EUREKA : DOLE-CAR awarded ISO 9001:2008

B U S I N E S S N A M E

V O L U M E 1 I S S U E N O . 5 O C T O B E R - N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 3

L A B O R A N D E M P L O Y M E N T — C O R D I L L E R A

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E : gratulations to the DOLE-CAR family, from the regional director, field office heads down to the rank-in-file employees, underscored the feat they achieved by working together and for giving more focus on being productive and effective in carrying out the department’s services to the public. “Labor and employment services, assuring economic welfare and wellbeing is a big job to do especially in this challenging time, such as the upcoming ASEAN integration and the current calamities that causes people to lose their job”, Navarrete stressed. (continued on page 13)

BAGUIO CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment, in line with its goal of ensuring service excellence to the Filipino people, is pushing for ISO or International S t a n d a r d s O r g a n i z a t i o n certification of all of its regional offices nationwide. Last November 29, the DOLE C o r d i l l e r a R e g i o n a l Office was awarded with ISO 9001:2001 Certification. It is the third DOLE regional office to gain such certification. Certification International Philippines (CIP) Managing Director Renato Navarrete handed the ISO certificate to Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena, who was also joined by DOLE Provincial field office head and regional office personnel in a

simple ceremony. DOLE-CAR ISO certification covers the field office of DOLE in Baguio-Benguet, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province. ISO 900 1 :200 8 i s an internat ional ly recognized Quality management System (QMS) standard that has been implemented by over a million in over 170 countries worldwide. The QMS standard key principles are based on customer focus and customer satisfaction; leadership; involvement of people; process approach; system approach to m a n a g em e n t ; c o n t i n u a l improvement; factual approach to decision making; and mutually beneficial supplier relationship. Navarrete in expressing his con

The

Director’s 2

Tabuk’s

Almora...

3

12 Cordi firms...

4

Hotel and Resto ITC...

5

DOLE SEnA...

6

DOLE-CAR ISO ...

7

DOLE Apayao...

9

“ our

commitment is

to deliver our

programs and

services

efficiently, and

with greater

transparency,

integrity and

accountability.”

Director

Henry John S. Jalbuena”

Public Service Excellence: DOLE-CAR and Provincial Field Offices, under the leadership of regional director Henry John Jalbuena received the ISO 9001:2008 from Certification International Philippines Managing Director Renato Navarrete.

P A G E 2

THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER

EDITORIAL BOARD

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DOLE-CAR

Consultants - Henry John S. Jalbuena

Regional Director

- Emerito A. Narag

OIC-TSSD

Editorial Staff LCO - Patrick T. Rillorta

Layout and Design - Teddy Sy

Baguio-Benguet Field Office - George G. Lubin, Jr.

Leonardo M. Doguil

Ifugao Field Office - Isabelita M. Codangon

Kalinga Field Office - Ma. Lourdes O. Canseco

Abra Field Office - Christopher B. Tugadi

Apayao Satellite Office - Marcelo C. Saleo-an, Jr.

Mt. Province Field Office - Adelina Jocelyn F. Culaling

TSSD - Myrene Bosleng

IMSD - Mark Anthony Tungpalan

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Cordillera Administrative Region

Cabinet Hill, Baguio City 2600 ( (074) 443-5338 to 39; Fax (074) 443-5339

email: dolecar@dole.gov.ph; dole-car@pldtdsl.net; dolecar88@pldtdsl.net

It is my great pleasure to once again extend to all my warmest greetings. This is the Fifth Issue of the Cordillera Gazette, official publication of the DOLE-CAR Family and there is much to be excited about as we share with you a number of noteworthy activities for this month of August 2013. First, DOLE-CAR Family has steadily and consistently gone forward to better its programs and services to its clientele, and in the process, has also focused in achieving the desired ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System Certification wherein we recently hurdled stage two audit conducted by the Certification International Philippines on October 22-25, 2013 and we made it. We have been recommended for certification for ISO 9001:2008 to the ISO Certification International based in the United Kingdom. We join hands together in celebration as we are ISO Certified. Let us be reminded that our accomplishments and recognition is not the end but it is just the beginning for a long journey in pursuit for customer satisfaction and continual improvement. Second, We successfully held several orientation programs for our clientele and partners in the following areas: National Skills Registry System (NSRS), Child Labor, Career Guidance and Counseling , the Batas Kasambahay, the Integrated Livelihood

Program, among others, for Program awareness. Third, the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board initiated several public hearings and consultations on the possible wage adjustments in the Cordillera Administrative Region held in Baguio City, Bangued, Abra; Tabuk, Kalinga and Lagawe, Ifugao. Fourth, the protection and promotion of workers welfare front, the Single Entry Approach (SENA) desks have disposed of 72 cases. While in the economic empowerment, our workers in the informal sector for the months of October and November continue to be among the priority target beneficiaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP)

with twelve (12) funded projects with a fund release of Two Million Six hundred Forty two Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Nine pesos (Php2,642,669.00) benefiting 1,044 individuals. Fifth, DOLE-CAR has issued Labor Standards Compliance Certificates to twelve (12) companies across the region in the furtherance of its commitment to promote gainful employment opportunities, develop human resource and to protect the rights and welfare of workers even as we make every effort to maintain industrial peace to enhance utmost productivity in the workplace. You can find out more about the Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region at : www.car.dole.gov.ph.

C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E

P A G E 3 C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E

Tabuk’s Almora Hospital adjudged national winner in 2013 DOLE Productivity Olympics

Baguio City – The Department of Labor

and Employment (DOLE), National Wages

and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and

the Regional Tripartite Wages and

Productivity Board (RTWPB) has awarded

and recognized the Almora General

Hospital, Tabuk City, Kalinga as National

Winner for Best Productivity Improvement

Programs and Practices for Small Service

Category in the 2013 Productivity Olympics

held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

DOLE-CAR Regional Director and RTWPB-

CAR Chairman Henry John S. Jalbuena in a

statement recognized the efforts and

teamwork of the Almora General Hospital

and Kabinnulig Para Ti Panagdur-as Ti

Abra, Inc. (KAPPIA) at Cabayatan,

Agtangao, Bagued, Abra for a job well

done.

The director said Almora General Hospital

and KAPPIA are already winners when

these micro and small entrepreneurs from

our region were adjudged national finalists

vying for the nine (9) national awards for

best productivity improvement practices/

programs to the 2013 National Productivity

Olympics held at the Century Park Hotel in

Manila on October 24, 2013, with Almora

General Hospital declared as national

winner.

“In behalf of the rank and file of DOLE-

CAR and RTWPB-CAR, we extend our

congratulations to the Management and

Staff of Almora General Hospital under

the leadership of Dr. Jaime A. Almora for

winning the National Award for Best

Productivity Improvement Programs and

Practices for Small Service Category for

incorporating business excellence and

resource management.” Jalbuena stated.

He also expressed confidence that the two

winners shall serve as an inspiration to

other small businessmen in the Region to

improve their business performance

through adoption of quality and

productivity practices.

Jalbuena added that in 2011 Productivity

Olympics, the champions were Our Tribe

Food Products popularizing the Kalinga

Blend Coffee of Tabuk City, Kalinga under

the Micro Industry category and Pamora

Farms of Pidigan, Abra under the Micro

Agrobusiness category. The City of Tabuk

prides itself with two National Awardees in

the Productivity Olympics where the

process is quite difficult and tedious.

Contestants have to hurdle a lot of criteria

requirements from the plant level to the

regional and national screening procedures

before winners are finally determined. And

along the process, many contestants are

eliminated especially in the national

screening level.

The national winners of the Productivity

Olympics received valuable prizes such as

recipient for Department of Labor and

Employment (DOLE) programs and

services, a trophy, cold cash of P100,000

while the national finalist were given

P20,000.00 cash award and a plaque of

recognition.

The Productivity Olympics is a national

competition of best programs of micro,

small and medium enterprises done once

every two years anchored on two main

criteria- Best in Business Excellence and

Best in People Management plus green

productivity. Its main objective is to

intensify awareness and commitment to

quality and productivity as the best means

to improve business performance.

It is organized by the NWPC and the

RTWPB with the winners receiving awards

and incentives in the forms of trophies,

certificates, cash, use of the Olympics logo

for 3 years and priority endorsements to all

DOLE agencies programs and services.

The tripartite panel of jurors is headed by

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-

Baldoz, Undersecretary Ciriaco A.

Lagunzad III, Undersecretary Rebecca C.

Chato, Mr. Ernesto F. Herrera (TUCP), Mr.

Gerard R. Seno (TUCP-ALU), Mr. Anton LL.

Sayo (ECOP), Ms. Nora L. Lacuna (PCCI),

Mr. Angelito M. Sarmiento (PQA),Dr.

Manuel E. Villegas (Manila Doctors

Hospital), and Dr. Agnes T. Banzon (UP-

Los Baños).

Hon. Rosalinda Dimapilis –Baldoz awards Almora General Hospital of Tabuk City, Kalinga as National Winner for Best Productivity Improvement Programs and Practices for Small Service Category in the 2013 Productivity Olympics held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E P A G E 4

12 CORDILLERA FIRMS GRANTED LABOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Labor

and Employment Cordillera Administrative

Region (DOLE-CAR) have issued Tripartite

Certificate of Compliance with Labor

Standards (TCCLS) to 12 establishments

after tripartite audit process, on-site

validation, and assessment by the members

of the Tripartite Certification Committee

(TCC).

These twelve (12) establishments that were

issued TCCLS in the Cordillera

Administrative Region are as follows: the

SN/Aboitiz Power-Benguet , HEDCOR, Inc.,

University of the Cordilleras, Baguio

Country Club Corporation, , Inc. and

Narda’s Trading Corporation, Abra

Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-

purpose Cooperative, Almora General

Hospital, Naduma Enterprises, Danny Joan

Farm, Kabbinnulig Para ti Panagdur-as ti

Abra, Inc., Texas Instruments Philippines,

Inc. and Camp John Hay leisure, Inc. (The

Manor) and are a few steps closer to the

DOLE Secretary’s Award and the

Tripartite Seal of Excellence Award—the

highest honor given by the department.

DOLE-CAR Regional Director Henry John

S. Jalbuena said the TCCLS is given by the

DOLE to companies that show

commitment and exemplary adherence to

the provisions on General Labor Standards,

Occupational Safety and Health

Standards, the Child Labor Law under

Republic Act 9231, industrial peace and

enterprise stability and competitiveness.

“The TCCLS is provided under DOLE

Department Order No. 115-A Series of 2012.

It is the first level seal of good

housekeeping issued to enrolled

establishments. D.O. No. 115-A, otherwise

known as Operational Guidelines on the

issuance of Tripartite Certificate of

Compliance with Labor Standards, is a

DOLE reform measure that seeks to

promote voluntary compliance with labor

standards such as General Labor Standards

(GLS), Occupational Safety and Health

Standards (OSHS), and Child Labor Law

(Republic Act 9231), by giving due

recognition and incentives to compliant

establishments pursuant to the DOLE

Incentivizing Compliance Program (ICP).”

Jalbuena explained.

The TCCLS certificate is a requirement to

qualify for the National Productivity

Olympics, Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan

(GKK), and Child Labor-Free Establishment

(CLFE) awards. It is a basic pre-

qualification requirement to the DOLE

Secretary's Labor Law Compliance Award

and the Tripartite Seal of Excellence (TSE),

the highest award given by the

Department. The TCCLS is part of the

Incentivizing Compliance Program (ICP)

and is valid for three years. (with reports

DOLE-CAR Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena awards the TCCLS to the representatives of University of the Cordilleras, Hedcor, Inc., SN/Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Baguio Country Club Corporation, Inc. and Narda’s Trading .

C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E P A G E 5 Baguio Hotel and Restaurant ITC: Inks Voluntary Code of Good Practices

Baguio City – The Department of Labor and Employment – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) spearheaded the signing of the Code of Voluntary Compliance and Good Industry Practices (VCGP) with the Baguio City Hotel and Restaurant Industrial Tripartite Council (ITC) on October 30, 2013 at the Hotel Supreme, Baguio City. It main objective is to comply voluntarily with labor laws and other related policies to ensure that workers rights are upheld at all times and healthy competition within the industry is promoted. The activity was

well attended by 45 representatives from both management and employees of the Hotel and Restaurant industry in the city.

The Hotel and Restaurant ITC in Baguio City have twenty eight (28) member establishments organized last A ugus t 28 , 20 13 a im ed a t strengthening tripartite cooperation and promotion of industrial peace; and serve as a forum for tripartite advisement and consultation among labor, employer and government sector in the formulation and

implementation of labor and social policies in the industry.

DOLE-CAR Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena said the VCGP aims to provide Industry Stakeholders a mechanism for social dialogue to address industry specific issues that could foster a favorable investment climate to boost job opportunities, increase workers’ employability, enhance productivity and improve service quality.

“The signing and adoption of the Hotel and Restaurant Industry on VCGP shall provide a mechanism for self governance and is a very welcome development in their campaign for volunteerism, especially in light of the potential of tourism as a key employment generator, not only in Baguio City , but in other provinces of the region as well.” Jalbuena added.

He also said that the development of a culture of voluntary compliance with labor standards and occupational health and safety to increase competitiveness and productivity.

Other Industries with signed Code of Voluntary Compliance and Good Industry Practices are Manufacturing Industry and the Wholesale and Retail Industry in Baguio City.

RD Jalbuena (R ) spearheads the signing of the Code of Voluntary Compliance and Good Industry Practices with Baguio-Benguet hotel and resto ITC officers.

DOLE-CAR helps in the survival of tree seedlings at Busol watershed

BAGUIO CITY – The officials and staff of the Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda visited the Busol watershed, one of the few remaining water sources of this mountain resort, to remove weeds and grass and to fortify the soil area around tree saplings and seedlings earlier planted in a portion of the watershed considered as a DOLE-adopted area.

DOLE-CAR Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena said the employees of DOLE-CAR and the Regional Tripartite Wages Productivity Board (RTWPB-CAR) have decided to regularly follow-up on this project to ensure a higher survival rate of planted tree seedlings.

Tree planting activities became priority endeavors of both the government and

private sectors over the past decade because of the dwindling number of trees in many areas of the Cordilleras.

(from page 1) Jalbuena, in his acceptance

speech, thanked the DOLE-CAR family

as through their synergy, faith/thrust to

each other and by working together

beyond the call of service to ensure

customer service satisfaction, they

got the ISO certification.Though as they

have proven that they can do it, he also

posed the challenge to perform better if

not the best in every stage of the ISO

manual.“This certification is not the end, it

is just the beginning of our long journey

towards customer satisfaction and the

continuing process of improvement”, he

stressed . (lco-car with lito dar)

C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E P A G E 6

DOLE CAR’s approach gets fast release of teacher’s P84K separation pay

BAGUIO CITY-Thanks to the Single Entry Approach, a DOLE reform mechanism known as SEnA where a former teacher for the past 2 years

and eight months of Story Share English Language School, Inc. promptly received his P84,480.00 in separation benefits .

Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena of the Department of Labor and Employment Cordillera

Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) yesterday shares that Mr. Charlie Galvan came to the regional office complaint desk on October 3, 2013

seeking assistance on the unclear reasons from his termination and on payment of his separation pay from an English school that caters to

Japanese nationals.

Mr. Galvan’s Request for Assistance (RFA) was immediately referred to

SEnA Desk Officer George Lubin, Jr. who assisted him, formally invited the school management for a conciliation mediation meeting set for 14 October

at the DOLE-CAR Regional Office. During the 14 October meeting, the management of Story Share, Inc. was represented by Atty. Marita San Diego

where a mutually accepted resolution of the case was finalized and Mr. Galvan was paid his dues. The Single

Entry Approach Entry (SEnA) is a labor dispute settlement system through an alternative dispute

resolution using the 30-day conciliation mediation of all labor cases. It strengthens efforts to provide speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and

accessible labor dispute settlement services. It also strengthens cooperation and coordination between and among DOLE agencies

involved in dispute settlement.“I learned from my friends that I could file a complaint with the DOLE

regarding my case so that the issues regarding my termination will be clarified and also the possibility of

getting my separation benefits so I visited the DOLE office at Cabinet Hill.” Galvan said. Under the SEnA,

complaints or requests for assistance

from parties are acted upon through conciliation as the initial step preventing full-blown disputes with the objective of promoting industrial

peace and productive as well as labor empowerment. If a complaint is not settled within 30 days.

DOLE-CAR PROVIDE 1.6 M IN LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE TO BENGUET TOWNS

Mankayan, Benguet - The Department of Labor and Employment –Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) awarded cheques in the amount of P1,637,875.00 worth of livelihood assistance packages to six (6) community associations in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony last September 20, 2013 at the Mankayan Municipal Hall with the presence of Mr. Peter Guibac, Chief of Staff of Benguet representative Ronald M. Cosalan, Mayor Materno R. Luspian and Vice Mayor Dario S. Banario of Mankayan, Councilor Federico Aquisio representing Mayor Melchor D. Diglas of Buguias (continued on page 12) IMSD Chief Virginia Cacanindin award the livelihood check to Mr. Marvin Onio,

President of the BedBed Gongs Association . Witness to the occasion are the Mankayan Officials led by Mayor Materno Luspian .

P A G E 7 C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E

P A G E 8 C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E

P A G E 9 C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E

The Department of Labor and Employment awarded over Php 650,000.00 worth of livelihood assistance to four community organizations in the province under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) towards Community Enterprise Development (CED). The beneficiary groups are the Lamut Federation of Women Organizations which received the amount of P173,300.00 for their CED on Food Processing with the Local Government Unit of Lamut as the accredited co-partner, the Panopdopan Fisherfolks Association which received P101,500.00 for the Enhancement of their Tilapia Processing Plant with Barangay Panopdopan as the accredited co-partner, the Mayoyao Association of Persons with Disabilities for their CED on Rice and Corn Milling/Grinding amounting to P135,000 with the Local Government of Mayoyao as the accredited co-partner and the Hungduan Weavers Association for the CED on the Production and Marketing of Woven Products amounting to 240,660.00 with Barangay Hapao of Hungduan as the accredited co-partner. DOLE’s convergence efforts with these accredited co-partners enhance partnership building to maximize resources needed in the successful

implementation of these livelihood projects. Regional Director John Jalbuena said that the DILP is the DOLE’s contribution to the Aquino Administration’s national agenda of reducing poverty through the p r om ot ion o f l ive l ih ood an d entrepreneurship and transforming them into community enterprises through convergence of services. It envisions productive, gainful and secure community employment to disadvantaged and vulnerable workers in the informal economy to ensure a better and dignified quality of life. DILP caters to workers in the informal economy engaged in small livelihood undertakings such as farmers, fisher folks, ambulant vendors or peddlers, ambulant service providers, tricycle drivers and operators among others. In response, Hon. Mariano B. Buyagawan, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the DOLE for the livelihood assistance and verbalized the LGU’s commitment to immediately provide the counterpart which is the processing and display area for the finished products of these beneficiary groups. On the other hand, Mr. Ceasar U.

Binohlan, the President of the Panopdopan Fisherfolks Association likewise expressed gratitude to the DOLE for the grant. He is also confident that the project will generate more employment and better income for the members of the various associations.

DOLE AWARDS LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE TO 4 IFUGAO GROUPS

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is implementing the Community Enterprise Development Program (CEDP) under its Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) purposely to provide new and/or alternative sources of livelihood and to enhance existing ones to communities with the goal of generating additional income for their families. In Apayao, a number of groups and associations benefitted from the program through the funds provided for the procurement of tools, equipment, materials

and jigs under the leadership of the Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena, DOLE-CAR. However, to ensure the sufficiency of funds for the implementation of the chosen projects of the groups or associations, the help of Accredited Co-Partners (ACPs) is needed to provide a counterpart fund equivalent to at least twenty percent (20%) of the total project cost. In Apayao, ACPs are the Provincial Government, LGU and Educational Institutions. And to further ensure the viability of the

projects, the Office of Cong. Bulut-Begtang committed to provide a counterpart fund for the conduct of skills training as well as related trainings on leadership, e n t r e pr en eu r sh i p a n d financial management. The receptiveness of the Provincial Government of Apayao, Local Government Units of Apayao and Education Institutions to become an ACP in the implementation of livelihood projectsfor FY 2013 led to the

funding of thirteen (13) proposals (7 proposals under the PGO and 6

proposals under the LGUs and EI) totaling to P6, 741,125.00 in which P 4,895,720.00 from DOLE, P587, 656.00 counterpart from PGO and P737, 779.00 from LGUs and EI. The projects are: soap making, lechunan, food snack house, dressmaking/ sewing , loomweaving, food and meat processing and production center, handicrafts production and smoke fish processing and production. Regional Director Jalbuena expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation of the Provincial and local government leadership of Apayao Province led by … (continued on page 12)

DOLE-APAYAO SATELLITE OFFICE AWARDS 4.8 M FOR THE LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS

Livelihood beneficiaries from the different Municipalities of Apayao including the Agriculture Students of Apayao State College who availed the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Program of DOLE received their livelihood assistance

C O R D I L L E R A G A Z E T T E P A G E 1 0

DOLE’S DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH: LABOR LAWS COMPLIANCE SYSTEM

BAGUIO CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) adopted a new approach on Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS) which is a mix of developmental and regulatory approaches to address existing rigidities while ensuring decent and productive work. The system aims to foster a culture of voluntary compliance with labor laws by all establishments nationwide. The new system will be implemented by the Labor Laws Compliance Officer (LLCO) who is a DOLE personnel authorized to conduct compliance assessment, validation and visit, to conduct conciliation and mandatory conferences and other related functions in the enforcement of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, and other related laws. To implement the labor laws compliance system, any of the following are undertaken in all private establishments and workplaces namely Joint Assessment, Compliance Visit and Occupational Safety and Health Investigation. In the conduct of joint assessment, the LLCO together with the representative of the employer and workers will jointly review and verify the company’s compliance with

General Labor Standards (GLS), Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and Child Labor laws. Priority establishments and workplaces are those considered hazardous; employing child worker; engaged in contracting and subcontracting arrangements; and employing 10 or more workers. Should the establishment be found compliant, the LLCO issues a Notice of Results indicating compliance with general labor standards after which the Regional Director validates the findings and issues the Certificate of Compliance. For non-compliant establishment, the LLCO will provide an accomplished assessment checklist to serve as basis in formulation of action plan. A remediation period of 10 days is allowed for noted deficiencies to institute corrective measures in monetary benefits and not more than three months remediation period for Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) deficiencies except if it falls under imminent danger cases and provision of Personal Protective Equipment. To ensure correct remediation of

deficiencies, the LLCO is tasked to provide technical assistance to the establishment to fully implement the action plan undertaken and until all noted deficiencies are corrected. A compliance visit happens when there is a Single Entry Approach (SEnA) referral or complaint for violation of labor standards; the existence of a grave and imminent danger to the lives and limb of employees and/or property of the employer or dangerous occurrences not resulting to disabling injury. On the other hand, OSH investigation is triggered by imminent danger, dangerous occurrence, or a disabling injury. In the first two situations, a work stoppage or suspension order will be issued after an investigation, but for disabling injury, a work stoppage order is immediate to allow urgent correction of OSHS deficiency. The LLCS is more developmental than

regulatory. The LLCOs will inform the employers and employees of DOLE’s programs and services, including information on labor standards. This developmental track is in recognition that some labor law violations occur because many companies are not adequately informed and knowledgeable on labor laws. The new LLCOs have a toolbox of DOLE programs and services, or a menu that responds to the training and technical needs of establishments. They have been undergoing training to fully equip them not only with knowledge about labor laws, but also to make them adequately familiar with the DOLE’s services and programs that they are going to disseminate for free. Data on the number of establishments in CAR gathered from the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) stated that there are 15,311 business establishments in the CAR with 896 establishments employing 10 employees and above while 13,247 establishments have 9 employees and below. With the new system, the DOLE looks forward to improved work conditions, good employer-employee relations, and enhanced w o r k p r o d u c t i v i t y t h r o u g h voluntary compliance with labor standards.

terials, deliver and install them in the project site. It also allotted 20% equity of the total project cost in the form of additional fabric materials and labor (sewing of gowns). The LGU Rizal through the PESO Office also will monitor and evaluate the livelihood project of the mother’s group. Aside from Rizal government, the other co-implementing agencies are the DTI-Kalinga which will provide the technical assistance such as entrepreneurial development trainings and other social preparation activities while the TESDA-Kalinga which will provide the honorarium of trainers relative to

The DOLE Kalinga Field Office headed by Dr. Alexander D. Gumabol, released the amount of P400,000.00 livelihood assistance “project on community enterprise development on enhanced catering services and bridal gown rental” to group of mothers in Rizal, Kalinga recently. The said amount was coursed through the Local Government Unit of Rizal headed by Mayor Marcelo Dela Cruz as conduit or Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program towards Community Enterprise Development. As an ACP, the government of Rizal will procure the equipments, tools

enhanced catering services. The partners in the implementation of the project entered into a MOA relative to the implementation of the said livelihood project to make it sustainable. Dr. Gumabol is confident that after a year or two, the said livelihood project of the group will be featured as one of the best organization and be able to function as a cooperative or micro enterprise. Meanwhile, Ms. Cecilia Burgos, Mothers Group Organization president expressed the groups gratitude to the DOLE and LGU Rizal in supporting their livelihood project. She hoped that the income of … (continued on page 12)

DOLE KALINGA AWARDS LIVELIHOOD PROJECT TO MOTHERS’ GROUP IN RIZAL

P A G E 1 1 ALFONSO LISTA PESO WINS AWARD AT 13TH NAT’L PESO CONGRESS

Baguio City – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded and recognized the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Alfonso Lista as one of the best performing Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) in the 2012 National Search for BEST PESO during the 13th National PESO Congress held last week in Palo, Leyte from 24-27 September on the theme, “PESO Kabalikat at Gabay sa Disente at Matatag na Paghahanap-buhay”. DOLE-CAR Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena who joined the delegates from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) during the 13th PESO Congress expressed his elation and satisfaction during the Awards Night of the 13th National PESO Congress held at The Ballroom of The Oriental Leyte Hotel and Resorts in Palo, Leyte last 25 September. Alfonso Lista formerly known as “Potia” is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ifugao bested 10 other nominees namely the Municipality of Balungao, Pangasinan (Region 1), Municipality of Cordon, Isabela

(Region 2), Municipality of Dolores, Quezon (Region 4A), Municipality of Dulag, Leyte (Region 8), Municipality of Initao, Misamis Oriental (Region 10), Municipality of Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga-Sibugay(RO-9) and the Municipality of Cagdianao (Caraga Region). “I congratulate the Municipality of Alfonso Lista under the leadership of Mayor Glenn Prudenciano and their PESO headed by Public Employment Service Manager Imelda Pascual for bringing home the award for the Cordillera Administrative Region as the 2012 Best PESO of the Philippines for 3rd and 4th Class Municipality Category.” Jalbuebna stated.

He also said that the best PESO award serves as means of recognizing the best practices of all PESO’s throughout the country and for the extensive efforts of PESO in Alfonso Lista in delivering the government’s employment facilitation machinery down to the grassroots. “I am thankful for the continued support of

Local Government Units (LGU) and the PESO as DOLE-CAR’s partner in facilitating efficient, accessible, and responsive employment services, translating into action the Aquino government’s agenda of strengthening local employment, of solving the jobs-skills mismatch, and of pushing back unemployment. “ Jalbuena also added.

Only 5 PESO’s out of 83 LGU’s in CAR are institutionalized with adequate staff and 66 PESO’s are established with only one non-permanent designated staff.

The PESO is a non-fee charging multi-employment service facility or entity established or accredited pursuant to Republic Act No. 8759 otherwise known as the PESO Act of 1999. To carry out full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all, and for this purpose, to strengthen and expand the existing employment facilitation service machinery of the government particularly at the local levels.

CAR delegates shine in DOLE productivity Olympics Baguio City - Two provinces in the Cordillera were awarded in the D e p a r t m e n t o f L a b o r a n d Employment’s (DOLE) Productivity Olympics.

Kalinga and Abra each now have two awards.The Almora General Hospital of Tabuk City, Kalinga was national w inner for B es t Product iv i ty Improvement Programs and Practices for Small Service Category in the 2013 Productivity Olympics held in Manila, Thursday.

Tabuk now prides itself with two national awardees in the Productivity Olympics. The first was in 2011 when Our Tribe Food Products which popularized the Kalinga Blend coffee won under the micro-industry category.

The Kabinnulig Para Ti Panagdur-as Ti Abra, Inc. (Kappia) of Cabayatan, Agtangao, Bangued, Abra was also a finalist. In 2011, the Pamora Farms of Pidigan, Abra under the micro agro-bus ines s category a ls o w on . DOLE-CAR Director Henry John Jalbuena recognized the teamwork of

both groups for doing a good job. Jalbuena said Almora General Hospital and Kappia are already winners when they were adjudged national finalists vying for the nine national awards for best productivity improvement practices. He also expressed confidence the two winners will serve as an inspiration to other small businessmen in the region to improve their performance through adoption of quality practices. Contestants had to hurdle a lot of requirements from the plant level to the regional and national screening procedures before winners are finally determined. Along the process, many contestants are eliminated especially in the national screening level. The national winners of the Productivity Olympics received valuable prizes such as recipient for DOLE’s programs and services, a trophy, P100,000 while the national finalist were given P20,000 cash and a plaque of recognition. The Productivity Olympics is a national competition of best programs of

micro, small and medium enterprises done once every two years anchored on two main criteria- Best in Business Excellence and Best in People Management and green productivity. Its main objective is to intensify awareness and commitment to quality and productivity as the best means to imp rov e bus in e s s performance.

It is organized by the National Wages Productivity Commission and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board with the winners receiving awards and incentives in the forms of trophies, certificates, cash, and use of the Productivity Olympics logo for three years and endorsements to all DOLE agencies programs and services.(Ogie Aquillo, RTWPB-CAR)

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(from page 5)

DOLE CAR Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena in a statement said DOLE’s financial assistance for livelihood enhancement under the

Department’s Integrated Livelihood Program towards Community Enterprise Development (DILP-CED) is DOLE’s way of improving the lives and

giving hope to more disadvantaged workers by providing them opportunities where they can efficiently own and manage their

livelihood and business ventures towards increasing its income and productivity and providing employment opportunities in their

community. To emphasize the DOLE's convergence efforts, Director Jalbuena explained that the DOLE-CAR is working with the

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Office of Benguet Congressman Ronald M. Cosalan, the Municipal Governments of Mankayan and Buguias, the Public Employment

Services Office (PESO) and other

government agencies in the

implementation of the DILP-CED and to push for the realization of the goals of inclusive growth and decent, productive employment in the country

as embodied under the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016. “Convergence efforts with its Accredited Co-Partners (ACP) will be

strengthened and keep on in the different municipalities and provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region, in this case, as it continues to

provide income generating - augmenting activities spurring employment generators for our people and to make available the needed products and tools for

communities.” The Director added. The group beneficiaries are: 1) the Bedbed Gongs and Blacksmith Association composed of 60

blacksmith and farm tool makers who will soon engage in making gongs and farming tools from copper and other metals which received P303,000;

2) the Lepanto Women’s Association for its Pizza Making and Pizza Parlor which received P205,000; 3) the

Pukitan Association of Ladies and Mothers Association which received P250,000 for its Farm Input and Feeds Retailing; 4)the Guinaoang Barangay

Neighborhood Association, Inc. which received funding assistance of P226,000 for its Meat processing; 5) the Oyster Bague Production

Association received funding of P352,500 to roll out its Mushroom Production and; 6) the Bileng-Tabbak Small Farmers Association receiving

the amount of P300,000 to expand their vegetable farming. Mr. Marvin G. Onio, President of the Bedbed Gongs and Blacksmith

Association thanked the DOLE for the unexpected blessing to its 60 members who will benefit adding that the grant will go a long way in preserving the

culture of gong making with the training of their new members and also expanding their farm tools making which will increase their

earnings to be at par with, if not over, that of a minimum wage earner. “We did not expect that we will be receiving such a great help. What we expected was DOLE will help us train

our new members in the making of gongs and farm tools. This is more than what I’ve expected,” Onio added. He added that the livelihood projects is

aimed at enhancing and transforming activities of individual gong makers and farm tools makers to a cohesive community enterprise that has a high

(from page 9) Cong. Bulut-Begtang and Gov. Bulut, Jr.

As with the Congresswoman and the Governor, Regional Director Jalbuena hopes for the continuity and sustainability of the program so that

the objective of boosting economic growth and development of the province will be achieved in due time. ( (with reports from Darwin

Hombrebueno – DOLE, Apayao )

(from page 10) each member will increase from an monthly average of P2,000.00 to P3,000.00-P3,500.00 within the first

year and will increase in the succeeding years.” M r . D e l a C r u z , M u n i c i p a l Administrator committed to the

organization that the municipal government will prioritize their catering services for the various activities of the community”. DOLE-

CAR Dir. Henry John S. Jalbuena said

Aquino Administration’s agenda to reduce poverty through the p rov i s io n o f l i v e l ih o o d a n d entrepreneurship through the

convergence efforts of key partner agencies, theses livelihood projects are transformed into a community enterprise to promote productive and

gainful employment among the disadvantaged and vulnerable workers of the society.

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DOLE-CAR schedule of activities:

Ethics in the Workplace for DOLE-CAR Staff November 5, 2013

Conduct of Job Fairs: PESO Benguet

November 6-7, 2013

Tree Planting of DOLE-CAR staff at Busol Water Shed Reservation, Baguio City

November 08, 2013

Basic Employment Service Training for 30 new PESOs, Baguio City

November 12-13, 2013

Business letter Writing Seminar for DOLE-CAR staff, Baguio City

November 14-15, 2013

Capability Building Seminar Workshop for Registered Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates to be conducted by DOLE-CAR

November 20-21,2013

Technical Writing and Proposal Preparation for Baguio-Benguet PESOs to be conducted by DOLE-CAR

November 20-22, 2013

Year-End PESO Planning and Assessment: Year-End PESO Planning and Assessment to be conducted by DOLE- CAR Apayao YEPA and 4th Quarter Meeting in Luna, Apayao

November 26-28, 2013 December 4, 2013

Awarding of Livelihood checks (DILP) : La Trinidad and Tuba, Benguet Conner, Apayao Bangued, Abra Bontoc, Mt. Province Tanudan, Kalinga Alfonso Lista, Ifugao

November 2013 December 2013 December 2013 December 2013 December 2013 December 2013

Awarding of ISO Certificate by Certification International Philippines (CIPI) 80th DOLE Foundation Day Anniversary: A. Holy Mass B. Program C. Awarding: - Best Performing Field Office - DOLE PRAISE - Loyalty - Bowling

November 29, 2013 December 06, 2013

DOLE-CAR Typhoon Yolanda Relief Drive for DOLE-Region 8

November - December

ACTIVITY/PROGRAM DATE

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