MANILA, Philippines – The much-awaited major personnel changes at the Bureau of Internal Revenue will happen on Jan. 3 to coincide with the launching of the 2011 collection drive to raise P930 billion, BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares said Wednesday.

“There will be minor movement for 19 revenue regional directors, but a major one on the level of revenue district officers (RDO),” BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said.

Statistics showed that half of the more than 120 RDOs failed to hit their individual collection targets, thus they will be likely relegated to less important posts during the reorganization.

Ms. Henares said the revamp will be based solely on performance and integrity.

She said those who performed will be transferred to big revenue districts in Metro Manila and other key cities and towns.

She believed that if taxmen will put their hearts and minds on their jobs the agency can easily hit its annual collection target.

The BIR chief agreed with the observation of her predecessor Efren Plana that the BIR is peopled with the best and brightest in the government service. (Jun Ramirez)

SAN JUAN DIEGO FEAST THURSDAY

MANILA, Philippines – A concelebrated mass to be presided by Bishop Deogracias Iniguez will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday at the St. Juan Diego Chapel on Gen. Luna St., South Cembo, Makati City in celebration of the feast of San Juan Diego, the first indigenous American saint to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Philippines, appeared in 1531.

A feeding program known as “almusalang bayan” follows the mass said Sr. Dawn Parlade, secretary of the sub-parish council and coordinator of lectors and commentator ministry. A solemn procession bearing the image of the well-venerated saint will be held after the 4:30 p.m. mass.

Triduum masses were held from Dec. 6 to 8, while novena masses were celebrated from Nov. 30 to Dec. 8.

Festivities will also be held in Silay City, Negros Occidental in honor of its patron.

Venerated as the protector and advocate of the indigenous peoples, St. Juan is considered as Our Lady’s messenger “to bring the Gospel to the Americas.” (Christina I. Hermoso)

POEA REMINDS LOCAL DOCTORS

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Wednesday reminded Filipino doctors who plan to work in the United Kingdom about the requirements before they can practice medicine in that country.

The Philippine Embassy in London said that the UK General Council will require non-European Union nationals to undergo an International English Language Test System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7.0 in all test categories effective October 1, 2010, obtain a Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) Test 1, and the Completion of F1 (Foundation 1) training post/internship.

The UK General Council also said that PLAB 1 Tests are conducted in several countries excluding the Philippines. The PLAB 2 Test is only held in Manchester, UK. More information about the registration procedures and guidelines are found at www.gmc-uk.org.

The Philippine Embassy in London also said that medical jobs in the UK are currently very limited and that UK regulations do not allow non-EU doctors to practice medicine under the same rules and regulations governing EU and UK doctors. (Carlos Suerte Felipe)