SSS will now be open six days a week starting October 26

While waiting to get a ride to work this afternoon, I saw the headline that SSS offices will now be open until saturday, 5:00pm! This is great news for everybody! Check out this official announcement from SSS itself.

SSS branches to open for members every Saturday

Social Security System (SSS) members can transact at SSS branches all over the country every Saturday, starting on October 26, 2013, as part of the agency's thrust to make SSS services more accessible to its membership.

SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi said the Social Security Commission has approved the extended branch schedule, which aims to acccommodate members who cannot transact at SSS branch offices during regular business hours on weekdays.

“Under the new schedule, SSS branches will be open to serve members from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday, on top of their regular business hours on Mondays to Fridays,” Solilapsi said. “We encourage members, as well as regular and household employers, to take advantage of this special SSS branch schedule, which starts on October 26.”

The extended work schedule will also benefit Cebu and Bohol-based members affected by the recent earthquake covered by the SSS Calamity Relief Package. The package includes the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP) for members with existing salary loans; the waived one percent service fee for new salary loan borrowers; advance release of three-month pensions; and the fixed six percent annual interest rate and waived application fee under the special House Repair and Improvement Loan Program.

Solilapsi said a similar calamity relief package is also on-going for members and pensioners affected by Typhoon “Santi,” which left the town of San Miguel, Bulacan in a state of calamity as declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council or “NDRRMC.”

The state-run pension fund has 132 branch offices nationwide that serve over 30 million members and about 871,000 registered employers. SSS plans to create additional 10 branches and increase the number of branch personnel to improve service delivery and enhance its accessibility to members and employers, especially with the continuing growth in SSS membership.

“Apart from SSS branches, members who plan to transact during the weekend can also visit SSS Service Offices in various malls nationwide, which are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m,” he said.

source: https://www.sss.gov.ph/sss/index2.jsp?secid=5045&cat=6&pg=null

August 9, 2013 is a Regular Holiday to Celebrate the Muslim Holiday Eid'l Fit'r

Malacañang has released the official proclamation declaring August 9, 2013 as a regular non-working holiday throughout the country.

This means that work rendered on this day will mean an additional 100% day's wage for 8 hours of work. All employees who have regular working schedules on this day are not required to report for work to celebrate the holiday, but will still be paid their basic daily rate.

You may download a copy of the proclamation at these websites:
PMAP website - http://pmap.org.ph/content/research/circular-2013-016/
Philippine's Official Gazette - http://www.gov.ph/2013/08/01/proclamation-no-629-s-2013/

The full text of the proclamation is as follows:

MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 629

DECLARING FRIDAY, 9 AUGUST 2013, AS A REGULAR HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY IN OBSERVANCE OFEID’L FITR (FEAST OF RAMADHAN)

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9177 declared Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan) as a regular holiday throughout the country;

WHEREAS, Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim World for three (3) days after the end of the month of fasting;

WHEREAS, to promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr; and

WHEREAS, in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Friday, 9 August 2013, as a regular holiday throughout the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Friday, 9 August 2013, as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan). The Eid’l Fitr Prayer shall be performed depending on the result of the moon-sighting activity on 7 August 2013.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 1st day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.Executive Secretary

IT Vacancies at WNS Corp with Competitive Salaries

Feel free to email your resume/referrals to ria.dolencio@wns-corp.com

Company Website: http://www.wns-corp.com/

SAP BASIS Security Administrator - CONTRACTUAL BASESalary Offer: P40,000 - P65,000
Work Location - Makati City

Provide security administration support for all SAP environments
3 years' experience as a Security Administrator in SAP Security ECC, BW, SRM, CRM, SCM,WMS, Portal.
Expert level understanding of SAP Security in development, QA and Production SAP clients
Day to day support of environments to ensure all user ID's and assigned roles/profiles are maintained according to SOD (Segregation of Duties)
Knowledge of SAP GRC tools and audits
Maintain documentation surrounding best practice security procedures

NETWORK and EMAIL SUPPORT (Jr. Level) - CONTRACTUAL BASESalary Offer: P30, 000 - P65, 0000
Work Location - Makati City

Roles and Responsibilities

Responsible for reviewing and implementing all change requests to corporate network
In close conjunction with network providers to ensure a consistent service is provided
All firewalls, routers and network links for all offices including both central data centers
ISG Local network together with network provider and Windows Platform Architect

Qualifications

At least 2 years network and email support experience
Experience in MS Exchange or messaging and network configuration
Information Security background
Firewall configuration
Excellent communication protocols knowledge
Hands-on technical ability for routers and firewalls
Willing to accept contractual status of 6 mos. to 1 year (Can be extended)
Travel and out-of-office hours work may be required.

Senior Test Analyst - CONTRACTUAL BASESalary Offer: Max P70, 000
Work Location - Makati City

JOB DESCRIPTION

To assist in the estimation of testing job and in coming up with test strategy and plan
To lead the team in the creation of test cases, scenarios and scripts
To submit testing status report
To guide, coach and support test resources reporting to him/her
Attend regular status meetings as required with the testing and project teams

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree preferably in business or technical discipline such as Computer Science or equivalent technical / business experience
A minimum of 4-5 years' work experience with 2-3 years business systems experience performing Testing functions including testing, test plan development, measurement and reporting of quality issues and maintaining quality related records
Basic knowledge of general industry standard testing approaches and techniques as they apply to business or project settings, a must

With at least two years working experience in SAP, MM and SD modules
With background in Pharmaceutical or Distribution company an advantage

General/basic knowledge or exposure in manual or automated testing tools (HP QC)
A fast learner with a very good diagnostic and problem solving skills
With a Can-Do Attitude, can adapt easily in a collaborative team environment
Ability to multi-task and good organizational skills
Confident and fluent both in oral and written English communication
Good understanding of system programming is an edge
Exposure in different platforms/systems preferably on web technologies is highly desirable.
Good English communication skills essential (both written and oral)
Willing to work public holidays and long hours at times especially during roll out of application updates

St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic

St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (Manila Based) is currently looking for the following:

(1) cashier - Graduate of any Business/Management/Accounting course, at least 2 years experience
(1) IT staff/Comp technician - at least 1 year experience, newly grads are welcome

Interested applicants may send their CV to ocampo_cecille@yahoo.com

Photographers Wanted

GTGO Enterprises, Inc. is looking for Site Supervisors

GT GO ENTERPRISES, INC. is forty year old construction and development company specializing in residential, industrial and commercial applications with historical applications in industrial applications during its beginnings. It has worked on projects that have enabled the company to endear itself to its long time customers that seek the time tested qualities of construction: quality and reliability. The company has in its roster a workforce of architects, engineers and other professionals. We seek to engage additional professionals to complement our current workforce to be able to better serve our ever growing clientele.

Project Engineer
National Capital Reg


Responsibilities:

The Project Engineer is expected to do the following:

• Ensures that all data gathering and analysis for the project is accomplished
• Ensures that on-site production follows the forecasted schedule
• Coordinates directly with the client for all construction implementation needs

Requirements:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Architecture, Engineering (Civil), Engineering (Mechanical), Engineering (Electrical/Electronic) or equivalent. Professional License (Passed Board/Bar/Professional License Exam) is a plus
• Required skill(s): MS Office, AutoCad.
• Required language(s): English, Filipino. Chinese (Fuk Yuen/ Mandarin) is a plus.
• At least 1 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
• Preferably 1-4 Yrs Experienced Employees specializing in Engineering - Civil/Construction/Structural or equivalent.
• Preferably with experience in cost estimating and cost planning
• Experience in high rise construction is an advantage

Applicants may bring their detailed CVs with transcript of records to:

176H Tandang Sora Street Quezon City

(in between Visayas and Mindanao Avenues)

Tel. Nos. +63.2.939.7244; +63.2.455.5167

Processing of applicants is from

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat - 9:00am to 3:00pm

Thursday - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Job Vacancies for G4S

G4S, the world's leading security solutions provider engaged in manned security services, security training, electronic security systems, cash management, etc., is need of qualified individuals who will fill in our URGENT vacancies for positions as follows:


RECONCILIATION MANAGER

• Bachelor's Degree in Banking and Financing or related courses
• Has at least 5 years experience in cash reconciliation in the banking industry
• With at least 3 years experience in managerial position
• With proven record of achieving SLAs and KPIs
• Has excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly proficient in MS Excel
• Can interface in all levels of management
• With strong interpersonal skills

CASH PROCESSING CENTER MANAGER

• Bachelor's degree in any business-related course; preferably with Master's degree in Finance or Business Management
• At least three (3) years experience in a managerial/supervisory position
• At least five (5) years relevant experience preferably in the banking industry (cash processing)
• With proven track record in delivering target objectives
• With excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal & written) skills
• Highly proficient in MS Excel
• Willing to be assigned in Libis

FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS MANAGER

• Master's degree in Finance / Accounting / Professional Accounting Qualificatio
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Self-starter with high levels of energy and commitment.
• Ability to constructively challenge business.
• Cross functional team player.
• High proficiency in English for both of speaking and writing.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Excel/Power Point presentation environment.
• Good personality and interpersonal and negotiation skills. 

GENERAL ACCOUNTANT

•  Graduate of BS Accountancy
• At least 1 year experience in General Accounting
• Adept in applying accounting procedures and practices to the analysis of complex accounting problems
• Ability to decide and recommend relative to accounting responsibilities
• Ability to find solutions
• Knowledgeable in accounting software
• With excellent written and oral communication skills
• Can interface with members of management
• Keen to details and can work under pressure
• CPA preferred but not required

ATM TECHNICIANS

• Graduate of any 4 year business or technical courses
• Willing to be assigned in the field and work in all weather conditions
• Willing to work for six (6) days, on shifting schedule, weekends, holidays, and long hours
• Accustomed to physical labor; physically fit with excellent physical dexterity 

CASHIERS

• Graduate of any 4 year course
• Physically fit with excellent manual dexterit
• Willing to work for long hours, 6 days a week, on holidays, on weekends, and shifting schedule
• With above average skills in MS Office Applications
• Willing to be assigned in Libis or in Muntinlupa
• Experience in cash processing/money sorting is an advantage
• Fresh graduates are welcome to apply

Applicants may submit their updated Curriculum Vitae to HR & Administration Department anytime between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, from April 15 until April 30, 2013. You may also call 571-8861 extension 205 for inquiries. Look for Ms. Princess Maddawin or Ms. Rohayna Brillantes or email application top.maddawin@ph.g4s.com or r.brillantes@ph.g4s.com.
              

VISIT OUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE  

www. g4s.com 

The Cockroach Theory of Self-development: A Story On How To Handle Stress

I found this interesting story posted by a friend in my facebook timeline. It is an interesting take on such a simple everyday occurrence, but the lesson is sound.

At a restaurant, a cockroach suddenly flew from somewhere and sat on a lady. She started screaming out of fear. With a panic stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach. Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group also got panicky.

The lady finally managed to push the cockroach away but... it landed on another lady in the group. Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama.

The waiter rushed forward to their rescue. In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter. The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt. When he was confident enough, he grabbed it with his fingers and threw it out of the restaurant.

Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach responsible for their histrionic behavior? If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed? He handled it near to perfection, without any chaos.

It is not the cockroach, but the inability of the ladies to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach that disturbed the ladies. I realized that, it is not the shouting of my father or my boss or my wife that disturbs me, but it's my inability to handle the disturbances caused by their shouting that disturbs me. It's not the traffic jams on the road that disturbs me, but my inability to handle the disturbance caused by the traffic jam that disturbs me. More than the problem, it's my reaction to the problem that creates chaos in my life.

Lessons learnt from the story:
I understood, I should not react in life. I should always respond. The women reacted, whereas the waiter responded. Reactions are always instinctive whereas responses are always well thought of, just and right to save a situation from going out of hands, to avoid cracks in relationship, to avoid taking decisions in anger, anxiety, stress or hurry.

Salary Increases Do Employees Have A Right To Receive Salary Increases?

Author: Elsabé Huysamen, March 2010
Source: http://www.masconsulting.co.za/uploads/news/2010_-_Do_employees_have_the_righ_to_a_salary_increase.pdf

Employers are regularly faced with the question whether or not their employees should receive salary increases.

The basic rule is that employees do not have a right to an annual salary increase, unless it is so stipulated in an employee’s contract of employment; or determined by a collective agreement between the employer and a trade union; or a bargaining council agreement; or a sectoral determination applicable to the sector within which the employer operates. In the absence of any of these, salary increases remain within management’s prerogative. Obviously, if the right to an increase is catered for in any of the aforementioned, the
employer cannot unilaterally remove this right and replace it with, e.g., a discretionary annual  salary increase or take away the right all together. This would amount to a breach of contract. The employee’s agreement would have to be obtained to effect such a change.

However, even if an annual salary increase is not guaranteed, not providing an increase to  an employee may still amount to an unfair labour practice. This would be the case, for example, if an employee meets all the requirements of a discretionary increase but the employer, without a valid reason, refuses to increase the employee’s salary. The employee who relies on this ground, would need to prove that:

a. he/she has some entitlement to receiving an increase (e.g. it has become established practice in the company to provide annual increases, or all other employees received one); and

b. the employer acted unfairly in not increasing the employee’s salary (e.g. by deciding arbitrarily not to give the employee an increase).

Even if there is no guarantee of an increase, employers who are running into financial problems, but whose employees might expect an increase, should at least inform the employees of its difficulties and decision not to implement an increase well in advance. Not doing so is harmful to good workplace relations and also opens up the risk of an unfair labour practice complaint.

Unless an employer is contractually or through a collective agreement or sectoral determination bound to give an increase, it is good practice to include a clause in the contracts of new appointees that there is no right to an increase and that the decision whether or not to award an increase falls squarely within management’s discretion. At the same time, of course, when awarding increases, employers should be clear about the criteria used to grant them, inform the employees about them and ensure that the criteria are
applied fairly and consistently.

Finally, it is important to communicate the basis on which salary increases are awarded to all employees. If the employer has a written policy regarding this, it should make reference to it in any contract of employment and ensure that existing staff, whose contracts might not contain such a clause, are provided with a copy of the policy. Employees should know in advance, what the criteria is for receiving increases, how regularly they are awarded and on what basis they are calculated. This creates certainty and clarity for employees in relation to increases and would result in fewer disputes regarding salary increases. The actual increase received by each individual employee, however, like other information that is personal to an employee, should be kept confidential.