Olongapo City - Livelihood grant assistance from DOLE

Turn-over of Livelihood grant assistance from DOLE for the Nego-Kart Project yesterday, December 12, 2011 during flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Triangle Multi-purpose Covered Court.

Labor agency issues recommendations for Subic shipyard

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) issued seven recommendations to a Subic shipyard company whose operations have recently killed six and injured others last October 7.

Although it withheld penalties for Keppel Shipyard Inc. (KSI), the agency nevertheless said that it should accredit all safety officers of the company and its subcontractors.

Other recommendations include employing at least two full-time accredited safety practitioners who will oversee and implement the company's safety program and the submission of the company's Annual Health Safety Environment (HSE) action plan that will be approved by the agency.

The company's safety officers should also attend a five-day Construction Safety Training conducted by the Occupational Safety and health Center (OSHC) or with an accredited safety training organizations, the Dole said.

The agency's two other proposals include the installation of two tower posts of a bigger diameter on each side of the stern ramp instead of just one tower post placed in the middle of the ramp, the regular checking and calibration of cables prior to any repairs on the ramp, and the proper installation and regular inspection by structural engineers of scaffoldings over 10 meters high and all other installations constructed over the scaffoldings.

These recommendations were made by the agency's inspection team immediately after the tragedy, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

"KSI management should implement these seven corrective measures on occupational safety and health to avoid the recurrence of the recent mishap in the said shipyard," said Baldoz. "These are short and long term recommendations, which should be undertaken to avoid a possible recurrence of the accident."

Last October 7, a 42-ton steel ramp being erected at the Keppel shipyard collapsed on a group of workers, killing six people and injuring several others.

Based on the report of Labor Undersecretary for Labor Standards and Social Protection Lourdes Trasmonte, several occupational safety and health (OSH) standards were violated.

These violations include inadequate support of the ramp being retrofitted, no design by structural engineer for scaffoldings more than 10 meters high, the temporary electrical installation suspended in the tube and coupler scaffolds, and no Dole-accredited safety practitioners, and no first-aid medical practitioners.

Dole has withheld imposing penalties, pending a report from the Senate inquiry called by Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada. (AMN/Sunnex sunstar.com.ph)

SUMMMER JOBS 2011 FOR STUDENTS

The annual Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has started in coordination of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., and Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

Last year the PESO was able to employ 261 SPES beneficiary-students who worked for Local Government Units (LGU) and private establishments.

This early, the PESO has conducted examinations and interviews for the qualified students.

“Learn and earn…ang SPES ay taun-taon nating ginagawa para maturuan at matulungan ang mga estudyante natin na magkaroon ng experience at mapagkakakitaan. Ang kita ay tulong para sa pag-aaral, ang experience naman ay para sa future career nila,” ani Mayor Gordon.

The new student-beneficiaries this year are going to start working on April 11.

Through SPES, Students ages 15 to 21 years old are given the opportunity to experience the real workplace environment in their job-training and earn money at the same time.

DOLE gives 'Nego Kart' to Zambales vendors

CABANGAN, Zambales (PIA) -- Some 14 ambulant vendors in the province became recipients of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego Kart) program, receiving around P350,000 in livelihood assistance.

Four of the 14 “Nego Karts” were distributed in Cabangan town last week facilitated by the DOLE Zambales field office in coordination with the municipal government of Cabangan’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

Mayor Ronald Apostol, DOLE regional director Leopoldo B. De Jesus, DOLE Zambales field office head Efren Reyes, and Marissa Dagun, PESO manager awarded the livelihood assistance amounting to some P100,000.

Of the total assistance provided, P60,000 came from DOLE for the building of Nego Karts and initial capital outlay.

The municipal government provided the remaining amount as counterpart assistance which includes training on production skills, entrepreneurship, and business management.

Initial payments for social protection benefits such as enrollment to either the SSS or Phil-Health and mayor's permit were also shouldered by the municipal government.

Mayor Apostol expressed his appreciation to the DOLE for choosing his constituents as beneficiaries of the said livelihood project.

Meanwhile, Virgilio Dalanan, a “buko” (fresh coconut) vendor from Brgy. San Antonio, expressed his gratitude to the DOLE and the LGU of Cabangan for the Nego Kart.

He said that the said assistance will greatly help his family’s needs. He promised that he will put to good use the assistance he received.

DOLE continues to help ambulant vendors in the countryside in enhancing and sustaining their small businesses through its Nego Kart program.

The Labor department also continues to monitor and ensure that the small entrepreneurs will likewise be accorded with social protection and benefits and make their income at par at least with that of the minimum wage earners.

Ten of the 14 Nego Karts were distributed in Iba town and around 20 more are set to be distributed in the province, according to the DOLE Zambales Field office. (by Allen Villa WLB/AMV PIA Zambales)

More social and other benefits for Hanjin Subic workers

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd. Philippines (HHIC-Phil) the largest ship-builder in Asia informs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 3 about the social and other benefit packages for its 21,000 workforce.

In a recent meeting involving representatives from Hanjin and the DOLE Regional Office 3, represented by new regional director Labor Attache Leopoldo De Jesus, Hanjin presented some of the current and future benefit packages set for its employees.

Free Transportation
HHIC – Phil contracted 150 shuttle buses, 50 jeepneys, and three bancas (boats). Moreover, it is operating two RORO (roll in, roll out) vessels for employees who commute from the city of Olongapo and provides buses which partner with RORO vessels. Transportation costs for all employees, which is about P20,000 a month is shouldered by the company.

Local Housing Projects
If the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) approves the land use conversion filed by the HHIC Phil, the company will be able to provide housing projects which will involve the building of about 1,500 houses in a 30-hectare land situated 19 kilometers from the Hanjin Shipyard in Castillejos, Zambales. This is Hanjin’s response to the needs of shipyard workers which is part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR). Hanjin adds that the land will be provided by the company. With the houses in place, travel time to and from work will be minimized.

Free Food
Hanjin through HACOR Phil, its catering company, also situated in the said shipyard, provides adequate meals for its entire employees, three times a day on a daily basis. This is truly most helpful for employees to bring more “bacon” at home for their families.
Ethical Education for Korean and Foreign Employees
Realizing the importance of the Philippine culture and practices at the workplace, Hanjin provided a series of Ethical Guideline Education for Koreans and foreign nationals who are working with their Filipino counterparts at the office and shipyard. Some of these include: eradication of physical harassment and minimizing cultural differences, special prevention of harassment during orientation time, and other various symposia concerning cultural barriers.

Strengthening the Monitoring of Social Protection
Hanjin assures DOLE that they will closely monitor its sub-contractors in the payment of social protection schemes such as the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth payments of their respective employees. This will assure employees that they will be able to avail of health care services without hassle.

DOLE and Hanjin will work hand in hand in ensuring that the 21,000 workers who are presently employed in the said shipyard and its future employees as well will enjoy these great social benefit packages. (DOLE 3/PIA 3)

Industrial Tripartism advocated in Olongapo

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Zambales provincial field office recently held an organizational meeting of the Industrial Tripatite Council (ITC) at the Coffee Shop, Baretto, Olongapo City with the intent of Organizing Industry Tripartite Council for Hotels, Restaurants and Resort industry in this city.

According to DOLE-RO3 Director Ernesto C. Bihis, the objective of the said program stems from the policy pronouncement and directive of President Benigno Aquino III with the purpose of strengthening cooperation and promotion of industrial peace and foster productivity on priority industries.

The said event, which was graced by Geraldine M. Panlilio, OIC-Office of the Assistant Regional Director, was attended by 33 participants comprising HR managers, department managers, and rank and Ffle workers of participating establishments.

ARD Panlilio emphasized the importance of organizing ITC for the ultimate objective of ensuring cooperation of tripartite partners in ensuring industrial peace and productivity and coming up with a voluntary code of good practices.

An election commenced after, with the following elected as its officers:

Chairman : Efren M. Reyes

Vice- Chair –Management : Wilda Gonzales

Vice-Chair – Labor : Bebe Olivar

Secretary : DOLE Staff

Treasurer : David Hermes

The maintenance of industrial peace among industries is one of the major priority programs of the DOLE in keeping and fostering harmonious relationships between management and labor with the goal of making Central Luzon a haven of productive workers. (DOLE 3 thru PIA 3).

JOBS FAIR ON FL ANNE GORDON’S BIRTHDAY!

In line with the celebration of FL Anne Gordon’s birthday, a massive Jobs Fair is slated on December 16, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court from 9:00 o’clock in the morning until 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong oportunidad ay dapat nating tangkilikin, dahil minsan lang ito dumadating” FL Anne Gordon stressed.

Various job opportunities await the applicants. Ninety three (93) employers have confirmed to join the job fair from local to overseas positions, said Atty. Gene Perez, head of Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

‘’Karamihan ng mga local jobs ay para sa mga factory workers at hotel positions samantalang para sa overseas naman ay kailangan ng mga skilled workers at hotel and management positions,”added Atty. Perez.

Overseas jobs in Canada, Australia, Guam, Dubai, Bahrain are just some of the choices.

Interested applicants are advised to prepare the following requirements:

-Resume with 2x2 picture

-Birth certificate (authenticated)

-Transcript of records/ Diploma

-NBI/Police Clearance

-Certificate of Employment

-Passport (for overseas applicants)

The 2010 Job Fair is made possible by the city government of Olongapo and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which is also celebrating its 77th anniversary.

2010 SPES STUDENT-BENEFICIARIES GRADUATE!

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. attended the closing ceremonies of the two hundred sixty-one (261) student-beneficiaries of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) 2010 on May 17, 2010 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

At the SPES 2010 closing ceremonies, Mayor Bong Gordon commended and acknowledged the student-beneficiaries of the SPES program for the twenty (20) meaningful and productive days spent on their summer jobs in the different departments of the local government and private establishments in Olongapo City, “I congratulate our student-beneficiaries for a job well done. I hope that you were able to learn something from the tasks assigned to you as SPES trainees.’’

‘’Kailangan hangga’t maaga ay ma-train na ang mga kabataang ng lungsod sa pagta-trabaho pero kailangan pa rin na ipagpatuloy ninyo ang inyong pag-aaral at maging magaling na mag-aaral,’’ encouraged Mayor Gordon as he addressed the SPES student-beneficiaries.

Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Evelyn Delos Santos confirmed the graduation of the 261 SPES student-beneficiaries, after which, Mayor Bong Gordon gave out their certificates with the help of Sr. Labor Employment Officer Maylene Evangelista of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The certificates received by the SPES graduates will serve as proof that they were given an opportunity to work and experience real workplace environment in the Local Government and private establishments.

SPES is an annual program and joint project of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the City Government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) as the lead agency.

Students ages 15-25 years old are given the opportunity to have their job-training and earn money at the same time. SPES student beneficiaries earn P279.00 daily or P5, 580.00 for their 20 days work.

Mayor Bong Gordon hands-over the certificate of one of the 261 student-beneficiaries of Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) 2010. The SPES graduation was recently held at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC). Also in the photo is Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager Evelyn delos Santos.

SPES 2010

Two hundred sixty-one (261) qualified students under the Special Program for Employment of Students 2010 or SPES have started their summer jobs in different departments of the Local Government and private establishments.

‘’We are continuously conducting SPES to help our students who are financially constrained to go to school but deserving and willing to pursue their studies. Let’s teach our students to earn money for their study,” Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. said at the orientation and contract signing of SPES beneficiary-students accompanied by their parents and guardians at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) on April 19, 2010.

Mayor Bong Gordon reminded and advised the SPES beneficiary-students to do their jobs well and make the most out of the opportunity given to them. He said that this job training should encourage them to do better in school and prepare them to real life after school.

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Gordon also gave her words of encouragement to SPES beneficiary-students and laid out her scholarship program to them, ‘’Ang scholarship program na gusto kong magawa ay ang scholarship na apat (4) na taon. Dalawang beses lamang kami magkikita ng aking mga scholars, una kapag siya ay mag-eenrol sa 1st year at ikalawa kapag siya ay ga-graduate na sa kolehiyo. Maglalagay rin ako ng sapat na pondo sa mga eskwelahan kung saan mag-aaral ang aking mga scholars.’’

The SPES Program is an annual project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the City Government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) as lead agency.

Of the 261 SPES beneficiary-students, 189 are assigned at the Local Government Unit (LGU), 37 in private establishments and 35 to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Brgy. Sta Rita.

The SPES beneficiary-students started their summer jobs on April 20, 2010 and will end on May 17, 2010.

Mayor Bong Gordon and Olongapo First Lady & Zambales Vice Gov Anne Gordon who is now running for the congressional seat for the 1st District of Zambales with the 261 Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) student-beneficiaries during their orientation and contract signing held at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) on April 19, 2010. Also in the picture are Public Employment Service Office head Evelyn delos Santos and SPES representative Mark Edrad.

Padilla and Detubio Families bag the region’s MOFYA

The Padilla and Detubio families bagged the Regional Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) for land-based and sea based categories, respectively. Held at SM San Fernando City, Pampanga last September 3, 2009, the MOFYA is given yearly thru the efforts of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Labor Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Services Offices (PESO) with the support of various private companies that help sponsor the event.

“The Padilla and Detubio families were endorsed by the city not only because of the achievements of OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) family members but also due to the success of the whole family,” said Evelyn delos Santos, head of Olongapo City PESO.

Model OFW families are chosen based on the following criteria: wholesome OFW family, success/achievements of family members, investments or success in managing the family’s finances and the community or social involvement of the family.

Headed by Pepe who worked abroad for more than ten (10) years, the story of Padilla Family of Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac caught the judges’ attention. Despite difficulties, Pepe and his wife were able to raise their nine (9) children well and sent them all to reputable colleges and universities in the country.

On the other hand, the Detubio Family was also chosen as model OFW family awardee due to the achievements and community involvement of family members. “The Detubios from Botolan, Zambales sought the assistance of PESO Olongapo to endorse them as nominees to the regional search for MOFYA,” delos Santos also explained.

“I am very proud to present the region’s Model OFW families. They do not only inspire fellow OFWs to work harder but they are living proofs that families can be successful despite of distance between family members,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. at the flag raising ceremonies held September 22, 2009 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court.

The Padilla and Detubio Families will officially represent the region at the national level of the competition and winners will be conferred on the first week of November this year.

Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, advocating the welfare and strengthened ties of Filipino families, also expressed her commendations to Detubio and Padilla Families for their feats.

The Search for MOFYA is held yearly to honor the efforts of OFWs and to recognize their vital role in the fare of Filipino families and consequently, to nation-building.

Together with OWWA Region III Director Socorro Castro and City PESO head Evelyn delos Santos, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. presented the award received to the Padilla Family of Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac as the region’s Model OFW Family of the Year (MOFYA) for land-based category this 22nd of September 2009 at the flag raising ceremonies held at the Rizal Triangle Covered court. On the other hand, Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon (not in picture) expressed pride to the feat of the Detubio family from Botolan, Zambales who were also chosen as the Regional MOFYA for the sea-based category. The Padillas and Detubios will officially represent the region at the national level of the said competition, in their respective categories.

Pao/sara

SPECIAL RECRUITMENT ACTIVITY (SRA) FOR CALL CENTER ASPIRANTS

Olongapeño call center hopefuls are invited to present their abilities and skills in customer service at the Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) to be held on August 3, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center, 9:00 to 5:00 pm.

Made possible thru the efforts of the city government of Olongapo and of Global Sutherland Services, this SRA will provide competitive employment opportunities to qualified applicants.

Sutherland Global Services is an American Business Process Outsourcing Company (BPO), employing over 18,000 workers across 19 delivery centers based in 19 different countries. In the Philippines, the BPO company has operations in Makati and is now expanding to other areas including to Clark and Tarlac, vicinities that are now very accessible to Olongapeño workers thru the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

“The call center industry today generates thousands of jobs to Filipinos and it also provides above-average salaries and benefits to its employees,” said Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE, that as of 2006, the Bureau of Investments estimated that there were about 112,000 people working in call centers in the country which brought in more than $1 billion in revenues in 2005.

For details and inquires, interested applicants may visit the Olongapo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) or visit the City Skills Training Center at the third floor of Olongapo City Hall.

Pao/sjd

BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIP FOR OFW DEPENDENTS

“ Because the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) are our modern-day heroes, bringing in dollar revenues that elevate the economic status of the nation and sacrificing and working hard to fend for their families, their dependents deserve no less than the best assistance the government could provide,” said Mayor James Gordon Jr. in connection with the EDSP project of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The EDSP or Education for Development Scholarship Program is a financial subsidy for the immediate dependents of active OFW’s who intend to pursue courses leading to baccalaureate degrees or four-year courses. Scholarship privileges include allowance and tuition and other school fees amounting to P 30,000.00.

Possible awardees will be selected on the basis of their performance in the National Examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Science Education Institute.

Limited to one scholarship grant per OFW family, applicant must:

a. Be a child of an active OFW below 21 years of age

b. Be a Filipino citizen and with no pending application for citizenship in any country and does not have dual citizenship

c. Be of good moral character

d. Have not earned units in any post secondary/undergraduate course

e. Be a high graduate

f. Not be a recipient of any scholarship grant

Olongapo applicants will be referred by the Olongapo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to DOLE and deadline of submission of application and documentary requirements will be on August 31, 2009.

For details and inquiries, visit the PESO at the ground floor of the Olongapo City Hall or call 224-8390 local 4168.

Pao/sjd

REGIONAL SEARCH FOR MODEL OFW FAMILY OF THE YEAR 2009

Family members of Olongapeño Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) are now being called to join and nominate their families to the Regional Search for Model OFW Family of the Year (MOFYA)2009.

“We are encouraging Olongapeños to nominate model OFW families because this program recognizes the vital role of OFW’s not only to the socio-economic welfare of their families but to nation-building as well,” said Mayor James Gordon Jr.

“MOFYA is spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in coordination with different Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) in the region. The search does not only honor model OFW families but also inspires Filipinos that economic challenges nor distance between family members are not obstacles to family success,” Evelyn delos Santos, head of Olongapo PESO, conveyed.

Prospective nominees must have a family member who has worked overseas for at least four (4) years, either active OFW or a returnee in a sea-based or land-based company abroad.

Moreover, selection criteria will be the following:

a. Wholesome OFW Family 50%

b. Civic/ Community Involvement

of OFW and Family 20%

c. Success in OFW and/or family

member/s education or profession 20%

d. Success in Managing

Family Finances 10%

Deadline of submission of application will be on July 31, 2009 and interested parties are advised to visit PESO at the ground floor of the Olongapo City Hall or call 224-8390 local 4168.

Pao/sjd

Registration of Hanjin union stalled anew

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Efforts to register a union for over 15,000 Filipino workers at the shipyard of the Korean-owned Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines Inc. (HHICPI) at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales have been delayed.

Denied thrice since March by the Department of labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Luzon, the application of the HHICPI Workers Union was referred to the DOLE’s legal services unit in late June to settle the confusion on the autonomy of HHICPI and its subcontractors, said Nathaniel Lacambra, DOLE regional director, on Sunday.

“The crux of the issue now is, ‘Who really is their employer?”” Lacambra said.

HHICPI, KC Tech (KECC or Korean Engineering Consulting Corp.) and the Greenbeach Power Tech Corp. are “one and the same or at least HHICPI clearly holds the majority of the shares of stock of KC Tech or KECC,” said union president Melchor Remedios in an appeal to the DOLE on June 15.

The union cited a news item on the HHIC website saying KC Tech or KECC is an HHIC subsidiary. The union also presented documents from SEC showing that KC Tech, also registered as KECC, has changed its name to Greenbeach Power Tech Corp.

Taek-Kyun Yoo, HHICPI general manager, said the company and Greenbeach are “100 percent different and independent companies registered [with the Securities and Exchange Commission] and DOLE under Philippine laws.”

“The allegation has no legal basis,” Yoo told the INQUIRER on Sunday.

Remedios said workers were issued identification cards that they work for, among others, HHICPI, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Development Training Center and KC Tech.

“They were transferred from one subcontractor to another with the same jobs, same work place and same superiors; some of them even have a time card under HHICPI and a different pay slip, among other confusing information and documents they have at hand,” Remedios said.

He said union members have two things in common: They were issued Greenbeach IDs and signed employment contracts with the same firm.

The union was organized in July last year.

Greenbeach is among the 13 Hanjin subcontractors that registered with DOLE as of March, a report obtained from the labor agency showed.

--By. Tonette Orejas – Inquirer

JOBS FAIR & POEA e-Reg for Guam Buildup

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. is once again providing assistance and more job opportunities to job seekers in Olongapo by sponsoring a one-day job fair on May 26, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The job fair is targeting local workers and OFWs who were displaced due to the global financial crisis.

“I shall remain constant in bridging the gap between job opportunities and Olongapeños. We will continue bringing in agencies and local companies to help the people find better job opportunities right here in our city,” said Gordon.

The Subic IT Council headed by Engr. Jay Son is taking charge of the preparations for the job fair. WOW Card, Inc., on the other hand, will provide the equipment and the promotion for the activity.

Meanwhile, the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), Bagumbayan Volunteers and the City Council’s Committee on Labor and Employment will provide technical assistance.

According to Councilor Edwin J. Piano, the one-day job fair is initially conceptualized to aid the city government in the pooling of 20,000 skilled workers for the Guam project.

“Other than the Guam project, we are also inviting applicants interested in the call center industry. Inaasahan natin ang pagpasok ng isang call center dito sa lungsod at tatlo pa sa loob ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” added Piano.

Several local companies have already expressed their participation in the job fair. Among those companies are I Will Communicate, Nozomi Fortune, Conti J Group and others.

Some 20 overseas recruitment agencies were invited for the recruitment activity. These agencies are offering jobs that are readily available and already have job orders.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) Technical Skills Development Agency (TESDA), PESO and Skills Training are also part of this activity.

Online registration as required by POEA will also be made available for this job fair. “This will ensure a speedier and timely processing of the applications. Aside from being paperless, the information encoded will go directly to POEA Job matching database,” concluded Piano.

ONE-DAY JOBS FAIR

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. is once again providing assistance and more job opportunities to job seekers in Olongapo by sponsoring a one-day job fair on May 26, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The job fair is targeting local workers and OFWs who were displaced due to the global financial crisis.

“I shall remain constant in bridging the gap between job opportunities and Olongapeños. We will continue bringing in agencies and local companies to help the people find better job opportunities right here in our city,” said Gordon.

The Subic IT Council headed by Engr. Jay Son is taking charge of the preparations for the job fair. WOW Card, Inc., on the other hand, will provide the equipment and the promotion for the activity.

Meanwhile, the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), Bagumbayan Volunteers and the City Council’s Committee on Labor and Employment will provide technical assistance.

According to Councilor Edwin J. Piano, the one-day job fair is initially conceptualized to aid the city government in the pooling of 20,000 skilled workers for the Guam project.

“Other than the Guam project, we are also inviting applicants interested in the call center industry. Inaasahan natin ang pagpasok ng isang call center dito sa lungsod at tatlo pa sa loob ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” added Piano.

Several local companies have already expressed their participation in the job fair. Among those companies are I Will Communicate, Nozomi Fortune, Conti J Group and others.

Some 20 overseas recruitment agencies were invited for the recruitment activity. These agencies are offering jobs that are readily available and already have job orders.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) Technical Skills Development Agency (TESDA), PESO and Skills Training are also part of this activity.

Online registration as required by POEA will also be made available for this job fair. “This will ensure a speedier and timely processing of the applications. Aside from being paperless, the information encoded will go directly to POEA and WOW Card Inc.’s database,” concluded Piano.

PAO/chay

SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS (SPES)

The Olongapo Public Employment Services Office (PESO) has recently opened the registration for the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

The SPES program is a joint project of the Department of Labor and Employment and the Olongapo City government in coordination with the Public Employment Services Office (PESO). It is open to all indigent yet deserving students of Olongapo City, who is fifteen years old (15) upon registration and passed the entrance examination.

“Isa sa aking mga prayoridad ay makatulong sa edukasyon ng kabataan at turuan namang maghanap-buhay ng marangal ang mga walang trabaho at hindi makapag-aral,” Mayor Gordon previously said. “Kaya naman todo ang suportang ibinibigay ng lungsod sa SPES at sa iba pang programang laan para sa kabataan,”Mayor Gordon added.

In its 16th year, over 700 students, mostly from the public schools applied for the SPES program and 244 will be chosen.

The 244 SPES qualifiers will render twenty (20) days of work in the different departments of the city government and private companies and will receive a sixty percent (60%) compensation from their employers (private companies and LGU’s) and the remaining forty percent (40%) will come from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The SPES qualifiers will start work on April 01, 2009.

Pao/nmm

DOLE: Shutting down Hanjin means 18,000 more jobless Pinoys

A labor official on Tuesday opposed proposals to completely close down Hanjin Heavy Industries Co. Philippines (HHIC-Phil) shipbuilding facility in Subic despite its safety problems.

Nathaniel Lacambra, director of the Department of Labor and Employment for Central Luzon, said shutting down the entire plant is not a win-win solution, especially if it means job losses for about 18,000 workers.

"If we shut down the entire plant just because one unit or one sector has violated labor standards, then we will be starving 15 to 17 thousand Filipinos," Lacambra said in a statement.

Lacambra said applying for a variation order -- or an approved change in a project -- would be a practical solution as it would directly address the company's safety concerns. At the same time, he said such would prevent HHIC-Phil from incurring penalties, which may eventually lead to the firm's closure.

Citing a previous request by the firm, Lacambra said HHIC-Phil has sought a variation order from the Bureau of Working Conditions regarding the 600-ton capacity "Goliath" cranes it uses in Subic. The said order, Lacambra said, allowed Hanjin suppliers to test the cranes.

"If they could do that with the cranes, then probably they could do the same with the hospital or the medical facility requirements. That could be the win-win solution," he said.

Aside from variation orders, Lacambra said HHIC-Phil will be required to comply with the DOLE's occupational safety standards (DOSS). He said, however, that the department has yet to look at the "practical side" of the said standard.

Under the DOSS, Lacambra said firms are required to provide one doctor for every 100 workers they employ. This means 150 to 200 doctors -- to be assisted by full-time nurses, dentists, and first aid workers -- should be provided by the firm for its 18,000-strong labor force.

"As a result, we might be building a hospital here that is bigger than the (Philippine) General Hospital," he said.

Last Thursday, Lacambra accompanied Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in inspecting HHIC-Phil in Subic. The shipyard facility was suspended after 19 deaths were recorded for the past two years.

Estrada, chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, proposed that Hanjin halt its operations until it has complied with proper health and safety standards.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, I am giving them a rate of 5 or 6. As you have seen, there are some workers without safety helmets, and there are others wearing worn-out shoes," Estrada said.

"Then there is this serious allegation from workers that they have to finish their work at all cost because they have a deadline to beat, even if it means more accidents. That is not fair on the part of the workers," he added. abs-cbnNEWS.com

DOLE-ZAMBALES GRANTS LIVELIHOOD FUND TO OLONGAPO

Olongapo City received a livelihood assistance grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Zambales amounting to P450,000.00 that will fund several livelihood programs of the City Government through the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO).

Target beneficiaries are 155 residents of Olongapo City who are willing to enhance their skills and business.

DOLE-Zambales Provincial Officer Angelita S. Fernandez said the funds will be coursed through different community-based associations in Olongapo under the supervision of the LCDO which has already chosen several groups that submitted feasible project proposals, to be the recipients of the grant.

The said financial support will be used to cover expenses that will be incurred in the conduct of Training Cum-Production and Livelihood Enhancement programs prepared by LCDO.

Livelihood Enhancement programs include subsidizing the proposal for a Rolling Store and Convenience Store; and Training cum Production programs such as Fish Burger, Meat and Fruit Processing, Reflexology, Manicure/ Pedicure and Foot Spa, and Haircut Services.

To date, LCDO has already started the project through the conduct of several trainings. With this grant, the said office is expecting an increase in skilled and self-employed individuals.

According to Melvin June Malit, marketing and promotion officer of LCDO, “We will make sure that each of these projects will be sustained. We really have to ensure the success of the program so that we can expect continuous support from these agencies.”

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. continues to empower more Olongapeños by providing more livelihood opportunities. “We are fortunate enough that DOLE is supporting our livelihood programs. This will surely boost entrepreneurship and more employment opportunities among Olongapeños,” Gordon said.

DOLE gives financial grants to different community associations to support livelihood projects that promote employment and profitable activities.

DOLE-Zambales Assistant Regional Director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor hands over the check amounting to P450,000.00 to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. as financial grant for the livelihood projects of the city. Also in the photo are by DOLE-Zambales Provincial Officer Angelita S. Fernandez (4th from left) and Sr. LEO Maylene M. Evangelista (4th from right).

PAO/chay

700 Filipinos lose jobs as FedEx leaves Subic

MANILA - More than 700 Filipinos lost their jobs Friday as US-based Federal Express (FedEx), the world’s largest air-cargo shipper, ended its operation in the Philippines after 13 years.

As the last FedEx flight took off from the Subic Bay International Airport, fears mounted that an unprecedented jobs crisis loomed in the country as some 900,000 new graduates and job seekers will enter the labor force in April.

They will join some 236,000 displaced workers expected within the first semester, according to group Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research, Inc. (Eiler). To cut cost amid the worsening global economic crisis, FedEx had decided to relocate its Asia-Pacific hub operations to Guangzhou, China.

FedEx operated in the Philippines since May 1995, signing a lease contract in Subic that was supposed to expire in 2010. But it opted to end the contract earlier, vacating its 300,000-square foot facility at the Subic free port.

“With the alarming increase in local layoffs as well as migrant workers displacement and the new entrants to the labor force of new graduates and job seekers, the jobs crisis will reach unprecedented levels in the next few months and will further exacerbate poverty in the country,” said Paul Quintos, executive director of Eiler.
Unemployment and underemployment in the Philippines is already pegged at 10.7 million last year, according to Ibon Foundation.

According to Quintos, over a million Filipino workers are in the “firing line.” Most of them work for foreign multinational companies in the export processing and special economic zones nationwide.

Most vulnerable to retrenchments are workers from the garments, electronics and automotive industry. There are 172, 907 workers in the garments industry, 212, 325 workers in the electronics industry, and 17,049 workers in the automotive industry according to the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics.

Likewise, thousands of workers in the mining industry, agricultural workers in copra, coconut, and pineapple plantations and other sectors engaged in export will also be affected.

About 590,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are also vulnerable to spiraling unemployment worldwide. These include some 129,000 OFWs in US who only have temporary visas; 130,000 seafarers in cruise ships; 268,000 factory workers in South Korea, Taiwan and Macau; and 48,000 domestic workers in Hong Kong , Singapore and Macau according to the Department of Labor and Employment. - SG

By Jay Gotera