NAPC clarifies role in the alleged Bukidnon scam

By: Marc Siapno

MALAYBALAY CITY NEWS – It has recently come to the attention of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) that it has been misrepresented by members of a specific organization in Bukidnon.

 In this context, the Commission would like to clarify its association with parties and organizations that seek to represent the sectors.

Certain individuals and organizations in Maramag, Bukidnon have been claiming an affiliation with the Office of the President through NAPC.

The organization Kapisanan ng Magsasaka, Mangingisda at Manggagawa ng Pilipinas (KAMMMPI) appears to be distributing membership application forms in batches of 30 to form clusters.

In exchange, the clusters are then promised Php150,000 or Php5,000/member, from the Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program.

NAPC would like to stress that no individual or organization has received an appointment to represent the Commission or its partner agencies in this regard.

The agency is currently in the process of preparing for the National Sectoral Assembly and the list of organizations to be invited has yet to be finalized.

More importantly, the SEA-K program is a capacity-building program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) done in coordination with local government units.

The organization of potential recipients, known as SEA-K Associations, is managed by respective DSWD offices stationed in different regions across the country, following definite criteria and procedures. NAPC is not in the position to influence SEA-K processes.

In order to prevent the perpetration of any such fraudulent schemes, please refrain from transacting with individuals or parties posing as personnel of NAPC or any government agency, particularly those asking for money in exchange for the immediate release of funds, approval of any documents or facilitation of processes for government projects. 

NAPC encourages the public to report similar instances to the national or regional offices of the concerned agencies to confirm the credibility of such organizations and their specific claims. (NAPC/PIA-10)

 

Bukidnon's Masonry Worker Bags Award

By: Nazario Villamor

Bukidnon News Updates – Almer R. Salinday from Bukidnon has been cited the 2011 “Galing Mason” Awards Regional Winner. 

This, after Almer beat the other 12 contenders from other provinces of the region, during the 2011 “Galing Mason” Regional Skills Competition held, last  Sept. 5-6, at  the Gawad Kalinga Village, La Paz 1, Lapasan, here.

As the Regional Winner, Almer will receive a cash prize and a medal to be given during the National Competition in Manila, this coming Oct. 21-25.

He will have a chance to compete at the national level where the grand winner will bring home a Php150,000 cash prize. 

Director Irene M. Isaac of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), region 10, said the 2-day skills tilt proved the mastery of the masons on concrete hollow block (CHB) laying, plastering, wall smooth finishing, and concrete slab construction.

The criteria for judging include workmanship, technique, speed and work values, as well, as safety practices and housekeeping, Isaac said.

The event was sucessfuly conducted in partnership with Holcim, Philippines, Inc., a leading cement manufacturer in the country, Gawad Kalinga (GK)-Lapasan Chapter, Lapasan Barangay Council and TESDA-X. 

Holcim Phils., Inc. supplied the cement, competitors and allowances for the jury and other incentives  for the competition while TESDA screened the competitors, identified the jury and  provided the technical support.

The concrete hollowblocks, sand and gravel, steel bars, and other supplies and materials, were supplied by GK- Lapasan while physical arrangement and the security of the contest venue was handled by the Lapasan Barangay Council.

          Isaac said TESDA and Holcim have been strong partners for six (6) years in helping train and certify dignified Filipino masons in the country, which to date has recorded 6,000 certified masons under the program.

In unison, they have greeted contenders of “Mabuhay ang mga Galing Mason” in  Northern Mindanao!

DTI warns public vs. mislabeled Christmas decors, unsafe products

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY NEWS ONLINE – As consumers bargain for Christmas decors when the cool “ber” months start September 1, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged millions of the buying public to be watchful and nosy of mislabeled products.

“This is to assure quality and safe use of the products, so that they really do get the best value for their money,” Provincial Director Ermedio Abang of DTI Bukidnon said.

He also warned consumers not to rush into buying fake or imitation products that are cheap.

“Consumers must check the labels and look for the brand or trade mark, name and address of manufacturer, country of manufacture, net quantity, and toxicity warning, if applicable,” Abang said.

He also stressed that under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers are liable to consumers for injuries caused by defective and unsafe products, as well, as for the insufficient or inadequate information on the use of certain products and the hazards they pose.

“Those found not conforming to the minimum labeling requirements face administrative charges which include a maximum fine of Php300,000 per violation,” Abang said.