Volume 18 v Number 7 July 2014www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph

The Offi cial Newsletter of the National Wages and Productivity CommissionT

July 2014 News

Minimum Wage Ratesas of July 30, 2014

Region’s Wage Order

Non-Agriculture

Effectivity Date

Wage Order No. NCR-18

P466.00 October 4, 2013

Wage Order No. RB CAR-16

P280.00 February 3, 2014

Wage Order No. RB I-16

P253.00 February 05, 2014

Wage Order No. RB II-16

P255.00 January 05, 2014

Wage Order No. RB III-17

P336.00 October 11, 2012

Wage Order No. RB IVA-15

P362.50 May 1, 2014

Wage Order No. RB IVB-06

P275.00 February 1, 2013

Wage Order No. RB V-16

P260.00 January 10, 2014

Wage Order No. RBVI-21

P287.00 November 29, 2013

Wage Order No. RB VII-17

P340.00 March 21, 2014

Wage Order No. RB VIII-17

P260.00 October 16, 2012

Wage Order No. RB IX-I8

P280.00 June 10, 2013

Wage Order No. RB X-17

P306.00 June 20, 2013

Wage Order No. RB XI-18

P312.00 June 01, 2014

Wage Order No. RB XII-17

P270.00 April 18, 2012

Wage Order No. RB XIII-12

P268.00 May 21, 2013

Wage Order No. RB ARMM-15

P250.00 February 1, 2014

Lourdes M. SecillanoJulie Callope-LlorenteJerome P. Lucas

The NWPC Bulletin is published by the Information and

Publication Division of the National Wages and Productivity

Commission. Our address is 3rd Floor Dy International Building,

No. 1011 Gen. Malvar corner San Marcelino Streets, Malate,

Manila. Tel. Nos. 5275519, 5278011 to 17; Fax No. 5275139.

For comments, suggestions, and contributions, please write to

the Editor-in-Chief or e-mail us at web.nwpc@yahoo.com. You

may also visit our website at www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph.NWPCBulletin

Editor-In-ChiefManaging Editor

Layout Artist

Executive Director Maria Criselda R. SyDeputy Executive Director Patricia P. HornillaDeputy Executive Director Jeanette T. Damo

Director Elvira P. Jota Director Welma T. Sicangco

OIC-Director Jamie-Lyn J. Garcia

Elvira F. MangubatGladys S. Gatpandan

At 25: NWPC celebrates the true meaning of Serbisyong Totoo

The NWPC celebrated its 25th anniversary last July 1 with

a simple gathering at its offi ce premises in Malate. Employees and visitors shared an appetizing lunch and sang their hearts out in videoke sing-a-long.

This simple yet fun-fi lled celebration complements the honest meaning of the theme Serbisyong Totoo: cutting down the cost of internal activities while leveling up the services given to the public specifi cally the Filipino workers and entrepreneurs. The program started a little after 10:00 am and was hosted by Mr. Denver Calayan and Ms. Phyllis dela Rosa of Planning and Information Division. The pillars of NWPC, Secretary and NWPC Chairperson Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Usec. and NWPC Chairperson-Designate Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III graced the silver anniversary.

Daily Minimum Wage in Selected Countries and Regions in the Philippines

Country in US$

Myanmar 1.70-2.04

Cambodia 2.67

Pakistan 3.36

Vietnam 2.96- 4.21

Mongolia 3.59

Indonesia 3.53- 7.19

China 4.49 -9.78

Philippines (IV-A) 5.68-7.79

Philippines (VII) 6.57-7.58

Philippine (III) 6.35-7.49

Thailand 9.21

Malaysia 8.17- 9.19

Philippines (NCR) 9.56-10.38

Taiwan 30.21

Hongkong 30.93

South Korea 38.92

Japan 50.34-70.80

New Zealand 76.11-95.14

Australia 121.09

In her brief message, Sec. Baldoz expressed satisfaction on the accomplishment of NWPC, declaring that the agency has successfully hit its twin mandate, of setting minimum wages and promoting productivity. “Natumbok na ng NWPC ang wage at productivity. Ang dalawang ito ay magkaakibat na sa ngayon. Hindi kagaya noong una na tayo ay kilala lamang sa pag-set ng minimum wage. Sa ngayon, dahil sa Two-Tiered Wage System, nagawa nating pag-isahin ang pag-set ng minimum wage at pag-promote ng productivity,” Sec. Baldoz told the staff.

In his message, Usec. Lagunzad and former NWPC Executive Director, said

RTWPB XII approves wage increase

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board –XII issued, Motu Proprio, on June 4, 2014 Wage Order No. RB XII-18. The new Wage Order will be effective on August 1, 2014, having been published last July 17.

Upon effectivity of the wage order, the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) under the previous wage order ranging from P4.00 to P10.00 (depending on the sector) shall be

turn to page 7turn to page 2

(L-R) NWPC EA Pres. Elvira Prudencio, DOLE Usec Cirriaco A. Lagunzad III, DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, and NWPC Exec. Dir. Maria Criselda R. Sy delivering their brief messages during the celebration of NWPC 25th anniversary. After the program, the NWPC offi cials and employees gleefully posed for a group picture.

the Documentation Team, discussed the contents of the QMS Manual. BLES was the fi rst DOLE bureau to be ISO 9001:2008 certifi ed.

Initiatives towards ISO-certifi cation is in compliance with EO 605 which directed all government agencies and instrumentalities to adopt the ISO 9001:2008 QMS as part of the implementation of a government-wide quality management program. The orientation is NWPC’s preparatory step towards ISO certifi cation.

NWPC conducts... from page 11

by Phyllis G. Dela Rosa

The benefi ciaries were taught basic business processes ranging from fi nancial planning to records keeping. ISTIV training on positive work values was also conducted. Each representative crafted an Action Plan to be implemented within 6 months after the training. This is to ensure the viability of the livelihood programs granted by the Department of Labor and Employment and other government agencies.

based pay schemes or the second-tier of the TTWS. Ms. Tabusares also presented the productivity toolbox which contains all the productivity training programs being offered by the Board. She encouraged the DCTIPC members to avail of the productivity training programs to help enterprises improve workers’ and enterprise productivity.

This is part of RTWPB-XI’s advocacy initiatives to implement Advisory No. RB XI-01 and its productivity training programs. Meanwhile, the RTWPB-XI is fi nalizing a monitoring scheme to evaluate the implementation of its Advisory.

July 2014 News JULY 2014NEWS

by RTWPB-XI

integrated into the basic wage, bringing the new minimum basic wage to P270.00 in the non-agriculture sector. By January 1, 2015, however, the minimum wage earners shall be granted a new COLA in the amount of P5.00 per day, bringing the new minimum wage rates to P275.00 in non-agriculture, P257 in agriculture and P255 in retail/service establishments. Under the new wage order, the number of minimum wage classifi cations was reduced from fi ve (5) to three (3) because of the merging of plantation and non-plantation subsectors and the removal of employment size classifi cation for retail/service establishments.

Exempted from the applicability of the wage order are: 1) establishments with total assets of not more than P3M, and are not registered as Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs); 2) distressed establishments; and 3) establishments adversely affected by calamities such as natural and human-induced disasters.

The Board unanimously approved the Wage Order.

RTWPB-XI orients DCTIPC on TTWS

Twenty two (22) labor union representatives

of Davao City Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (DCTIPC) attended the orientation of RTWPB XI on the two-tiered wage system (TTWS), Advisory No. RB XI-01 and productivity training programs at the Holcim Philippines Davao Plant, Davao City last May 17, 2014.

The orientation started with a presentation of the TTWS as a reform in the existing minimum wage system. It was followed by a discussion on the Advisory on the Implementation of Productivity-Based Incentive Schemes for the Banana Industry in Davao Region, which is the fi rst issuance of the Board on voluntary productivity-

NWPC held an orientation on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifi cation for its employees last July 02, 2014.

Two resource speakers from the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) were invited to share their ISO certifi cation experiences and best practices. Ms. Rosario D.G. Fajardo, former BLES Quality Management Representative, discussed the ISO quality elements, the QMS documents and the accreditation process. Meanwhile, Ms. Asuncion M. Gavilla, former Head of

NWPC conducts orientation on ISO certifi cation

Sixty three (63) recipients of NWPC

livelihod-assisted programs in the province of Cagayan underwent ISTIV Bayanihan Training composed of two batches.

The fi rst batch, held on March 18 in Lal-lo was attended by 40 associations from the northwestern municipalities of the province of Cagayan. The second batch conducted on May 16, 2014 in Gonzaga was participated in by 23 associations from northeastern Cagayan.

63 Livelihood Associations in Cagayan undergo ISTIV Bayanihan Training

by Maria Viviera R. Magno

RTWPB XII approves...

from page 1

turn to page 12by Jerome P. Lucas

quality of frontline service given the importance of the industry in the region’s overall development. Vice-Mayor Bartolome Mallillin of Cauayan, Isabela expressed his gratitude to the NWPC for accepting their invitation to conduct the SQ orientation and training and to help them upgrade the tourism services in the region.

Deputy Executive Director Jeanette T. Damo discussed the rationale of NWPC/RTWPB for Service Quality (SQ) Program for Key Employment Generators (KEGs). The country’s advantage in terms of its rich and diverse natural resources and the hospitality and warmth of the Filipino people has made the country one of the more popular tourist destinations in the world. In support of government’s initiative to promote the

tourism industry, the NWPC developed the SQ Training Program as a training intervention to enhance workforce knowledge and skills in providing “error free” service to clients.Leading the presentation of the SQ modules were Ms. Sylvia P. Piano, Training and Technical Services Division Chief and Senior LEO Maria Rosa D. Opis. The sessions focused on defi ning service quality, mapping customer experience, error recovery, and teamwork.

At the end of the program, participants were made to prepare action plans, the implementation of which shall be monitored and evaluated by the RTWPB.

by Jerome P. Lucas

RTWPB II launches... from page 3

Ms. Maris Tabusares of RTWPB-XI explaining the productivity toolbox to the members of DCTIPC.

July 2014 News July 2014News

RTWPB VII conducts stakeholders consultation on TTWS in Bohol

The National Wages and Productivity Commission

conducted a consultation on the Rules of Procedure for Minimum Wage Setting for Domestic Workers and Advisory on the Competency-Based Pay for Domestic Workers with stakeholders on July 12, 2014.

NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy said the consultation is intended to solicit comments and inputs from stakeholders and industry players to ensure that the Rules and the Advisory are not only in compliance with the requirements of Republic Act 10361 (Kasambahay Law) but will also serve as an effective means of protecting the welfare of domestic workers.

Foremost among the concern of the stakeholders is the section on Criteria and Standards contained in the Rules of Procedure. There were suggestions to

part of the consultation/public hearing. Meanwhile, the participants proposed for the provision of incentives to encourage employers of domestic workers to give competency-based pay increases. They also proposed that the Advisory be translated to the major dialects so that it will be easily understood by domestic workers and employers alike. The consultation was attended by representatives from the Visayan Forum, Kasambahay Providers Association, Inc., Committee on Labor,

NWPC conducts consultation on the Rules of Procedure for

Minimum Wage Setting and Advisory on the Competency-Based Pay

for Domestic Workers

Employment and Human Resources Development of the Senate, DIWA Partylist, Committee on Labor and Employment of the House of Representatives, and agencies under the Department of Labor and Employment namely the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), Bureau of Local Employment (BLE),Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board-NCR, (RTWPB-NCR) Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

consider other factors such as scope of work and work arrangement (stay-in vs live-out). The participants also suggested the inclusion of submission of offi cial position papers as

by Iza M. Anchustegui

Following the success of the Two-Tiered

Wage System (TTWS) Stakeholder’s Consultation with the hotel industry in Cebu last May 13, 2014, RTWPB VII conducted a similar forum with the hotel players in Bohol.

The consultation aimed to generate inputs for the crafting of an advisory on productivity-based wages in Central Visayas. In her opening remarks, RTWPB VII Chairperson Chona M. Mantilla emphasized the importance of pushing the productivity agenda, noting that: “Our region

is still very far behind our ASEAN neighbours in the productivity race.”

The Two-tiered Wage System, which will encourage the performance based system for setting wages above the minimum wage, will be initially implemented in the hotel and restaurant industry. This is in recognition of the industry’s role as economic driver and key employment generator in the region.

Members of the hotel and restaurant industry led by the Bohol Association of Hotel, Resorts and Restaurant (BSHRRs) conveyed support for the

proposed advisory, citing that some industry players are already implementing productivity based pay scheme in their respective companies.

A stakeholders’ forum with the restaurant owners will complete the round of consultations. The advisory, which is targeted to be issued in August, will largely be based on the inputs generated by the participants during the consultations’ workshop.

by Atty. Evita G. Mendoza

Participants from RTWPB VIII attended

an Orientation on Security Awareness Program conducted by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) last June 23, 2014. Topics discussed in the orientation were the basic concepts of security and safety and other types of security such as personal, physical, and cyber security. NICA emphasized that under E.O. 608, all government agencies must be aware of the security and safety measures in their respective offi ces. Moreover, each agency should designate a security offi cer who, among others, shall attend a one-week intensive training to be conducted by NICA.

Security awareness

of RTWPB VIII

by Tristan M. Makabenta

(L-R) NWPC DED Jeanette T. Damo and Cauayan, Isabela Mayor Mallillin (right) during the launching of the SQ value chain for tourism industry in Isabela

Together with NWPC central offi ce offi cial/

trainers, the RTWPB II launched the Service Quality Value Chain for the Tourism Industry Stakeholders Cauayan City, Isabela and conducted SQ Training for Tourism Supply Chain in Sta. Ana, Cagayan last July 11-12, 2014.

The two-day activity was participated in by the RTWPB board members,

regional tourism council offi cers, local government offi cers, and industry associations.

In her welcome message, RTWPB II Employers’ Representative and Chairperson of the Regional Tourism Council Dr. Cecilia La Madrid Dy underscored the need to continuously improve the

turn to page 11

RTWPB II launches Service Quality Value Chain

for the Tourism Industry

July 2014 News July 2014News

The Regional Tripartite Wages

and Productivity Board IV-A (RTWPB4A), in partnership with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board IV-A (NCMB4A) and the Cavite Export Zone Administration (CEPZA) conducted training-cum-write

RTWPB IV-A conducts writeshop on Productivity Based Pay Management System

The training aimed to capacitate enterprises in developing a Productivity Based Pay system that will allow them to provide enterprise-based incentives/rewards linked with individual, group, or company-wide

shop on the formulation of a management system on Productivity Based Pay (PBP) and organization of Labor-Management Committee (LMC) at the CEPZA Administration Bldg in Rosario, Cavite last June 23, 2014.

The activity was participated in by 32 Human Resource & Administrative Managers/ Offi cers, and Operations Managers/Production Heads/Quality Control Leaders from 16 companies.

performance.

The overall output of each of the participating companies is a Productivity Based Pay System for the approval of their CEOs/Managers.

In a consultation meeting last July

22, the NWPC offi cers discussed with ILO-Manila Senior Programme Offi cer Ma. Concepcion Sardana and National Project Coordinator Ana Liza Valencia areas for technical assistance for two of its projects, namely assessment of the effectiveness of minimum wages and minimum wage setting and competency based pay schemes for domestic workers.

With instructions from the Commission proper, the NWPC stressed the importance of an in-depth study on the effectiveness of minimum wage policies to generate evidence-based fi ndings on the intended and unintended outcomes of minimum wages on workers, enterprises, prices and the regional economy as a whole. The results of the study will help clarify the rationale and intent of minimum wage policies.

Part of the engagement with ILO is the review of the draft guidelines on minimum wage determination and advisory on competency based pay schemes for domestic workers. These issuances are in the priority agenda of the NWPC being a major provision of RA 10361 (Batas Kasambahay) and its Implementing Rules.

ILO to assist NWPC in setting

minimum wages for domestic workers

NWPC: DAP fund for GIP empowered the youth

NWPC affi rms that the Disbursement

Acceleration Program (DAP) which funded the Government Internship Program (GIP) has empowered the disadvantaged youths at the grassroots through public service.

The program, which aims to strengthen youth participation in nation building, is being implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment through its national and regional offi ces. In 2012, the DOLE allotted a total of Two Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Two Hundred Eighty and 60/100 Pesos (P286,280.60) to implement the GIP, with the end in view of providing income and employment assistance to new graduates.

Using the funds allotted for the purpose,

the NWPC and 7 of its 17 RTWPBs hired 17 youth interns for two months to perform administrative/clerical and technical functions. They were paid salaries equivalent to 75% of the applicable minimum wage in the region for a period of two months.

Through the program, the GIP benefi ciaries were exposed to different types of offi ce work such as receiving and fi ling of documents, data gathering and data entry/encoding, providing support to training and orientation activities, performing simple computer troubleshooting and computer software installation. Hiring youth interns proved benefi cial to the organization as it enabled the regular staff to focus on wage and productivity policy and program review that would improve the lives of minimum wage earners and

other low-paid workers. The GIP – benefi ciaries also benefi tted from the program by accumulating work experience which is a requirement among job-seekers; thus, building their confi dence and enhancing their employability; expanding their network through exposure to the organization and its clients and; earning an income immediately after graduation to help them meet their basic needs and of their families.

The GIP - a component of the Kabataan 2000 project under Executive Order No. 139 Series 1993 is consistent with the President Aquino administration’s thrust to achieve inclusive growth by building the capacities and readiness of the youth to be mainstreamed in the world of work.

by Jerome P. Lucas

by Board Secretary Ruby dela Rosa

Update on the Issuance of Wage Advisories

RTWPB Covered IndustryDate of

IssuanceConsultations Conducted

CAR

Administrative and

support services

group, hotels and

retaurant and other

service providers,

manufacturing,

wholesale, retail

trade and motor

shops

June 10,

2014

• May 28 (orientation on the

Two-Tiered Wage System and

Wage Order RB CAR-16 in

coordination with DOLE)

IIIEstablishment in

ecozone

December

02, 2013• June to September

IV-A

Agribusiness,

industry, and

services

April 08,

2014

• August 15 (Labor group)

• August 18-23 (Employers’

Sector)

• Provincial Consultations

1. September 12 (Quezon)

2. September 19 (Laguna)

3. September 23 (Cavite)

4. October 8 (Batangas)

5. October 24 (Rizal)

IV-B

Tourism

(accommodation and

food services)

May 12,

2014

• September 19 (Calapan,

Oriental Mindoro)

• October 11 (San Jose,

Occidental Mindoro)

• October 18 (Puerto Princesa,

Palawan)

• OCtober 5 and 12 (Technical

assistance was provided

by NWPC)

VTransport, storage,

and communication

March 07,

2014

• November 27, 2013 (Naga

City, Camarines Sur)

VI Sugar industryFebruary

21, 2014

• bus transport industry forum/

consultation in coordination

with LTFRB

X Bus transportFebruary

21, 2014

• July 2013 (Oro Chamber)

• September (Ozamiz City,

Misamis Occidental)

• September 10 (Bus transport

industry)

XIBanana (Cavendish)

plantation

November

18, 2014

• September 30 (Banana

industry)

• October 4 (Other

stakeholders)

XII

Plantation (banana,

pineapple, abacca,

oil palm)

August 5,

2014

• March 11 (Sultan Kudarat)

• March 12 (General Santos

City, Saranggani)

• June 11 (ITC Academe)

• June 19 (ITC Fishing and

Allied Services, and

Plantation)

XIII MiningMay 16,

2014

• November 11 (Surigao City ,

Surigao del Norte)

July 2014 News July 2014News

In its July 10 Commission meeting, representatives

from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics-PSA and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) were invited to discuss the supply and price situation of basic goods and services in the country.

The BSP’s infl ation outlook indicated that infl ation rates though elevated for the whole of 2014, will remain well within the target infl ation band of 3% to 5%. As of the 2nd quarter of 2014, headline infl ation was recorded at 4.4%, food infl ation at 7.1% and non-food infl ation at 2.6%.

The infl ation risks are due to high and rising food and fuel prices. Specifi cally, the BAS-PSA cites higher prices for rice, condiments, some vegetables, chicken and eggs. DTI, meanwhile, reported stable prices for basic manufactured food products except for milk.

Commission consults BSP, NEDA, DTI, BAS, LTFRB on price outlook

The NWPC met with representatives of the

DTI, NFA, SRA and DOLE-NCR to request the DTI to intensify the mobilization of Diskwento Caravans nationwide for the 3rd quarter of 2014. This is to ensure the continuing access of low income earners to basic commodities at affordable prices.

The NFA shall participate in the Caravans by making available NFA rice priced at P27.00. The NFA also agreed to post in their website the location of accredited NFA outlets nationwide, clarifying that NFA has accredited outlets in almost all wet markets.

The SRA agreed to provide the DTI the list of sugar traders who can be invited to participate in the Caravans by making available low-priced sugar.

The group agreed to formalize the request

to intensify the conduct of Diskwento Caravans through a communication from Sec. Baldoz to DTI Sec. Domingo. The communication will also facilitate coordination between the DOLE and DTI Regional Directors and the LGUs in the conduct of this activity.

As part of the mechanics for conducting Diskwento Caravans, the group agreed to hold them in LGUs, which are densely populated by low-income households and immediately after paydays. The schedule and venue of the Caravans, as agreed upon by the DOLE and DTI Regional Directors, in consultation with the LGUs, shall be submitted to the NWPC for consolidation. The NWPC and DTI will post the schedule and venue of nationwide Diskwento Caravans in their respective websites.

NWPC/RTWPBs, DTI to intensify Diskwento Caravans

Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy and

Deputy Executive Director Patricia P. Hornilla attended the Human Development Poverty Reduction (HDPR) and Social Development Council (SDC) joint meeting last July 17, where one of the agenda item was the rice situation.

NWPC attends HDPR-SDC joint meeting on the rice situation

N E D A added that, in the long term, the country should raise ag r i cu l t u ra l product iv i ty by focusing on the production of crops where the country has a clear comparat ive a d v a n t a g e . For other ag r i cu l t u ra l

products where there is need to augment supply, import restrictions should be liberalized

According to the BSP, second round effects associated with the El Nino phenomenon may trigger higher food prices, pending petitions for utility rate adjustments and continued strong liquidity growth rates. On PUV fares, the LTFRB reported on the latest PUJ fare adjustment of P0.50 (from P8.00 to P8.50 for the 1st four kms.) and P0.10 (from P1.40 to P1.50 for every succeeding km.). Other than this, there is no pending petition or

In his presentation Socio-economic Planning Secretary Balisacan said farmgate, wholesale and retail prices of rice have been increasing but inventory has been decreasing since 2010. He added that the country is just meeting domestic demand by drawing from current inventories.

The increase in the average retail price from 2012 to 2013 was 5.1%; between July to December 2012 and July to December 2013 retail price increased by 9.6% and between January to July 2013 and January to July 2014, it increased by 18.6%. Philippine retail prices are

twice higher than those of other countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

Secretary Balisacan also noted that the production and importation of garlic has been decreasing in recent years. He said this could be possibly explained by stronger incentive for farmers to plant competing commodities (whose prices have been increasing much faster than that of garlic) than garlic; pest infestation or lack of money to purchase new garlic seedlings for planting.

Essentially, his recommendations to improve agricultural effi ciency and meet the growing demand are: importation; improvement in rice production effi ciency; strengthening rice production in areas which have the competitive advantage and promote crop diversifi cation in the marginal areas; review of tariffs; strengthening government support to garlic production by improving yield levels and profi t-cost ratios especially in regions/provinces that have the potential to do so.

Executive Director Sy clarifi ed as to when the DA expects the supply and price of rice will stabilize and when adequate supply of NFA rice will become available in the market to ease uncertainties of workers and the pressure for an adjustment in the minimum wage. Secretary Alcala said that NFA rice is already available in the market and that the NFA is prepared to increase its supply through accredited outlets. turn to page 8

NWPC a� ends..from page 5

application for fare increase in the rest of the PUVs (bus, taxi, UV express).

In a memorandum to the Boards, the NWPC proposed that the Boards closely but discretely (so as not to fan false expectation concerning the wage issue) monitor the socioeconomic situation in their regions. Meanwhile, the Boards whose Wage Orders have passed their anniversary dates shall continue to conduct wage consultations and deliberations shall adhere to the principles of “regular, moderate and predictable” minimum wage setting.

A serious talk about price outlook and its possible implications on wage during the Commission meeting held in OSHC, Quezon City.

Elvira Prudencio, thanked management for its constant support to pro-employee’s policies and activities. “Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa management sa inyong suporta at pagkilala sa aming kakayahan. Ilan lamang sa mga benefi ts na inyong sinang-ayunan ay ang CNA (Collective Negotiation Agreement), libreng health benefi ts gaya ng vaccinations para sa fl u at pneumonia. Asahan po ninyo na kaming mga empleyado ay lagi ding nakasuporta sa mga programa ng NWPC at DOLE at ibubuhos po namin ang aming kakayahan at kaalaman upang mas mapataas ang antas ng ating serbisyo publiko.” The event also honored the two retirees: Ms. Erlina Caramillo who is a Labor and Employment Offi cer III of the Review and Appeals Division and Ms. Emelina Javier who is an Administrative Assistant III in RTWPB IV-A. As a sign of appreciation for their loyalty and service, they were given cash and tokens as gifts.

July 2014 News July 2014News

by Jerome P. Lucas

Team Building: It’s more fun in NWPC

The NWPC held its annual team building

exercise at the Boso-Boso Highlands Resort and Convention Center in Antipolo, Rizal last June 26-27, 2014.

Unde r s e c r e t a r y and NWPC Chairperson-Designate Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III found time to visit and address the offi cers and staff, despite his hectic schedule. He recalled the fun and excitement of past team building activities and wished the offi ce 25 more years.

Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy in her opening remarks, said “I hope that all our activities and refl ections will continue to build high performance teams”.

Various indoor and outdoor group-based activities and games were organized such as poster and jingle-writing contests, sack race and other relay games like “longest line” and “rabbit-archer-wall” to strengthen team relationships, communication, and problem solving skills and to test each and everyone’s agility and

sportsmanship. NWPC also did a mimic version of “The Voice of the Philippines” where blind auditions added excitement and fun to the usual singing contest.

The group also found time to refl ect through an exercise facilitated by Exec. Dir. Sy. Using a presentation on “15 things that we should give up to be happy” by Dana Saviuc, the offi cers and staff shared their thoughts and sentiments on giving up things that have caused them pain and suffering in order to experience the true meaning of happiness.

by Julie Callope-Llorente

At 25: NWPC celebrates... from page 1

“Congratulations sa ating lahat sapagkat naabot natin ang 25 years na may malinis at mataas na antas ng public service”. He proudly declared that the hefty load of work given to NWPC symbolizes the confi dence of the administration to the capabilities of the agency. NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy agreed, saying that she wanted this day to symbolize the agency’s commitment to a higher standard of service and more years of public service to come. “Ang gusto ko lang ay maging simbolo ang araw na ito ng ating maigting na public service at ng matagal pang panahon na paglilingkod sa ating bayan. Ipinagdarasal ko din na bigyan tayo ng malakas at malusog na pangangatawan upang magampanan natin ng maayos ang ating responsibilidad para palawakin ang naaabot ng minimum wage at pagandahin ang working condition ng ating mga manggagawa,” Exec. Dir. Sy said in her message. The NPWC Employees Association President Ms.