DOLE jobs fitting project to address issues on jobs, skills mismatch
According to the Information and Publication Service of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the project aims to identify within the next 10 months the preferred skills in priority industries that must be produced per region up to year 2020.
The project will put together a robustly flexible road map that would guide students and new entrants to the labor force in identifying college and technical-vocational courses that they may pursue to land in available industry jobs or to engage in self-employment undertakings required by the economy after graduation.
The Jobs Fit road map would also be basis of the education sector and other concerned stakeholders in providing training and educational scholarships and in developing appropriate curricula and career materials.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said Project Jobs Fit is among the priority deliverable programs that the DOLE and its family of agencies commit to pursue and deliver to constituents beginning July 2009 to March 2010, the DOLE’s Information and Public Service disclosed. (PIA6/T. Villavert)
PNP steps up police reform efforts in Siquijor
by Rizalie Anding Calibo
“This is in adherence to the the PNP’s Integrated Transformation Program (ITP),” he said.
Specifically, the PNP director said, he is emphasizing “tamang bihis” among PNP personnel which he also said is a symbol of “police authority and public trust”, along with spiritual nourishment and moral values enhancement as essential ingredients to achieving reforms.
For human resource development, Ysulat said, some of his personnel have undergone mandatory and specialization training, as he encouraged more to do the same.
Ysulat claimed that the vigorous implementation of the Transformation Program has already resolved many organizational dysfunctions and has significantly improved the quality of police services in the province citing among others the acquisition of new patrol cars that has significantly improved the mobility and capability of the three police stations namely, Siquijor, Larena and Maria and the allocation for new building and equipment facilities for the Larena Police Station.
Significant reforms among his personnel’s behavior towards work and people, and improvement in the cleanliness and orderliness of offices and police station is also very visible, he said.
Asked how it contributed to the PNP’s campaign against criminality, Ysulat affirmed the province’s crime volume from January September this year has significantly reduced compared to the same period of last year.
Meanwhile, as part of the Transformation Caravan from October 12 t0 15, the local PNP has initiated local activities that started with a simultaneous coastal clean-up drive by all police stations and the provincial command in the morning of October 12 and a tree planting inside the camp premises in the afternoon.
On October 13, a series pulong-pulong/dialaogues were conducted with the high school students of Ponong and Cang-alwang High Schools and on October 14, a media forum on “Transformation Caravan: Pushing Forward the Genuine PNP Transformation” with chief of police of each municipality and SPPO staff officers and a medical and dental mission at Barngay Caipilan, Siquijor, Siquijor.
The weeklong Tranformation Caravan was culminated with a Torch run that symbolizes the ongoing efforts of the PNP to effect genuine transformation in the organization throughout the country.
The PNP’s ITP covers 10 major areas that should undergo reforms to transform the PNP into a capable, effective and credible police force.
These are national policy and institutions development; police operations; facilities development; human resources development; administrative and financial management; strategic planning and performance management; information and communication technology; demonstration of excellence through development of best practices; public information and advocacy; and reform management. (PIA)
Students host Consumer Awareness Seminar
Harly R. Tadi, President, JMS, during the opening program challenged his fellow students to learn from the discussions of the speaker and become a well informed and vigilant consumer.
Since the focus of this year’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration is on Generic Drugs, Irene Duldoco of the Provincial Health Office discussed the Generic Drugs Act and the Cheaper Medicines Act as a government’s response to the problem of inadequate provision of good quality essential drugs to the people. She emphasized consumers must ask the pharmacist for information of generic names and comparative prices of various medicines.
The topic correlates with this year’s theme: “Gawang Pinoy, Galing Pinoy! Tangkilikin Natin”.
Lynna Joy B. Cardinal, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), talked about the Eight Basic Consumer Rights. Consumers can get the best value for their hard-earned money if they assert their rights to their basic needs, safety, information, choice, education, representation, redress and healthy environment.
For right to healthy environment, Josephine Maguad, Environment Management Protection Provincial Staff of DENR discussed about Global Warming and Climate Change. Human activities that alter the composition of the atmosphere directly results to climate change. Consumers, who have the right to a healthy environment must be the ones to protect it. Everyone is encouraged to save electricity, plant trees, recycle and reduce the use of non-renewable sources of energy.
On the other hand, Nancy Montecastro, Engr. Larry Bolivar and May Jane Plameras of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist shared to the participants the program and thrusts of the Department of Agriculture which are, Organic Agriculture and Malunggay Technology, respectively. Food as a basic need must be readily available. It was emphasized that the best source of organic products is right in our own garden.
Gladys Gallano, Administrative and Information Officer of NFA Antique gave the overview of the Philippine Grains Standardization Program, NFA Rice Procurement and Distribution Programs. With these programs, consumers are assured of stable supply and good quality of rice and can exercise their power of choice.
The convergence of different agencies in disseminating information of major concerns to consumers is a continuing activity being facilitated by DTI to provide knowledge and awareness to consumers which are necessary for better decision making, critical choices and asserting of rights. (PIA/DTI)
President Arroyo breaks ground for Estancia water supply improvement project
Iloilo City (17 October) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulated the people of Estancia, Iloilo for being able to have a better water supply through the improvement and expansion of their local water district.
President Arroyo visited the municipality, October 17 to lead the groundbreaking of the improvement and expansion of the water supply system of Estancia Water District with a P30-million financial assistance from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
LWUA Chairman Prospero, who joined the President at the groundbreaking ceremony at the project site in Barangay Bayuyan, said the project is part of the Ten-Point Agenda of President Arroyo particularly in enabling all barangays in the country to have access to potable water supply.
Pichay said the President is doing this because water is a basic necessity of the Filipinos. “Kinakailingan ito ng mga tao,” added Pichay.
Estancia Mayor Restituto Mosqueda thanked President Arroyo for helping the people of his municipality in having the project for their water district.
In his briefing on the project for President Arroyo, Water District General Manager Engr. Rodney Agregado said the major components of the project include the following: (a) construction of four dug wells and pumping station with appurtenant facilities; (b) construction of a second ground reinforced-concrete reservoir with a capacity of 250 cubic meters; (c) construction of pipelines and valves including blow-offs and hydrants; (d) installation of 364 service connections; (e) acquisition and installation of power generator set; (f) implementation of non-revenue water reduction program; (g) interconnection of pipeline along two service areas; (h) replacement of existing 150 millimeter ACP pipes; and (i) acquisition of lots for the dug wells and reservoir sites.
Pichay said the water district would be able to enhance its system with the financial assistance P25 million of which is a grant with the P5 million as loan component.
Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas and other local government and LWUA officials joined the President at the event that took place about a week after the local water district marked its 22nd founding anniversary. It was formed on October 9, 1987 and started operations a year later.
The President’s presence in Estancia town was part of her two-day visits, October 16-17 to Negros Occidental and Iloilo provinces in Western Visayas to inaugurate, inspect and launch various development projects as part of her resolve to push economic development and fight poverty.
From said town, the President proceeded to Passi City to be briefed on the jathropa plantation project of the Philippine National Oil Company-Alternative Fuels Corporation (PNOC-AFC) by board director Jesry Palmares.
She timed her visit yesterday, October 16 to Negros with the world-wide celebration of the International Day to Fight Extreme Poverty. The President said that one way to fight poverty in the country is helping farmers boost their productivity and income through agricultural support systems embodied in the F.I.E.L.D.S. program of the agriculture department.
While in Negros, President Arroyo also lauded the small but hardworking town of Moises Padilla for rising from a humble beginning to become a progressive community. It is now the livestock center of the province. (PIA 6-JSC)
PGMA unveils obelisks, inaugurates “The Bridges of Isabela”
Hinigaran, Negros Occ. (16 October) — President Gloria M. Arroyo braved the searing midday sun here as she inaugurated the Hinigaran–Isabela (Bagacay) P54.1 million Bridge on board a pick-up that cut through a ribbon amidst the cheering of a huge crowd.
She also unveiled an obelisk of the bridge that is nestled in the middle of this vast sugarcane field. The bridge connects the municipalities of Hinigaran to Isabela making the trip safer and faster.
Pres. Arroyo was with presidential brother-in-law Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo who is the Fifth District Representative of the province, Negros Occ. Governor Zayco, Isabela Mayor Renato Malabor, Hinigaran Mayor Hermilo Aguilar and Brgy. Captains Molly Monares and Levy Mallorca.
“We are always on the side of the president. No other president has given Isabela much progress than President Gloria M. Arroyo. We love the president,” said the thankful Mayor Malabor adding that two other major bridges were constructed in Isabela- Bagroy and Alicante Bridges.
For his part, Mayor Aguilar also expressed his thanks to the president as the new bridge has given confidence to motorist of a safe travel even in bad weather as the old one has become dangerous during typhoons and strong rains.
President Arroyo then proceeded to inaugurate Bagroy Bridge that connects Isabela to the home town of First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo- Binalbagan.
After which, the president motored to Pedro Yulo Sports and Cultural Center in Binalbagan where she distributed medical kits to barangay captains and wheelchairs to beneficiaries in a jam-packed center.
Despite the sweltering heat in the venue, President Arroyo shook hands with the crowd and huddled with the sick and differently-abled citizens to whom she personally handed the wheelchairs.
She was met by PCSO Visayas Mindanao Department Manager William Medici, PCSO Region 6 Director Jeanette Oberio and town Mayor Alejandro Mirasol. (PIA-LOL)
Samar barangay chairman dies in shooting incident
By Ninfa B Quirante
Catbalogan, Samar (15 October) — A barangay chairman from Villahermosa, Pagsanghan died yesterday, October 14, 2009 in a shooting incident in the vicinity of Barangay Canlapwas, Pagsanghan, Samar as he was en route to his barangay on board a motorcycle for hire.
In a spot report provided by Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO), it said that Barangay Chairman Rene Tabianan y Dante, 46 years old sustained neck injuries from a.45 caliber pistol used by the three unidentified assailants.
The victim died on the spot. Witnesses said that suspects fled towards the hilly portion of the barangay.
PNP Pagsanghan dispatched a team to pursue fleeing suspects but were unable to effect any arrest
The case is now under investigation.
It will be recalled that in May of this year, a Pagsanghan SB member named Florencio Ripol was also riddled with bullets by unidentified suspects in Barangay Concepcion, Gandara while the victim was alighting from a motorboat from Pagsanghan. It was not clear what happened to the case. (PIA-Samar)
BIR “Handang Maglingkod” program evaluation on
Iloilo City (15 October) — Which Revenue District Office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) located in Panay Island renders the most effective taxpayer service?
This will be known after the Handang Maglingkod Program Team finishes their evaluation of the five revenue district offices of BIR in Panay Island starting Tuesday, October 20 to 23.
Started in 1990 by the BIR, the Handang Maglingkod Program aims to evaluate the performance of certain BIR offices in implementing particular taxpayer service related activities and to determine which are best able to meet the prescribed performance measures.
It furthers seeks to enhance service of BIR to taxpayers, institute a system for measuring taxpayer satisfaction levels, craft inputs to the performance measurements of BIR officers, and enhance cooperation between the BIR and private sector organizations.
To successfully implement the program, the agency has enlisted the support of the private sectors such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
During the selection process, these organizations assist the BIR in evaluating the performance of its offices in the frontline services delivery.
The HMP team in Panay Island is composed of BIR Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayers Assistance Service Aida Simborio, BIR 6 Director Alert Alocilja, IBP Iloilo Chapter President Atty. Marven Daquilanea, PICPA President William Lozada and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ramon Cua-Locsin. (PIA)
All indigents in Capiz get health insurance
by Jemin B. Guillermo
Roxas City (15 October) — Capiz has already universally covered its target for the health insurance program.
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Provincial Head here Joe Frederick Diaz disclosed that Capiz province has already covered 68,790 families under its bottom 50 poor population target for this year.
Diaz said that the province here has already a health insurance universal coverage in 2008.
In fact, he said, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco was awarded in June 11,2009 a Plaque of Recognition by the PhilHealth for its efforts in universally covering the poorest population in Capiz.
Diaz said that the recognition was held during the joint PhilHealth and Governor’s forum in Manila which was attended by the Governor’s League of the Philippines.
As of August, Diaz said that they have a total of 161,765 health insurance members here, benefiting approximately 808,825 family members.
According to him, the sponsored program for the indigent families has enrolled 68,790 while 30,841 are individually paying members and 16,805 are employed in the government service.
On the other hand, their health insurance members in the private sector account to 32,731, while the non-paying or lifetime members and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are recorded at 3,242 and 9,356, respectively, Diaz said.
He also reiterated that health insurance program has been a big help by the government to the people, especially to the poor because they could access quality health care services in both government and private hospitals and centers.
Health, including universal health insurance coverage and cheaper medicines, has been one of the top priority programs of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In her State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, the President revealed that 86 percent of the population in the Philippines is now enjoying Philhealth insurance coverage.
She also said that as part of its economic resiliency plan amidst the global economic crisis, the government is providing additional PhilHealth benefits for the universal health coverage particularly of the poorest sector. (PIA)
DOH, DOLE orient second batch of NARS trainees
By Bong Pedalino
Maasin City (15 October) — Regional and provincial personnel of two national government agencies, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), jointly conducted a two-day orientation for the Nurses Assigned in Rural Service (NARS) Project today and tomorrow, October 16, at the Candy’s Function Hall, this city.
The two-day activity was a requirement before the attending audience, the 95 newly-licensed professional nurses, can be deployed to their specific places of assignments anywhere around the 18 municipalities and one city of Southern Leyte province, at five NARS nurses each per local government unit (LGU), said Norma Fe Valuis, DOLE Provincial Director who discussed the details of the program.
In his welcome remarks that doubled as an inspirational talk, Dr. Joselito Trumata, Provincial Health Officer and head of the Salvacion Oppus Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH), challenged the young health workers “to put into practice what they learned in nursing schools.”
Their six months’ tour of duty starts today, October 15, with a monthly stipend of P 8,000.00, the money sourced from DOLE’s funds.
This was the second batch of the NARS project in Southern Leyte province. However, the first batch, which started last April, had only ten municipalities served, like Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Libagon, Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Malitbog, and Limasawa.
This time around all the 19 LGUs are covered by NARS, making Southern Leyte the only province in the region with a complete slate of the NARS program, said Letty Tan, the DOH representative for Maasin City.
The NARS Project was launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang last February 9 this year during a multi-sectoral summit “Joining Hands Against Global Crisis”, and it was put under the resiliency plan of the Arroyo administration.
Among its general objectives was to improve delivery of health care services especially in poor communities, and to create a pool of registered nurses with enhanced clinical and preventive health management competencies for national public and private sector and overseas employment.
One of the specific goals was to provide employment opportunities for underserved rural areas.
Interested applicants of the program must apply on-line at www.nars.dole.gov.ph. The applicant must have no nursing-related experience for the past three years, 35 years old and below at the time of deployment, physically and mentally fit, and preferably a resident of the identified town or nearby town.
Applicants from families of displaced workers shall be given priority, according to the inputs of DOLE Provincial Director Valuis. (PIA-Southern Leyte)
Feature: Wounded soldier is more determined to serve
By Ninfa B Quirante
Catbalogan, Samar (15 October) — Wounded soldier Lt Joash Pramis of the 63rd Infantry Battalion based in Catubig, Northern Samar vowed to serve more with passion and dedication after being wounded in a firefight.
The wounded personnel medal award he received from Major General Arthur Tabaquero yesterday boosted his morale, he told PIA-Samar.
The medal came after a year of service to the army as the young officer was commissioned in the year 2008.
Pramis together with his men Pfc Daryl Cantiller, Pfc Jerry Gabuta, Pfc Marwin Buctot, Pfc Charito Hinayon, Pfc Diosdado Domindo, Pfc Rex Velasco and Pfc Melchor Oli were wounded during an encounter with more or less 50 armed men in Barangay Hibunawan, Silvino Lobos, N Samar.
Col Armand Rico of the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID)D said that the rebels were led by a certain Billy Morado who were collecting money and foodstuff from the barangay.
Some unidentified residents tipped off the government troops and the ensuing firefight lasted for thirty minutes.
Pramis said as the leader, he did not lose focus and vowed to fight the enemies of the state.
Because of his injuries, he was airlifted to the army hospital, but not without making sure first that his men would live.
This gallant officer dreamed of becoming a soldier in his early years in Luzon, the soldiers’ gait and precise movements, he said inspired him to take soldiery and carry on his mission.
However, this young official said that the anti insurgency campaign can not be won by bullets alone, he believes that socio-economic development projects could help find the solution.
This gentleman thinks that what every soldier does is a contribution to finding the solution, be it in combat or non combat efforts like medical mission, bringing development projects to remote areas and helping the people in times of calamities and disaster. (PIA-Samar)
