BCWD’s one-stop shop service continues
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 13 (PIA) - In its effort of
conveniently bringing the services to the barangay residents, the Butuan City
Water District (BCWD) will once again conduct its One-Stop Shop Service
Connection Installation Program for new water service connection applicants.
BCWD Senior Public Relations Officer Ramil S.
Barquin said the program will feature services for the immediate installation
of new service connection.
"Applicants can avail of the marketing
promotional package which offers a minimal amount of 500 pesos as down payment
and the balance including the cost of the necessary fittings and materials will
be paid on termed payments for six months," Barquin said.
Barquin said the BCWD personnel will visit the
barangays and conduct the required orientation seminar for new service
connection applicants including processing of the necessary requirements and
installation of approved applications.
On Saturday, March 15, BCWD personnel will visit
barangay Pinamanculan from 9am until 5pm. “Watch out for the visit of your
Water District in your respective barangays and avail of the latest promotional
offer now,” Barquin added. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
AgSur NGO launches 'FAITH-Gojo'
By David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mar. 13 (PIA) - Federation of
Agrarian Reform Peoples Organization in Agusan del Sur, Inc. (FEDARPOADSI)
recently launched an insurance product dubbed "FAITH-Gojo."
FEDARPOADSI is a SEC-registered agrarian reform beneficiaries organization
based in Agusan del Sur which has a total number of 7,112 individual members
belonging to a total of 32 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs).
FAITH –Gojo aims to provide unique insurance
products which are not offered by established insurance companies such as
burial assistance, maternity assistance, hospital daily assistance, graduation
gift, and wedding anniversary souvenir.
FAITH –Gojo is the combination of acronym FAITH
and Japanese word Gojo. FAITH stands for “Fairness in all activities,
Accountability for each other as Interpersonal relationship and Transparency in
all transactions with Humility to everyone”, while Gojo means mutual aid based
on spirit of cooperation. In the Philippines, Gojo maybe comparable to
“damayan” in Tagalog or “dayong” in Visayan dialect which refers to the
cultural practice especially by the local folks of pooling and sharing their
resources to extend sympathy and assistance to the troubled families during
unwanted incidents like death and calamities.
The product research and development including
promotion and marketing of FAITH-Gojo is funded by Agrarian Reform
Infrastructure Support Project III (ARISP III). ARISP III, a foreign-assisted
project funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The successful launching of FAITH-Gojo was
attended by ARISP III Central Office personnel Yojiro Sekiguchi, Antonio
Domingo, Rizal Saligumba, Regional
Project Management Office and Provincial Management Office representatives, DAR
personnel, Area Operation Manager of Allied Botanical Corporation Bernabe M.
Meso, chairpersons and selected members from different ARBOs.
Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer of DAR, Fe
H. Mosquera stressed that DAR as the lead agency in the implementation of
agrarian reform partnered with ARISP III in implementing various projects
including federation development component.
Yojiro Sekegutchi, the Japanese consultant for
management and operations of ARISP III thanked everyone for promoting Gojo or
“Dayong” in Agusan del Sur. In his message, he suggested to FEDARPOADSI to
design specific program providing assistance that would meet the needs of the
victims during calamities.
Bernabe Meso of Allied Botanical Corporations on
his part gave his commitment to help the farmers in achieving their
developmental goals by increasing their productivity and income.
Highloghting the event was the momentous
ceremonial pledging of commitment wherein the chairpersons of different
organizations, DAR officials and guests wrote their names and affixed their
signatures in the “support commitment board” to show their passion and
enthusiasm to the project.
The launching event gained additional members
and prospects for FEDARPOADSI which may be the best gauge of its success. (SUARPO
Allan N. Mundala/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Planting of 1,500 tress to kick-off Vision 2020
By Diana Generalao
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 13 (PIA) - To initiate the
onset of the Butuan City Government’s Vision 2020, a total of 1,500 mahogany
trees will be planted during the simultaneous tree planting activity along the
stretch from Bancasi Rotunda going towards the boundary of Bancasi-Bonbon road
on Sunday, March 16, 2014.
Around 7,500 people coming from the different
public and private sectors, including regional line agencies, bankers, academe,
medical societies, sports clubs, and the local tri-media are expected to join
this noble cause of not only doing a simple act to help save the environment,
but to help attain the aspiration of Butuan becoming a model for a sustainable
forest-based economy in the country through Vision 2020.
“We want to instill to our people the value of
commitment,” Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. said. “The commitment of those
people who will plant the trees will not stop after they have planted them.
They will be committed to visiting their trees on a regular basis, water them,
check on them. And to make sure that these trees will not wither and die, to
make sure that their planters have really been exercising their commitment, the
Forest Grow A Million-Tree Project or what we now call as the Forest GAMP has
been created for this purpose. They will be responsible for the monitoring of
this project,” Mayor Amante added.
Vision 2020, which states that, “By 2020, Butuan
will be a model for sustainable forest-based economy in the country, thereby
giving its people the highest per-capita income in Mindanao,” is now the
foremost point of all the city government's goals, with Mayor Amante previously
having asserted that individual visions and missions of every office in the local
government unit here should be in-sync and supportive to it.
The new vision has earned mixed reactions from
the Butuanons, but Mayor Amante, now more than ever, remains determined and
optimistic. “More than the comments, positive or negative, the important thing
here is that each of us should be able to do something for Butuan. What have we
done for Butuan? Let’s ask ourselves that and let’s all start from there.” (LGU-Butuan
City PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
News Feature: TUCP calls for improved
environment for FoA, CB in Special Economic Zones
MANILA, Mar. 13 (PIA) - Over a hundred trade
union leaders and activists from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)
called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to prioritize closing
the gap between law and practice on workers’ freedom of association (FoA) and
collective bargaining (CB) in special economic zones (SEZs) in the country.
TUCP also called on the Philippine Economic Zone
Authority (PEZA) and zone locators to respect constitutionally-guaranteed and
internationally supported labor standards as the responsible way of doing
business.
“Government’s endeavour to achieve
top-of-the-chart economic growth is admirable. However, without equal resolve
to improve compliance with core labor standards, respect for worker’s rights,
security of tenure, living wages through equitable sharing of profits and
gains, and implementation of decent work principles, economic growth is
meaningless,” says TUCP President Ernesto Herrera.
“It cannot be said that we are not doing our
best in organizing workers. We are! Inside and out special economic zones,
organizing challenges are the same. But we can do better. DOLE and PEZA only
have to implement the law, and implement it right,” adds Herrera.
In a two-day national conference held recently
in Manila titled “Promoting Social Dialogue for Constructive Industrial
Relations and Compliance with Core Labor Standards in Special Economic Zones in
the Philippines,” enterprise unions and national federation representatives
discussed current socio-economic and labor and employment conditions. They
analyzed recent developments, policies, and challenges on industrial relations
(IR) in the SEZs and prospects for trade unions. They shared good practices on
social dialogue and IR and crafted recommendations for DOLE, PEZA, employers,
and unions.
The conference was highlighted with
presentations from DOLE Undersecretary Rebecca Chato; Field Projects Director
Toshiyuki Wakatsuki of the Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF);
International Labor Organization-Bureau of Workers Activities (ILO-ACTRAV)
Senior Specialist Shigeru Wada; BWC-DOLE Director Catherine Legados-Prado; and
PEZA Officers Rene Joey Nipa and Ms. Rachel Angeles.
TUCP Vice President Alejandro Villaviza welcomed
the participants and wished them a productive workshop. Japanese Labor AttachΓ©
Hiroyuki Enoki, JILAF Director Waka and ILO Senior Specialist Wada extended
brief messages on behalf of the Japanese Embassy in Manila, the JILAF, and ILO
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, respectively.
Global Perspective on CLS and IR
ILO-ACTRAV Senior Specialist Shigeru Wada
presented recent ILO and trade union developments in Asia Pacific. He explained
the Decent Work Framework anchored on eight core labor standards and
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. He described the wave of industrial
actions in Asia and Pacific including the calls for wage increases in
Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, and Vietnam. He described workers struggle against
contractualization and outsourcing leading to precarious working conditions in
Myanmar, Indonesia, and Philippines.
He cited an ILO report referring to the deficit
in job creation despite rapid growth and industrialization in the region.
Regular jobs are replaced with contract workers aggressive anti-union
sentiments in special economic zones. Likewise, he noted the growing number of
migrant workers in the ASEAN and lack of corresponding social protection for
them.
He challenged unions and other stakeholder for
concerted action to achieve the goals on the 2006-2016 Asian Decent Work
Decade.
Bro. Toshiyuki Wakatsuki of JILAF shared the
experiences of Japanese trade unions in their pursuit of better labour
representation at the national and enterprise levels. He highlighted the
history of the Japanese trade unions towards one united national labour center
that is now called the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO). He
explained the structural changes that the labor movement had to undergo to keep
pace with the challenges of globalization. He described the Japanese ‘shunto’
(Spring Offensive) where collectively, trade unions submit their demands on
wages and other working conditions to government on an annual basis.
Local Labor Policies and Trade Unionism
DOLE Usec. Rebecca Chato presented recent trade
union statistics citing the decreasing members of organized labor at 8.4
percent and the lesser number of workers enjoying benefits and protection of
collective bargaining agreements. She noted that there are 1,331 collective
bargaining agreements covering a total of 225,183 workers.
She reported that employment level slightly grew
by one percent in 2013. Total employed
persons increased to 37.92 million from 37.60 million a year ago. This
represents an employment generation of 317,000. The latest growth figure was
lower compared with 2012’s growth rate of 2.9 percent (+1.041 million).
She
discussed development in industrial relations policies, particularly the
tripartite adoption of the (1) Guidelines on the Conduct of the DOLE, DILG,
DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP Relative to the Exercise of Workers’ Rights and
Activities; (2) Joint DOLE-PNP-PEZA Guidelines in the Conduct of PNP Personnel,
Economic Zone Police and Security Guards, Company Security Guards and Similar
Personnel during Labor Disputes; and (3) The Rules of Procedure of the Single
Entry Approach (SEnA) in resolving labor disputes, among others.
PEZA officers Rene Joey Nipa and Ms. Rachel
Angeles who spoke on industrial relations policies and practices in special
economic zones. They proffered counselling and education services to union
leaders, especially those who have lost certification lections and who are
subjected to undue harassment and other pressure from employers.
BWC-DOLE Director Catherine Legados-Parado
discussed the recently adopted Labor Law Compliance System (DO 131-13) as a mix
of development and regulatory approaches that gives benefit to small and medium
enterprises and address existing rigidities on labor laws compliance while ensuring
decent and productive work. LLCS has three modalities of implementation: (1)
Joint Assessment, (2) Compliance Visits, and (3) OSH Standards Investigations.
Trade union perspectives
Federation of Rizal (FUR) Executive Vice
President Arturo Basea, Alyansa ng Manggagawa at Organisadong Pilipino (AMAPO)
General Secretary Roberto Flores, and Voice of Workers in the Call Center
Industry (VOICE) Officer Angelita Senorin shared their organizing challenges
and other experiences in Cavite Export Zone, Subic Freeport Zone and BPO
industry, respectively.
They recognize that SEZs and the BPO industry
provide employment to many workers. SEZs and BPOs are growing. There is
potential for more growth that would help address the increasing rate of
unemployment and underemployment in the country.
However, they agree and believe that lingering
social and labor issues in SEZs and BPOS should be addressed.
Despite differences in their geographical and
industrial areas of operation, their sharing pointed to similar challenges.
Among others, they shared how difficult it is to enter “walled’ special
economic zones for organizing and workers education purposes. They pointed out
how workers daring to become new union leaders are treated like ‘common
criminals’, where criminal offenses are thrown to them just to subvert union
activities. Workers are threatened with company closure. Others are promised
with promotion and other benefits if they vote against the unions. And there
too, are extremely bold employers, HR managers and unenlightened government
officials who would do anything to subvert unions.
Union representatives from Laguna Auto Part
Manufacturing Corporation and Honda Parts Manufacturing Corporation in Laguna
Technopark (LAMCOR) concurred that Constructive industrial relations at the
enterprise level is possible, but not without challenges.
Obrero Pilipino-LAMCOR Chapter struggled for ten
years up until the Supreme Court, to establish itself as the sole and exclusive
bargaining agent (SEBA) in the company. Honda Part Employees Union – Obrero
Pilipino, kept vigilance since 1998, to ensure unity and existence of the
union.
They shared the protection that they get from
the union. They are especially proud and happy of the benefits they enjoy
through collective bargaining that are way beyond what law and other companies
are willing to provide. These include excellent compensation benefits (wages
higher than most industry players pay, signing bonuses and other incentives),
transportation services, rice subsidies, maternal and paternal benefits, union
leaves for training, education and other purposes, longevity pay, and
medical/health packages, among other.
They explained that for good industrial
relations to work at the enterprise level, it requires independent and vigorous
unions (brave leaders and empowered members); consultation mechanisms
(grievance committee, LMC, etc.) that are put in place through the CBA; labor
standards-compliant employers; and labor policy that allows unions to thrive.
JILAF Director Shinichi Nakumara congratulated
the participants for a successful program and committed JILAF’s continued
partnership with the TUCP and unions in the Philippines. Likewise, BLR-DOLE
Director Evelyn Ramos wished the best for the participants. She expressed
DOLE’s continued efforts with the tripartite partners to improve policies and
practice on labor.
Former Executive Secretary and TUCP Executive
Board Member Ruben Torres closed the program by highlighting union milestones
achieved over years and years of struggle, which workers now enjoy. He said
that these benefits are not given to workers on a silver platter. These are
fruits of unions’ sustained advocacy, paid with workers sweat and blood. He
challenged the participants to do more, move faster, and act better.
(TUCP/PIA-Caraga)
DTI campaigns for 'BAGWIS' awards
By Cerila P. Inson & Leah L. Galano
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 13 (PIA) –
Some 15 owners/representatives from the business sector attended in the
advocacy initiatives on "BAGWIS" program of the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur last week in San Francisco town.
BAGWIS is a program that aims to give
recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice
responsible business where consumers get value for money. In thisprogram, the
business establishment will create an environment where they will uphold fair
and honest business practices whereby the consumers will be assured of quality
and safe goods, products and services.
During the meeting, laws on price tag, product
standards, no return no exchange policy and warranties were discussed. The
participants were also encouraged to install Cansumer Welfare Desks to
facilitate consumer complaints. Each desk shall have an assigned consumer
welfare desk officer so that client’s complaints will immediately be responded.
It was agreed, that the participants shall
undergo training on consumer complaints to equip and enhance their ability in
handling customer’s complaints.
In Agusan del Sur, about 19 establishments were
already certified of BAGWIS and these are located in Bayugan City, Prosperidad
and San Francisco. (DMS/DTI-ADS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Feature: Tips in buying safe cooked food
By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso
MANILA, Mar. 13 (PIA) - Today, more people are
resorting to buying cooked foods outside the home. This is for practical
reasons like saving time in planning and preparing meals, convenience, availing
of choice of reasonably-priced and flavorful food, and experiencing other
special treats aside from the usual family menu.
Cooked and street foods are easy to find in the
carinderia, outside the school premises, churches, parks and even in malls.
However, there are safety issues in buying
cooked and street foods.
Are these foods safe to eat?
These foods are safe to eat provided that the
food handlers have the proper knowledge and training on food handling and
services, food preparation, personal hygiene and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
The sixth message of the 2012 Nutritional
Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) emphasizes that “consume safe foods and water to
prevent diarrhea and other food-related and water-borne diseases."
Here are simple tips to prevent food and
water-borne diseases:
-
Buy cooked food from known safe sources.
-
Avoid foods with mayonnaise or similar dressings. These spoil quickly.
- Avoid buying foods cooked in tomato sauce
and coconut milk because they also easily spoil.
-
Buy frozen or refrigerated fresh cooked food like embotido or morcon.
- Buy only newly-cooked foods and avoid
foods that have been long-standing.
Examples of these are foods cooked in the morning
and sold until the afternoon, or evening or on even the following days.
Remember the 6th message in the 2012 Nutritional
Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF), consume safe foods and water to prevent
diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases.
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City;
trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph
(FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano News: Ordinansa sa pag-establisar og
VAWC desk sa syudad sa Cabadbaran giaprobahan sa SP
Ni Mary Cherly S. Monoy
AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Marso 13 (PIA) - Atol sa
selebrasyon sa bulan sa kababaihan, gipasa sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ang City
Ordinance No. 2013-044 o ang “Ordinance Mandating Every Barangay in the City of
Cabadbaran to Establish a Functional Violence Against Women and their Children
(VAWC) Desk and providing Funds Thereof” nga gipangunahanan ni Sangguniang
Panlungsod Member Alicia C. Funcion.
Ang VAWC desk officer nga pinili sa Punong
Barangay kinahanglan adunay igong kaalam bahin sa Republic Act 9710 o ang Magna
Carta of Women nga maoy magsilbing dagananan sa mga victim – survivor sa
panahon nga ang biktima o ang iyang anak gidagmalan, gipanamastamasan ug uban
pa nga mga pang-abuso aron mahimoan kini dayon og insaktong aksyon ug masilotan
ang mga nang-abuso kanila.
Ang VAWC desk kinahanglan nahimutang sulod sa
Barangay Hall o kon asa dapit nag-opisina ang Punong Barangay, adunay
kaugalingong lamisa, lingkoranan, filing cabinet alang sa butanganan og
confidential nga mga impormasyon og log book alang sa mga records.
Gilaoman nga sa maong ordinansa, mahunong na ang
mga pang-abuso sa kababayen-an ug sa ilang mga anak.
Gi-aprobahan gilayon kini sa Sangguniang
Panlalawigan sa pagpanguna ni Bise Gobernador RamBu Bungabong pinaagi sa
Sanggunian Resolution No. 033-2014 nga gipanghingusgan ni Provincial Board
Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo isip tsirman sa Committee on Social Welfare and
Population Development. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
