Comelec to assign 469 PCOS machines in Misamis Occidental for the May 13 elections

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 3 (PIA) – A total to 469 voting centers have been put up in Misamis Occidental for the May 13 national and local elections.

Thus, the province will have an equal number of 469 Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines, as each voting center will have at least one (1) unit of such equipment during the elections, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES), said.

Baguio said about 256 or 54.58 percent of these voting centers are located in the First District of the province that includes Oroquieta City and nine (9) of Misamis Occidental’s municipalities, namely: Aloroan, Baliangao, Calamba, Concepcion, Jimenez, Lopez-Jarna, Panaon, Plaridel and Sapang-Dalaga.

The other 213 or 45.42 percent of the voting centers are located in the Second District that includes the cities of Ozamiz and Tangub and five (5) municipalities: Bonifacio, Clarin, Don Victoriano, Sinacaban and Tudela.

Baguio said these voting centers were put up after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had clustered the number of precincts into 635 from 2,226, the total number of established precincts from the provinces two (2) districts.

Particularly, the First District had a total of 266 barangays with 990 established precincts which were clustered into 323 precincts.

On the other hand, the Second District had a total of 224 barangays with 1,236 established precincts and clustered into 312 precincts.

Baguio said these voting centers will accommodate a total of 355,350, the total registered voters the province, of which 165,918 or 46.69 percent come from the First District and 189,432 or 53.31 percent, from the Second District. (RCAguhob/ PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

PNoy approves RA 10366 granting PWD’s and SC’s accessibility in polling places during elections

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 3 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved Republic Act. No. 10366, granting persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens (SC) exclusive accessibility in polling places during elections.

Entitled “An Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons With Disabilities and Senior Citizens” will finally take effect on July 1, 2013.

A consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3287 and Lower House Bill No. 5509, RA 10366 was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on December 19, 2012, which was begun on July 23, 2012 by the 3rd Regular Session of the 15th Congress.

RA 10366 defines PWD’s as qualified voters who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in the electoral processes on an equal basis with others, and the SC’s as qualified voters who are 60 years or older.

Meanwhile, RA 10366 shall ensure that PWD’s and SC’s are able to exercise their right to political participation without discrimination or restrictions and guarantees their political rights in line with the concept of the universal design of their right in electoral processes through the following:

Protecting the right of PWD’s and SC’s to vote by secret ballot in elections without intimidation, facilitating the use of assistive and new technologies where appropriate.

Ensuring that voting procedures, facilities and materials are appropriate, accessible, and easy to understand and use, and guaranteeing the free expression, in the exercise of the right of suffrage of PWD’s and SC’s, allowing assistance in voting by a person of their own choice.

Toward this end, the State shall design systems and procedures that will enable PWD’s and SC’s to register and vote by themselves and tasks the Comelec to render appropriate assistance to them in coordination with government agencies and civil society organizations. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

AFP remains apolitical in the coming elections – 1ID, PA Chief

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 3 (PIA) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains committed and steadfast in the discharge of its function and will remain apolitical and non-partisan to ensure the sanctity of the ballots.

This assurance came from Maj. General Rainier Ricardo Cruz III, Commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army (1ID, PA), who represented the AFP, during the recent Peace Covenant Signing in Misamis Occidental.

The activity was attended by more than 370 candidates for the congressional, provincial and municipal level in the May 13, 2013 elections, initiated by the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC).

“Together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the province, 1ID, PA, will do its best to ensure a secure and fair election (SAFE),” Cruz said in a message read by Brig. General Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad, 1ID Assist. Division Commander.

Meanwhile, he challenged all the candidates, the civil society organizations, the religious groups and the whole citizenry to be vigilant during the conduct of the elections and not to be swayed by the use of guns, goons and gold.

“Your presence and your signatures in the Peace Covenant gives us the message that you and your supporters shall abide and remain committed to its ideals and while you might have different political platforms and stand on some issues at hand, for sure, such are aimed at the common good of the majority of the people,” he told the candidates.

He said the signing ceremony is a clear manifestation that the people of Misamis Occidental are peace-loving and continue to shun the culture of violence and serve as a reminder that we are about to undertake a district hallmark or trademark of a true working democracy – the election.

The campaign period is only short, but what matters is the realization of the programs for the betterment to the constituents you represent and lead after the election.

What is expected is that the true will of the people lies on his right of suffrage for him to freely choose his leader or representative, free from any form of force, coercion and/or intimidation, the 1ID Commander added. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DOST lists new science scholars

By Tess Superioridad Baluyos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 3 -- An additional 149 science and mathematics-inclined youth from Region 10 are among the incoming DOST scholars starting school year 2013-2014.

They are to join the thousands of on-going Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholars who are to become future scientists and engineers.

Of the 149 passers, 127 belong to the economically-disadvantaged families (Republic Act 7687) while other 22 qualified under the Merit category of the scholarship program.

The following are the new batch of DOST scholars from Northern Mindanao:

ABAPO, Christine Jean C; ABBAS, Ahmad Johari A; ABELLANA, Marc Bryan G; ABING, Cel Gaddie G; ACOSTA, Hepzybah O; AJOC, Zandor Deogenes M; ALABA, Joyce Elizabeth B; ALBOR, Rachel Faith O; ALEGRE, Jeia Melodie L; ALIH, Jun Geiane Clyde C; AMEN, Bashier S; AMORIO, Dianne Marie G; ANCHO, Wilmer C; ARAT, Jeamron Angelo A; AREVALO, Efren Paul I; ARIO, Carla O;

BACALA, Maria Concepcion M; BACULIO, Sheenagh Jane L; BALAIS, Marilyn M; BANQUERIGO, Carlo Manuel A; BARON, Erman Chris R; BONDAUG, Farlley G;

CABALGADA, Ilian Romeo M; CABEGIN, Kryzsa Mae P; CABILIS, Mar Jhon G; CADALSO, Jeannieva O; CAGA, Aldric Eugene C; , CAGUBCUB, Jeffer Dave A; CAHIG, Christian Y; CAJOTE, Farrah Xenita P; CANANE, Naomi B; CATANE, Patrick Dale E; CORONA, Genisse Reville C;

DALING, Vincent Dan C; DANIAGEL, Kent Louie M; DEL ROSARIO, Roberto Jr. A; DELFIN, Jundel P; DELOS SANTOS, Liwayway V; DESTACAMENTO, Jake H; DIWANGAN , Jession L;

EDOROT, Divine Grace C; ELARMO, James Carlou B; EMLANO, John Louise B; ENTRAMPAS, Hazel D; ESCLAMADO, Marian Mae A; ESPINOSA, Leoven S; ESTENZO, Loreinne C; ESTOPA, Landmark M; ESTRADA, Nathan Gil A;

FELICITAS, Mark Anthony O; FERNANDEZ, Rubie Mae D; FERNANDICO, Kalvin Pierce M; FLORIN, Mary Glydel P;

GALITO, Alicia Marie E; GALLARDO, Girly S; GALLARES, Ruel L; GALLEGOS, John Mark A; GARCIA, Princess G; GARCIA, Jan Mary B; GASPAR, Jean Irish C; GASTON, Jonathan Stephen B; GAVIA, Reniel T; GENERALAO, Glenn T; GONZALES, Julius Jay A;

HASSAN, Nashita O; HO, Juna C;

IGCALINOS, Mary Jane A; IMPROSO, Hannah Rhae Lyssa D;

JAMERO, Rojhene B; JAMISOLA, Ryan Michael S;

KILEM, Nicole Katrina P;

LABIS, John Michael A; LAMBAYON, John Glenn L; LAMBERTE, Charisse Kim A; LANTECSI, Carl Phillip P; LAWAS, Klausmeine A; LAYAHON, Jay Nessa H; LEDESMA, Febie G; LEONOR, Alvinas Augustine E; LIWAGON, Eyrl Joey Jay D; LOPEZ, Rusty Lou G; LUNA, Gabrielle C;

MAAMBONG, hazel O; MAKASIAR, Eloise Ann Kristine B; MALAZARTE, Aquila M; MALOLOT, Glenda S; MARUHOM, Jialima S; MAULAS, Kryzzyl M; MENGUITO, John Christopher Z; MINOZA, Shinje; MUTAS, Maggie Mae M;

NADELA, Ella B; NARA, Keannu Jefferson F; NERI, Cindy D; NILLAMA, Joshua Andrew P; NILLAS, Mary Grace P;

OMEGA, Nicole Aldrianne

P; PABELONIO, Isabella B; PABILLARAN, Golden C; PACALDO, Ruthen Ann A; PACHECO, Jessa Me R; PAINGCO, Mubarak M; PANCHO, Joseph Job Z; PAJELA, Junna Mae S; PEDROS, John Rommel Y; PEREZ, Ruby Mae T; PEROCHO, Riellan Crisfer Joyce B; PINGOL, Xela Patrice B; PLAME, Vinson Mechael D;

QUIANDO, Thea Roselle C;

RAAKIN, Joan R; RAMOS, Elizalde Jr S; RAZA, Michelle N; ROMERO, JC James N; ROXAS, Sharen Lynne B; RULIDA, Hannah Leah Queen A;

SALISE, Pauline May Amethyst G; SANCHEZ, Juvene Nikko B; SAYSON, Iezer Vince C; SERMONIA, Henry James R; SOLERIA, Honey Joy B; SOLIANO, Juvisil Lyn Q; SUAL, Angela O;

TABAL, Jommalyn M; TABAN, Brent Phoenx P; TABAR, Georgie Lou L; TAGAAN, Marianne Isabel M; TAMIN, Joseph Emmanuel K; TAN, Ma. Kassandra S; TANGIAN, Leira Jim V; TANZO, engelly S; TECSON, Christine Mae B; TEJADA, Sheila Mae V; TENORIO, Airies R; TOYOGON, Ren E; TRANSILLAS, Jay L; TUAZON, Dan Crispolo O;

UBATAY, Wenndey Mae B; UCAB, Pamela Mae L; UDANG, Nino A;

VICOY, Leynard T; VILLAMOR, Ellayne Faylarizz B; VILLANUEVA, Jake Jay P; VILLARUZ, Jandolf C;

YABO, Vince Jayson V; YAP, Chiara Marie A; YAP, Jupiter O; YONGCO, Jake E; and ZALSOS, Edzel A.

DOST scholars enjoy tuition subsidy, monthly stipend, book allowance and many more. They are expected to pursue a four- or five-year college degree in priority science and technology fields.

They have to enroll in DOST-accredited universities and colleges which are identified by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as centers of development or center of excellence.

For this year, priority science and technology courses include the following: agriculture, agricultural biotechnology, agricultural chemistry, agricultural engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, biochemistry, biology, ceramics engineering, chemistry with applied computer system, chemistry with materials science and engineering, chemistry engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, electronics and communications engineering, environmental science, fisheries, food technology, forestry, geology, geodetic engineering, industrial engineering, information technology, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, mining engineering, molecular biology and biotechnology, physics with applied computer system, physics with material science and engineering, science/mathematics teaching, and statistics.

The granting of college science scholarship to science and mathematics-inclined youth is a continuing program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which aims to substantially increase the number of scientists and engineers. It hopes to boost the economic productivity of the country.

Every year, DOST conducts scholarship examination, held simultaneously all over the country. In 2012, about 30,000 high school graduating students took the examination. Out of that number, 3,597 qualified for the scholarship.

For more information, please visit the nearest DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center in your area or the DOST regional office located at J.V. Serina St. (near JR Borja Memorial City Hospital), Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. You may also call (088)8586790 or browse the DOST Region 10 website, http://region10.dost.gov.ph/. (TSB/DOST/PIA10)

Comelec tasks PAL to give preferential accommodation to “must-ride status” officials

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 3 (PIA) -- Government officials with "must-ride status" will be given preferential accommodation by the Philippine Airlines (PAL) for the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

These include officials, employees and deputies of the Comelec traveling on official business.

This is stipulated in Comelec Resolution No. 9598 promulgated on Dec. 18, 2012, entitled “Deputation of Certain Departments Under the Executive Branch, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations and Financial Institutions in Connection with the May 13, 2013 Automated National and Local Elections.”

The same resolution also tasks PAL to direct its officials and employees to effect the immediate shipment, delivery and transmittal of Comelec cargo and other election matters and perform such other duties and functions which the Comelec may prescribe from time to time.

Meanwhile, Comelec Reso. 9598 has also designated the following government agencies under the Executive Branch as deputies in the forthcoming elections:

Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Finance (DoF), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost), National Telecommunications (NTC) and Telecommunications Office (TelOf).

Department of Energy (DOE), Electric Cooperatives (EC), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Food Authority (NFA), National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Printing Office (NPO) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Also designated Comelec deputies are the following Government Financial Institutions (GFI’s) and GOCC’s: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).

The above-mentioned GFI’s and GOCC’s per Comelec Reso. 9598 have been asked to place at the disposal of the Comelec their land, air and water craft, such as airplanes and helicopters, trucks, jeeps, vans, cars, ships, launches, barges, and speedboats, and communication facilities, as the Comelec may need them from time to time.

Said vehicles shall be used to ferry the personnel of the Comelec and of its deputized agencies in the performance of their election duties, and to transport election forms, supplies and materials to their places of destination, particularly in areas with inadequate or without regular means of transportation. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

PIA Director General lauds heroes in Lanao del Norte’s GK Bayani Challenge 2013

By Lorry V. Gabule

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE, April 02 (PIA)— Everyone is a builder of a dream, builder of a family, builder of an aspiration, builder of a nation, and we take on this responsibility because we care for our country.

Thus said Undersecretary Jose Mari Oquiñena for Special Concerns of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), who is also the Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in his message to all volunteers and teams during the closing program on the eve of March 26, 2013 held at the town’s plaza, Poblacion, Sapad, Lanao del Norte.

“This night is a regular feature of team Gawad Kalinga (GK). It gathers people from all walks of life, listen to inspiring talks and most importantly captures the action after the session, the application of the inspiration done in our family, community and our country,” expressed Oquiñena.

It aims to raise awareness of the global movement called Gawad Kalinga. It motivates people to a unified action and deepens our identity as Filipinos and relive the spirit of Bayanihan, he said.

Usec. Oquiñena lauded the leadership of Gov. Khalid Q. Dimaporo for his constituents to be volunteers, and inviting groups from within and outside the province of Lanao del Norte as builders to this year’s Bayani Challenge.

And to recall how Team Lanao del Norte were able to build 23 units during the Bayani Challenge (BC) hosted by Iligan City in 2011, with Tropical Storm Sendong survivors as the beneficiaries of the shelter.

The province of Lanao del Norte is one of the 33 areas nationwide to host the 2013 Bayani Challenge, from March 23-27, 2013, particularly in the municipality of Sapad, a mixed Christian-Muslim community.

Oquiñena also met some media from Iligan City and had a talk with them at the site at Poblacion, Sapad.

He said that the PCOO is the prime office of Pilipinas Natin that is concern for nation building and volunteerism. They share the same mission with the Gawad Kalinga (GK) that is why the ‘Bayani Challenge’ is conceptualized.

Further, he said that Bayani Challenge is held during summer, specifically in the month of April. We encourage this event to be widely spread so that people will be aware of it and how volunteerism is part of the Filipino’s passion to share and spare time to help their countrymen.

But it does not mean that the mission of building commuity has ended tonight, we still need volunteers to continue building the targeted 300 sites in 2014 BC, concluded Oquiñena. (lvgabule/PIA 10-LDN)

4th Infantry recognizes exemplar units, promoted officers

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, April 2 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division recognized the exemplary performance of units and pinned the ranks to newly promoted officers during the Monday flag-raising ceremony, here Monday.

Three officers were promoted from first lieutenant to captain after successfully complying with the requirements for the said promotion, while three units received plaques in recognition of their commendable performances in all aspect of Internal Peace and Security Operations.

During the ceremony, Colonel Victor A Gealan, division adjutant, read the confirmation of promotion of 1st Lieutenant Aurelson P Coloma (Inf) PA; 1st Lieutenant Joe Ryan A Manalo (Inf) PA; and 1st Lieutenant Marlou C Daguio (Inf) PA based on the authority letter from the office of the president dated October 28, 2011. Major General Nestor A Añonuevo AFP, Commander 4ID, personally pinned the ranks insignias to the above mentioned officers.

After the pinning of ranks, the Command presented plaques to the 401st Infantry “Unity Brigade and to the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion for having been adjudged as the “Best Infantry Brigade” and “Best Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division during the annual performance evaluation of the field units for calendar year 2012 conducted by Headquarters Philippine Army.

Also presented during the awarding was the certificate of recognition to the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division by Clarissa C Rosales, President of Gender Advocates and Women in the Government Service in Region 10, for the most valuable assistance and support to all the endeavors of GA-WINGS 10 that inspired all the members in making the celebration of Women’s Month fruitful and successful.

MGen Añonuevo said, “I congratulate the three officers for a well-deserved promotion and I urge you to continue your dedication to duty and be ready to face more challenges and responsibilities that may come in your way.”

“I also extend my congratulations to 401Bde and 8IB for their exemplary performances that made them the best Infantry Brigade and Best Infantry Battalion of the Division, respectively. Let us continue our efforts in making our area peaceful to give way to development that in turn will make the lives of the people better. Again, congratulations and keep up the good work,” Añonuevo added. (4CMO/4ID/PA/PIA10)

Walk for the children to highlight Labor Day in Northern Mindanao

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao will mark this year’s Labor Day celebration with a new twist.

The 111th Labor Day celebration in the region will not only be for the organized sector but also for the informal sector, DOLE Regional Director Atty. Johnson Cañete said in a press briefing Monday.

He said a region-wide walk for the children dubbed, “Lakaw Ta Para Sa Bata Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao,” will highlight the Labor day celebration come May 1.

The walk for a cause will be held simultaneously in the different provinces of the region as an intensified advocacy campaign against child labor.

Northern Mindanao is one of the areas where child labor is rampant. Based on the 2011 Survey on Children conducted by the National Statistics Office, the region has recorded 240,000 children engaged in hazardous labor.

Cañete said the simultaneous walk aims to gather around 10,000 participants.

“With their P20 donation, we can provide educational assistance to identified potential child laborers in the forms of notebooks, bags and school uniforms in time for the school opening in June,” he added.

For Cagayan de Oro alone, 246 children are set to benefit from the proceeds of the walk.

These children belong to the 1,696 households in the city who will be graduating from the Pantawid Pamilya program this year.

Cañete said they have partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in identifying the beneficiaries because they are worried of the risks and danger that children belonging to these households will become child laborers when their parents graduate from the program. (APB-PIA10)

DOLE-10 invites jobseekers to mega jobs fair on Labor Day

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 10 is inviting new graduates and jobseekers to its mega jobs fair on May 1 and 2.

The two-day jobs fair, to be held at the SM City Carpark, is one of the activities lined-up for this year’s Labor Day celebration.

Aside from the jobs, there will also be a one-stop shop where jobseekers may avail of pre-employment documentation services from other government agencies such as Bureau of Internal Revenue, Professional Regulations Commission, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Department of Foreign Affairs, among others.

Those who wish to join are advised to pre-register at the DOLE Western Misamis Oriental Provincial Office or at the Public Employment Services Office to hasten skills matching and placement of qualified applicants.

Pre-registration is also being conducted at the SM City every Saturday and Sunday.

Job seekers are also encouraged to register online through www.phil-job.net, the official job portal of the government.

Records from the DOLE-10 show that 2,583 or 54.4 percent of the 4,743 applicants referred and interviewed during the Labor Day Jobs Fair last year were hired-on-the spot. Of these numbers, 1,220 were hired locally while 1,363 were for overseas employment. (APB/PIA10)

Observance of Lenten season generally peaceful - PNP Iligan

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, April 2 (PIA) – Local police here has assured security measures were in place during the observance of Holy Week on March 24-31, 2013.

P/SSupt.Cristeto Rey D. Gonzalodo, City Director of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO)-Philippine National Police (PNP), said they provided

public safety services and conducted pro-active police operations to suppress any act of lawlessness, particularly on terrorist attacks, kidnapping and other related crimes in places where devotees gathered.

“It’s generally peaceful, the city was out of danger, per our assessment,” Gonzalodo declared. This was due to the police public assistance posts established in different strategic areas in the city, aside from the continuous police visibility and heightened beat patrol.

ICPO has coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and religious sectors to develop, formulate and maintain an effective security system to adequately prevent any acts of lawlessness in this year’s Lenten season.

Gonzalodo said uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were deployed for visibility in the vicinity of churches, other ritual places, seaports and bus terminals in their respective area of jurisdiction.

“We intensified our intelligence operation to monitor the plans and activities of criminal elements and other threat groups,” Gonzalodo said.

All PNP operating units have closely coordinated with concerned religious ministers/priests for the scheduled activities at St. Michael’s Cathedral and other churches which started on March 24, “Domingo sa Lukay” (Palm Sunday), he said.

“We have tapped all Punong Barangays (village chieftain) for the utilization of their civilian volunteer organizations (CVO’s) and Barangay Tanods (Village Police) in providing security within their area," added Gonzalodo.

Also, ICPO have established Public Assistance Centers (PAC) manned by appropriate personnel and some force multipliers in major churches, tourist spots and other places of convergence in their respective area of responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Police Traffic Section, along with other traffic auxiliaries, took charge of traffic direction, management/enforcement and motorist assistance along national highways and made sure of smooth flow of traffic along the city’s main thoroughfares during the week.

“But most importantly, our implementation strictly adheres to the PNP Operational Procedures or Rules of Engagement and we urged people to be vigilant during the week’s observance of Lenten Season,” Gonzalodo emphasized. (lvg/PIA10 LDN)

Kick off of local campaign in Misamis Occidental, generally peaceful – Comelec

By  Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Apr. 3 (PIA) – The campaign of local candidates in Misamis Occidental which started last March 30 was generally peaceful.

This was the assessment of lawyer Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, who said so far, no untoward incident related to the election have been reported in the province since March 30.

Now on its 5th day, the campaign of the local candidates for the May 13, 2013 elections should have started last March 29, but the day fell on Good Friday, when campaigning was prohibited per Resolution No. 9615 of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) dated Jan. 15, this year.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has listed the province in the 14th place of 15 places in the country which are considered “areas of concern.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) presented a total of 176 firearms that were confiscated by the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office since the implementation of the gun ban in January 13, 2013.

The presentation was done last March 25, during the signing of the Peace Covenant of more than 370 candidates for congressional, provincial and municipal level positions in the province this coming May 13 elections.

On the other hand, Baguio said five (5) mayoralty candidates in the province are running unopposed and these are in the following areas: Oroquieta City and Tudela town, both under the Liberal Party (LP), Panaon and Sapang Dalaga, both under the Nacionalista Party (NP) and Concepcion, under the National Unity Party (NUP).

Also running unopposed are six (6) candidates for Vice Mayor, particularly in Oroquieta City, Concepcion and Panaon, all running under the LP, Calamba and Sapang Dalaga, both under the NP and Tudela under the NUP.

The cities of Ozamiz and Tangub have two (2) Mayoralty candidates, each, running under the LP and NUP, respectively, as well as two (2) Vice Mayoralty candidates, each, also running under the same parties.

Also with two (2) candidates for Mayor, each, are the towns of Aloran, Baliangao, Clarin, Jimenez, Lopez-Jaena, Plaridel and Sinacaban and three (3) candidates, each, in the towns of Bonifacio, Calamba and Don Victoriano.

With two (2) candidates for Vice Mayor, each, are the towns of Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Clarin, Lopez-Jaena and Sinacaban and three (3) candidates, each in the towns of Don Victoriano, Jimenez and Plaridel. (RCaguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

PMAP calls for more resiliency in the workforce

By Jerome R. Soldevilla

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 3 -- The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP)–Cagayan de Oro City Chapter calls on leaders and managers of business and service organizations to heighten their efforts in enhancing workers’ resiliency amidst rapid changes in the business climate brought about by advancements in technology, liberalization and the challenges of globalization.

PMAP CdO Chapter President Aida May de Guzman made this call during a seminar–workshop entitled “Resiliency for Peak Performance in Work and Life” held at the Pryce Plaza Hotel, this city.

“For business and service organizations to stay competitive, workers must be able to quickly adapt to fast-changing business environments and be more attuned to new and emerging circumstances and opportunities,” de Guzman said.

The workshop is the first of PMAP’s Professional Development Program for this year and is designed to enhance member-companies’ productivity by promoting a culture of continuous workplace and workforce improvement.

Xavier University (XU) Human Resource (HR) Director and PMAP Director for Professional Development Ma. Soledad Amir said that 72 participants from different companies attended the workshop, representing various companies in the region such as the A. Brown Group of Companies, Apex Mining Company Inc., Del Monte Philippines Inc., Minergy Inc., Philippine Sinter Corporation, Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Group, PROIS International Christian School, Pryce Gases Inc., RI Chemical Corporation, Spruce Designer Network Inc., STEAG State Power Inc., Thai Me Up, Toyota Cagayan de Oro Inc., Work Experts & Allied Services Inc., YSU Marketing Corp, Xavier University and Petronas Corporation.

Meanwhile, STEAG HR Officer and PMAP Vice President Dr. Wilma Magdale said that PMAP CdO Chapter stays focused on strengthening its professional development programs and advocacies to include industrial relations, community relations (COMREL), business continuity and sustainability.

Minergy AVP for HR and PMAP Director for Membership Dr. Dulce Corazon Esperon also said that PMAP is actively pursuing membership expansion to include the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the academic sector. (Jerome R. Soldevilla/SPI/PIA10)