Sept. 3 - 9, 2012 Issue

Triple treat

Magallanes, Caberoy, Ipho named 2012 Csc awardees

By Edalyn Acta and Adam San Andres

“It’s the first time in history.” This is what Atty. Maria Lina Gonzaga, chief of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Capiz Field Officer, had to say of Dr. Editha L. Magallanes of the Capiz State University (CapSU), Dangal ng Bayan awardee; and the Capiz Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and IPHO’s Pharmacist I Claire Caberoy, both Pagasa winners—all of whom were cited in the CSC’s search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees for 2012.

For the first time in the history of the province, Gonzaga said, the three nominees—Magallanes and Caberoy for the individual category and the Capiz IPHO for the group category—made it to the shortlist and eventually the final selection by CSC this year.

“Their records speak for themselves,” Gonzaga said, stressing that the actual accomplishments, innovations and sterling performance of the winners attest to their achievement so properly cited by the CSC.

According to Gonzaga, “we can really say that public servants in Capiz are really professional in the exercise of the jobs and are committed to provide high standard and exemplary performance in the effective and efficient delivery of their services to the people.”

Along with ten other individuals across the country, Dr. Editha L. Magallanes, president of the Capiz State University, a state-run university in the Province of Capiz, was named Dangal ng Bayan awardee for her “exemplary adherence to the norms of conduct and ethical behavior.” Magallanes was awarded a trophy designed and crafted by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva and 200,000 pesos cash reward.

Then, “for their outstanding work performance and exceptional service to the government and the people,” the Capiz Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and its very own employee, Mrs. Claire D. Caberoy, Pharmacist I clinched the Pag-asa Award in the same search conducted by the CSC.

For their innovation through the e-Inventory, a tool which has been used for effective monitoring and tool for effective drug management, the Capiz IPHO was cited under the Group Category; while Caberoy was named under the Individual Category.

Each of these winners was awarded golden medallions crafted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, plaques of recognition and 100,000 pesos cash reward.

Magallanes, Caberoy and the IPHO were conferred their awards by President Benigno Simeon Aquino in a testimonial dinner on Sept. 19, 2012 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang Palace in Manila.

As regional finalists, the winners were also feted by the CSC Region 6 on Sept. 13, 2012 at the SM Activity Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. (With report from Jemin Guillermo)

CCTN-Capiz launched

By Virgilio Clavel

To communicate fervently and effectively the teachings and values of God to every home and nurture a community of believers, the Archdiocese of Capiz launched the CCTN-Capiz Sept. 8 in Balay Pari in Lawaan, Roxas City.

Managed by the Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media of the Archdiocese of Capiz in partnership with the Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN), the new TV-relay station is committed to “proclaim God’s love to every individual through quality programs and decent entertainment.”

CCTN’s program format is anchored on threefold function, patterned after Jesus and His Church mission, namely: the priestly proclamation of teachings of God’s values (kerygma); the prophetic witnessing, teaching and formation of Christian life in a community of believers (koinonia); and the kingly lifestyle in sharing with humankind the Christian’s selfless service in quest of sanctification (diakonia).

The CCTN-Capiz also aims to produce quality programs based on Gospel values through modern means of communication, to include, catechism on creed, commandments and sacraments, biblical reflections and commentaries.

Through the unique programming, CCTN-Capiz seeks to present programs promoting Marian devotion; offer selfless service in station operations; and instil a culture of Christian morality and spirituality through feature presentations.

CCTN-Capiz had its formal pilot airing on September 9 over Channel 47. For program schedule, please call Fr. Jose Arturo Emilio Arbatin, Chairman of the Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media, at 0908-897-1137.

Capiz tour operators to lure more tourists

By Alex Lumaque

ROXAS CITY—“We would like to invite prospective investors to invest in our local tourism industry and bring in more tourists to Roxas City and Capiz,” Capiz Tour Operators Association (CTOA) President Donnel San Antonio said.

San Antonio, general manager of the Tickets ‘n More Travel Agency, leads the new set of officers of the newly organized Capiz Tour Operators Association (CTOA) who will formally assume their respective positions in an oath-taking ceremony Sept. 27 at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center here. The induction ceremony will be in time for the opening of a tourism expo in line with the 2012 Provincial Tourism Week celebration.

The officers include Vicky Baes of San Mateo Travel and Tours, vice-president; Francisco Bellosillo, Jr. of Bellosillo Travel and Tours, secretary; Heidi Chiu of Ticket Time Travel and Tours, treasurer; Peter Magpayo of Panay River Tours, public relations officer (PRO); Carlos Ty of C&L Travel Agency, auditor; and Erwin Alba of Jonar Resources, business manager.

San Antonio added that “based on our interviews, one local tourist spends around P3,000 to P5,000 while every international visitor spends some 1,000 to 2,000 US dollars during a vacation anywhere in the province.” The tourists’ money is used to pay for local hotels, restaurants, tour operators and other tourism-related enterprises.

CTOA has also been instrumental in the operation of Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) vessels plying the route of Culasi Port to Batangas City Port via Odiongan, Romblon beginning May this year.

The RoRo operation was also realized through the support of the local officials and a number of groups including the Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Roxas City Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Capiz Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Capiz Chapter and the Roxas City Investments and Promotion Center.

CTOA is also working to invite other airline and shipping companies to open new routes for the province.  

CSC anniv to showcase best practices in services delivery

By Jemin Guillermo
The best practices of the public offices in Capiz will be showcased this month.

Capiz Civil Service Director Maria Lina Gonzaga said that in line with the Philippine Civil Service’s 112th anniversary this month, national government agencies, state colleges and universities, government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units will host a Photo Exhibit showcasing the delivery of excellent public service.

Aside from photo exhibit, government offices with frontline services will also man One-Stop shops catering to the public especially in the processing of their documents such as securing of licenses. Public offices will display their Citizen’s Charter so that they public will be aware of the different services and the requirements and procedures in transacting business with concerned agencies.

In partnership with the Provincial Tourism Office, the exhibit and One-stop Shop will run from September 27 to 29 at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center while the monthlong anniversary celebration will be concluded with a Fun Run on September 29.

The Capiz Council of Human Resource Management Practitioners Capiz Chapter led by Jonny Dariagan of Capiz State University will lead the first Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective (RACE) to Serve Fun Run. They will charge a registration fee of P100 for government employees and private individuals and P30 for students. Part of the proceeds will go to the Pamana Foundation supporting the education of the children of government employees who died in the line of duty.

Gonzaga invited public offices in Capiz to set up their own photo exhibits, display their Citizen’s Charter and provide their frontline services for the benefit of their respective employees and clients.

Themed “Kawani, Ikaw ay Isang Lingkod Bayani,” the CSC anniversary celebration seeks to promote, showcase and celebrate heroism in public service as well as highlight stories of triumph and sacrifices among the men and women in the government.

K of C new officers elected

By Bienvenido Cortes

The Roxas City Council No. 3691 of the Knights of Columbus announces its new set of council officers for fraternal year 2012–2013.

The following are the new officers—Resurreccion Laguda of Brgy. Tanza, Grand Knight; Manolito Basquez of Brgy. Dayao, Deputy Grand Knight; Sixto Dongon of Brgy. Lanot, Chancellor; and Msgr. Victor, Bendico, Rector of the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, Chaplain; and Bienvenido Cortes of Brgy. Punta Tabuk, Recorder.

Other officers elected were Reymundo Alovera of San Roque St., Financial Secretary; Narciso Heroza of Brgy. Banica, Treasurer; Manuel Cambe of Milibili, Advocate; Ronie Recto of Zamora St., Lecturer; Antonio Aniero of Burgos St., Warden; Maruel Luza, of Mabini St., Inside Guard; Richard Alovera of San Roque St., Trustee (One Year); Nicanor Alvaro of Roxas City, Trustee (Two Years); and Jose de Jose of Brgy. Tanque, Trustee (Three Years).

Grand Knight Laguda has been a member of good standing of the Council No. 3691. A retired elementary school teacher of the Department of Education in the schools division of Roxas City, He resides at Brgy. Tanza, Roxas City with his wife, Amparo Alaban-Laguda. They have five children, namely: Rexam, Fritzie, Mary Suzette, Rexie and Richie.

With more than 1.8 million members, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic lay organization that provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, the community, families, and young people.

In 2010, the K of C at all levels raised and distributed millions of dollars to charity and rendered millions of hours of volunteer service.

3,263 helmets certified

By Alex Lumaque

To date, at least 3,263 helmets were marked with Philippine Standards (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Capiz in their ongoing verification and marking procedures on motorcycle helmets.

Since July 9, the Business Regulation and Consumer Welfare Division (BRCWD) have also verified 1,705 helmets of motorists who want to comply with the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

“We want to serve more motorists and mark helmets with the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) markings,” BRCWD Head Angelita Colmo said.

In July, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to defer enforcement of the Helmet Act until Jan. 1, 2013 upon the request of DTI to give them more time to complete inspection of motorcycle headgears nationwide.

While the order was set for implementation Aug. 1, 2012, motorists violating the law were issued citation tickets and charged appropriate penalties.

Motorcycle drivers and back riders caught not wearing the standard protective motorcycle helmets will be fined P1,500.00 for the first offense; P3,000 for the second; P5,000 for the third and P10,000 and confiscation of the driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

Contreras finishes governance course with flying colors

By Jemin Guillermo

Among the 58 vice-governors and four other staff enrolled in a special course on local governance and development at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Capiz Vice-Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras III graduated third honors, receiving a bronze medal during the graduation rites held Aug. 29, 2012 at the DAP Main Office in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Contreras was among the 58 vice-governors in the Philippines who have concluded the two and a half years of graduate course which sought to “upgrade their knowledge on improving the delivery of services to the public through effective and efficient local governance.”

Contreras’s graduate course, which ran for two and a half years, formed part of the scholarship program sponsored by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for the League of Vice-governors of the Philippines (LVGP).

Said scholarship grant for vice-governors was particularly implemented in coordination with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP)’s Graduate School of Public and Development Management.

According to Contreras, the scholarship provided him with the knowledge and ideas in the operation of the local government units, particularly in instituting management styles.

“We are grateful to Senate President Enrile for sponsoring the scholarship grant for the Vice-Governors at DAP,” Contreras said.

The graduation ceremonies was led by DAP President Antonio Kalaw, Jr.; Senior Vice-President and Dean of the Graduate School of Public and Development Management Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; Managing Director Rodney Jagolino of the Institute of Public Management; and Magdalena L. Mercado, CESO IV.

In the same rites, Cagayan First District Rep. Juan Enrile, Jr. served as guest of honor while Senate Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile delivered an inspirational message.

Contreras, who is in his second term as vice-governor of Capiz, is the LVGP Regional Director for Western Visayas.