Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael Mariano said in a press release from his office  that while the Aquino administration claims to pursue all-out efforts against the worst forms of contractualization, the Department of Labor and Employment's implemented Department Order  18-A series of 2011,  just strengthened national policies legalizing labor contractualization.

The  department order blatantly violates the workers’ right to security of tenure by further promoting and even institutionalizing contractual and flexible work arrangements, Mariano said.

“DOLE D.O. 18-A will only ensure that contractual work will become the 'permanent' employment status of Filipino workers,” said Mariano.“This order undermines the workers right to job security and other inherent labor rights supposedly protected by the Constitution and the Labor Code,”  Mariano said.

New group formed
for trike drivers

The Alliance of Concerned Transport in Occidental Negros helped organize a new tricycle organization called the Bacolod City Federation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association recently at the CICM Resort in Talisay City, a press release from the group said.

The new federation elected its officers during the gathering on the theme “Sa Paghugpong, May Kauswagan,” with 36 tricycle operators and drivers association in Bacolod City present.

Elected president was Leonardo Rendaje, vice president – Larry Jondanero, secretary - Edna Catadman, treasurer – Melvin Gatuslao, auditor – Joelito Bawa-an, public information officers – Jimmy Santillan and Donald Milca, Board members – Rolando Lopez Jr., Noe Villaflor, Regor Villanueva, Edgar Ombi-on, Joemarie Castor, Edwin Pasco, and Roberen Delatar.

Training for root crops
by-product making set

The Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Occidental will hold training on taro chips making, cassava chicharon, and ube coconut bars to optimize value-added activities and facilitate the use of local resources on March 7 at the Technology and Livelihood Development Center in Bacolod City.

Romel Amihan, trade and industry development specialist, said yesterday that the training will tackle food preparation, sanitation, other food processes related to root crops. The participants will also have a hands-on demonstration after the lectures, he said.

The training is open to all food processors, livelihood coordinators, academe, and other interested parties. It will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30p.m., Amihan said.