CSCRO NO. V

CS Examination this October

2010-09-30T07:13:00.001-07:00

This could be of help to those who shall be assigned as room examiners as well as those who shall take the Civil Service Examination this coming October. For those in the Province of Bohol, Cebu and the entire country, so long as they have internet access.

It was in July 2009 during the background investigation we conducted for the CSC Honor Award Program's candidate in Bicol that we advocated for an e-application system to take CS Examination. A year thereafter, the CSC adopted "the On Line CSE Application Reservation System", which provides an e-application system to take CS Examination. What is needed to be improved further in the system, however, is the mode of payment and uploading of pictures. If the mode of payment could be done via banks or credit card, this could further enhance the system; and/or, if the applicants could readily upload their pictures via internet. This system of the CSC was already institutionalized even before the U.S. government increased the fees of their electronic Visa Application System (D-160), except of course for the advance feature of the e-visa application being implemented by the latter. At any rate, this could be a good project for the RP-U.S. government, maybe through the USAID to support, with the CSC as the pilot agency. USAID is presently advocating for transparency in government transactions through IT intervention.

Upon the request of CSCRO No. V Examination Division and CSCRO No. V Director IV Cecilia R. Nieto for the convenience of those applying to take the examination, in furtherance to our cyber advocacy, we produced an in-house video presentation to aid those who shall be assigned as room examiners as part of our advocacy project:

CSC Examination Administration Part 1

CSC EXAM ADMINISTRATION PART 2

[Inset picture: Director II Nissi Cherith V. Asis, Civil Service Commission, Tagbilaran Field Office, Province of Bohol.]

US$ 500,000.00 FUND FOR RP/US FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2010-09-22T06:03:00.001-07:00

It can be recalled that in our post of August 6, 2010, we advocated for an improved prosecution arm and to divert other programs to address poverty, which is the root cause of the problem in human trafficking instead of the U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr., (with utmost due respect) threatening us to lose P 11.4 billion non-humanitarian and non-trade assistance because prosecution of cases against human trafficking have not improved.

In a press release of the Embassy of the United States of America, Manila, on August 19, 2010 : the U.S. and the Philippine government through the DOJ inked an agreement in improving the capacity of the prosecutors and law enforcement sectors in our country to investigate, prosecute and convict Persons engaged in human trafficking. The project shall receive US 500,000.00 funding for . . . double click here . . .

P-Noy's MC No. 1

2010-08-07T15:04:00.001-07:00

Memorandum Circular No. 1 may have been issued in a hurry by the fact that the said MC has been amended thrice. It can be recalled that the first major blunder committed by then President Estrada was when he issued Executive Order No. 1. After signing E.O. 1 (which makes the term of office of all those coterminous with FVR's administration to end on June 30 1998 - without regard to the hold-overs and despite unwritten agreement for the hold-overs left behind - to properly turn over the projects and people down the line). Many appointees during the Estrada Administration were allegedly without extensive government experience. A year thereafter the cabinet was overhauled, little over two-year period, war broke out in Mindanao, allegations of corruption (jueteng) erupted, different factions from within the Presidency silently moves into different direction from within the circle of the Presidency, which resulted to political unrest. Barely a quarter after two years in Presidency - President Estrada was ousted in Office, escorted by his Chief of Staff out of Malacañang.

ADVOCACIES . . .

2010-08-06T08:53:00.001-07:00

It was more than two years ago that we advocated for the intercession of the Divine for our country to unite towards a common goal in the POWER OF YOUR LOVE, where we prayed for a day to come for our country to move as one towards a common vision for a peaceful, well meaningful, economically stable and environmentally sound governance of our nation and its people, destroyed by the decaying moral fiber of our society and lack of sense of patriotism. In our post, WHAT AN IRONY, we expressed how we suffered so much because of the catastrophe brought about by Typhoon Ondoy and Peping, poor strategic planning and how we should move as one to help those who are in need in "The Sprit of Volunterism". Prior to that, we advocated on how a simple person, a driver at that, could make a difference in the lives of our fellowmen within and without the government. We also advocated for IT intervention of CS Examination to facilitate effective, efficient and speedy administration of CS Examination. In support of the Gender Advocacy movement: we advocated for Anti-Smoking Campaign where we talked about how smoking affects our economic growth and as early as May 2009 have been advocating for transparency in government transaction through IT intervention. In support of the advocacy against violence on women, we advocated to be vigilant on crimes against human trafficiking. We are thankful that our advocacy are being heard by policy makers.

Lately, days after our post on human trafficiking, the newly installed US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr., brought forth to our attention the problem on human trafficking in a column of Rina Jimenez-David at the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Experts, however, agrees that the key area that could solve the problem in our society is "POVERTY", which we are now advocating through "GOOD GOVERNANCE". We hope that the good US Ambassador recommends to their government to re-channel the P 11.4 billion non-humanitarian and non-trade assistance to address poverty issues thru good governance and allocates some to address issues concerning prosecution of offenses involving human trafficking and empowerment of witnesses, including corrupt prosecutors and magistrates - rather than warning us to lose the same merely because our country is at "Tier 2 Watch List" in the current edition of the US Department's "Trafficking in Person's Report" (as if interfering with our sovereignty) - with utmost due respect to the good Ambassador.

Bohol Experience with Mr. Johnny Torralba . . .

2010-07-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

[After a day's work going over most of the towns in the Province of Bohol, a tiring day, after which a dinner with Manong Johnny Torralba and Romeo Terruel of the Province of Bohol's Special Projects Unit. This humble person and their organization helped so many Boholanos, silently.]

It was providential that in documenting the Tagbilaran Church on our way to visit 7 beautifully architectured Churches in Bohol dating back to the 17th century while going over to our destination to conduct area assessment and evaluation of the Province, we met Mr. Johnny Torralba along the way, who is about to leave. Mr. Johnny Torralba was the former President of the Association of Boholanos in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America (for 11 years) and the former Chief Executive Officer of Confederation of the Boholanos in the USA and Canada (CONBUSAC), which have been helping Bohol's development through the years. It's a rare opportunity to have a dinner with this man, who has been to different countries all over the world implementing developmental projects in third world countries while with the United Nations Development Program.

To Manong Johnny, thank you very much! Herewith is the message of Manong Johnny to all the Boholanos all over the world, to Manong Johnny and all the Boholanos:

BOHOL EXPERIENCE . . . A Special Edition

2010-07-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

(A briefing with BGen. Alan R. Luga, the Commanding General of the 802nd Brigade, 8th Infantry Division based in Carmen, Bohol, with the Special Project Team of the Bohol Provincial Office, Mr. Romeo Terruel, on the peace and order situation in Bohol)

Bohol is a such a peaceful and progressive province. It was declared as an insurgent free province. Its tourism industry is booming with more than 500,000 yearly arrivals. It has a rice sufficiency level of 110% even during the height of the Il Niño Phenomenon and the rice crisis. All sectors in the province participates in all aspect of its development. In fact, many government officials from third world countries visits Bohol to study how did the province made it - from the 20 poorest province in the country to a progressive, peaceful and a prime tourist destination province with a well balanced and sustainable development. How did Bohol made it shall be a subject of our special presentation . . .

Mga Likhang Handog Para sa Kababaihan

2010-03-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

"THE CSC's GAWAD KAWAYAN AWARD"

(Dir. II Hedy Lardizabal, CSC Region I [2nd from left] with Commissioner
May Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza and Chairman Franciso T. Duque III)

Every year the Civil Service Commission celebrates "Piknik sa Kalikasan", a program held annually at CSC grounds to recognize officials and employees who made extra ordinary contribution to mainstream gender equality in the Civil Service, the "Gawad Kawayan Award". For this year, Director II Hedy Lardizabal of CSC Region I was awarded the "Gawad Kawayan Para sa Katangi-Katanging Tagapagtaguyod ng GAD" for incorporating GAD advocacy topics whenever CSCRO I conducts Supervisory Development Course and Values Orientation Workshop in the Region.

(CSC-ARMM Officer-In-Charge Resurrection Pueyo with Commissioner
May Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza and Chairman Franciso T. Duque III)

CSC Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (CSC-ARMM), on the other hand, was awarded the "Gawad Kawayan Para sa Katangi-Tanging Ambag sa Pagpapalawig ng GAD", for promoting woman empowerment by recognizing women executives in ARMM through Regional Outstanding Lady Executive (ROLEX) Awards Program.

Compendium of Sexual
Harrassment Cases

The Office for Legal Affairs of the Civil Service Commission, a two time winner of the Gawad Kawayan Award in the past years, recently published Volume II of its "Compendium of Sexual Harassment Cases". One among the contributors in the drafting and publishing of the book was Atty. Elbert L. Bunagan, who teaches law subjects at the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) and an experienced book review consultant, who formerly worked with Rex Bookstore and other publishing houses. "The book is a product of the collaborative efforts of Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor, who was then the Acting Chariman of the Commission, Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza, Director IV Ariel G. Ronquillo, Director III Alexis P. Tabino, Director III Noreen Boots Gocon-Gragasin, Director III Ma. Theresa C. Fernandez, Atty. Elbert L. Bunagan, Mr. Edger P. Asuncion, Mr. Ronnie S. Villa, Ms. Melanie B. Guanzon, Mr. Abdullah M. Datu-Dacula, Mr. Vladimir E. Villacorta and Ms. Jovy Ancheta. The book is very informative. To some, its entertaining. To others, its interesting! iThe book is already available at the Public Information and Assistance Office of the Civil Service Commission Main Office at Batasan Hill.

KANTANG HANDOG PARA SA KABABAIHAN
NI EMIL GAPIT @ GIL COSTES

ANNOUNCEMENT:

HUMOR ME MAKOY CONTEST $300.00 CASH PRIZE!

Special Edition: An interview with Bella Dimayuga

2010-03-27T16:14:00.001-07:00

WOMEN's MONTH CELEBRATION

Kapihan @ Kwentuhan sa
Tagumpay ng Mga Kababaihan

AN INTERVIEW WITH BELLA DIMAYUGA and
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE PHILIPPINES

It was more than two years ago, sometime in 2007, when Jerry Hawe and Troop Edmunds rescued Troop's niece, Lani Ejercito, a Filipina in Palimbang, Malaysia. The rescue which was documented by Dateline NBC News caught the attention of the blogging community that many Flipino bloggers advocated to pressure the government to take more drastic action against human traffickers and strict implementation of the Anti-Trafficking Law to protect Filipino Women. It was in 2008 when law enforcement agencies conducted a crackdown and series of arrests against human traffickers in the country. Some women in Malaysia were also rescued. Those in the private sector, from abroad, conducted outreach seminars and programs to educate Filipinos on how to apply for work, migrate or enter the United States, legally. After which, others shared their knowledge and experience on Criminal Exploitation of Women and Children in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Sister Bella Dimayuga, who has been training, developing and managing thousands of Filipino entertainers and talents to be sent abroad for more than four decades , having been in the entertainment industry herself for more than six decades, in cooperation with the Gender Advocacy Networking Group of the Civil Service Commission, shares with us her insights and experience on how she trains Filipino talents and migrant workers bound abroad to prepare them and keep them strong, not to be lured from temptations while abroad, especially those in the entertainment industry. It is a rare opportunity to hear this woman speaks of her advocacy. Filipinos can!

Kapihan at Kwentuhan sa Tagumpay ng mga Kababaihan . . .

2010-03-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

[Sister Bella Dimayuga, President of the Bellestar Promotions receives a token from CSC Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor and Mary Ann Z. Fernandez Mendoza as Ombudsman Merceditas Navarro-Guitierrez looks on]

In commemoration of the Women's month celebration, the Civil Service Commission's Gender Advocacy Networking Group, headed by Dir. III Noreen Boots Gocon-Gragacin and Zeny Dinsay, both from the CSC's Office for Personnel Management and Development (OPMD) with the members of the group organized a simple, but meaningful, touching and elegantly prepared program: "Kapihan at Kwentuhan sa Tagumpay ng mga Kababaihan" to honor Filipino Women who made a difference in the lives of their countrymen. It might have been the first time that the CSC invited an icon in the entertainment industry, whose experience in the in her field of endeavor spans for over six decades. She started dancing at the age of four and made her first public performance at the age of six, until she ventured into talent management, development and promotions, then sent thousands of Filipino entertainers to Japan, Las Vegas and other countries all over the world.

A woman of passion, strength and perseverance, who believes in the capacity of Filipinos in their respective field of calling wherever they are all over the world, to serve God, their family, fellowmen and country. The woman we are referring to, is no other than Miss Bella Dimayuga, whom we call "Sister Bella", the President of the world renowned Bellestar Promotions. For those of you who have not witnessed this once in a lifetime public revelation of her secret to success . . . (TO BE CONTINUED)

Know more about the Philippine government's effort against : HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ANNOUNCEMENT: Silliman University's College of Law Graduates
Batch 88' Class Reunion.

Please contact : JAENA LAGUDA in FACEBOOK.

HAPPY WOMEN's MONTH! GALI KOREN Anaheim, California, USA

A Special Edition: In Celebration of the Women's Month . . .

2010-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

[Above picture from left: Dir. Noreen Gocon-Gragasin (CSC); CSC Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza; Ombudsman Merceditas N. Guitierrez; Bellestar President Bella Dimayuga; CSC Commissioner Cesar Buenaflor; and, Dir. Luisa Salonga-Agamata (CSC)]

An action plan in coordination with the private and other government sector is needed to institutionalize the programs and policies already set in place to mitigate if not to eliminate Human Trafficking . . .

Human trafficking of Pilipino women was an issue that hounds the Philippine blogging community more than two (2) years ago. The advocacy advanced by the community may have caught worldwide attention and may have brought about policies and action to lessen incident of human trafficking, if not totally eradicating its occurrence. Considering that the crime is transnational, one of the problem in the enforcement of laws against human trafficking is the proper coordination and networking to relay information to rightful and trustworthy networks of law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction to act on the matter, here and abroad, with the help of those in the private sector engaged in providing Pilipino talents abroad. Internally, however, measures to institutionalize policies and mechanics adopted to pre-empt incidents of such nature to happen was a topic discussed during the Kapihan. We have to protect our women . . . we have to protect our dignity as Pilipinos . . . (TO BE CONTINUED)

The Turnover Ceremony

2010-01-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

(Senior Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor turning over the CSC Flag to CSC Chairperson Francisco T. Duque III)

Today, the new Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission assumed office. After a Mass, a simple Turnover Ceremony was held at the Function Room of the CSC. The Honorable Francisco T. Duque III, is now the new Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission.

For his message: the Turnover Rites, with Office for Legal Affairs Director IV ARIEL G. RONQUILLO, as the master of ceremony - in You Tube:

Cauayan City, Isabela

2010-01-03T01:23:00.000-08:00

From Region V, we move on to Region II, also a victim of Typhoon Peping.

Long holiday break! Time to implement good projects to divert our focus from the routinary office work we have been doing for more than eleven years - sitting, reading and typing. Unless we develop our talents on our own and do other things we enjoy that could help others , we'll get burned out. Move on.

At present, many are not aware that the seed we planted somewhere in Isabela more than a year ago is now slowly gaining its ground. Like what has happened in Bicol, kindness reciprocates kindness. We would like to thank those who helped us in Cauayan City build : "One Barangay, One Chapel, One Community, One Church . . ." to spread Christian communities.

MOVE ON! Revisiting CSC MC No. 10 series of 2007

2009-11-07T19:23:00.001-08:00

One of the most Patriotic Law ever passed by the Philippine Legislature, which mandates a government establishment to implement was: Republic Act 9242. Its declaration of policy alone, provides : "it is the policy of the State to instill patriotism and nationalism among the people, especially public officials and employees, who shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and the Filipino people, promote the preferential use of locally manufactured goods that utilize local resources, adopt measures that help make them competitive and thus generate wider employment and greater benefits to the country".

The law further provides, that "the Civil Service Commission, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and in consultation with the concerned private sector, shall promulgate the rules to implement this Act consistent with the viable development plan for the sector".

It took two (2) years for the CSC to pass its Implementing Rules, i.e, CSC MC No. 11 series of 2006 only to inform the public that R.A. 9242 cannot be implemented due to the lack of tropical fabric. In 2007, CSC MC No. 10 was enacted: "the implementation of R.A. 9242 shall be on voluntary basis because of limited supply". In 2008, no circular was passed regarding the matter. Does this mean that the CSC is unpatriotic? NO.(Acting Chairman Cesar D. Buenaflor delivering his message during a Christian Life Concert, in celebration of the 109th Founding Anniversary of the Civil Service Commission last September 2009., sponsored by life.com, a Christian fellowship organization at CSC.)

We have been advocating for the revival of the fiber industry more than two years ago, in support of this Bill and the CSC MC concerning the matter.

Right after Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng, Cecile Soriano, the Administrator of Fiber Industry Development Authority, on October 22, 2009 - organized an International Gala Show at SMX Mall of Asia to promote Philippine Fibers. Close to 80 of the country's talented fashion designers showcased the Philippines' Pride:"The Manila Hemp"- which first achieved worldwide recognition as the preferred cordage or rope used by sailors and even by the US Navy. Imagine how proud we are as Filipinos in those days? The warships of the most powerful nation in the entire universe depended on the ropes made from the Philippines. Let us revive the glorious past! Let us revolt once again and lead a change to make a difference.

Today, Abaca and Philippine Fibers is also widely used for the manufacture of specialty papers, home furnishings, and novelty items. In her speech Cecile Soriano, said: “We hope to put Philippine fabrics in the center stage of the fashion world.”

The problem in implementing R.A. 9242 is the limited supply of tropical fibers because it takes time to produce tropical fabrics, especially when we are talking of supplying over a million uniforms to be used by government officials and employees. We should not, however, stop from there.

With everybody's help and support, however, like that of the AKO BICOL MOVEMENT, Chaired by Zaldy Co, after we featured Estanza:The Future City in Albay and after putting-up this site in return the kindness of the Bicolanos during typhoon Reming - it is high time for us reciprocate kindness with kindness .

With the present trend, we are hoping, praying and advocating that a day shall come for us to see fashion designers, models, artists, weavers and people from within and without the government all over the country to converge and move as one with Cecil Soriano of FIDA, MON FAVILA of the Fashion Artists Foundation, among others, to watch models doing a catwalk to showcase clothes made of Philippine Fibers - to attract the private sector to invest in mass production of Philippine Tropical Fiber to be used by government officials and employees - with the Civil Service Commission now, in the forefront. The Philippine Government is the largest employer in the country with over a million in strength. The CSC was mandated to implement said law and it has the authority to promulgate subordinate legislation. After all, the legislature, may provide funds for that matter. What is needed is to organize, plan and continue institutionalizing the advocacy. After all, this advocacy has an internal economic rate of return with multiplier effects as it shall not only instill nationalism but, could create jobs as well. The General Appropriations Act yearly provide funds for clothing allowances of government officials and employees. Government officials and employees likewise enjoys allowances for clothing when travelling abroad. We can make a difference, it is just a matter of faith and perseverance, like Cecile.

Let us then revolt, rise from the rubles of disaster and move as one, like our comrades in the Cordillera, Dir. Dang-Awan of BFAR-CAR and Mercy Bahatan of the CPLA, Willy Cabezon, et. al. of the BSWM, Gov. Aumentado, Col. Luga and Rebel Returnee Boy Simbajon in Bohol, who never hesitates to act whenever higher interest dictates - with the Civil Service Commission in the forefront. May our prayers be heard.

We have been advocating for the "Fiber For Life" as early as 2007 to revive the Fiber Industry not only because of our cultural heritage as a people, but in order to help our countrymen and the Philippine economy per se to recover from the ravage of disasters. From the Tinalak weavers in Mindanao and the Cordillera, the Piñas in Camarines Norte, Ililoilo and Aklan, the Raffia in Bohol, these multi-cultural Philippine Fibers symbolizes our pride as a people in times of peace, in war and, now, in disaster! The Raffia symbolizes the cloth used by the Katipuneros at Inabanga, the cradle of the longest revolt against the Spaniards by Franciso Dagohoy, in Bohol.

Cecile Soriano took the opportunity to promote Philippine Fibers with the Philippines ' Department of Agriculture, under Secretary Arhtur Yap. The Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) hosted the three-day joint meeting of the Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibers (IGHF) and the Intergovernmental Group on Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibers as part of the celebration of the International Year of Natural Fibers.

It has been an honor knowing Cecile Soriano, a friend, more than 15 years ago. Like most of our friends in our advocacies, Cecile rose from the ranks. She has been in government for more than two decades soon to retire, yet the spirit of patriotism in her burns so bright. Mabuhay!

THE SOURCEBOOK . . .

2009-11-07T19:21:00.001-08:00

The CSC through its Office for Legal Affairs under Director IV Ariel G. Ronquillo and Director III Alexis P. Tabino recently came out with a "Sourcebook on Administrative Offenses in the Civil Service", which is now available at the Public Assistance and Information Office of the Civil Service Commission.

In his Foreward Message, then Chairman Ricardo L Saludo remarked: "Through the years, the resolution of Administrative cases by the Commission, by other quasi-judicial agencies and by the courts, however, has contributed to a wealth of jurisprudence on the definition of administrative offenses and on the acts constituting them. The need to define the administrative offense, taking into account the latest jurisprudence, becomes more pressing as the Commission remains committed in its resolve to provide speedy administrative justice in the civil service".

The last time that the CSC published a manual defining the different administrative offenses in the Civil Service was in 2001, under then Chairperson Corazon Alma De Leon, entitled: "Manual on Definitions of Administrative Offenses in the Civil Service".

(Above inset picture: Dir. IV Ariel G. Ronquillo, Office for Legal Affairs, Civil Service Commission)

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HONOR THY PARENTS . . .

2009-11-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

November 1, 2009

The first commandment in the Katipunan Code was: "Respect and love your parents because they are next to God on earth" - Gregoria De Jesus.

The officials and employees of the Civil Service Commission paid their last respect to Ramona Zamora-Fernandez, the mother of Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez - Mendoza. Among those who appeared were then Chairperson Corazon Alma De Leon, during whose term the "Moral Recovery Program" (spearheaded by the CSC) became the catalyst of change in governance during the Ramos Administration and Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo, who believes that by honoring our past and present heroes patriotism among government officials and employees can be inculcated. Chairperson Corazon Alma De Leon is presently the Executive Director of Transparency International Philippines.

THE CHANGING OF GUARD

2009-10-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

By operation of law, Senior Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor becomes the Acting Chairman of the Civil Service Commission effective upon the rejection of the appointment of Secretary Ricardo L. Saludo as Chairman of the CSC by the Commission on Appointment.

Section 15, Chapter 3, Title I, Subtitle A, Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987, provides:

“Section 15. Duties and Responsibilities of the Members of the Commission. Jointly with the Chairman, the two (2) Commissioners shall be responsible for the effective exercise of the rule-making and adjudicative functions of the Commission. They shall likewise perform such functions as may be delegated by the Commission. In case of the absence of the Chairman owing to illness or other cause, the senior member shall perform the functions of the Chairman.”

More than a year ago, we published an article to revisit the government's reforestation program in "SQUIRREL AT CSC FOREST". In October 2008, we created the blogsite "POWER OF YOUR LOVE", to revisit government's program on peace, development and environmental concern. In July 2009, we made this site, "CSCRO No.5: Making a Difference" , for us to remember what has happened in Bicol during typhoon Reming. Today, what we have been afraid to happen more than twelve (12) years ago . . . happened.

More than twelve years ago, our problem was food security because of the La Niña (dry spell) phenomenon brought about by climate change. All of us from within and without the government moved as one to address the problem. Those in government , specifically in NIA, was then espousing to upgrade the Geographical Information System (GIS) of the entire country to provide our decision makers accurate information to predict climate condition and to implement a unified approach in agriculture and urban planning to address water and land use problem because our growing population. In less than three (3) years, the government silently constructed major dams, San Roque, Casecnan, Mal-Mar, Bohol Irrigation Project, among others, to provide adequate water reserve needed by the agricultural as well as the urban sector because of shortages due to climate change. The government has been advocating for the implementaiton of its complementary programs to address environmental concern, drainage and urban planning foreseeing future problem because of the change in climate condition. Nothing can be heard of about corruption and discrepancy in the use of funds to implement millions or even billions worth of projects. We can only imagine its magnitude today.

With the changing of guards, however, priorities seemed to have been changed until what we have been afraid of to happen more than twelve (12) years ago . . . happened. Who then are we going to blame for the lost of lives and billions in property by the recent typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng? We have been adequately forewarned more than twelve years ago.

We have been advocating for measures to revisit government programs on peace, development, environmental concern and urban planning even before Amando Doronilla wrote his analysis entitled: "Calamities as Catalysts of Political Upheaval", which was published in the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on October 19, 2009.

People in government comes and go. The changing of guards and colors passes as days move on towards another epoch in our history. Those left behind, however, still continues to hope that a leader would somehow emerge to continue the struggle for this country and its people to move as one. Ondoy and Pepeng drastically changed our landscape and our vision towards the future of this nation, which must be immediately addressed before its too late. The way the frequency of calamities hit our country from typhoon Reming, Frank and others, dictates that we have to review our property and document security procedures and manuals to consider calamity not only as a potential but, actual risk. After his appointment as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission was rejected by the Commission on Appointment, Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo gracefully turned-over the CSC Flag to Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza on October 16, 2009. Among others, it was during the term of Chairman Saludo when the Salary Standardization Law (SSL III) was finally enacted, the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) was implemented and the Pamanang Lingkod Bayan Endowment Fund was established, in a year's time.

Senior Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor by operation of law is now the Acting Chairman of the Commission with Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza as member. Like typhoons that comes and go, we have to move on.

WHAT AN IRONY!

2009-10-07T08:33:00.001-07:00

It is ironic that the intended beneficiary of this blog project, i.e., Albay and the Bicol Region per se, to help the people therein recover from the havoc caused by typhoon “Reming” - by featuring a CSC Awardee , a driver, who works at BIR RR No. X, Legaspi City, who makes a difference in his community, including the present development in a remote Barangay in Legaspi City without any means of public transport where he used to live – were the very first ones from the among the provinces in the country to organize a caravan to bring relief goods to Rizal, Caloocan and other places in Metro Manila. A lawyer, who is a President of a Foundation consisting of Bicolanos in coordination with Church based organizations, organized a movement to gather donations and transport it by land to the Metropolis.

It is ironic too, that CSC employees and officials in Region I, which sent relief goods to the CSC Central Office for distribution to the beneficiaries, by themselves was hit by typhoon “Pepeng”, specifically, in Ilocos Province.

Tragedy awakens the Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos. We seek refuge to the Divine that the kindness of those who have the heart passes on to those who have faith to move on despite the challenges of time.

We cannot find any images readily available in the internet to feature those who sympathized with us , to touch the lives of other Christians and good Samaritans along the way thru images and the cyber world. We hope that somewhere, somehow . . . there are still many left behind. There is hope, so long as we hold on, so long as we have faith.

Our landscape drastically changed. This is an acid test of faith for our nation and its leaders to formulate a long term plan regardless of politics and to heed the call of the Divine for us to move as one to rebuild our nation . . .

The Spirit of Volunteerism at CSC

2009-10-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

After the Civil Service Commission, its officials, employees and union (PINTIG), conducted relief operation for its more than 40 personnel affected by typhoon "Ondoy", some employees took the initiative to organize a volunteer brigade. The volunteer brigade was originally conceptualized and organized in 1994 during the term of Chairperson Corazon Alma De Leon, who is now the Executive Director of Transparency International Philippines, to instill the spirit of volunteerism among government personnel. It was during the term of Chairperson Corazon Alma De Leon under the Ramos Administration , when the spirit of volunteerism was promoted in the hope of institutionalizing volunteer brigades in government agencies. It was an epoch in our history when we enjoyed peace nationwide, a period when government and its people moved as one . . .

With the help of some seminarians and priests the donations gathered by the volunteers from among the officials and employees of the CSC were distributed to typhoon victims at Barangay Burgos, Montalban, Rizal, an isolated Barangay hardly hit by "Ondoy" not yet reached by relief operations by other sector. We learned later that GMA 7 Foundation conducted relief operation in the same area after three days, augmenting the limited relief goods distributed by the brigade.

It's touching to see old women and children wondering about their future.

The Spirit of Volunteerism:

(Juris De Leon is a MassCom graduate from Far Eastern University. She was the Director of "The Rubrics", which won an award at FEU's Indie Film making contest in 2008. Recently, she directed "Carl", which won the Best Story and Best Actor Category at GMA Cine Indie. She has been with Alimukon Advocacies for quite sometime developing her skills in freestyle video production.)

"ONDOY"

2009-09-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

After selling their house in a squatter’s area somewhere at Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City in the hope of raising his two children and an adopted child away from the environment where he used to live, Teody’s dream was shattered in a matter of hours. The house they bought out of his lifetime savings and from the money he loaned in a government financing institution together with all the belongings they acquired through the years out of his meager income vanished before his very eyes.

Teody and his family now temporarily lives at CSC’s dormitory, his second home, without anything but clothes soaked in mud and a grim reminder of the past. This is only one story of the thousands affected by typhoon Ondoy. It will take time before they can rebuild their dreams. They need our help . . .

GAWAD PARANGAL IN YOU TUBE!

2009-09-28T16:25:00.001-07:00

A day before the Gawad Parangal Program to Honor outstanding CSC Employees with Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo and Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez Mendoza, Senior Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor was the guest speaker in a Christian concert sponsored by life.com, a Christian organization at CSC. Regardless of religion, it is for the glory of God that we serve our fellowmen.

In memory of Joven Cagulada, President of the Department of Agriculture Employees Association (DAEA), who died at the age of 55 on September 19, 2009. He will go down in the history of DAEA as the DAEA President under whose watch, DA employees enjoyed having their own Health Cards.

Gawad Parangal in You Tube:

PAGPUPUGAY

2009-09-20T10:36:00.001-07:00

[CSC Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo taking his oath of office with Senior Commission Cesar D. Buenaflor and Commissioner Mary Ann Fernandez Z. Mendoza]

Who would ever imagine that a high school graduate - a driver, whose only wish is to raise a family from the meager income he receives from the government; to have a house he can call a home in a remote Barangay in Legaspi City, Albay, with no public transport; and, to send his children to school, with unserviceable toilets – could make a difference. Who would ever imagine that this person can touch the lives of those working in his office, his neighbors in their Barangay and his fellow parents in a public school where his children were enrolled. Who would ever imagine that this person can attract the attention of many and shall continue to touch the lives of others, WORLDWIDE!

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita with CSC Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo confers the 2009 Pag-Asa Award on Laoag City Mayor Michael Fariñas. [Photo by: BERT CANILANG OPS/NIB]
[Cesar Letada, Driver, Office of the Director, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region No. X, Legaspi City, 2009 DANGAL NG BAYAN AWARDEE]

On September 17, 2009, days after Vice-President Noli De Castro visited Barangay Estanza, in Legaspi City to oversee the government’s housing project in the area - Cesar Letada, a driver in the Director’s Office, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region No. X, Legaspi City stood before the Honorable Chairman and Commissioners of the Civil Service Commission, the Honorable Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita with high ranking government officials in the civilian service at Malacañang to receive one of the most coveted award being given to civilian employees – “The Dangal ng Bayan Award”. The affair was hosted by Director IV Ma. Luisa Salonga-Agamata of the Public Assistance and Information Office, CSC, who was formerly connected with the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP). [Above photo: Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the 1st Anniversary of Pilipinas Ngayon Na!]

[Cesar Letada with his wife and five children at their home in Barangay Estanza, Legaspi City]
[ Dir. IV Cecilia R. Nieto, Dir. III Salvador C. Villarosa, Jr. with Jocelyn L. Marifosque and the staff of the Examination Service Division with some teachers of Rawis Elementary School]

While the awarding rites attended by high ranking officials in the civilian service may have been important, the efforts exerted by those in different agencies of the government and in the private sector who extended their support to bring about reliable and accurate information during the conduct of the investigation and validation to gather information concerning the nominees - is equally important. [Photo: Dir. IV Ariel G. Ronquillo, Office for Legal Affairs (OLA), with CSC Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo. OLA sent five of its staff to conduct background investigation concerning the nominees]

In honor of all the awardees and those who participated in the undertaking, this is only one story among the many Gawad Parangal Awardees: “A driver who returned a wallet containing P 10,000.00 and who donated a used toilet bowl to benefit the school children in his Barangay - a very simple person, could make a difference WORLDWIDE!

CSCRO No. 5 Making a Difference . . .

2009-09-20T10:35:00.001-07:00

The weather was good in early morning on July 14, 2009 when a plane from Manila landed at Legaspi City Airport in Albay with a passenger on board to look for a man who, not known to many, touches the lives not only of his fellow government workers - but also of those residing in his community. A man who, due to hardship of life in Manila resettled in a Barangay somewhere in Estanza, a place without any means of transportation, to put up a structure he can call a home for his family. A man who loaned from a financing institution to purchase a motorcycle and thereafter organized motorcycle owners in his community to provide transport for their neighborhood. A man, who despite earning less than Two Thousand Pesos (P 2,000.00) monthly manages to donate their used toilet bowl to benefit the children of a public school in his community, deprived of clean toilet. A man who returned a wallet by searching for a woman whose picture appears in the walltet he found, whose husband was working as a technician on top of the highest peak in the entire Legaspi City. It is then but fitting to climb the highest mountain and to raise a flag if necessary for everybody to know that the good deed of this person is worthy to be emulated and for the public to know that government after all is on top of the situation with personnel who possesses the integrity worthy of the people's trust. There are other deserving individuals and groups from among the candidates whose accomplishment equal or even surpasses the nominees. Most if not all of them does not even expect to be recognized. Any information about the person or persons who are nominees of the award is very much welcome in order to provide the appropriate body accurate information about the candidates, which might have been overlooked by the validators.

Let it be then known to the world if necessary, like that of the AKLAN SPED CENTER, which now enjoys foreign grants for the construction a building to propagate the advocacy it promotes. After all, the advocacy of these people is worthy to be featured, in support of the Civil Service Commission's mission under the leadership of Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo with Senior Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor and Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez Mendoza for the government to move as one.

The day started with a simple early morning breakfast with the pupils of Rawis Elementary School, beneficiary of the Civil Service Commission Regional Office No. V's (CSCRO No. V) "Feeding Program Project" in celebration of the National Nutrition Month. We do not know if our friend Elsa Bayani of the National Nutrition Council is still around. Nevertheless, we hope this reaches the NCC to support this noble project of the CSC for us to move altogether, from within and without the government. Simple as it maybe, this is just a beginning of the advocacies we shall be featuring concerning Legaspi City and Bicol per se. Let us make a difference and may God give us the faith, strength and courage to move on.

Our story starts with CSCRO No. V's early morning Feeding Program on June 14, 2009. Simple as it maybe, its essence, however, is deep - for the children of Rawis Elementary School to realize that government reaches out - a government with people worthy of everybody's trust. In the book of Jeremiah 23 (1-6), our people deserves justice and equality from their leaders. The food feeding project of the government the way being implemented by CSCRO No. V, in celebration of the National Nutrition Month, in You Tube:

(Inset pictures from the top: 1.) Dir. IV Cecilia R. Nieto, Dir. III Salvador C. Villarosa, Jr. with Jocelyn L. Marifosque and the staff of the Examination Service Division with some teachers of Rawis Elementary School; 2.) Cesar Letada, Driver I, BIR RR No. X, Legaspi City, with his family; 3.) Dir. IV Nieto with the Chief of the Legal Service CSCRO No. V; 4.) Mr. Roy R. Luga with Atty. Diosdado Mendoza, OIC-RD, BIR RR 10; 5.) Dir. III Villarosa, Jr. with the Assistant Director of BIR RR No. X; 6.) CSCRO No. X's Legal Service Division; 7.) The Head of CSCRO No. X's Public Assistance and Information Service and staff; 8.) CSCRO No. V's Security Guard Jerome; 9.) Dir. IV Nieto during the CSCRO No. V's Feeding Program)

Legaspi City Today . . . Estanza Tommorrow . . .

2009-09-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

The most promising place in Albay today, specifically in Legaspi City, is Barangay Estanza. Located at the highest elevation in the City or maybe, in the entre province of Albay, the place is safe from calamities and destruction caused by volcanic eruption, such as the Typhoon Reming experience. Roads under construction were immuned from floods or lava flows in the lowland - which shall provide ingress and outgress to and from Legaspi City and to the soon to be international airport to be constructed. Roads under construction leads to other places in Albay including the province of Sorsogon. The climate is so cool and the scenery is so elegant that you can see the entire Bicol province right at your window from atop the mountain should you decide to put up a home or a villa, which you can convert into a summer getaway. It will take you less than 15 to 20 minutes drive from Legaspi City to Estanza.

The place is so promising. See it for yourself as Barangay Captain Antonio Lara shows you the future city in Albay - Estanza: in You Tube, compliment of Alimukon.com in coordination with CSCRO No. V and the CSC per se:

(Note: Research conducted at the internet disclose that Estancia is spelled either as Estancia or Estanza)

CS Examination Administration

2009-09-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

Relevant to the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), the Civil Service Commission Regional Office No. 5 , under the leadership of Dir. IV Cecilia R. Nieto, through the initiative of Jocelyn Lozada Marifosque and her staff at the Examination Service Division, produced an Audio Visual Presentation of the Civil Service Examination Administration on DVD. The project was uploaded in You Tube and was embeded on a free site. This can serve as a prototype of a cyber design where an AVP presentation on how to take CS Examination, with linkages to the application requirements, the forms necessary and even the payment of fees, which can be sent through banks, maybe done. In such case, bureaucratic process can be lessened. It could also mean less expense to the government and to its client, as the latter's expenses for transportation, time and effort shall be greatly reduced. It would also mean an evironmental friendly undertaking as less paper shall be used in the transaction. Additional revenue as payment of fees for its operational expenses can also be raised (CSC enjoys fiscal autonomy), to lessen government expenditures for its operation. Everything can be done via the internet.

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF (Double click here . . .)

CSC Examination Administration Part 1

2009-09-20T10:09:00.002-07:00

CSC EXAM ADMINISTRATION PART 2

2009-09-20T10:09:00.001-07:00

PROCEDURE IN THE CONDUCT OF CSC EXAMINATION

2009-09-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

This might be the first time that the CSC shall produce an instruction material without cost to the government to be reviewed and edited by its production staff via internet that can be viewed not only in the country but, worldwide. The project was undertaken through the initiative of Jocelyn L. Marifosque, the staff of the Examination Service Division and the CSCRO No. 5 per se headed by Dir. IV Cecilia R. Nieto.

Our first draft of the Video Presentation on the Procedure in the Conduct of CSC Examination, in You Tube:

CSCRO No. 5 Examination Administration

2009-08-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

Relevant to the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), the Civil Service Commission Regional Office No. 5 , under the leadership of Dir. IV Cecilia R. Nieto, through the initiative of Jocelyn Lozada Marifosque and her staff at the Examination Service Division, produced an Audio Visual Presentation of the Civil Service Examination Administration on DVD. The project was uploaded in You Tube and was embeded on a free site as a prototype of a proposed project to build a site with an AVP presentation on how to take CS Examination, with linkages to the application requirements, the forms necessary and even the payment of fees, which can be sent through banks. In such case, bureaucratic process can be lessened. It could also mean less expense to the government and to its client, as the latter's expenses for transportation, time and effort shall be greatly reduced. Everything can be done via the internet.

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF (Double click here . . .)

The CS Examination Administration Part 1

2009-08-22T19:26:00.001-07:00

CS Examination Administration Part 2

2009-08-22T19:25:00.001-07:00

Procedure in the Conduct of CSC Examination Part I

2009-08-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

THE SAN LORENZO RUIZ DIOCESAN GUILD OF THE DIOCESE OF LEGASPI CITY

The San Lorenzo de Manila Diocesan Guild of the Diocese of Legaspi City shall be commemorating its Annual Anniversary on September 28, 2009. We promised its President to help by sharing our talent to propagate the advocacy of the Guild before we left Legaspi City. Of all the places in the country, it was in Legaspi City where a guild in honor of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino Saint, was established. Any help or donation for the furtherance of the Guild's objective shall be highly appreciated : The San Lorenzo Ruiz Diocesan Guild (SLRDG), c/o Carmen N. Orpiado, President, SLRDG, Diocese of Legaspi Chancery, Legaspi City 4500.

PROCEDURE IN THE CONDUCT OF CSC EXAMINATION

Meanwhile, this might be the first time that the CSC shall produce an instruction material without cost to the government to be reviewed and edited by its production staff via internet that can be viewed not only in the country but, worldwide. The project was undertaken through the initiative of Jocelyn L. Marifosque, the staff of the Examination Service Division and the CSCRO No. 5 per se headed by Dir. IV Cecilia R. Nieto.

Our first draft of the Video Presentation on the Procedure in the Conduct of CSC Examination, in You Tube:

LEGASPI TODAY - ESTANZA TOMORROW . . .

2009-07-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

(Note: Research conducted at the internet disclose that Estancia is spelled either as Estancia or Estanza)

CSCRO NO. 5 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

2009-07-18T15:07:00.000-07:00