Consumer Welfare Desks resolve 88% of consumer complaints at firm level
More stores are now addressing customer complaints at their level thus significantly helping the Department of Trade and Industry meet its target of speedy resolution of consumer complaints in the region.
This they do through the consumer welfare desks [CWDs] working within their respective store premises.
As of the first six months this year, 2,485 of the 2,842 complaints received or some 88% were resolved by some 137 CWDs throughout the region. The DTI –Caraga regional and provincial offices meanwhile handled 91 and resolved 86 cases within the same period.
Butuan City/ Agusan del Norte maintains 40 CWDs, 16 for Agusan del Sur, 39 and 42 for Surigao City/Norte and Surigao del Sur, respectively.
The CWDs are established, strengthened and maintained by the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure good customer care. They allow dissatisfied customers to immediately find redress on a complaint for a product or service at the store itself without elevating such complaint to DTI. They also ensure that complaining customers are well-taken cared of by the establishment through simple, clear and convenient procedures.
Aside from ensuring customer care, business establishments find the CWDs very beneficial to them. CWDs provide the business establishments a systematic analysis of complaints that can help them identify specific problems regarding products, suppliers or employees and help them avoid the same problem in the future.
Trainings and Seminars are conducted from time to time by the DTI among CWDs to improve staff skills in handling complaints courteously and fairly. (Lorijane D. Sacote and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
DTI extends offer of 50% off on business name registration fee
Business name applicants can still continue to enjoy 50% off of the regular registration fee until December 31, 2009.
This discounted rate was earlier offered for the first six months of this year in support of the national government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program [CLEEP] to help address the global financial crisis.
DTI Secretary Peter B. Favila signed DAO 09-05 Series of 2009 reducing the business name registration fee by half to promote and encourage business activities and generate employment in the advent of the global financial crisis.
The temporary cutback was implemented last January 12 this year for a period of six months which ended last July 15. An extension was made starting July 16 up to December 31 this year. Accordingly thereafter, the registration fees will revert back to Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00).
Business name registrations for the 1st semester totaled 3,753, up by 31% compared to the same period last year despite the anticipated economic downturn. (Lorijane D. Sacote and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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.
PCAB “help desk” just a text away
Contractors may now inquire the status of their application with the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) anytime, anywhere through text.
PCAB has recently established its help desk as a means to immediately respond to inquiries regarding contractors’ license application. By simply texting CIAP Help Desk to mobile number 09178482427, contractors will now be able to get information regarding their applications as soon as the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] regional offices have forwarded their complete documents to PCAB Manila.
The DTI regional offices accept, evaluate and process all PCAB applications and forward the same to Manila for PCAB’s approval.
Aside from sending SMS, inquiries can also be emailed at pcab@info.com.ph.
For the first semester of 2009, the DTI- Caraga evaluated and processed 41 contractors’ license applications. (Marson Jan S. Dolendo and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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DTI- awards bronze seals to 7 new certified establishments
The Department of Trade and Industry recently gave bronze seals to seven DTI-Certified Establishments (CEs).
The bronze seal is one of three levels of awards given to establishments which promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence. The bronze seal is given to establishments that religiously comply with fair trade laws (FTLs). The silver seal is awarded to establishments which, aside from complying with FTLs, display social responsibility in doing business in the community. The gold seal is awarded to establishments which are able to achieve the requirements for silver plus employing some elements aligned to ISO 9001 or the international standards of quality.
The newly-awarded establishments are United Bookstore, Gillamac’s Marketing, Emcor, Metro world Department Store, all from Butuan City, Mindanao Solid Mark- Cabadbaran Branch, TT & Company and Homerand Business Link both from Surigao del Sur.
As of to date, there are a total of 47 DTI-CEs in the region. Thirteen (13) of these are Silver Seal awardees with three (3) from Butuan City, six (6) from Agusan del Sur and four (4) from Surigao City/Norte. Those with bronze seals include twleve (12) for Butuan City/Agusan del Norte, four (4) for Agusan del Sur and seven (7) for Surigao del Norte and eleven (11) for Surigao del Sur.
DTI encourages consumers to patronize DTI- Certified Establishments to ensure quality product and service and best value for money. (Lorijane D. Sacote and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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.
SPIN Program kicks off with a P1M worth of initial orders in Caraga
P1 million worth of products were booked during the three selling missions conducted under the Sub-contracting Partners for Innovation or SPIN Program.
The booked orders included decorative candles, canisters and baskets made from nito. P .249Million worth of delivery were already made while negotiations estimated at around P.400 Million for abaca placemats and wooden bowls are still underway.
The Municipality of Talacogon provided support by giving out P .070 Million additional working capital to the Talacogon Weavers Association, the lead supplier for this transaction.
SPIN is a strategy to trickle down economic growth to the poorest of the poor. It encourages entrepreneurship specifically in cleared conflict areas. The big brother program matches exporters to subcontractors in the rural areas so that people in these areas can immediately generate income 33Point3, a Cebu-based company serves as the big brother of Caraga for the SPIN Program.
Meanwhile more product development and technology trainings in Buenavista of Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, Talacogon of Agusan del Sur, Cabadbaran and Barobo, Surigao del Sur are still ongoing to ensure that products meet the buyers’ requirements. The project has generated about seventy (70) jobs. (Emelina L. Calo and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Butuan City’s Otop Pasalubong Center: Dti-Adn & Create-Food’s Journey of Faith
It all started two years go with an idea and a desire: to help Butuan City and Agusan del Norte’s Micro-Entrepreneurs find a place to display their products, make sales, earn and improve their family income.
The implementation phase did not come easy. But with a strong desire and faith that it can really be done, nothing can be impossible. On November of 2007, the dream became a reality, Butuan City’s OTOP Pasalubong Center was launched at the Ground Floor of Gaisano Mall, carrying various food products of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte’s Micro and Small Entrepreneurs and managed by CREATE-FOOD, an Association of Food Processors in the locality.
The Pasalubong Center had its share of ups and downs (mostly downs). With an income that could hardly pay for its overhead expenses, the first six months of its operation was very grueling. It almost reached the point of closing down. The series of meetings, consultations, planning, and hard work by both DTI Provincial and Regional Offices and CREATE-FOOD Officers helped in lifting up the spirits of the prime movers and gave all parties the strength to move on and never quit.
True enough, to this day, the Pasalubong Center has carved its niche. With an average daily income of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos, serving more than fifty micro entrepreneurs, and a plan of expansion, the Butuan City’s Pasalubong Center has hurdled its most difficult stage and will continue to move on with its journey of faith. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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.
First Gen Corp to put up Puyo River Mini Hydroelectric Power Plant in Agusan del Norte
Now it can be told…First Gen Corporation, the largest Filipino-owned Independent Power Producer in the country is now in Agusan del Norte. The proposed Puyo River Hydroelectric Power Plant (the “Puyo Project”) will be located in Bgy. Bangonay, Municipality of Jabonga in the province of Agusan del Norte .
First Gen Corporation engaged GHD, an Australian consulting firm to undertake preliminary feasibility studies (pre-FS) in 2007. The pre-FS will confirm the results of the old NPC study on Puyo River. It showed promising results pushing First Gen to engage a consulting firm (SMEC) in 2008 to undertake the full feasibility study (technical, commercial, social and environmental aspects). The full feasibility study (FS) provided First Gen the information needed to assess the viability of the project in order to make an informed judgment and decision to proceed to the design and construction phase.
This project is expected to generate a total investment of Php 4.5 billion in the next four years (total cost of constructing run-of-river hydro power plants are said to be in the range of US$ 1.5 to 3.0 million per MW capacity depending on the topography or terrain of the area and the type and brand of equipment installed).
Another project in the pipeline is First Gen Cabadbaran. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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.
Micro entrepreneurs club on the momentum
After being organized around a year ago, the Micro Entrepreneurs Club (MEC) of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte has maintained its momentum in providing assistance to its members in the field of financing, productivity, trainings and marketing under the able leadership of its president, Mr. Glenn Jaen. MEC has conducted and participated in the following activities which have contributed to the growth and development of its members:
1. 5S of Good Housekeeping by RTWPB-Caraga Office
2. BMBE Orientation by City TIDD Office of the City of Butuan
3. Business Registration and Licensing Requirements by BIR
4. Briefing on DOLE’s programs and services for MSMEs
5. BFAD Briefing
6. Setting up of a Pasalubong Corner at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort
7. Caraga Students Business Congress 2009 (Selling Fair)
8. 2009 Calagan Festival
9. CFC Mindanao Leaders Convention (Selling Fair)
10. Bahandi 2009 (Balanghai Trade Fair)
11. Mason Convention (Selling Fair)
12. Financing Fora
Currently, MEC is holding office at Butuan City/Agusan del Norte SME Center, located at 3rd Floor Rudy Tiu Bldg., A.D. Curato St., Butuan City. MEC is open to any interested micro enterprise who wishes to join the club. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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.
Destruction of products not-conforming to the product standards law conducted in Butuan City
As part of the policy to protect consumers against hazards to health and safety, the DTI Provincial Offices regularly conduct monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance to the Product Standards Law (RA 4109 and DAO 2 Series of 2007) among business establishments selling or offering for sale products covered by mandatory product certification. As a result of these enforcement activities conducted in the first semester of 2009, thirteen (13) establishments in Butuan City voluntarily surrendered for proper disposition the products found to be not conforming with the requirements of the Product Standards Law.
Under the Department Order No. 17 Series of 1991, “Seized products which adversely affect health and/or safety shall be destroyed/condemned in the presence of the apprehending unit and the Commission on Audit”. For this purpose, the DTI Provincial Director of Butuan City/Agusan del Norte issued Provincial Memorandum Order No. 03, Series of 2009 ordering and giving authority for the destruction/condemnation of the said unsafe products.
A total of thirty nine (39) boxes of Violative Products with an estimated value of more than P 70,000 were totally destroyed on March 27, 2009 at the City Hall ground, Doongan, Butuan City. Together with the local DTI, representatives from the Commission on Audit, the Butuanong Konsumador, the Local Price Coordianting Council and City Administrator’s Office also attended the said event. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Consumer Welfare Desks in Business Establishments: Effective Partner in Consumer Protection
In order to enhance implementation DTI’s consumer protection mandate, the Department has adopted and encouraged the setting–up of Consumer Welfare Desks (CWDs) in business establishments which served as an in-house complaints-handling mechanism that provides appropriate information to consumers and the speedy resolution of consumer complaints at the store level.
The positive response of business establishments resulted to a total of forty (40) functional CWDs in leading establishments in Butuan City, including seven (7) new ones for the semester. The value of CWDs to the consumers and to consumer protection agencies is unimaginable. For the first six months of 2009, the CWDs were responsible for the resolution of 1,603 out of 1,906 consumer complaints received by the establishments with the rest still on process. One can just imagine the obvious implications and consequences if these complaints have to go through the tedious formal complaints resolution process because of the absence of CWDs.
With this, the DTI will persist even more to maintain and establish new CWDs for the benefit of the consumers in Butuan City / Agusan del Norte. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Cabadbaran establish Consumer Organization
The recent establishment of a consumer organization in Cabadbaran promises the evolution of a more empowered consumer sector in the area. With the initiative and support of the local government unit, the Cabadbaran Civil Society Organization Inc. had accepted the challenge of assuming the role as the recognized consumer organization in the city. It should be noted that the Department of Trade and Industry had been conducting consumer education seminars in Cabadbaran City in the past years with the view of eventually establishing a consumer organization which can ably represent the voice of the consumers in the second biggest business center of the province.
As a start, a seminar on Consumer Rights and Responsibilities was conducted to the officers of the new organization. Subsequently, the CO already formally attended the meeting as member of the newly set-up Local Price Coordinating Council of Cabadbaran. Thereon, the Cababaran Consumer Organization is expected to serve as partner of the DTI in implementing consumer protection programs in the area. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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DTI Awards Consumer-friendly Establishments with Seal of Excellence
To give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers, implement good business practices, and where consumers get best value for money, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched the Certified Establishment (CE) Program.
The DTI-CE Program is designed to promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence.
The CE Seal is awarded to establishments that meet the following parameters: compliance with the Fair Trade Laws; customer relations; store management and operation; socially committed and responsible business sector; compliance to ISO 9000 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14000 (Environmental Management System).
To date, a total of fifteen establishments in Butuan City / Agusan del Norte were awarded the DTI – CE Seal of Excellence, as follows:
1. Vic Imperial Appliance Plaza - Silver Seal
2. Quality Appliance Center - Bronze Seal
3. CITI Hardware Gensan, Inc - Silver Seal
4. Villahermosa Groseri - Bronze Seal
5. Mindanao Solidmark, Inc.
- P. Burgos Branch - Bronze Seal
6. Mindanao Solidmark, Inc.
- Langihan Branch - Bronze Seal
7. Fast Autoworld Phil. Corp. - Silver Seal
8. Butuan Mega Construction Supply - Bronze Seal
9. Butuan AVRM Marketing, Inc. - Bronze Seal
10. Sharp Phil., Corporation - Bronze Seal
11. New Metroworld Dept Store - Bronze Seal
12. United Bookstore - Bronze Seal
13. Gillamac’s Mktg, Inc- Butuan - Bronze Seal
14. Emcor, Inc.
– Butuan - Bronze Seal
15. Mindanao Solidmark, Inc. - Bronze Seal
- Cabadbaran
The establishments who have passed the parameters set by DTI can already boost that they do not only serve quality products but quality service as well. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Consumer Welfare gears to mitigate global crisis
With the global financial crisis still prevailing, the need for concerted efforts and cooperation among the affected sectors is deemed imperative. Hence, the government is initiating programs and activities to mitigate the negative impact to the most vulnerable sectors.
Among the projects identified is the implementation of price discounts on selected basic and prime commodities aimed to provide price reprieve to our poor consumers. Dubbed as “Produktong May Diskwento Para sa Mamimiling Pinoy” (Promo Diskwento), participating distributors of basic and prime commodities are gathered in one venue to sell their respective products at company prices.
As of date, DTI Butuan City / Agusan del Norte Office had conducted three (3) Promo/Diskwento activities in time with the celebrations of the Balanghai Festival, the Araw ng Agusan and the Adlaw Hong Butuan.. Participated in by nine (9) distributors/companies, the promo/diskwento activities generated a total sales of at least P150,000.00. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
More stores are now addressing customer complaints at their level thus significantly helping the Department of Trade and Industry meet its target of speedy resolution of consumer complaints in the region.
This they do through the consumer welfare desks [CWDs] working within their respective store premises.
As of the first six months this year, 2,485 of the 2,842 complaints received or some 88% were resolved by some 137 CWDs throughout the region. The DTI –Caraga regional and provincial offices meanwhile handled 91 and resolved 86 cases within the same period.
Butuan City/ Agusan del Norte maintains 40 CWDs, 16 for Agusan del Sur, 39 and 42 for Surigao City/Norte and Surigao del Sur, respectively.
The CWDs are established, strengthened and maintained by the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure good customer care. They allow dissatisfied customers to immediately find redress on a complaint for a product or service at the store itself without elevating such complaint to DTI. They also ensure that complaining customers are well-taken cared of by the establishment through simple, clear and convenient procedures.
Aside from ensuring customer care, business establishments find the CWDs very beneficial to them. CWDs provide the business establishments a systematic analysis of complaints that can help them identify specific problems regarding products, suppliers or employees and help them avoid the same problem in the future.
Trainings and Seminars are conducted from time to time by the DTI among CWDs to improve staff skills in handling complaints courteously and fairly. (Lorijane D. Sacote and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
DTI extends offer of 50% off on business name registration fee
Business name applicants can still continue to enjoy 50% off of the regular registration fee until December 31, 2009.
This discounted rate was earlier offered for the first six months of this year in support of the national government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program [CLEEP] to help address the global financial crisis.
DTI Secretary Peter B. Favila signed DAO 09-05 Series of 2009 reducing the business name registration fee by half to promote and encourage business activities and generate employment in the advent of the global financial crisis.
The temporary cutback was implemented last January 12 this year for a period of six months which ended last July 15. An extension was made starting July 16 up to December 31 this year. Accordingly thereafter, the registration fees will revert back to Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00).
Business name registrations for the 1st semester totaled 3,753, up by 31% compared to the same period last year despite the anticipated economic downturn. (Lorijane D. Sacote and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
PCAB “help desk” just a text away
Contractors may now inquire the status of their application with the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) anytime, anywhere through text.
PCAB has recently established its help desk as a means to immediately respond to inquiries regarding contractors’ license application. By simply texting CIAP Help Desk to mobile number 09178482427, contractors will now be able to get information regarding their applications as soon as the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] regional offices have forwarded their complete documents to PCAB Manila.
The DTI regional offices accept, evaluate and process all PCAB applications and forward the same to Manila for PCAB’s approval.
Aside from sending SMS, inquiries can also be emailed at pcab@info.com.ph.
For the first semester of 2009, the DTI- Caraga evaluated and processed 41 contractors’ license applications. (Marson Jan S. Dolendo and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
DTI- awards bronze seals to 7 new certified establishments
The Department of Trade and Industry recently gave bronze seals to seven DTI-Certified Establishments (CEs).
The bronze seal is one of three levels of awards given to establishments which promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence. The bronze seal is given to establishments that religiously comply with fair trade laws (FTLs). The silver seal is awarded to establishments which, aside from complying with FTLs, display social responsibility in doing business in the community. The gold seal is awarded to establishments which are able to achieve the requirements for silver plus employing some elements aligned to ISO 9001 or the international standards of quality.
The newly-awarded establishments are United Bookstore, Gillamac’s Marketing, Emcor, Metro world Department Store, all from Butuan City, Mindanao Solid Mark- Cabadbaran Branch, TT & Company and Homerand Business Link both from Surigao del Sur.
As of to date, there are a total of 47 DTI-CEs in the region. Thirteen (13) of these are Silver Seal awardees with three (3) from Butuan City, six (6) from Agusan del Sur and four (4) from Surigao City/Norte. Those with bronze seals include twleve (12) for Butuan City/Agusan del Norte, four (4) for Agusan del Sur and seven (7) for Surigao del Norte and eleven (11) for Surigao del Sur.
DTI encourages consumers to patronize DTI- Certified Establishments to ensure quality product and service and best value for money. (Lorijane D. Sacote and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
SPIN Program kicks off with a P1M worth of initial orders in Caraga
P1 million worth of products were booked during the three selling missions conducted under the Sub-contracting Partners for Innovation or SPIN Program.
The booked orders included decorative candles, canisters and baskets made from nito. P .249Million worth of delivery were already made while negotiations estimated at around P.400 Million for abaca placemats and wooden bowls are still underway.
The Municipality of Talacogon provided support by giving out P .070 Million additional working capital to the Talacogon Weavers Association, the lead supplier for this transaction.
SPIN is a strategy to trickle down economic growth to the poorest of the poor. It encourages entrepreneurship specifically in cleared conflict areas. The big brother program matches exporters to subcontractors in the rural areas so that people in these areas can immediately generate income 33Point3, a Cebu-based company serves as the big brother of Caraga for the SPIN Program.
Meanwhile more product development and technology trainings in Buenavista of Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, Talacogon of Agusan del Sur, Cabadbaran and Barobo, Surigao del Sur are still ongoing to ensure that products meet the buyers’ requirements. The project has generated about seventy (70) jobs. (Emelina L. Calo and Mary Grace M. Sanchez, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Butuan City’s Otop Pasalubong Center: Dti-Adn & Create-Food’s Journey of Faith
It all started two years go with an idea and a desire: to help Butuan City and Agusan del Norte’s Micro-Entrepreneurs find a place to display their products, make sales, earn and improve their family income.
The implementation phase did not come easy. But with a strong desire and faith that it can really be done, nothing can be impossible. On November of 2007, the dream became a reality, Butuan City’s OTOP Pasalubong Center was launched at the Ground Floor of Gaisano Mall, carrying various food products of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte’s Micro and Small Entrepreneurs and managed by CREATE-FOOD, an Association of Food Processors in the locality.
The Pasalubong Center had its share of ups and downs (mostly downs). With an income that could hardly pay for its overhead expenses, the first six months of its operation was very grueling. It almost reached the point of closing down. The series of meetings, consultations, planning, and hard work by both DTI Provincial and Regional Offices and CREATE-FOOD Officers helped in lifting up the spirits of the prime movers and gave all parties the strength to move on and never quit.
True enough, to this day, the Pasalubong Center has carved its niche. With an average daily income of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos, serving more than fifty micro entrepreneurs, and a plan of expansion, the Butuan City’s Pasalubong Center has hurdled its most difficult stage and will continue to move on with its journey of faith. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
First Gen Corp to put up Puyo River Mini Hydroelectric Power Plant in Agusan del Norte
Now it can be told…First Gen Corporation, the largest Filipino-owned Independent Power Producer in the country is now in Agusan del Norte. The proposed Puyo River Hydroelectric Power Plant (the “Puyo Project”) will be located in Bgy. Bangonay, Municipality of Jabonga in the province of Agusan del Norte .
First Gen Corporation engaged GHD, an Australian consulting firm to undertake preliminary feasibility studies (pre-FS) in 2007. The pre-FS will confirm the results of the old NPC study on Puyo River. It showed promising results pushing First Gen to engage a consulting firm (SMEC) in 2008 to undertake the full feasibility study (technical, commercial, social and environmental aspects). The full feasibility study (FS) provided First Gen the information needed to assess the viability of the project in order to make an informed judgment and decision to proceed to the design and construction phase.
This project is expected to generate a total investment of Php 4.5 billion in the next four years (total cost of constructing run-of-river hydro power plants are said to be in the range of US$ 1.5 to 3.0 million per MW capacity depending on the topography or terrain of the area and the type and brand of equipment installed).
Another project in the pipeline is First Gen Cabadbaran. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Micro entrepreneurs club on the momentum
After being organized around a year ago, the Micro Entrepreneurs Club (MEC) of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte has maintained its momentum in providing assistance to its members in the field of financing, productivity, trainings and marketing under the able leadership of its president, Mr. Glenn Jaen. MEC has conducted and participated in the following activities which have contributed to the growth and development of its members:
1. 5S of Good Housekeeping by RTWPB-Caraga Office
2. BMBE Orientation by City TIDD Office of the City of Butuan
3. Business Registration and Licensing Requirements by BIR
4. Briefing on DOLE’s programs and services for MSMEs
5. BFAD Briefing
6. Setting up of a Pasalubong Corner at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort
7. Caraga Students Business Congress 2009 (Selling Fair)
8. 2009 Calagan Festival
9. CFC Mindanao Leaders Convention (Selling Fair)
10. Bahandi 2009 (Balanghai Trade Fair)
11. Mason Convention (Selling Fair)
12. Financing Fora
Currently, MEC is holding office at Butuan City/Agusan del Norte SME Center, located at 3rd Floor Rudy Tiu Bldg., A.D. Curato St., Butuan City. MEC is open to any interested micro enterprise who wishes to join the club. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Destruction of products not-conforming to the product standards law conducted in Butuan City
As part of the policy to protect consumers against hazards to health and safety, the DTI Provincial Offices regularly conduct monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance to the Product Standards Law (RA 4109 and DAO 2 Series of 2007) among business establishments selling or offering for sale products covered by mandatory product certification. As a result of these enforcement activities conducted in the first semester of 2009, thirteen (13) establishments in Butuan City voluntarily surrendered for proper disposition the products found to be not conforming with the requirements of the Product Standards Law.
Under the Department Order No. 17 Series of 1991, “Seized products which adversely affect health and/or safety shall be destroyed/condemned in the presence of the apprehending unit and the Commission on Audit”. For this purpose, the DTI Provincial Director of Butuan City/Agusan del Norte issued Provincial Memorandum Order No. 03, Series of 2009 ordering and giving authority for the destruction/condemnation of the said unsafe products.
A total of thirty nine (39) boxes of Violative Products with an estimated value of more than P 70,000 were totally destroyed on March 27, 2009 at the City Hall ground, Doongan, Butuan City. Together with the local DTI, representatives from the Commission on Audit, the Butuanong Konsumador, the Local Price Coordianting Council and City Administrator’s Office also attended the said event. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Consumer Welfare Desks in Business Establishments: Effective Partner in Consumer Protection
In order to enhance implementation DTI’s consumer protection mandate, the Department has adopted and encouraged the setting–up of Consumer Welfare Desks (CWDs) in business establishments which served as an in-house complaints-handling mechanism that provides appropriate information to consumers and the speedy resolution of consumer complaints at the store level.
The positive response of business establishments resulted to a total of forty (40) functional CWDs in leading establishments in Butuan City, including seven (7) new ones for the semester. The value of CWDs to the consumers and to consumer protection agencies is unimaginable. For the first six months of 2009, the CWDs were responsible for the resolution of 1,603 out of 1,906 consumer complaints received by the establishments with the rest still on process. One can just imagine the obvious implications and consequences if these complaints have to go through the tedious formal complaints resolution process because of the absence of CWDs.
With this, the DTI will persist even more to maintain and establish new CWDs for the benefit of the consumers in Butuan City / Agusan del Norte. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
Cabadbaran establish Consumer Organization
The recent establishment of a consumer organization in Cabadbaran promises the evolution of a more empowered consumer sector in the area. With the initiative and support of the local government unit, the Cabadbaran Civil Society Organization Inc. had accepted the challenge of assuming the role as the recognized consumer organization in the city. It should be noted that the Department of Trade and Industry had been conducting consumer education seminars in Cabadbaran City in the past years with the view of eventually establishing a consumer organization which can ably represent the voice of the consumers in the second biggest business center of the province.
As a start, a seminar on Consumer Rights and Responsibilities was conducted to the officers of the new organization. Subsequently, the CO already formally attended the meeting as member of the newly set-up Local Price Coordinating Council of Cabadbaran. Thereon, the Cababaran Consumer Organization is expected to serve as partner of the DTI in implementing consumer protection programs in the area. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
.
.
DTI Awards Consumer-friendly Establishments with Seal of Excellence
To give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers, implement good business practices, and where consumers get best value for money, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched the Certified Establishment (CE) Program.
The DTI-CE Program is designed to promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence.
The CE Seal is awarded to establishments that meet the following parameters: compliance with the Fair Trade Laws; customer relations; store management and operation; socially committed and responsible business sector; compliance to ISO 9000 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14000 (Environmental Management System).
To date, a total of fifteen establishments in Butuan City / Agusan del Norte were awarded the DTI – CE Seal of Excellence, as follows:
1. Vic Imperial Appliance Plaza - Silver Seal
2. Quality Appliance Center - Bronze Seal
3. CITI Hardware Gensan, Inc - Silver Seal
4. Villahermosa Groseri - Bronze Seal
5. Mindanao Solidmark, Inc.
- P. Burgos Branch - Bronze Seal
6. Mindanao Solidmark, Inc.
- Langihan Branch - Bronze Seal
7. Fast Autoworld Phil. Corp. - Silver Seal
8. Butuan Mega Construction Supply - Bronze Seal
9. Butuan AVRM Marketing, Inc. - Bronze Seal
10. Sharp Phil., Corporation - Bronze Seal
11. New Metroworld Dept Store - Bronze Seal
12. United Bookstore - Bronze Seal
13. Gillamac’s Mktg, Inc- Butuan - Bronze Seal
14. Emcor, Inc.
– Butuan - Bronze Seal
15. Mindanao Solidmark, Inc. - Bronze Seal
- Cabadbaran
The establishments who have passed the parameters set by DTI can already boost that they do not only serve quality products but quality service as well. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Consumer Welfare gears to mitigate global crisis
With the global financial crisis still prevailing, the need for concerted efforts and cooperation among the affected sectors is deemed imperative. Hence, the government is initiating programs and activities to mitigate the negative impact to the most vulnerable sectors.
Among the projects identified is the implementation of price discounts on selected basic and prime commodities aimed to provide price reprieve to our poor consumers. Dubbed as “Produktong May Diskwento Para sa Mamimiling Pinoy” (Promo Diskwento), participating distributors of basic and prime commodities are gathered in one venue to sell their respective products at company prices.
As of date, DTI Butuan City / Agusan del Norte Office had conducted three (3) Promo/Diskwento activities in time with the celebrations of the Balanghai Festival, the Araw ng Agusan and the Adlaw Hong Butuan.. Participated in by nine (9) distributors/companies, the promo/diskwento activities generated a total sales of at least P150,000.00. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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DTI implements CLEEP in Butuan and Agusan Norte
In order to address the global financial crisis which resulted to the temporary or permanent closure of companies which further resulted to a number of displaced workers, DTI-Agusan del Norte implemented the CLEEP to give these displaced workers alternative or at least temporary means of livelihood while waiting for another employment opportunity.
For the period February 2 to June 30, 2009, DTI-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office was able to deliver the following to the locality’s displaced workers and their dependents, graduating students and out-of-school youths: 84 Training Activities were conducted, 26 of which is “Starting Your Own Business Enterprise (SYOBE)” and 58 were Skills Training on – Joining the Direct Selling Band Wagon, Perfume Making, Cologne Making, Fabric Conditioner Making, Massage Therapy and Reflexology, Abaca Rope Making, Meat Processing and Basic Hair Trimming. These training activities generated a total of 3,360 participants, where 427 MSMEs were developed and 427 Jobs were created. The above skills training activities were selected based on these criteria: a. minimal capitalization is required to be able to start the business immediately; b. skills are easily acquired; and, c. products are easily marketed. Thus, for the period, the newly developed micro-entrepreneurs were able to generate a total sales of Php 421,000.00. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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More jobs for Agusan del Sur thru SPIN
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR - “We should not be afraid of the global crisis, rather we should be prepared how to cope with the upturn of the economy,” says Mr. Jenifer Cruz of 33 point 3 Exports, Inc. to the handicraft weavers/producers in his visit in the province in April this year.
Cebu-based 33 point 3 Exports, Inc. with business experience of more than a decade is now one of the buyers of Talacogon Weavers Association [TWA]. This engagement is the output of the Sub-contracting Partners Innovation Program [SPIN] implemented in the province.
SPIN is a bold initiative of the DTI Region VII, the objective of which is to trickle down the export earnings of the region to the other parts of the country especially in areas that are wanting of government assistance. It is a program that links the local producers to exporters based in Cebu that is expected to provide more income to the handicraft producers aside from farming.
In his visit to the two [2] handicraft producing municipalities; Talacogon and Sibagat, with the DTI, DILG and Provincial Government personalities, Mr. Cruz expressed his appreciation on the quality, price and craftsmanship of their produce which he said is at par with his other suppliers.
TWA was the first to close an order with the company. It had already delivered its first transaction of 500 sets. In its 1,000 pieces follow-up order TWA initially delivered 664 sets worth P 219,120.00. It is now currently completing another purchase order worth P 330,000.00. TWA employs 40 weavers from the different barangays in Talacogon and is expected to employ more in the coming months.
Sibagat, the province’s leading abaca producer, is also seen to have a good future with the company thru the placemats and sinamay currently produced by the Sibagat Weavers Association.
SAFRAADAP, a group of differently-abled persons which is a recipient of DTI’s product prototyping is also being eyed as future subcontractor under the SPIN. Its new product lines, placemats and wooden trays are being considered by the exporter. Execution and mass production will start after the recommended enhancement is done and transaction order is finalized.
Dir. Aster Caberte, Regional Director of DTI Cebu who had joined the visit in the province urged the local producers to share their skills, train more individuals and share their expertise to others to be able to meet what she said could be increasing demand. She also acknowledged the fact that the local weavers as sub-contractors play an important support role enabling exporters to cope with their orders from foreign buyers. (Irene B. Lavilla, DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Caraga)
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Emergency hirees help DTI-Agusan Sur expand its services
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR - The Department of Trade and Industry in Agusan del Sur [DTI-AdS] has expanded its services in response to the need to provide alternative means of livelihood to those affected by the economic crisis.
This the office did with the help of personnel who are themselves part of the group of targeted beneficiaries.
DTI-ADS was given funding under the agency’s Comprehensive Emergency Employment Program [CLEEP] to do emergency hiring of seven [7] personnel. Two were hired as training personnel for the agency’s alternative livelihood assistance program, one as Financial Analyst to help beneficiaries source funding for their IGPs, and four were assigned to help out the Consumer Welfare Division in conducting weekly price monitoring and reporting on basic and prime commodities in key towns of the province.
The additional price monitors who were deployed in San Francisco, Trento, Talacogon and Bayugan City allowed the provincial office to do extensive monitoring of business establishments. About 459 business establishments were also checked on the compliance of price tag, business name registration and product labeling. This contributed to the increase of business name applications filed in the office.
The CLEEP training assistance on the other cover both skills and management “how-to” packages including “starting a business”, basic recording and costing, business plan preparation and micro-financing. Offered as well were trainings on skills and technology demonstration on food processing, flower and handicraft making especially directed to the women, agrarian reform beneficiaries and other would-be entrepreneurs.
Management trainings were given to individuals, farmers, food processors and enterprise bank clients in the province. The local banks believe that with this type of business management assistance, their clients will be guided in using their borrowed funds more wisely.
As of end of the 1st semester, DTI- AdS has already conducted 57 CLEEP trainings to 1,560 participants. (Nestor A. SobrepeΓ±a and Ana Roselyn A. Colima, DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Caraga)
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OTOP-Agusan del Sur: a showcase of LGU initiatives
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR – Having identified the “winning” product for each of their towns, the local chief executives have continued to work to collectively push the One Town One Product [OTOP] program in this province, even taking in more products to support.
The OTOP products decided for each of the municipalities are - 1]Sibagat – abaca ; 2] Bayugan City – banana; 3] Prosperidad – rubber; 4] San Francisco – processed food; 5] Rosario – integrated poultry; 6] Bunawan – tourism services; 7] Trento – organic products; 8] Sta. Josefa – organic products; 9] Veruela – rubber; 10] Loreto – rubber; 11] La Paz – rubber; 12] Talacogon – wood products; 13] San Luis – rattan; 14] Esperanza – tilapia.
Abaca in Sibagat is expanding to Prosperidad and Rosario. This is triggered by the high demand on tinagak that the former’s production volume could not meet. Bayugan’s banana chips is getting into the market with improved packaging and label. It is making sales at the trade fairs.
In support to San Francisco’s OTOP, the municipal LGU conceptualized and packaged a P110.6 million “San Francisco OTOP Terminal Complex” project. The facility will serve as the trading center of the town’s priority products. As a component, the LGU has also allocated working capital fund assistance to micro-entrepreneurs. The beneficiaries have been provided trainings and assistance on business plan preparation to qualify for the fund.
Tahay and silvercraft of Bunawan are the products developed related to its OTOP – tourism services. Product development assistance has been provided for the tahay and silvercraft. The silvercraft producers were sent to training in Manila and provided materials to execute product prototypes.
Trento LGU has been very aggressive in expanding the product lines they are producing. Inspired by the recent study mission to Thailand participated by Mayor Irenea R. Hitgano, a series of skills trainings on food processing has been conducted. This include: calamansi, meat, banana and coco-sugar.
Recent updates and opportunities inspired the municipalities of Prosperidad, Veruela, Loreto and La Paz to have rubber as their priority product. Thus, Prosperidad issued a resolution changing OTOP from kaong to rubber. Veruela, La Paz and Loreto [though no resolution yet] are changing from banana, palm oil, palm oil-tilapia, respectively. (Irene B. Lavilla and Corazon dela PeΓ±a, DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: Laing regular Feeding Program gipahigayon na usab sa grupo sa KACOSA
SURIGAO DEL NORTE (August 14) – Sa nagpadayon nga pagserbisyo ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa mga kabataan sa tibuok probinsya, ang mga miyembro sa Kapit Bisig Community Services Association mipahigayon na usab sa pagbisita sa mga nagkadaiyang tulungha-an dinhi sa dakbayan, diin kagahapong adlawa, Agosto 13, 2009, ang maong grupo miadto na usab sa Justiniano Clavero Memorial Elementary School sa Barangay Poctoy aron sa paghatag kaayuhan sa halos dos syentos dise-syete (217) ka mga tinun-an niini, ug karon nga adlaw sila mopaingon na usab sa B. Vasquez Community School sa Brgy. Rizal nga adunay kinyentos singkwentay-singko (555) ka mga kabataan nga paga atimanon sa KACOSA.
Sa gihapon, gawas sa pagpanghatag ug pagkaon pinaagi sa usa ka Feeding Program nga pagahimuon, ang maong grupo padayon gihapon sa pag pangapud-apud ug mga school supplies sama sa colored crayons, writing pads ug colored story books alang sa tanang tinun-an sa maong tulunghaan.
Gikahimuot ug maayo sa tanang kabataan hilabi na sa mga magtutudlo ug mga ginikanan, ang boluntaryong pagdu-aw kanila sa mga miyembro sa KACOSA. Dako ang ilang pasalamat nga sa panahon karon, aduna pa diay mga maayong tawo nga andam motabang sa mga mas nanginahanglang katawhan sa katilingban. Ila usab gipadangat ang ilang dakong pasalamat kang Gov. Ace Barbers nga bisan pa sa kalayo sa ilang barangay, wala gayud gihapon sila kalimti sa buotang Gobernador.
Hilabihang kalipay usab ang gibati ni Gov. Ace Barbers ug sa tanang miyembro sa KACOSA tungod sa nakahatag na usab sila ug laing kaayuhan, kalipay ug kabag-ohan sa uban labi na sa mga kabataan. Dako ang ilang panghinaut nga ang maong mga kagamitan nga ilang gipang apud-apud, makahatag ug dugang inspirasyon ug kadasig aron maningkamot sa pagtungha ug ila gayud nga makab-ot ang tanan nilang tinguha ug pangandoy sa tagsa-tagsa nila ka kinabuhi. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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Cebuano News: Seminar-Workshop on the Dev’t of Environmental Project Proposals sa Surigao Norte, gilusad
SURIGAO DEL NORTE (August 14) – Niadtong maging adlaw, gisugdan sa kadumahalan sa probinsya pinaagi sa buhatan sa Prov’l Environment and Management Office ang usa ka Seminar Workshop mahitungod sa Development of Environmental Project Proposals diin ubay-ubay nga mga topiko ang ilang gihisgutan.
Ang maong pagbansay-bansay nga molungtad hangtud karong Biyernes, mohatag sa dakong oportunidad sa matag partisipante niini nga maedukar sa mga nagkadaiyang bala-ud nga gipatuman mismo sa kasamtangang pangagamhanan sa probinsya, labi na nga mitaas na karon ang mga insidente sa pagdagmal sa atong mga kinaiyahan nga mi resulta sa daghang problema sa katilingban sama sa “flashfloods”, “landslides”, nagkagamay nga mga kuha nga isda ug uban pa.
Tungod niini, si Gov. Ace Barbers uban sa mga nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno nga maoy adbokasiya usab ang pagprotekta sa atong mga kinaiyahan, mihatag ug igong panahon ug atensiyon pinaagi sa paghimo ug mga lakang aron nga mahatagan ug kasulbaran ang maong mga problema.
Gipanghinaut sa Gobernador ug sa mga nagdumala sa maong kalihukan sa pagpangulo sa Officer-in-Charge sa PEMO nga si Mr. Antonieto Charcos, nga magmalampuson ang maong pagbansay-bansay ug ila usab gilauman nga ang mga project proposals nga gihimo sa matag partisipante, mamahimong tubag sa mga hagit nga mitumaw karon sa atong katilingban ug aron nga magamit gayud kini alang na sa kaayuhan sa tibuok katawhan ug sa pagprotekta sa atong kinaiyahan. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
PNP arrests wanted persons
On August 11, 2009 at 10:25 in the morning, PNP members of Butuan City Police Station 1 led by SPO3 Alexander Morgadez apprehended one Sancho Asilo, 81 years old, widower, a resident of Purok Yakal, Barangay Pangabugan, Butuan City by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) dated July 29, 2009 issued by Hon Judge Eduardo Casals of RTC Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City charged for acts of lasciviousness docketed under CC no. 13531 and with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 80,000.00.
Subject person was subsequently turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition.
On August 12, 2009 at 8:00 in the morning, PNP members of Tubay Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Tex Ariston T Maghanoy apprehended one Benjie Penido, 19 years old, single, a resident of Amakan Village, La Fraternidad, Tubay, Aguasn del Norte by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Nemesio S CaΓ±ete of 2nd MCTC of Tubay-Santiago, Agusan del Norte for the crime of less serious physical injury docketed under CC no. 2815 and with fixed bailbond amounting to Php 1,000.00.
Subject person is temporarily detained at Tubay Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
PNP members of Butuan City Police Station 3 led by PSINSP Ave Mario M Romero apprehended one Candido Crazo, 47 years old, married and resident of Purok-2, Barangay Ambago, Butuan City on August 13, 2009 at 7:30 in the morning by virtue of WOA dated June 30, 2009 issued by Hon Judge Eduardo S Casals of RTC Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City for violation of RA 9262 (anti-violence against women and their children act of 2004) docketed under CC no. 13492 and with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 80,000.00.
Subject person was subsequently turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition.
Also, on August 12, 2009 at 4:40 pm at Sitio Kabugwason, Barangay Ipil, Surigao City, PNP members of Surigao City Police Station led by SPO3 Eduardo Rendon apprehended one Maria Bebian B Barbero, legal age, married, jobless and residence of said place by virtue of WOA dated May 28, 2009 issued by Hon Judge Charina G Navarro Quijano, presiding Judge of MTCC Branch 2, Surigao City for the crime of estafa docketed under CC nr 15715.
Subject person now temporarily detained at Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, on August 13, 2009 at 2:30 in the afternoon at Purok 5, Barangay Taligaman, Butuan City, PNP members of Butuan City Police Station 4 led by PSINSP Estelito German Jr apprehended one Policarpio Turita, 29 years old, married and resident of Purok-1B, Antongalon, Butuan City by virtue of WOA dated July 24, 2009 issued by Hon Judge James Go of MTCC Branch 2, Butuan City for the crime of grave threat docketed under CC no. 41436 and with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12,000.00.
Subject person is temporarily detained at Butuan City Police Station 4 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
DTI implements CLEEP in Butuan and Agusan Norte
In order to address the global financial crisis which resulted to the temporary or permanent closure of companies which further resulted to a number of displaced workers, DTI-Agusan del Norte implemented the CLEEP to give these displaced workers alternative or at least temporary means of livelihood while waiting for another employment opportunity.
For the period February 2 to June 30, 2009, DTI-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office was able to deliver the following to the locality’s displaced workers and their dependents, graduating students and out-of-school youths: 84 Training Activities were conducted, 26 of which is “Starting Your Own Business Enterprise (SYOBE)” and 58 were Skills Training on – Joining the Direct Selling Band Wagon, Perfume Making, Cologne Making, Fabric Conditioner Making, Massage Therapy and Reflexology, Abaca Rope Making, Meat Processing and Basic Hair Trimming. These training activities generated a total of 3,360 participants, where 427 MSMEs were developed and 427 Jobs were created. The above skills training activities were selected based on these criteria: a. minimal capitalization is required to be able to start the business immediately; b. skills are easily acquired; and, c. products are easily marketed. Thus, for the period, the newly developed micro-entrepreneurs were able to generate a total sales of Php 421,000.00. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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More jobs for Agusan del Sur thru SPIN
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR - “We should not be afraid of the global crisis, rather we should be prepared how to cope with the upturn of the economy,” says Mr. Jenifer Cruz of 33 point 3 Exports, Inc. to the handicraft weavers/producers in his visit in the province in April this year.
Cebu-based 33 point 3 Exports, Inc. with business experience of more than a decade is now one of the buyers of Talacogon Weavers Association [TWA]. This engagement is the output of the Sub-contracting Partners Innovation Program [SPIN] implemented in the province.
SPIN is a bold initiative of the DTI Region VII, the objective of which is to trickle down the export earnings of the region to the other parts of the country especially in areas that are wanting of government assistance. It is a program that links the local producers to exporters based in Cebu that is expected to provide more income to the handicraft producers aside from farming.
In his visit to the two [2] handicraft producing municipalities; Talacogon and Sibagat, with the DTI, DILG and Provincial Government personalities, Mr. Cruz expressed his appreciation on the quality, price and craftsmanship of their produce which he said is at par with his other suppliers.
TWA was the first to close an order with the company. It had already delivered its first transaction of 500 sets. In its 1,000 pieces follow-up order TWA initially delivered 664 sets worth P 219,120.00. It is now currently completing another purchase order worth P 330,000.00. TWA employs 40 weavers from the different barangays in Talacogon and is expected to employ more in the coming months.
Sibagat, the province’s leading abaca producer, is also seen to have a good future with the company thru the placemats and sinamay currently produced by the Sibagat Weavers Association.
SAFRAADAP, a group of differently-abled persons which is a recipient of DTI’s product prototyping is also being eyed as future subcontractor under the SPIN. Its new product lines, placemats and wooden trays are being considered by the exporter. Execution and mass production will start after the recommended enhancement is done and transaction order is finalized.
Dir. Aster Caberte, Regional Director of DTI Cebu who had joined the visit in the province urged the local producers to share their skills, train more individuals and share their expertise to others to be able to meet what she said could be increasing demand. She also acknowledged the fact that the local weavers as sub-contractors play an important support role enabling exporters to cope with their orders from foreign buyers. (Irene B. Lavilla, DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Caraga)
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Emergency hirees help DTI-Agusan Sur expand its services
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR - The Department of Trade and Industry in Agusan del Sur [DTI-AdS] has expanded its services in response to the need to provide alternative means of livelihood to those affected by the economic crisis.
This the office did with the help of personnel who are themselves part of the group of targeted beneficiaries.
DTI-ADS was given funding under the agency’s Comprehensive Emergency Employment Program [CLEEP] to do emergency hiring of seven [7] personnel. Two were hired as training personnel for the agency’s alternative livelihood assistance program, one as Financial Analyst to help beneficiaries source funding for their IGPs, and four were assigned to help out the Consumer Welfare Division in conducting weekly price monitoring and reporting on basic and prime commodities in key towns of the province.
The additional price monitors who were deployed in San Francisco, Trento, Talacogon and Bayugan City allowed the provincial office to do extensive monitoring of business establishments. About 459 business establishments were also checked on the compliance of price tag, business name registration and product labeling. This contributed to the increase of business name applications filed in the office.
The CLEEP training assistance on the other cover both skills and management “how-to” packages including “starting a business”, basic recording and costing, business plan preparation and micro-financing. Offered as well were trainings on skills and technology demonstration on food processing, flower and handicraft making especially directed to the women, agrarian reform beneficiaries and other would-be entrepreneurs.
Management trainings were given to individuals, farmers, food processors and enterprise bank clients in the province. The local banks believe that with this type of business management assistance, their clients will be guided in using their borrowed funds more wisely.
As of end of the 1st semester, DTI- AdS has already conducted 57 CLEEP trainings to 1,560 participants. (Nestor A. SobrepeΓ±a and Ana Roselyn A. Colima, DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Caraga)
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OTOP-Agusan del Sur: a showcase of LGU initiatives
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR – Having identified the “winning” product for each of their towns, the local chief executives have continued to work to collectively push the One Town One Product [OTOP] program in this province, even taking in more products to support.
The OTOP products decided for each of the municipalities are - 1]Sibagat – abaca ; 2] Bayugan City – banana; 3] Prosperidad – rubber; 4] San Francisco – processed food; 5] Rosario – integrated poultry; 6] Bunawan – tourism services; 7] Trento – organic products; 8] Sta. Josefa – organic products; 9] Veruela – rubber; 10] Loreto – rubber; 11] La Paz – rubber; 12] Talacogon – wood products; 13] San Luis – rattan; 14] Esperanza – tilapia.
Abaca in Sibagat is expanding to Prosperidad and Rosario. This is triggered by the high demand on tinagak that the former’s production volume could not meet. Bayugan’s banana chips is getting into the market with improved packaging and label. It is making sales at the trade fairs.
In support to San Francisco’s OTOP, the municipal LGU conceptualized and packaged a P110.6 million “San Francisco OTOP Terminal Complex” project. The facility will serve as the trading center of the town’s priority products. As a component, the LGU has also allocated working capital fund assistance to micro-entrepreneurs. The beneficiaries have been provided trainings and assistance on business plan preparation to qualify for the fund.
Tahay and silvercraft of Bunawan are the products developed related to its OTOP – tourism services. Product development assistance has been provided for the tahay and silvercraft. The silvercraft producers were sent to training in Manila and provided materials to execute product prototypes.
Trento LGU has been very aggressive in expanding the product lines they are producing. Inspired by the recent study mission to Thailand participated by Mayor Irenea R. Hitgano, a series of skills trainings on food processing has been conducted. This include: calamansi, meat, banana and coco-sugar.
Recent updates and opportunities inspired the municipalities of Prosperidad, Veruela, Loreto and La Paz to have rubber as their priority product. Thus, Prosperidad issued a resolution changing OTOP from kaong to rubber. Veruela, La Paz and Loreto [though no resolution yet] are changing from banana, palm oil, palm oil-tilapia, respectively. (Irene B. Lavilla and Corazon dela PeΓ±a, DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: Laing regular Feeding Program gipahigayon na usab sa grupo sa KACOSA
SURIGAO DEL NORTE (August 14) – Sa nagpadayon nga pagserbisyo ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa mga kabataan sa tibuok probinsya, ang mga miyembro sa Kapit Bisig Community Services Association mipahigayon na usab sa pagbisita sa mga nagkadaiyang tulungha-an dinhi sa dakbayan, diin kagahapong adlawa, Agosto 13, 2009, ang maong grupo miadto na usab sa Justiniano Clavero Memorial Elementary School sa Barangay Poctoy aron sa paghatag kaayuhan sa halos dos syentos dise-syete (217) ka mga tinun-an niini, ug karon nga adlaw sila mopaingon na usab sa B. Vasquez Community School sa Brgy. Rizal nga adunay kinyentos singkwentay-singko (555) ka mga kabataan nga paga atimanon sa KACOSA.
Sa gihapon, gawas sa pagpanghatag ug pagkaon pinaagi sa usa ka Feeding Program nga pagahimuon, ang maong grupo padayon gihapon sa pag pangapud-apud ug mga school supplies sama sa colored crayons, writing pads ug colored story books alang sa tanang tinun-an sa maong tulunghaan.
Gikahimuot ug maayo sa tanang kabataan hilabi na sa mga magtutudlo ug mga ginikanan, ang boluntaryong pagdu-aw kanila sa mga miyembro sa KACOSA. Dako ang ilang pasalamat nga sa panahon karon, aduna pa diay mga maayong tawo nga andam motabang sa mga mas nanginahanglang katawhan sa katilingban. Ila usab gipadangat ang ilang dakong pasalamat kang Gov. Ace Barbers nga bisan pa sa kalayo sa ilang barangay, wala gayud gihapon sila kalimti sa buotang Gobernador.
Hilabihang kalipay usab ang gibati ni Gov. Ace Barbers ug sa tanang miyembro sa KACOSA tungod sa nakahatag na usab sila ug laing kaayuhan, kalipay ug kabag-ohan sa uban labi na sa mga kabataan. Dako ang ilang panghinaut nga ang maong mga kagamitan nga ilang gipang apud-apud, makahatag ug dugang inspirasyon ug kadasig aron maningkamot sa pagtungha ug ila gayud nga makab-ot ang tanan nilang tinguha ug pangandoy sa tagsa-tagsa nila ka kinabuhi. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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Cebuano News: Seminar-Workshop on the Dev’t of Environmental Project Proposals sa Surigao Norte, gilusad
SURIGAO DEL NORTE (August 14) – Niadtong maging adlaw, gisugdan sa kadumahalan sa probinsya pinaagi sa buhatan sa Prov’l Environment and Management Office ang usa ka Seminar Workshop mahitungod sa Development of Environmental Project Proposals diin ubay-ubay nga mga topiko ang ilang gihisgutan.
Ang maong pagbansay-bansay nga molungtad hangtud karong Biyernes, mohatag sa dakong oportunidad sa matag partisipante niini nga maedukar sa mga nagkadaiyang bala-ud nga gipatuman mismo sa kasamtangang pangagamhanan sa probinsya, labi na nga mitaas na karon ang mga insidente sa pagdagmal sa atong mga kinaiyahan nga mi resulta sa daghang problema sa katilingban sama sa “flashfloods”, “landslides”, nagkagamay nga mga kuha nga isda ug uban pa.
Tungod niini, si Gov. Ace Barbers uban sa mga nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno nga maoy adbokasiya usab ang pagprotekta sa atong mga kinaiyahan, mihatag ug igong panahon ug atensiyon pinaagi sa paghimo ug mga lakang aron nga mahatagan ug kasulbaran ang maong mga problema.
Gipanghinaut sa Gobernador ug sa mga nagdumala sa maong kalihukan sa pagpangulo sa Officer-in-Charge sa PEMO nga si Mr. Antonieto Charcos, nga magmalampuson ang maong pagbansay-bansay ug ila usab gilauman nga ang mga project proposals nga gihimo sa matag partisipante, mamahimong tubag sa mga hagit nga mitumaw karon sa atong katilingban ug aron nga magamit gayud kini alang na sa kaayuhan sa tibuok katawhan ug sa pagprotekta sa atong kinaiyahan. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
PNP arrests wanted persons
On August 11, 2009 at 10:25 in the morning, PNP members of Butuan City Police Station 1 led by SPO3 Alexander Morgadez apprehended one Sancho Asilo, 81 years old, widower, a resident of Purok Yakal, Barangay Pangabugan, Butuan City by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) dated July 29, 2009 issued by Hon Judge Eduardo Casals of RTC Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City charged for acts of lasciviousness docketed under CC no. 13531 and with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 80,000.00.
Subject person was subsequently turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition.
On August 12, 2009 at 8:00 in the morning, PNP members of Tubay Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Tex Ariston T Maghanoy apprehended one Benjie Penido, 19 years old, single, a resident of Amakan Village, La Fraternidad, Tubay, Aguasn del Norte by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Nemesio S CaΓ±ete of 2nd MCTC of Tubay-Santiago, Agusan del Norte for the crime of less serious physical injury docketed under CC no. 2815 and with fixed bailbond amounting to Php 1,000.00.
Subject person is temporarily detained at Tubay Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
PNP members of Butuan City Police Station 3 led by PSINSP Ave Mario M Romero apprehended one Candido Crazo, 47 years old, married and resident of Purok-2, Barangay Ambago, Butuan City on August 13, 2009 at 7:30 in the morning by virtue of WOA dated June 30, 2009 issued by Hon Judge Eduardo S Casals of RTC Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City for violation of RA 9262 (anti-violence against women and their children act of 2004) docketed under CC no. 13492 and with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 80,000.00.
Subject person was subsequently turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition.
Also, on August 12, 2009 at 4:40 pm at Sitio Kabugwason, Barangay Ipil, Surigao City, PNP members of Surigao City Police Station led by SPO3 Eduardo Rendon apprehended one Maria Bebian B Barbero, legal age, married, jobless and residence of said place by virtue of WOA dated May 28, 2009 issued by Hon Judge Charina G Navarro Quijano, presiding Judge of MTCC Branch 2, Surigao City for the crime of estafa docketed under CC nr 15715.
Subject person now temporarily detained at Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, on August 13, 2009 at 2:30 in the afternoon at Purok 5, Barangay Taligaman, Butuan City, PNP members of Butuan City Police Station 4 led by PSINSP Estelito German Jr apprehended one Policarpio Turita, 29 years old, married and resident of Purok-1B, Antongalon, Butuan City by virtue of WOA dated July 24, 2009 issued by Hon Judge James Go of MTCC Branch 2, Butuan City for the crime of grave threat docketed under CC no. 41436 and with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12,000.00.
Subject person is temporarily detained at Butuan City Police Station 4 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
