DPWH hires Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries for road projects
CENTRAL VISAYAS, Oct 29 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) in the region joined hands with the DSWD-7 in exploring opportunities to reduce ‘inter-generational’ cycle of poverty in Central Visayas .
These two government agencies forged a memorandum of understanding on June 28, 2011 to hire Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries to work for roads and other infrastructure development projects in region 7 dubbed as “Trabahong Lansangan ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.”
With the MOU, the program was launched in San Remegio, Cebu on October 31 where seven job orders were given to beneficiaries from the Municipalities of San Remegio, Tabogon, Tabuelan and Tuburan.
Third district Representative Benhur Salimbangon, Mayor Jay Olivar of San Remegio, Engr. Marietta Ecarma, Asst. District Engr. of Cebu’s 1st Engineering District, Engr. Dolores Salazar, Chief Roadside Maintenance Division and DSWD’s Regional Director, Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre graced the launching.
DSWD’s task is to identify and endorse unemployed laborers to DPWH while the latter ensures employment of unskilled, unemployed beneficiaries through DPWH’s implemented programs and infrastructure projects.
Through this, the call for sustainable livelihood among the poor is now slowly taking place.
In his message during the launching, Congressman Salimbangon emphasizes on the importance of “willingness to work” and hopes that this move on convergence of services does not stop with the job orders of the seven initially hired for the “Trabahong Lansangan…” program.
In response to the call Congressman Salimbangon, a teary eyed Elma Hortelano, 40 and a mother of three from Barangay Canaocanao, Tabogon Cebu said “…wala nako damha nga masaligan mi mu trabaho, kay sa dugay nga panahon nangihaot ko nga makatrabaho ug tarong aron na-a poy mapanaminan akong mga anak, mau dako kayo akong pasalamat. Ug among paninguhaon nga diligyud maulawan ang DSWD sa pag rekomendar namo sama sa among pagbuhat sa among obligasyon isip ginikanan pinaagi sa giya sa Pantawid Pamilya nga mga kondisyon.”
(I did not expect that we would be trusted with a job because for a long time, I was hoping to work so I can set an example for my children, That is why I am so thankful with this opportunity. DSWD can be assured that we will try our best to prove that they were not wrong in recommending us, in the same manner that we are fulfilling our responsibilities as parents guided by the conditions of the Pantawid Pamilya program, we will also abide with what is expected of us).
DSWD-7 regional director Evelyn Macapobre on one hand congratulated the seven initial workers of the program and stressed the importance of responsibility.
“ It is now in your shoulders to prove to DPWH that they were not mistaken in hiring Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries because you now represent the rest of the beneficiaries in need of job opportunities and by doing your job responsibly, you are also giving other beneficiaries a chance for employment,” Macapobre said.
Macapobre was quick to add that although their P250/day work order is only until December of this year, it does not mean that it ends there because this launching is definitely just the beginning and hopefully by 2012, new projects would come up, therefore more employment opportunities for the beneficiaries in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental. (PIA-7/MBCNewman & DSWD-7/AL)
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Yearly October full moon-walk for breast cancer awareness
By: Minerva BC Newman
I.T. Park , Cebu City Oct 29 (PIA) – For the past eight years now, women from all walks of life in Cebu City looked forward to the October “full moon” for a walk for breast cancer awareness.
For this year, Moonwalk was originally scheduled to happen under a full moon on Oct. 12 but was postponed to Oct. 18 due to bad weather.
Nearly 3,000 women in ‘pink’ joined the Moon Walk at the Asiatown I.T. Park that started at 5:30 p.m. from Archbishop Reyes Ave. to the Pag-Ibig Fund Tower and formed a pink human ribbon as advocacy for an early breast cancer detection and prevention.
In observance of Breast Awareness Month in October, the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) led the ‘moonwalkers’ withCebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale gracing the short program that followed the walk.
Most of the participants were cancer patients, women from the barangays, students, professionals, youth, public institutions, and private companies.
.According to EJACC program coordinator, Ronald delos Reyes, the “Moonwalk” is a unique advocacy campaign of RAFI held every full moon of October that aims to promote the importance of observing monthly breast self-examination for women aged 20 and beyond.
Delos Reyes said, it is also a campaign to get more people to be aware on the importance of early cancer detection and prevention. At the same time, it is a tribute to the victims and survivors of breast cancer.
“We always hold the Moonwalk when the moon is at its fullest. Full moon, because it is symbolically linked to women,” delos Reyes added.
He emphasized the importance of early screening and early detection of cancer. Women, delos reyes said should undergo breast self-examination at the age of 20, clinical breast examination at the age of 30, and regular yearly mammography screening for women aged 40 years old and above.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Cebuano women based on the Cebu population-based Cancer Registry of RAFI.
EJACC records from 1998 to 2007 showed a total of 2,499 reported breast cancer cases in Metro Cebu. Delos Reyes said the organization found a continuous increase of breast cancer incidence in Metro Cebu over the past 10 years and “this is due to unhealthy lifestyle and health-related factors.”
The Moonwalk is organized in collaboration with The Walk and in coordination with Ayala Center and I CAN SERVE Foundation.
It is supported by the Cebu City Government, Asiatown I.T. Park, Cebu Business Park, Philippine National Bank, Allied Banking Corporation, Cebu Praedia Development Corporation and Cebu Folding Bike Society.
Department of Health, Destiny Medical Fund, Natures Spring, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Monde Nissin, Seventh Day Adventist, Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation and other cancer support groups such as KAHAYAG Network of Cancer Support Group, Cebu Cancer Fight, Cebu Breast Association, and CAN with GOD also supported the yearly event. (PIA-7 & RAFI)
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DSWD launches its convergence caravan
By: Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, October 29 (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently launched its “TATSULO” Convergence Program that brought its three major anti-poverty programs --Pantawid Pamilya, KALAHI-CIDSS and SEA-K to create a significant impact in helping the poor cross poverty threshold.
This concept inspired the agency to come up with a convergence strategy with other government agencies in channeling anti-poverty program to the identified poor specifically the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.
According to DSWD the “Tatsulo” convergence enables the beneficiaries to learn of other services of the city government through DSWS; educational opportunities for their children from the DepEd, CHED, TESDA and DOST scholarships; employment opportunities from POEA and DPWH; sustainable livelihood programs from the DA and DENR as hundreds of seedlings both herbal and fruit bearing were distributed during the caravan.
True to the call of the Pantawid Pilipino program which is education and health, the Department of Health conducted a medical and dental mission where free sugar testing and dental extraction were available.
For easy access of medicines, the caravan also brought in Botika ng Bayan as part of the information drive on cheap and safe generic medicines.
Other agencies such as NSO, Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Philippine Postal, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), Cooperative Develoment Authority (CDA), Parole and Probation Administration, Philippine Air Force, 53rd EB, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) introduced their various programs and services to the beneficiaries.
NGOs also joined in the caravan. The Young Lawyers Association in Cebu (YLAC) also provided free legal advice and notarial services. It was indeed a one-of-a-kind day of opportunity.
Rea Remitio 29 and a mother of three children said during her testimony “ang programa dako kaayo ug nahimong kausaban sa akong pamilya kay kung dili pa tungod niani di nako mabatyagan ang mga oportunidad sama ani” (The program has greatly help my family and if not for this program, I wouldn’t have known opportunities such as these).
Cebu City South district Congressman Tomas Osmena and former north district representative Raul del Mar representing her daughter Congresswoman Rachel “Cutie” DelMar also graced the caravan.
In his message, Congressman Osmena gave emphasis on being a responsible beneficiary by complying with the conditions and using the grants according to what is required.
Osmena said that as a member of the Budget Committee in Congress, he is aware of how much is allocated for the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries and though he supports the program, not all Congressmen share the enthusiasm and for this reason, he calls on all Cebuano beneficiaries to prove them wrong and that they are worthy to be helped.
Del Mar on the other hand brought the message of congresswoman Cutie Del Mar. He said his daughter supports the program and that she would continue to lobby for her proposal to institutionalize the program ensuring its continuity regardless of who will be the next President.
The day has indeed brought in a new meaning to the word “convergence” especially to the poor who now looks into the government as one entity that help them cross poverty threshold.
For the agencies, the convergence activity has forged a stronger bond in the realization that the bureaucracy is one in serving the same clients. (PIA-7/HFG & DSWD-7)
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Various orgns help children to appreciate Cebuano culture and heritage
By: Hazel Gloria
CEBU CITY, October 29 (PIA) ---To help develop the children’s appreciation of Cebuano culture and heritage, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and various museums in Cebu initiated the "kids at the Museum" program in celebration of October as Children's Month and Museum Month.
Over 300 children joined the various activities such as visual arts workshop, handicrafts workshop, literary arts workshop, dance workshop, and traditional games held every Saturday for the whole month of October.
This is also one of the series of activities in celebrating the selection of Cebu City as an ASEAN City of Culture.
These activities were held in five museums and heritage sites, including Casa Gorordo Museum, Fort San Pedro, University of Southern Philippines (USPF)-Rizal Museum, Cathedral Museum of Cebu, and Cebu Normal University (CNU) Museum in partnership with the Cebu City government and Sweet Heaven.
The program allows children ages six to 12 years old from the various barangays in Cebu City to gain more knowledge about Cebuano culture and heritage through visits to museums and heritage sites with the culminating activity held at the Fort San Pedro, at 2 p.m. October 29.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, and Amaya Aboitiz, deputy director for operations of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) attended the culminating activity.
The organizers hope that with this collaborative endeavor could help the children understand their culture and heritage early on their lives and take pride in their identities as Cebuano.(PIA-7/HFG)
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Only DOE inspectors are authorized to do spot
inspections on gas stations’ calibrated pumps
by Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, October 29 (PIA) – Only inspectors from the Department of Energy (DOE) are authorized to conduct spot inspections of calibration pumps of gasoline stations to check the accuracy of fuel dispensed to customers.
Engr. Antonio Labios, DOE-Visayas director made the clarification during a recent press conference amid reports that a certain consumer group is conducting their own inspection of pumps at gasoline stations in Metro Cebu.
“Although we appreciate their efforts since we believe it is for the benefit of the consumers but we just want to issue a clarification on this because there might be an impression that what they are doing is authorized by the DOE,” Labios said.
Under the law on the downstream of the oil industry, it is stipulated that the DOE has the sole mandate and function to inspect gas stations to determine whether their calibrated devices are dispensing accurate fuel, the DOE-Visayas chief said.
Labios added however, that there is no law that prohibits consumer groups to conduct their own inspections but this should have the consent of the petroleum retail outlets or gasoline stations.
Labios admitted that the management of the Chevron oil firm called their office to ask whether it is okay for the consumer group to conduct their own inspections.
The DOE-Visayas director said that their office is regularly conducting inspections of fuel dispensing pumps in various retail outlets throughout the Visayas.
“These inspections are unannounced and those retail outlets found to have violated the existing rules and regulations are penalized administratively,” Labios said.
DOE-Visayas Legal Officer Atty. Mark Gamallo on the other hand, said the total amount of fines this year since January from violating gas stations already reached P471,000.
“We cannot determine how many gas stations have been fined for this year as the number is throughout Regions 6,7and 8 and some stations have more than one violation,” Gamallo disclosed.
Common violations committed by gasoline stations are under-delivery, meaning the calibrated bucket is not accurate in dispensing fuel, and the Certificate of Compliance (COC) which adheres to a national set of standards, Gamallo said.
“One violation is fined P10,000 and if found that a certain gas station has 10 calibrated pumps with under-delivery violation then the management is fined P100,000,” the DOE-Visayas legal officer claimed.
Gamallo said last year, the total fines collected reached more than P300,000.
Labios meanwhile, said only local government units can conduct their own calibration inspection and sealing of pumps as may be provided by their existing ordinance on weights and measures.
To effectively ensure consumer protection and promote safety and fair trade practice, the DOE is actively pursuing partnerships with LGUs and other concerned agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology and the Bureau of Fire Protection for joint inspections and focus group discussions. (PIA-Cebu)
Its pillar industries include automobile manufacturing, petrochemical, food, and pharmaceutical. (PIA-7/mbcn & EDCOM/Leah)
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Bohol governor welcomes top Chinese Envoy
BOHOL, Oct 30 (PIA) – Bohol governor Edgar Chatto welcomed the visiting top Chinese envoy from Jilin, China recently.
The delegation led by SUN Zhengcai, Secretary of the Jilin Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Vice Governor of the Jilin Provincial Government CHEN Weigen made Bohol the last stop of their Philippine visit.
Chatto requested Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and representatives of the three congressional districts to join the reception gathering, that could also paved way for doors of partnerships.
Together with Congressmen Rene Relampagos, Erico Aumentado and Arthur Yap, and key officials, they discussed on possible programs and investments in the areas of tourism and agriculture, Zengcai being also a former Agriculture secretary.
The Bohol top officials took no time to discuss on major concerns prioritizing the province’s development agenda and possible partnerships between the two provinces.
SUN Zhengcai is a member of China’s national executive council and a former secretary of Agriculture and is set to become China’s Premier, the highest administrative position in the Government of the People's Republic of China.
The Premier is responsible for organizing and administering the Chinese civil bureaucracy.
Having had frequent visits to the country, the secretary shared the long standing friendship of Philippines and China, and looks forward to a mutual beneficial cooperation between Jilin and Bohol.
He also shared his meeting with top national officials and some 300 Filipino businessmen.
“Bohol is even better than I expected. I cannot thank you enough for your warmth and hospitality. You are all welcome to visit Jilin at your convenience.” he said in the short program.
Handing Chatto a miniature automobile, the secretary explained that one of Jilin’s pillar industries is automobile manufacturing.
Located in Jilin, First Auto Works, China’s second largest carmaker after Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, is the pioneer of the country’s automobile industry.
As a gesture of true Boholano hospitality and friendship, Chatto along with the members of the Provincial Board and the three Congressmen, turned over a symbolic key of the province, inviting them to come back to Bohol with their families and friends.
Earlier the day, the 24 delegates marveled at the world-famous Chocolate Hills and the Panglao Beaches when they visited Bohols top tourism sites.
Jilin Province lies in the central part of northeastern China, bordering Russia and North Korea in the east and southeast respectively. Its capital is Changchun.
The province is abundant in natural mineral deposits and of Traditional Chinese medicine resources.
Also the province is rich in large reserves of oil, gas, coal, iron mine, nickel, molybdenum, talc, graphite, gypsum, cement rock, gold and silver; its reserves of oil shale are the largest in the country.