PESO 12 joins 13th National PESO Congress in Leyte

Thirty-nine Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Managers from Region 12 attended the 13^th National PESO Congress held on September 25-27, 2013 at the Oriental Hotel in Palo, Leyte. 

Local Government Units (LGUs) in the provincial, city, and municipal levels including the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and academic institutions that have established their respective PESOs sent delegates to the said congress organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE).

Regional Director Ofelia Domingo of DOLE 12 and PESO 12 Federation President Ricardo Dagcuta headed the regional delegation in the said congress that gathered more than 700 participants from all regions.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz delivered her keynote speech during the opening program. She lauded the PESO Managers in their unwavering support to the programs of the DOLE especially in carrying out their core functions on job referral and placement, labor market information, career advocacy, and the integrated livelihood program.

Several topics were discussed during plenary sessions including the presentation by the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on how it could partner with the PESO in the implementation of skills development programs.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) also presented “Investment Projects for Job Generation”, while the resource speaker from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) talked on how the PESO could help in the government’s poverty alleviation programs.

Other topics presented included the “Benefits and Programs for OFWs” by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Batas Kasambahay or Republic Act 10361 by the Bureau of Working Conditions, and the “K-12 Implementing Rules and Regulations” by the Department of Education.

One of the highlights of the congress was the awarding ceremony for the Best PESO for year 2012 in several categories, namely: 1^st to 3^rdclass municipalities, 4^th to 6^th class municipalities, 1^stclass provinces, 2^nd class provinces, 3^rd class provinces, component cities, highly-urbanized cities, and NGOs/State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

For region 12, the PESO of Municipality of Malapatan in Sarangani was the lone nominee for the national awards. PESO Manager Anessa Maguan was among the ten nominees in the 1^st to 3^rd class municipality category.

Meanwhile, new set of national officers for term 2014-2016 took their oath of office during the congress. Vissia Marie Aldon of PESO Makati City was sworn in as national president. Jonix Paniagua of PESO Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol also took his oath as member of Board of Trustees.

On the third day of the congress, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino served as the keynote speaker where he manifested his support to all the programs of the DOLE and PESO. He also committed to help pursue the institutionalization of PESO in the LGUs. (by Allan Freno, LGU Tacurong Information)

Tacurong City hosts AVLDA 3rd Quarter BOD meeting

30 September 2013 – The Board of Directors of Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA) conducted its 3^rd quarter meeting at Felra Suites, Tacurong City. The alliance consists of cities, municipalities, concerned agencies, and other stakeholders in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. It has the authority over the ecological and political operations in the Allah Valley area.

Presided by Hon. Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes, Chairperson of AVLDA and Governor of South Cotabato, mayors of the different provinces in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat together with representatives from government and private agencies involved were also present in the said assembly. Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla delivered her welcome message as host city for the meeting.

Among the discussions by the Board of Directors included the presentation of the 3^rdquarter accomplishment report by AVLDA Project Officer for Sultan Kudarat Rogelio Acosta. It generally pointed out the environmental management protection actions done by the alliance as well as the administrative development that came about.  Alfred T. Allaga, LGSP-LED Partnership Advisor, gave updates on the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED). Three main components were highlighted: tourism circuit development, marketing programs and promotions, and environmental facilitation.

Other matters such as the Riparian Summit and Environmental Awareness Month 2013 and a proposal for flood prevention were also discussed in the BOD meeting. (Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano)

Festival Jobs Fair generates employment for Tacurongnons

After five months of job-hunting, twenty-year old Fritchel Jane Makilan of Barangay San Emmanuel has finally found an employer.

                Makilan was one of the eighty-five applicants who trooped to the city hall compound to register for the Jobs Fair conducted by the city government on September 13, 2013.

Makilan said that she started applying for work right after graduation from college in March and that she had submitted applications to more than five employers but none responded positively. “I’m happy I was finally given a chance to be employed through this Jobs Fair,” she said.

Hired by KCC Mall of Marbel as warehouse staff, Makilan was also one of the lucky nineteen applicants who were hired on the spot in the said Jobs Fair.

Aside from those who were hired on the spot, 51 other applicants qualified in the initial screening of eleven agencies and were advised to be interviewed and undergo the rest of the screening process.

The participating agencies for overseas employment were Nonstop Overseas Employment Services and D.A. Rodrigo International, while the local employers included KCC Mall, Kimsan Plaza, Tacurong Fit Mart, MUTI Group of Companies, Credit Basics & Innovations Corporation, Yakult Lactobacillus Corporation, Edjin Pension House, Talakudong Foods Corporation (Jollibee), and Mang Gorio Bahay-Kainan.

                There were 124 job vacancies posted in the said jobs fair. Of said vacancies, 81 job orders for skilled workers were solicited for overseas employment, and 54 for local employment.

                The city government, through the Public Employment Service Office, partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sultan Kudarat Field Office in holding the Jobs Fair, which was also the second time to be conducted this year.

City Councilor Benjamin Fajardo, who sits as chairperson of Sangguniang Panlungsod Labor and Employment Committee, said that the city government will try to hold frequent jobs fairs to give easier access to jobseekers.

                “I appreciate jobs fairs because jobs are being offered cafeteria-style and applicants are free to choose jobs that suit their qualifications,” Fajardo said. (Allan Freno, LGU Tacurong City)

NGOs and civil society groups to apply for accreditation

The Tacurong City Local Government Operations Office (CLGOO) with the Sanguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tacurong enjoins all existing and active non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the city to apply for re-accreditation.

At the same time, new organizations are also required to apply for accreditation. This accreditation is a requirement for NGOs and CSOs to be part of the local government unit’s special bodies.

To be (re) accredited, NGOs and CSOs must submit the following to the Tacurong SP: 1) application letter; 2) duly accomplished Application Form for Accreditation; 3) Board Resolution signifying intention for accreditation for the purpose of representation in the local special body; 4) Certificate of Registration (CoR); in case of Indigenous Peoples Organization, CoR must be issued by NCIP; 5) list of current officers and members; 6) annual accomplishment report for the immediately preceding year; and 7) financial statement. The financial statement must be signed by the organization’s executive officers, also of the immediately preceding year. It should also indicate other information such as source of fund(s).

DILG called for NGOs' and CSOs' accreditation and re-accreditation through Memo Circular No. 2013-70.

Samples of the Application Letter and Application Form for Accreditation are available at the CLGOO or you may access it at http://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/issuances/memo_circulars/DILG-Memo_Circular-2013730-5e6d7f10d2.pdf.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU-Information)

Talakudong Fest ‘13 to showcase new attractions

Tacurongnons and local tourists will be witnessing many ‘firsts’ in the upcoming Talakudong Festival 2013 which will officially open come September 11.

 On the said kick-off date at 9:30AM, three groups will battle in the City Grounds for the 1st Talakudong Drum and Glockenspiel Competition-High School Level. At 6:00PM, Tacurong’s 20 barangays will be competing in the 1st Talakudong Inter-Barangay Dance Sport and Hip Hop Dance Contest in the City Gymnasium.

The city government and the Makasining Lahi ng Tacurong have also organized the 1st Talakudong Battle of the Queens: Search for Miss Gay Talakudong 2013 which will be conducted on September 13, City Gymnasium.

On September 15, running enthusiasts all over the region will be joining the 1st Talakudong Half-Marathon Run. This event is spearheaded by the Tacurong Runners Club in coordination with the city government.

Other new activities include: 1st Talakudong Invitational Scooter Motocross Competition (September 17) and 1st Talakudong Invitational Badminton Tournament-Kiddie Edition (September 6-8).

Aside from these ‘firsts’, Talakudong will be exuding the city’s vibrance with the following activities: Kumpas sa Syudad Folk Dance Competition and Kantahan ng Kabataan (September 12); Haircut Mo Sagot Ko and Jobs Fair (September 13); Bicycle Tour, Talakudong Dog Show, and Dart Tournament (September 14); Ornamental Plant Show (September 16); Variety and Comedy Show with Celebrities (September 17).

Continuing events include: Igpat Sang Kamera Photo Contest (Aug. 15-Sept 30); Alay sa Barangay Surgical Mission (Aug. 16-Sept. 30); Inter-Barangay and Inter-Agency Basketball Tournament (Aug. 20-Sept. 12); Trade Fair (Sept. 3-20); For Art’s Sake Painting Exhibit, Workshop, and Contest (Sept. 5-18); Talakudong Painting and Salakot Decorating (Sept. 6-8); Inter-school and Invitational Sepak Takraw Tournament (Sept 12-16); and Lawn Tennis Tournament (Sept. 14-15).

Eleven candidates will be battling for the title of Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong 2013 on September 16. To complement this event, the Local Women Development Council organized the 1st Talakudong Search for Munting Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong which will be conducted on Sept. 18.

Talakudong Street Dancing and Field Demonstration, the festival highlight, will be taken a notch higher by participating schools on September 18. “Participating schools prepare for this event for almost two months. They have never failed to deliver a refreshing presentation of Tacurong’s culture every year,” said City Mayor Lina Montilla.

Tacurong became a component city of the Province of Sultan Kudarat by virtue of Republic Act 8805 that was issued on August 16, 2000. The cityhood was duly confirmed by the Tacurongnons in a plebiscite held on September 18, 2000. This year marks its 13th Foundation Anniversary.

Malacañan declared September 18, 2013 as a Special Non-Working Day in Tacurong City through Proclamation No. 643, s. 2013.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU-Information)

LGU recognizes 55 civil servants during 113th Civil Service Anniversary

Fifty-five civil servants who turned ten to forty years in the local government service received loyalty pins and rings during the opening of the 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary Celebration on September 2, 2013 in Tacurong City.

Among the 55 civil servants: 31 received the 10-year loyalty award; 5 received 15-year loyalty award; 3 received 20-year loyalty award; 6 received the 25-year loyalty award; 4 received 30-year loyalty award; and 5 received the 35-year loyalty award. Mrs. Patria P. Cedullo of the City Assessor’s Office, the lone recipient of the 40-year loyalty award, received an 18k loyalty ring aside from a cash incentive.

“These rings and pins will serve as reminders that we should continue serving our citizens excellently. Of course, these also symbolize our gratitude for your selfless service throughout the years,” said Hon. Lina O. Montilla.

Aside from the loyalty awardees, the LGU through its City Human Resource and Management Office (CHRMO) recognized the significant contributions of city officials and department heads to the city. Committee members of the Strategic Performance Management System and the Human Resource Strategic Plan were also recognized.

The recognition rites highlighted LGU-Tacurong’s kick-off activity for the 2013 Philippine Civil Service Month.

Other LGU activities for the 2013 Civil Service Month include: Hataw and Walk for a Cause (September 12); Civil Service Commission On Air (Sept. 20); Orientation on Batas Kasambahay (Sept. 23); and Employees’ Family Day (Sept. 27). A culmination program will be conducted on September 30, 2013.

CHRMO spearheads the LGU-Tacurong celebration of the 113th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service with the theme Tatak Lingkod Bayani: Isabuhay, Ipagmalaki, at Ipagbunyi.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU-Information)