LGU HR Strategic Plan takes shape

Thirty-one key players in the development and implementation of Strategic Human Resource Plan for the City Government of Tacurong who were identified through Administrative Order 01-2013 convened for a write-shop on May 8-9, 2013 in General Santos City.

Key players processed the results of the Job Analysis Survey conducted among employees of the city government. The said survey is part of the Competency Mapping, one of the major steps in formulating the agency’s HR Plan as mandated by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). HR competencies were also discussed.

The activity is part of the HR Plan development process based on CSC’s HR Strategic Plan Toolkit. The HR Strategic Plan is ‘aimed at capturing the people element of what an agency is hoping to achieve in the medium to long-term; ensuring that the agency has the right people in place; has the right mix of skills; employees display the right attitudes and behaviors; and are developed in the right way with enabling mechanisms and appropriate strategies. The major requisites in the development of the HR Plan are 1) Organizational Profile; 2) Agency Strategic Plan or Roadmap; and Key Players.

CSC-Sultan Kudarat Field Director Ma. Josefina Gepte-Buenbrazo and Supervising Personnel Specialist Evelyn C. Cortez facilitated the two-day write-shop.

CSC, being the central personnel agency of the government, requires government agencies to develop and implement the HR Strategic Plan. 

Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU-Information 

LGU agri office launches National Year of Rice

The LGU-Tacurong Office for the Agricultural Services (OAS) launched the National Year of Rice (NYR) campaign in the city on May 6, 2013.

As part of the launching, the NYR banner was raised by OAS with the help of department heads during the LGU's Monday flag-raising ceremony. NYR carries the theme 'Sapat na Bigas, Kaya ng Pinas'.

Officials and employees of the City Government of Tacurong also pledged to save rice and support the national government’s advocacy for rice self-sufficiency through the recitation of the Panatang Makapalay (Save Rice, Save Lives Pledge).

According to City Agriculturist Ramon B. Losañes, the OAS will spearhead extension activities that will increase rice consumers’ awareness on the country's current scenario of rice production and consumption. OAS hopes that by facilitating awareness, they will get the support of the people.

“We want to inform all rice consumers that they can help our country achieve sufficiency. They can do simple things like, eating other staples aside from rice or cooking just enough rice for the family to reduce rice wastage in the household,” said Losañes.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, under Proclamation No. 494, proclaimed 2013 as National Year of Rice. Aside from the goal of achieving self-sufficiency, NYR aims to promote better health among rice consumers and increase farmer’s income. NYR was launched in November 2012 during PhilRice’s 27th anniversary. Nationwide caravans and rice awareness campaigns have been conducted since then.

Rice self-sufficiency is the country’s capability to sustain the demand of the populace for rice, without relying on importation.

For more information on NYR, visit www.nyr2013.com.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU agri office launches NYR

The LGU-Tacurong Office for the Agricultural Services (OAS) launched the National Year of Rice campaign in the city on May 6, 2013.

As part of the launching, the NYR banner was raised by OAS with the help of department heads during the LGU's Monday flag-raising ceremony. NYR carries the theme 'Sapat na Bigas, Kaya ng Pinas'.

Officials and employees of the City Government of Tacurong also pledged to save rice and support the national government’s advocacy for rice self-sufficiency through the recitation of the Panatang Makapalay (Save Rice, Save Lives Pledge).

According to City Agriculturist Ramon B. Losañes, the OAS will spearhead extension activities that will increase rice consumers’ awareness on the country's current scenario of rice production and consumption. OAS hopes that by facilitating awareness, they will get the support of the people.

“We want to inform all rice consumers that they can help our country achieve sufficiency. They can do simple things like, eating other staples aside from rice or cooking just enough rice for the family to reduce rice wastage in the household,” said Losañes.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, under Proclamation No. 494, proclaimed 2013 as National Year of Rice. Aside from the goal of achieving self-sufficiency, NYR aims to promote better health among rice consumers and increase farmer’s income. NYR was launched in November 2012 during PhilRice’s 27th anniversary. Nationwide caravans and rice awareness campaigns have been conducted since then.

Rice self-sufficiency is the country’s capability to sustain the demand of the populace for rice, without relying on importation.

For more information on NYR, visit www.nyr2013.com.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

DOLE, LGU-PESO hold Jobs Fair, Kasambahay Registration on Labor Day

DOLE-SK, in partnership with the LGU-Tacurong Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and Sultan Kudarat Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (SKTIPC) conducted a Jobs Fair and Kasambahay Registration on May 1, 2013 at the City Hall Grounds, Tacurong City.

Seven agencies laid out employment opportunities during the Fair: KCC Mall of Marbel; Kenram Industrial Development Inc.; Kimsan Plaza Inc.; SWANA Mercantile; Non-Stop Overseas Employment Corporation; MML Manpower Services; and MnM Manpower Services. Among the at most 80 jobseekers who registered for the Fair, 40 individuals were hired on the spot for local employment while 10 were hired for overseas employment.

SKTIPC conducted the Kasambahay Registration for individuals engaged in domestic work within an employment relationship. DOLE-SK and SKTIPC plans to organize kasambahays to facilitate awareness on their rights and privileges as stipulated in the newly-approved Kasambahay Law (R.A. 103611). The said Kasambahay Registration is a first in Region XII. The activity was able to register 36 kasambahays.

Labor Day is a holiday celebrated all over the world to recognize the social and economic contributions of workers. 2013 Philippine Labor Day is themed “Manggagawang Pilipino: Handa sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon”.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU-Information)

1,274 SPES grantees celebrate SK Labor Day

One thousand two hundred seventy-four (1,274) grantees of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) from all over Sultan Kudarat (SK) Province gathered for the annual Labor Day celebration on May 1, 2013 at the City Gymnasium, Tacurong City.

SPES delegations from 12 LGUs, schools, and agencies showcased their talent and teamwork through the Yelling Contest and Pop Dance Competition. LGU-Tacurong delegation won the gold in the Yelling Contest while SK Provincial Capitol delegation took home the gold for the pop dance competition.

SPES LGU-Tacurong during their winning performance for the Yelling Contest.

SK Provincial Capitol winning pop dance group

According to DOLE-SK headed by Provincial Director Arlene Bisnon, this gathering aims to facilitate healthy interaction among SPES grantees and boost each delegation’ team spirit. DOLE XII Regional Director Ofelia Domingo reminded the SPES grantees to maximize their summer jobs by learning new skills and important work ethics.

This annual gathering, which has been conducted for at least 5 years now, is the only SPES provincial gathering in Region XII. This year’s celebration is sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-SK in partnership with LGU-Tacurong. “The city government is very willing to work with DOLE in terms of empowering constituents with employment and livelihood opportunities,” said Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla.

The following are the participating LGUs, schools, and agencies with their corresponding number of SPES grantees: LGU-President Quirino (90); LGU-Lambayong (41); LGU-Tacurong (299); LGU-Isulan (200); SK Provincial Capitol (261); Quezon Colleges of Southern Philippines (17); Archdiocesan Notre Dame Schools of Cotabato (210); Notre Dame of Tacurong College (56); Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology (36); Tacurong Fit Mart (25); Kimsan Inc. (25); and Kenram Industrial Development Inc. (14). The delegations were accompanied by their respective Public Employment Service Office managers.

DOLE-SK and LGU-Tacurong with the Philippine Red Cross-SK also maximized the gathering by conducting a blood-letting activity. Twenty-six bags of blood were generated through the said activity.

DOLE’s SPES provides underprivileged youth/students with short-term employment to augment financial needs and to provide experience that will be useful as they enter the workforce.

A SPES grantee donates blood on Labor Day

Jezereel Louise Billano

LGU, PA pay tribute to WWII veterans

“On this day, we recognize the heroes responsible for our freedom...those who died for it and those who are still here to tell us their story.”

That was how Col. Edmundo R. Pangilinan summed up the purpose of the 71st commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan conducted by LGU-Tacurong and Philippine Army (PA) on April 9, 2013, City Hall Grounds.
Col. Pangilinan served as the Guest Speaker of the program devoted to honoring the heroes of World War II.

The program was graced by the presence of veterans residing in the city namely Pvt. Jovencio Ledda (92 years old), Mr. Santos Laygan (97 yrs old), Pvt. Eugenio Somera (89 yrs old), and Private First Class Bernardo Francisco (91 yrs old).

Pfc. Francisco shared his memoirs as a young soldier during the War. As a 21-year old lad in the 1930s, he was one of those who were trained as Philippines’ reserve forces. He reported to the nearest camp in Panay, following the order of then Pres. Manuel Quezon after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and of the military bases in the country. They fought the Japanese forces in Panay but his team was captured. He was imprisoned and served as a laborer to Japanese soldiers. He witnessed cruelties, and even executions of Filipinos in the communities that the Japanese penetrated. After nine months, he escaped from the garrison with 2 Filipino comrades. He became a Philippine Scout in 1946 and was discharged in 1949.

LGU-Tacurong and PA value stories shared by veterans such as Pfc. Francisco as part of the rich oral history of the War.

“The freedom you fought for us shall be the freedom we shall truly defend. Where you are relieved of your duties, we shall carry on,” said Col. Pangilinan as he gave his snappy salute to the guest veterans.

The 601st Brigade, 6th Infantry Battalion, PA conducted the pass and review in honor of the guest veterans. The wreath laying ceremony was led by Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Brgy. Upper Katungal to represent R12 in Nat’l Lupong Tagapamayapa Awards 2013

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII had chosen Brgy. Upper Katungal, Tacurong City, as regional entry for the 2013 National Lupong Tagpamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA)-Component City Category.

LTIA Regional Evaluation Committee conducted a site evaluation in Brgy. Upper Katungal Lupong Tagapamayapa (LT) Office on March 21, 2013. Its profile, accomplishments, and innovations were presented by Brgy. Chairperson Hernane Fermo. Fermo noted that LT’s members are well-respected in the community. “Dahil nirerespeto sila ng mga tao, mas madali para sa LT ang pagsasaayos ng mga hidwaan sa barangay. Nakikinig sila sa amin,” said Fermo during the evaluation. LT members, being purok leaders, are able to settle cases in the purok level thus lessening the number of cases filed in the Barangay LP. For 2012, 90.91% of the cases filed in the barangay were settled; zero cases were repudiated; and 100% non-occurrence of settled cases.

Upper Katungal vied with two other barangays of Cotabato City and Koronadal City for the said award. "Brgy. Upper Katungal really worked hard, not only for this award but to help the city maintain peace and order in the community," said Alberto P. Sero, Tacurong City Local Government Operations Officer.

SP Committee Chairperson on Peace and Order Rodrigo Jamorabon, representing LGU-Tacurong during the evaluation, also expressed his confidence on the Upper Katungal-LT. "This barangay is smaller than other barangays but they have proven how a small community can significantly contribute to the fulfillment of the city's objectives," said Councilor Jamorabon.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Katangawan of General Santos City will represent Region 12 for the LTIA-Highly Urbanized City Category, and Brgy. Poblacion of Polomolok, South Cotabato will be Region 12’s entry for the Municipal Category.

Lupong Tagapamayapa is a local/barangay justice system that takes charge in settling civil disputes and cases to ensure community peace and order. LTs work with PNP to fulfill their purpose.


Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU Information) with report from City Local Government Operations Office