President Noy approves Agro Industrial Economic Zone in NegOr by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, May 10 (PIA)    President Benigno Aquino Jr. has approved the creation of the first Agro Industrial Economic Zone in Negros Oriental located in Barangay Palinpinon, Valencia. President Aquino issued Presidential Proclamation No. 156 dated April 26, 2011, creating  and designating a parcel of land in Barangay Palinpinon,  as an agro-industrial economic zone pursuant to Republic Act No. 7916 as amended by Republic Act no. 8748. The area which covers about 43,252 square meter lot will be known as Valencia Special Economic Zone. Prior to its approval, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) passed a board resolution declaring the area as Valencia Special Economic Zone. PEZA promotes the establishments of economic zones in the Philippines for foreign investment. A PEZA declared economic zone will ensure investors of world-standard facilities andsupport services.  The Valencia Hydraulic System Technologies, Inc., engage in the production of underwater equipment, is the first company to operate in the economic zone. The local government of Valencia which hosts the geothermal facility of Energy Development Corporation took the initiative of establishing its industrial park in a bid to generate more livelihood and work opportunities for local folks. The town has been identified by the government as a suitable site for micro-industrial companies as it provides electric subsidy to its electric consumers. (PIA NegOr/JCT)

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Dumaguete holds training for Task Force SAGARR enforcers

by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 10 (PIA)    Dumaguete City government has set to conduct a seminar-workshop on effective implementation and enforcement of local ordinances and values formation to all department heads on May 10-12 at city hall.

City Information Officer Steve Gabriel said the three-day training also aims to familiarize each role and guidelines to effectively provide services particularly in the implementation of theTask Force SAGARR (Special Action Group Advocating for Rapid Reforms).

The creation of “Task Force SAGARR” enforces existing city ordinances and ensures an efficient execution of the various tasks under the Office of the City Mayor.

Last year, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria issued Executive Order no.10, designating the City Administrator William Ablong as the ground commander of the task force.

Ablong now has called on the city officials concern to participate in the workshop to implement the local laws and address some problems in the city.

Gabriel expects that the series of training of the Task Force SAGARR team will fully operational.  He also anticipates the task force reaps result for change and reforms especially in the implementation of the regulatory ordinances.

To address the demand for accountability, under the task force 11 officials are designated to seven major tasks.

Team one, focuses on hot meat pursuit, chemically contaminated vegetables and stray animals is lead by Charles Tubog;  anti-smoking campaign, solid waste management, sanitation and food safety with Edgar Caro; truancy, anti-vagrancy, anti-mendicancy, prostitution, massage parlors, KTV Bars lead by Laume Quijote; 

Engr. Renier Enario for anti-squatting and idle lots; Joey Abella and Richard Duran, updated tax ordinance, business permit, omnibus tax ordinance, illegal and sidewalk vendors; Danny Atillo, traffic, road hazards and obstruction; Glenn Villamil, Market Code and Updated Tax Ordinance; Ronnie Calawod, sale of liquor; curfew; cyber space, night blocks and the city fire marshall, board and lodging houses. (PIA NegOr/ JCT)

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Dumaguete pushes casual employees to take CS exam

by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 9 (PIA)  Dumaguete City government has urged a number of casual employees who do not yet have any Civil Service eligibility to attend a review class on May 9 to13 at the City Season Hall.

In an effort to fill up the vacant positions and enhance competency, City Human Resource Assistant, Benette Jan Javier said the five-day review class is conducted for employees to give them a chance to pass the eligibility test.

Javier said at present some casual employees who have long years in service but can not be permanent   due to lack of eligibility to qualify a permanent position.

Hence, the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) has also urged all   department heads in the city to allow their causal or temporary employees to participate in the program.

The review of the Civil Service Examination prepares the government employees to take the test for the eligibility as requirements of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The CS examination will be scheduled soon for the level one and two examination (Sub Professional and Professional).

For his part, HRMO Ruperto Tenorio Jr, said the main purpose of this program is to equip the city government employees with the knowledge needed on the exam, enhance and prepare themselves to eligible in their respective endeavors.  

During the opening, City Administrator William Ablong has welcomed the participants and guests as Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria inspired them to work honestly and support city’s program and projects as the management has looked for their opportunities.

The instructors for the five-day activities include the Dean of the College of Mass Communication of Silliman University, Dr. Maria Cecilia Genove, with Josephine Acojedo, Delfin Eupalao, Crisilda Estravela and two from the government sector, Javier said. (PIA NegOr/JCT)