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.

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)