DTI intensifies consumer protection, turns over 30
calibrated weigh scales in AgSur
By David M. Suyao
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, May 12 (PIA) - The
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here on Tuesday turned over 30 weigh
scales or the Timbangan ng Bayan to the local government units all over the
province in order to equip them with tools that will ensure consumers’
protection on the purchase of their daily basic commodities that are sold
through the use of weigh scales.
According to DTI Agusan del Sur provincial
director Lolita Dorado, the distribution should have taken place last month so
that the program should have been implemented earlier but because of late
arrival of some weigh scales, it took place only today.
In his message, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza said he
was glad that the DTI had brought the program into action because aside from
increasing prices of basic commodities that confront the people, many
businessmen are taking advantage of cheating the consumers through uncalibrated
weigh scales.
“This is a very good move by the Congress and the
DTI in order to support, protect and promote the general welfare of the
consumers against unscrupulous businessmen. I am calling all of you who are
here, the Bantay Presyo group, and all Agusanons to support and help the
initiators of the project so that it will really serve the purpose. For those
who are recipients of these weigh scales, please dedicate few of your precious
time in checking the condition of the weigh scales so that they will last
longer than expected. I also hope that this will serve as initial tools for
more calibrated scales to be used so that our unscrupulous businessmen will
have their lessons,” Gov. Plaza said.
For Talacogon Mayor Jesryl Masendo, he said that
it is not the monetary value that matter most in the distribution of the weigh
scales but it is the message that it delivers.
“It is not how much the weigh scales cost but the
message that it delivers to the businessmen. The message says, “you have to be
honest from now on to sell good and efficient product commodities to your
customers, or your bad practices will return to you,” Mayor Masendo said.
Bayugan City received four timbangans, Bunawan
two, Esperanza two, La Paz one, Loreto one, Prosperidad three, Rosario two, San
Francisco five, San Luis one, Sibagat two, Sta. Josefa three, Talacogon one,
Trento two and Veruela one with a total of 30 timbangans for the entire
province.
The Timbangan ng Bayan is a government project
initiated by the House of Representatives through House Bill No. 874, (An Act
providing for the establishment of a Timbangan ng Bayan center in all public
markets nationwide). The approved budget of the project is P42.7 million.
(FEA/DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
CSC organizes Public Sector HR Symposium, PSTD
National Convention
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) – The Civil Service
Commission (CSC) in partnership with the Philippine Society for Training and
Development (PSTD) and the Government of Australia through the Philippines
Australia Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility (PAHRODF) are
jointly organizing the Public Sector HR Symposium and PSTD National Convention
on May 27-29, 2015 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.
According to Robert Martinez, CSC acting chairman,
about 1,800 HROD and workplace learning and performance professionals from both
the public and private sectors will be attending the said event.
“The event highlights the significant role of
leaders in inspiring the transformation of other individuals which,
collectively, result in organizational and societal transformations that could
create dramatic impact,” disclosed Martinez.
Martinez also revealed that the registration fee
is P7,000.00 per participant inclusive of training kits, meals during the
symposium and cerificates of participation of 16 hours of managerial
training. “Accommodation is not included
in the registration fee,” he added.
For more information about the event, the Civil
Service Institute can be reached at telephone numbers (02) 931-4182, 931-7971
or email at hrsymposium2015@csi.csc.gov.ph. Participants from the regional
level can also contact or visit their local CSC field offices for details.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Butuan ranks 13th on economic dynamism index
By Daisy Jane M. Apit
BUTUAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) - The National
Competitiveness Council (NCC) – Philippines reported that the city ranked 13th
out of 136 participating cities on the Economic Dynamism Index of the Cities
and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) 2014.
The report further revealed that it is the only
city in Caraga to be included in the top 15 cities of one of the three indices
of CMCI with 11.675 score out of 100 points.
According to its official website, the council had
set CMCI with the following indices to consider: Economic Dynamism, which based
the scores on the gathered and validated data on the size and capital,
revenues, and occupancy permits, capacity to generate employment, cost of doing
business, financial deepening, productivity, and presence of business and
professional organizations; Government Efficiency, which based the scores on
the gathered and validated data on transparency, economic governance, local taxes
and revenues, local competition-related awards, business registration
efficiency, investment promotion, compliance to national directives, security,
health, education; while Infrastructure scores were based on existing road
network, distance from city/municipality center to major ports, Department of
Tourism-accredited accommodations, health infrastructure, education
infrastructure, basic utilities, infrastructure investments, information and
communications technology (ICT) connection, ATMs, and public transportation.
“Butuan is doing okay in terms of economic
dynamism but needs to improve in government efficiency. But overall, Caraga
needs further improvement to be able to compete with other cities. We must
think global, act local now,” said NCC Capacity Building Program program
officer Marina N. Saldana during the NCC regional road show held on Tuesday
here.
“Let us all work together, public and private,
because we cannot do it alone, we need your help. And of course, to build that
long term competitiveness i-push na natin ‘to! (Let’s go for it!) Let us help
each other, engaged and be involved!” Saldana added.
Saldana also quoted an African proverb saying “If
you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together,” as an
encouragement to the audience during her CMCI report.
Now on its fourth year, the event was attended by
some 100 participants coming from the local business chambers, industry
associations, academe, non-government organizations/civil society
organizations, concerned government agencies and representatives from the local
government units of the region.
Other highlights of the activity were the
presentation of the overview of competitiveness ranking by Saldana, the
reporting of the updates on the NCC’s activities and programs by NCC Business
Permits Licensing System program officer Faisah Dela Rosa, and the giving of
the Philippine Quality Award and Philippine Quality Challenge by
Competitiveness Bureau representative Mario Jusi.
The roadshow was themed “Boosting competiveness
through public and private partnership."
For complete list of the CMCI 2014 report, see
http://www.competitive.org.ph/files/downloads/STATE-OF_COMPETITIVENES_-4TH_ARANGKADA_FORUM_-_MARCH_3_2015.pdf.
(FEA/DJA/PIA-Caraga)
DENR reminds resort owners in Caraga on proper
sanitation, waste management
By Eric Herzon F. Gallego
BUTUAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) —Regional director Nonito
M. Tamayo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga
Region reminded owners of beach resorts and commercial establishments
particularly in places with tourist influx to be aware about good sanitation
and proper waste management to keep the waters safe for swimming.
Tamayo issued the advisory in face of the
situation in Boracay waters which is partly affected by the presence of the
so-called “green and slimy algae” that has spoiled the summer fun of bathers
and swimmers.
“Although the appearance of green algae is a
natural occurrence during summer, it would be practical to the owners of
resorts and other commercial establishments operating on the beach corridors in
the region to exercise proper management of sanitation and waste disposal,”
Tamayo said.
He said he would ask the Environmental Management
Bureau (EMB) regional director for Caraga Region Wilson L. Trajico to likewise
look into the informal settlers along shorelines to determine the quality of
water in their surrounding areas in accordance with the Clean Water Act and
other environmental laws and regulations.
Tamayo said a well-designed sewage system may be
practical and beneficial to the owners of the establishments in the
tourist-destined beach resorts in the region. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)
LGU assessors, planning officers get new learning
strategy on land titling
SURIGAO CITY, May 12 (PIA) – More than 20
Assessors and Planning Officers from the different parts of the country have
attended the three-day Roll Out and Immersion in Public Land Titling on the
Systematic Adjudication Approach in Land Disposition sponsored by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Land Management Bureau
at the Hotel Tavern, this city on April 22-24, 2015, DENR Director for
Technical Services Atty. Pacquito Rosal announced on Monday.
The LGU planning officers and municipal, city and
provincial assessors have learned about the guidelines for the implementation
of public land titling being partners of the DENR. It can be recalled that the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued Memorandum
Circular No. 211-117 which enjoins the local government units (LGUs) to support
the intention of the said administrative order in integrating land titling
program. It also enjoins the LGU to create a Land Information Office and
Cadastral Council and name a Deputized Public Land Inspector for such purpose.
According to Rosal, the LGUs will greatly benefit
with partnership arrangement for a titling program.
The participants have learned about the
facilitation of titling activities with LGU jurisdiction, tax mapping,
demographic mapping activities and geographic information system which are
important in land titling.
This learning is expected to improve the tax
collections of the LGU as it expands its tax base. Titled properties can be
taxed properly therefore an increase in local revenues of a municipality could
now support and improve delivery of basic services such as health and
sanitation, infrastructure development, education, and social services among
others.
Among the resource persons in the three day
learning activity about land titling are Land Management Bureau assistant
director Atty. Emelyn V. Talabis, Land Management Bureau chief Engr. Rolando
Pablo, Land Administration and Management Services head Engr. Warlito Quirimit,
and Center for Land Management Administration and Management manager Alice
Robles.
The participants have also conducted an immersion
with the community in Taganaan, Surigao del Sur where a one-stop shop on land
titling was held so that the people can easily apply for free patents to
residential lands under Republic Act No. 10023.
In order to qualify for the issuance of
residential free patent, an applicant must be a Filipino citizen and actual
occupant of the parcel land being applied either by herself or himself or
through her or his predecessor-in-interest under a bona-fide claim of
acquisition of ownership, for at least 10 years prior to filing of the
application.
Predecessor-in-interest is a person who, before
having lawfully transferred the parcel subject of the application to the
applicant, has held and possessed the same in his or her own right and under a
color of title acquired through any of the modes of acquisition recognized by
the Civil Code. She or he has formerly occupied this parcel of land in the
concept of an owner under a bona-fide claim of ownership, but relinquishes her
or his right over the same in favor of the applicant. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
5 AgSur towns gear up for Kalahi-CIDSS
implementation in CY 2015
By Eunice G. Montaos
BUTUAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) - The municipalities of
Bunawan, Prosperidad, Rosario, Talacogon, and Trento in the province of Agusan
del Sur are set to start this year the implementation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban
sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services
(Kalahi-CIDSS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD).
Already on board last year, the Kalahi-CIDSS
program, or the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP), is
implemented in the 46 municipalities in Caraga region.
The aforementioned five municipalities add to the
list of identified municipalities which are recipients of the said anti-poverty
program of DSWD.
For CY 2015, a total amount of Php79,797,950 will
be utilized by the five towns to complete community sub-projects by way of the
community-driven development (CDD) approach used by the Program.
The grant is divided into the following: Bunawan
(Php14,992,800), Prosperidad (Php20,000,000), Rosario (Php13,398,000),
Talacogon (Php14,889,600), and Trento (Php16,517,550).
“In the CDD approach, the recipient communities
will undergo the Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC) where the
residents of the communities get to decide the sub-projects that they most
need, and they will be entrusted to manage the grant funds in implementing
their opted projects,” said DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli.
She further bared that the local government units
(LGUs) of the province, municipalities, and barangays are also involved in the
process for they will be required to provide a local counterpart contribution
(LCC), in-cash or in-kind.
While Kalahi-CIDSS follows an open menu system
which means that communities are given the opportunity to propose whatever type
of sub-project will best address their needs, barring those that are identified
in the Negative list, the sub-projects are expected to fall into the categories
namely water systems, school buildings, health stations, day care centers,
electrifications, foot bridges, pathways, access roads, pre-and post-harvest
facilities, irrigation systems, flood control systems, and environmental
protection and conservation community projects.
DSWD Caraga assistant regional director Mita G.
Lim, Kalahi-CIDSS regional program manager, also disclosed that along the
implementation process, Area Coordinating Teams (ACTs) are deployed in the
municipalities to assist, facilitate, and provide needed technical assistance
to the communities.
“The ACTs, which are composed of an area
coordinator, a technical facilitator, community empowerment facilitators, and
finance analysts, are hired by DSWD to ensure the efficient and effective
program implementation,” Lim added.
Recently, the regional management of Kalahi-CIDSS
had a forum with the LGUs of the five towns for orientation and leveling-off as
to the guidelines and requirements for Program engagement. The said activity
was held at Paseo Suites, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
The Kalahi-CIDSS program is one of the core
poverty-reduction programs of DSWD which primarily aims to provide poor
communities access to services and increase their participation in more
inclusive local planning, budgeting, and implementation. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
23 mining company workers in SurSur freed
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 12 (PIA) – After
two hours of being taken hostage, 23 workers of a mining company
subcontractor—Nickelbase, Inc.—were freed without any ransom paid at around
10:00 a.m. on May 11, 2015 in Carrascal town, 72 kilometers north of the city.
According to the “First Progress Report” by
P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, PNP acting provincial director here, Carrascal
Mayor Vicente Pimentel, Jr. immediately convened the Crisis Management
Committee (CMC) “to address the prevailing situation.”
However, “the armed group is still in the mining
site where there are thirty (30) units of backhoe, undetermined number of dump
trucks, and four units of drilling machines,” Verdadero added.
It can be recalled in a text message to media by
Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, civil military operations (CMO) officer of the 36th
Infantry Battalion (36IB) headed by Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio, Jr. under
the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine
Army (PA) that at around 8:00 a.m., 20 armed men believed to be rogue members
of “Bagani,” described as tribal guards
of indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities in Carrascal, led by a certain Puperto
Ponson a.k.a. Datu Bakintoy held captive some personnel of Nickelbase, Inc.
The CMO officer also told media that the armed
group has withheld a number of mining equipment in the area.
Reportedly, a certain Rene Guerta, supervisor of
Nickelbase, Inc. was informed that allegedly the perpetrators have demanded P24
million for the release of their hostages including the equipment. (NGBT/Radyo
ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
