Batas Kasambahay sets labor standards to protect domestic workers

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The newly-approved Batas Kasambahay or Domestic Workers Act sets forth the minimum legal requirements to be imposed on employers to promote and protect the welfare of domestic workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Monday.

The law defines the rights and privileges of domestic household workers, sets their minimum wage, and provides employment benefits for them, disclosed DOLE Regional Office 10 Director Johnson G. Cañete in a press briefing.

The Batas Kasambahay, also known as Republic Act 10361 or An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on January 18, this year.

Under the law, the employer shall safeguard the health and safety of the domestic workers by providing for their basic necessities including at least three adequate meals a day, humane sleeping arrangements, appropriate rest and assistance in cases of illnesses and injuries sustained during service.

The new law further sets the minimum wage of domestic workers at P2,500 per month in the National Capital Region, P 2,000 a month for those employed in chartered cities and first class municipalities, and P 1,500 per month for those employed in other municipalities.

Cañete emphasized that domestic workers assigned to work in a commercial or industrial enterprise shall be paid the minimum wage applicable for that sector.

Aside from the standardized pay, domestic workers who have rendered at least one month of service will also be entitled to social benefits such as Social Security System, PhilHealth, and Pag-Ibig Fund, with the premium payments shouldered by employers if such workers receive a monthly pay below P5,000.

The domestic workers are likewise entitled to leave benefits and thirteenth month pay.

Moreover, employers are mandated to execute a contract with their domestic workers prior to the commencement of the service stating the duties and responsibilities of the domestic worker; period of employment; compensation and authorized deductions; hours of work, rest days, and allowable leaves; and other conditions agreed upon by both of them.

They are required as well to pay wages of domestic workers in cash and provide a copy of the pay slip containing the amount paid in cash and indicating all deductions made.

Other features of the law include prohibition of debt bondage, termination of service, employment certification, settlement of disputes, and registration of domestic workers in the Registry of Domestic Workers in the barangay where the employer’s residence is located. (APB/PIA-10)

 DSWD-10 highlights solidarity in their 62nd Anniversar

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 celebrated its 62nd anniversary, with the theme “Sama-samang Husay, Tungo sa Tagumpay,” by recognizing their partner agencies which greatly helped in the proper implementation of social welfare projects and have provided support during the past calamities that hit the region.

In their culmination night held at Pearlmont Inn on February 1, Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, DSWD-10 regional director, shared that, “DSWD has advanced its vision of a society where Filipino individuals, families and communities are empowered to attain an improved quality of life such that the Department becomes the world standard in the delivery of coordinated services and social protection programs by 2030.”

She also expressed her utmost appreciation to their partner agencies and dedicated staff who worked hard especially during the onslaught of tropical storm Sendong.

For their core shelter project, Solamillo reported that the Department has already built 2,357 core shelter units as of January 25, 2013 with the aid of various offices that supported the Agency such as the 52nd Engineer Brigade under the leadership of Colonel Mutiangpili.

That Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman was adopted by the local government unit of Cagayan de Oro as daughter of the city in recognition of her leadership during the relief, early recovery, and rehabilitation operations is considered part of the accomplishment of DSWD.

“The growing number of program and project beneficiaries of our core anti-poverty programs, like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-Cidss), Sustainable Livelihood Program, and other social protection programs shows that the DSWD is shifting towards realizing its vision as a lead role in social welfare and development at an international setting,” Solamillo said.

During the culmination night, recognition and testimonies were given to the Agency’s retirees, and loyal employees received special awards. The winners of the Department’s sports festival among the employees were also announced that night. (RTP-PIA10)

PRO-10 celebrates 22nd PNP Founding Anniversary

By PSupt Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 5 --The Police Regional Office 10 celebrates 22nd PNP Foundation Day on February 4, in Camp 1Lt Vicente Alagar, Lapasan, this city.

PDir Manuel Rebugio Barcena, Director for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao, was guest of honor and speaker.

Among the highlights of the activity included the presentation of awards to the police commissioned officers, police non-commissioned officers and members of the community who contributed to the success of PRO-10’s operational and administrative activities:

The Medalya ng Kadakilaan was presented to PSSupt Madid A Paitao and PSInsp Gerry E Ligan while Medalya ng Kagalingan to PSupt Reinhart L Pingol, PSInsp Joven T Bahil and SPO3 Ramil Langala.

Medalya ng Kasanayan were likewise presented to PSupt Jun Mark J Lagare and PO3 Joshua Cainglet and Medalya ng Papuri to SPO1 Gavino D Jarantilla.

Further, Plaques of Appreciation were given to Mayor Rommel C Arnado of Kauswagan del Norte; Conrado P Lim, Chairman of Barangay 33, Cagayan de Oro City; Ricky Go, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Misamis Oriental chapter; and entrepreneur Antonio M. Lim.

In his message, PDir Barcena, emphasized the importance of reaching out to the communities, integration of law enforcement efforts with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies, and police officers’ commitment to service.

After the well-executed parade of troops, a wreath-laying was made in front of PRO-10 main building to honor the late 1Lt Vicente Alagar for the gallantry he displayed during his time when he sacrificed his life fighting the insurgents in 1932.

The activity also highlighted the unveiling of the Bidding and Transparency Board at the lobby of PRO-10 main building. This bulletin board will publish all invitations to accredited contractors and suppliers who wish to apply for eligibility and to Bid, and for other purposes related to bidding and awards.

After the ceremonies, the command conference immediately followed at the conference room, focusing mainly on threat assessment and integrated police operations in the region. (PSupt Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga/PRO/PIA10)

125 inmates from CdeO, now a step closer to their dreams

By Jeza Mae Sarah sanchez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 5 – One-hundred-twenty-five inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) here were among the participants in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Completion/Graduation Exercises held January 25 in Cagayan de Oro City Jail.

Of these, 52 inmates acquired a Certificate on Culinary Arts, 13 graduated from elementary, and 25 completed high school level.

ALS in jails primarily aims to equip deserving inmates with technical skills that might help them become productive after being released from jail or even while being detained.

For its part, BJMP emphasized the Philippine jail system’s shift from punishment to rehabilitation.

“Learning behind bars is also a sustained response to the state’s declaration to provide basic literacy to all,” said JSSupt Marlon C Torregue, officer-in-charge, BJMP-Region 10.

He also made clear that these detainees may have done something wrong, but they are also humans, with potentials and dreams still waiting to be realized.

This year, the completion/graduation ceremony was witnessed by representatives from DepEd which included Elena M. Borcillo, schools division superintendent; JSupt Jolly C Taguiam Jr, CDO City jail warden; and J/Insp Mea Todyog, female wardress. (Jeza Mae Sarah Sanchez/BJMP/PIA10)

Camiguin strengthens CRM interventions

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- With the establishment of 30 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the province, folks here, are on the look for potential ecotourism or dive destinations.

The implementation of the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Program (CRMP) phase 2, starting March of last year until 2014, lodged the establishment of an integrated resource management system to the local government units (LGUs) with participation and involvement of local communities.

Close to P30-million funding assistance was released by the New Zealand International Aid & Development Agency (NZAID), to back LGUs in the implementation of CRM interventions specifically in the management of these MPAs.

CRMP likewise extends assistance in developing a broader micro enterprise program that promotes viable income generating projects, while sustaining the conservation of its coastal resources.

In its early implementation stage, CRMP initiated capability building activities for local government units, as well as, comparative and baseline assessments of the thirty MPAs.

Worth P3-million business proposals of the municipalities of Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsiliban and Catarman were approved and funded by CRMP with counterpart also from the provincial and municipal LGUs. (JCV/PIA 10)

DepEd 10 to conduct First Regional ALS Congress

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Department of Education (DepEd) region 10 through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) will conduct its first regional ALS congress on March 3-5, 2013 at the Grand Caprice Restaurant, Limketkai Center here.

The congress has its theme: “ALS: Sustainable Community Development Through Lifelong Learning".

Dr. Allan G. Farnazo, Officer in Charge of the department says that this undertaking aims to strengthen the implementation of the different ALS programs and projects in furtherance of equipping all learners with knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA), towards improving their quality of life.

One of the highlights of this activity will be the awarding of winners of the current Regional Search for the 2013 Best ALS Program Implementers, added director Farnazo.

The categories of the search are: Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) ALS Implementer, Outstanding Literacy Volunteer, Outstanding ALS Mobile Teacher, Outstanding District ALS Coordinator and Outstanding Division ALS Supervisor. (JMOR/PIA10)

PPP serves 3,000 residents in CdeO

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 5 (PIA) -- Three thousand residents in barangay Macasandig, this city, received free social services after the conduct of People to People Program (PPP) led by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano on January 31, 2013.

One of the highlights of the event was the mass wedding officiated by the mayor. About 16 couples who were living together for quite some time finally got the chance to tie the knot.

PhilHealth ID cards were also distributed to 1,530 underprivileged families in the barangay as part of the PhilHealth Indigency Program. For this year, around 50,000 PhilHealth ID cards were already distributed throughout the barangays in the city.

Aside from Mayor Emano, Vice-Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas and other city councilors, barangay captains and department heads of city hall also graced the event. (RTP-PIA10)

LGU increases honorarium of Barangay health workers, nutrition scholars

ILIGAN CITY, Feb. 5 -- Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in the city will soon enjoy an increase in their honorarium.

Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz announced yesterday that an increase of P1,000 will be given to BHW and BNS starting January this year.

In his message during the flag raising program at the City Hall, Monday morning, from P3,000 pesos every month, these health workers will now receive P4,000.

This followed after the Iligan City Council gave him authority to give the said increase which he asked from the city’s legislators before he will end his term in June.

According to Mayor Cruz, it is a must for the local government to give increase of the monthly honorarium of these BHW and BNS since they became the frontliners of the local government units (LGUs) in extending the basic health services to the people.

City Health Officer Dr. Cherlina Caňaveral confirmed that presently Iligan City has 85 BHW and 48 BNS who serve in the 48 Barangay Health Centers in the city. (Divina M. Suson/City Information Office-Iligan/PIA10)

Lanao del Norte, the only plus site to host PhilHealth Nationwide Run

By Lorry V. Gabule

LANAO DEL NORTE, Feb 5 (PIA) -- All is set for the province of Lanao del Norte to be a Plus Site or an additional race venue in this year’s nationwide running event on February 17 dubbed as PhilHealth Run 2013.

The province has been affiliated as a PhilHealth Run Partner Organizer, authorized to conduct local running event with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation better known as PhilHealth. So far, it is the only approved plus site by PhilHealth.

With PhilHealth as the main organizer, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), roads in 18 sites across the nation will be taken over as PhilHealth stages the first simultaneous nationwide running event.

Runners will converge in 18 major cities that include: Manila, Baguio, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Clark, Malolos, Sta. Rosa, Batangas, Legazpi, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Koronadal, Butuan, and Marawi.

Lanao del Norte, through Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo, along with Representative Imelda Q. Dimaporo, had invited neighboring cities like Iligan and Ozamis to join and expects to have around 4,000 runners, more or less, said Ayesah M. Macumbal, officer-in-charge of PhilHealth Iligan branch.

Proceeds from this event will be used to support national and regional institutions promoting the protection of mothers and children in the country. At the local level, the rural health unit (RHU) of Tangkal town, Lanao del Norte, will be the beneficiary, while PhilHealth’s national beneficiary will be the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

More than just a running event, it endeavors to uphold the importance of our mother’s and children's health in the challenge of nation-building.

PhilHealth Iligan local health unit office has identified its provincial registration sites at the Provincial Information Office, provincial capitol building, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and some PhilHealth Business Centers in Maranding, Lala and municipality of Baroy, this province.

Interested runners may also register at PHI Ozamiz, its local health office at the city proper and at PHI Business Centers in cities of Oroquieta and Tangub.

For the city of Iligan, registration sites are at the PHI Iligan Branch Office, Barangay Tubod and at Dunkin Donut main, Quezon Avenue, all of this city.

A minimal registration fee would attract runners with only P130, P180 for a distance of 3k and 5k, respectively, while P80 for 2k exclusively for indigents in Tubod town and the children participants.

Runners will converge at the world-class Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) oval grounds for the starting point, then going outside MCC for its race route and back to the center for the finish line, following a short program for the finale of the activity.

PhilHealth Iligan says "Ta-Run-A," which means let’s go and run, is an invitation to everyone to the “PhilHealth Run 2013: Nationwide Run for Mother and Child Protection,” promises to be a memorable sporting event as it aims to engage near 100,000 professional and amateur runners from different parts of the country – all running simultaneously with one aim in mind: Universal Health Care in the Philippines.

With universal coverage, every Filipino, regardless of status, is given the financial access and support to quality health care and services.

It can be recalled that drawing inspiration from the two highly successful running events organized by its regional centers in Mindanao, specifically with its First PHI Fun Run event held in Iligan City on June 11, 2011, the brain child Christine Mae Garcia-Magno, the former PHI Iligan head, successfully convened all its stakeholders in the preparations and the event was overwhelmingly participated in by almost all sectors in the society. On February 5, 2012, a Mindanao-wide Run catered by all PHI regional centers was successfully participated by all Mindanaoans.

The nationwide run on February 17, 2013 marks PhilHealth’s 18 years of service to the Filipino people, having been established in 1995 with the enactment of Republic Act 7875. (lvg/PHIC Iligan/PIA10 LDN)

Ban on public works starts March 29 – Comelec

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Except for the maintenance of existing and or completed public works, no public funds shall be disbursed during the campaign period, from March 29 until May 13, 2013.

Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that no public official or employee including barangay officials and those of government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCC) and their subsidiaries shall release, disburse or expend any public funds.

The prohibition, however, shall not apply to on-going public works projects commenced before the campaign period or similar projects under foreign agreements.

Meanwhile, such prohibition applies to any and all kinds of public works, except for the maintenance of existing and/or completed public works provided that not more than the average number of laborers or employees already employed therein during the six-month period immediately prior to March 29, 2013, shall be permitted to work during such time.

As stipulated in Comelec Resolution No. 9585, is that no additional laborers shall be employed for maintenance work starting March 29, 2013 until May 13, 2013, and that work undertaken by contract through public bidding held, or by negotiated contract was awarded, before March 29, 2013.

The Resolution also clarifies that work undertaken under the so-called "takay" or "pakyaw" system shall not be considered as work by contract.

Meanwhile, Comelec Resolution 9585 provides that payment for the usual cost of preparation for working drawings, specifications, bills of materials, estimates, and other procedures preparatory to actual construction including the purchase of materials and equipment, shall be made and all incidental expenses for wages of watchmen and other laborers employed for such work in the Central Office and field storehouses before March 29, 2013.

Provided, that the number of such laborers shall not be increased over the number hired when the project or projects were commenced and that emergency work was necessitated by the occurrence of a public calamity, but such work shall be limited to the restoration of the damaged facility.

Again, Comelec Resolution 9585 provides that no payment shall be made within five days before the date of election to laborers who have rendered services in projects or works except those falling under the above-mentioned conditions.

(RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Ozamiz City ranks first in Northern Mindanao 2013 Regional Schools PressCon

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The Ozamiz City Schools Division (OCSD) ranked first in the 2013 Northern Mindanao Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) held at the La Sallle University Arts Center, here recently.

Sharing the top spot with OCSD was the Camiguin Schools Division, followed by Misamis Oriental, which came in 3rd, Cagayan de Oro City, 4th and Misamis Occidental, 5th in rank, respectively.

Participated in by the SPC winners of the region’s 14 schools divisions, the RSPC included the competitions for the “Best,” both in English and Filipino, in the following: News Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial Writing, Editorial Cartooning, Copy Reading and Headline Writing, Sports Writing, Photojournalism, Script Writing and Radio Broadcasting and Collaborative Publishing, News Page, Feature/Literary Page, Editorial Page, Sport Page and Layout.

Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Rebonfamil R. Baguio of Ozamiz City, host of this year’s Region 10 RSPC, said pupils/students from OCSD bagged the following RSPC awards:

English, Elementary Level - Best in Photojournalism, Best in Script Writing and Radio Broadcasting, Best in News Script, Best in Infomercial, Best in Collaborative Publishing, Best Feature/ Literary Page and Best in Layout and Secondary Level - Best in Photojournalism.

Filipino, Elementary Level - Best in Script Writing and Radio Broadcasting, Best in News Script, Best in Infomercial, Best in Collaborative Publishing, Best Feature/Literary Page and Best Layout and Secondary Level - Best in Script Writing and Radio Broadcasting and Best in Infomercial.

On the other hand, the declared Campus Journalists of Region10 for the year 2013 and the schools division where they come from are as follows:

English, Elementary Level - Jiel Intong, Best Anchor, Celine Margareth Wee, Best News Presenter and Glaiza Kate Plaza, Best in Technical Application, all from Ozamiz City.

English, Secondary Level - Cinderella Faye Obeňita, Best Anchor and Trinity May Gurrea, Best in Technical Application, both from Cagayan de Oro City.

Filipino, Elementary Level - Xenia P. Catedral, Best Anchor, Shaenna G. Segovia, Best Presenter and Roina Rica Reyes, Best in Technical Application, all from Ozamiz City.

Filipino, Secondary Level - John Andrew K. Begafria, Best Anchor, Ozamiz City and Aniemhar Cuadrasal, Best in Technical Application, Cagayan de Oro City. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Mild quake hits Bukidnon

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Feb 5 (PIA) --A mild quake rocked Maramag and Don Carlos towns, this province, at 1:01 p.m., today February 5.

Marcial Labininay, Northern Mindanao Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the tremor was recorded at Intensity II with 3.2 magnitude in Maramag and Intensity I in Don Carlos.

He said the quake’s epicenter was 7.84 km north, 124.27 km east, 9 km south and 32 km west of Maramag, Bukidnon.

“The quake, hitting only Maramag and Don Carlos, was very shallow. There were no damage or aftershocks recorded,” he said.

He also emphasized that the mild tremors that hit some areas in the country is due to several active faults in the Philippines. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, PIA 10-Bukidnon)