Day care centers in the workplaces

BAGUIO CITY (May 24) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) called on companies and corporations to put up day care centers in their workplaces to form part of non-wage benefits for workers and their families.

DOLE Sec. Marianito Roque said the DOLE Regional Offices, under the family welfare program (FWP), will intensify campaign for the establishment of day care centers especially in companies with more women workers to help lessen the expense of early childhood education and ensure the children’s safety and health.

Firms with day care facilities already in operation are the Philex Mining Corp. and Lepanto Mining Corp. in Benguet, Unilever Phils. in Manila, and Central Azucarera Don Pedro in Batangas as well as the Tahanang Walang Hagdan in Rizal. Firms with lactating facilities, on the other hand, include the PAPTI, MNTEC, and Mitsuwa at the Cavite Export Processing Zone in Cavite; among others. # PIA-CAR

DA officials ordered to link up with SUCs

BAGUIO CITY (May 24) — Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has given orders to DA regional executive directors (REDs) to link up right away with state universities and colleges (SUCS) and work on collaborative agricultural extension services for farmers and fisherfolk.

Yap said the DA needs active partners like the SUCs to bring down new technologies to farmers, especially those in the 49 priority provinces that are envisioned under the Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan of 2008-2010 to deliver about 92% of total harvests over the next five planting seasons.

After President Arroyo unveiled her P43.7-billion initiative for Philippine agriculture, the DA forged at the Century Park Hotel on May 13 an agreement with governors assigning their devolved agricultural extension workers to the DA for the duration of the rice self-sufficiency program. # PIA-CAR

OWWA to honor OFWs on June 7

BAGUIO CITY (May 24)–In recognition to the sacrifices and heroism of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families, the Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration (OWWA) is preparing for the 13th Migrant’s Day celebration or the “Araw ng Pasasalamat” to the OFWs here.

OWWA Regional Director Manuela Peña said the activity is slated on June 7. She explained that these OFWs will be recognized for their achievements not only for their families but also in the community.

The Philippine National Bank, the city government and other stakeholders are giving cash prizes for the Most Outstanding Sea-based and Land-based OFW as well as the Model OFW Family. # FNM/PIA-CAR