DOLE Caraga is first region to reach assessment target for 2014. 13 mining companies among 219 establishments found compliant with labor laws, OSH standards after joint assessment in Surigao City The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office in Caraga (Region 13) headed by Regional Director Johnson Canete, has scored another feat--becoming the first DOLE region this year to achieve its target of establishments to be assessed on labor laws compliance and occupational safety and health standards and be

issued a Certificate of Compliance (CoC).

In Surigao City the momentous event, dubbed, Innovation in the Labor Laws Compliance System for the Mining, Maritime, and other Related Industries, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz awarded the latest CoC on Compliance on General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and Health to Trusty Pawnshop, Inc., a Buenavista, Agusan del Norte-based medium-sized firm, bringing the CoC the regional office has issued this 2014 to 1,153, up by 154 over the 999 establishments targeted for assessment on labor laws compliance and OSH for the first year of full-blast implementation of the new Labor Laws

Compliance System.

Inside this issue:

DOLE Caraga Assessment 1

COC at THERMA Marine 2-3

1st Anniversary MLC 3

7 Citations Awarded 4-5

Career Week 5

Dep-Ed and DOLE 5

Child Labor Free 6

PESO Corner 6

SPES Corner 7

SENA 7

TUPAD/GIP Corner 8-9

NCMB,RTWPB,OSH 10-12

ECC,OWWA,NRCO 13-16

Volume 1, Issue 1 July-September, 2014

Cañete said the number of establishments may still go up, considering there are still three months

remaining in 2014.

Thirteen of the 219 establishments awarded the CoC were big large mining companies operating in the region, one of them, the Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc., also declared by Secretary

Baldoz to be child-labor free.

She personally visited the mine site of the company in Brgy. Timamana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte to hand over the Child Labor Free

Cerrtificate to the company.

Baldoz, in her message after the CoC awarding, congratulated the establishments for supporting DOLE Caraga in the implementation of the new LLCS, saying that without their cooperation, the LLCS as a reform program would not be

successful.

She also congratulated the DOLE Caraga regional office, especially the Labor Laws Compliance Officers, for their latest achievement.

"Voluntary compliance with labor laws and occupational safety and health standards is good for business. It fosters happy workers and profitable enterprises, which makes them competitive. It promotes harmonious labor-management relations," Sec. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Bladoz said, reiterating the message she has tirelessly delivered during her regional sorties around the country to promote

the LLCS.

DOLE Caraga is first region to reach assessment target for 2014 by Nicon Fameronag and Iris Asis

Caraga Newslet Page 2

"Now, you can hang these certificates in your walls as a part of your proud record of being a responsible corporate citizen that attends to the general well-being and welfare of your workers who are your greatest resource." Therma Marine, Inc. underwent a joint assessment with the assistance of Labor Laws Compliance Officer Lilian M. Solis of the DOLE Caraga Regional Office. She had worked closely with the company's safety officer, Jonathan Valledor; Safety, Security, and Environment Manager Lito Palacio; and Barge Safety Officer Joudemil Omega. Baldoz was in Nasipit as part of her visit to Butuan City to witness the awarding of COC to some 157 establishments found to have been compliant with general labor laws (GLS) and occupational safety and health standards (OSHS) and Child Labor-Free Certificates to 63 other establishments after a joint assessment under the new Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS). Therma Marine's power barge was built in the Sasebo Shipyard in Japan in 1993 and was transported to Nasipit, Agusan del Sur in January 1994. It was acquired by Aboitiz Power Corporation from the National Power Corporation in 2010.issued Certificates of Child Labor-Free Establishment (CLFE) to 24 establishments. In Butuan City, Baldoz presided over the awarding of CoCs to 20 local establishments and Child Labor Free Establishment Certificates to 38 other local companies. The 24 establishments awarded CoCs were (1) Almont Beach Resort; (2) Almont City Hotel; (3) Almont Hotel Inland Resort; (4) BBC Construction; (5) Butuan Allied General Services; (6) Celebes Agricultural Inc.; (7) Celebes Coconut Corporation; (8) Celebes Oil Mill; (9) Chevron Security & Investigation Agency, Inc.; (10) DCMJR Corporation; (11) Golden Tree Manpower Services; (12) Mizpeh Business Consultancy Services; (13) MTEL Trading & Manpower Services; (14) PBC Construction; (15) Red Palm Suites & Restaurant; (16) Rose Pharmacy and three of its local branches; and (20) Tagbagani Security & Investigation Agency.

Nasipit, Agusan del Norte--Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, together with Undersecretary Rebecca Chato, DOLE's Internal Affairs and Labor Relations cluster head, boarded a vessel of Therma Marine, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary and power barge operator of energy giant Aboitiz Power Corporation, for an on-site awarding of a DOLE Certificate of Compliance (CoC) after the company was found to have been compliant with general labor laws (GLS) and occupational safety and health standards (OSHS). Therma Marine, Inc. owns and operates two power barges producing 200 MW of electricity, one in this Agusan del Norte town, and another in Maco, Compostela Valley. The barges supply power to 23 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities to add to the supply provided by state-owned National Power Corporation in Mindanao. Its power barge in Nasipit employs 54 workers, four of whom are female. Jan Risager, Therma Marine, Inc. vice president, welcomed Secretary Baldoz and party in the Nasipit power plant and accompanied them to a guided tour of the power vessel. At the

control room, the Therma Marine official explained to Baldoz the company's operation. Regarded as expert in diesel-fired, floating power barge operation, maintenance, and management, Therma Marine, said Risager, prides itself of its safety, efficiency, and environment-friendly operation. "We also exercise our corporate social responsibility by giving back part of what we earn not only to the community where we operate, but also to communities that our electricity benefits," said plant manager Engr. Fernan Bernabe, who is also the plant's OSH practitioner. Baldoz expressed her appreciation of Therma Marine's compliance with all general labor laws and occupational safety and health standards, including its non-employment of child laborers, saying the company should be a model for other companies in the Caraga region. In handing out Therma Marine's three Certificates of Compliance--one each for General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health, and Child Labor-Free Establishment, Baldoz said:

Baldoz praises Therma Marine, Inc. for labor laws and OSH compliance by Nicon Fameronag with Iris C. Asis

Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 1

Claver, Surigao del Norte--Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis Baldoz yesterday emphasized that the DOLE's new Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS) for the first time covers and applies to companies and workers in domestic shipping and, thus, encouraged Philippine-registered ships plying domestic waters to voluntarily comply with all labor laws. "Ensuring compliance with all labor laws, including with safety and health standards, are pursuant to our obligations under the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006, and national issuances, such as D.O. No. 129, or the "Rules and Regulations Governing the Employment and Working Conditions of Seafarers Onboard Ships Engaged in Domestic Shipping, and the new LLCS," said Baldoz during a dialogue with officials of officials of Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), one of the country's largest nickel mining companies. Baldoz, together with Undersecretary Rebecca Chato, head of the DOLE's internal and labor relations cluster, and DOLE Caraga Regional Director Johnson Canete, visited Claver in the Caraga Region to join in the conduct of a joint assessment of TMC's cargo vessels at the Claver Port, in a bid to emphasize the seriousness of the DOLE in accelerating implementation of the new LLCS. "Voluntary compliance fosters harmonious workplace relations and is generally good for business. It leads to productivity and profitability," the labor and employment chief emphasized before boarding one of TMC's cargo ships, the LCT TMC II, for the joint assessment. TMC owns three cargo vessels and contracts several other ships to transport its mine production from the shore to the ships for export. It engages a crewing agency, Lacerta Shipping Agencies Philippines, Inc. to man its three vessels. The joint assessment is one of the mechanisms that the DOLE uses under the LLCS. During the process, management and worker representatives sit down with the DOLE to assess compliance, with the latter informing the former about the various labor laws, including the

safety and health standard regulations, that the company ought to comply. If deficiencies or gaps in compliance are discovered during the assessment, a plan of action is formulated to correct the gaps or deficiencies. The DOLE teaches the company and the workers on how to comply. After the gaps or deficiencies are effected, the DOLE issues a certificate of compliance to the company. Engr. Eric Igual, together with the TMC management representative and the TMC union, informed Secretary Baldoz that the result of the joint assessment showed very minor deficiencies/gaps. Some of these were the lack of organized safety and health committee; lack of occupational safety and health reportorial requirements; lack of on-board and on-shore complaint procedure; no weekly rest period; lump-sum salary structure; no written program and policy on prevention of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, TB, and sexual harassment. Also, the employment agreement of the 19 crew of the ship is not co-terminus with the service agreement of the manning agency

On the first year anniversary of the MLC, 2006's entry into force Baldoz joins conduct of joint assessment of ship in Surigao del Norte By Nicon Fameronag with Iris C. Asis

The 38 awardees of the CLFE are as follows: (1) Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ASELCO); (2) Almont Beach Resort; (3) Almont City Hotel; (4) Almont Hotel Inland Resort; (5) ANECO; (6) ASELCO Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ASEMCO); (7) ASM Foods Corporation (McDonalds franchisee); (8) Bachelor Express, Inc.; (9) BBC Construction; (10) BN Builders Construction & Supply; (11) Celebes Agricultural, Inc.; (12) Celebes Coconut Corporation; (13) Celebes Oil Mill; (14) Cooperative Bank of Agusan del Sur; (15) DCMJR Corporation; (16) Golden Tree Manpower Services; (17) Handdel Construction (18) Junie Auto Supply & General Merchandise; (19) LPCJ Construction Services & General

Merchandise; (20) Manila Mining Corporation; (21) Manuel J. Santos Hospital; (22) Mizpeh Business Consultancy Services; (23) ML Frontier Corporation / Pulvera Hardware/ Centru Trading/ Higala Hardware; (24) MTEL Trading and Manpower Services; (25) Multi-Task Marketing & Manpower Services; (26) PBC Construction; (27) PBC Security Force, Inc.; (28) Peoples Bank of Cagara, Inc.; (29) Philsaga High School Foundation, Inc.; (30) Philsaga Mining Corporation; (31) Platinum Group Mining Corp.; (32) Pulvera Hardware; (33) Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Corp.; (34) Tagbagani Security & Investigation Agency; (35) Uhland Loans Corporation; (36) Visa Security and General Services; (37) Yves Construction; and (38) Red Palm Suites & Restaurant.

with the principal, and the manning agency is not registered with DOLE under D.O. 18-A. In the presence of Secretary Baldoz, the TMC management submitted an undertaking and pledged to correct these deficiencies/gaps in 20 days under the agreed action plan. On this note, DOLE Caraga Regional Director Johnson Canete issued a CoC to the mining company. Baldoz instructed Conciliator-Mediator Ericson Igual, head of the joint assessment team, to restructure the salary structure of the seafarers manning the ship, and also directed Director Canete to continue monitoring the company's compliance, particularly with its undertaking. "The DOLE is here to help you comply. All our technical assistance services are free. You should not anymore fear the DOLE because our new labor law compliance system is designed as a mix of developmental and regulatory approaches that encourages voluntary compliance," Baldoz said.

… Baldoz praises therma marine (from page 2)

Caraga Newslet Page 4

Atty. Johnson G. Cañete, DOLE Caraga Director, awarded the WODP (Workers Organizations Development Program) training assistance worth ninety five thousand pesos (P95,000) to the Taganito Labor Union-FDLO.

Thirty (30) officers and members form eight (8) different

labor unions/workers’ organizations will benefit from the 2-

day training on enhancing labor union leaders’ skills on

negotiation and conflict management.

“Everything can be settled within the tripartite council” Mr. Dulmar M. Raagas, Vice Chairman of the CRTIPC said during his welcome speech. He has proudly announced their success on settling labor disputes within their level and the established good communication between and among the ITC. Tripartism is a strategic consultative process designed to strengthen ties between the government, management and the labor sector to promote and sustain industrial peace. 120 individuals from Industrial Tripartite Councils of Construction, Plantation, Transportation, Education, Wood-Based, Security, General and Other Services, Eco-Tourism and, Mining gathered for the first time to sign and signify their commitment towards the adoption of Voluntary Code of Good Practices. “Start within your industry to talk … sa inyo maggakikan ang mga suhisyon sa mga polisiya og kamo

ang mas suheto og nakahibalo arong muomento ang atong industriya” Atty. Johnson G. Cañete stressed during his inspiration speech. The activity was also graced by the presence of Mr. Leo P. Gerona, from the Department of Tourism, Dr. Rebecca V. Delapuz, Asst. Regional Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Eugene Rula from the Department of Transportation and Communication, Mr. Zaldy I. Inren from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Ret. PID Gen. Jose B. Cuevas, President of the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators, Inc., Maria Roselyn Castaño from the Maritime Industry Authority and the Heads and Staff of the Department of Labor and Employment. The voluntary code of good practices involves the promotion of labor laws compliance system, occupational health and safety, productivity, dispute settlement, collaboration of government partners, corporate social responsibility and, monitoring code.

The 1st ITC Summit in Caraga by Iris Asis

The Department of Labor and Employment-Caraga was

acknowledged in seven citations during the recently

concluded DOLE-Wide Mid Year Performance Assessment

and Re-Planning last August 8-9, 2014 at Iloilo City.

The commendations came in as acknowledgement of

DOLE-Caraga’s remarkable contribution in promoting

gainful employment opportunities and workers’ protection

and welfare.

The awarding was graced by no less than the Secretary of

the Department of Labor and Employment, Honorable

Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, in a samba regatta-themed

social event on the night of August 8, 2014.

Among the awards received include Achieving the Highest

Number of Child Labor-Free Establishments (Level 3),

Highest Number of Tripartite Certificate of Compliance

(Level 3) and Highest Number of Certified Compliant >>p5

DOLE Caraga receives 7

citations - by Michael Montejo

Mr. Dulmar Raagas, Chamber of Mines

President, signing the ITC Mining Pledge of

Commitment

DOLE Caraga awards training

assistance for labor unions

Page 5 Volume 1, Issue 1

Companies (Level 3). DOLE- Caraga was

also commended for achieving the Highest

Number of Institutionalized Public

Employment Service Offices .(Level 3) and

100% Disbursement Rate.

The Mindanao Cluster, where DOLE-Caraga

is a member of, was also commended for two

citations.

These citations include Effective

Implementation of the 2-tiered Wage

System and Commendations to All Cluster

Members for Being ISO Certified.

“The citations came in as a surprise but

we are grateful and proud of the men and

women of DOLE-Caraga who have labored

and endeavored forward to really meet our

targets. We hope to maintain this feat

during the [DOLE-Wide] Year-End

Performance Assessment.” Atty. Johnson

G. Cañete, Regional Director of DOLE

Caraga said.

“It is very important to tap DOLE on this kind of symposium to give the students idea and knowledge on the in demand jobs and possible courses they will take in college”, says Dr. Adelardo S. Millan of

Gamut National High School.

DOLE Caraga in coordination with Dep-Ed and TESDAs Career Ambassador in Caraga, Mr. Celso Felipe, Jr., joined the celebration of the Career Guidance for the month of July

2014 entitled “Tag on Career like the Future”.

Over 44 schools with 5,604 students were reached and lectured on the Labor Market

Information and Career Guidance.

Prior to the celebration, guidance counselors all over Caraga were oriented simultaneously

to enhance their career coaching skills.

...Caraga receives 7 citations (from page 4)

Tag on Career like the Future: DOLE Caraga By ica,rbb,lms,mcm

The activity encouraged the Network of Guidance Counselors together with the PESO Managers and PESO Academe to conduct Career Guidance Week on July to August 2014 within their area of jurisdiction

catering more high school students.

The labor market information is a very powerful tool that may influence the success of the children. With this, DOLE Caraga updates the data once a year to ensure its

veracity.

With the jobs mismatch our country is currently dealing, it is imperative to mold and guide the students on their career paths to

mitigate unemployment in the future.

Dep-Ed and DOLE - Strengthening Ties By Iris C. Asis and Lilian M. Solis

and the Labor Employment Education Service (LEES) to secondary schools in preparation for the Career Guidance Week. Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte, OIC Regional Director of DepEd Caraga Regional Office expressed his full commitment together with his associates, Dr. Josita B. Carmen, School Division Superintendent, Division of Butuan City and Dr. Arsenio T. Cornites, Jr., School Division Superintendent, Division of Agusan del Norte DOLE. Eighty (80) CDs were indorsed to Atty. Escobarte for distribution to secondary schools and to the Network of Agusan del Norte/Butuan City Career Advocates and Coaches. Atty. Johnson G. Cañete, stressed on the importance of convergence among its partners, not just in the conduct of Career and Employment Coaching, but also to zealously advocate productivity, excellent service as well as good labor-management relationship.

Four (4) strong partners, the Department of Labor and Employment, Dep-Ed Agusan del Norte, TESDA and RTWPB signed a Pledge of Commitment on the LEES, LMI, Phil-Jobnet and Career Coaching on July 21, 2014 at Almont Hotel Inland Resort. This is a collaborative effort to seal the bond in promoting Labor Market Information

Caraga Newslet Page 6

What is a PESO? Public Employment Service Office/Officer (PESO) is one of the pillars of DOLE Caraga in its program implementation. Without them, the agency would fail to reach the grassroots

effectively.

The Search for BEST PESO (SBP) is an annual activity that recognizes the significant contribution and outstanding accomplishments of the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in the

deployment of DOLE-initiated employment facilitation programs.

This year DOLE Caraga recognizes the exemplary performance of Ms. Divina P. Lagumbay, PLGU – Agusan del Sur; Mr. James S. Soria, LGU – Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; Ms. Gina R. Concon, LGU – Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; and Mr. Janecito L. Jalbo, LGU – Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte.

DOLE Caraga indorses them as NOMINEES for National Search for Best PESO .

DOLE Caraga’s 2013 employment rate is 96% while the unemployment rate decreases to 3.9 %,

which is achieved through the efforts of our top performing PESOs in the region.

Child Labor Free Doongan By Lilian M. Solis

Barangay Doongan, Butuan City, particularly in the former dump site area, is a perfect picture of poverty. Although the dump site is currently being converted into an Eco-Park, the place is still packed with informal sector

workers and child laborers.

There are children collecting garbage disposals form one house to another, some drive pedi-cabs and push carts to

sell Filipino snacks for a living.

As an intervention of the Department of Labor and Employment Caraga, in partnership with the Local LGU, Resolution No. 7-206-14 Series of 2014

was created.

This is a resolution supporting the initiative of the DOLE-Caraga to transform Doongan into a Child Labor

Free Barangay.

Best PESO Nominees in Caraga By Marylyn Saludo and Iris Asis

Page 7 Volume 1, Issue 1

For Jonel B. Buniel, hopes of finishing college education faded when his father died a day before he marched the stage to receive his high school diploma. As an eldest son, the burden of providing for his family was passed on to him. In despair, Buniel sought financial assistance from his relatives for skills training in cell phone repair. “Nakakita ko sa mga kauban nako nga nagtrabaho na pagkahuman sa vocational course, ang cellphone repair ang pinaka daghan kasudlan nga tindahan” , he said. With the basic knowledge acquired, he accepted repair jobs at home or from referrals and tried saving for his college education. However, his earnings were spent

entirely on their daily consumption and school expenses of his siblings. Opportunity comes for those who seek it. He visited the municipal hall Rosario, Agusan del Sur inquiring on the cost of a possible cell phone repair stall. He got more than what he asked for, Ms. Leonora Bayron, the PESO Manager invited him to work under the Special Program for Employment of Students of the Department of Labor and Employment. Now a beneficiary of SPES, he immediately enrolled at the Philippine Normal University, Agusan Campus, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Ms. Bayron made sure that Jonel would remain in DOLE care until he finishes college. In school, he also availed of the Student’s Assistance Program where he rendered services as library aid for four years. “Mr. Buniel is a living testimony of a very hardworking student. He goes to school as early as 6:00 am to

clean the library and leaves at around 9:00 pm after the room is fixed and books are put in their proper shelves, not to mention the many assignments he has to do,” Dr. Adelyne C. Abrea, the PNU-Agusan Executive Director said. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education with flying colors. He was also awarded the Service to the University Award. “Thank you very much to the SPES program of DOLE and LGU-Rosario. I felt that my father led me to the SPES opportunity to earn money during summer and Christmas vacations,” Jonel cried. At 23, Jonel passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers and pursued a job as an elementary school teacher at Bonifacio Central Elementary School, District II, Rosario, Agusan del Sur. Over the years DOLE Caraga has been producing college graduates through the SPES Program; 399 were

recorded to date.

Two hundred Ninety Nine (299) Caraganons benefited through DOLE’s Single Entry Approach Program amounting to Php

2,363,634.62 from January – June 2014.

This conciliation arsenal of the department provides a speedy, impartial, inexpensive and accessible settlement procedure for all issues/complaints arising from employer-employee relations to

prevent them from accelerating to full blown disputes.

There were 132 requests for assistance (RFAs) handled by our 10 dynamic Single Entry Approach (SENA) Desk Officers in the region resulting to an 83% settlement rate which surpasses the

national target of 75%.

Our SENA achievers as of June 2014, Technical Services and

Support Division and Agusan del Norte Field Office, has the shortest duration to settle RFAs within three (3) days. The Technical Services and Support Division has attained the highest settlement rate of 93%. Agusan del Norte Field Office and Surigao del Norte Field Office has the highest number of RFAs handled which comprises a total of thirty-seven (37) cases. Surigao del Sur Field Office, on the other hand, has the largest number of workers benefited from a single conference comprising

of 116 workers.

Kudos to the exerted efforts of our SEAD Officers with the

support of the pillars of DOLE Caraga, Regional Director Atty.

Johnson G. Cañete and Assistant Regional Director Naomilyn C.

Abellana.

Caraga Newslet Page 8

Barangay Libas in the national highway going to the Poblacion area and Barangay Banban.

The municipal streets, sidewalks and canals in the three (3) Poblacion barangays of Azucena, Aurora and Sampaguita were all cleaned-up and cleared from obstructions. Garbage

Sixty (60) TUPAD beneficiaries in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte received their salaries for nine days amounting to P2,412 each (P144,720) on July

14, 2014, a day before their fiesta celebration.

These beneficiaries were among the identified displaced workers triggered by the Typhoon

Yolanda’s devastating wrath.

They are also the first batch to have received the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in provinces of

Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

The said program was implemented by DOLE in partnership with the LGU-Tagana-an through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) headed

by Mr. Jannecito L. Jalbo, HRMO/PESO Manager

The temporary work program will be administered for thirty (30) days starting July 1, 2014 until August 11,

2014.

Their job is to clean the streets, pavements and sidewalks and de-clog the canals within the

municipal center and the major roads/streets.

In each implementation of the TUPAD program, it is mandatory to orient the beneficiaries on the Basic Occupational Safety and Health Standards and enroll them in the Philippine Red Cross’ insurance system. Personal Protective Equipment were also

accorded.

The DOLE-SDN staff received positive feedbacks

form the people during the conduct of their interview.

“Nagppasalamat ko sa opportunity na gihatag sa DOLE. Kani nga progama nagpalig-on sa amo as a community”, Ms. Maribeth P. Dumanacal, one of

the beneficiaries said.

Hon. Cesar A. Diaz, Municipal Mayor, expressed his appreciation not only for the financial aid for the Yolanda affected beneficiaries but also for the

positive results of the program in their municipality.

“Clean roads, about 9 kilometers from the

Sec. Baldoz hands TUPAD Salaries for Mamanwas in Surigao del Norte by Iris C. Asis

which were identified to be the primary cause of flooding in the municipal center during rainy seasons especially when a typhoon hits the municipality were also properly disposed” –

Hon. Cesar A. Diaz

The people of the municipality of Tagana-an, led by their municipal Mayor, Honorable Cesar A. Diaz, were very thankful for being one of the recipients of the DOLEs TUPAD or Emergency

Employment Program.

P144,720 Released for TUPAD Beneficiaries in Surigao del Norte by Iris C. Asis and Keith Duran

Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis Baldoz was all smiles while handing the first salary of

the 20 Mamanwas as payment for their TUPAD employment on August 1-15, 2014.

The 20 IPs were given financial aid thru the TUPAD program of DOLE Caraga with

P268 per day.

They were elated to have received their due amount from Secretary Baldoz along with Usec Rebecca Chato, Dir. Nicon Fameronag, Atty. Johnson G. Cañete, Mayor Egay, Emil Pantejo, Atty. Ligaya Lumbay, Felibeth, Bonono and Keith Duran at Gigaquit,

Surigao del Norte.

Page 9 Volume 1, Issue 1

Barangay Doongan: population 11,894; labeled as one of the poorest barangay in Butuan City, because of the numerous informal sectors and child laborers residing in the area. This is the main reason why the Department of Labor and Employment together with DSWD, Kalahi-CIDSS and the City Government of Butuan identified this place to be given more livelihood projects. Nagkahiusang Pubring Mangaykay (NAPUBKAY) is a group formed by the parents of the child laborers in barangay

Doongan given the Laundry Shop project. These are people formerly scavenging from the pile of garbage in the dump site which now closed. To respond to their needs, the DOLE awarded the amount of one hundred forty three thousand and seven hundred pesos (P143,700) for the materials and equipment to be used for the project while the DSWD provided four hundred eighty one thousand and seven hundred fifty two pesos (P481,752) for the building. The City-LGU also contributed

Laundry Shop for NAPUBKAY! by Iris Asis and Lilian M. Solis

A Poem of Gratitude handed by one of the Beneficiaries

Translated in Tagalog:

Sa pagkawala ng basurahan kami’y nag-alala na mawala ang aming pangkabuhayan

kawawa ang aming kabataan

Ngunit hindi kami pinibayaan ng Diyos mga ahensya ng gobyerno kami’y tinulungan DSWD-KALAHI, DOLE at marami pang iba

Binigyan kami ng laundry shop

pangkabuhayan ito para sa lahat kasama ang aming mabutihing kapitan

kaya nakamit ang hiling

Kaya mga kasama atin itong alagaan upang paghihirap ay di masayang pasalamatan natin sila ng lubos sa

ipinamalas na oras at panahon

Nagpapasalamat kaming lahat dahil kami’y natulungan

sa aming pangangailangan at pangkabuhayan

P10,934 while the Barangay-LGU gave P298,247. The Community also pitched in twenty seven thousand and four hundred thirty four pesos (P27,494). On June 6, 2014, four (4) months after the release of funds, the blessing and inauguration of the Livelihood Development Center for Laundry Shop Business Operation was finally done at Purok 2 Barangay Doongan, Butuan City. The ribbon cutting was witnessed by Hon. Corazon J. Soliman, DSWD Secretary, Malou Padua, Social Development Specialist World Bank, Minda B. Brigoli, CESO III, DSWD Regional Director. Atty. Johnson G. Cañete, DOLE Regional Director, Hon. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun, Congressman 2nd District Las Nieves and Butuan City, Hon. Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., Butuan City Mayor, Vice Mayor Hon. Angelo S. Calo, and Hon. Gilberto A. Enriquez, Punong Baranggay of Doongan were also present. “Kami gihatagan ug laundry shop panginabuhian, kini para sa tanan, gipaluyuhan usab sa among kapitan busa among nabaturaw. Busa nga kauban atong kining ampingan aron ang ilang mga paghago dili makawang. Talos silang pasamalatan sa mga oras ug panahon. Mag pasalamat ming tanan nga inyong gitabangan alang sa among pangabuhian.” One of the beneficiaries said.

Caraga Newslet Page 10

operate the kiosk.

“We are very much honored that we launch this project with the presence of our Honorable DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and USec. Rebecca C. Chato. This project is implemented to intensify the advocacy of SEnA and it is part of reaching out our clients for them to be well informed and to have an easy access of the DOLE programs and services”, Atty.

Lumbay said.

DOLE RCC Launches SEnA at the Mall By: Faith V. Piamonte

Butuan City – The DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis Badloz and Undersecretary Rebecca C. Chato unveiled the “SEnA at the Mall” Project of the DOLE-RCC last September 11, 2014 at 3rd Level, Robinsons Place

Butuan, Libertad, Butuan City.

Secretary Baldoz and Engr. Constantine Galman of Robinsons Place Butuan-Engineering Department Head led the cutting of ribbon during the launching activity. DOLE USec. Rebecca C. Chato, Regional Directors

of DOLE-Mindanao Regional Offices, Regional Directors of the DOLE-RCC Member Agencies, and all invited guests witnessed the remarkable

event.

DOLE RCC Caraga Chairperson Atty. Johnson G. Canete with the full support of Atty. Lumbay, OIC Director of NCMB, and TESDA-CARAGA headed by Dir. Florencio Sunico, Jr., SEnA and other heads of DOLES attached agencies expressed their commitment to provide personnel to

Page 11 Volume 1, Issue 1

In Caraga, RTWPB issues advisory on two-tiered wage system for mining sector With a three-year consecutive record of strong economic performance, capped by a 10.6 percent regional gross domestic product (GRDP) growth rate in 2012, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said the recent issuance by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board-Caraga of an advisory on the implementation of the two-tier wage system (TTWS) for the region's mining sector will certainly add luster not just to mining, but to

the entire Caraga region's economy.

Baldoz, citing a report of National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) Executive Director Ma. Criselda Sy, said the move of the RTWPB Caraga is in line with the Wage Rationalization Act, or R.A. 6727, which provides for the adoption of a TTWS as a reform within the current minimum wage system, aimed at improving the coverage of minimum wages; promoting worker and enterprise productivity; and addressing the negative effect of minimum wage policies. The advisory was signed by all the members of the RTWPB Caraga, headed by DOLE Regional Director Johnson Canete, Chairperson; Dir. Mylah Faye A.B. Carino of the National Economic Development Authority, Vice Chairperson; Dir. Brielo O. Pagaran of the Department of Trade and Industry, Vice Chairperson; Rolando C. Dahang and Joselito V. Soriano, Labor Sector Representatives; and Jocelyn F. Yee and Jorge Uy ,

Management Sector Representatives.

"It has been shown that productivity-based pay schemes lead to higher levels of productivity for competitiveness and preserves and generates gainful employment. The DOLE, under the TTWS, encourages business enterprises to adopt productivity improvement and gain-sharing schemes to augment the wages of their workers," Baldoz said. "Productivity-based pay schemes provide better prospects for better pay; enhancement of employees' performance; and provision of avenue for employees' participation in the determination of PBP standards," she added. The TTWS is the

In Caraga, RTWPB issues advisory on two-tiered wage system for mining sector by Nicon Fameronag and Cornelius B. Mahinay

wage policy reform of the DOLE under the current minimum wage policy consisting of a mandatory minimum wage to protect the poor and vulnerable workers, and a voluntary productivity-based incentive scheme over and

above the minimum wage.

Under the TTWS, the first tier, or the mandatory minimum wage functions as a

social safety net, while the second tier, or the productivity-based pay, is determined jointly by the workers and the management based on an agreed set of parameters, and is linked to individual, group, or organizational productivity, performance, or a combination of similar criteria. In the Caraga region, Baldoz said its economic growth is driven mainly by

>>p15

RTWPB awards two-tiered wage certificate

to 4 Mining Companies in Caraga by Cornelius B.Mahinay

Secretary Rosalinda – Dimapilis Baldoz personally awarded the Two-tiered Wage System Certificate of Compliance to four (4) mining companies in Cagara namely, . Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Incorporated (SMMCI), Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation (THPAL), and Platinum Groups Metal Corporation(PGMC), for voluntarily implementing the productivity based incentive schemes for their respective workers.

Photo by: Geegay

Caraga Newslet Page 12

At the 5th Mindanao OSH Summit, Baldoz observes the country's growing occupational safety and health culture Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz enumerated the gains that Mindanao has achieved from the conduct of the Mindanao Occupational Safety and Health Summit, saying there is now a robustly growing occupational safety and health culture in

the country, particularly in Mindanao.

"We have had many gains from this event--voluntary codes of good practices in the mining, wood, ecotourism and plantation industries; strengthened occupational safety and health networks; increase in the number of OSH advocates; and, consequently, more trained safety officers," Baldoz said in her keynote speech at the 5th Mindanao OSH, held at

the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City.

Close to 300 OSH advocates from various industries, OSH experts from all over Mindanao, and officials of DOLE agencies, notably of the DOLE regional office, Occupational Safety and Health Center, Bureau of Working Conditions, National Wages and Productivity Commission, gathered at the biennial event, aimed primarily as a venue to share best OSH practices, researches, innovations, and

strategies to address emerging workplace hazards faced by Filipino workers.

Six Mindanao regions were represented in the Summit, which also saw the participation of DOLE Undersecretary Rebecca Chato, internal affairs and labor relations cluster. “Sustaining OSH in Mindanao: Towards Workplace Excellence” is the theme of the Summit, which is being hosted by the DOLE Caraga for the first time. Baldoz said the presence of a large number of Summit participants underscore the vitality of OSH in Mindanao and in the efficiency and success of

its industries.

"In this gathering, I hope you will discuss how to sustain the productivity of Mindanao industries, especially in the face of climate change and the rapidly evolving technological and labor landscape that poses a multitude of challenges to all of us. These challenges require innovative responses,"

Baldoz said.

The two-day Summit featured discussions on best practices on safety and health in the mining, wood and oil industries, transport (public safety and risk reduction management), and health services, moderated by DOLE Regional Office No. 11 Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao. The speakers were as follows: on mining, Engr. Reagan Ogoy, safety officer of SRMI Mining Co.; on wood and oil industry, Bayani Isagani Melchor; on transport, Jayson Patawaran; and on medical services, Dr. Lucita O.

Tagudin, Nurse/HRD Officer, Department of Health.

Baldoz said events like the Summit "perfectly compliment the work we are doing at the DOLE for the utmost protection of our workers.” The highlight of her keynote address was her emphasis on the new Labor Laws Compliance System, a combination of developmental and regulatory approaches that seeks to foster a culture of

voluntary compliance with labor laws.

Under the new LLCS, the DOLE has hired and trained 372 new Labor Laws Compliance Officers to assess the compliance of establishments and to assist them in correcting any violations and gaps they are found to have. "The new LLCS is now slowly changing the landscape of labor law compliance in the country. The program has proven to be successful in Mindanao. Just yesterday, 157 companies received Certificates of Compliance (COC) on both General Labor Standards and OSH, while 63 companies received the Child Labor-Free Certificates. In the past several weeks, more than 200 COCs were also given in Regions 10, 11

and 12," she said.

According to Baldoz, as part of the DOLE’s commitment to strengthening worker protection programs on OSH, the Employees Compensation Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Center are shoring up their manpower and other resources in Mindanao and in other parts of the country to bring focal persons who will provide technical and advocacy assistance on matters

relating to worker protection and compensation.

"This will facilitate the goal of Zero Accident to be realized in the Philippines," - Baldoz

5th Mindanao OSH Summit

Page 13 Volume 1, Issue 1

Butuan City (October 15) – Displaced OFWs from Libya received monetary assistance of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10, 000.00) under the Financial Relief Assistance Program (FRAP) of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). As of today, OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) Caraga has released a total of Five Hundred Sixty Thousand Pesos (P560, 000.00) financial assistance to fifty-six (56) displaced Caraganon OFWs who underwent mandatory repatriation after Status Alert Level 4 was raised in July 20. While the number of Caraganon OFWs repatriates, have risen to Sixty-eight (68) out of the 3,505 total repatriates in Libya, based on the report from OWWA Membership Processing Center. One of the OFW repatriates, Jescel Cordova, 24, from Tandag, Surigao del Sur, expressed his gratitude for the government’s effort to rescue OFWs affected by Libya crisis. “I am also grateful to OWWA for the financial assistance they have given, for this amount is already of big help for my family while I search for new employment,” Cordova said. Cordova has worked in Libya for eleven (11) months nearly to finish his one (1) year contract in Tripoli as a General Assitance in Galaxy Company who is engaged in catering services. Cordova related he was traumatized with his experience. “I was scared by the exchange of ammunitions outside the compound we were staying. Explosions are everywhere which may hit us anytime,” added Cordova. He said it took him and his other co-workers courage and determination to surpass the warfare area. Accordingly, the Libyan armies escorted them along their way from Tripoli to Tunisia in order to seek assistance from the embassy. Cordova arrived in the country on August 6 through the aid of the Philippine

government. OWWA led in the conduct of airport assistance, emergency medical check-up and stress debriefing and provided transport assistance to OFWs on their way to their respective provinces. Godofredo Barao, 42 also expressed appreciation to the government for ensuring their safety. Barao worked for almost twenty (20) months as a pipefitter in Jabel Oil Services contracted by Waha Oil Company located in Libyan Desert. Barao related it was not his first time to work overseas for he has been to Taiwan and Brunei before, but he was terrified with his experience in Libya. He said through the efforts of the Philippine government, the company allowed them to be repatriated. According to him, a plane owned by the company was used in transporting around 500 OFWs going to Tripoli and they travelled via land going to Tunisia. He arrived from Libya on August 4 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and like Cordova,

Displaced Caraganon OFWs in Libya receives 10K aid from OWWA by Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

he was assisted by a government team led by OWWA. He stayed at the OWWA Halfway Home for some medical check-ups and stress debriefing. Two weeks after he travelled on his way home to Cantilan, Surigao del Sur with all expenses defrayed by the government. Barao said “the monetary assistance granted by OWWA will be used for a business he is planning to startup in addition to his savings.” However, despite their experiences in Libya, Cordova and Barao were still open for opportunities to work overseas. On the other hand, aside from the financial assistance from OWWA, displaced OFWs can also avail of the other assistance under the Assist WELL (stands for Welfare, Employment, Livelihood, Legal) Program of the government which aims to address the issues and concerns of OFWs displaced due to political crisis.

Butuan City (September 23) – In an effort to bring the services of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to its clientele, the OWWA Regional Welfare Office Caraga in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pilar held an orientation of its programs and services to OFW dependents in Pilar, Siargao Island on September 16, 2014. Approximately thirty-one (31) OFW dependents of the said municipality attended the orientation. OWWA OIC Regional Director bared that his move in reaching out to the clients always start at the far-flung areas like Siargao where services are needed most. “One of the purposes of my visit in your area is to strengthen the OFW Help Desk

to address immediate concerns of our member OFWs abroad,” said Bellido. Bellido added, that his other purpose for visiting the place is to identify the number of OFWs and their families in the municipality and to look into the conditions of OFW Families. While the third one, he said, is to organize an OFW Family Circle. He exhorted the participants to form an OFC to benefit from the trainings spearheaded by OWWA, such as an orientation on migration realities, financial literacy and techno-skills trainings that will generate livelihood opportunities for the OFWs or upgrade their skills and values formation seminar which aims to keep the OFW family ties stronger despite the temporary absence of a family member. >>p15

OWWA brings services to Surigao del

Norte Town by Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

Caraga Newslet Page 14

The Employees’ Compensation Commission

(ECC) takes pride in its KaGabay (Katulong at

Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan)

Program. This program is a special economic

assistance program for the occupationally-

disabled workers (ODWs) who lost employment

by reason of work-related sickness or injury. In the

said program, the ODWs are integrated to the

economic mainstream through physical

restoration, training for employment or self-

entrepreneurship. This will provide the ODWs

equal access to livelihood opportunities and assist

them in setting up their own self-managed

microenterprises or home-based businesses.

The Regional Extension Unit (REU) in Caraga has

served several ODWs by

providing them with

various benefits. For the

physical restorations,

there were 4 ODWs

assisted through the MJ

Santos Hospital being

the partner hospital for

the Physical Therapy.

(1) Richard Estrella, a

company driver who was

KaGabay (Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan) Program by Olga Virginia A. Demata

electrocuted while doing an errand his employer

asked him to. To avoid further infection, his right

lower foot was amputated. He had free 3 sessions

of PT.

(2) Marcelo dela Cruz, a wood production

operator of a timber company which was

evaluated to have a chronically strained muscle in

the head. He underwent 6 PT sessions.

(3) Kris Salga, encoder of a fresh fruit company in

Misamis Oriental who met an accident on her way

to work. She was evaluated to have traumatic sub

cranial hemorrhage and needed to have at least

36 PT sessions to recover fully.

(4) Judith Nombre, supervisor of a subcontractor

of an electric company who met an vehicular

accident in her route to supervisory task in

Cabadbaran. She was diagnosed with a fracture

of the shaft of her left femur.

For the Skills Training benefit, ODW Rico Goyo

was given a training for Household Services

(NCII) through CHP (Center for Healthcare

Professions). He got his certificate on August

2014 and has now resumed to work in a wood

industry in Agusan del Sur. Meals and

transportation allowance were also accorded.

Caraga Region, Butuan City. The National

Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO)

under the Department of Labor and

Employment (DOLE) as embodied in R. A.

10022, has been in Caraga Region since

September 26, 2013 with the objective of

carrying out Reintegration Programs for all

OFWs and their families.

In the implementation of its programs and

services, said office has worked in

convergence with other social partners

(government and private) to bring the

programs and services to our beneficiaries.

This office has its committee known as the

Regional OFW Reintegration Committee

(RORC) which is chaired by the Regional

Director ATTY. JOHNSON G. CAÑETE,

CESO III of Department of Labor and

Employment (DOLE), Vice-Chaired by

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

(OWWA) Regional Director EDUARDO E.

BILLEDO.

We bring back OFWs and their families into

the mainstream of our Philippine society,

these offices will have a great role in helping

them more particularly in their reintegration

needs, livelihood projects, skills

enhancement, employment facilitation and

savings and investment advocacy and

promotion.

Page 15 Volume 1, Issue 1

“Basically, our intention is to see to it that we provide the necessary assistance especially during difficult circumstances where the family needed us most,” said Bellido. Meanwhile, Marichu Polvorosa, Human Resource Management Officer Designate of LGU Pilar shared, they were thankful for the presence of OWWA in their area and at the same time they were hopeful that OWWA’s programs will be responsive to its beneficiaries.

… two-tiered wage (from page 11)

the industry sector, which grew by 18.4 percent in 2012, fueled specifically by construction and mining and quarrying sub-sectors, which contribute 21.9 percent to the region's GRDP, higher than agriculture and forestry's 17.9 percent GRDP contribution. In terms of employment, the region's mining subsector generated 18,828 jobs in 2012, higher by 17 percent than the previous year's record. This increase, according to the advisory, is attributed to the operation of two new mining ventures in the region. "The economic growth of the region is expected to continue in its current growth trajectory," said the RTWPB. Thus, Baldoz said the issuance of the advisory on the implementation of the TTWS for mining is not only timely, but also

appropriate.

"The implementation of the advisory, through voluntary in nature, will bring immense benefits to workers and

management," said Baldoz.

Under the advisory, an enterprise that implements a productivity improvement program duly agreed upon by workers and management shall be granted a special deduction from gross income equivalent to 50 percent of the total productivity bonuses given to workers under the program, over and above the total allowable ordinary and necessary business deductions for said bonuses allowed by the BIR. The same is true for grants for manpower training and special studies given to rank-and-file

employees.

The advisory on the TTWS on mining recommends to establishments the implementation of the following productivity-based incentives or benefits: production incentive scheme; zero-accident incentive scheme; longevity incentive scheme; and

attendance incentive scheme. Baldoz assures that enterprises implementing the second-tier of the TTWS, i.e., productivity-based pay, incentives, or benefits, shall be provided free technical assistance by the DOLE and its agencies, notably the NWPC, specifically, productivity training programs, such as the 5S or Good Housekeeping; ISTIV modules for manufacturing enterprises; Service Quality; and Green Productivity, including Work Improvement

Measurement Studies.

The RTWPB Caraga is also mandated to provide capacity-building and consulting services to legitimate mining enterprises in designing quality productivity improvement programs and gain sharing schemes," she said. Under the leadership of Secretary Baldoz, the DOLE, through the NWPC and RTWPBs, continues to promote productivity-based pay schemes within the concept of the

OWWA (from page 13)

Nida A. Baybay, AAIII of DOLE Caraga, won the title making contest for the DOLE RCC Newsletter.!

“I think that DOLE Caraga Newslet is the most appropriate title for this newsletter”,

she said.

DOLE-RCC members convenes monthly for a meeting and press conference. To further advocate its activities, a joint newsletter was

conceptualized.

Numerous titles were suggested up for voting

among the RCC members and staff.

This quarterly newsletter will bare the DOLE

Caraga and the RCCs highlights.

VISION

DOLE Caraga Region shall provide full, decent and productive employment for every Filipino worker in keeping with the national development goal of sustainable economic growth towards poverty alleviation.

MISSION

DOLE Caraga Region, being the frontline office in the region, shall deliver services to the Filipino workforce supported by programs/projects guided by defined directions and strategies drawn up by the Department, specifically to:

a. Promote gainful employment opportunities and optimize the development and utilization of the country’s manpower resources;

b. Advance the welfare of workers by providing just and humane working conditions and terms of employment; and

c. Maintain industrial peace by promoting harmonious, equitable and stable employment relations.