BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- By taking part in the local government units (LGU) Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) program, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Marinduque guarantees easy business applications and smooth business creation procedures by providing a centralized location.

The LGU's BOSS program seeks to meet the criteria of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 by collaborating with all relevant entities, whose primary goal is to promote a simple corporate application process.

To raise awareness of the BOSS project throughout the province, PSA-Marinduque conducted a week-long Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration and ePhillD issuance in three municipalities including Gasan, Mogpog, and Torrijos.

The PhilSys registration team registered 74 individuals over the week-long event, and three ePhillDs delivered on the same day.

PhilSys simplifies and modernizes citizen identification making it more accessible and beneficial to the community. (Jericho Z. Ramento/PIA Marinduque)

BUENAVISTA, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) successfully conducted a social pension payout in different barangays of Buenavista.

As part of the Social Pension Program created under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, the indigent senior citizens of Buenavista received their social pension for the first semester.

The two-day event was attended by 15 barangays consisting of Brgy. Quatro, Brgy. Tungib-Lipata, Brgy. Yook, Brgy. Libas, Brgy. Bicas-Bicas, Brgy. Bagacay, Brgy. Timbo, Brgy. Sihi, Brgy. Bagtingon, Brgy. Daykitin, Brgy. Malbog, Brgy. Uno, Brgy. Dos, Brgy. Tres and Brgy. Caigangan.

A total of 1,517 beneficiaries from 15 barangays were given P6,000 each with a total amount of P9,102,000. The said financial assistance should be used in acquring basic necessities of senior citizens such as foods and medical needs.

A 71 year old recipient from Brgy. Bagtingon, Lola Nelia C. Oxales expressed her appreciation saying, "Bilang isang senior citizen, nakatutulong ang social pension sa akin dahil naibibili ko ito ng mga gamot o maintenance na kailangan ko tulad ng pagkain, prutas at iba pa. At dahil dito, nababawasan ang gastusin ko sa pang araw-araw.”

[As a senior citizen, social pension helps me, as I am able to buy medicine or maintenance that I need like foods, fruits, and others. And because of this, my expenses everyday are reduced.]

Oxales also emphasized that the program is a good initiative by the government to improve the quality of life of those who are in vulnerable sectors.

“Ang masasabi ko ay isa itong magandang programa na dapat pang palawigin upang matulungan ang mga kapwa ko senior citizen na hirap din sa buhay. Sa pamamagitan nito, unti-unti tayong nakakaraos sa kahirapan ng buhay,” she said.

[I can say that this is a good program that should be further enhanced to help our fellow senior citizens who are facing life difficulties . In this way, we will be able to cope up with the hardships of life.]

Social pension program is just one of the many government initiatives that consistently meet the needs of every senior citizen in the Philippines. (Cherrylyn DS. Noche/PIA Marinduque)

TORRIJOS, Marinduque (PIA) -- Inaasahang mapakikinabangan ng maraming residente ang pagsasagawa ng programang 'Munisipyo sa Barangay 2024: Taunang Pangkalahatang Pagbibigay ng Impormasyon at Kampanya sa Pagbabayad ng Buwis' sa bayan ng Torrijos na nilahukan ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan.

Ang nasabing programa ay pinangunahan ng mga kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan kung saan ay pormal na inumpisahan kamakailan ang paglilibot sa 25 barangay na sakop ng bayan ng Torrijos.

Tampok ang paglalahad ng mahahalagang impormasyon at pagpapaalala patungkol sa kanilang mga gampanin at obligasyon sa pamahalaan partikular sa pagbabayad ng buwis. Malaya rin ang mga residente na makapagtanong at mabigyan ng paliwanag tungkol sa mga bagay na may kinalaman sa mga programa ng gobyerno.

Sa pamamagitan ng naturang inisyatiba ay nailalapit ang mga serbisyo at programa ng lokal na pamahalaan direkta sa mga residente. Sa halip na ang mga tao ang pupunta sa munisipyo, ang mga empleyado ng LGU ang pupunta sa mga barangay upang mabawasan ang gastos sa pamasahe ng mga mamamayan kasabay ang layuning makapaghatid ng mabilis na transaksyon sa mga ito.

Ginagawa ang programa sa unang quarter ng bawat taon para makalibre ng 20 porsiyentong diskwento ang mga residente sa kanilang babayaring buwis. Bukod dito, maaaring makakuha ng iba pang libreng serbisyo ang mga mamamayan mula sa ibang katuwang na ahensya ng pamahalaan. (Jericho Z. Ramento/PIA Marinduque)

MOGPOG, Marinduque (PIA) -- Umabot sa 114 na senior high school (SHS) students sa bayan ng Mogpog ang dumalo kamakailan sa isinagawang Labor Education for Graduating Students (LEGS) program ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa Marinduque Academy, Inc.

Sa nasabing gawain ay inilahad ni DOLE-Marinduque Assistant Labor Inspector Raymart Narzoles ang pangkalahatang pamantayan sa paggawa, gayundin ang mga pangunahing batas at regulasyon sa pagta-trabaho sa bansa.

Naging kapaki-pakinabang para sa mga dumalo ang LEGS program sapagkat natutunan nila ang mga pangunahing karapatan ng isang manggagawa kabilang na ang tamang seguridad at kaligtasan sa loob ng pook gawaan na dapat ay binibigyang halaga ng bawat employer.

Nagpasalamat naman ang punong guro ng paaralan na si Edna Carina Molbog sapagkat pinaunlakan ng DOLE ang paanyaya na maging kabahagi ng kanilang Annual Career Guidance for Graduating Senior High School.

Samantala, ibinahagi ng mag-aaral na si Cyrine Jane Lampas, kumukuha ng Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand ang kanyang karanasan sa pagdalo sa naturang seminar.

“Marami po akong natutunan katulad sa pag-compute ng overtime pay ng isang worker, especially po ang minimum wage na dapat sahurin. Kapag may trabaho na po ako, makakatulong ito para alam ko ang aking karapatan bilang empleyado," pahayag ni Lampas.

Nagpaabot din ng pasasalamat si Gweneth Forio na isang mag-aaral ng Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand dahil naging bahagi siya ng programa na tiyak umanong makatutulong sa kanyang pag-aapply ng trabaho oras na makapagtapos siya ng pag-aaral.

Ang LEGS ay nagsisilbing gabay ng mga estudyanteng magtatapos ng sekondarya at kolehiyo para maihanda sila sa pagpasok sa mundo ng pagtatrabaho o corporate world. (Vianca May M. Narito/PIA Marinduque)

TORRIJOS, Marinduque (PIA) -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has granted the Municipal Government of Torrijos, through its Tourism, Culture, and Arts Unit, an approval to receive a grant under the Pandayan ng Dula program for 2024, catering 150 participants coming from various stakeholders in the said municipality.

In line with the Board Resolution No. 2024-159 as approved by the NCCA Board of Commissioners, a five-day activity with a theme "Senakulo-Pugutan: Master Class in the Preservation of Marinduque Moryonan Heritage," was conducted aiming to support local Marinduqueños/Torrijoseño actors, in maintaining their cultural identity as well as promoting Marinduque Moryonan heritage.

The five-day workshop was facilitated by Danilo Mandia, expert stage and dubbing director known as the 'Father of Modern Dubbing in the Philippines.'

Mandia discussed different topics per day followed by actual training. The topics included were Introduction to theatre: The technique in acting, history and importance of Marinduque Moryonan heritage (Pugutan and Senakulo), script/character analysis, scene performances (scene study), and Scene workshop: Feedback and explorations of final scenes.

Participants coming from various sectors namely Sining at Galing sa Kultura ng Torrijos (SINAG Kultura) theatre group, Torrijos Municipal Scholars, Basyao Senakulo Group, selected Torrijos Municipal Employees’ Association (TORMEA) members, selected Job Order (JOs) employees of the municipality, On-the-job Trainees (OJTs) from Marinduque State College (MSC), work immersion students from Our Mother of Perpetual Succor Academy (OMPSA), secondary school educators/students from the Department of Education (DepEd) – Torrijos district, and Praetorians (Torrijos Moryon Group), engaged in the said activity.

The workshop was initiated to promote the preservation of the Moriones Lenten Rites as part of the Philippines' intangible cultural heritage while also recognizing the distinct talents of the individuals who participated in the event. (Jericho Z. Ramento, PIA Marinduque)

BUENAVISTA, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Buenavista Local Government Unit (LGU) demonstrated its dedication to good governance by taking part in the Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEO) and Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Barangays program, held in Ihatub, Boac, Marinduque.

Among the eight barangays in Buenavista that took part in the two-day program are Daykitin, Caigangan, Tres, Libas, Bagacay, Bicas-Bicas, Yook, and Lipata-Tungib.

The program discussed the basics of Republic Act No. 7160, an Act Providing for a Local Government Code of 1991, the Barangay Development Planning and Capacity Development Agenda Formulation, the barangay budget, participation in governance, role of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its program, Project and Activities for barangays, and the public ethics and accountability.

With the help of this activity, the officials can enhance their skills and competencies to accomplish their roles effectively and provide a quality service for its members.

Jonabeth Vitto, president of League of Barangays – Buenavista Marinduque Chapter, together with the barangay captains and their subordinates, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman, secretary, and treasurer of Buenavista LGU also recognized the efforts and support of DILG in the recently held event.

They also extended their appreciation to the resource speakers who shared their valuable knowledge and expertise, beneficial to the newly-elected officials of the municipality. (Cherrylyn DS. Noche, PIA Marinduque)

Nestled within the verdant landscapes of Marinduque, the town of Mogpog stands as an embodiment to the wide array and richness of Philippine culture and tradition. Yet, it is perhaps best known for one of its most captivating treasures — The Moriones mask.

Passed down through generations, the art of mask-making is a cherished skill, reserved and perfected by the skilled hands of Mogpog’s artisan. Painstakingly carved using locally available materials, each mask is a unique work of art. Every piece, from the headdress's exquisite workmanship to the face's stunning shapes, is an embodiment to the artistry and commitment of its creator.

A morion mask is usually made out of the woods of dapdap, dita, or santol trees which are abundant in Marinduque. It takes months to carve each mask. At most, it takes seven to eight coatings of eight different colors of flat wood enamel paint, primarily red and black, to finish the work.

When it comes to mask history, Mogpog is most widely known for its morion mask set, which is worn with the bulaklakan turbante, a type of headgear. It gets its name from the flowers nestled onto this headpiece that are made of various colored Japanese paper. It was once thought that the quantity of flowers in a turbante predicted how many years a person would take part in the Moriones. Every year, after completing the rite, the individual will take a flower out of his/her turbante until there are none left, which represents the fulfillment of his/her commitment.

Morion Makers

Some of the most well-known mask makers in Mogpog include Ella Mazon, Salvador Liwanagan, Renato Morales, and Alex Luna. They not only created and exemplify the art of mask-making for a living, but also for the purpose of protecting and preserving the customs.

Ella Mazon, a Capayang native, is arguably the most influential figure in the history of mask-making. She was the driving force behind the creation of the floral-patterned morion mask, which she wears during Holy Week. She also freely shares and lends her crafts to others who cannot afford to buy them.

Salvador Liwanagan, known to many as Kuya Buddy was another well-known name in the mask industry. His carving skills have already garnered him recognition from multiple networks, and he continues to be an active mask maker today. Being a pioneer himself, he voluntarily wants to impart his skills and expertise to other artists in order to maintain the distinctive qualities of the morion mask.

Apart from the two individuals already mentioned, Renato Morales is an experienced mask creator who also deserves to be recognized. The majority of his creations were paper mache pieces, which he learned under his father's influence, and wood carvings, which he learned on his own.

Another accomplished artist in the field of morion mask carving is Alex Luna. He was involved in mask-making from a young age and is credited with developing an innovative technique for creating masks out of plastic bottles. In addition to creating masks, he also makes sword props with sheaths that the Morions’ utilize throughout Holy Week.

Mogpog, the birthplace of Moriones

For the people of Mogpog, the Moriones heritage has deeper value than just its historical relevance. According to Father Dionisio Santiago, the parish priest at the time, Moriones' initial appearance in Mogpog was in 1807. This tradition is observed by all gender during the Holy Week starting from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday. To atone for their transgressions or for other similar reasons, the penitents wear masks and costumes akin to those worn by the Roman soldiers. Throughout the week, the penitents wander the town clothed in glitzy costumes and masks.

Moriones Lenten Rite holds a great significance in every Marinduqueno’s life, thus, the continuous production of morion mask is something that we need to preserve too as it is one of most important component needed to perform it properly. The roles played by those prominent people in Mogpog are truly vital as they create those sacred materials while also upholding the real meaning of making it.

As modernity approaches, there should be a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting this valued legacy. And through workshops and community initiatives, the craft of creating Moriones masks will be preserved for many generations to come.

Afterall, the Moriones mask is more than simply a piece of wood to the inhabitants of Mogpog; it is a representation of tenacity, faith, and a carved past that strengthens the sense of community among them. (Vinshane S. Roldan/PIA Marinduque)

BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- Mula sa mga probinsya at highly urbanized cities na bumubuo sa rehiyon ng Mimaropa, ang lalawigan ng Marinduque ang nakapagtala ng pinakamababang inflation rate para sa buwan ng Enero.

Ayon kay Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Marinduque chief statistical specialist Gemma N. Opis, pinakamataas ang naitalang inflation rate sa Romblon na may 6.7 porsyento, 3.9 porsyento sa Occidental Mindoro, 3.7 porsyento sa Palawan at 2.5 porsyento sa Oriental Mindoro.

"Ang headline inflation o ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin at serbisyo sa probinsya ay mas bumagal sa antas na 1.8 porsyento nitong Enero 2024 kumpara noong Disyembre 2023 na ang inflation rate ay naitala sa antas na tatlong porsyento habang noong Enero 2023 ay pumalo ito sa 9.2 porsyento," paliwanag ni Opis.

Dagdag ni Opis, ang dahilan ng biglaang pagbaba ng inflation sa Marinduque ay ang pinagsamang pagbagal ng bilis na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga piling kalakal tulad ng pagkain at non-alcoholic drinks na may antas na -0.2 porsyento gayundin ang iba’t ibang produkto at serbisyo kasama na ang personal care na may bahagdan na 4.9 porsyento, at transportasyon na may naitalang -0.3 porsyento.

Samantala, bahagya ring bumaba ang purchasing power of peso o PPP sa probinsya kung saan mula sa P0.77 na naitala noong Disyembre 2023 ay bumaba ito sa P0.76 noong Enero 2024. Ang PPP ay isang indicator na nagpapakita kung magkano ang halaga ng piso sa kasalukuyang panahon kumpara sa nakalipas na mga buwan at taon. (RAMJR/JZR/PIA Mimaropa - Marinduque)

BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- Nagsanib-pwersa ang Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Provincial Statistical Office at Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) para maihatid ang mga programa at serbisyo ng Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) sa mga mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) sa lalawigan ng Marinduque.

Layunin ng tatlong araw na gawain na mapahusay ang access ng mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps sa mga serbisyo ng gobyerno partikular ang mga social at financial assistance program.

"Hangad ng PSA na palawigin ang serbisyo ng PhilSys, gawing moderno at pasimplehin ang proseso sa pagkuha ng PhilID para mas maging mabilis ang kanilang transaksyon sa mga programa ng pamahalaan," pahayag ni chief statistical specialist Gemma Opis.

Kabilang sa mga serbisyong pinagtuunan ng pansin ay ang pagrerehistro sa national identification system, pagkakaloob at authentication ng PhilID at ePhilID sa pamamagitan ng walong itinalagang co-location sites ng Family Development Session (FDS).

Bilang resulta ng pagtutulungan ng dalawang ahensiya, matagumpay na nairehistro sa PhilSys ang may kabuuang 24 na benepisyaryo habang umabot sa 459 na mga indibidwal ang nakapagpa-authenticate ng kanilang PhilSys ID.

Inaasahang magpapatuloy ang proyekto hanggang Hunyo ng taong ito kasabay ang paghihikayat sa mga residenteng hindi pa rehistrado na magtungo at bumisita sa pinakamalapit na tanggapan ng PSA para magpatala. (Jericho Z. Ramento/PIA Marinduque)

BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go personally joined the residents of Marinduque in celebrating their province's rich history and vibrant culture during the festive commemoration of the province's 104th Founding Anniversary at Capitol Convention Center in Boac town on Wednesday, February 21.

Addressing a gathered crowd, the senator extended his warmest greetings to the people of Marinduque, lauding the community's unity and resilience. He also promoted the province's tourist destinations, such as the renowned Moriones Lenten Rites and the breathtaking beaches of the province, underscoring their vital role in boosting the local economy through tourism.

“Nagagalak po ako at nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong ito na makasama kayo sa pagdiriwang ng Ika-104 na Anibersaryo ng Pagkakatatag ng Lalawigan ng Marinduque. Ang Marinduque po ay itinuring na Heart of the Philippines, napakaganda po ng inyong isla — isang simbolo ng pagkakaisa, kultura at likas na yaman na dapat nating ipagmalaki,” Go remarked in his speech.

Senator Go admired the province's contributions to the nation's cultural and economic landscape. Furthermore, the senator committed to support the province's development initiatives while also bringing government services closer to its communities.

As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, Go supported various projects in the province, such as constructing and rehabilitating roads in various towns, constructing a molecular laboratory in Boac, and acquiring a motor vehicle for Torrijos town.

Meanwhile, Go also assisted 654 barangay officials and workers who attended the event. They all received snacks, vitamins, masks, grocery packs, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Shoes, mobile phones, watches, and bicycle recipients were also selected.

“Ako naman po bilang inyong lingkod-bayan, at sa tulong ng ating lokal na pamahalaan, sa pangunguna ni Governor Presbitero Velasco, Jr. at Vice Governor Adeline Angeles, patuloy akong susuporta sa mga adhikain ninyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he added.

In response, Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr. expressed his gratitude towards Senator Go for his visit and continuous support for the province, especially its health sector. He further announced that Go is set to be an adopted son of the province.

“Mahal na mahal po natin si Senator Bong Go at matagal na po natin siyang katulong at kaagapay sa ating mga programa at proyekto dito sa Marinduque at marami na po siyang naitulong, mga two to three pages po ang listahan at hindi ko na po kailangan pang i-elaborate,” Gov. Velasco expressed.

The governor further shared how the Malasakit Center in Marinduque Provincial Hospital in Boac has helped thousands of indigent patients in the province, saying, “Libu-libo na po ang natulungan ng Malasakit Centers at talaga naman, ito ang tamang direction ng ating provincial government at ng national government na one-stop shop. Natutuwa po kami dahil isang simpleng hiling ang hiningi namin kay Senator Go at itinayo agad ang ating Malasakit Center".

The Malasakit Centers program is a brainchild of Go, which he initiated in 2018. It was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which the senator principally authored and sponsored to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the government. Since its inception, the Malasakit Centers program has established 159 operational centers and helped around ten million Filipinos nationwide.

Moreover, Senator Go reaffirmed his advocacy for constructing more Super Health Centers nationwide, including two in the province. These centers are envisioned to enhance the availability of primary healthcare services, medical consultations and early disease detection in grassroots communities. 

“Pangalawa, adbokasiya ko rin po ang pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa. Mahigit 700 na Super Health Centers ang aming pinagtulungang mapondohan sa buong bansa kasama ang Department of Health, local government units at mga kapwa mambabatas. Dito sa Marinduque ay ating pinondahan ang dalawang Super Health Centers sa Mogpog at Sta. Cruz upang mailapit ang serbisyo medikal ng gobyerno sa mga tao,” shared Go.

In conclusion, Go highlighted that the 104th Founding Anniversary celebration of Marinduque served as a platform for local leaders and national figures to reiterate their commitment to the province's development.

“Sa pagdiriwang natin ngayon, nawa'y maging inspirasyon natin ang mga aral at tradisyon na ating pinahahalagahan dito sa Marinduque. Isabuhay natin ang diwa ng bayanihan, pagkakaisa, at pagmamahalan. Patuloy nating pagyamanin at ipagmalaki ang ating kultura, likas na yaman, at ang walang kapantay na kagandahan ng inyong lalawigan,” Go concluded. (RAMJR/PIA Mimaropa -- Marinduque)

BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- A total of 32 persons deprived with liberty participated in the orientation of the TUPAD program (Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa mga Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers) spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in partnership with the provincial government through Livelihood Manpower Development and Public Employment Service Office (LMD-PESO).

The primary objective of this program is to provide emergency employment opportunities for both former and current PDL’s at the provincial jail which will be engaged in planting vegetables and refurbishing facilities at the institution.

Present in the orientation were DOLE-Marinduque Provincial Director Philip Alano, Provincial PESO Manager Alma Timtiman and Provincial Warden Engr. Ronaldo Togonon.

Among the beneficiaries 15 former PDLs are set to work for 15 days while 17 current PDLs would be employed for 10 days under the strict supervision of the provincial jail.

Timtiman expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the agencies in collaboration with the Office of the Congressman Lord Allan Velaso for their unwavering support  and overflowing assistance for the citizens.

Meanwhile, the TUPAD payout is still ongoing in various towns throughout the province. (Ana Maria Korina D. Arcilla, MNN)

BOAC, Marinduque -- Tinatayang nasa 80 motorista kada araw ang maaaring sumailalim sa smoke test dahil sa hatid na Mobile Emission Testing ng Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Mimaropa, pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Marinduque at lokal na pamahalaan ng Boac.

Ito ay matapos ihain ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Boac ang pinagtibay na resolusyon bilang 2023-171 na humihiling sa Department of Transportation (DOTr) na magkaroon ng mobile emission testing center para sa mga may-ari ng sasakyan sa probinsya dala ng hirap na dinaranas ng mga ito sa pagsumite ng aplikasyon para sa 'car registration renewal'.

Ayon kay Vice Mayor Mark Anthony Seño, ang nasabing resolusyon ay ipinasa sa tanggapan noong Agosto at nagpapasalamat siya sa katuparan ng hakbanging ito. Binigyang-pagkilala din niya ang mga kapwa lingkod bayan sa pagtatyaga na matutukan ang problema sa emission testing center.

“Talagang ito po ay pinagsumikapan ng pamahalaang bayan dahil nakita po natin ang hirap na dinaranas ng mga motorista sa pag-renew ng kanilang sasakyan. Umaga pa lamang po ay nakapila na sa ating nag-iisang emission testing center ang mga tricycle driver subalit 48 lamang ang kaya nilang i-accommodate sa isang araw," ani Seño.

Sa kasalukuyan ay nagsisimula nang tumanggap ang LTO-Boac ng mga indibidwal na nais magpalista para sa mobile emission test na inumpisahan noong Setyembre 7 hanggang Setyembre 20, 2023. -- Marinduquenews.com

SANTA CRUZ, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Marinduque Provincial Office provided training to 25 members of the Komprehensibong Kalakalan at Komersiyo (KKK) workers' association. The training covered Financial Management, Basic Photography, and Social Media Marketing at the Patio Restau de Rusti Events Place in Barangay Lipa, Santa Cruz, Marinduque. This Level I training is part of the Department's three-part Workers Organization Development Program (WODP)-Plus training, aimed at preparing participants for the livelihood assistance they will receive.

This one-day training highlighted the key elements of managing the business finances, effective product photography, and maximizing social media to market the product online. The primary goal is to develop the capability of participants to handle and sustain livelihood projects in hopes of successfully building an enterprise.

 DOLE Mimaropa Mediator-Arbiter, Atty. Shirley Marie C. Quiñones, equipped the attendees with the necessary knowledge on the Reportorial Requirements for DOLE-Registered Associations.

Participants also received in-depth training on managing their business finances proficiently and effectively. DOLE Regional Accountant Marygrace A. Yambao discussed budgeting, expense tracking, and financial statement analysis. By developing these critical skills, participants can ensure that their business remains financially sound and stable.

Department of Information Communications and Technology (DICT) – Marinduque Project Development Officer Richard Justin Lancion educated the participants on capturing high-quality product photos that effectively showcase products and appeal to potential customers. This skill is essential for online marketing where visually appealing images are crucial to success.

Lancion also emphasized the importance of using social media platforms to promote products and build an online presence. Participants learned valuable strategies for creating effective marketing campaigns, engaging with customers, and building a solid online brand.

By developing these capabilities, participants are better equipped to build and sustain their businesses, with the ultimate objective of establishing successful enterprises. They shall progress for the Level II training in a Business Planning workshop.

Rowena Gobio, association president, expressed gratitude in her message and said that their group is fortunate to have attended this training as it would help them promote their products, thus boosting their sales. Additionally, she thanked the department for providing valuable insights on the effective management of funds and the promotion of products.

WODP-Plus aims to enhance the capabilities of labor organizations in the effective promotion of trade unionism, workers empowerment, and sound labor-management relations through labor education; and to assist and facilitate the setting up of sustainable income and employment-generating projects which shall create opportunities for labor DOLE registered labor organizations to generate funding for vital union/workers association activities and to directly improve the incomes of their members and family members through training in specific trades and to start group livelihood undertakings. (KKB/FPWP/DOLE)

BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Marinduque Provincial Office in partnership with Office of the Congressman Lord Allan Jay Velasco and the Provincial Government of Marinduque conducted hiring of Government Internship Program (GIP) interns held at Marinduque Expo, Boac, Marinduque.

Over 60 applicants submitted the necessary requirements and underwent the selection process. Most of them were fresh graduates with a degree in Social Work, Information Technology, and Education.

Provincial Office Head Mr. Philip T. Alano along with DOLE personnel assessed and interviewed the aspiring GIP interns. Prior to this activity, the GIP program's requirements were already laid down, giving applicants time to prepare for their credentials.

Meanwhile, PO Head Mr. Alano expressed his enthusiasm for the applicants especially the young ones and reminded them to take the internship as a training ground for their future endeavor.

Applicants who will be hired after validation will be deployed to various government offices in the province.

Also present during the activity were staff from Livelihood and Manpower Development - Public Employment Service Office (LMD-PESO) and District Office.

Government Internship Program or GIP aims to provide young workers, particularly the poor/indigent and young workers, opportunity to demonstrate their talents and skills in the field of public service with the ultimate objective of attracting the best and the brightest who want to pursue a career in government service, particularly in the fields and disciplines related to labor and employment. (Press Release/KKB/DOLE-Marinduque)

MOGPOG, Marinduque (PIA) -- As part of Goiter Awareness of the Department of Health and National Nutrition Council project with the theme “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin,” and to suppress the increasing numbers of Filipinos with Iodine Deficiency Disorder, the Rural Health Unit, and Nutrition Office of Mogpog conducted an iodized salt testing yesterday, April 13, 2023.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient that contributes to overall thyroid health, and the NNC would like to bring to the public’s attention its significance and many advantages. Iodine is a trace mineral found in various places, including saltwater and plant food; however, it is most usually found in iodized salt. With this, RHU Mogpog and the Mogpog Nutrition Office, led by Ma Kristel Montegrejo, medical technologist and Robelia L. Nunez, assistant nutritionist dietician, assisted by Glotilde Go, and Rina Monteagudo, carried out iodized salt testing to determine whether various food providers establishments and different households from the 37 barangays of Mogpog make use of iodized salt in their cooking procedures.

Attendees watched a guide video on how to use the WYD Iodine Checker machines. Afterward, they prepared the needed materials and performed the given procedures.
The reading is the exact concentration of iodine in salt using parts per million (PPM) measurement. The standard concentration of iodine is 30-70 PPM. If the result of tested iodized salt is lower or higher than the standard concentration, the salt needs to fortify to pass the testing.

The Republic Act 8172, or the Asin Law, aims to promote the use of iodized salt to address the lack of micronutrients in the country. It also requires all salt manufacturers to iodize the salts they produce and distribute to help contain the increasing number of Filipinos with iodine deficiency disorder. (Press Release/Alliah Malinao/ LGU Mogpog)

BOAC, Marinduque -- On Wednesday, the farmer-beneficiaries of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Magsasaka ng Duyay gather at their demo farm for the Harvest Festival. Their eyes sporting hope and pride as their demo farm has improved a mile in less than two months. Healthy stalks of plants have sprouted and grew, flaunting their ripe vegetables, waiting to be picked. This Harvest Festival exhibits the development of their demo farm located at Barangay Duyay in Boac.

This community demo farm is an output of their Farm Business School (FBS) in 2021. FBS is a program initiated by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) that mainly focuses in capacitating their farmer-beneficiaries through honing their agricultural entrepreneurship skills to further boost their farm productivity.

Earlier this year, DAR-Marinduque has partnered with East West Seed Philippines, a privately-owned company and market leader for tropical vegetable seeds in Asia. They have sponsored high-quality seeds and farm inputs to further nurture the said demo farm. This is East West Seed Philippines’ first convergence with a government agency in Marinduque.

Melanie Cruz of East West Seed shared that partnerships such as this allows their company to introduce new varieties of seeds and showcase their technology and value innovations to the farmers. She added that they also want the local farmers to experience planting these varieties and test its performance.
Before the actual harvesting, the festival began with a short program.

In his remarks, Former Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary and current Marinduque Provincial Agriculturist Edilberto de Luna, emphasized the importance of acquiring new knowledge in farming as it also counters the new challenges brought about by the modern, ever-changing world. He challenged the farmers to be more competitive in their produce in terms of production system, volume, quality, and price.

While the Boac Municipal Agriculture Officer Ederlinda Jasmin, appreciated how good results can also blossom from a convergence between the government and a private institution. In addition, OIC-PARPO II Engr. Virgilio L. Laggui highlighted the role of the DAR in linking agencies to respond to the needs of the farmers.  He ended his message with a call for consistency, asking the beneficiaries to always continue and never quit on farming.

Also present in the activity are OIC-MARPO Ceasar Laugo, Duyay Barangay Chairman Rolando Sapallo, the DAR Program Beneficiaries Development Division and DAR Municipal Office of Boac-Mogpog personnel, and the East West Seed Philippines and Philippine Information agency representatives. The farmer-beneficiaries of Bintakay Farmers Association based in Bintakay, Mogpog also participated as they manage the second demo farm site sponsored by East West Seed Philippines. (Press Release/DAR-Marinduque)

Pinangunahan ni DILG Sec. Benjamin Abalos ang paglulunsad ng Padyak Kontra Droga na isinagawa sa bayan ng Boac, Marinduque (Photo: Brian Zagal/DILG-Mimaropa)

BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- Sa patuloy na paggulong ng “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) Program sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas, inilunsad ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang “Padyak Kontra Droga, Bisikleta Iglesia: BIDA Bayanihan ng mga Mamamayan” sa Boac, Marinduque Martes ng umaga.

Mismong si DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. ang nanguna sa pag-arangkada ng kauna-unahang biking activity sa ilalim ng BIDA Program na naglala¬yong paigtingin ang kamalayan ng publiko laban sa iligal na droga at hika¬yatin ang mga mamamayan na maging aktibo at pangalagaan ang kanilang pangagatawan.

“Ngayong araw, ipapakita natin na tayo ay nagkakaisang tumitindig kontra iligal na droga. Papadyak tayo bilang isang bayan, lalabanan natin ang iligal na droga para sa ating kabataan at sa susunod pang henerasyon,” ani Abalos.

Kasamang nagbisikleta ng Kalihim ang 160 bike enthusiasts sa rehiyon, mga kawani ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan, at ilang opisyal na kinabibilangan nina PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, Marinduque Governor Presbitero Jose Velasco, Jr., at DILG-MIMAROPA Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando.

Kasama rin sa BIDA Caravan sina DILG Undersecretary for Operations Lord Villanueva, Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs, and Communication Margarita Gutierrez, Assistant Secretary Florida Dijan, Assistant Secretary Elizabeth de Leon, Boac Mayor Armi Carrion at Mogpog Mayor Augusto Leo Livelo.

Bilang paggunita sa Semana Santa, dumaan din ang mga BIDA bikers sa iba’t ibang pilgrim sites at simbahan sa bayan ng Boac tulad ng Immaculate Conception Cathedral, St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, at St. Joseph Spouse of Mary Parish upang bigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng partisipasyon ng lahat ng sektor ng lipunan, kabilang na ang simbahan at faith-based organizations, sa laban kontra droga.

Ito na ang ika-pitong yugto ng BIDA Caravan na unang inilunsad sa Metro Manila kung saan 16K indibidwal ang lumahok sa fun run at iba pang wellness activities noong Pebrero 26. Sinundan ito ng fun run at walkathon sa Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Region X at Region II.

Ayon sa Kalihim, humigit kumulang 36K BIDA advocates na ang nakilahok sa mga aktibidad ng DILG sa ilalim ng naturang programa mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa.
“With the BIDA program, we are showing that through our united efforts, we are all acting toward making a wake-up call to the people and to the community that we serve,” ani Abalos.

“Kaya halos linggo-linggo takbo ako nang takbo sa iba't ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas, ngayong araw magbi-bisekleta ako, upang mahikayat ang publiko lalong-lalo na ang kabataan na yakapin ang healthy at active lifestyle at talikuran ang iligal na droga,” dagdag pa niya.

Inilunsad noong Oktubre 2022, ang BIDA program ay ang pinaigting at mas holistic na kampanya laban sa iligal na droga na nakatutok sa drug demand reduction gamit ang “grassroots approach” para himukin ang mga mamamayan na maging aktibong katuwang ng pamahalaan para wakasan ang suliranin ng droga na nakakaapekto sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan, partikular na sa mga kabataan. (Press Release/DILG-MIMAROPA)

GASAN, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its Marinduque Field Office distributed the enhancement of rice retailing and food vending business to the 100 beneficiaries from the municipality of Gasan with total fund of P1,200,000.

Beneficiaries are from informal sector like individuals with insufficient income, women, senior citizens, fisherfolk, and farmers. Among the recipients were fifteen (15) parents of profiled child laborers (PCL) who were granted with 10 sacks of rice containing 20 kilos each, weighing scale, and a pack of plastic bags.

Livelihood Development Specialist Mr. Christian Mark Rodelas and Gasan PESO Designate Mr. Michael Pelagio facilitated the distribution of bigasan (rice retailing) package.

“Kami po ay tuwang-tuwa at lubos na nagpapasalamat sa DOLE, kay Ma’am Jomarah (CL Community Facilitator), sa PESO, at sa pamahalaang bayan ng Gasan sa ibinigay sa aming ito. Apaikutin po namin ito para tuloy-tuloy na mapagkunan ng kita (We are in high spirits and indeed grateful to DOLE, Ma’am Jomarah, PESO, Gasan Municipal Government for giving us this [livelihood assistance]. We’ll make this business grow so we’ll have a sustainable stream of income),” said LA Saguid, one of the beneficiaries of said program.

Cha-Cha (not her real name), second child among Saguid’s children, had to help her parents at a young age. They sell variety of kakanin out of ube and saging, as well as organic fertilizers.

With the livelihood assistance, Saguid and her family can earn more to support the needs of Cha-Cha and her three siblings, vowing not to involve them anymore in child labor activities and allow them to focus on education and recreation.

DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program or DILP aims to contribute to poverty reduction and risk reduction among working poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers through emergency employment, entrepreneurship promotion, and community enterprises. (PRESS RELEASE/END/KKGB/DOLE-MARINDUQUE)