Companies should always bear in mind that people is their most valuable resources. Fostering a safe work environment greatly impacts productivity which more than enough basis for a company to reach its goals. Increased productivity equals improved bottom line.

It’s a shame to think that other managers and top level officers believe that pay is the strongest motivation for people to work. Studies have shown that people do not necessarily perform more when they are paid well. There are a lot of factors affecting employee productivity and one of which is the work environment. Providing the workforce with an environment conducive to working, with proper tools and equipment is a major factor for employees to reach the maximum level of productivity.

Occupational Safety and Health does not only affect the management and its workers but it can have its secondary effects among family members, customers, suppliers and even the community.  It’s an interdisciplinary concern that can be achieved by the management initiatives and employee’s support for the program.

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Asbestos cancer is a rare cancer. Also called mesothelioma, it affects individuals exposed to asbestos, most specially for people who have handled asbestos at work not knowing the danger it can bring them.

Photo : “Adjust“ by mindfrieze on Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

This year, Earth Hour takes place on Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm (local time). Whether you are an individual, a business enterprise, or a community, you are invited to get involved. Just turn off your lights for 60 minutes and you can make a big difference.

People from all walks of life are one in this global action, because we all have one thing in common – our planet. We need to do this for a sustainable future. This is the second year for my family to participate, and it’s a joy to know that my kids are more excited than me.

You can support Earth Hour by:

1. Turning off your lights at 8.30PM on March 27.
2. Showing your support and adding yourself to our world map.
3. Adding Earth Hour widgets, logos and banners to your blog or website to help us spread the word.
4. Talking about Earth Hour in your social network by updating your Facebook status, grabbing a Twibbon, tweeting about your support, and more..
5. Get together with your friends and family, by hosting an Earth Hour party or holding your own candlelit affair.
6. Rally your local council or community group to run an Earth Hour event for your community.
7. Encourage your employer and workmates to take part in Earth Hour and make energy savings every day
8. Make an Earth Hour Lantern as a symbol of hope for the future.
9. Be creative! Find a new way to mark Earth Hour and email:kkp@wwf.org.ph to let them know all about it.

Although its miles away from where we are now, I cannot help but feel for the families who have lost their loved ones. No one deserves to be brutally murdered like that. It is a rather sad reflection of our country’s present political state. We have yet to start the campaign period, what more?

As I hear and read updates from the news, I am even more enraged to know that some of the victims were sexually abused before they were killed. Such an atrocious cruelty! I pray for the souls of these victims that they may find peace and that justice may be served.

The presence of private armies makes me shudder and I fear for my family, my kids and the future generation. I do hope that this coming elections we will be able to elect people who will have the political will to not only look into this matter but do something about it. And I truly pray that this unpleasant incident will not just disappear from the news, just like any other issues concerning the government.

I am sharing with you the statement issued by Senator Trillanes regarding this incident.

THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE
by: Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV
It was a very sad day for our country yesterday. Forty people were reportedly abducted and killed in broad daylight allegedly by the security men of political warlords in Maguindanao with the possible involvement of some local law enforcement units.

The news may come as a shock for some but the truth is the brutal massacre merely highlighted what has been going on in many parts of our country all these years. This is ‘political warlordism’ at its worst! To further aggravate matters, the AFP/PNP are either accomplices, silents partners or helpless onlookers in these occurrences either by choice or through pressure from superiors. Often, the AFP/PNP area commanders are pressured or bribed by local politicians into issuing firearms for the latter ostensibly for security purposes but actually ends up being used for kidnapping, robbery, harassment/coercion, tribal wars and, in this case, a massacre of political foes. In an incident in 2001, then Col. Narcise, a newly assigned brigade commander in Basilan, recalled the government issued firearms of then Gov. Wahab Akbar but after a few days Col. Narcise was directed by then DND Sec. Reyes to return the said firearms to Akbar. The late Governor was a political ally of GMA and a personal friend of Reyes. Afterwards, Col. Narcise was unceremoniously relieved from his post by Reyes at the request of Akbar. Similar situations are happening in Maguindanao and other strife torn areas throughout the country.

That said, I will be filing a resolution on Monday calling for a Senate investigation on the Maguindanao massacre to find out the circumstances that led to this gruesome crime with a particular focus on the possible involvement/negligence of the AFP/PNP. Also, it intends to determine how many firearms have actually been issued by the AFP/PNP to all local officials not only in Maguindanao but all over the country with the end in view of recalling such firearms. Earlier, I have also filed a Gun Control Bill that intends to curb the proliferation of loose firearms. The bottom line is: WE HAVE TO GET THESE GUNS! Now, this is just the first step. Ultimately, only an aggressive political/governance reform and development agenda can restore peace, progress and democracy in these areas. Let’s just hope Noynoy (or whoever will be the next president) has one.