by Melanie Rapiz-Parel
ALL Administrative Officers of the agency held their first virtual meeting on October 1, addressing issues on the safety of the employees from COVID-19, as well as updating on policies and processes in filling up of vacant positions, and other administrative matters.
Deputy Administrator for Support Services Benedicto M. Savellano instructed the officers to focus on the main tasks of enhancing the administrative services in the implementation of health and safety protocols at the workplace.
“Health services is topmost priority of Administrator Robert Victor Seares Jr. and we are performing frontline services in this regard for everyone’s safety,” said Savellano.
The Central Office has been maintaining a 50-percent skeleton workforce and work-from-home setup since April. For the branch offices, he reminded the officers to comply with the procedures set by their respective local government units (LGUs) as far as health issues are concerned.
Filing of terminal leaves, collection of retirements, requests for vehicles, staff trainings and scholarships were also discussed in the virtual meeting organized by the Administrative Department headed by Officer in Charge Perla C. Manzon and Zenaida T. Arrojo, chief of General Services and Procurement Division.
Savellano emphasized the importance of upgrading the computerized system for database of employees’ records to ensure faster transaction on the computation of the terminal leaves and claiming the retirement benefits of the retirees.
On manpower development, Savellano discussed his plans to provide opportunities for staff training, as he proposed a meeting with the officers of the NTA Employees Association (NTAEA) to discuss programs or projects they plan to do for their member employees.
“I want to emphasize continuous enhancement of our administrative services and know the areas where we can focus on to improve our major processes,” said Savellano.
The administrative officers were also given updates on new protocols or guidelines on hiring procedures under the new normal condition. Savellano said that an addendum in the internal guidelines of the NTA particularly on the conduct of online interview of applicants will be forwarded to the Civil Service Commission.
“Under the new normal, we encourage online transaction to help employees reduce contact with virus and to monitor social distancing,” he added.
On NTA scholarship grant for dependents of tobacco growers, he reported on the continuation of registration in the branch offices. “The allowance we give our grantees may be used in obtaining gadgets and internet connection for their online classes,” he said.
The Administrative Officers in attendance were Elaine A. Tinio (Ilocos Norte), Magdalena Mamuyac (Pangasinan), Noralyn I. Idica (Vigan), Alberto C. Casison (La Union), Teodulo B. Benitez Jr. (Isabela), and Josefa P. Correo (Isabela). Imelda N. Riñen, manager of the Farm Technology and Services Department, also joined the meeting. The Administrative Officers of Abra and Candon were represented by Abra Branch Manager Esmeralda G. Valera and Candon Branch Manager Estrella G. De Peralta, along with Resty C. Cambe, respectively.
