Cash gifts for pensioners maybe ready for Christmas, says GSIS

Old-age pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) whose pension benefits have been suspended are reminded to renew their active status each year during their birth month. This is in order for them to continue receiving their monthly pension and to qualify them for other possible benefits, which include the annual Christmas cash gift and the pension increase.

            If a pensioner is under a suspended status at the time that the GSIS declares a cash gift and pension increase, the pensioner will not be eligible to receive such benefits. This is based on an existing GSIS policy, which has been around for 35 years, and which provides that only old-age pensioners who are in active status are entitled to cash gifts and pension increases.

            “Pension adjustments or cash gifts should not be given to pensioners under suspended status because of their failure to comply with the condition imposed by the GSIS for their continuous receipt of the monthly pensions, that is, the annual renewal of active status,” the GSIS said.

            “They shall be entitled thereto only after they have complied and any pension increase shall be given starting only from the time another pension adjustment or cash gift is granted provided the pensioners are, in accordance with policy, still in active status,” the GSIS added.

            The release of cash gifts as well as any pension increase is subject to approval of the GSIS Board of Trustees.

            A pensioner can renew his/her active status through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (G-W@PS) kiosk with the use of the eCard Plus. G-W@PS kiosks are installed in all GSIS servicing office and selected government agencies.

            Pensioners can also renew their active status by calling the GSIS Teleservice domestic toll free number (1-800-10-847-4747 for Smart and PLDT, and 1-800-8-847-4747 for Globe numbers) if the pensioner has already enrolled in the GSIS Voice Activated Processing System or GVAPS.

            Meanwhile, for pensioners who are bedridden or unable to leave their homes, they can coordinate with the GSIS for a home visit arrangement.

            Also, pensioners abroad can renew their active status using the GVAPS by calling the numbers 632-976-0860 or 632-884-7400. (GSIS)

Arroyo leads groundbreaking of provincial road in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON— President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo received a very warm reception from the crowd, especially from the farmers group, as she lead the groundbreaking and time capsule-laying of the Damay-Kalampigan-Kalabugao road July 21, 2009 at Barangay Damay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

In her speech during the program, President Arroyo congratulated Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr for carrying out an extremely good fiscal control and good track record in project management because these are the key factors considered to qualify for fund support by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

“Once completed, this road network will benefit over 4 million people in ten towns of Bukidnon. This provincial road does not only benefit farmers and villagers but also opens up other economic and social activities,” Gov. Zubiri said in an interview.

Containing a length of 39 kilometers, the Damay-Kalabugao road is actually part of a total of 160.835 km. from the 10 road sections in Bukidnon identified as “priority areas” for road rehabilitation works.

The PRMF in Bukidnon will be implemented iin a five-year period (2009-2014). These 10 areas are Impasug-ong, Kibawe, Sumilao, Kadingilan, Talakag, Valencia City, Quezon, Don Carlos, Cabanglasan and Maramag.

The road project is under the Southern Philippines Provincial Road Maintenance Program (SPPRMP) that covers ten provinces in Visayas and Mindanao and is funded with Aus$100 million (Php 3.5 billion) by AusAID.

The program is initially implemented in five (5) provinces in Mindanao, namely: Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Norte; and two (2) in the Visayas: Bohol and Guimaras.

In an interview, the First Secretary of Australia Shayne McKenna said “three more beneficiary provinces are still to be identified under this road program.”

Australian Embassy Charge’ de Affairs Steven Scott, for his part, said, “Bukidnon is so blessed as one of the 10 lucky provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao who will benefit of the program. This is because of Bukidnon’s good record in planning and governance.”

Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said in a press conference that “President Arroyo’s strong engagement with other countries abroad has kept our economy strong, bringing in new foreign investments and projects such as this event happening today in Bukidnon.” (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

Tesda gives scholarship to deserving students

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON—The government chose to commemorate the country’s 111th year of independence by providing employment contracts, training vouchers, livelihood and scholarship grants to workers in Bukidnon province under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).

In consonance with this year’s theme: “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan: Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan”, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) awards “Pangulong Gloria” scholarship certificates and training vouchers to 150 beneficiaries.

Bukidnon TESDA Provincial Director Engr. Edgar Sales distributed eight types of scholarship certificates and training vouchers. These are: automotive servicing, bartending, building wiring installation, commercial cooking, computer hardware servicing, food and beverage services, housekeeping and slaughter operations.

In an interview, Sales said, “this is one of the many measures that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has taken to mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis. By training and / or retraining our youth and unemployed in new technical skills, the government is giving them an opportunity to find jobs in industries that need their skills and in some cases, the ability to start their own small businesses at home.”

To ensure greater efficiency in granting scholarships, Sales said the government has simplified the requirements so that more people can benefit from this program.

“If you are 15 years old and above, a Filipino citizen, and have a desire to learn a skill that will help you find a new job or start a business, then you are qualified to apply,” Sales further said.

Likewise, the Freedom Day events include the formal launch of mega jobs and livelihood fair which are simultaneously replicated in various towns of Bukidnon.

Jobs generation is the main thrust of CLEEP with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the lead agency in the pursuit of this endeavor. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

Bukidnon cops ready for school opening

Malaybalay City - The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bukidnon are all ready to provide security and maintain peace and order for the opening of classes in June.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency Bukidnon, Deputy Provincial Director Police Superintended Canilo Fuentes said the police force will implement "Oplan Balik Eskwela" to ensure the operational readiness of police units in responding to peace and order concerns including threat from criminals who may take advantage of the school opening.

PNP Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Nerio Bermudo directed all units in the province to particularly zero in on drug traffickers, petty thieves and violent street gangs who may ‘infiltrate the ranks of the students’.

The police chief identified the problems perennially plaguing the opening of classes like traffic congestion, accidents and street criminals victimizing students.

"There are now more policemen in the streets and communities assigned to police visibility and patrol duties," Fuentes said

PNP will coordinate with school administrators and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure the safety and security of students, he added.

With the coordination and cooperation of other government agencies, law enforcement troops, local government units, NGOs and the religious sector, Bermudo is hopeful that under Oplan Balik Eskwela, the start of classes will get orderly and smooth as thousands of pupils/students once more troop to their respective schools. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

Bukidnon thanks Brigada Eskwela program

Malaybalay City - When public schools open this June, pupils need not stay outside to clean the school premises or repair things inside their classrooms.

They could go straight to their classrooms for their classes.

Department of Education (Depd) - Bukidnon Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Gloria Benigno said these are some of the positive effects of the “Brigada Eskwela”, a practice observed by parents, pupils, local government officials and teachers to prepare the schools for the opening of classes.

Cleaning the school premises is seen by school officials as well as parents as a way to prevent diseases in children because untrimmed shrubs and stagnant water could host pests like mosquitoes, which might bring illnesses like dengue.

Dr. Benigno emphasized that no budget is involved in the conduct of “Brigada Eskwela”.

Paints and other materials are contributed by parents and local officials in the communities.

"’Brigada Eskwela’ has borne very positive results. It has revived the spirit of Bayanihan in parents and local government officials. It has spawned unity, cooperation and the civic-mindedness of the people. It is a welcome yearly activity in Bukidnon, as in other public schools all over the country," Dr. Benigno said.

After a long vacation, returning to school will be exciting – with the newly painted walls and desks, and garbage-free surroundings to welcome pupils/students on their first day of school for another year of studies. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)