CNECC Swears In Regional Education Ethics Commissions

CNECC Swears In Regional Education Ethics Commissions
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 21/12/2011

The National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (CNECC in Spanish) recently swore in regional Ethics Commissions which are part of the Ministry of Education Regional Districts. The swearing-in took place in the Fuensanta Muñoz Hall of the Salomé Ureña Superior Institute for Teacher Training (ISFODOSU in Spanish).

Minister Pimentel thanked Marino Vinicio Castillo and Miguel Suazo, a Biotech Expert, for their effort in creating mechanisms to help provide transparency and efficiency in public service and management.

The ceremony was presided over by Education Minister, Josefina Pimentel, who gave the welcoming speech and was followed by CNECC Rector Council President, Marino Vinicio Castillo. Others who participated included Deputy Education Minister and Ethics Commission Coordinator, Giselle Féliz, and the Executive Director of CNECC, Miguel Suazo.

Minister Pimentel thanked Marino Vinicio Castillo and Miguel Suazo, a Biotech Expert, for their effort in creating mechanisms to help provide transparency and efficiency in public service and management. She said the commissions must be watchdogs to assure the implemenation of Executive Decree No. 101-05 which oversees the organization of all work related to norms and controls necessary to becoming the leading model institution of the Dominican Republic’s Education Ministry (MINERD).

Pimentel added that, little by little, steps are being taken to re-position the Ministry to enable it to reach its objectives in the area of ethics and transparency, which will represent a new management style within the MINERD. The work will be oriented toward creating new leadership within a management process linked to the transparency and promotion of internships and positive work in the schools, explained Pimental. She added that children deserve good examples which will serve as models upon which to base their own behavior as adults.

In swearing in the Regional Ethics Commissions and the MINERD Ethics Commission, Dr. Castillo expressed satisfaction with members of the education system as he recognized their work as being unique.

“All of you, teachers and professors who are responsible for education in the schools should always remember that everything that happens, for better or worse, is your responsibility. Without all of you it is difficult to create a healthier society” said Dr. Castillo.

He recognized that hard times in societies which are alienated by consumption and other problems that wear on the social fabric. He said he is aware of domestic problems, the dangers of drug use and crime and that all of these combine to make education in the schools more complicated and challenging.

“Teachers today, everywhere, are facing dramatic situations with their students. Societies may have progressed, but this forward movement has brought about a series of negative issues. One member of an Ethics Commission is in a position of power but this person must know how to exercise that power and do the right thing. This job goes beyond the normal framework of the job,” said Castillo

The Regional Ethics Commissions are made up of coordinators Cándida Espinosa Urbáez, from Regional 01 of Barahona; José Francisco Adames, from 02 of San Juan de la Maguana; Rafaela Nova, from 03 of Azua; Dignora Cabrera, from 04 of San Cristóbal; Noemí Gabriel, from 05 of San Pedro de Macorís; Iluminada Rosario, from 06 of La Vega; Zoila Ynmaculada Canela, from Regional 07 of San Francisco de Macorís; Ysabel Ureña, from 08 of Santiago and Ramona Almonte, from 09 of Mao.

Other members of the Commissions include Argentina Henríquez, from Regional 10 of Santo Domingo II; Friedanela Simons, from Regional 11 of Puerto Plata; Pedro from los Santos, of Regional 12 of Higüey; Bianela Peña, from Regional 13 of Montecristi; Francisco Reynoso, from 14 of Nagua; Ana Francisca Suero, from 15 of Santo Domingo III; Franquelis Silverio, from Regional 16 of Cotui; Juan Tomás Brito, from 17 of Monte Plata and Mercedes Mella, from Regional 18 of Neyba.

The MINERD Ethics Commission, sworn in November of 2011, is made up of Administrative Deputy Minister, Giselle Féliz, coordinator of the Commission; Legal Consultant and advisor to the Minister, Carmen Reyes; Cristina Molina, advisor and responsible for the area of Ethics; Director of Human Resources, Magalys Casilla; Minerva Pérez, Director of Orientation, Psychology and Attention to Diversity in the area of education; Administrative Director, Yuri Rodríguez; Jesús Dorado, Finance Director and advisor in charge of Administration; Henry Núñez, in charge of Information Access including Communication and Dissemination and Carolyn Guzmán, Director of Purchasing and Hiring.

Decree 149-98 oversees State Ministers, Directors and General Administrators in the formation of Ethics Commissions in each of the offices or ministries. It functions as a link between the corresponding institution and the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission which is responsible for monitoring and following up of ethical promotion plans as well as transparency in public administration.

Following the swearing in of the ethics commissions, Giselle Féliz, Deputy Education Minister and Ethics Commission Coordinator, explained the function of the organization over which she presides, adding that she will assume the task with a great deal of seriousness and responsibility.

Through workshops, she explained, they will be developing an ambitious program for next year and will be choosing a date to commemorate National Citizens Ethics Day.

Education Minister, Josefina Pimentel, welcoming the members of MINERD’s Ethics Commissions. At the table, from left to right, are Miguel Suazo and Marino Vinicio Castillo, president and executive director of the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (CNECC), respectively, and Giselle Féliz, Deputy Education Minister and Ethics Commission Coordinator.