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Bohol Competiveness Council to help LGUs rise above rivals

  TAGBILARAN CITY, March 13 (PIA)–Right on track into making sure local government units here raise their competitiveness indices, local leaders and business counselors witnessed the swearing into office a team that would facilitate the positioning of Bohol towns into the countries top cities and municipalities based on their competitive index. An innovation in itself, the Bohol Competitiveness Council is an inter-agency team of government and non government agencies and organizations who would be at the disposal of Bohol LGUs so they could keep up with the competitiveness standards. The local council, possibly a first in the country, according to investment promotions chief Maria Fe Dominese, is an interagency team who will assist local government units in complying and elevating its compliance to the competitiveness standards to come out with more efficient governance. By competitiveness, it is the ability of an LGU to rise above its rivals and achieve sustainable levels of success in its specific categories, based on established parameters, explains Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the local department of Trade and Industry Jude Guieb. Guieb presented anew the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Survey and its 2017 Results for DTI 7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte, to at least 14 Bohol local chief executives and technical staff taking care of their compliance to the NCC indices of all towns in Bohol, March 13 at the Jjs Seafoods Village. As a town’s competitiveness is now seen compared with how other local government units fare, one can easily see in figures measures of the LGU’s level and growth in the areas of standard of living, aggregate productivity and their ability... read more

The new Courtyard Technology Hub is now here to serve Tagbilaran’s Digital Nomad

Dandreb James Arro   Freelancing has been a viable option for many Filipinos. In fact, there are more than 2 million Filipino freelancers despite slower internet in the country, with these freelancers earning an estimated $10 to $50 per hour, depending on the job. Apart from having to earn above daily minimum wage, freelancers are not tied to a desk in a clock in-clock out, eight-to-five corporate setup. This gives them more time to pursue other passions.   While most freelancers opt to work in the comforts of their own home, oftentimes, the cabin fever kicks in and a new working environment becomes a necessity. This is when other go-to work options come in handy, like coffee shops. But expenses can balloon with every fill of coffee and there will be days when a barkada conversation can be loud and distracting.   This is when co-working space came to the scene. A co-working space is a shared workplace where freelancers and startup entrepreneurs can rent a table or room for a fee. These digital nomads can bank on the high-speed internet provided by co-working space while enjoying a new scenery and free coffee. Moreover, these co-working space provide avenues for these individuals to build a community where they can share ideas and collaborate on projects.   Co-working spaces have sprouted in some of the country’s busiest business hotbeds like Makati and Cebu City. Recently, a co-working space venture has found its way into the thriving Tagbilaran City.   D’ Courtyard Technology Hub is a co-working space located at CPG North Avenue fronting Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (affectionately... read more

DTI welcomes Japan aircon maker’s clarification to expand PH business

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomed a letter from the head office of Daikin Industries, Ltd. — a Japanese air conditioning manufacturer present in the Philippines (PH) since 2009 – clarifying their position to strengthen and expand their business operations in the country. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez expressed optimism over Daikin Industries’ intention and added they look forward to its expansion projects. “We welcome investors who wish to join the country’s growth story, and contribute in our mission to provide jobs to Filipinos and share the prosperity to all,” shared Lopez. Daikin’s Industries’ Senior Executive Officer Yoshihiro Mineno had conveyed to DTI the company’s official position through a letter, stating, “We really regret to see the article of Inquirer Business on 3rd March. And we apologize and feel very sorry for causing misunderstanding in the press conference conducted by our subordinate sales company.” “We do not have any complaint about investment climate in the Philippines nor do not have any intention to criticize the policy of the government. Our real intension is to do our best to expand our business in the Philippines,” Mineno said. The letter aimed to clarify the statement and comment of Daikin Airconditioning Philippines Inc. in a press conference on the investment climate in the country. DTI has been consistent in its programs and projects to attract investments and revitalize PH’s manufacturing sector. This has been evident as manufacturing sector has gone up by 8.6% and its investments surged by 244% in 2017. “The Philippines is a very important market for Daikin and has a big room for further expansion. [We]...

It’s more fun for Geeks in Panglao Island, Bohol!

It will be easy for geeks, people who are understood to be connoisseurs of tech, design and startups, to find Panglao Island to be a fun-filled and exciting place to visit. Gone are the days when the term geek used to refer to a circus performer whose act includes the eating of live animals. But today’s tech-dependent geek are not only certified tech-savvy millennials but also fun-loving, playful, witty, encyclopedic, and inquisitive party-enthusiasts. Of course, not all geeks are created equal so some may prefer quiet and relaxed atmosphere with nature. All of which can be found in Bohol. Panglao Island has been the favored watering hole of tourists, diving enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike with its pristine waters, palm trees, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. A small town of over 68,000 people, Panglao is a mere half-hour away drive from the provincial capital Tagbilaran in the southwestern coast of Bohol in the Philippines. Its proximity to civilization while retaining its charms as an almost untouched tropical paradise should make it the perfect place for adventure-seeking yet tech-dependent geeks. This is the place to be for geeks looking for an all-in-one escapade with resorts, bars and souvenir shops in an 80.5 square kilometer island considered to be one of the leading marine biodiversity hotspots in the world. Geeks can go island-hopping, dolphin watching, or take a dip in an underground lake inside a coral cave. Panglao is also the site of Hinagdanan Cave that hides within its naturally lighted depths a lagoon. It is also very near Loboc River which is world-famous for its river-cruise and floating restaurants....

Local  News/ Bohol Balita

K12 center for agriculture now endorsed for funding

TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept 28 (PIA)–In preparation of a training center for teachers and students taking the agriculture track in the K 12 implementation, Regional Development Council-7 led by Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto pushed for the inclusion in 2016 budget the proposed Bohol Agricultural Training and Research Center (BATRC). Via RDC Resolution No 33, (s. 2015), the regional council endorsed the P 163.309 million BATRC for funding by the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and the Environment and Natural Resources in the calendar year 2016-2018. The lot of the proposed 150 hectares school farm in San Pascual Ubay, is currently owned by the Department of Agriculture and is currently used by the DepEd pursuant to an agreement stipulated by a Memorandum between them and DA signed in 1996. At this, the proposed funding from the DepEd to complete the project is P139.31, the amount to cover advocacy and social mobilization, infrastructure development. curriculum development and enhancement, acquisition of equipment, hiring of personnel, training and accreditation, research and development and monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, from the DA, project proposed funds for the rehabilitation of farm to market roads, bridges and culverts, trainings on natural farming technology, post harvest handling and food processing which is worth P23.09 million. From the DENR, a P900,000 fund is proposed for the tree planting component in the site. The project aims to provide sustainable quality training and research programs on natural farming technology, post harvest handling and food processing, according to the RDC. When endorsing the project, the RDC argues that the project is supportive of two objectives of the updated Regional Development Plan. “It...

TRAIN

Certainly, Bohol local government officials move in making Bohol a tough place for drug dealers is making headway. If there is a single most stunning imagery that the two years long crusade against drugs which police colonel Dennis Agustin is leading, it is a train that is heading places. We once believed the contention is nothing but a sniff of bad air. Air. Nothing substantial. But that there is somebody high up the government ladder tinkering with the tracks shifting the campaign train to wherever directions they want, is now a railroading truth. We have seen the folly of all these claims of victories against drugs. Quixotic because, like the man who fought windmills, fighting drugs in Bohol has not been as kind to the police director as its is as foolish fighting a lost cause. By all indications, the number of sniffing advocates and the peddlers now languishing or were given a the time at the slammers, could be numerous. At the Provincial Peace and Order Council reports of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, if one does not notice something regularly laughable, then that one is getting calloused. In over 358 cases filed against drug personalities since January to July of this year, we have heard of only 2 people convicted and sentenced. And 12 are acquitted. 33 are dismissed. No. not funny. Not at all. The problem could be this serious: cops are damned they could only pound flimsy cases. And the prosecution, seeing how risky it really is for the police to hand the time to drug criminals, also smell fear when walking out of the...

SUMAD SA BALILIHAN

SUMAD SA BALILIHAN – Gov. Edgar Chatto leads today the opening of the Agro-fair 2015 in celebration of the 187th Sumad in Balilihan. It also marks the governor’s first official appearance as first gentleman of Balilihan says now Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto who shared activities leading up to tomorrow’s Sumad celebration. Highlighting today’s (Sept 28) activities is the mass planting of coconut trees at the proposed site of the Integrated Coconut Processing Hub, with Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Deputy Administrator Roel Rosales, Regional Director Jun Lago and Provincial Head Emie Romero; where they also turn over 800 coconut seedlings. Also present in the opening activities were Board Members Abel Damalerio, Yul Lopez, Benjie Arcamo, representing Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim who is celebrating her birthday. Provincial Heads of offices, and national line agencies also grace today’s Agro-Fair along with the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Other activities of SUMAD Balilihan which kicked-off last September 3 include; simultaneous Oplan Tipok Dengue, Mini HEAT caravan – where constituents benefitted from a medical/dental mission (800 medical clients, 200 dental clients, 30 X-ray and ultrasound thru mobile clinic), haircut and hairstyle (250), distribution of 3,000 food packs, Also conducted were Hand washing demo and Disaster management training for 250 students who also received hygiene kits and slippers, and the coronation of Miss Bailihan with 11 candidates representing their barangays vying for for the crown. Tomorrow, September 29, a holiday by national law passed when the governor was congressman of the first district, the founding anniversary will be celebrated through a Holy Mass, to be followed by a Commemorative program and awarding and recognition of...

Kumon K of C Students Receive Awards at ASF

Kumon K of C students receive recognition awards during the Kumon Advanced Students Forum (ASF) held at the Radisson BLU in Cebu City on September 26, 2015. The awards were based on their performance as of May 31, 2015. Jeorgieann C. Suaffield, the first Math completer of the Kumon K of C center, received her recognition award as Math completer. She also received the Math award as well as top ten in Math (#1 for P7 level). Jeremiah E. Auza received the Math award and recognition as top ten in Math (#3 for P1 level). He also received the Reading award and recognition as top ten in Reading (#4 for P1 level). “Jeorgieann and Jeremiah deserved these awards as they demonstrated the discipline and self learning skills that the Kumon program teaches its students. They inspire other students and their parents because they are an example that Kumon students will become their very best as they discover their potential when they go through the program.”, Kumon K of C Chief Instructor Dr. Elva Evasco-Auza said. Jeorgieann is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jeorge Suaffield and is a student at the Philippine Science High School in Tagbilaran City this school year. She started her Kumon program a few years ago at the Kumon K of C center located at the K of C Recreation Center. She will also soon complete her Reading program later this year. Jeremiah is the eldest son of Mr. Jerome Auza and Dr. Elva Auza. He is currently a grade 2 student at VDT-ALC. He started the math program when he was four years old...

May 2016 poll voters have less than 30 days to enlist

TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept 23 (PIA)–The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) municipal election offices await for the remaining 38,704 voters in Bohol who have yet to validate their records to be able to exercise their rights to vote come May 2016. This as the COMELEC counts less than 30 days before they close the registration by October 31, 2015, at 5:00 PM. Moreover, the poll body added that registration would be suspended on October 12-16 to allow the COMELEC to accept the certificates of candidacies; the days being allotted as the officials dates for filing of certificates. With that, Boholanos would only have less than 30 days to have their registrations validated, entries changed or certificates of transfer filled so they could still get into the final list, according to the COMELEC. Bohol Comelec Supervisor Atty. Eliseo Labaria then urges Boholanos, especially from the island barangays to go visit their municipal election offices for registration validation, through the taking of one’s biometrics. Over 10,000 voters have not registered from the towns of Ubay, Inabanga, Tubigon and Talibon, Comelec records bare, which leads them to believe the island registered voters may have yet to come to the mainland to be validated via the biometrics. The validation by biometrics essentially cleans the old list in as much as this exacts from the voter his picture, fingerprint and signature which it stores in a databank that can be used to identify similar features in a person. The biometrics, according to Atty Labaria has a feature called automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) which puts up red flags as soon as a person logs into the...

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