the region, to send in their nominations for the 2010 Regional Search for the Most Outstanding OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA). Deadline for nominations is on September 17.
The MOFYA search is a yearly activity of OWWA where two winners will be chosen by a Regional Screening and Selection Committee, one each from the land- based and the sea-based OFW category.
The regional winners will then compete with the winners in the 16 other regions, for the National Model OFW Family of the Year Award. (PIA)
PNoy vows justice to those accountable in hostage-taking incident
Manila (27 August) — President Benigno Aquino III vowed that justice will be served to those found accountable for the Luneta Grandstand hostage-taking incident and subsequent botched rescue attempt by security forces last Monday (August 23) that led to the death of eight Hong Kong nationals.
The President, however, said that due process will be maintained and the results of the investigation being conducted by the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation into the case will be the basis for bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Ginagarantiya ko sa inyo: winawasto na nung gabi pa lang noon yung pagkakamali na nangyari at yan po ay ilalabas natin sa nalalapit na imbestigasyong pangungunahan ng DoJ at ng NBI (I assure you, we started to rectify whatever mistakes had been committed Monday evening, and you will be informed of the outcome of the investigation to be conducted by DOJ and the NBI),” the President said.
“May mga nagkulang, may mga magbabayad (There were shortcomings, but there will be justice),” he declared. (rck/2:00 pm.)
Aquino sends high-level delegation to China
Manila (26 August) — President Benigno Aquino III has designated a high level delegation to the People’s Republic of China to officially explain what transpired during Monday’s hostage taking incident which resulted in the death of eight Hongkong nationals.
The delegation is composed of Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and foreign affairs secretary Alberto Romulo.
In a press briefing Wednesday (Aug. 25) in Malacanang, the President said the delegation is making the necessary arrangements with the Chinese embassy and will proceed to Beijing to officially send a report to President Hu Jintao.
The delegation according to the President, will then proceed to Hong Kong to have a dialogue with the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region, Donald Tsang.
In a phone conversation with Tsang Tuesday (Aug. 24), the President explained the chronology of events that transpired during the bloody incident.
The President said he understands the anger of the people of Hong Kong because of the incident and asked for their understanding.
He assured that the government is already correcting the deficiencies in the implementation of operating procedures during the hostage taking.
“None of us wanted this outcome and we’d like to emphasize the fact that the primary consideration was to secure all of the hostages” the President said. (avc/5:45 p.m)
PMA entrance exam set on August 29
San Fernando City, Pampanga (26 August) — The Annual Entrance Examination for all applicants who dream of joining the Philippine Military Academy, the premier military institution of the country will be conducted simultaneously in 35 examination centers nationwide on Sunday, August 29.
All applicants must be a natural born Filipino citizen, physically fit, and have never been married. He must at least be 17 years old but not a day older than 22 years on April 1, 2011, a high school graduate with a grade point average of 85% or higher, and a minimum of 5’4″ tall for males and 5’2″ tall for the females.
Although the cut-off date for the submission of application was last August 21, walk-in applicants will be accepted. They are required to bring a true copy of their High School Form 137, authenticated or NSO copy of birth certificate and 2″ x 2″ ID picture with white background.
The examination permits were sent through mail to the address reflected by the applicants in their application forms and also can be verified at the venue during the examination.
The examination will cover the following subjects: Algebra and Geometry, Grammar and Composition, Reading and Comprehension, Verbal and Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis.
Once an applicant passed, he or she is expected to report to the PMA on April 1, 2011. Upon graduation from the PMA, cadets will be conferred the degree of Bachelor of Science with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
Major General Gaudencio, Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), himself a graduate of PMA Class 1979 said this is a rare privilege for the youths to join the noble profession of arms and be a part of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy or Philippine Air Force. Those who will pass the stringent examinations will receive stipend while having a free college education in the academy.
The PMA testing centers in Northern and Central Luzon are located in the following areas: Baguio City (PMA), Laoag City (Northwestern University), Dagupan City (Dagupan National High School), Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (Saint Mary’s University), Tuguegarao City (Cagayan National High School), Cabanatuan City (Araullo University), Tarlac City (Tarlac State University), and the City of San Fernando, Pampanga (Heroes Hall Bldg). (NOLCOM thru PIA 3)
President Aquino swears in more government officials
Manila (24 August) — President Benigno Aquino III personally administered the oaths of office to 36 new government officials in simple ceremonies held at Malacañang Palace’s Rizal Hall on Monday.
They are:
Herminio B. Coloma, Jr., Head, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO); Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, Chairperson, Commission on Higher Education; Daniel L. Lacson, Jr., Chairman, Government Service Insurance System; Karina Constantino David, Member, GSIS Board of Trustees;
Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr., president and CEO, Social Security System; Juan B. Santos, Chairman, SSS; Diane Pardo Aguilar, Commissioner, SSS; Francisco D. del Rosario, Jr., president and CEO, Development Bank of the Philippines; Jose A. Nunez, Chairman, DBP; Antonio Jose U. Periquet, Member, DBP and Juan Kevin G. Belmonte, Member, DBP.
The other officials were:
For the Department of Agrarian Reform: Antonio N. Parungao and Jerry E. Pacturan, Undersecretaries; Maria Theresa I. Martinez, Herminia Fe B. San Juan, and Mary Frances Pesayco Aquino, Assistant Secretaries;
For the Department of Justice: Jacqueline B. Veloria Mejia and Geronimo L. Sy, Assistant Secretaries;
For the Department of Tourism: Maria Victoria V. Jasmin and Domingo Ramon C. Enerio, Assistant Secretaries;
For the PCOO: Elizardo de Layola and Renato M. Marfil, Assistant Secretaries;
Regina Paz L. Lopez, Chairperson, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission; Peter N. Tiangco, Administrator, National Mapping and Resource Information, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Felizardo Serapio, Jr., Executive Director, Philippine Center for Transnational Crime;
Ma. Regina B. Martin, Administrator, Sugar Regulatory Administration; Gen. Rex Derequito Piad, Special Envoy for Transnational Crime; Chito Cruz, National Housing Authority; Geraldine Go Bernardo, Executive Director, Philippine Sports Commission; Jose Luis Reyes Gomez, Commissioner, PSC;
Teofilo C. Abejo II, Member, Toll Regulatory Board; Manuel E. Dimaculangan, Member, Board of Directors, Manila Economic and Cultural Office; Jaime C. Laya, Board of Trustees, Cultural Center of the Philippines; Maria Cristina V. Turalba, Board of Trustees, CCP; and Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, Chairman, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.
The President also administered the oaths of office to 15 newly-elected mayors comprising the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in the province of Leyte. (rck/ 3:35pm.)
DTI streamlines import-export business processing in R02
Tuguegarao City (August 24) — The Department of Trade and Industry recently announced that the processing of documents for import and export trades in Region 02 is now made easier and faster with the installation of the Philippine National Single Window (NSW) at the DTI-Cagayan Provincial Office.
Engr. Bernardino Mabborang, DTI-Cagayan Provincial Director said the NSW will facilitate imports and exports documentation.”It will prevent the traders from the costly and time-consuming processing that oftentimes bridge inefficiencies and such inefficiencies have been discouraging the import-export traders,” he added.
The project which is implemented through the mandate of Executive Order 482, “allows parties involved in import and export trade to lodge information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export and transit-related regulatory requirements.”
About 40 agencies were involved in the issuance of import and export licenses, permits and clearances for trade facilitation in the Philippines. With the introduction of NSW, the trade and logistics industry through the help of integrated ICT systems, will use a singe internet-based interface with the 40 government agencies. (PIA 2)
DSWD establishes SWD L-NET in R02
by Suzette Adduru
Tuguegarao City (24 August) — To enhance the capacity of organizations, agencies, schools and individuals that are engaged in poverty alleviation and social protection here, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 2 recently established the Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDL)-Net in region 2.
DSWD Director Arnel Garcia said the network aims to establish a self-regulating learning network where members and SWD constituencies can access, provide and avail of quality SWD capacity building programs and also, to sustain the functionality and viability of it to constituencies and clientele.
Here in region 2, two (2) representatives from academe, government organizations and non-government organizations were tapped to be the member of L-Net who have agreed to collaborate and ensure quality delivery of learning programs and services through training, exchanges and research.
The operation is composed of four phases: 1. Pre-operational phase, 2. Operational Phase, 3. Sustainability phase and, 4. Institutionalization phase, which will be done through bilateral arrangement and common program of members.
Pre-operational phase has 2 components: 1. Policy Development and Planning covers SWD environmental assessment, strategic positioning and planning and; 2. Organization and Mobilization includes recruitment and capacitating membership.
Operational Phase will be on Resource Generation through information exchange, standards for module development and managing capacity building activities and E-Learning Resource Center.
Sustainability phase is the continuous updating of capacity building activities.
Last phase is institutionalization wherein SWD Learning Network will be localized.
L-Net is meant to provide opportunities for acquisition of new knowledge, skills and paradigms that will empower and enhance capacities and capabilities of individuals and organizations to effectively deal with change so not to repeat the sins of the past. (PIA 2)
DOST Abra urges applicants to Philippine Science High School
by Maritess Beñas
Bangued, Abra (21 August) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is urging school teachers and parents of qualified pupils to file their application now for entrance examination to the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).
This is the urgent call of DOST-Abra Provincial Director Menandro Buenafe for applicants to file their applications at least two days before the deadline of filing on August 27, to give them time to submit the same to the DOST-CAR Regional Office in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Qualified applicants are Grade 6 pupils who belong to the upper 10% of the current class and do not have a grade lower than 80. If the pupils do not belong to the upper 10% of the class abut have special aptitude in Science and Math and 80 in all other subjects, they are still qualified to take the entrance test.
Applicants must be born on or after June 1, 1996, must be in good health to undergo a rigorous academic program, and must not have taken the PSHS national entrance examination previously.
Pupils from the private schools are required to pay a non-refundable testing fee of P100.00.
The examination will be on November 6, 2010.
Application forms are available at the DOST Offices in the Provincial Capitol Annex Building in Bangued and at the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) Lagangilang Campus, and at the Philippine Information Agency, also at Provincial Capitol Annex Building in Bangued. Forms can also be downloaded at the DOST website www.pshs.edu.ph.
For some months now, announcements regarding the application for the to the PSHS had been going on air over the local radio here, yet not a single application has been filed.
Meanwhile, consultants of the DOST-CA R visited four business firms in the province that are being assisted by the DOST. They are now in the process of finalizing the good manufacturing practices and improving the productivity, sanitation and food safety of the businesses. These firms are the Talledo Miki Commercial, producer of veggie noodles in Dolores; Lexan Delicacies, producer of the famous Bangued crackers and other processed foods in Bangued; A & C, the makers of muscuvado and other sugarcane-based products in Bangued; and the Jaydines Panciteria in San Juan.
Buenafe also trained the beneficiaries of the Self-Employment Association Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last August 19 on Product Development. Said training is a necessary component of the social preparation for the SE-K beneficiaries before they are given loans for their micro-enterprise projects. (PIA-Abra)
