by admin | Jan 9, 2016 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita, Major Events
The ACCRE (Coral growth booster) of Bohol Island State University (BISU) – Candijay, Bantay Palay (Grain saver) of the University of Bohol (UB) and Cocobot (Transforming coconut toy) of TIRServ lorded the final pitching and judging stage of the Bohol Idea to Innovation (BHL i2i) Competition held last January 8, 2016 at the Belian Hotel, Tagbilaran City.
These teams came out on top from the ten (10) finalists selected during the BHL i2i Boot Camp last October 5-6, 2015 at the Bohol Cultural Center. All teams underwent the idea development stage where they were advised by mentors from Ideaspace. In the prototyping stage, they have availed of the services and technical support of the Bohol Fablab, the first fabrication laboratory in the Philippines.
An added feature of this competition was the Co-creation Stage with nine (9) Japanese mentors who met with the Bohol teams for five (5) days and did surveys, field interviews and final prototyping. Bohol ICT Council Chairperson Lai Biliran, DOST-Bohol’s Engr. Marcial Tanggaan, Yorbs Electronics’ Roy Bayonas and Concept Mobile’s Thomas Ridenour were the judges and panelists during the final pitching and presentation. During the closing program, messages of support were given by Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap II and Bohol Gov. Edgardo M. Chatto who were represented by Mr. Valentino Gamutin and Dr. Glenn Doloritos, respectively.
Launched in July 2015 during the Sandugo Regional Trade Expo, the Bohol Idea to Innovation (BHL i2i) Competition, the first of its kind in the province, promotes innovation and start-ups in developing technology-based solutions to local problems through digital fabrication. The competition is composed of four (4) stages, namely boot camp, prototyping, co-creation and exhibition.
The BHL i2i Competition is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry – Bohol Provincial Office, in coordination with the Bohol ICT Council, Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (Fablab), Bohol Island State University, Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran. (Engr. Jerome John J. Gabin, DTI-Bohol)
by admin | Jan 5, 2016 | Local News / Bohol Balita, Major Events
The P6.5-billion National KALSADA Program will be launched here on January 8, 2016.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Forencio Abad, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Jose Singson and DIGL officials will lead the ceremony at 4:00 in the afternoon at the Dagohoy Room, Bohol Tropics Resort, this city.
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto, who is the head of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the KALSADA Program will also lead provincial officials and other guests to the event.
Together with KALSADA Program, the New Bohol Tourism Video will also be launched together with the Updates on the Bohol Domestic Fiber Optic Network (Bohol DFON).
The event’s theme focuses on enhancing connectivity towards greater heights for Bohol’s development as the provincial government recognizes strengthened local road management, tourism initiatives and ICT component integration as major factors in growth and development in the province.
Exhibits on Innovations and Challenges of Bohol’s Road Programs will also be displayed at lobby of Dagohoy Hall.
It will feature a chronology events from being IRA dependence, to the road nationalization program, Chatto’s two R.A.’s namely the Tourism Act of 2007 focusing on convergence of DOT and DPWH and the declaration of Bohol as Eco Cultural Tourism Zone, PGBH partnerships with PRDP-DA and PRMF until the KALSADA Program.
The “Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA) “Good Roads for Inclusive Growth” is part of the 2016 National Expenditure Plan. It is intended for the rehabilitation and upgrading of provincial roads, the transfer of these road assets permanently to provincial government balance sheets as assets and for maintenance, the development of each provinces’ Provincial Road Network Development Plan (PRNDP) and a mechanism of monitoring and evaluation of provincial roads, according to DBM.
These road networks link national roads to areas of economic development, allow access to basic services, and serve as important conduits during conflict, crises and calamities. The project allows each of the 73 provinces an average of 61.5 kilometers of road for rehabilitation, 24.6 kilometers for improvement works, and 12.3 kilometers for upgrading.
Bohol Experience
The PRNDP/KALSADA template has been provided by the experiences of Bohol and other selected provinces where the Philippine Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) has been piloted.
There are 10 pilot provinces of the PRMF, a program mainly aided thru the Australian Assistance for International Development (AusAID) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Tariff (DFAT) in partnership with the DILG and provincial governments concerned.
The Program is based on the Resolution of the LPP led by Gov. Alfonso Umali of Oriental Mindoro and Gov. Chatto LPP national secretary-general.
BUB Consultative Meetings
Before the KALSADA Launching, Sec Abad is set to meet with barangay officials for the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Project.
Abad is expected to inform the local leaders that under the” high-impact budget reforms in pursuit of inclusive growth” where 1,590 cities and municipalities participate in a demand-driven budget-planning process.
For 2016, the amount of P24.7 billion will support the implementation of more than 14,000 projects across the country. “Through BuB, we have institutionalized people’s participation in the budget process to gain a better understanding of their needs and requirements, and ensure that these are met,” Abad said.
by admin | Nov 28, 2015 | Local News / Bohol Balita, Major Events
In an earnest effort to enhance food sufficiency and sustainability likewise boost the morale of the farmers, the Municipal Agriculture Office with the full support of its municipal mayor, Engr. Christopher B. Tutor, made it best to successfully host the 2nd Farmers Day, today, November 28, 2015 at the Municipal Plaza.
The activity was opened with a parade participated by the local farmers, fisherfolk and women sectors. It was followed with a short program integrated with the coronation rites of the Hari sa Kaumahan and Rayna sa Panimalay as well as the mass Oath Taking ceremony of the farmers, rural improvement club and fisherfolk associations’ officers.
Techno-demo, “pinaka” contest, distribution of fingerlings were also conducted in the afternoon. Showcasing of booths by participating barangays was also done during the same period.
Among the special guests during the said event were Mayor Tutor together with the Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay captains, Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio, ATI-7 Center Director, Mr. Fortunato Cosap of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, Director Leo Bongalos, Provincial Director of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Board Member Elpidio M. Jala who mostly expressed full support to agriculture.
In his message, Mayor Tutor encouraged the local stakeholders to make said affair a yearly activity as agriculture is something of great importance to everyone’s life. He said he is open to opinions or suggestions which can improve said sector and is willing to extend support to rural-based organizations that have project proposals intended for agro-fishery-based income generating projects. He also emphasized that one has to do all means to avail of any possible grant or services which can improve his life so that he will not be blaming the government once he experienced misery due to poverty.
Likewise, Dr. Daquio boosted the farmers’ spirit by recognizing their importance to the society being the one who produce foods for them. She also emphasized that they should not consider their job as something of low worth but be proud instead to introduce themselves as farmers#30.Judith S. Villamor, MPIO-Candijay
by admin | Nov 7, 2015 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita, Major Events
MARIBOJOC, Bohol – Several residents from the different barangays in this municipality heartily welcomed the community outreach program conducted by the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM) of the provincial government of Bohol recently.
Some key local officials and people’s organizations from barangays Guiwanon, Punta Cruz and Bayacabac came as one and expressed their gratitude to Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and the movers of the CDP-PPM for coming to their barangays.
The CDP-PPM team conducted an orientation on the registration and accreditation of non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in barangay Bayacabac last October 24. This accreditation is mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 and is also supported and found in the provincial Ordinance C-001 and Ordinance 2012-032. The CDP-PPM team was joined in this activity by the 47th Infantry Battalion which is based in Tubigon as part of their orientation as a new partner of the program.
Emilia Roslinda, executive director of the Bohol Alliance of Non-Government Organizations (BANGON) also supported the move of the provincial government of Bohol in its continued conduct of orientation on accreditation of CSOs in all municipalities in the province. This is to ensure the coordination between and among the CSOs and the government sector and must be aligned with the government programs for a unified and cohesive action for development.
After the orientation, employees from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office distributed items for feeding, fresh milk and solar lamps to several people’s organizations.
The whole day activity earned the respect and gratitude from the officials, residents-beneficiaries in the Barangay.
Guiwanon’s barangay secretary Genara Sanoy said that “gikalipay sa mga lumolopyo ang pagbisita sa taga-province ug pagtuman sa ilang saad nga manghatag ug solar lamps.” (the residents are very thankful of the visit made by the staff of the provincial government and fulfilled its promise of giving solar lamps.)
Ricardo Bagnoran, president of a fishermen people’s organization, also expressed his thanks to the CDP-PPM team. He said that “gikalipay namong tanang mananagat ang among nadawat.”(all the fishermen are happy of what we have received.) Bagnoran was even thankful that they were able to stay away from the “actions and deceptions of the leftist groups. We, the fishermen are happy that we have not joined them,” he added.
In behalf of his people, Lourdes Concepcion Tan-Endo, barangay captain of Punta Cruz also expressed her gratitude and gave assurance that the people of Punta Cruz will always support and always will be with the government.
Despite of this development, the Community Empowerment Resource Network (CERNET), an NGO which is based in Cebu City made a statement published earlier that it is not happy over what the provincial government is doing for its own Boholano constituents.
Liza Quirog, chair of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the CDP-PPM just laughed off the pronouncement made by this outsider NGO. According to a staff assigned to the Desk of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) they could not find CERNET as among the legitimate NGOs of the country. Under the law, SEC registration gives legal personality to a non government organization. This registration and accreditation requirements are also mandated in the Local Government Code and Provincial Ordinances. Efforts are being directed to get the official statement of SEC on the legality of CERNET’s operations. This NGO is also not accredited with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol. The Provincial Ordinance also requires that any NGO based outside of the province must get accreditation first before it can conduct any activity in the province to safeguard the interests and security of the Boholano people.
Quirog said that the manifestation and verbal expression of the people of the barangays in Maribojoc, as mentioned earlier in this report, are proof enough that the people welcomes and supports the programs of the provincial government, especially the CDP-PPM since this is specifically implemented to address the socio-economic problems faced by all sectors of the community. She emphasized, however, that the governor is more than happy with the support and complementation extended by the registered and accredited NGOs and CSOs of the province for the achievement of its development goals.
As to the orientation of CSOs accreditation, Quirog emphasized that this is not just the provincial government’s decree but a national law. The accreditation process is given much emphasis now to avoid another Napoles scam scenario where bogus NGOs were allocated billions of pesos for ghost projects.
Medical missions and distribution of items to the farmers and fishermen might also be used as a pattern for bogus NGOs going to the communities so that they could “implement” projects for liquidation purposes of funds given by their donor agencies from abroad. (tltb)
by admin | Aug 29, 2015 | Headlines, Major Events
It all redounds to traffic problems, sums up the PPOC who noted that a better traffic laws enforcement can drastically cut Bohol’s crime volume into half. Over this, police Colonel Dennis Agustin wishes local governments and executives can help them get the roads safer for everyone. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 29, (PIA)—Although crimes in the count were only those happening in Bohol from the first to the third week, a difference of 285compared to the previous month, lead police statisticians to note that August had fewer crimes.
At the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting, Camp Dagohoy bared they tallied only 470 cases in August compared to 755 in July of this year.
In a report read by Camp Dagohoy Chief Police Senior Superintendent Dennis Agustin, the 470 cases in August comprised of 299 index and 171 non index crimes.
This, according to the police chief is much lower than the 444 index and 311 non index crimes in July, making up to the 755 crimes recorded during the month as reported during the August 5 PPOC meeting.
The same decrease in crimes is also clearly reflected in the 124 physical injury cases compared to the 216 cases during the previous month.
Crimes of theft also enjoyed significant decrease from 135 last month to 108 while robbery, which had 47 last month, went down to 38.
Physical injuries, robbery and theft still make up the top crimes in Bohol in August.
And, in a trend that has been established since months ago, of the 124 physical injury cases, 72 or 58% of them are injuries caused by traffic related incidents.
Camp Dagohoy also cited 22% of the total month’s crime cases caused by traffic related incidents. Less the traffic related incidents, Bohol’s 470 crimes should only be 365.
To illustrate some more, Col Agustin bared that the month had 10 homicide cases recorded, but in reality, only 4 would strictly be homicide if traffic related caused deaths be stricken off the list.
Moreover, of the 124 physical injury cases, Agustin said without counting traffic related incidents, statisticians would only have 46 cases. This is glaringly some 63 % less crimes in physical injuries.
For malicious mischief, Bohol police noted 37 cases, but less those which are traffic related, there would only be 10 cases. This, Agustin cites, is 73% lower.
Traffic related incidents contributed significantly in the increase of the total crime volume, summed up Col Agustin.
The statistics also illustrate the dire need for Bohol to keep up with road laws and traffic enforcement, if it intends to continue to project a wholesome venue for investments and tourism. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Jul 14, 2015 | Headlines, Major Events, National News
As Filipino Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the feast marking the end of Ramadan, and a holiday, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz is reminding employers to observe and comply with the pay rules on the said holiday which will be on Friday, July 17, 2015.
The following pay rules shall apply for this regular holiday:
- If the employee did not work, he or she shall be paid 100 percent of his or her salary for that day — (Daily Rate + Cost of Living Allowance) x 100 percent;
- For work done during the regular holiday, the employee shall be paid 200 percent of his or her regular salary for that day for the first eight hours — (Daily Rate + Cost of Living Allowance x 200 percent;
- For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work), he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her hourly rate on said day — (Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 200 percent x 130 percent x number of hours worked;
- For work done during a regular holiday that also falls on his or her rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his her daily rate of 200 percent — (Daily Rate + Cost of Living Allowance) x 200 percent + 30 percent (Daily Rate x 200 percent); and
- For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work) during a holiday that also falls on his or her rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her hourly rate on said day — hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 200 percent x 130 percent x 130 percent x number of hours worked.
“Proper observance of the pay rules on regular holidays and special non-working days will lead to more productive and competent employees. Voluntary compliance with labor laws, including the payment of correct wages, is good business practice. It is good for the workers and it is good for the employers,” Baldoz said.
Eid’l Fitr is a regular holiday declared by President Benigno S. Aquino III under Proclamation No. 1070 which he signed on 6 July.
“Eid’l Fitr was declared a regular holiday because of its religious and cultural significance to the Muslims,” Baldoz observed.
Republic Act 9177 mandates the government to declare Eid’l Fitr a national holiday, celebrated by the Muslim world for three days after the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting. (DOLE/PIA)
