Comval holds another “Bayanihan sa Paaralan” Stakeholders’ Forum

Compostela Valley Province---- “If we are serious in solving our country’s problems, we must begin in investing in our youth. There is no better way to do that than to build better schools, schools that teach them that their knowledge belongs to their families and communities, schools that will not take away their innocence, schools that will teach them the ways of peace, schools that will build, not destroy and will allow them to dream and reach new horizons.”

Speaking before different private and government sectors, Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy shared this message during the conduct of the “Bayanihan Stakeholders’ Forum” dubbed as  “Ako ay isang Bayani sa Paaralan, Bayani sa Karunungan” on August 27, 2019 at Big 8, Corporate Hotel, Tagum City.

Attending the forum were Gov. Uy, Vice Governor Maricar S. Zamora, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members led by Hon. Arturo T. Uy, Municipal Mayors led by Hon. Roberto M. Yugo, Provincial Government (PG) Heads and Assistant PG Heads led by Provincial Administrator Virgilia S. Allones, Barangay Officials of the school beneficiaries, Heads of the National Offices, high ranking officials of the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) led by MGEN Jose Faustino and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

 The Bayanihan para sa Paaralan is a program of the provincial government of Comval to address the shortage of classrooms in the different public schools of the province where they accumulated funds from the different private partners and stakeholders of the provincial government to build school classrooms.

 The program answers the issue of classroom shortage even without undergoing the usual lengthy government process of constructing classrooms.

 Dr. Reynante A. Solitario – Schools Division Superintendent of Department of Education (DepEd) Compostela Valley Division said that everyone is responsible for the personal growth and education of the learners. As they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.”

“Indeed, we never fail, as one community, one village, one province with one vision, and we are working together to raise responsible members of the community,” Solitario added.

Solitario also expressed his gratitude to the active and very supportive Comval officials led by Gov. Uy as the champion partners in all education programs.

Meanwhile, the program becomes successful were the stakeholders do their pledge of commitments to help the financial needs to build another five (5) better school classrooms in far-flung areas as they were also long-affected by conflicts, oftentimes used by some groups who wish to take advantage of the innocence of children.

 The areas identified to build five schools are in Sitio Side 4 Mangayon, Compostela  to further accommodate more students. Another is in Panansalan, Compostela, in Pagsabangan and Manurigao in New Bataan and in Sitio Sapanglubog, Tibagon Pantukan, Comval.

It can be recalled that the provincial government has turned over a 1-unit 2 classroom building each in Sitio Side 4 and Sito Putting Bato, both in Compostela on May and June this year.

Among the stakeholders who pledged their support to the program were the Ulticon Builders, Inc. who committed P3M Pesos; P1.5 M for Hexat Mining Corporation; P1.5 M for Udenna Foundation, Inc;  P1.5M for A-CUP Foundation; and P1.5M from the Apex Mining Company for the construction of school classrooms. 

Also gracing the occasion were the stakeholders of the different corporation namely; Carlos S. Gonzalez-President of Ulticon Builders, Inc., Noe B. Tajo-Chairman Hexat Mining Corporation, Inc., Paul Cuyegkeng-President and CEO of Sumifru Philippines, Dennis A. Uy-Chief Executive Officer Udenna Foundation, Inc., Louie R. Sarmiento-President and CEO of Apex Mining Company, Hon. Arturo T. Uy-Chairman A-CUP Foundation, Inc., MGEN Jose C Faustino- Division Commander, 10th Infantry Division, and Dr. Reynante A. Solitario of DepEd Comval.

 On the other hand, the governor said that the building of schools is part of the greater effort to secure a better future to all the children most especially those living in the highlands.

“We will commit ourselves to this greater purpose. I, too, will do the same. As what I’ve promised, I will dedicate each day as governor in ensuring that our children enjoy a future they deserve-one that is brighter, better and golden,’’ the governor added.

Furthermore, a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the private partners together with the provincial officials and the Commitment Setting and Awarding of Certificates was also done during the forum. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval, Photos by: Maryel Lasaca)

A 'difficult test of unity'

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Times

While our globe is burning -in every respect- G7 Summit: EU's Tusk says meeting will be 'difficult test of unity'. Nothing new for us!

Of course, the list of issues for this year's G7 summit is long, with escalating trade tensions with the US, the UK's pending exit from the EU and fires in the Amazon looming over leaders as they gather in southern France. What concerns me more or at the most? Everything.

    

Fact is: anxieties over trade war and climate change hung heavy as world leaders gathered in southern France for the start of this year's G7 summit on this Saturday (August 24, 2019) — with low hopes of leaders reaching a consensus by the end of the three-day meeting. Yes, very sad to say - very low hopes.

European Council President Donald Tusk warned that this may be one of the last chances "to restore our political community." 

Speaking at a press conference, Tusk said this year's meeting will be "a difficult test of the unity and solidarity of the free world and its leaders." In my opinion - a lot of people are not realizing this. Unfortunately... .

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting the summit in the resort town of Biarritz, said one of his main objectives is to "convince all our partners that tensions, especially trade tensions, are bad for everyone."

Thousands of people gathered in the nearby town of Hendaye to protest against economic and environmental policies, urging world leaders to take action on climate change and other issues. Will it help?

US President Donald Trump, one of the main players at the center of global tensions, arrived with his wife, Melania, in the afternoon. He and other leaders were due to be officially greeted by Macron later on in the evening.

Shortly before leaving, Trump again threatened to levy new taxes on French wine over Paris's digital tax on big tech companies. Tusk responded by saying that the European Union is prepared to "respond in kind" should the US president make good on this threat.

The ongoing trade war between the US and China escalated shortly before the summit, after Trump raised tariffs. The US-China trade dispute is believed to be a major factor in the current global slowdown, raising concerns about a possible recession. And who is the one paying the bill?

The massive, ongoing fires in the Amazon rain forest are also topping the agenda this year, with Macron threatening to withhold an EU trade agreement if Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro does not take action.

The G7 will launch "not just an appeal, but a mobilization of all the powers there, but in partnership with the countries of Amazonia," to fight fires and invest in reforestation," Macron said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she supports discussing the fires during the summit, but disagrees that blocking the Mercosur trade deal with South American countries would reduce the destruction of the rain forest in Brazil.

Our and our next generation's future? Open end!

Philippines' National Heroes' Day

The City Government of Davao in coordination with several organizations, city government departments, federations and the diplomatic corps jointly commemorated today, August 26, 2019 the National Heroes' Day at the Unknown Soldiers Monument.

(Davao City's Acting Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte during his speech)

By virtue of Act No. 3827 of 1931, the last Sunday of August was declared a national holiday in the Philippines known as National Heroes' Day. This was done in order to give honor to other heroes who are not remembered with their own legal holidays as Jose Rizal is remembered every 30th of December and Andreas Bonifacio every 30th of November.

The principal proponents of this act were historians and legislators who believed that there is an unjust gap in the national memory because many of the other heroes were forgotten and their contributions to the country were unsung.

August was chosen as the month for celebration based on the seminal events of August 1896 ("Cry of Pugad Lawin" and "Battle of San Juan del Monte"). Legislating a special holiday to recognize and remember heroes, both known and unknown would be an avenue for Filipinos to become enlightened on the richness of their heritage and thus encourage them to become better citizenz and to live noble lives.

Acting Davao City Mayor Bastian Baste Duterte and today's Guest Speaker Datu Rodolfo Mande

Are you 'bread crumbed' at work?

If we talk about work life and career development and if we carefully asked the question, if the boss commitment-phobic, we should try to find answers.

When I started writing my regular column at this corner in this publication almost six years ago (Businessweek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and Cagayan de Oro Times), I talked about trust in business, careers doubts, the forgotten attitude to say thank you, what makes a great leader, worries,differing in opinion, aggression's hotbed and war at the work place.

Stop bread-crumbing me, I told my boss! Can you please help me, Sir. That's an email, I got several days ago.

Our modern dating vocabulary is making its way into our work lexicon, and it’s bringing more life and color to the way we describe our experiences. Have you ever been ghosted by a potential employer? Or have you ghosted them? Now, thanks to the latest series of the reality TV show Love Island, we do have a new word for an old practice: bread crumbing. That's what I learned from a BBC-article.

“Bread crumbing is when you leave little bits of bread for someone. It’s a way of saying when you lead someone on,” explains Love Island host Caroline Flack. These small amounts of communication, encouragement or rewards ultimately might leave the recipient empty-handed.

Whether you’re being strung along in a drawn-out hiring process or your existing employer is leading you on, bread crumbing gives you “just enough” to keep you on the line. You can see it when your manager drops hints about new projects, raises or promotions that may – or may not – ever materialize.

“Bread crumbing is really a modern term for what we used to call intermittent reinforcement, which is one of the strongest ways to develop someone's behavior,” says B Lynn Ware, an industrial/organisational psychologist and the CEO of a leadership consultancy in California. She explains that successful managers use behavioral reinforcement to develop their staff through appropriate and proportional recognition and rewards.

But what if they’re not actually using it for employee development? It may be because employers are not aware of the range of opportunities available for top talent. The 2018 Employee Retention Report by the Work Institute, an employee research company, found that in the US, 40% of all turnover in 2017 was of employees who quit within their first year of employment. This was up from 34% in 2016. According to the report, the rise in turnover shows that employees have greater flexibility to find better employment elsewhere.

Alternatively, “it could be that the employee is not considered top talent,” says Ware. “Those people don't get recognition when they deserve it, because the employer is hoping they leave on their own.” The Work Institute report identified that turnover costs employers, on average, 33% of the employee’s base pay. Perhaps this is why it seems better to string along a less-than-perfect employee rather than immediately undergo the costs of replacing them.

In a healthy workplace, feedback comes readily and regularly. Take stock of when you receive rewards or encouragement; is it only during times of peak burnout, or right when you’re ready to call it quits? An employer who only offers encouragement or rewards in response to challenges may be more concerned with avoiding turnover than actually developing you as an employee.

Stay vigilant of how your manager communicates rewards to you, as well. If they communicate messages, pay rises and promotions without discussion, it can show a lack of interest in employee development. Two-way communication and negotiation are essential.

Following and quoting the BBC-report: a classic bread crumbing tactic is giving someone just enough to keep them busy, without taking the risk of doing something totally new. So, consider how your managers reacts to your proposals for new projects or ideas. Are they encouraging you to explore these new avenues? Or are they requiring you to stay on the track they’ve designed for you?

Finally, one of the biggest red flags is when a company routinely dangles promotions or promises title changes without following through. If they communicate messages, pay rises and promotions without discussion, it can show a lack of interest in employee development.

I am a member of Linkedin. Here I learned the following: workers continue to expect more from their employers in terms of engagement and development. And savvy employers know that developing their employees’ careers cultivates loyalty. According to LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report, which surveyed over 4,000 employees, managers, executives and talent developers, 94% of employees would stay at a job longer if it invested in their career.

So if you’re expecting your employer to go beyond empty promises and to facilitate your career development, set expectations. Ask your manager for feedback, discuss areas for improvement, and share your career goals with them. If you’re on track for a promotion, outline a clear track and timeline with your manager.

And allow me to quote the BBC-article again: If the discussion is stalling, share specific examples of your contributions to the team. Explain how your personal skills development will benefit the company as a whole, so your manager can clearly see how it relates to the big picture.

Ultimately, your employer should keep their word and remain engaged in developing you as an asset. Frequent, transparent communication and commensurate rewards are a must – breadcrumbs, but the right kind.

“I don't think bread crumbing is necessarily a bad thing. As long as the manager follows through on it,” says Ware. “Managers are trained to recognize talented employees and help them grow, and it should always come with follow through.”

If you find yourself picking up rewards and promises from your employer, just make sure the trail of breadcrumbs actually leads somewhere. If not, maybe it’s time to find a new path to follow.

Of festival and blessings

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Times.

The different activities and event of the 34th Kadayawan Festival in Davao City kept me very busy and enjoyable too. That's the reason, why this column is being published a little bit late. But, not to late, because Kadayawan will be going on up to the end of this month of August. 

Of course, as a member of the Davao City's (Mindanao's) Consular Corps, I am receiving invitations as German Consul for Mindanao for most all different events of this amazing and awesome festival. While writing this piece, the festival is still ongoing. The celebration offers an incredible array of activities full of fun and joy: dance group competition (just experienced yesterday, grabe!), street party and a food trip at the strip. Sure, Kadayawan is also about the indulgence in the best cuisines that Davao has to offer. Kadayawan is indeed a fest of sorts.

Living and working in Davao City since almost 21 years now, I observed this festival is becoming more and more awesome. As our good mayor Inday Sara Duterte said during the launching,  "We celebrate it annually not just to give Dabawenyos a reason to celebrate; we do it o we do not forget where we come from and what blessings we have received through the years, blessings which we continue to receive".

Living in Davao City, I strongly agree: We have been blessed not just with natural resources but favorable climate conditions, a thriving economy and peace and order. I go further. While observing global disputes at any corner, we are blessed in Mindanao. Not only Dabawenyos are showing the whole word how to get together as a multicultural community. 

Yes, this year's Kadayawan is indeed different, as most events have spread during the weekends of the month of August to ensure the city will be able to accommodate more visitors. I was surprised meeting you so many people during so many events from different countries.

First time ever, I came to together with Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte. He said, "A bountiful harvest, rich natural resources, disciplined an resilient people, dedicated public servants, safe community and a lot of wonderful opportunities."

Yes, we have to be thankful for everything, while looking to so many place on earth, where the situations look different and scaring. 

 I still remember then Davao City Mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte saying in 2009, " With global warming and climate change a very real phenomenon in our lives now, we need to look to our indigenous people for wisdom and guidance as they have been respectful towards their relationship with the earth!"

The Presidentsaid this ten years ago ... ! Happy Kadayawan 2019!

God bless Mindanao. God bless the Philippines!

A joyous Moment with Joji Ilagan-Bian

Cultural Potpourri 

BY MICHAEL EBRO DAKUDAO ON AUGUST 18, 2019, Mindanao times

Joji Ilagan-Bian with her Lion King birthday cake

“Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As King, you need to understand that balance and respect all creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.” Mufasa in The Lion King.

“This is my favorite quotation. Everyone who works for me is important; no matter how small and humble their positions are. They continue to contribute to the success of the so called circle of life…That’s why I chose The Lion King as theme of my belated birthday party. That is aside from the fact that I love the movie and the Broadway show. I can identify with Mufasa in terms of leadership style in my daily life of managing my businesses,” so expressed the lioness spirit in Purita Arsenia “Joji” Ilagan-Bian when she invited “family and close friends that matter most to me” to her 64th belated birthday celebration last August 9, 2019, held at the grand lobby of her IMS I-CHEF institution. And the Lioness Queen instructed me to be the secret judge in choosing the 10 ladies with the nicest animal prints on their outfits.

The Ledesma and Bian families

“We give small gifts lang,” she told me. But one “small gift” was an Art Deco-inspired necklace with diamonds and semi-precious stones coming from no less than her dear tita Emilia Sorongon vda. de Sitjar. The grand dame of jewellery came in a two piece outfit with zebra stripes; and was accompanied by her devoted son, Emil.

Having achieved success in no small measure, Joji Ilagan-Bian is particularly known for her ability to strongly inspire people to share her passion and advocacy in education and involve them in making positive change happen. “No doubt about it but my palangga is a respected leader in both business and education as she continuously transforms lives especially that of the youth. She truly makes a difference as a true educator, an effective woman leader, and a successful and hardworking business entrepreneur,” commented Joji’s buena amiga, the restaurateur Lena Benedicto, with whom I shared a table with.

Davao’s Diplomatic Corps

This “babaeng walang pahinga” holds leadership positions in many organizations: President of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines; Treasurer of the Asia Pacific Council of Hotel Educators; Past Deputy Chair of the East ASEAN Business Council; Chairman of the Mindanao Business Council (2000-2008); Past President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Founding Chair of the Mindanao Technical Vocational Schools Association and Philippine Call Centers Alliance. It’s a hard life that Joji leads but this amazing and always well-dressed woman would rather “je vois la vie en rose.”

The impact of her services transformed the lives of fellow Filipinos that Pres. Joseph Estrada (1997) and Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (2005) awarded her Medals of Recognition for her various contributions in business and education.

Joji Ilagan-Bian with her colleagues in business and tourism

“As a businesswoman-entrepreneur, Joji Ilagan is a prime example of what an empowered woman can do for her family and community,” admires the equally admirable Hon. Consul of Hungary Baby Maceda-Montemayor of her dear friend. Joji Ilagan-Bian, the Hon. Consul of Bangladesh herself, has established five hospitality colleges with international linkages: the Joji Ilagan College of Business and Tourism; International School Hotel Management (General Santos City); Institute International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHEF); Stockbridge American International School; and the International Management School. These international schools have come to form the network of the JIB International Schools, all of which are offering transnational, international and industry standards, skills-based education and training which allow its respective students to earn certifications that are recognized internationally.

Joji Ilagan-Bian with the 10 Best in Animal Print attires

Joji Ilagan Bian has a solid track record in community engagement in the fields of education, business, politics, civic and religious movement that spans more than 30 years. Various institutions have given her awards for her excellence in the field of education and business development. Among these are the Datu Bago Award in Business and Education (1997) which is the highest award conferred by the City of Davao; the Kabalikat Laang Bisig Presidential National Award for the promotion of Development of Technical Vocational Training in the Philippines and for the hundreds of scholarships that her schools have given to the out-of- school youth conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines in 1997; the Presidential Service Medal of Merit (2005) conferred by Pres. Gloria Arroyo; University of the Immaculate Conception Centennial Outstanding Alumni Award in Dec. 8, 2005; Patnubay Award in NGO Work for Education (2010); the prestigious Patnubay Award given by Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines (COHREP); the Mindanao Jaycee LEAD Award (2002); the Outstanding ASEAN Woman Entrepreneur Award given by the ASEAN Women Network (2017); 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award from Global Filipina Network in Toronto Canada; and the Australian Excellence Award for Alumni of the Year 2020.

JIB with the JIB students

In spite of her countless achievements and commendations, Joji’s dedication to continuing her personal advocacy has not waned or slowed down a bit. This lioness’ tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit come from the drive to help others as evidenced in her continuous involvement in education, tourism, religious affiliations and business.

Comval holds Eastern Mindanao Regional Scout Jamboree 2019

Compostela Valley Province----“There is a need to develop the potentials of the youth and ensure that they give a fair chance of becoming the hope that they are ought to be. This is where the scouting movement plays a big role,” this was part of the message of the Eastern Mindanao Region – Boy Scout of the Philippines (EMR-BSP) Chairperson Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy as he officially opened the EMR Scouts Jamboree 2019 at the Compostela Sports Complex, Compostela, Compostela Valley Province on August 14, 2019 with the theme: “Commitment to Excellence”.

With more than six thousand (6,000) Boy Scouts, Senior Scouts and Rover Scouts of the different councils coming from the Eastern Mindanao joined the said jamboree that will end up on August 18, 2019.

For the duration of the jamboree the scouts will undergo the main scout’s activities such as the Adventure Trail, Aquatics, Challenge Valley, Emergency Preparedness, Go Green Project, Global Development, First-Aid Bandaging, and Pioneering.

According to Governor Uy, “We mold our young people here to be leaders of their respective households, circles and communities.  Sooner or later, these young people may be the future holders of different positions in government. As early as now, there is a need to instill them the values necessary to become the leaders of the future.”

“Dako ang obligasyon sa BSP nga himuong responsible ang atong kabatan-onan. I perfectly understand this because I am a governor that belongs to the generation of the young. What made me the leader I am today are the platforms that allowed me to fulfil my potentials – youth conferences, seminars, and the likes,” the Governor added.

The EMR is composed of the different councils coming from the Provinces and Cities of Eastern Mindanao namely; Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao City, Tagum City, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, General Santos City, Agusan del Sur, Agusan de Norte, Misamis Oriental, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Saranggani Province, , and ComVal Province.

Gracing the opening program were the provincial scouting chairperson and council scout commissioners of the different councils headed by the BSP National President Hon. Roberto Pagdanganan, EMR Chairperson Gov. Uy, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon- Vice President for BSP Mindanao, Regional Scout Director Jesus Meris, Mayor lema Bolo the host municipality, DepEd Comval Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Reynante A. Solitaro, Assistant SDS Phoebe Gay Refamonte, Council Scouts Executives (CSE) OIC Mark Tenio and Dionel Batistel the Deputy Camp Director together with the high ranking officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP)  and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the different local council executive board members.

Meanwhile, SDS Solitario said that this is in response to the theme, Commitment to Excellence, that we are challenged to be wise as commitment is the language of the wise. It is also a responsibility and includes accountability.

Solitario added that “Commitment to excellence is different to striving for perfection because perfection is impossible. Excellence is very achievable and it is really an evolving thing. What’s excellent today may not be excellent tomorrow. So you’ve maintain a culture of excellence and commit it.”

The BSP is guided with its vision in preparing the youth to become agents of change in communities guided by the scout oath and law as well as their mission to help the youth to develop and acquire competencies to become responsible citizens and capable leaders anchored on the scout oath and law.

“If our youth exhibit the very values that the BSP uphold, then I can say with all confidence that the future of Eastern Mindanao and the entire Philippines is indeed very bright. If we are to solve our country’s problem, we begin by investing in our youth,” the Governor ended. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

SP ComVal strengthens Legislative Agenda

SP ComVal strengthens Legislative Agenda

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Compostela Valley is hands-on in the formulation of its Legislative Agenda for 2019-2022 during an intensive 2-day workshop last August 11-12 2019, at Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City.

“Dako kaayo ang role nato sa legislative in helping the governor achieve the SGLG Award (We have a huge role in helping the governor achieve the SGLG Award)” Vice Governor Maricar S. Zamora explained.

Throughout the workshop the Board Members voiced out their vision for the next three years. They demonstrated their desire to create more legislation that will bring inclusive and sustainable development for the province. Aside from creating new legislations, the members of the 8^th Sangguniang Panlalawigan will also look into previous legislations to ensure that it remains fitting to the present needs and situation of the people of Compostela Valley.

“Atong i-check through sa atong Legislative Tracking Division, kung unsay na incorporate sa mga codes and ordinances para magkinumustahay ang executive ug legislative (Let’s check through our Legislative Tracking Division as to what parts of our codes and ordinances have been incorporated so that the Executive and Legislative could update each other).” District II Board Member Macario T. Humol said.

The workshop was also a welcome opportunity for the members of the legislative body to better know their individual strengths and how it will fit the dynamics of a more productive Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“It is really nice to know who we are because the more that you are knowledgeable of who you are the more you can carry on appropriate behavior as you deal with other people.” Rosamyrna T. Gallego, National Corporate Training Manager of Alcantara Group of Companies and the facilitator of the legislative team building said.

In attendance in the workshop is Vice-Governor Maricar Zamora, Senior Board Member Arturo T. Uy, Hon. Nena G. Atamosa, Hon. Kristine Mae T. Caballero-Rañon, Hon. Adolfo C. Ang, Hon. Raul B. Caballero, Hon. Marie Jude M. Fuentes-Lopoz, Hon. Vivencia L.  Secuya, Hon. Renato B. Basañes, Hon. Macario T. Humol, Hon. Joseph T. Jauod, Hon. Raul C. Timogtimog, Hon. Christopher L. Jovita, Hon. Felipe B. Masambo, Hon. Charlemagne B. Bautista, Hon. Albert P. Camana and the staff of the legislative body.

At the end of the 2-Day Workshop, the Board Members have decided to prioritize 23 legislations. The Legislative Agenda will be tailored fit with the agenda of the executive branch this August 20-24 2019 during their Priming for Legislative –Executive Alignment for Development (LEAD) in DAPCC Tagaytay.

PHOTO CAPTION:
The members of the 8th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Compostela Valley proudly shows their accomplished Legislative Agenda. 

Philippine Nurses for Germany!

German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

[AHK News: Roundtable on Recruitment of Philippine Nurses to Germany]

“The German government is committed to facilitate the access of Philippine nurses to the German healthcare sector. The procedures will be streamlined and simplified, and the working conditions will even become more attractive”, stated Parliamentary State Secretary Weiss from the German Federal Ministry of Health.

“The Philippines is regarded as one of the top healthcare staff providers in the world because of the availability of skilled nurses, who are highly qualified, adaptable, hospitable and with good command in English language. As Germany has a high need for nurses and the Philippines shows an oversupply, there is a unique opportunity for both countries to create a win-win situation”, emphasized Tristan Arwen Loveres, President of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI).

On 13th August 2019, a roundtable on Recruitment of Philippine Nurses to Germany was organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) in close cooperation with the German Embassy Manila in honor of the German Federal Ministry of Health’s Parliamentary State Secretary visit to the Philippines.

With over 30 participants, Philippine and German experts from the recruitment and healthcare industry shared experiences and discussed possible steps for an enhanced procedure on the recruitment and allocation process of Philippine nurses immigrating to Germany.

Germany is facing a severe lack of nursing and care staff in its medical centers due to the German demography. In order to cover the growing shortage of healthcare professionals, the German government in cooperation with the private sector has been recruiting qualified nurses from countries outside the EU like the Philippines. The immigration of Philippine nurses to Germany has showed positive impacts in both societies and has created more opportunities in the market, however, the recruiting process still encounters several challenges. One is the necessary level of language skills; another is the recognition of foreign nursing studies in Germany.

With the goal to ease and fast-track the recruiting of Philippine health care personnel to Germany, the German government started an initiative to streamline the administrative process with planned effectivity in October 2019.

Singer, host, organizer, stylist

Leigh Rioux – singer, host, organizer, stylist

LIFESTYLE

By MARK FRANCISCO

 Cagayan de Oro Times

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Leigh Rioux

NOT everyone here in Cagayan de Oro can be as talented as this woman yet retaining and maintaining that same beauty and poise after all these years.

Meet Leigh Rioux! Leigh’s first love and will ever be is singing. That’s why during her elementary years in the early 1990s, the never-shy-and-always-bubbly Leigh joined amateur contests here in the city everywhere she could. (In the pre-cellphone and Internet era back then, amateur contests were the mainstream. They were usually held at the then City Bandstand, now Kiosko Kagawasan in Plaza Divisoria.)

Just like everyone of us, Leigh grew up and graduated with a degree in Mass Communication in Pilgrim Christian College.

Because of her immense vocal talent, Leigh also had ambitions to use that talent. Her destiny was Japan. For nine years from 2003 to 2011, Leigh became a solo singing performer in the city of Nagoya.

By 2012, Leigh came back to her hometown and settled her for good. For two years, she chose to rest and honed her other emerging talents privately.

In 2015, Leigh was ready to come back to the spotlight. She was invited and has consistently ever since among the beautiful Kagay-anons modeling in the annual Mags on the Catwalk from 2015 to the present which is held every last quarter of the year.

In 2017, Leigh decided to resurrect from her singing hibernation. By then, she started accepting solo gigs in various lounges all over – EBar, Limketkai Luxe, Skybar, etc. Today, Leigh is a regular at Jacko’s Grill in uptown Cagayan de Oro.

She likewise started hosting parties and similar events, even corporate ones like the Cignal series of activities here and in Butuan City that year.

The year after in 2018, Leigh discovered that she had another hidden talent on the side – event organizing. Thus, she started accepting organizing weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, debuts and other corporate events.

At the start of this year in 2019, Leigh also branched out in event styling focusing on such soirees as pre-nuptial, pre-debut and pre-birthday shoots. On the side, she endorses Christine’s Boutique.

That’s Leigh Rioux – a woman not just of diligence but of beauty as well. Whether it be in singing, hosting, event styling or organizing, clients will surely be satisfied.