Job Vacancy: Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO) In Need of Gender Equality Adviser

The Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO) is currently looking for a GENDER EQUALITY ADVISER (GEA), who will be tasked to assist the CIDA Philippines Program in implementing the agency's gender equality policy. 

A detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for this consulting position is attached for your reference (this is also posted at the PCCO website at www.pcco.org.ph).  Specific requirements for the position are as follows: 

EDUCATION

§   tertiary preferably with post graduate studies in social science or other relevant discipline

§   relevant training in gender and development, governance, private sector development and local economic development

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrated gender and development knowledge and experience as it relates to institutional strengthening, poverty reduction, private sector development, governance, environment and local economic development, specifically:

§   extensive knowledge and grasp of the changing context (opportunities, constraints, risks, impacts, results and indicators) for promoting gender equality in development work in the country

§   previous experience developing policy papers, program/institutional frameworks and strategies demonstrating the complementation of gender equality with various development sectors and themes

§   solid experience in capacity building focusing on identifying needs, developing appropriate strategies and materials to facilitate transfer of technology (knowledge and skills) and developing and applying participatory approaches in the conduct of technical assistance, networking and monitoring and research

§   extensive experience in program/project level planning, designing, implementation, monitoring, assessment and management

§   substantial experience with international donors, NGOs and government agencies; also experience working as a member of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams

§   previous work experience or familiarity with the CIDA development program, and its results-based management framework

§   proven strong and effective networking and advocacy experience in promoting gender equality with organizations (NGOs/Government -- local and national)

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ABILITIES

§   demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and relationship building skills with partners and other stakeholders with various cultures and discipline

§   demonstrate multi-tasking skills and the ability to prioritize and deliver outputs as required

§   ability to work independently in remote locations under adverse conditions

§   computer operating skills at a level sufficient to undertake the tasks

This consulting work will be on a part-time, contractual arrangement with PCCO thru its implementing agency, Coffey Philippines, Inc.  The level of effort (number of work days) will range from 8-10 days per month for one year.  The professional fee is subject to negotiation, and up to a maximum of Php15,000 per day.   

Those who are qualified and interested to apply for this consulting position must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).  The EOI must be limited to 2 pages only and must contain the following information:

a. Complete name and current contact information (email address, telephone and cellphone numbers)

b. related formal education and special training

c. related knowledge and experience

d. specific skills and know-how that will be useful in this consulting job

e. preferred consulting fee per day excluding reimbursable expenses such as local travel during field visits (N.B. the per diem rate/financial part comprises 20% of the assessment with the technical qualifications accounting for the remaining 80%).  

Please send your EOI via email on or before 5pm Thursday, 31 July 2008, to: gea@pcco.org.ph, Subject:  EOI - GEA 

Only EOIs sent via email will be accepted (we will not accept faxed or hand-carried applications).  A shortlist of successful candidates will be selected within 1-2 weeks.  Only the successful candidates will be acknowledged.

For those already registered with the PCCO CV database, you do not need to submit your current detailed CV (just update online thru your personal account, if you need to). For those who have not yet registered with us, please do so online by accessing our website (www.pcco.org.ph) and submit a copy of your current CV to our registry.

We thank you in advance for your interest.  We look forward to receiving your EOI on or before the specified deadline.
 

GARY NITORREDA

General Manager

Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO)

The Program Support Unit of CIDA in the Philippines

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Abolish Philippine Value Added Tax (VAT) Burden Campaign

A signature campaign seeking for the removal of the 12% value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products and power is launched here by militant groups.

Bayan Bohol spearheads the campaign together with its allied organizations from the drivers, women and students sectors.

Effective Saturday, prices of fuel hit over P60 per liter as several bills in the Senate and the House of Representatives on the suspension and removal of VAT on oil and power remain pending.

There are two bills pending at the Senate that seek to suspend or scrap the oil VAT.

Senate Bill (SB) 1962 filed by Senator Mar Roxas proposes to suspend the imposition of the oil VAT for six months. SB 1977 of Senator Miguel Zubiri, on the other hand, offers to exempt petroleum products (as well as electricity) from the tax.

SB 1962 and SB 1977 have been pending at the ways and means committee of the Senate since December 2007. At the House of Representatives, the Gabriela Women's Party (GWP) has filed House Bill (HB) 3442 to cancel the R-VAT while Bayan Muna has also filed a bill calling for the cancellation of the VAT on petroleum products. However, these measures have yet to be scheduled for first reading.

"Everyone is affected, from households to business, everyone is complaining over government's inaction," Bayan Bohol secretary general John Ruiz III said in a press statement.

Removing the value added tax on power and petroleum products will give consumers immediate relief from the rising prices, he said.

Taking off 12% on the current price of premium gas which is sold at P60 per liter would translate to about P7 savings.

Bayan said a stronger stance is necessary from the government considering that the rise in oil prices worldwide is due largely to speculation in commodity futures.

There have been studies saying that as much as 60% of world oil prices come from sheer price speculation.

"Government has a duty to protect its consumers from such an exploitative scheme and should not allow the big oil companies to merely pass on the alleged under-recoveries. Transfer-pricing and the deregulated policy are conditions being exploited by price speculators," Ruiz added.

Bayan believes that it is justifiable to exempt oil and power from VAT as immediate relief of the present crisis and it can be done through a combination of direct action by the people together with pro-people legislation.- Kit Bagaipo, The Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Capitol Re-Engineering: What's In It For You?

By Kit Bagaipo

Even as consultations with the different offices of the provincial government is ongoing, the re-engineering of Capitol employees will formally start at the end of this year.

This was bared by provincial government Human Resources and Management Development Officer Romeo Teruel saying that the re-engineering system will be in place by 2009.

Capitol employees have expressed concern over the program fearing for their job security especially personnel who are under-qualified for the positions they are currently holding.

However, Teruel reiterated the assurance of Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado that the fears of employees are just misconceptions and presumptions.

Aumentado had said that employees who do not meet the qualifications of their position will be re-assigned to where their skills can be utilized.

The reengineering project is made possible through a grant from the Australian government under the Philippine-Australian Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF). The facility envisions achieving a sharper focus of Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) assistance in the Philippines. PAHRDF provides long and short term training support for its partner institutions. These HRMD interventions are designed to meet priority workplace development objectives. They complement existing initiatives that facilitate the achievement of identified development agenda.

Provincial Government Media Affairs (PGMA) head Antonieto Pernia said the re-engineering program aims to improve the delivery of services at the various offices of the provincial government by also implementing changes in personnel according to their competencies.- The Bohol Chronicle

Crisis Time: How Bohol Can Survive

With the country bracing for the worst times as central bank authorities now apprehensive of the country's inflation jumping to 11% in July-September this year, a local trade and industry officer says the situation may not be as bleak for Bohol.

While a double digit inflation rate may be the worst case in the country since May 2005. This as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) noted 8.3 percent inflation rate in April from 6.4 percent in March, this owing to higher food prices.

Consumers who monitor the steady increase in prices of commodities have aired concern just as increases in salaries and wages have been dismal, further aggravating the situation of lessened purchasing power of money.

However, Jose Hibaya, Chief trade and industry specialist at the local Department of Trade and Industry says the effect on prices may not be too harsh in Bohol and in Central Visayas.

"Inflation may not be as devastating in the Visayas, as we have the most efficient channel of distribution, which affects the prices of goods and commodities," he said.

In Bohol in fact, he admitted the presence of key distributors who deliver the goods to the towns, instead of retailers paying for the transport of the same helps keep the prices at bay.

At least, the factor of distribution costs would be out of the equation, he explained over the Kapihan sa PIA Thursday and aired live at station DyTR. 

If there are increases in prices, it would be close to the average rates of .5 to .10%, which the office has monitored since the food and oil price hikes were felt by consumers, he hinted.

He also added, "manufactured goods are not expected to pick up in price following forged agreements with the country's manufacturers." 

He said manufacturers, during a recent meeting, have agreed to absorb the incremental cost of production, which would help soften the impact of prices of goods.

When manufacturers absorb the costs, these are not passed on but are recouped by spreading out the absorbed cost, he revealed.

If the manufacturers do not pass on the cost of production to consumers as agreed, at least in the next three months, we do not see that much spike in prices, he explained.   

Is Bohol Eligible For Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Status?

  Boholanos still hope for fresh anti-poverty funds just as the country prepares a comprehensive, extensive and systematic funding proposals just as the country became eligible for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact status.

  Bohol poverty alleviation program has been streamlined using cost sharing schemes wherein the provincial government puts up its funds while tapping other funding sources as counterparts. The MCC is one opened option, Bohol Provincial Planning and Development Officer Atty. John Titus Vistal said.   

  Atty. Vistal, like Governor Erico Aumentado and the whole provincial council led by Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera also believe that Bohol stands a big chance of accessing the funds.

  The MCC, according to MCC bigwig John Hewko, is a United States Government corporation designed to work with some of the poorest countries in the world by giving them grants. He added that it is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance, economic freedom and investments in people. 

  "Its mission is to reduce global poverty through the promotion of sustainable economic growth and fighting corruption," Hewko said.

  Local Government leaders here have proposed grants on the Rice Accelerated Emergency Response for rice sufficiency, innovative livestock dispersals, skills training and job generation and highs school internet connectivity.
    

  Although it may not be ascertained yet if Bohol gets included in the national programmed projects for MCC support, Boholanos have been very positive that any of the proposed local projects get a fiscal boost. 

  At this, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was in Washington days ago revealed that the Philippines has designated former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Dante Canlas as head of the team preparing for the comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the MCC. 

  The President, who sat with MCC President Ambassador John Danilovich at a press briefing at the MCC Headquarters here, said formulating the plan has to follow a consultative process. 

  Thus, she added that providing the MCC with a contact -- the contact person who will be putting all these together would be a major step, as she reasoned why Canlas has to be named.

  The President said the Philippine government is taking no chances in its efforts to satisfy the MCC requirements, as she expressed hope that the government's proposal would meet the standards of the US government corporation.

  She added that the crafting of the proposal would be and extensive and in close consultations with all stakeholders. 

  "With the Philippines' population of some 89 million, reconciling the demands and requirements of the country's population is quite challenging. We are very religious about looking at the checklist all the time, making sure all the expectations of MCC are met," President Arroyo said.

Unregulated Entry of Sex Workers Escorting Foreign Guests?

Unregulated entry of sex workers escorting foreign guests has alarmed tourism stakeholders who ask for 'any' government intervention to complement their efforts of putting up the mechanism to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Sex worker escorts, each time entering Bohol with different foreign tourists, could expose local sex workers to the danger of HIV or STI infection. 

The problem is even compounded as some resort owners admit that some foreign couples swap partners and they feel helpless in stopping them. 

Feeling helpless on their end, stakeholders along the Alona beach bonded to protect their workers from the risk especially with the threat of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  

In partnership with Path Foundation Philippines Inc.(PFPI), a non-government organization, resorts have put up volunteer peer educators among workers and organized support groups.

That is to keep resorts safe from STI or HIV, which may conveniently go with escorts to tourists, a resort owner confessed. 

Since we feel helpless against this, we exert efforts on things we can do and hope the government could help us, says Gertrudis Bongo, owner of the Trudis Place, a resort along Alona Bay.

"Our peer educators dispense advice and share information on proper sex habits, adult education and protected sex to keep the threat at bay," she said. 

"We gather resort workers and increase their knowledge on HIV and STI, hopefully to encourage them to seek the right behavior," explains Lawrence Castro of the PFPI, who is organizing communities with higher risks of infection. 

"It's a real threat," agrees Ma. Girlie Bungabong, a peer counselor for the family owned Trudis Place. 

Bungabong, who along with another volunteer regularly shares sex-related issues to their co-workers, said they can never stop foreigners from bringing in escorts who are sex workers from Cebu and Manila.

Meanwhile, to keep the threat contained, Trudis Place, as PATH project partner, displays sex commodities like condoms in their rooms.

On the other hand, posh resort Bohol Beach Club, through human resource manager Joy dela Cruz said the company empowers its in-house workers to report any attempt of guests soliciting sex.

"We are definitely not condoning it, just as we are to seriously look into violations over the standing policy of no going out with guests", she said. 

De la Cruz, who shared she wants more peer educator volunteers for Bohol Beach Club also share a dream of tourism growing with workers protected and respected and responsible. - PIA

The Charter Day of Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Tuesday would be a non-working holiday in Tagbilaran City as it celebrates its Charter Day, July 1, 42 years after it earned it in 1966. 

The declaration is based on Republic Act 8267, which declares the day non-working special public holiday for the City of Tagbilaran. 

The city, which has gone a long way, after it became a town since February 9, 1742 came by virtue of a decree by Spanish Governor General Gaspar dela Torre.

Formerly called San Jose de Tagbilaran, the town was formally established as a separate town from Baclayon then. 

Historically too, the old settlement of a 15th Century Bohol, the place forms part of the "Bool Kingdom", states the city website.
 
Sometimes touted as a place called "tinabilan", which means "screened", the city is also shielded on the southwest by Panglao Island and north by Maribojoc mountain ranges. 

Tradition also tells that the word "Tagbilaran" was derived from "tagubilaan", a contraction from two local words tagu (to hide) and Bilaan (a Muslim marauder tribe). Literally, it means a place hidden from the pillaging Muslims. 

On July 1, 1966 by virtue of R.A. 4660, Tagbilaran became a chartered City. 

As a chartered city, Tagbilaran was established by a Congressional act and is then governed by its own charter from where its leaders exact powers rather than look up to the provincial, regional or national laws. It also enjoys a higher Internal Revenue Allotment compared to towns, a political analyst said. 

"This is the main reason," he pointed out, "why by its own charter, the city has achieved a significant level of development in view of the increase in its share of internal revenues." 

Meanwhile, another holiday for Bohol is on the offing. 

July 22, another Tuesday is Bohol Day, and is another special non-working holiday by virtue of Republic Act 7683. - PIA

Longest Grill Record in the Guinness Book of World Records

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso

The Palawan Economic and Development Council (PEDCO) assured that its next attempt to break the longest grill record in the Guinness Book of World Records will be well planned and coordinated.

From last June 23's cancelled attempt, the PEDCO is meeting in the following days, according to Board member Cipriano D.C. Barroma, to discuss several changes that would make the second try successful.

The PEDCO executive director said some of the changes that will be discussed are when the longest seafood grill would be held, a possible new venue, time of day for it to be held – all suggestions they received from concerned individuals and organizations.

So far, there is no tentative schedule yet for the said activity.

Barroma also disclosed that they have been in touch with the management of Guinness and were told that there is no more need for the PEDCO to apply again for the attempt.

The PEDCO is confident that the first failed attempt is not a hindrance for the people of the province to come and support the second try.

Barroma added that in fact, many groups that did not join on June 23 have now expressed intentions to sign up for the second try.

"Right now, there are more groups that have expressed interests to join unmindful of what happened last June 23. We are happy that they are supportive," he said.

He said that any support from the city and provincial governments will also be greatly appreciated by the PEDCO.

"We will appreciate any help from the city and province because of course, they are part of this. If we break record in Guinness, it will be the pride of all Palaweños," he stated. - Philippine News Agency

Illegal Loggers in Mindanao Arrested

The relentless campaign of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) against illegal logging operation in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) has prompted the arrest of five timber poachers who attempted to slip out their illegally-cut lumber in a seacraft off Ipil, Barangay Agsam, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, it was learned on Tuesday.

The PRO 13 under the leadership of Chief Supt. Jaime E. Milla is currently extending assistance to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) anti-illegal logging operation drive at various areas in the region.

Earlier, the DENR also seized 128 illegally-cut round logs in Bislig City.

The Bunawan Communist Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and Talacogon CENRO also separately seized 300 pieces of illegally-cut logs and 150 pieces of round logs, respectively, in their campaign against timber poaching.

Bunawan CENR Officer Eutiquio Bade, Jr. and Talacogon CENR Officer Jovencio Munoz told Caraga region DENR Officer-In-Charge Director Edilberto S. Buiser and Agusan del Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Sixto C. Badua that the seized illegally-cut logs were already brought to their designated depository areas for public bidding by the Natural Resources and Development Corp. (NRDC), marketing arm of the DENR.

Milla said the suspected five illegal loggers are still under custodial investigation by the Lanuza Municipal Police Station before turning over to DENR for filing of appropriate charges in court. - Philippine News Agency

Philippine Economic Policies Should Be Reviewed

By Leonard Acosta
Philippine News Agency

An economic adviser of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday called for a review of the administration's economic policies amid the emerging global economic conditions that have made social re-balancing a most urgent and critical national issue.

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, one of the President's advisers, said he is strongly recommending that a review be made on the present policies that would help the country's economic managers draw appropriate new solutions and approaches.

He said the present economic policies do not stream thru the technocracy and bureaucracy, because these policies are not reflective in the budget, noting that "offhand, at the minimum, the country's budget does not reflect that."

He said to correct and review the country's current economic policies, there is a need for more state interventions on behalf of the poor. "Markets have miserably failed to lift the poor with the 5.3 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) versus job loss of 178,000 in the first quarter of this year," Salceda explained.

While the administration spends P156 billion for capital outlay for growth, the investment does not give direct subsidies to the poor, according to Salceda.

The current population policy is simply indefensible in the face of resource depletion. The country is now facing a population problem with 88.6 million people versus low natural resources and government resources in terms of education, social and health services, he explained.

The governor stressed that the interplay of climate change, food security and energy independence will require new formulation of eco-strategic mix.

He said the funding of new investments without compromising the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) would also require a review of the "balance budget" doctrine as the borrowing mix is a key economic decision of the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Salceda also cited economic indicators that need to be corrected, such as: the 4 percent decline in real capita income of Filipinos; the increase of 477,000 poor households; the deterioration in poverty incidence from 24 percent to 27.4 percent; the fall in household share of national income from 54 percent to 46 percent or P454 billion in peso terms aggravated by 178,000 job losses despite the 32-percent increase in nominal Gross National Product (GNP).