Minimum wage in EV ‘may’ increase, consultations ongoing

By DOLE-8
June 26, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region VIII, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII, will now be on its fourth leg of public consultations on the minimum wage issue after successfully conducting three consultations in Ormoc City, Maasin City and Naval, Biliran in the past three months.

In a press conference conducted last June 18, 2019 during the Kalayaan Jobs and Business Fair in Catbalogan City, DOLE Regional Office VIII Director Yahya A. Centi, who chairs the RTWPB VIII, clarified that there is no final and official say yet as to the issuance of a new wage order for Region VIII.

“We cannot tell yet as of now, but maybe, depending on the results of the consultations, our workers here in Eastern Visayas may get wage increase this year”, said Director Centi.

Last June 17, 2019, the third public consultation was held at Fragoch Tourist Inn in Naval, attended by close to forty (40) participants representing the labor and management sector in the province of Biliran.

Prior to the workshop and open forum which are the highlights of the activity, important topics were first tackled to shed light to participants relative to the minimum wage issue.

Director Celerina Bato of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented updates on the prices of basic good commodities and its suggested retail price while Director Meylene Rosales of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) reported the latest economic condition of the region.

The next series of public consultations are set in Calbayog City on July 1, 2019, in Catarman, Northern Samar on July 2 and in Borongan City on July 5.

A year ago, last June 25, 2018, the existing Wage Order No. RB VIII-20 has been issued increasing the minimum wage from P285.00 to P305.00.

RD Centi inducts new TIPC Officers in Eastern Samar

By DOLE-8
June 26, 2019

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar – The Department of Labor and Employment- Eastern Samar Field Office (ESFO) conducted the Provincial Tripartite Industrial Peace Council Meeting cum Employers’ Forum on June 20, 2019 at Rawis Resort & Hotel Restaurant, Sitio Rawis, Brgy. Alang-Alang, this City.

The one-day activity was graced by DOLE Regional Office No. VIII Director Yahya A. Centi and DOLE-ESFO Head, Ms. Fe A. Estrella. Present also were the Provincial Director of Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Mr. Rolando Juanillo and Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Jorge Modesto.

After a brief overview of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, election of TIPC officers followed.

Elected officers are as follows: Ms. Fe A. Estrella as Chairperson; Ms. Andresita Y. Cuña as Vice Chair for Management; and Ms. Nathalie Jean Cardeño as Vice Chair for Labor. Members for Management sector are Mr. Oscar Ty, Mr. Jesus Ang, Mr. Conrad Uy and Ms. Marguerite De Veyra. For the labor side, members are Mr. Rey Aves Alido, Ms. Luzviminda Montances, Ms. Emelia Lauresta and Mr. Reymark Estrobo.

Mr. Juanillo of TESDA, Mr. Modesto of DTI, Ms. Maria Rina Vertulfo of Eastern Samar PESO Managers Association (ESPESOMA) and Ms. Penelope Pomida of DYES Radyo Pilipinas completed the tripartite council representing the government sector.

Director Centi solemnly administered the Oath of Office of the newly elected TIPC officers in front of the seventy-five (75) active attendees coming from the different sectors of the province.

In his message, Director Centi encouraged the Council to be proactive in strengthening the cooperation between management, workers and government sectors in promoting the best interest for the Province of Eastern Samar.

“There is a need to institutionalize tripartism by providing for a continuing forum for tripartite consultation in aid of streamlining the role of government by empowering worker’s and employers’ organizations, enhancing their respective rights, attaining industrial peace and improving productivity”, said Director Centi.

The one-day activity was capped with an Employers’ Forum on the latest DOLE issuances. Several important topics were discussed for the information of the attendees.

Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Secretary, Mr. Reynaldo Soliveres discussed about Productivity and Compensation Scheme of Public Bus Drivers and Conductors while Ms. Michelle Basal, Information Officer II of Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) discussed on the latest updates on Employees Compensation Program (ECP).

Engr. Aleksei Ceasar Abellar, Officer-in-Charge of DOLE Samar Field Office tackled the Department Order No. 198-18 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11058 “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof”. Mr. Marlo Sible, Senior LEO of ESFO, gave emphasis on the Kasambahay Law and Department Order No. 183-17 or The Revised Rules on the Administration and Enforcement of Labor Laws pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code, as renumbered”.

DPWH conducts maintenance enhancement training at Region 8

By RONALD M. SEBIOS
June 26, 2019

NAVAL, Biliran – The Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works and Highways plays an important role in maintaining the national roads and bridges in the Philippines.

It aims to maintain a safe and passable road for the travelling public and responsible for the rectification of road defects that may arise from time to time.

Recently, the Department Public Works and Highways conducted a 3-day training/ seminar held at DPWH Regional Office VIII, Conference Room, Baras, Palo, Leyte on May 27-29, 2019 which is the “Maintenance Enhancement Training (MET)”.

It was attended by the Maintenance Point Person’s (MPP’s) and Maintenance Crews.

After the 3-day course, the participants will be able to apply all the standards on routine maintenance (patching, crack/ joint sealing, pavement marking application and concrete re-blocking) in actual field and to execute road work safety and traffic management during performance of routine maintenance on site.

The resource speakers of the training from Regional Office were Engr. Ferdinand M. Fabile, Engr. Toribio Odtuhan, Engr. Louie Luxie Gumba, Engr. Joemar Villamor, Engr. Leonilo Jumagdao, and headed by Ivy Grace M. Baculi from the Bureau of Maintenance.

Biliran District Engineering Office representatives were Engr. Ronald M. Sebios (MPP), Engr. Frechbee L. Sabile (MPP), Joemar V. Manco (Heavy Equipment Operator) and the Maintenance Crews namely Jayvee Naranjo, Rodelito Marangga, Vincint Sangcap, and Junemar Machete.

Two days of the training were allocated for the discussion of the various topics such as Duties and Responsibilities of Maintenance Crew, D.O 41 Series of 2016, D.O. 93 Series of 2014, D.O. 168 Series of 2015, Coded Defects, Road Works and Traffic Safety, Pothole Patching, Concrete Re-blocking, Sealing of Cracks and Joints, Pavement Markings, and Malpractices in Maintenance work.

On the last day of the training, the participants were grouped into two and that day was allocated for Hands-on application of all the topics discussed. After the field works, the resource speakers gave a short examination to know if the participants really learned on the training conducted.

DPWH bids out 15 barangay road projects in Leyte

By DPWH 2nd LED
June 26, 2019

CARIGARA, Leyte – The Department of Public Works and Highways field office here will kick off construction of 15 barangay road projects funded under the General Appropriation Fund (GAA) of 2019.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the budget on April 15 with some vetoed items including the P75 billion insertions applied by congressmen covering public works projects.

According to Gerald Pacanan, DPWH Leyte 2 head engineer, implementation of the 2019 projects was affected by the delayed approval of the annual budget.

“This is the reason why we are urging contractors to strictly follow the contract duration of each project to avoid further delays. We also instructed the project engineers to closely supervise the ongoing works,” Pacanan said.

Contractors are strictly required to start the project immediately after receiving the notice to proceed.

Among these projects are the road concreting at San Pablo village in Tabon-Tabon town; Maricum and Capilla both in Pastrana; Pawa, Malabca, Hapunan, Libas and San Esteban all in Burauen; Tabu village in Dulag town; Tarugan in La Paz; Balante, Bongdo, and Calbasag in Julita, and Calipayan in Mayorga.

The pavement of Capilla road in Pastrana is worth P2.97 million while the remaining 14 is budgeted at P1.98 million each.

“Once completed, this would eventually increase agricultural productivity and provide better access to basic social services such as health centers and educational facilities,” Pacanan said.

He added that the district targets to bid out other 2019 projects before the month ends. This includes some road projects, multipurpose halls, and covered courts.

Overall, the department is task to implement 87 projects in Leyte 2 worth P1.57 billion funded under the 2019 GAA.

DPWH-Biliran DEO joins DPWH 121st Anniversary and Sportsfest

By DPWH-Biliran
June 25, 2019

NAVAL, Biliran – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) actively participated the DPWH 121st Anniversary and Sportsfest in a three-day event on June 19-21, 2019 at DPWH Regional Office (RO) 8.

All 13 DEOs including the RO of Eastern Visayas Region gathered together on the said event in the spirit of fun, camaraderie and sportsmanship.

The parade of participants commenced on the first day event at past 7:00AM en route from DPWH RO to Philippine Science High School to Leyte Provincial Hospital and back to DPWH RO. The said activity was followed with a thanksgiving mass at DPWH Multipurpose Hall and the Search for DPWH Best Muse 2019, respectively.

Engr. Jasiel Rasonabe represents Biliran DEO during the Search for Best Muse 2019 along with other lovely candidates from other DEOs and RO. The competition showcased their beauty and fit body to vie for the title Best Muse 2019 of DPWH.

Although Rasonabe didn’t win, she said she was already happy to represent her district in the said competition. She congratulated candidate from RO for winning the Best Muse together with her 1st and 2nd runners up from Leyte IV and Samar 1st DEOs, respectively.

The first day event also showcases the 13 DEOs special delicacies from their respective places during the Exhibit Booth and Food Trade Fair.

Ms. Ma. Rosario Sorrilla, Rank and File Employees Association (RFEA) President of Biliran DEO said that among the products they have showcased are Biliran’s delicious suman, kesong puti, tablea, and ampao.

Aside from the food fair, DEOs also exhibit their completed high impact infrastructure projects relevance to this year’s theme dubbed: “DPWH: Gabay tungo sa Konkretong Pag-unlad”, wherein Biliran DEO exhibits their completed road widening project along Biliran Circumferential Road. This is a competition won from Leyte 5th DEO with Northern Samar 2nd DEO as 1st place winner.

Meanwhile, the competition on cheer dancing highlights the first day activity of the 121st Anniversary and Sportsfest. The said competition proclaimed Southern Leyte DEO as the champion, followed by the RO and Leyte 5th DEO for the 1st and 2nd runners up.

After the cheerdance competition, Regional Director Nerie Bueno officially opens the sportsfest activities with the basketball ceremonial toss at DPWH RO covered court.

Participants were clustered into four teams for the entire sports fest activities.

Cluster I were composed of Leyte 1st DEO, Regional Office, and Tacloban DEO. Biliran DEO was teamed up with Leyte 2nd and Leyte 3rd DEOs, all under Cluster II. Cluster III were composed of Leyte 4th DEO, Southern Leyte DEO, and Leyte 5th DEO, while Cluster IV were composed of Samar 1st, Samar 2nd, Northern Samar 1st, Northern Samar 2nd and Eastern Samar DEOs.

Among the sports activities played were basketball, volleyball (men and women’s division) and badminton. The games continued in the second day event with parlor games prepared by each DEOs.

The DPWH Got Talent featuring “All Man’s Band” is the highlight activity on the eve of the second day anniversary. This showcased the talents of male DPWH employees regionwide.

Biliran DEO performers, Engr. Luisito Filemon Abad, Architect Wincello Nemenzo, Engr. Ronald Sebios and Engr. Ginisar Romero portray the musical group from the Philippines “Boyfriends” singing their hit songs “Dahil Mahal Kita” and “Sumayaw Sumunod”. The said competition was won by Leyte 5th and Leyte 2nd DEO tied on championship while Samar 1st DEO and Leyte 3rd DEO placed 1st and 2nd runners up, respectively.

There was also a DPWH Executive Dance Competition held on the same evening of the second day event. Without proper practice, an impromptu dance presentation was performed from team Cluster II headed by District Engineers (DE) David P. Adongay Jr. of Biliran DEO and Gerard Pacanan of Leyte 2nd DEO with his Assistant District Engineer Cesar V. Makabenta. Luckily, the team still managed to win at 1st place next to Cluster III.

The sports championship games continued on the third day. This is also the last day of the event where winners of the different competitions were awarded.

Overall champion for the sports games are teams from Cluster I followed by Cluster III as 1st runner up, Cluster II as 2nd runner up and cluster IV as 3rd runner up.

Although have failed to bring home the bacon, the management of Biliran DEO expressed their congratulations to its employees who actively participated all activities in the region.

“It is not how you won or lose, but it is how you play the game,” emphasized Mr. Bern L. Calomadre, Chief of Administrative Section.

Church groups, experts urge investors to back renewable energy, not coal in Visayas

Press Release
June 22, 2019

QUEZON CITY – Religious leaders urged investors in the energy sector to back away from funding coal in the Visayas as the Department of Energy (DOE) called on local government officials and business groups to seek more power investors to sustain the growing demand in Visayan regions.

Bishop Gerard Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos warned against the apparent bias for coal in the DOE’s encouragement as it downplays the contribution of renewable energy to growth in Visayas, as it downplays the impacts of coal projects to the health and environment in the Visayan regions.

“As our province’s coal-free status is being threatened by the incoming provincial administration, we are alarmed as the DOE is not giving policymakers and the business sector the whole picture in terms of the costs attached to coal-fired power plants, and why it is not the better choice as opposed to renewable energy,” said Bishop Alminaza.

The Bishop previously called out Governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson for stating that he will not honor the ordinance declaring Negros Occidental as a coal-free province. San Miguel Corporation currently eyes the construction of a 300 MW coal plant in San Carlos City.

“In encouraging energy investments, the DOE should not just focus on bringing in new energy sources, but also the role of investments in improving the grid system and energy storage in Visayas to maximize and encourage more renewable energy sources,” Bishop Alminaza continued. “In failing to do so, it is basically implying that the Visayas should look to massive coal-fired power plants which harm our environment, health, and worsens the climate crisis.”

The Bishop stressed that DOE should be at the forefront of honoring the country’s commitment as co-signatory to the Paris Agreement. “I’m disappointed that in their strategic planning they don’t ‘think outside the box’ but are still stuck with the outmoded business model belonging to the first industrial revolution,” the Bishop noted.

“We need to calculate our energy needs within the framework of long-term economic advantage,” said Brother Tagoy Jakosalem of the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR). “This means considering a monetary and non-monetary cost-benefit analysis of power investments for both coal and renewable energy,” he continued.

The Augustinian Brother urged the DOE and policymakers to not just present the ‘business’ side of the need to generate power, but to also show the “hidden” or externalized costs of coal. “The ‘profitability’ of these projects do not account for the costs related to pollution impacts, health-related issues, loss of ecosystems and livelihood, as well as exacerbating the effects of climate-related disasters,” said Jakosalem.

“We should manifest our ethical stand on this issue, no ifs and buts, but clearly on the side of truth supported by scientific findings; that indeed, there is a climate emergency - that affected the lives of people and nature,” Jakosalem continued.

Past experiences warn against coal in Visayas

Energy think tank Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) Executive Director Gerry Arances noted that coal should no longer be associated with affordability and energy security, following recent developments faced by consumers across the Philippines.

“In Mindanao, the rush of coal-fired power plants led to a surge in the prices of electricity, as consumers are obligated to pay for the abundance of coal plants providing not just base load of electricity, but also the peaking and intermediate loads,” said Arances. “The fear of averting brownouts in Mindanao has unfortunately led to an overabundance of coal plants in the area and the drastic increase in the cost of power, negating the low prices Mindanaoans used to experience with renewable energy.”

“Meanwhile, Luzon has suffered increased rates and power interruptions because of the underperformance of coal-fired power plants which underwent unscheduled maintenance shutdowns,” Arances continued.

Arances noted that the costliness, unreliability, and environmental impacts by coal-fired power plants are already being felt by Visayas, like in Ilo-ilo which has one of the highest power rates in the Philippines. “This is unfortunate given the high renewable energy potential in Visayas being taken for granted.”

Dr. Romana delos Reyes of the Coal-Free Negros Network pointed out that lack of power supply foisted on resisting communities, particularly Negrosanons, everytime coal-fired power plants are proposed. “This was done in the late 90s to the early 20s when we resisted the proposed coal plants in Bago, Silay, Pulupandan and Cadiz,” said delos Reyes.

Delos Reyes questioned the 8.8 percent increase in power demand which DOE Visayas Field Officer Maleza used to justify additional power supply in the grid by 2020. “According to the data that Maleza provided last February 2019, varies from 3.3 to 9.1 percent. Furthermore, using the date he provided which says that the peak demand in 2018 was 2053MW while that in 2019 is 2224, the increase was 8.3%,” she noted.

“The government should send the proper signals to deliver the most appropriate energy sources in specific areas,” said delos Reyes. “If they aim to bring in investments, they should provide the whole picture to ensure that those investments will not harm host communities, and will not burden consumers and end-users as was the case in the past.”

PRRD recognizes soldier’s heroism in Eastern Visayas

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 20, 2019

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his visit yesterday at 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, Camp Lukban, Brgy. Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar recognized the heroism of wounded personnel as they fought for peace, freedom and development in Eastern Visayas.

Battle casualties of 46th Infantry (Peacemaker) Battalion, 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, and 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion recuperating at the Heroes Ward of Camp Lukban Station Hospital were personally visited and conferred with the Award of Wounded Personnel Medal by the President himself assisted by Maj. Gen, Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, 8ID which boosted the morale and well-being of the wounded personnel. Likewise, the President posthumously promoted five (5) brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during an ambush by communist terrorists last April.

Prior to his talk, the Commander-in-Chief leads the ceremonial distribution of 2,701 Glock pistols and 200 .45 caliber pistols to the Stormtroopers.

The ceremony was attended by Sec. Delfin N. Lorenzana, Department of Natonal Defense, Usec. Arthur I. Tabaquero, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, Vice Admiral Gaudencio C. Collado, Jr, Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lieut. Gen. Noel S. Clement, Commander, Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, officers, soldiers, civilian employees, Philippine Navy personnel, Philippine National Police personnel, and invited guests.

During his Talk to the Stormtroopers, the Commander-In-Chief said that “I salute our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during an ambush by the communist terrorists last April. Their sacrifice for our country will never be forgotten and their needs including those of their families will be taken cared of.”

The Commander-In-Chief also encouraged the remaining rebels to repudiate their outdated ideology, abandon their terroristic activities, and return to the folds of the law.

“Maubos nyo kaya ang sundalo ko? Maubos nyo kaya ang bala ko? Ang eroplano ko? Bakit hindi na lang kayo mag-surrender? Meron ako programa para sa inyo, gagawa ako ng bahay, bibigyan ko kayo ng trabaho. Just drop your weapon, stop fighting! And we will talk. Pero, if you remain to fight, problema niyo na yan” Duterte added.

PH, Indonesia hold economic and investment summit, agreed to intensify investment

By DTI-OSEC-FTSC
June 20, 2019

JAKARTA – The 1st Philippines-Indonesia Economic and Investment Summit was convened on 18 June 2019 in Westin Jakarta Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of the year-long celebration of the 70th year of Philippines-Indonesia bilateral relations.

Ambassador Leehiong Tan Wee opened the Summit and said that the “summit could not be more timely, as the Philippines and Indonesia are both poised as the new emerging economies in the region posting some of the world's fastest economic growth”.

On other hand, Mr. Antonio B. Capati, Chairman of Philippine Business Club Indonesia (PBCI) expressed that it is about time that Philippines and Indonesia enhance its economic ties in order to optimize opportunities in the ASEAN region and overall relations. Capati also stressed that “the historic 1st Philippines-Indonesia Economic & Investment Summit is a testament to our alliance and friendship”.

Governor Marjorie O. Ramos-Samaniego of the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) made a keynote presentation on why the Philippines remain Asia’s bright spot, while Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat of the Department of Tourism presented investment opportunities in PH tourism industry as well as updates on the efforts of the current administration on sustainable tourism. On the other hand, Secretary Raul Lambino, CEO and Administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) pitched on the opportunities in Cagayan region and provided updates on why CEZA is poised to become the fintech and new crypto valley of Asia.

In closing, Commercial Attaché Jeremiah C. Reyes of PTIC Jakarta shared that “while trade and business relations have flourished between Philippines and Indonesia, there is still plenty of room and an abundant number of avenues that both countries can tap. The Summit is not just a celebration of endearing friendship, but also the identification of potential areas that we can partner and collaborate.”

Several B2B agreements and partnerships were also signed during the Summit which include digital tourism, travel and tours, investment promotion, agriculture, e-commerce, and financial technology.

Attended by potential investors, decision makers, policy groups, and business associations from both countries, the 1st Philippines-Indonesia Economic and Investment Summit was organized by the Philippine Business Club Indonesia, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Jakarta, Embassy of the Philippines, and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

DAR-EV kicks-off 31st CARP anniversary celebration, plants 950 trees

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
June 19, 2019

PALO, Leyte – Due to the worsening effect of global warming brought by climate change, employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) throughout Eastern Visayas planted simultaneously 800 trees on Saturday as kick-off activity to the said agency’s commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) implementation.

DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso encouraged the employees to lend a hand to help combat climate change and save mother earth by planting trees.

Employees of the DAR Regional and Leyte Provincial Offices joined forces in planting 600 “talisay” trees at the recommended beach forest of Barangay Salvacion in this town by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

Forester Michael Macalalag of CENRO emphasized at the site the proper way of planting the trees to the participants, as well as the proper disposal of plastic materials.

In Northern Samar, DAR employees planted 100 mangroves in Barangay Cawayan in Catarman; while 100 narra and mahogany trees were planted in Barangay Taytagan in Bontoc, Southern Leyte.

Meanwhile, DAR employees in Eastern Samar planted 150 narra trees in Barangay Calicoan situated in the City of Borongan. However, the activity was held one day ahead of the others.

DAR-EV kicked-off its two-week CARP anniversary celebration on June 15, the day Republic Act No. 6657, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), took effect 31 years ago, after said law was signed by then President Corazon Aquino on June 10 of the same year.