40 TESDA specialista recognized
By Michelle de Castro
AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 29 (PIA) -- A total of 40
individuals were officially recognized as ‘TESDA specialistas’ during the
launch of TESDA specialista technopreneurship program (TSTP) held recently.
According to Engr. Norberto Dorado, TSTP focal
person of TESDA Agusan del Sur provincial office, the specialistas will be
under constant monitoring for six months for them to prove that they have put
into action and perform what they learned during their training.
In an interview with Richard Fuentes, one of the
specialistas from Trento town, he said he had discovered from within himself
that in fact, he has so many hidden skills that were not applied before until
they were discovered after he learned more from TESDA.
“I am very grateful and happy having discovered
from within myself that aside from being a mechanic, I have still the talent to
do welding jobs, machine shop, carpentry and so many other skills. Now I am not
afraid to face the challenge that I will encounter in order to give my family a
better life,” Fuentes said.
Also, Rufo Gause from San Francisco who finished
a four-year course, had never practiced his profession, but instead, landed as
appliances repairman. According to Gause, applying for a job in line with his
course took him years, but was never given the chance. After a technical course
that he finished with TESDA, he automatically earned a living that supports his
family.
According to TESDA Sec. Emmanuel Joel
Villanueva, the TSTP is an initiative of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III in order
to give livelihood to the Filipino people. Because of this reason, TESDA
specialista technopreneurship program was introduced in Mindanao. (RER/DMS/PIA-Agusan
del Sur)
DTI-Caraga strengthens advocacy campaign on
Tobacco Act
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) in Caraga, is strengthening its advocacy campaign on
Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Act of 2003.
According to Elmer Natad, DTI-Caraga Arbitration
Officer, they will inform the public especially the youth on the provisions of
the law.
He says the law points out that smoking shall be
absolutely prohibited in public places such as centers of youth activity such
as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges
and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for persons under
18 years old.
The official added smoking is also prohibited in
elevators and stairwells, as well as in location where fire hazards are
present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas,
explosives or combustible materials; within the buildings and premises of
public and private hospitals. Medical, dental, and optical clinics, health
centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories; public conveyance and
public facilities including airport and ship terminals and train and bus
stations, restaurant and conference halls, except for separate smoking areas;
and in food preparation areas.
However, the law stipulates that in all enclosed
places that are open to the general public, private workplaces, and other
places, where smoking may expose a person to the other than the smoker to
tobacco smoke, the owner, proprietor, possessor, manager or administrator of
such places shall establish smoking areas. Such areas may include a designated
smoking area within the building, which may be in an open space or separate
area with proper ventilation, but shall not be located within the same room
that has been designated as a non-smoking area.
All designated smoking areas shall have at least
one legible and visible sign posted with text "smoking area" for the
Information and guidance of all concerned. In addition, the sign or not posted
shall include a warning about the health effects of direct or secondhand
exposure to tobacco smoke. Non-smoking areas shall likewise have at least one
legible and visible sign, namely, “No smoking area” or “No Smoking.”
Under this Act, It shall be unlawful for any
retailer or tobacco products to sell or distribute tobacco products to any
minor, as well as for any person to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products
from a minor. It is also considered unlawful for a minor to sell or buy
cigarettes or any tobacco products and to smoke cigarettes or any other tobacco
products.
Meanwhile, Natad said the law states that the
sale or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within 100 meters from
any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility
frequented particularly by minors.
In case of doubt as to the age of the buyer, the
law stipulates that retailers shall verify, by means of any valid form of
photographic identification containing the date of birth of the bearer that no
individual purchasing a tobacco is below 18 years of age, Natad said.
The official is hoping that vendors and
individuals, especially the youths should adhere to what have been stipulated
in the law to avoid penalties.
On the first offense, any person or any business
entity or establishment selling to, distributing or purchasing a cigarette or
any other tobacco products for a minor shall be fined the amount of not less
than P5,000 or an imprisonment of not more than 30 days, upon the discretion of
the business licenses or permits in the case of a business entity or
establishment.
If the violation is by establishment of business
entity, the owner, president, manager, or the most senior officers thereof
shall be liable for the offense.
If a minor is caught selling, buying or smoking
cigarettes or any other tobacco products, the provisions of Article 189 of
Presidential Decree No. 603 otherwise known as The Child and Youth Welfare
Code, as amended, shall apply. (RER/PIA-Caraga)
