President Aquino lauds manufacturing industry for supporting his administration

President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the manufacturing industry for supporting his administration's agenda of inclusive growth.

"Achieving an equitably progressive future lies in our ability to adopt technologies that lead to the production of better goods and services. Enterprises such as yours, whose efforts anchor our nation’s pursuit of an innovative edge, contribute greatly to our agenda of inclusive growth," the Chief Executive said in his message to Techno-Trade Resources, Inc. on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary.

President Aquino said his government remains committed to ensure the development of the manufacturing industry by instituting reforms that promote bureaucratic efficiency and address the specific needs and concerns of the sector.

"I feel great pride at your success in creating safe, durable roofing and piping supplies for the local market; your accomplishments affirm our administration’s belief that there is no shortage of homegrown Filipino companies with world-class products," he said.

The President cited the industry's efforts to carry out initiatives in helping the government in its goal to spur economic growth.

"Your government maintains its support for your sector, as you carry out initiatives that will make you even more dynamic participants in our economy," he stressed.

"May this milestone inspire you to work with even greater passion, ensuring that integrity and excellence define your pursuits, that you may contribute even further to our nation’s development," he said.

Established in August of 1988, Techno-Trade Resources is producing safe and durable roofing and piping supplies.

Allergy forces President Aquino to ‘rest’

President Benigno S. Aquino III was forced to take a break from presidential duties and rest as his allergy began acting up on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President’s allergy began to become “active” after attending the Philippine National Police’s commemoration of the 112th Police Service Anniversary at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Lacierda said the President’s allergic reaction to pollen was aggravated because of the presence of floral arrangements at the venue, the Multi-Purpose Center at the PNP headquarters.

“We would like to clarify that his allergy acted up since Tuesday when he attended the PNP’s 112th Police Service Anniversary and so during the course of the few days, his allergy has been quite active,” Lacierda said.

He added that aside from resting, the President is also taking his anti-allergy medication to counter the effects of his adverse reaction to pollen.

“He’s resting right now. After presiding over long meetings yesterday (Wednesday), nagpapahinga na siya (President Aquino) ngayon,” Lacierda said.

DENR seeks active support of LGUs in anti-illegal logging, mining campaigns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR 10) has called on the local government units (LGUs) to actively support anti-illegal logging and mining campaign being waged by DENR and its partners in Northern Mindanao.

This call was made by Director Tawantawan during the meeting of the Regional Anti-illegal Logging Task Force composed of DENR, DILG 10, military and police held here recently.

“The active participation of the LGUs will further boost our campaign against illegal logging and illegal mining in the region,” Director Tawantawan said.

The members of the Task Force have requested the regional DILG to issue a memorandum urging the LGUs to support the campaign against illegal logging, and mining.

Director Tawantawan further said that deputation of military and police personnel as forest protection officers will be undertaken to further strengthen the anti-illegal logging campaign.

Earlier, military and police personnel have also been deputized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Region 10 (MGB 10) in its anti-illegal mining campaign.

It can be recalled that President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Executive Order No. 23 declaring a moratorium in the cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests nationwide, and creating an Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force.

“While we are intensifying our campaign against illegal loggers and miners, we are also looking into alternative livelihood for affected communities,” Tawantawan added.

On the same meeting the task force agreed to request the Regional Philippine National Police Director to also instruct the provincial and municipal commanders to strengthen its forest protection activities, to stop if not prevent illegal cutting and transport of naturally growing trees in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

It was reported during the meeting that from January to June 2013, the DENR 10 together with the military, police, other concerned agencies and civil society organizations have confiscated a total of 65,940.48 board feet of forest products consisting of logs, lumber, flitches and logbolts.

These confiscations were undertaken in the provinces of Bukidnon with 15,115.6 bd ft of forest products and 5 units of vehicle; Camiguin with .11 cubic meter logs with 1 chainsaw; Lanao del Norte with 16,044.16 bd ft of forest products and 3 units vehicle; Misamis Occidental with 22.22 cubic meters of forest products and 1 vehicle and Misamis Oriental with 24,549.6 bd ft of forest products with 2 units motorcycle and 1 vehicle. (Lina D. Calvez/DENR-RPAO/PIA)

“No work, no pay” policy applies to August 21 holiday – DOLE

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

The policy of “no work, no pay” will apply to the special non-working holiday pay for daily-paid workers on August 21 dubbed Ninoy Aquino Day.

This is pursuant to Labor Advisory No. 06, s. of 2012, which was issued by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapiles-Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), concerning the computation of the worker’s pay during special non-working days in 2013.

The said advisory specifies that if the employee did not work on that day, the “No work, No pay’” principle shall apply, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day.

Meanwhile, Jose G. Robles, DOLE Provincial Director of Misamis Occidental, said the following computation will be used in determining the daily wages of the employees on such date:

If the employee worked, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/daily rate on the first eight (8) hours of work [(Daily rate x 130%) + COLA].

If the employee worked in excess of eight (8) hours (overtime work), he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basis daily wage x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked).

If the employee worked during a special day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of his/her daily rate on the first eight (8) hours of work [(Daily rate x 150%) + COLA].

If the employee worked in excess or eight (8) hours (overtime work) during a special day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on said day (Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 150% x 130% x number of hours worked). (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Guv unveils landmark in Lanao Norte

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Aug 14 (PIA) -- Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo headed the cutting of ribbon ceremony and the unveiling of the newly constructed Municipal Treasurer Association of the Philippines (Muntap) Inc. Lanao del Norte Chapter landmark located at Sagadan Highway (fronting Laneco), Tubod this province, last August 13, 2013.

On the landmark is written, "Sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan Buwis Ay Dapat Bayaran (For a Progressive Nation, Pay your Taxes)," that reminds passersby to pay their taxes.

Likewise, it serves as legacy of Muntap, according to Mildred J. Hingco, treasurer and Muntap adviser.

Gov. Khalid Dimaporo expressed his appreciation and congratulated the Muntap-Lanao del Norte Chapter as a well performing group in the whole region in terms of tax collection.

The landmark was created through the financial assistance from 22 municipalities, and from the provincial government of Lanao del Norte.

The activity was followed by an oath taking ceremony of the new 2013 elected Muntap officers: Mercedita A. Baran, president; Ibrahim D. Ampaso, vice-president; Jayhan Amerol, secretary; Tita B. Pador, treasurer; Alexander D. Ababa, auditor; Leonida B. Redoble, public relations officer; Joel R. Marcial and Ansary G. Limgas, Sgt-at-Arms. Board of Directors is composed of Lilibeth B. Javier, Talib P. Amindato, Leonila A. Mendez, Nidalin S. Sebial, and Loida B. Columnas. Adviser is Mildred J. Hingco.

Municipal Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval, along with the staff from the Provincial Treasurer’s Office also graced in the activity. (Lovely A. Rosario-PIO,LDN/ lvg/PIA-10, LDN)

University celebrates 60th Diamond Jubilee

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug 14 (PIA) -- The College of Agriculture of Xavier University is celebrating its 60th Diamond Jubilee and its

Manresa Days 2013 on August 14-17, a yearly tradition.

Themed, “60 Years of Brewing Possibilities,” the four-day celebration will highlight the college’s 60 years of facing challenges and possibilities alike. For the first time of this annual celebration, there will be a campus exhibit which will showcase the academic and architectural legacies of the Manresa campus.

“What we're trying to establish here is that the College of Agriculture is an important part of the university and the only college of agriculture in Mindanao,” said Exhibits Committee head and XUCA Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Director, Dr. Ma. Theresa Rivera.

“Our work has involved Southeast Asia. We are playing the field of Southeast Asia, through the Sustainable Agriculture Center, the Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute, Food Tech Center, and through all the other centers. It has to be recognized,” Rivera added.

Estrella Borja, who has been teaching in the college for over two decades, recalled that earlier celebrations had a “barrio fiesta” atmosphere surrounding the alternative market. Both the rich and the poor came to see the fruits, vegetables, poultry, livestock and new technology.

Borja and her committee chose this year’s theme for the image it evokes is brewing coffee. They want everyone to catch a whiff of the rich, inviting aroma of a fruitful future. “There are so many possibilities. They’re ours for the picking,” said Borja.

On August 13, an opening mass will be held at the XU Immaculate Conception Chapel, to be followed by an exhibit opening at the Science Center Dry Pond and a parade around Divisoria and XU.

The Manresa Tours will start on August 14. It is an opportunity for guests to explore the 64-hectare complex.

High school students are also invited to partake in competitions like quiz bowl, essay writing, and poster making. Development Communication students will present a puppet show. The Manresa tours and the DevCom Puppet Theater, as well as the Agriculture Fair and Food Sales, will run from August 14 to 17.

On August 16, a series of skill competitions by the Federation of Agriculture Students in Mindanao will take place. On the same day, the "Rodeo sa Manresa" opening and competitions are set. Spectators from all over the region usually swarm the rodeo arena to see agriculture students show off their skills in pinning down cattle. The Aggie Night will then wrap up the day’s set of events.

August 17 is the Manresa Farm run, the "Rodeo sa Manresa" awarding ceremonies, and the alumni homecoming.

Manresa Farm was acquired in 1955 by Fr William F Masterson who founded the College of Agriculture in 1953. Today, the urban farm continues to become the “home” of the Aggiess in XU. (Louren Aranas, Francis Borja and Angela Cabildo/RTP/PIA10)

NHTO conducts orientation for LGUs in Region 10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) -- The National Household Targeting Office (NHTO) of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 will be conducting a series of orientation for the 93 Local Government Units (LGUs) and five provinces of Region 10 from August 22 to 30.

This is in line with the preparation for the implementation of the Second Round Regular Household Assessment/Enumeration within this year.

DSWD as the lead agency, through the Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) is enjoined to closely coordinate and collaborate with the respective LGUs in the conduct of said household assessment and enumeration in the entire region.

Governors, Mayors or their representatives, Provincial/City/Municipal Planning and Development Officers, ABC Presidents, Provincial /City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers within Region 10 are the expected participants of the orientation.

One of the major activities in the conduct of the Second Round Regular Household Assessment/Enumeration will be the on-site house-to-house assessment and household enumeration. It is aimed at targeting and creating a database of poor households nationwide known as “Listahanan Ng Mga Pamilyang Nangangailangan” for social protection programs and services.

The National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or “Listahanan” is an information management system that the government uses in identifying who and where the poor are and it is being spearheaded by DSWD. It aims to address poverty reduction through a scientific and target-focused strategy. (Mitzie S. Santiago/RTP/PIA10)

COC for Oct. BSK elections must be filed personally – Comelec

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 14 (PIA) – The Comelec said certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 28 October 2013 Barangay and Sangguniang Elections (BSKE) shall be filed by the candidate personally.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 9740. states COCs can also be filed by a candidate's duly authorized representative.

The same resolution provides that no COC shall be filed or accepted by mail, electronic mail, telegram of facsimile.

Likewise, no person shall be elected Punong Barangay, Members of the Sangguniang Barangay, Chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or Member of the SK, unless he files a sworn COC in triplicate in the form prescribed by the Comelec.

The COC shall be filed in three (3) legible copies, with the Office of the City/Municipal Election Officers (OEO) concerned. In cities where there are two (2) or more EO’s, the COC shall be filed with the OEO having jurisdiction over the barangay where he is a candidate.

Meanwhile, filing of the COC shall be in any day from Oct. 15, 2013 to Oct. 17, 2013, during regular hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., lawyer Cirilo E. Nala, Jr. Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said.

However, if at 4:45 p.m. of Oct. 17, there are still persons intending to file COC present inside the Office of the EO, the Receiving Officer shall prepare a complete list of all the names of the said persons consecutively numbered and the time of listing.

The persons listed shall be called by announcing each name in the order which they are listed but any person who is not present when his name is called shall not be allowed to file his COC.

A COC filed in accordance with this procedure shall be stamped received at the time it was actually filed and deemed filed on time, PES Nala added. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DENR 10 pools information officers for exhibit & poster design training-workshop

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) -- The information officers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 successfully completed an Exhibit and Poster Designing Training-Workshop on August 1-2, 2013 here in the city.

The training aimed to equip the respective Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and sectoral information officers with the necessary skills and knowledge on Exhibit and Poster Designing.

Each participant underwent hands-on exercise on basic poster design using the Adobe Illustrator and Sketch-up application.

Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Land Management Services (LMS) Paquito Melicor Jr. in his message urged participants to apply and practice what they have learned in the training-workshop.

OIC Chief of the DENR 10 Planning and Management Division (PMD), Maria Theresa Allen also emphasized that the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) workshop-training is very useful in promoting and disseminating DENR programs and projects to people effectively. (DENR-RPAO/PIA)

‘Lambo Dyes!’ launched

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency region 10 (PIA-10) in partnership with DXIM Radyo ng Bayan, Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) launched on August 2, Friday its newest radio program dubbed ‘Lambo Dyes.’

Lambo is a Cebuano term for development which the Agency wants to highlight throughout the duration of the radio program. Dyes on the other hand, connotes the entire Region which the program will cover.

It aims to provide adequate information on the efforts of the government. Likewise it will include involvement of the non-government, private and civil society organizations that support government programs and projects to uphold a better society.

During the launching, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by two parties stipulating its mutual responsibility and scope of association to the program.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma was pleased with the partnership of PIA-10 and Radyo Ng Bayan Cagayan de Oro.

He said that such convergence could be a model to other regions where PIA and Radyo Ng Bayan exist.

Finally, he extended his congratulations for the synergy of the two offices PIA and PBS under PCOO.

Likewise, PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena through a phone patch expressed his contentment over the collaboration of PIA and Radyo Ng Bayan. He added that, through the program we can deliver more in-depth information to the people.

“If we can inform, we can inspire; if we can inspire, we can involve,” he stressed.

Director General Oquiñena also said that through delivering the good news, people will have deeper appreciation of being a Filipino and love for the country.

For his part, PBS Director Tito Cruz during the launching underscored the importance of developmental communication and delivering the good news. “These are the things that our people would want to hear,” he said.

“The people should know that there are good things that are happening around us that they ought to know. It is our responsibility to tell the people that despite the fact that there are negative things, like the recent bombing incident here, there are still more good news,” he added.

“If people know that there are better things to do and better things to help each other with, then I think ‘ang paglambo mahitabo sa isa ka lugar’ – development will happen in a certain community,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, PIA Regional Director Thelma B. Oliver, said “Lambo Dyes does not only entail reporting of developmental news around Northern Mindanao for it also implies motivation for people to understand, discuss, make better decisions and act upon pressing issues to further brace improved quality of life.”

‘Lambo Dyes’ is live every Friday, except last Friday of the month which is slated for PIA’s Ang Rehiyon Karon (ARK), 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. over 936 KHz DXIM Radyo ng Bayan.

The program will include interviews of officials from regional line agencies and LGUs, PIA updates, field reports by the information center managers and DXRG Radyo ng Bayan, Gingoog, trivia, public service announcements, and advocacies. (JMOR/PIA)