CHR, NBI urged to probe red-tagging of community pantry organizers
29 Apr, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
DEPUTY speaker and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has filed a resolution urging the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the reported red-tagging of community pantry organizers.
Rodriguez said the effort by civic-minded citizens started by a resident of Quezon City who provided food to the poor amid the pandemic which "exemplifies the bayanihan spirit of Filipinos."
“Unfortunately, many community pantries were forced to close because their owners/organizers became afraid of being red-tagged after being approached by police and asked for their personal information,” he said.
The kagay-anon lawmaker cited a case in Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro where a community pantry "closed after being red-tagged and systematically harassed with leaflets being circulated and posted everywhere, resulting in the owner fearing for his life."
“In another instance in Cagayan de Oro City, a Muslim restaurateur complained that a group of persons who introduced themselves as policemen went to her place and profiled her after she put up a community pantry outside her restaurant,” he added.
The deputy speaker explained that "there is a need to investigate the red-tagging activities and put a stop to it if it results in good ideas like community pantries being forced to close down."
Meanwhile, the Army's 4th Infantry Division has clarified that there was no red-tagging made for the community pantries in Northern Mindanao.
"4ID never mentioned red-tagging nor made any red-tagging,"4ID spokesperson Major Rodulfo Cordero Jr. said.
Cordero said they suspected that the issue was created and sensationalized by allies of the CPP-NPA to destroy and put the blame on the government.
Photo courtesy: Prince Prinsipe
Bacolod court suspends criminal proceedings, issuance of arrest warrant against Yanson Jr.
29 Mar, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
A LOCAL court in Bacolod City has put on hold the criminal proceedings and issuance of arrest warrant against one of the 4 Yanson siblings, their legal counsel said in a statement.
Lawyer Carlo Joaquin Narvasa said Ricardo Yanson Jr., who is allied with Roy, Emily and Celina Yanson-Lopez or the Y4, filed a Petition for Certiorari assailing the orders of the Bacolod Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 7 finding probable cause and issuing an arrest warrant against him.
Yanson Jr. claimed that the MTC disregarded the fact that a prejudicial question exists on who the rightful majority shareholders and managers of Vallacar Transit, Inc. (VT)I are.
Contributed Photo
"In granting the Petition for Certiorari, Branch 45 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Bacolod City in its order dated March 1, confirmed that a prejudicial question indeed exists as there is pending issue in a priori case before Branch 53 which must first be resolved before the criminal case against him may proceed,"the statement said.
Narvasa explained that the resolution of that issue would determine whether the accused in the criminal case is guilty or innocent.
He added that the existence of a prejudicial question necessitates the suspension of the criminal proceedings, and any issuance of warrants of arrest would be premature, hence, void.
He said the reason for the rule, the court clarified, is to avoid conflicting decisions between two courts.
"It ruled that RTC Branch 53, which has jurisdiction over the intra-corporate case involving control of Vallacar Transit Inc., must first resolve the validity of the ouster of Leo Rey Yanson before any criminal case can proceed against Ricardo Jr. Then, too, the propriety of the authority of the party who caused the filing of the criminal case against Ricardo Jr, is linked to the resolution of the intra-corporate case,"the statement said.
"If Branch 53 finds the Y4's action in removing Leo Rey Yanson justified, then the criminal suits filed against them by persons who took authority to do so from Leo Rey will be void," it added.
Narvasa said the ruling "annulled and set aside the orders of the MTC Branch 7 and ordered that the proceedings in the criminal case against the Y4 be held in abeyance pending the resolution of the prejudicial question issue before RTC Branch 53 in the intra-corporate case over the control of VTI."
Contributed Photo
NorMin tops COVID-19 vaccination coverage for healthcare workers
18 Mar, 2021,
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With the initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccines for frontline healthcare workers in Northern Mindanao, the National Vaccination Operation Center has reported that the region has attained 90.25 percent coverage as of March 15.
The vaccination rollout was started by the Department of Health (DOH)-10 last March 5 with the arrival of the 17,400 doses of CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccines followed by the 22,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca.
Since the rollout, 17,780 out of 19,700 or 90.25 percent of the eligible healthcare worker population of the region had been vaccinated, making the region number one among the 17 regions in terms of vaccination coverage.
Out of the 17,780 healthcare workers inoculated, 8,689 healthcare workers or 44.08 percent were vaccinated with CoronaVac while 9,091 or 46.11 percent with AstraZeneca vaccines.
Region 10 was followed by NCR with 68.77 percent and Region 2 with 61.39 percent. (JAKA/PIA10)
Northern Mindanao gets 90.25 percent coverage with the initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccines for frontline healthcare workers in the region as reported by the National Vaccination Operation Center. (PIA10)RB Yanson Resources holds ASM, elects Emily Yanson as president
10 Mar, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
ANOTHER Yanson-owned company held its annual stockholders' meeting in Bacolod City on March 8.
The shareholders of the RB Yanson Resources Phils Inc. convened and elected a new set of officers.
The meeting, presided by Eduardo De Mesa Jr., was attended by stockholders representing 66.67 percent of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation.
Elected anew as members of the Board of Directors for 2021-2022 were four Yanson siblings Roy, Emily, Ricardo Yanson Jr., and Ma. Lourdes Celina Yanson-Lopez, known as Y4. Also elected were Jerina Louise Ramos and Matthew Agustin Lopez.
In the organization meeting that followed, the directors elected Emily Yanson as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors; Ma. Lourdes Celina Lopez as Vice President for Operations, Roy Yanson as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; Ricardo Yanson Jr. as Corporate Secretary; Anna Isabella Galvez as Assistant Corporate Secretary; and Carlo Joaquin Narvasa as Vice-President for Legal.
The shareholders were said to have ratified all acts and transactions of the Board of Directors and management of the corporation under the leadership of its President Emily Yanson.
In a statement, the new directors of the company vowed "to continue court actions to unravel minority shareholders' activities and their pretense to act on behalf of the company despite the absence of any legal basis for them to do so."
The Yanson family owns the largest bus company in the country including some bus lines that operate in Cagayan de Oro and some parts of Mindanao.
Yanson Realty Development Corp. holds annual meeting, elects Emily Yanson as president
10 Mar, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
THE shareholders of the Yanson Realty Development Corporation held its annual meeting and elected new set of officers at a hotel in Bacolod City over the weekend.
The meeting was attended by stockholders representing 66.67 percent of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation.
Four Yanson siblings Roy, Emily Ricardo Yanson Jr., Celina Yanson-Lopez, known as Y4, were elected as members of the board of directors for 2021-2022. Also elected were Jerina Louise Ramos and Matthew Agustin Lopez.
The shareholders were said to have ratified all acts and transactions of the Board of Directors and management of the corporation under the leadership of its President Emily Yanson.
Elected as Vice-President for Operations was Ma. Lourdes Celina Yanson; Roy Yanson as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; Ricardo Yanson Jr. as Corporate Secretary; Anna Isabella Galvez as Assistant Corporate Secretary; and Carlo Joaquin Narvasa as Vice-President for Legal.
In a statement, the new directors of the company vowed "to continue court actions to unravel minority shareholders' activities and their pretense to act on behalf of the company despite the absence of any legal basis for them to do so."
RTMI holds stockholders' meeting in CdeO, elected Roy Yanson as president
11 Feb, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
ANOTHER bus firm under the Yanson Group of Bus Companies that operates in Cagayan de Oro and several areas in Mindanao held its annual stockholders' meeting at a hotel in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday, February 10.
Major stockholders of the Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) representing 61.17 percent of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation convened and elected new members of the Board of Directors for the year 2021-2022.
Elected anew as members of the Board of Directors were Roy Yanson, Emily Yanson, Ma. Lourdes Yanson-Lopez, and Ricardo Yanson Jr. who were also called as Y4; Jerina Louise Ramos, and Matthew Agustine Lopez.
The shareholders were said to have ratified all acts and transactions of the Board of Directors and management of the corporation under the leadership of its President Roy Yanson.
Roy Yanson was elected as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors in the organizational meeting that followed. Ma. Lourdes Celina Lopez was elected as Vice-President for Operations; Emily Yanson as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; Ricardo Yanson Jr. as Corporate Secretary; Anna Isabella Galvez as Assistant Corporate Secretary; and Carlo Joaquin Narvasa as Vice-President for Legal.
In a statement, the new directors of the company vowed "to continue court actions to unravel minority shareholders' activities and their pretense to act on behalf of the company despite the absence of any legal basis for them to do so."
Courtesy: RTMI Facebook
House okays additional benefits for single parents
26 Jan, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
A BILL that would grant additional benefits for solo parents has been approved on third and final reading, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Monday, January 25.
Rodriguez filed House Bill No. 8097 after consultations with a number of single parents in the city, some of them being his friends.
He said he saw the hardships and challenges faced by single parents in raising their children.
“The additional benefits will be a big help to single mothers or fathers and guardians, especially at this time of Covid-19 pandemic,”Rodriguez said.
The kagay-anon lawmaker emphasized that the government should support single parents who are often beset with financial struggles due to the absence of a life partner.
“Without state support, these parents may be unable to rear their children properly”, he said.
The bill mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to develop a comprehensive package of social and welfare services for single parents in coordination with other concerned agencies and local government units.
It grants a solo parent a seven-day parental leave with pay, regardless of his employment status, provided he has rendered service for six months.
The Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are to provide scholarships for one child of a qualified solo parent.
The Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission shall promote the establishment of child minding and breastfeeding centers in workplaces.
State agencies are encouraged to give priority to solo parents and their children in their livelihood, training and and poverty alleviation programs.
Private businesses that employ at least 10 single parents will be entitled to a tax deduction of 15 percent of the salaries paid to these class of employees.
Solo parents will be given a 10-percent discount and value added tax exemption on children’s clothing, baby’s milk, food and macronutrient supplements, sanitary diaper, medicines, vaccines, and similar supplies, and certain services.
The establishment giving the discount may claim it as a tax deduction.
The proposed law includes penalties for violations, such as refusal to give benefits due a single parent.
The DSWD, in coordination with concerned agencies, will be mandated to issue implementing rules and regulations.
Bachelor Express holds stockholders' meeting in CdeO, elects Yanson-Lopez as president
20 Jan, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
ANOTHER member of the Yanson 4, the family that runs the largest bus transport company in the country, has been elected as president in one of the firm's subsidiaries in Mindanao during its annual stockholders' meeting in Cagayan de Oro on January 17.
Ma. Lourdes Celina Yanson-Lopez was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of Bachelor Express Inc., a bus firm that operates in the city and the rest of Mindanao.
Roy Yanson was elected as Vice-President for Operations; Emily Yanson as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; Ricardon Yanson Jr. as Corporate Secretary; Anna Isabella Galvez as Assistant Corporate Secretary and Carlo Joaquin Narvasa as Vice-President for Legal.
Also elected as members of the board of directors for 2021-2022 were Jerina Louise Ramos and Matthew Agustine Lopez.
The meeting was presided over by Narvasa and was attended by the stockholders representing 61.18 percent of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation.
The shareholders ratified all acts and transactions of the Board of Directors and management of the corporation under the leadership of its president.
The new directors of the company also vowed to continue court actions "to unravel minority shareholders' activities and their pretense to act on behalf of the company despite the absence of any legal basis to do so."
Courtesy: Bachelor Express Facebook
Normin marks 93% Bayanihan grant utilization
15 Jan, 2021,
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by Recthie T. Paculba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA)--The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 bared 93.02 percent utilization of Bayanihan Grant to cities and municipalities in the region as response to the adverse effects of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19.
During the Normin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, January 15, DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe said Bukidnon has utilized 90.21 percent, Camiguin (99.59 percent), Lanao del Norte (99.86 percent), Misamis Occidental (87.34 percent), Misamis Oriental (92.87 percent), CDO (99.99 percent), and Iligan (96.71 percent).
As per Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-10, local government units (LGUs) are given until June 1, 2021 to utilize the said fund.
“Local government units should abide by the policies and guidelines nga gipagawas DBM nga gihatag sa ila (released by DBM and provided to the LGUs) specifically allocated for COVID-19 response,” Agabe said.
On COVID-19 vaccine procurement, rollout
To ensure appropriate use, purchase or procurement, and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, Agabe said a tripartite agreement with the national government, through the National Task Force Against COVID-19, Department of Health (DOH), LGUs, and pharmaceutical companies must be signed for the advance purchase of vaccines.
“Ang mga local government units should already have the parameters kung kinsa ang priority guided by the DOH, and how they will identify kinsa’y unahon ug hatag sa vaccine,” the regional director said.
(The local government units should have the parameters on who to prioritize, guided by the DOH, and how they will identify on who should receive the vaccine first)
Agabe said this is to ensure that the local leaders will be fair in giving the vaccines and will not prioritize their family members.
As of January 14, there is a total of 8,346 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Northern Mindanao, wherein 7,238 or 86.72 percent have recovered, 250 expired, and 858 are recovering. (RTP/PIA10)
Photo release:
During the Normin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, January 15, DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe bares 93.02 percent utilization of Bayanihan Grant to cities and municipalities in the region to respond to the adverse effects of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. (DILG 10)
DOH-10 kicks off 2021 national deworming campaign
15 Jan, 2021,
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by Vincent Philip S. BautistaCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, (PIA)--While responding to the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, the Department of Health (DOH)-10 has recently launched its annual National Deworming Month campaign to eliminate parasitic intestinal among minors aged 9-19 years old in Northern Mindanao.
Launched at Barangay Macasandig here on Jan. 7, DOH-10 emphasized the importance of deworming to 20 children and their parents while giving deworming tablets.
DOH-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Subaan, Assistant Regional Director Dr. Ellenietta HMV Gamolo, and City Health Office (CHO) chief, Dr. Lorraine Neri and some representatives of the Department of Education (DepEd)-10 turned up in said activity.
“We always urge parents to get their children dewormed and that the medicine is safe and effective ,as it is approved by the World Health Organization. If they experience any side-effects, it is natural as the tablet’s effect is to kill the parasites in the stomach,” DOH-10 Supervising Health Program Officer Maria Rachel Escatron said.
Acknowledging that there are some parents and guardians hesitant in getting their children dewormed or vaccinated, Escatron said they are doing community engagement to educate, eliminate anxieties, and correct misinformation, as he cited that interpersonal communication remains a key factor for the success of any health campaign.
“To the parents who are worried of the adverse effects of our safe and effective tablets, they can take comfort in the fact that we have our nearest health centers to assist and give their children support,” she said.
Through their OPLAN: Goodbye Bulate campaign. DOH-10 will provide free deworming tablets house-to-house in line with minimum health safety protocols. (VPSB/PIA10)
DOH-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Subaan demonstrates proper hand-washing and tooth hygiene. (DOH 10)
Medical scholarship program to provide doctors to remote towns
7 Jan, 2021,
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By Alwen Saliring
CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Wednesday, January 6, that the law which mandates a medical scholarship and return service program will result in having doctors in remote areas in the country.
Rodriguez said that the Republic Act No. 11509, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed last December 23, will entice poor students in the provinces to pursue medical education through the said program and eventually serve the country.
The kagay-anon lawmaker is one of the authors of the law. He said the program is the answer to the problem of students from poor families who want to take a doctor of medicine course but cannot afford its high cost.
“It is also the answer to our lack of doctors in remote areas in the provinces, where many of the sick die without being attended to by a physician,” he added.
Under the law, he said each town in the country should have at least one qualified applicant in the medical scholarship and return service program. In case there is no qualified student from a particular town, its slot may be given to an applicant from a nearby municipality.
The deputy speaker added that after completing the medical course and passing the licensure examination, the new doctor-program beneficiary is required to render service in his town for one year for every year of his doctor of medicine degree.
Rodriguez said in the case of a graduate who took the slot of a particular town, he will render service in that municipality. Thus, eventually, all towns, however remote, will have at least one doctor.
The doctors will serve in government hospitals or health facilities and will hold positions and receive compensation commensurate to their education, he said.
He said program beneficiaries who do not want to comply with the return service requirement will have to reimburse the government twice the amount that it spent for their medical education.
The program offers full financial assistance to qualified students.
Aside from tuition and other school fees, it covers expenses for allowance for prescribed books, supplies and equipment, clothing or uniform, dormitory or boarding house accommodation, transportation, internship fees, medical review fees, licensure fees, other related miscellaneous living or subsistence expenses, and an annual medical insurance.
Qualified applicants are to take their course in a state university or college or an accredited private learning institution.
PNP-10 reaffirms Normin peace, security initiatives
4 Jan, 2021,
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As the New Year begins in the midst of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 contagion, the Philippine National Police (PNP)-10 reaffirms their peace and order campaign for 2021 and look back on their initiatives during the last quarter of 2020 to find the right balance between public health safety compliance, illegal drug activity policing, and economic recovery in northern Mindanao.
COVID-19 mitigation
“At first, it was a challenge for our general public to internalize the health protocol standards since it was still new but as of now, in my observation the public has adapted these measures in our public spaces,” PNP-10 Spokesperson PCapt. Francisco Sabud shared during Talakayan sa PIA, noting the paradigm shift when it comes to minimum health safety protocol compliance for the mitigation of COVID-19 in region.
Sabud reiterated that their role of imposing NIATF guidelines regarding COVID-19 prevention and containment has shifted from strictly establishing ‘BIDA Solusyon’ to now merely reminding and encouraging the general public for compliance, lauding establishments such as malls and businesses for proactively having marshals in ensuring health compliance for their patrons.
Crime watch and war on drugs
In terms of crime neutralization in the region, the PNP-10’s Enhance Managing Police Operation (EMPO) consistently have provincial directors present prevailing crimes in their area of responsibility to strategize and adjust police deployment in converging areas to cater to the incidents.
“As of December, we have high murder case rates in Northern Mindanao, two in Bukidnon, one in Misor, two in Lanao Del Norte, one Misamis Occidental, and one in Iligan. We also have three homicide cases in Bukidnon, one in Iligan, and one in MisOr,” Sabud shared.
He also disclosed that they have found a surge of rape cases at the start of the COVID-19 quarantine stay-at-home order, especially in domestic households in remote areas with minors comprising most of the victim statistics.
“These crimes we have gathered are already filed in prosecutors’ office and are now awaiting trial,” Sabud said.
Further, due to the shift of digitalization in adaption of COVID-19 protocols, the PNP-10 regional anti-cyber-crime group are working overtime in ensuring the protection of minors from exploitation, online scammers, and online fraud.
To boost policing capabilities, Sabud said their modernization program for 2020 included in the establishment of a grandstand accommodating 500 persons in their Police Regional Office, and the renovation of their main building in camp Alagar.
“In terms of our new supplies and issues, our Misamis Occidental stations have the most 4 x 4 patrol cars, all of the provinces are also issued with new patrol mobiles, communication equipment, and firearms, especially our mobile forces, the regional mobile force battalion,” he added.
In-line with the administration’s war against drugs, Sabud shared that they have conducted 44 illegal operations in the whole of region 10 and have arrested 66 individuals, with only 3 armed confrontations. Seizing an estimated of weight of 270,245 grams amounting to P1,409,266 in their December operation.
“Despite the pandemic, we are still prioritizing illegal drugs, since it is the mandate of our administration; we are also going with the holistic approach by trying to neutralize illegal activities as much as possible,” the spokesperson added.
ELCAC support
As for their support with Executive Order (EO) 70, the PNP-10 cites that they are proactively building strong community engagement in isolated villages by providing peace and security in those areas alongside the AFP and other government agencies.
“Us in the PNP, we are not in the offensive level but are mostly doing police works, our mobile forces, are the ones who address the insurgency problems and we support them in any way possible,” Sabud shared, adding that they are working closely with the military, as the PNP-10 validates sightings and reports of communist activities.
“We should not be afraid of them, because of the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) chaired by our very own president Duterte, the administration is working on ending their scourge before 2021, the insurgency problems has huge impact in denting our economy and it’s high time we end it,” Sabud said. (VPSB/PIA10)
NEDA-10 conducts staff training for stronger Internal Quality Audit
4 Jan, 2021,
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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, --The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 conducted an online training course on Effective Internal Audit for ISO 9001:2015, December 28-29, 2020, to continually improve its operations and delivery of services.
With more than 30 NEDA-10 and Regional Development Council–10 staff in attendance, the course aims to equip the staff with basic competencies on internal quality audit and prepare them to be internal auditors of the organization’s quality management system (QMS).
The NEDA-X Management wants to ensure the availability of a pool of well-trained internal quality auditors of its QMS.
The training conducted by Infoadvance, Inc. enhanced the participants’ understanding of Internal Audit as an essential component of any management system as it serves as a quality tool to check the effectiveness of processes in delivering intended results and trigger improvements.
Aurelio L. Ebita, lead auditor and trainer, underscored that the overall intent of internal audit is to achieve conformity and effectiveness and not to find nonconformities. Should a nonconformity arise, it is raised against a process and not against a person, for improvement.
On December 23, 2020, the SOCOTEC Certification International issued a new Certificate of Registration for ISO 9001:2015 to NEDA-X which will expire September 21, 2023, covering the processes of Socioeconomic and Physical Planning and Policy, Technical and Advisory, Investment Programming, Monitoring and Evaluation and Support Services. The first certification was issued September 21, 2017 and expired September 21, 2020. (NEDA10/PIA10)
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 conducts an online training course on Effective Internal Audit for ISO 9001:2015, December 28-29, 2020, to continually improve its operations and delivery of services. (NEDA 10)
With more than 30 NEDA-10 and Regional Development Council–10 staff in attendance, the course aims to equip the staff with basic competencies on internal quality audit and prepare them to be internal auditors of the organization’s quality management system (QMS).
The NEDA-X Management wants to ensure the availability of a pool of well-trained internal quality auditors of its QMS.
The training conducted by Infoadvance, Inc. enhanced the participants’ understanding of Internal Audit as an essential component of any management system as it serves as a quality tool to check the effectiveness of processes in delivering intended results and trigger improvements.
Aurelio L. Ebita, lead auditor and trainer, underscored that the overall intent of internal audit is to achieve conformity and effectiveness and not to find nonconformities. Should a nonconformity arise, it is raised against a process and not against a person, for improvement.
On December 23, 2020, the SOCOTEC Certification International issued a new Certificate of Registration for ISO 9001:2015 to NEDA-X which will expire September 21, 2023, covering the processes of Socioeconomic and Physical Planning and Policy, Technical and Advisory, Investment Programming, Monitoring and Evaluation and Support Services. The first certification was issued September 21, 2017 and expired September 21, 2020. (NEDA10/PIA10)
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 conducts an online training course on Effective Internal Audit for ISO 9001:2015, December 28-29, 2020, to continually improve its operations and delivery of services. (NEDA 10)
DILG-10 ensures apt training for brgy frontliners
3 Jan, 2021,
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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, --"We check, including local government units sa pagpadayon sa paghatag ug kaangayan nga (in continuously providing necessary training on) knowledge and skills."
During the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, December 29, Agabe said aside from providing facility or equipment for COVID-19 response, the government also continuously monitor the skills training needed by LGUs down to the barangay level.
He added that they have coordinated and partnered with the Department of Health (DOH)-10 so barangay frontliners will be given necessary training to further assist DILG, DOH and other concerned government agencies.
"We have directed the provincial and city directors to conduct a survey for the need to conduct additional training. We have the DOH on top especially on COVID-19 response," Agabe added.
On community quarantine classification
For services and interventions of the government provided in a certain area, Agabe said they are also based on the community quarantine classification.
On the other hand, the regional director said the escalation and de-escalation of risk classifications were based on the health care utilization rate of dedicated beds and equipment for COVID-19, daily attack rate, barangay with new cases in the past 14 days, surveillance;
Contact tracing and isolation efficiency, no local transmission from locally stranded individuals (LSIs) or returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) index case for two weeks, establishments closed or workers affected, and clusters in workplace, food security and social indicators, and adherence to minimum public health standards.
As of December 29, there are a total of 7,581 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in northern Mindanao, wherein 6,138 have recovered, 222 have expired, and 5,916 are recovering. (RTP/PIA10)
During the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, December 29, Agabe says aside from providing facility or equipment for COVID-19 response, the government also continuously monitor the skills training needed by LGUs down to the barangay level. (DILG 10)
NorMin ensures illegal firework policing as New Year looms
29 Dec, 2020,
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To ensure zero to low firework-related injuries and stop illicit illegal firework trade in the city, the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cagayan de Oro City (DILG-CDO) and Philippine National Police (PNP)-10 have bolstered their campaign to police illegal firework trade in city while also ensuring COVID-19 health safety practices.
“As far as DILG is concerned, there are no changes in the guidelines for Iwas Paputok as of now, even with the PNP, I understand there is now a draft being presented to the secretary probably integrating there-in the COVID present situation but in the meantime, we are still using the same guidelines from 2018,” shared DILG-CDO City Director Jane Docallos during Talakayan sa PIA.
Using the Memorandum Order No. 31 of 2018, the DILG-10 alongside the PNP-10 conducts inspections to ensure manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and users of pyrotechnic devices are in compliance with safety guidelines under existing law, rules, and regulation under RA No. 7183.
“In terms of fire crackers and pyrotechnics devices in Cagayan de Oro we still haven’t caught anyone, which is a good sign that people are following our guidelines, in Misamis Oriental however, we have seized around 3 cartons,” PNP-10 Regional Civil Security Unit Asst Chief PMaj. Rocky Neri said.
Neri attributed the city’s zero violations to their ensured cooperation with legal dealers, “here in Cagayan de Oro, we only have two dealers of firework devices, which means that those retailers’ permits given by the RCSU-10 can only be bought from certified sources.”
As far as community involvement is concerned, Docallos shared in addition to COVID-19 health practices engagement, they are also working with other government agencies in advocating regulated firecrackers celebrations in the local government units and their areas of responsibility.
“We are closely monitoring sellers, we are targeting zero casualties and injuries, the government can only do so much, the regulators can only do so much, everything will depend on the cooperation of everybody especially the community,” she emphasized.
List of banned firecrackers based on the 2018 guidelines include Watusi, piccolo, super lolo, atomic triangle, large Judas belt, large bawang, pillbox, bosa, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, mother rocket, lolo thunder, coke in can, atomic bomb, five star, pla-pla, giant whistle bomb and kabasi. (VPSB/PIA10)
DILG-10 to LGUs: Ensure 'distancing' during holiday activities, displays
15 Dec, 2020,
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"Local chief executives should make sure that they have the proper mechanism to ensure that there will be social distancing or a one meter distance between those individuals attending or gathering especially in public places."
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe reminds the local government units (LGUs) to still enforce the minimum public health standards in holding activities during the holidays.
During the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, December 15, Agabe said LCEs should also coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and their respective barangay officials to ensure that there is a BIDA Bastunero or a person who will remind individuals on the proper usage of face masks or face shield, observance of social distancing, and other health safety protocols.
"Christmas should not be the reason nganong mudaghan ang kaso sa COVID sa atong tagsa-tagsa nga mga lugar (why there will be an increase of COVID cases in our respective areas)," Agabe added.
If the LGU could not control crowds, the regional director urged them to avoid holding activities or putting up Christmas displays that could invite or gather people.
He reminded the LCEs that as the head of the local task force, the latter have the obligation and responsibility to ensure that the residents should adhere to the minimum public health standards.
As for celebrating the holidays safely, Agabe said the public should refrain from traveling unless it is essential. He also advised residents to limit celebrations to members of the households only and to avoid inviting family members from other places or residence.
If activities can’t be avoided, it should be held in open spaces, Agabe added.
As of December 14, there are a total of 7,039 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in northern Mindanao, 5,853 of whom have recovered, 209 have expired, and 977 are recovering. (RT![]()
P/PIA10)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe reminds the local government units (LGUs) to still enforce the minimum public health standards in holding activities during the holidays, December 15. (DILG 10
DILG-10 trains 29 ELCAC town reps on local legislation
7 Dec, 2020,
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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA)--Members of Local Legislative Bodies of the 29 Ending Local Communists Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Municipalities participated in the initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 to gather local legislators and provide a training on CDP/LDIP Retooling in Aid of Local Legislation, November 19-20.
The department has provided comprehensive perspective to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/ Sangguniang Barangay members to instill better understanding on the process of planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization through the discussion of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP)—President Rodrigo Duterte’s priority program aimed towards putting an end to local armed communists in the country.
“It [CDP] serves as the LGU’s road map to progress and development. It contains the strategic plans for five development sectors namely economic, environment, social, institution, and infrastructure,” DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe said, highlighting the importance of CDP as one of the major plans mandated under the Local Government Code of 1991.
Moreover, Agabe emphasized the presence of government through RCSP to the ELCAC barangays of Region 10.
“We should continue to let everyone know that the government is there because that is our mandate and that is where we are best, rendering effective and efficient public service to everyone,” he added.
Furthermore, LGOO VI Jacillo Orongan presented the latest related issuances of the local legislation in connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. Issuances include the department’s memorandum on the mandatory wearing of face masks in public areas, guidelines on the risk-based public health standards for COVID-19, the establishment of Local Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (LESUs), among others.
The two-day webinar workshop ended with Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Chief and LGOO VII Hazel L. Occeña discussing the dynamics and mechanics of the CDP and the Local Development Investment Program. Further, she stressed the importance and crucial role of LGUs in advancing the country’s competitiveness and ease of doing business. (DILG10/PIA10)
VTI holds annual shareholders meeting, elects Yanson-Lopez as president
7 Dec, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
ONE of the Yanson four (Y4) siblings has been elected as president of the Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) after the company's annual shareholders meeting concludes Saturday, December 5, at a hotel in Bacolod City.
The annual shareholders meeting was attended by the major stockholders representing 61.17 percent of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation.
The meeting was presided by Carlo Joaquin Narvasa who was later elected by the board as Vice-President for Legal.
Roy, Emily, Ma. Lourdes Celina Yanson-Lopez and Ricardo Yanson Jr. or known as the Y4 were elected by the shareholders anew as members of the board of directors of the corporation for the year 2020-2021.
In the organizational meeting that followed, Yanson-Lopez was elected as President; Roy Yanson as Vice-President for Operations; Emily Yanson as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; Ricardo Yanson Jr. as Corporate Secretary; Anna Isabelle Galvez as Assistant Corporate Secretary; and Narvasa as Vice-President for Legal.
In a press statement, Narvasa said the shareholders ratified all acts and transactions of the Board of Directors and management of the corporation under the leadership of its President Yanson-Lopez.
The Yanson family owns the largest bus companies in the country including the Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) and Bachelor Express Inc. operating in Cagayan de Oro and the rest of Mindanao.
The Y4 has been involved in a family dispute for control of VTI and has earlier scored several legal victories following the dismissal of several cases charged against them.
DILG-10: LGUs will decide quarantine ease on holidays
2 Dec, 2020,
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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY,--With concerns raised on the ease of movement of minors and holding of events during the holidays, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 said the local government units (LGUs) have the authority to decide on such with enough basis on their area's COVID-19 status.
Based on the recent announcement of DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, minors from general community quarantine (GCQ) areas will be allowed to go out and shop for the holidays as long as they are accompanied by their parents, DILG-10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga said during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, December 1.
The same goes for the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas, she added.
Also, DILG is still waiting for the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) resolution for the said announcement. Those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women are still advised to remain in their residences.
As for the activities during the holidays, Año has mentioned to President Rodrigo Duterte in a meeting, November 30, the measures taken by the department on discouraging the holding of Christmas parties, caroling, karaoke sessions, and other gatherings.
Pursuant to Circular No. 2020-0355, Sunga reiterated the Department of Health's risk mitigation measures. “Let us adhere to the protocols or guidance coming from DOH,” she added.
As of December 1, there are a total of 6,496 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in northern Mindanao, wherein 5,358 have recovered, 194 expired, and 944 are recovering. (RTP/PIA10)
Based on the recent announcement of DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, minors from general community quarantine (GCQ) areas will be allowed to go out and shop for the holidays as long as they are accompanied by their parents, DILG-10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga says during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, December 1. (DILG 10)
DOJ junks another set of cases against Y4
30 Nov, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed another string of cases against the four Yanson siblings, known as Y4, filed by their mother and supporters of their warring siblings early this month.
The DOJ junked qualified theft, falsification and perjury cases against Roy, Emily, Ma. Lourdes Celina Lopez and Ricardo Yanson Jr.
In a press statement, the Y4's legal counsel lawyer Carlo Joaquin Narvasa said the DOJ, through Assistant State Prosecutor Philip Dela Cruz, found that the allegations stemmed from the Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate of Ricardo Sr., and its amended version, but dismissed the complaint saying that "these contracts are binding, unless they are annulled by a proper action in court. They are susceptible of ratification."
The Y4 was accused of taking the conjugal shares of their mother in VTI and allegedly apportioned them between siblings without the latter's consent, through two extrajudicial settlement documents.
They were also accused of falsifying the VTI General Information Sheet dated July 9, 2019, and that the complaint they filed against their mother last November 27, 2019 is perjurious.
Narvasa said the two extrajudicial agreements were signed in each and every page by Ricardo Sr.'s heirs, including his wife.
Thus, the "filing of the case is pre-mature because the Trial Court of Bacolod City has yet to resolve whether or not the EJS is indeed void. In fine, no cause of action will lie against herein respondents at this stage of the proceedings, and a cause of action depends upon the result of the civil case pending with the RTC of Bacolod City."
Meanwhile, the case filed by the Y2 supporters against the Y4 for perjury was also dismissed by the DOJ as the complainants "failed to establish the third element of the crime, which is that respondents Y4 made a willful and deliberate assertion of falsehood. The allegations made in the complaint are mere conclusions of law regarding the set of circumstances and/or assertions made in respondents Y4's complaint. There was no evidence submitted that the respondents Y4 deliberately and willfully asserted any falsehood."
The dismissal of these charges came after the earlier dismissal by the DOJ of another set of charges against the Y4 for carnapping of 55 buses, possession of explosives and robbery.
The Y4 believed that the charges filed against them is meant to legitimize the control of their rival siblings over Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), despite the Y4's claim of majority shareholdings of 61.16 percent of its outstanding capital stock.