Solon files bill on exi sched for pregnant women workers BARMM execs convene on peace programs

LOCAL leaders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) met at a summit on June 20 to discuss initiatives for sustainable development and long-lasting peace in the region.

Part of Project CIRCLE (Communities of Inclusion and Resilience through Collaborative Local Engagements), the LGU Fellowship Program on Social Cohesion and Resilience held the conference in Pasig together with various local agencies and groups.

In its official launch, the fellowship program together with the pioneering batch of leaders from different towns in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao del Sur showcased their innovative programs, policies, plans, and solutions to violent extremism.

The fellowship aims to foster a community of practice among local government chiefs to promote sustainability and positive programs and practices on social cohesion and resilience.

Galing Pook Foundation chairperson Mel Sarmiento said that the key to attaining peace and order in the region is strong local governance.

“We believe that stronger local governance is a foundation to pursuing sustainable peace and preventing violent extremism. LGUs are the forefront of ensuring public safety, order, and security, and that requires building cohesive and resilient communities,” Sarmiento said.

“We have seen the power of creating spaces for interLGU collaboration and peer-to-peer learning among mayors and their teams, and we will constantly support the LGUs in constantly learning from (one) another,” he added.

The summit was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, The Asia Foundation, Galing Pook Foundation with support from the Australian

NORTH Cotabato Rep. Ma. Alana

Samantha Taliño-Santos has filed

House Bill 8471 to allow pregnant women and those who have just given birth to have flexible work arrangements, to work from home, or be allowed to adjust their time-in and time-out schedules.

“Studies have shown that accommodations for pregnant employees also have positive impacts to overall work productivity, reduce absenteeism and improve employee satisfaction and retention,” she said.

The proposed flexible work arrangements shall extend for at least one year from the date of childbirth.

She, however, clarified the flexible work arrangements shall be agreed upon by the employer and the pregnant employee and post-natal mother, and shall adhere to labor standards.

A violator will be fined P20,000 to P200,000 or imprisoned for 30 days to six months.

Employers may seek an exemption from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The proposed measure provides that mothers who avail of the flexible work arrangement shall be assured security of tenure, and “exercise of this option by them shall not be used as a basis for demotion in employment or termination.”

“By enacting this legislation, we empower pregnant women and postnatal mothers to effectively balance the responsibilities of their professional commitments with the demands of their family life, particularly during this crucial phasef of motherhood,” the lawmaker cited.

Government and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP assured the fellowship that the police force is fully committed to working hand-in-hand with LGUs.

“PNP remains fully committed in supporting this local cause, the police force will continue to work hand-in-hand with LGUs, civil society organizations, and communities to break down barriers, build bridges of understanding and pave the way for peace and progress,” PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said in a statement.

During the meeting, DILG officially launched its new website dubbed ResilientLGUs.PH to help LGUs in disseminating information to others.

Formerly known as LGUsvsCovidPh, ResilientLGUs. PH is an information portal that provides LGUs with information on best practices, local policy templates, and tools to build resilience and inclusion through democratic governance and engagements in their communities.

RTC judge to pay fine on garnishment case

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered a regional trial court judge in Davao City to pay a fine of P700,000 after finding him guilty of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct when he issued orders directing the execution and garnishment of the amount of $17 million against the subsidiaries and affiliates of Shell Oil Company, including Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC).

In an 18-page en banc decision written by Associate Ramon Paul Hernando, the SC upheld with modification the report and recommendation issued by the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) against Regional Trial Court, Davao City, Branch

14 Presiding Judge George Omelio.

In its February 16, 2022 report submitted to the en banc, the JIB recommended to hold Omelio liable for gross ignorance of the law and be fined in the amount of P40,000.

But the SC modified the JIB’s recommendation when it declared that Omelio is actually guilty of two counts of gross ignorance of the law, one count of grave abuse of authority and one count of gross misconduct constituting violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Because of this, the SC declared that the respondent judge should pay a fine of P700,000 within a period of not exceeding three months from the date of promulgation of the decision.

LAST week I wrote about the writing workshops going on this summer, with the aim of nurturing and developing the skills of Filipino writers.

I mentioned how essential these workshops are not only to teach craft and technique, but also to build and foster a sense of community among people who often feel they are alone in their endeavors. I can’t emphasize enough just how important workshops, literary conferences, and similar gatherings are, especially those that are conducted face-to-face.

As I see in workshop after workshop the happy and fulfilled faces of participants and read their messages of thanks and acknowledgment, I become even more convinced we need to do more to propagate activities and events that bring people together to celebrate the written word and all the other forms and permutations of narrative and storytelling.

Thus I call upon provincial and city/ municipality leaders to be open to holding literary residencies and workshops in their areas to further promote reading and writing among their constituents, and to provide points of collaboration for their writers with others from across the country.

What are writers’ residencies?

These are programs that provide housing, food, etc. to writers to stay in a certain area for a certain length of time (could be weeks or months) so that they can do research or finish a literary work.

Residencies are necessary because the craft of writing requires time, focus, and an environment conducive to creativity.

Writing residencies offer a unique opportunity for writers to retreat from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in their work.

To fully harness the potential of literary talent in the country, local governments should consider offering and subsidizing writing residencies.

These programs not only foster the growth of individual writers but also contribute to the cultural fabric and creative landscape of a nation.

By offering fully or partially funded residencies, governments can alleviate the financial burdens that often hinder writers from pursuing their craft full-time. Subsidized residencies enable writers to focus on their creative endeavors without the constant pressure to generate income through unrelated jobs. This support allows them to explore their artistic potential, develop their voice, and refine their writing skills. In turn, these accomplished writers become ambassadors for their province or city’s achievements.

Writing residencies also promote cultural exchange. When writers from different regions and cultures come together, a vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives takes place.

This cultural cross-pollination enriches the literary landscape, fostering the development of new narratives, styles, and approaches to storytelling.

By facilitating such exchanges through subsidized residencies, provinces and LGUs may empower their writers to connect with their peers and expand their creative horizons.

These interactions not only enhance the quality and diversity of a nation’s literature but also contribute to a deeper understanding of different cultures, fostering empathy and appreciation.

Last March I went to Pangasinan for the “Panitikan ng Panumduman” literary conference organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Among the guests of honor were National Artists for Literature Gémino Abad and Virgilio Almario. The 200 or so students who attended fangirled over these literary idols. It was obvious such exchanges are treasured by participants.

What if we conducted such events more often and in more places all over the country? How many more of the youth will walk away inspired to create?

While in the province, we stayed in Lingayen and met the city’s leader, Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil.

He told us tales about Limahong, the Chinese pirate who plays a large part in the area’s history. But there are hardly any books, if any, about the personage and the historical incidents surrounding him.

I asked in an open forum if the Mayor would be amenable to supporting a writer’s residency program in their town. I suggested that guest writers could collaborate with local historians and storytellers to come up with narratives about Limahong, Lingayen, and other local topics.

The resulting books could be sold at their LGU gift shops, be given to guests, and donated to libraries.

Mayor Bataoil said he was most interested in the idea, and their cultural consultant approached me afterward for a proposal. Now if only more mayors and provincial governors would show the same support!

Riffing off this anecdote, I present another rationale for writer’s residencies: to preserve national heritage.

Every community in this country has a unique cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved and celebrated. Writing residencies can play a crucial role in