Feature: Regional Coordinating Council brings services to the people
By Gervacio Dauz Jr.
If the people cannot come to government, then let the government come to the people, to rephrase a Middle Eastern proverb.
This was what the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) of Caraga Region, in collaboration with Butuan, did when it ushered in the “RCC on wheels” in the service of the people on March 13 in Butuan under the slogan, “Serbisyong DOLE sa inyong tugkaran” which is translated in English as “DOLE services right at your doorsteps.”
RCC is actually composed of a cluster of agencies such as the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Overseas Workers’ Welfare Agency (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC), Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the lead or umbrella agency.
DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo pointed out to 500 attendees of the event that the rationale behind the RCC on wheels, “is to bring the services of the government, particularly the DOLE family, closer to the people, with emphasis on those who are needy. The aim of our services,” she divulged further, “is to actually help alleviate poverty in convergence with the local government unit.”
Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., city mayor here, was happy to note that the purposes of the RCC are in conjunction with his intent of addressing the critical and prevailing problems suffered by his constituents – which zeroed in on livelihood and employment concerns.
With high hopes, he believed that the problems would gradually be untangled “in the spirit of convergence.” He shared that the most challenging concern so far facing his administration is, “the plan to relocate the more than 4,500 families who are still living near the river banks.” He said that, “their needs can only be addressed in a holistic approach,” and not in a piecemeal manner. With this framework in mind, he called in the concerned cluster of agencies to help carry the burden via a unified, convergent manner.
After his keynote message, the executives of the different agencies involved presented their respective programs, projects, and activities for the people’s information and appreciation.
Regional Director Edwin C. Gatinao of TESDA Caraga hammered in his agency’s latest thrust, which is about the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP). He announced that “TESDA has bankrolled no less than a half million pesos as scholarship package for the constituents of Mayor Amante.”
In conjunction with this, he was joined by Provincial Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr. of TESDA Agusan del Norte, who detailed that TSTP “primarily addresses tech-voc graduates – particularly the 40 percent who still have to find employment – to develop an enterprise of their own. Most importantly, it is designed to be an enterprise development model for communities with the mission to help TESDA-certified graduates to get into productive undertakings to help themselves and their communities.”
As an example, he called on three TSTP groups to be recognized, awarded with kits, and vests. The East Butuan Small Construction Workers Association, he explained, is a TSTP group – composed of masons, plumbers, electricians, painters, and even welders – that engages in building construction, repair, and maintenance. The second TSTP group, which is the Butuan Body Care Services Association, engages into beauty care and wellness such as massage, pedicure, manicure, etc. The third TSTP group, which is the Caraga Appliance Repair and Maintenance Association, engages in repair and maintenance of appliances and other electronic gadgets such as air-condition, electric fan, etc. Mayor Amante awarded them with starter kits which they can use for productive pursuits.
Director Marietta Bellotindos of POEA likewise shared that present “during the RCC on wheels service caravan are the 10 accredited and legal recruitment agencies available the whole day that dangle a total of 16,282 job orders to include both domestic and international opportunities.”
Winding up, Mayor Amante disclosed that “Butuan by the River” will be turned into a place to go as it will be incorporated later with the restaurants and other amusement enterprises in the area. He then wished that his constituents will become “wealthy and happy people . . . with good livelihood and a better future." (NCLM/PIA-CARAGA/TESDA-Agusan del Norte)
.
Diamond troopers overran rebel camp in Agusan del Norte
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Mar. 14 (PIA) -- Soldiers under the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army discovered a hastily abandoned enemy encampment in Sitio Kamalig, Putting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte at 2:00 p.m., March 13, 2012.
The discovery of the said camp was during the combat patrol conducted by 3rd Special Forces Battalion.
Said camp is approximately 300 x 400 square meters in land area and can accommodate more or less 500 persons. It is one of the main camps of Guerilla Front 21C of the New People’s Army’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The camp has six kitchens, 126 bunkers, and 30 outposts and foxholes.
Upon discovery of the said camp, 4ID troopers scoured the area and discovered the following items that were left behind by fleeing rebels: one Super Power generator (2HP NG-1000), 20 liters of gas for generator, 100 meters of electric wire, two gallons of improvised explosive device (IEDs), 12 sacks of assorted materials used for the production of IEDs, two gallons of epoxy, four cans (1.35 kgs per can) of marine epox, and food stuff.
MGen Victor A Felix AFP, Commander, 4ID said, “This discovery of the NPA’s main camp in Cabadbaran City is a welcome development in the Filipino people’s fight against insurgency in the country. Your Army, specifically your Diamond Division’s, relentless pursuit to perform our mandated task is geared towards protecting the people and the sovereignty of our country."
“It is very evident by the way said camp was hastily abandoned that these armed groups can no longer defend their former stronghold. This is a result of the NPA’s losing influence in the area and over the masses.
“Everyday more and more of our civilian brothers and sisters in the countryside are realizing the reality of the futility and the treachery of the armed movement. People are now open to the truth that the NPAs are not about championing the cause of the poor but about using the poor to push forward their personal gain.
“We are happy that the populace is actively working which led to the discovery of this camp. We hope that others will follow their lead and help us in our future operations. After all, the successful accomplishment of our mission is not for our benefit alone, it is for the whole Filipino nation.”
“While we believe in the primacy of peace talks, we should be able to put up an effective deterrent against armed threats. And this is the reason for all our military operations. We need to protect the people from any form of atrocities, exploitation and harassments being done by the NPAs,”added MGen Felix added. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga/4ID PA)
.
GSIS to move its art collection to Nat'l Museum
MANILA, Mar 14 -- The Government Service Insurance System had announced that all its art works including Juan Luna's 'Parisian Life,' will have a new home at the National Museum within the second semester this year, after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the GSIS and the National Museum of the Philippines.
Under the agreement, the GSIS will transfer the management of the GSIS collection to the National Museum "to preserve, maintain, secure and promote the collection... with highest standards of care and diligence."
The agreement will be effective for five years to start upon the complete transfer of the custody of the GSIS Art Collection from the GSIS to the Museum.
According to the National Museum, the entire north wing of the main exhibition floor of the National Art Gallery, devoted to 20th century and contemporary Filipino art, will be renamed the Government Service Insurance System Wing.
This comprises six exhibition halls and three hallway galleries totaling approximately 1500 square meters of floor area. President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara inspected the prospective Wing that is currently undergoing renovation.
The Museum expects the renovation to be completed this July. "It is an impressive location, quite spacious and caters to a wider audience that will now have the opportunity to see and appreciate the GSIS art collection."
As of December 2011, the GSIS collection comprised 308 pieces of art recorded in its books which include the works of such masters as Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Botong Francisco, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Bencab, and Federico Alcuaz. Selected art and heritage pieces from the Metropolitan Theater, which the GSIS owns, will also be entrusted to the Museum.
The winning entries from the GSIS Art Competitions from 2004 to 2011 will be included in the transfer as well. The decision of the current GSIS Board of Trustees to transfer the collection to the Museum forms part of the continuing review of the policies of the pension fund.
"Preserving and maintaining art works is beyond the mandate of the GSIS as a social insurance institution and insurer of government properties", Vergara said.
"We are happy to partner with the Museum, the principal cultural institution that takes the lead, in preserving and promoting the country's cultural and artistic legacy." (NCLM-PIA CARAGA/GSIS-Butuan)
.
Cebuano News: Malacanang miseguro nga andam na ang mga contingency measures sa transport strike karong Marso 15
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 14 (PIA) -- Ang MalacaΓ±ang miseguro sa katawhan nga andam na ang contingency measures aron matubag ang posibleng epekto sa gikatakdang transport strike karong Marso 15.
Atol sa regular press briefing didto sa MalacaΓ±ang niadtong Martes, si Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte miingon nga ang gobyerno nakigtambayayong na sa mga nagkalain-laing hintungdang ahensya sa gobyerno aron mohatag og tabang sa mga sumasakay kon ugaling ang transport strike mahinayon.
Si Valte miingon nga ang Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) andam na sa pagmonitor sa sitwasyon ug makigkoordinar sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ug ang Philippine National Police (PNP) aron mohatag og mga sakyanan nga modala sa apektadong mga pasahero.
“Ang paghahanda po natin is making sure na kung sakali po talagang makulangan ng mga pampublikong sasakyan ay handa po ang MMDA, at yung mga truck po ng AFP, PNP para po mai-deploy kung sakali man na magkakaroon ng ma-stranded na pasahero,” si Valte miingon.
“Sa akin pong pagkakaalam ay palagi po silang (transport groups) may koordinasyon kay Secretary Mar Roxas at kay Secretary Rene Almendras,” si Valte namahayag.
Siya midugang nga si Transport and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II ug si Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras kanunay nakigpulong sa mga grupo sa transportasyon aron tukion ang mga problema sa sector sa transportasyon.
Ang bag-ong taho nagbutyag nga usa ka hulga sa nationwide mass protest ang gikatakda karong umaabot Marso 15 nga pagapangulohan sa sector sa transportasyon ug pipila ka mga grupo sa magbabalaod nga milusad og usa ka signature campaign nga nag awhag sa gobyerno nga ibasura o isuspende ang value-added tax (VAT) sa lana isip paagi aron makunhoran ang presyo sa gasoline ug uban pang mga produktong petrolyo.
Ang tax sa mga produktong petrolyo mohatag sa gobyerno og makabat 47 bilyon pesos nga makaabag sa social services alang sa katawhang Filipino. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
By Gervacio Dauz Jr.
If the people cannot come to government, then let the government come to the people, to rephrase a Middle Eastern proverb.
This was what the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) of Caraga Region, in collaboration with Butuan, did when it ushered in the “RCC on wheels” in the service of the people on March 13 in Butuan under the slogan, “Serbisyong DOLE sa inyong tugkaran” which is translated in English as “DOLE services right at your doorsteps.”
RCC is actually composed of a cluster of agencies such as the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Overseas Workers’ Welfare Agency (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC), Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the lead or umbrella agency.
DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo pointed out to 500 attendees of the event that the rationale behind the RCC on wheels, “is to bring the services of the government, particularly the DOLE family, closer to the people, with emphasis on those who are needy. The aim of our services,” she divulged further, “is to actually help alleviate poverty in convergence with the local government unit.”
Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., city mayor here, was happy to note that the purposes of the RCC are in conjunction with his intent of addressing the critical and prevailing problems suffered by his constituents – which zeroed in on livelihood and employment concerns.
With high hopes, he believed that the problems would gradually be untangled “in the spirit of convergence.” He shared that the most challenging concern so far facing his administration is, “the plan to relocate the more than 4,500 families who are still living near the river banks.” He said that, “their needs can only be addressed in a holistic approach,” and not in a piecemeal manner. With this framework in mind, he called in the concerned cluster of agencies to help carry the burden via a unified, convergent manner.
After his keynote message, the executives of the different agencies involved presented their respective programs, projects, and activities for the people’s information and appreciation.
Regional Director Edwin C. Gatinao of TESDA Caraga hammered in his agency’s latest thrust, which is about the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP). He announced that “TESDA has bankrolled no less than a half million pesos as scholarship package for the constituents of Mayor Amante.”
In conjunction with this, he was joined by Provincial Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr. of TESDA Agusan del Norte, who detailed that TSTP “primarily addresses tech-voc graduates – particularly the 40 percent who still have to find employment – to develop an enterprise of their own. Most importantly, it is designed to be an enterprise development model for communities with the mission to help TESDA-certified graduates to get into productive undertakings to help themselves and their communities.”
As an example, he called on three TSTP groups to be recognized, awarded with kits, and vests. The East Butuan Small Construction Workers Association, he explained, is a TSTP group – composed of masons, plumbers, electricians, painters, and even welders – that engages in building construction, repair, and maintenance. The second TSTP group, which is the Butuan Body Care Services Association, engages into beauty care and wellness such as massage, pedicure, manicure, etc. The third TSTP group, which is the Caraga Appliance Repair and Maintenance Association, engages in repair and maintenance of appliances and other electronic gadgets such as air-condition, electric fan, etc. Mayor Amante awarded them with starter kits which they can use for productive pursuits.
Director Marietta Bellotindos of POEA likewise shared that present “during the RCC on wheels service caravan are the 10 accredited and legal recruitment agencies available the whole day that dangle a total of 16,282 job orders to include both domestic and international opportunities.”
Winding up, Mayor Amante disclosed that “Butuan by the River” will be turned into a place to go as it will be incorporated later with the restaurants and other amusement enterprises in the area. He then wished that his constituents will become “wealthy and happy people . . . with good livelihood and a better future." (NCLM/PIA-CARAGA/TESDA-Agusan del Norte)
.
Diamond troopers overran rebel camp in Agusan del Norte
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Mar. 14 (PIA) -- Soldiers under the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army discovered a hastily abandoned enemy encampment in Sitio Kamalig, Putting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte at 2:00 p.m., March 13, 2012.
The discovery of the said camp was during the combat patrol conducted by 3rd Special Forces Battalion.
Said camp is approximately 300 x 400 square meters in land area and can accommodate more or less 500 persons. It is one of the main camps of Guerilla Front 21C of the New People’s Army’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The camp has six kitchens, 126 bunkers, and 30 outposts and foxholes.
Upon discovery of the said camp, 4ID troopers scoured the area and discovered the following items that were left behind by fleeing rebels: one Super Power generator (2HP NG-1000), 20 liters of gas for generator, 100 meters of electric wire, two gallons of improvised explosive device (IEDs), 12 sacks of assorted materials used for the production of IEDs, two gallons of epoxy, four cans (1.35 kgs per can) of marine epox, and food stuff.
MGen Victor A Felix AFP, Commander, 4ID said, “This discovery of the NPA’s main camp in Cabadbaran City is a welcome development in the Filipino people’s fight against insurgency in the country. Your Army, specifically your Diamond Division’s, relentless pursuit to perform our mandated task is geared towards protecting the people and the sovereignty of our country."
“It is very evident by the way said camp was hastily abandoned that these armed groups can no longer defend their former stronghold. This is a result of the NPA’s losing influence in the area and over the masses.
“Everyday more and more of our civilian brothers and sisters in the countryside are realizing the reality of the futility and the treachery of the armed movement. People are now open to the truth that the NPAs are not about championing the cause of the poor but about using the poor to push forward their personal gain.
“We are happy that the populace is actively working which led to the discovery of this camp. We hope that others will follow their lead and help us in our future operations. After all, the successful accomplishment of our mission is not for our benefit alone, it is for the whole Filipino nation.”
“While we believe in the primacy of peace talks, we should be able to put up an effective deterrent against armed threats. And this is the reason for all our military operations. We need to protect the people from any form of atrocities, exploitation and harassments being done by the NPAs,”added MGen Felix added. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga/4ID PA)
.
GSIS to move its art collection to Nat'l Museum
MANILA, Mar 14 -- The Government Service Insurance System had announced that all its art works including Juan Luna's 'Parisian Life,' will have a new home at the National Museum within the second semester this year, after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the GSIS and the National Museum of the Philippines.
Under the agreement, the GSIS will transfer the management of the GSIS collection to the National Museum "to preserve, maintain, secure and promote the collection... with highest standards of care and diligence."
The agreement will be effective for five years to start upon the complete transfer of the custody of the GSIS Art Collection from the GSIS to the Museum.
According to the National Museum, the entire north wing of the main exhibition floor of the National Art Gallery, devoted to 20th century and contemporary Filipino art, will be renamed the Government Service Insurance System Wing.
This comprises six exhibition halls and three hallway galleries totaling approximately 1500 square meters of floor area. President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara inspected the prospective Wing that is currently undergoing renovation.
The Museum expects the renovation to be completed this July. "It is an impressive location, quite spacious and caters to a wider audience that will now have the opportunity to see and appreciate the GSIS art collection."
As of December 2011, the GSIS collection comprised 308 pieces of art recorded in its books which include the works of such masters as Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Botong Francisco, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Bencab, and Federico Alcuaz. Selected art and heritage pieces from the Metropolitan Theater, which the GSIS owns, will also be entrusted to the Museum.
The winning entries from the GSIS Art Competitions from 2004 to 2011 will be included in the transfer as well. The decision of the current GSIS Board of Trustees to transfer the collection to the Museum forms part of the continuing review of the policies of the pension fund.
"Preserving and maintaining art works is beyond the mandate of the GSIS as a social insurance institution and insurer of government properties", Vergara said.
"We are happy to partner with the Museum, the principal cultural institution that takes the lead, in preserving and promoting the country's cultural and artistic legacy." (NCLM-PIA CARAGA/GSIS-Butuan)
.
Cebuano News: Malacanang miseguro nga andam na ang mga contingency measures sa transport strike karong Marso 15
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 14 (PIA) -- Ang MalacaΓ±ang miseguro sa katawhan nga andam na ang contingency measures aron matubag ang posibleng epekto sa gikatakdang transport strike karong Marso 15.
Atol sa regular press briefing didto sa MalacaΓ±ang niadtong Martes, si Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte miingon nga ang gobyerno nakigtambayayong na sa mga nagkalain-laing hintungdang ahensya sa gobyerno aron mohatag og tabang sa mga sumasakay kon ugaling ang transport strike mahinayon.
Si Valte miingon nga ang Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) andam na sa pagmonitor sa sitwasyon ug makigkoordinar sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ug ang Philippine National Police (PNP) aron mohatag og mga sakyanan nga modala sa apektadong mga pasahero.
“Ang paghahanda po natin is making sure na kung sakali po talagang makulangan ng mga pampublikong sasakyan ay handa po ang MMDA, at yung mga truck po ng AFP, PNP para po mai-deploy kung sakali man na magkakaroon ng ma-stranded na pasahero,” si Valte miingon.
“Sa akin pong pagkakaalam ay palagi po silang (transport groups) may koordinasyon kay Secretary Mar Roxas at kay Secretary Rene Almendras,” si Valte namahayag.
Siya midugang nga si Transport and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II ug si Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras kanunay nakigpulong sa mga grupo sa transportasyon aron tukion ang mga problema sa sector sa transportasyon.
Ang bag-ong taho nagbutyag nga usa ka hulga sa nationwide mass protest ang gikatakda karong umaabot Marso 15 nga pagapangulohan sa sector sa transportasyon ug pipila ka mga grupo sa magbabalaod nga milusad og usa ka signature campaign nga nag awhag sa gobyerno nga ibasura o isuspende ang value-added tax (VAT) sa lana isip paagi aron makunhoran ang presyo sa gasoline ug uban pang mga produktong petrolyo.
Ang tax sa mga produktong petrolyo mohatag sa gobyerno og makabat 47 bilyon pesos nga makaabag sa social services alang sa katawhang Filipino. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
.
Cebuano News: Turnover sa MITC ug tribute kang Judge Bayana malamposon nga gipahigayon
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, March 14 (PIA) – Malamposon nga gipahigayon ang turnover sa Mobile Information Technology Classrooms (MITC) ug paghatag og tribute kang Judge Evangeline Yuipco-Bayana kagahapon nga adlaw Lunes, Marso 12 atol sa gipahigayon nga sharing didto sa Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City.
Atol sa maong okasyon gipangulohan ni Surigao del Norte Gov. Matugas uban ni DepEd Siargao Division Superintendent Teresita Tranquilan ang pag turn-over sa maong MITC ngadto sa DepEd Surigao del Norte nga gidawat ni DepEd Surigao del Norte Division Superintendent Evelyn Fetalvero.
Ang MITC usa ka sakyanan nga adunay mga computer ug electronics screen nga molibot sa mga kabarangayan aron mohatag og libreng pagtoon sa bag-ong teknolohiya sa computer.
Atol sa maong okasyon gipahigayon usab ang paghatag og tribute kang Judge Bayana nga gitawag og “Tribute to a Woman of Distinction” tungod kay kini moretiro naman sa serbisyo isip usa ka huwes sa Surigao del Norte karong Marso 16.
Samtang mapasalamton usab og dako si Judge Bayana tungod sa tribute nga iyang nadawat og kini iyang giisip nga dakong kadungganan kay siya ang pinakaunang huwes nga nakawat sa maong tribute. (RER/FEA-PIA13 Surigao del Norte Provincial Information Office)
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, March 14 (PIA) – Malamposon nga gipahigayon ang turnover sa Mobile Information Technology Classrooms (MITC) ug paghatag og tribute kang Judge Evangeline Yuipco-Bayana kagahapon nga adlaw Lunes, Marso 12 atol sa gipahigayon nga sharing didto sa Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City.
Atol sa maong okasyon gipangulohan ni Surigao del Norte Gov. Matugas uban ni DepEd Siargao Division Superintendent Teresita Tranquilan ang pag turn-over sa maong MITC ngadto sa DepEd Surigao del Norte nga gidawat ni DepEd Surigao del Norte Division Superintendent Evelyn Fetalvero.
Ang MITC usa ka sakyanan nga adunay mga computer ug electronics screen nga molibot sa mga kabarangayan aron mohatag og libreng pagtoon sa bag-ong teknolohiya sa computer.
Atol sa maong okasyon gipahigayon usab ang paghatag og tribute kang Judge Bayana nga gitawag og “Tribute to a Woman of Distinction” tungod kay kini moretiro naman sa serbisyo isip usa ka huwes sa Surigao del Norte karong Marso 16.
Samtang mapasalamton usab og dako si Judge Bayana tungod sa tribute nga iyang nadawat og kini iyang giisip nga dakong kadungganan kay siya ang pinakaunang huwes nga nakawat sa maong tribute. (RER/FEA-PIA13 Surigao del Norte Provincial Information Office)
