Pasundayag Northern Mindanao 2015 gets devt council support

ILIGAN CITY, PHILIPPINES- Recognizing its significance to the tourism development of Northern Mindanao, the Regional Development Council (RDC) has expressed support to the conduct of Pasundayag Northern Mindanao 2015.

The support was conveyed by the RDC-X during its 104th Full Council Meeting held last month in Marco Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

Pasundayag Northern Mindanao is an annual event spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region to entice tourists to experience what Northern Mindanao has to offer.

It will feature the best of the region’s tourist destinations including its culture, arts and crafts, as well as, its investment potentials along tourism and related sectors.

This year, Pasundayag Northern Mindanao will be held in Angeles, Pampanga on May 11-17 in cooperation with SM City Clark Pampanga, DOT Region III, and the Northern Mindanao Tourism Council as major co-presenters.

The RDC-X also encourages Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to participate and showcase their respective products in the Pasundayag.(APB/PIA-10) - From iligan.gov.ph

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PSALM, NPC sign new O&M deal

ILIGAN CITY, PHILIPPINES – AFTER more than a year of void, a new Operation and Maintenance Agreement (OMA) was sealed by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and National Power Corporation (NPC) as to the operations of the remaining state-owned power assets.

Under the pact, it was stipulated that NPC will remain as service provider to the PSALM-transferred power facilities.

According to PSALM President Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., the agreement is in accordance with the provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) under Section 47 (j).Ledesma has explained that under the new OMA, “NPC will operate, maintain and manage PSALM’s remaining power plants and appurtenant assets, other assets and other facilities.”He stressed that NPC will be “tasked to maximize plant availability and performance, minimize outages and operations and maintenance costs, minimize long-term deterioration of equipment and prepare the assets for sale and transfer.”

Primarily covered in the O&M pact are the Power Barges 101, 102, 103 and 104; as well as the Agus-Pulangui hydropower facilities.Ledesma further noted that its precursor firm NPC will “provide personnel for supervision and preservation of PSALM’s decommissioned plants and other facilities to prevent the deterioration of serviceable equipment and systems prior to disposal or privatization.”

The agreement will similarly delve with the divestment plan for the remaining decommissioned power assets of the government – including the Sucat thermal power plant in Muntinlupa City and the Bataan thermal power plant in Limay, Bataan.

State-run NPC will similarly continue “to discharge its duties and obligations under existing IPP (independent power producer) contracts,” according to the agreement.

The company is also enjoined to “prosecute and defend cases related to assets covered by the OMA, and undertake titling for PSALM’s real estate assets.”
The OMA is the document that legally binds the transfer of assets and liabilities of NPC to PSALM as prescribed under the power industry reform law.(By MYRNA VELASCO, Contributor) - From iligan.gov.ph

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ICNHS names new building after fallen SAF members

ILIGAN CITY, PHILIPPINES –Two storey administrative building was officially opened during the flag raising ceremony at the Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) on Monday, March 16, 2015.   The building was named after two fallen Special Armed Forces (SAF) members in a ceremony lead by Rex L. Razo, Secondary Principal II of ICNHS. Also in attendance was Mayor Celso G. Regencia, Iligan City Police Office OIC PSSupt. Orlando A. Beñas and officers and  members of SAF.

According to Razo, the newly constructed building was named after the fallen SAF members in memory and honor of heroes PO2 Romeo V. Senen and PO2 Chum G. Agabon that died in the Mamasapano encounter in Maguindanao on January 25, 2015. Senen graduated at ICNHS of class 2003 and was a cadet officer of the Citizens Army Training.  Agabon and Senen are both residents of Iligan.

Razo said that the building was originally scheduled for completion in 2016, but following his policy of Strike While the Iron is Hotprompted them to decide to finish the building this year and name it after the fallen SAF members who died heroically and while the incident is still fresh in the memory of their loved ones and the people.

Emotions prevailed as the mother of Senen and wife of Agabon expressed their gratitude for the honor naming the building after their loved ones. (Malyn Cortez/English translation by Virgilio C. Garcia/CIO) - From iligan.gov.ph

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Northern Mindanao 10 joins 26th National Statistics Month celebration

Iligan City, Philippines – Northern Mindanao, through the Regional Statistics Committee, joins the Philippine Statistical System in celebrating the 26th National Statistics Month (NSM) for the whole month of October.

The month-long celebration in the region kicks off today Pearlmont Inn for the opening oeremony hosted by the Department of Health (DOH) with Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Rio L. Magpantay as the keynote speaker.

Presentation of Field Health Service Information System, Nutrition Statistics, Statistical Presentation from the Commission on Population and updates on HIV situation will highlight the opening ceremony of the NSM.

Meanwhile, agencies in the provinces, local government units, universities and schools will participate in this month-long celebration through conduct of various activities like motorcade, dissemination forums on various agency statistical outputs, statistics training, statistical quiz, poster-making contests, Statistical Exhibit, tree-growing activity, and radio interviews.

Activities for the NSM celebration in the region are posted at the PSA 10 website, http://nap.psa.gov.ph/ru10.

Earlier, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Office 10, held a pre-launching activity of the NSM at the PSA 10 office. Trivia questions about the NSM celebration were given encouraging participation from the clients.

The pre-launch was highlighted by the opening of exhibit for public viewing at the CRS area featuring the challenging experiences of the five provincial field offices of Region 10 during the conduct of the 2015 Census of Population. - From iligan.gov.ph

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Iligan City-Wide Stakeholders’ Consultative Assembly a success

Iligan City, PHILIPPINES –  An Iligan city-wide stakeholders’ consultative assembly was conducted yesterday at Frosty Bites function hall in Bacayo, Iligan city yesterday.

The whole day assembly was convened by Iligan city Acting Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo, Pailig Development Foundation Inc., MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Lanao Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Diocese of Iligan.

Acting City Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo is calling for unity between the different sectors of Iligan City, for only when the Iliganons are united can everything the Iliganons dream and hoped for Iligan will be possible.

This consultative assembly is in line with Acting City Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo’s consultative and participative type of government wherein the constituents play an important part in governing the city.

With 650 (six hundred fifty) representatives from the different sectors of Iligan who came and participated in an Open Space Technology consultative assembly, issues where given consultation, recommendation and solutions by the participants which was noted and documented by the assembly secretariat. This according to Acting City Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo is very helpful in solving the present issues that is burdening Iligan city, and that the consultative assembly is the key for a better Iligan where every sector is actively participating in making the Iliganon’s Hopes and Dreams a possible reality.( Rafael Closas/IliganWeb) - From iligan.gov.ph

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Bausch and Lomb Company and Hovin Company conducts free Blood Sugar Screening

Iligan City, PHILIPPINES – 127 residents of Iligan City availed of the free Blood Sugar Screening, blood pressure monitoring and free medical consultation during the Medical mission conducted by Bausch and Lomb Company, Hovin Company and Iligan City Health Office today at the Iligan City Pubic Plaza from 8:00 AM till 12:00 PM.

A short orientation regarding diabetes and high blood pressure was also given by Dr. Agrapina C. Gaite, Iligan City Health Office Assistant Chief.

According to City Councior Eusafino Obial, committee chairman on Health, he will do his best to try and pass a resolution and make this successful activity into a regular monthly activity so that the people of Iligan can avail of these services every month of the year.

This Medical mission is an initiative of the Community Affairs Office under the leadership of Doodz Dalangin with the help of Congressman Vicente F. Belmonte. This successful activity is also in line with the mandate of Iligan City Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo to create “Linkages” with private companies to fastrack the delivery of services to the people of Iligan.(with reports from Rafael Closas/IliganWeb) - From iligan.gov.ph

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Rafael Pondoc of Iligan City got 3rd Place in the 2015 Chosun University Presidential International Poomsae Takewondo Championship

Iligan City, PHILIPPINES – Taekwondo trainees from all over the world especially Philippines were invited to the 2015 Chosun University International Taekwondo Academy last July 17-24,2015 in Gwang-Ju, Republic of Korea.

There were seventeen(17) taekwondo trainees chosen to represent our country and one of them is our very own Iligan taekwondo couach Mr. Rafael Pondoc.  Mr. Pondoc got the third(3rd) place in the event entitled 2015 Chosun University Presidential International Poomsae Taekwondo Championship on July 19,2015 in the place described above.  Also, he was given recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the success of the said event.

The award was given by Suh, Chae-Hong, Acting President, and Organizing Committee of the 2015 Chosun University International Taekwondo Academy.

This invitation is to create a field of global harmony where capability is improved and the spirit of taekwondo is distributed through instruction by international champions and high rank masters. - From iligan.gov.ph

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Source code review applications extended until September 30—Comelec

Iligan City, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday that parties or groups interested in conducting local source code review in connection with the automated election system for the May 9, 2016 national and local elections may file their written requests to participate not later than September 30, 2015.

Interested parties or groups must file a written request before the Commission’s Steering Committee signifying its intent to participate in the local source code review. The written request shall be filed during regular office hours at the Office of Commissioner Christian Robert S. Lim, Chairperson of Comelec’s Steering Committee.

The Comelec said parties or groups interested in the local source code review must belong to any of the following: political parties or coalition of parties duly registered by the Commission or legitimate organizations or groups duly accredited by the Commission, which include duly accredited citizens’ arms; two (2) Information Technology (IT) groups recommended by the Comelec Advisory Council which are known for their expertise, integrity and independence in the IT community; or is a host educational institution.

In Comelec Resolution No. 9987, promulgated 14 September 2015, the Comelec said the conduct of a local source code review “seeks to provide interested parties and groups an opportunity to inspect the source codes in the Automated Elections System.”

Covered in the review include the source codes of the Vote Counting Machine (VCM), the Consolidated Canvassing System (CCS) and the Election Management System (EMS).

“The source code review shall involve two phases. The first phase covers the review of the baseline source codes. The second phase covers the review of the source codes after the systems have been customized and configured according to the preference and needs of the Commission,” the Resolution furthered.

Section 12 of Republic Act No. 9369 directs that “once an Automated Election System Technology is selected for implementation, the Commission shall promptly make the source code available and open to any interested party or group which may conduct their own review thereof. The conduct of the sufficient source code review by any interested party will enhance public acceptance of and build public confidence in the Automated Election System. (Comelec) - From iligan.gov.ph

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Iligan City to Investigate the Oil Spill at Nunocan Coastal Area

Iligan City, Philippines – Honorable City Councilor Marlene L. Young is pushing for an investigation of an Oil Spill affecting the coastal area of Nunocan, Barangay Maria Cristina and Barangay Suarez this city.

This was declared after an ocular inspection of the oil spill which is estimated to affect an estimated area of two (2) hectares along the shoreline of Barangays Maria Cristina and Suarez.

The said ocular inspection was conceived after an initial report from the barangay officials of Barangay Maria Cristina to the City Environment Management Office. Councilor Young immediately informed one of the members of the Executive Management Board of Global steel about the said oil spill but declared that he has no knowledge of the said oil spill.

Because of this incident, Councilor Young deemed it necessary to make a Legislative Inquiry regarding this matter which is scheduled next week with the Global Steel, Barangay Suarez Council, Barangay Maria Cristina Council and the Head of the City Environment and Management Office (CEMO) Atty. Ranulfo Cenas and other stakeholders.

The LGU of Iligan want to investigate and find the source of this oil spill and contain it before it can spread out and damage more coastal area of Iligan City.

Among those agencies and offices who responded to yesterday’s inspection were the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ICDRRMO), the Philippine Coast Guard who immediately implanted an oil spill boom to the area, Philippine Army, City Mayor’s Office (CMO) – Social Media, CMO-City Information Office and CAD-IliganWeb.#(by Rafael Closas/Photo Credit to Arthur Sabilla/IliganWeb) - From iligan.gov.ph

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Iligan City kicks off Diyandi Festival 2015

Iligan City, Philippines  – Excitement fills the environs of Iligan with the official launching of this year’s Diyandi Festival on September 4, 2015.

Acting City Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo met the press at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall, along with the members of the Iligan City Fiesta Executive Management Board, to announce activities lined-up, after which a motorcade followed, to broadcast to everyone the start of the month-long revelry.

The motorcade enroute to the Rizal Park for an opening salvo of the city’s fiesta celebration in September, honoring Iligan’s Patron Saint Michael, the Archangel.

In his message, Marzo said the success of Diyandi Festival (just like the festivals in other cities) is commonly gauged on its “kabibo” or gaiety. This is why I made my instruction to the Executive Management Board in three words: “Pabibohon Ang Iligan.”

“Pagpabibo” includes the holding of crowd-fascinating socio-cultural activities, sports competitions and special events in parallel with Iligan tri-people’s distinctive devotion to our Patron Saint Michael.

Peace and order is also a priority of the celebration, said Marzo. - From iligan.gov.ph

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PNoy declares September 25 a holiday for Eid’l Adha

Iligan City, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has declared September 25 a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid’l Adha.

Aquino signed on Tuesday Proclamation No. 1128 which noted that Eid’l Adha is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam.

According to the website of Aquino’s office, Eid’l Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Abraham to obey God.

September 25 falls on a Friday, meaning Filipinos will have a long weekend next week.

Aquino said the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommends that the observance of Eid’l Adha in the Philippines be on September 25 based on the Islamic Calendar and the declaration made by Saudi Arabia’s highest religious authority. - From iligan.gov.ph

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Iligan City to Investigate the Oil Spill at Nunocan Coastal Area

Iligan City, Philippines – Honorable City Councilor Marlene L. Young is pushing for an investigation of an Oil Spill affecting the coastal area of Nunocan, Barangay Maria Cristina and Barangay Suarez this city.

This was declared after an ocular inspection of the oil spill which is estimated to affect an estimated area of two (2) hectares along the shoreline of Barangays Maria Cristina and Suarez.

The said ocular inspection was conceived after an initial report from the barangay officials of Barangay Maria Cristina to the City Environment Management Office. Councilor Young immediately informed one of the members of the Executive Management Board of Global steel about the said oil spill but declared that he has no knowledge of the said oil spill.

Because of this incident, Councilor Young deemed it necessary to make a Legislative Inquiry regarding this matter which is scheduled next week with the Global Steel, Barangay Suarez Council, Barangay Maria Cristina Council and the Head of the City Environment and Management Office (CEMO) Atty. Ranulfo Cenas and other stakeholders.

The LGU of Iligan want to investigate and find the source of this oil spill and contain it before it can spread out and damage more coastal area of Iligan City.

Among those agencies and offices who responded to yesterday’s inspection were the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ICDRRMO), the Philippine Coast Guard who immediately implanted an oil spill boom to the area, Philippine Army, City Mayor’s Office (CMO) – Social Media, CMO-City Information Office and CAD-IliganWeb. - From iligan.gov.ph

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Iligan City, PHILIPPINES – More than 300 Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) drivers and operators attended the consultation forumconducted July 4, 2015 at the Doña Juana A. Lluch Memorial Elementary School at 9:00AM till 12:00PM that was initiated by the City Mayor’s Office – Community Affairs Office (CAO) and the office of Iligan City Administrator Orlando M. Maglinao.

This is in line with Iligan City Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo’s HEARTS program that mandates a Consultative and Participative type of Government, creating a unified community and LGU in making a better form of government, for a better Iligan and a better life for Iliganons.

Also present in the Consultative Forum was the Land Transportation Office (LTO), PNP Traffoc Division, ICTMO, EEDMO, CCAT, ICDRRM, City Councilor Eusafino Obial and City Councilor Manny Salibay.

During the Consultation Forum presidents of the different Hinterland habal-habal groups voiced out the problems encountered by the group with their livelihood, which often involve traffic laws and city ordinances.

The Iligan City Mayor represented by his City Administrator Orlando M. Maglinao expressed his support for the forum and for the Hinterland Habal-habal groups with their plea, and that it will be course through proper channels and processes that will create a win-win solution to the habal-habal and traffic problem of the city.(Rafael Closas/IliganWeb) - From iligan.gov.ph

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Mindanao chief executives ordered to attend MinBizCon

Iligan City, PHILIPPINES – OCAL Government Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered all chief executives of the six regions in Mindanao to attend the 24th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) to be held from September 2 to 4 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Roxas issued the order following the request of lawyer Paul Gudmalin, Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) president and conference co-director, urging all governors and mayors from Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) to attend the 24th MinBizCon.

“Upon the request of lawyer Paul G. Gudmalin, DCCI president and conference co-director, concerned local chief executives are encouraged to attend the said conference,” Roxas stated in his July 11 Department Memorandum Circular 2015-62.

Roxas also ordered all Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional directors and Armm Governor Mujiv Hataman to conduct widest dissemination of his memorandum circular to the local government units within their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Roxas considers the MinBizCon as the largest annual gathering of business and industry leaders, government policy makers, and stakeholders in the region in order to push forward the Mindanao’s economic agenda.

Gudmalin said he expects more than 1,000 delegates coming from the different chambers of commerce in Mindanao, policymakers, investors, local executives, foreign trade partners, foreign chamber of commerce and the major industry players in the region to attend the 24th MinBizCon.

The 24th MinBizCon is organized through the initiative of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as an official area business conference in Mindanao.

The 24th Minbizcon is anchored on the theme “Winning the Asean, Gaining the Global Market.” (Bong Garcia) - From iligan.gov.ph

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12 Associations in Iligan receives “Livelihood Assistance” from LGU

Iligan City, Philippines – 10 Farmer’s associations and 2 Alternative Learning Centers received “Livelihood Assistance” from the Local Government Unit of Iligan City during a livelihood assistance awarding ceremony held at the City Development and Livelihood Office the other day.

The livelihood assistance which came in the form of wheel burrows, shovels, trowels, water hoses, knapsack sprayers and LPG set are just a few of the assistance that the LGU of Iligan is giving away to the different associations in Iligan City.

According to Committee Chairman on Livelihood City Councillor Roy L. Openiano this is a part of the local government’s livelihood program that is focussing on farmers and fishermen associations.

The 12 groups or associations who received the livelihood assistance were; Green Crops Pugaan Farmer’s Association, Digkilaan Entrepreneur Association, Alternative Learning Center-Iligan City National High School, Kabangahan/Rogongon Farmer’s Association, 5P’s Tipanoy, Santiago 5P’s Gardener Association, Iligan Abaca Growers Farmer’s Association (Digkilaan), Barangay Farmers of Lanipao, Bayanihan Association (Sta. Filomena), Upper Tominobo Banana and Fisher Folks Association (Upper Tominobo), Alternative Learning Center Quarridor Association (Wago, Hinaplanon) ug Bayug Island Aquamarine Fisherfolks Association.(with reports from Rafael Closas/IliganWeb/Photo Credit to Arthur Sabilla) - From iligan.gov.ph

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President Aquino ‘PNoy’ Final SONA today July 27, 2015 highlights

The final SONA of the President is expected to highlight the accomplishments of the administration, results of his promises during SONA 2014 and plans in his final year in office under his “Daang Matuwid,” or the straight or righteous path campaign.

According to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., PNoy will emulate her mother Cory Aquino who looked back at history during her final SONA in July 22, 1991.

“Iyong mga pagpili ng salita, ang tinitignan na rin mismo ng Pangulo ay iyong kasaysayan. Hindi na ito ordinaryong talumpati lamang, tinitingnan na rin niya kung paano mailalagay o mailalatag sa kasaysayan ng bansa iyong kaniyang panunungkulan bilang Pangulo mula 2010 hanggang 2016,” Coloma said.

Malacanang said that Filipinos will learn a lot from PNoy’s highly anticipated speech. SONA 2015 will serve also as guide for the Filipinos in facing the future of the country.

Coloma cited that the President remains committed to promoting inclusive growth to make every Filipino achieve his dream.

The administration’s allies and critics are expecting the President to end speculations by declaring the administration’s candidates for the two highest positions in the country for next year’s elections.

Aquino is expected also to provide updates on the passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Coloma said the Malacanang is setting a new target for the BBL to be enacted when Congress reconvenes after the SONA.

SONA 2015 in general highlights different aspects of the nation – economy, jobs, asset reform, education, sports, government and ethics, health and environment, tourism, justice, urban poor, issues in Mindanao, foreign affairs and national security.

Aquino’s speech report last year was the most emotional SONA so far but the Palace said it should not be construed as a sign of weakness of the president.(The Summit Express) - From iligan.gov.ph

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DOLE Iligan holds government internship orientation

The Department of Labor and Employment-Region 10 (DOLE-10), through its Lanao del Norte (LDN) Provincial Field Office (PFO) held a Government Internship Program (GIP) orientation on 15 July 2015 to its seven trainees of the Lone District of Lanao del Norte at the DOLE-10 LDNPFO, second floor of the B &B Building, Mahayahay Highway, Iligan City.

DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante underscores the GIP of the Department that provides an internship opportunity for college graduates/ undergraduates especially those who want to pursue a career in the government or in the field of labor and employment.

Eligible applicants are college graduates or must have completed at least two years of college studies or its equivalent. Furthermore, applicants must not have been formally employed or availed the same program with other government agencies.  They should also be between the ages of 18-25 years old and hold degrees in discipline or those considered relevant to the Department’s functions like economics, law, labor and industrial relations, political science, the social sciences and journalism, management, accounting, public administration and psychology.

Topics discussed were Labor Market Information and Employment Coaching.

The oriented trainees were then assigned to the different government offices within Iligan City.

Director Agravante motivated the trainees, “We hope that DOLE has given you, fresh graduates, opportunities to pursue careers in the government. Your three months’ work in your respective offices may have equipped you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities in the world of work.  It is our optimism that we, in the Department have served our purpose as your work role models.”

DOLE-10 LDN PFO Head, Remegio Cabañog further encouraged, “We believe that you are the future of our nation, and I hope some of you would become future public servants that have strong integrity.”

One of the trainees, Nancy Demontaño said, “The GIP of the DOLE is a big help to us, especially in equipping us with work experiences for future job application and promotion. And icing on the cake is we also get to enjoy and receive an allowance equivalent to 75% of the prevailing minimum wage in the region.” (Joseph Nathan Fabrega/PIA NorMindanao) - From iligan.gov.ph

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From cake shakes to the city’s famous lechon: What to eat when you’re in Iligan

ILIGAN CITY,PHILIPPINES – Social media has always been a good venue to get food recommendations. That was why before visiting my hometown of Iligan City, I wrote down my to-eat list—food I wanted to make sure I got a taste when in the City of Waterfalls.

I posted my list on Facebook. The immediate feedback from high school and college friends was that they felt nostalgic looking at the list. Who wouldn’t? We were all cities and countries away from Iligan and we were looking for a glimpse of the past, of the city that we all loved.

For me, it was a necessary exercise because when visiting a small city like Iligan—a couple of hours away from the more vibrant Cagayan de Oro—you will lose track of things to do apart from seeing friends and family. Iligan City captivates its visitors because of the friendly people but aside from that, a reason to visit might be to taste the good food that the city has to offer.

My friends helped me come up with additional items. Here’s my summary of the food in Iligan you should stop by for. This is in not in order of priority but a checklist for you on your visit. - From iligan.gov.ph

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DTI urges consumers to use Timbangan Ng Bayan

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines  – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged consumers to use the Timbangan ng Bayan facility to verify the grams or kilograms of goods bought from vendors, and business establishments.

This, as the DTI in Iligan City/Lanao del Norte Provincial Office has been receiving a number of verbal complaints from consumers on purchases involving the utilization of weighing scales within the public markets’ premise, this city.

“The Timbangan ng Bayan Project has been established to ensure that consumers are protected from unfair and unconscionable sales acts or practices, and that they get the best value for money,” Provincial Director Ruel B. Paclipan said.

He further said DTI has already turned over four units of Timbangan ng Bayan facility to the local government unit of Iligan since 2014. These facilities were installed at Pala-o Public Market and at the Wet Market in Barangay Poblacion.

A unit of Timbangan ng Bayan facility comprises of stainless steel hanging weighing scale, casing / housing and sets of duly calibrated standard test weights.

Paclipan also said they encourage the city government through its Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (EEDMO) to adjust the service hours of Timbangan ng Bayan to accommodate early morning and late evening buyers. Service hours of Timbangan ng Bayan facilities are usually from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Also, consumers have asked EEDMO to re-consider relocating other units of Timbangan ng Bayan to a more conspicuous place for easy access by the buying public, disclosed Paclipan.(Angelo A.Devero/PIA) - From iligan.gov.ph

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DTI-CMO Enlightens Seniors And PWD On Their Benefits & Privileges

Iligan City, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Iligan City Mayor’s Office (CMO) has enlightened senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) on their rights, privileges and responsibilities as consumers. This was carried out during the holding of series of Barangay Consumer Education Seminars in Suarez and Dalipuga last month July 07 and 20, respectively.

The same seminar was conducted in Barangay Poblacion, Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte two weeks ago August 11, 2015.

“It is really appropriate that senior citizens and PWD should be aware of the benefits and privileges accorded to them by law as they certainly deserved it.“, DTI – Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Ruel B. Paclipan pointed out.

In the seminar, paralegal Brando S. Domecillo of the City Mayor’s Office proficiently explained Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. In this social welfare legislation, senior citizens are entitled to discount and privileges, free services, exemptions, incentives, government financial assistance, and priority in express lanes.

Discounts include 20% off to medicines, fares, medical and other professional services, and 5% to basic necessities and prime commodities. Other perks involve a monthly social pension of P500 for indigent senior citizen, and death benefit assistance of P2,000.

Mr. Domecillo also presented the benefits of persons with disability as mandated by Republic Act 9442, an act amending RA 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Person With Disability.

“Since PWD has the right to live the same way as any other human being, his or her disability should not be a hindrance to live a fruitful and fulfilling life.”, PD Paclipan further emphasized.

Aside from the benefits & privileges earlier mentioned, younger PWD who meet minimum admission requirements get educational assistance for primary, secondary, tertiary, post tertiary, as well as vocational or technical education, in both public and private schools, through scholarships, grants, financial aids, subsidies and other incentives. This may also include support for books, learning materials, and uniform allowance.

Other topics imparted in Barangay Consumer Education Seminar include the eight Consumer Rights and five Consumer responsibilities, Consumer Act, Price Act, and other Fair Trade Laws.*(ELVIRA G. REDUBLADO/DTI Lanao del Norte) -From iligan.gov.ph

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