(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 16 October 2024) Shear Line affecting Extreme Northern Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southeast to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Tuesday, 6 February 2024

DOLE secretary engages with Caraga employees, stakeholders

BUTUAN CITY – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, accompanied by Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr, brought a ray of hope in Caraga region leading efforts to improve the living conditions of the Caraganons as he provided directives to the personnel of DOLE - Caraga during his visit on January 22.

He dedicated time to engage with various stakeholders including the personnel of DOLE - Caraga, Field Office heads, members of management committee, regional coordinating committee, and DOLE - Caraga employees association fostering a comprehensive dialogue with key entities associated with the department.

The labor secretary’s visit aimed at ensuring the broad outreach and support of DOLE programs for the marginalized and vulnerable sectors in the region. Emphasizing DOLE’s role as a catalyst in improving living conditions, Laguesma encouraged the agency to play a vital role in advancing the nation’s goals, aligning with the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration. 

“Naniniwala po ako sa layunin ng ating Pangulo Bongbong Marcos Jr. Tayo po ay magiging bahagi at very active and aggressive contributor po tayo. At ang makikita natin na pangarap na magkaroon ng isang matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay sa bawat mamayang Pilipino ay magkakaroon po ng katuparan,” Laguesma said during the dialogue with DOLE officials and heads of attached agencies. 

During the interactions, the secretary addressed controversies involving the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program being implicated in political actions. He emphasized the importance of DOLE personnel abstaining from involvement in these matters and urged them to adhere strictly to the program’s guidelines and the Commission on Audit’s laws and regulations. Laguesma commended the regional  director for exhibiting effective leadership in maintaining a balanced approach amidst competing interest.

“I’d like to commend your region headed by the Dir. Suyao for being able to manage and wade through very difficult and challenging circumstances over the previous years. Hindi lang po yung nakaraang taon but even earlier than that,” Laguesma said.

DOLE - Caraga Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao expressed sincere gratitude to the labor secretary for his leadership in setting the tone for public service marked by innovation, dedication, and resilience, ensuring the delivery of transformational and quality services to the people of Caraga. 

“Your leadership not only set the tone for us in how we deliver service to the Caraganons and the entire country, but you also gave us much inspiration to deliver our best and achieve what we call an outstanding collective accomplishment from the men and women of DOLE - Caraga,” Suyao said.

In a forward-looking approach for 2024, Laguesma unveiled a comprehensive strategy for the DOLE Employment Plan spanning the years 2023-2028 in Caraga. He underscored a focused effort towards bolstering support for the constituencies from fourth to  sixth class municipalities across all regions. This directive aims to enhance and address employment opportunities and foster economic growth in these specific areas. 

The secretary also commended the Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) implementing a two-tiered wage system in the respective collective bargaining agreements of Taganito Mining Corporation, Cagdianao Mining Corporation, and Hinatuan Mining Corporation.

During the visit, Laguesma and Bitonio seized the opportunity to oversee the turnover of livelihood projects that were specifically designated for identified vulnerable workers from the province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. This initiative aligned with DOLE's commitment to empower and uplift individuals in need through practical and sustainable livelihood opportunities. (Karen Kie Decamotan, DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)