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Aris to visit Israel
By JUNE S. BLANCO BOHOL stands to get more of its arable land in the 2nd District irrigated. This after Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado is set to visit Israel that has succeeded in turning some of its desert lands into farms through unconventional irrigation methods. The Philippines may have river systems that can be harnessed to irrigate erstwhile rain-fed rice fields. But, Aumentado pointed out, there are still lands that have remained idle to date because these are far from the irrigation canals, or have higher elevation than the canals – or both. As such, the solon vowed to look into Israel’s agricultural technology in the hopes of expanding the irrigated lands in the province, initially in his district. He estimates the irrigation-hungry lands in Bohol at still 30 hectares. With this technology, Aumentado expressed confidence that the income of the farmers will definitely increase. The solon had grabbed the opportunity when the Israeli government invited him and other congressmen to attend the 2018 AgriTech exposition to be held in that country. Historically, the exposition attracts delegates from all over the world. To help arrange his itinerary to include site visits to demonstration farms, Aumentado is set to meet tomorrow with the Israeli ambassador in the latter’s Philippine residence. Because the coffee meeting will be at his residence, the solon said he expects the meet up to be less formal and therefore more productive, he... read moreDTI SAYS SURCHARGES ON CREDIT CARDS ARE ILLEGAL
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Asteria Caberte warns unscrupulous business establishments that are taking advantage of credit card holders by imposing surcharges. Caberte revealed the illicit tactics of some business establishments that are imposing additional charges on items purchased through credit cards of unsuspecting buyers who are not aware that these surcharges are illegal. “All retailers who accept credit cards for payment should not require the cardholders to pay additional charge over and above the price tag on the consumer goods and services,” Caberte said. Under Article 81, or the “Price Tag Requirement,” of Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as “Consumer Act of the Philippines,” goods and services must have only an appropriate price tag or label. It must not be sold at a higher price that what is stated and without discrimination to all buyers. Caberte also advised consumers who were tricked into paying the surcharges to ask for a refund and report the incident to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “Retailers should not pass surcharges to consumers for they are already paying annual membership fee for using credit cards,” Caberte added. “ In ensuring consumers’ rights, she revealed that the DTI is regularly monitoring business establishments.” Caberte warned violators that DTI is regularly monitoring business establishments to ensure that consumer rights are upheld. Caberte underscored that unscrupulous retailers will be fined depending on the gravity, and/or revocation of their business permit and license. For complaints and questions, one may call or visit the Consumer Protection Division at the following DTI’ provincial offices: BOHOL PROVINCIAL OFFICE, 2F FCB Bldg., CPG Ave., Tagbilaran City.... read more
DTI SAYS SURCHARGES ON CREDIT CARDS ARE ILLEGAL
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Asteria Caberte warns unscrupulous business establishments that are taking advantage of credit card holders by imposing surcharges. Caberte revealed the illicit tactics of some business establishments that are imposing additional charges on items purchased through credit cards of unsuspecting buyers who are not aware that these surcharges are illegal. “All retailers who accept credit cards for payment should not require the cardholders to pay additional charge over and above the price tag on the consumer goods and services,” Caberte said. Under Article 81, or the “Price Tag Requirement,” of Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as “Consumer Act of the Philippines,” goods and services must have only an appropriate price tag or label. It must not be sold at a higher price that what is stated and without discrimination to all buyers. Caberte also advised consumers who were tricked into paying the surcharges to ask for a refund and report the incident to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “Retailers should not pass surcharges to consumers for they are already paying annual membership fee for using credit cards,” Caberte added. “ In ensuring consumers’ rights, she revealed that the DTI is regularly monitoring business establishments.” Caberte warned violators that DTI is regularly monitoring business establishments to ensure that consumer rights are upheld. Caberte underscored that unscrupulous retailers will be fined depending on the gravity, and/or revocation of their business permit and license. For complaints and questions, one may call or visit the Consumer Protection Division at the following DTI’ provincial offices: BOHOL PROVINCIAL OFFICE, 2F FCB Bldg., CPG Ave., Tagbilaran City....DTI LAUDS QUEZON CITY’S ONLINE BUSINESS REGISTRATION: MOBILE APPS PUSHED FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO START A BUSINESS
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing for automated government frontline services through mobile applications and the use of electronic payment scheme to enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, chair of Inter-agency Ease of Doing Business Task Force, said that the ultimate goal of all the reforms is to make all frontline services online literally at your fingertips, providing a convenient and efficient means for public to transact with the government. Lopez cited the Quezon City (QC) government’s Online Business Registration, where applicants can file for business permits online. This allows businesses to easily register their firms in the comforts of their home/businesses. During the joint visit of the DTI, DILG and NCC, the QC government reported on the ePayment facility for business taxes and real property taxes. Payment of these charges can be made thru Landbank, Bancnet, or GCash. These reforms significantly improved doing business in Quezon City. “As we continue to cut red tape and streamline procedures, we are now moving towards automation of government transactions. In the age of smartphones, we intend to harness its potential to ease of doing business. With the support of DICT, we are looking at developing a fully electronic registration process using smartphone apps.” Lopez said Secretary Lopez also stated that with the enactment of the proposed Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, nationwide automation will soon become a reality. The proposed law mandates a central business portal that will link the systems of national government agencies and local government units, as well as the establishment of a...Local News/ Bohol Balita
D2 towns to align dev’t moves with district master plan – Aris
By JUNE S. BLANCO REP. Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado will discuss with the mayors of the towns in Bohol’s 2nd district their respective development plans to ensure that these jive with the District Economic Master Plan (DEMP). Aumentado said he will meet the mayors shortly to ensure that their plans dovetail with the DEMP, the details of which are now being finalized by a team from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The draft DEMP identifies infrastructure, tourism potentials, economic zones and telecommunications as priority key areas. The solon said only when these are established will a place be attractive to potential investors. More often than not, he said, investors pour money only into businesses that they are currently involved in. When they find a locale’s business climate to be suitable, they tend to expand. When they feel the business environment to be friendly, they may venture into new but related businesses. Putting up infrastructure like seaports, airports, roads and bridges, telecommunications will definitely make a place inviting to locators. He said these will facilitate the transport going in and out of the locality of goods for raw materials and finished products for marketing. The solon added that he has enlisted the help of concerned agencies in upgrading the airport, seaports and other facilities in Ubay – the perceived district “center”. The seaport has been expanded while the airport runway will be extended and widened. The DEMP will serve as the district’s development “bible” to make headway for progress. Otherwise, he said, development will be topsy-turvy. Harmonizing the towns’ development plans, he said, augurs well for the synchronized and...TESDA invites senior HS students, Tech-Voc graduates to the Nat’l TVET Enrollment Day
TAGBILARAN CITY, Pebrero 19 (PIA)–The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will bring its scholarships closer to those who want to avail of free skills training and even help its graduates in finding a job. With this, TESDA-Bohol is inviting all senior high school students and technical-vocational (Tech-Voc) graduates to come and join the National TVET Enrollment Day and Jobs Bridging Program on February 28, 2018. This will be held in three sites namely: Bohol Institute of Technology-International College (BIT-IC) in Tagbilaran City; Jagna Business Center in Jagna; and at Ramon Magsaysay Multi-Purpose Gym in Ubay. TESDA-Bohol Information Officer Marichu Cua said that the activity aims to provide information on the different Technical Vocational Education and Training programs for the Boholanos and to promote TVET as preferred choice of career. Cua said they will facilitate the enrollment of interested applicants to TESDA scholarship programs from 9am to 3pm on the said day. Enrollment is open to all Filipinos age 15 and above for those interested to pursue various Tech-Voc courses. Requirements for the enrollment include valid ID or NSO birth certificate and 1×1 picture. On the other hand, job applicants should bring their TESDA certificate and resume. This activity is open to the public....House considers on 2nd reading bill upping DEDVMH beds from 50 to 300
By JUNE S. BLANCO THE House has considered on second reading the bill seeking to increase the bed capacity and upgrading the services, facilities and professional health care of the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital (DEDVMH) in Ubay town. Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado of Bohol’s 2nd District, together with Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles of Davao City’s 1st District, authored the bill that also seeks the authorization of the corresponding increase in the number of hospital personnel and providing funds therefor. Rep. Angelina Tan, chair of the Committee on Health, Aumentado and Nograles sponsored the bill that replaces the earlier bill that Aumentado filed as the latter had sought a bed capacity increase of only up to 200 beds. Aumentado determined that 200 beds will not be enough to accommodate the growing number of patients, some of whom are already occupying extra beds along the aisles. The unprecedented number of patients came when DEDVMH acquired new equipment with competent personnel to operate them – and continuing to do so – and with an International Standard Organization (ISO) certification to boot. This made the hospital attractive to patients coming from nearby towns and even other districts, hospital records would show. Aumentado said the upped bed capacity also aims to accommodate islanders who now come in at an average of 80 to 100 persons a week after he mobilized his sea ambulance to ferry them to and from Ubay free of charge to get medical attention. Some are good to go after consultation in the Out-Patient Department. Others need to be confined. To marginalized islanders, the fare for patients plus watchers, their food...Bright prospects for Bohol investments in 2018-BIPC
TAGBILARAN CITY, February 6 (PIA)–Investment authorities in Bohol see a shining 2018 as they foresee an investment capitalization soaring well above the predicted figures. No less than the authorities at the Bohol Investment Promotion Center, an attached office of the Office of the Governor, bared this bright prospect at the weekly radio forum Kapihan sa PIA. This too as the BIPC tracked the registered the investment capitalization of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in Bohol topping the P1.5 billion in 2017. While the rise in capitalization has not surpassed the 2011 reported investments capitalization which zoomed from 800 thousand to P1.7 billion, BIPC Bohol head Maria Fe Dominese said investments have spiked again in 2016 on to nearing a full recovery surge in 2017. Speaking at the Kapihan Thursday, February 1, Dominese however believed 2018 would be a huge spike with the completion of the Panglao Airport and the brood of businesses it carries. The BIPC also pointed out that the Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCC) granted citation in 2017, would be an edge in attracting more and more investments, according to Imma Mylie Alo during the hour-long radio forum aired live over DyTR. The PCC has handed to Bohol, who was then among the 14 provincial finalists in the search for Most Business Friendly LGU in 2017. After PCC deliberations, it conferred to Bohol the Most Business Friendly LGU for Class 1 provinces, an acknowledgement of the ease of doing businesses here. Dominese added that the office has pegged the annual investment capitalization target P1 billion for...Antequera Duathlon 2018 registration until Feb 28
TAGBILARAN CITY, February 1 (PIA)–If Alicia had a trail run and an off-road bike race in two days, Antequera will do it in one: the Antequera Off-road Duathlon 2018. Now asserting as a viable sports tourism destination, Bohol is at it again this summer, with another grueling race showcasing Antequera’s trails and immersion into locals in a rub-bike run event. Set at 6:30 AM this March 18, the 5 kilometer (km) run, 25 km bike and 3 km run speeds off in the classic leave no trace race: participants who litter could lose, so they must provide for their race provisions while organizers put up aid stations where participants can refill water bottles or hydration packs. “We want this with least environment impact, so participants are advised to pocket their litter and empty them at the aid stations, outside help from non-participants or spectator, like food, hydration, tools, or medical assistance from any person not directly involved in the event in the entire bike course is strictly prohibited,” one of the race organizers, Russel Villas said. “Even pacing from a non-competitor or vehicle is not allowed at any time on the bike course, participants may walk their bike if needed, but they can’t complete the bike course without their bikes,” he added. Participants must complete the entire bike course unassisted, strictly following the designated track and specified as race course, or face disqualification, return to the transition area on the same mountain bike they started as a bike change would be ground for disqualification and immediate ejection from the race. Open to participants 16 year old and above...National News
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