Tagumpay Frontier Volume No. X

Frontier Tagumpay

T H E

O F F I C I A L

M A G A Z I N E

O F

T H E

C I T Y

VOLUME NO. X NO. 2 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2016

G O V E R N M E N T

O F

T A G U M

Bountiful Harvest

the state of agriculture in tagum city and how it transforms the lives of tagumenyos

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

RICH MULTIMEDIA CONTENT INSIDE!

WHICH HAS MORE PROTEIN: BROCCOLI OR STEAK? We’ve got an answer on Page 11

executive take Straight from the Mayor’s Desk

Championing Agri-senso, Celebrating Tagumpay My beloved Tagumenyos, Tagumpay greetings to all of you!

The beautiful photograph in the cover is perhaps one of the reasons why you are holding this magazine right now. Reflecting on this beautiful photograph by ace photographer Eden Jhan Licayan submitted during one of our photo contests in the past, I cannot help but be amazed by how we at the City Government of Tagum have pooled the necessary resources to put premium on agriculture.

Since we championed its cause as evidenced in its inclusion in our ten-point development agenda dubbed as EAGLE WINGS Program, agriculture and fisheries development has remained to be at the forefront of our aggregate goal in ensuring food security.

This edition of Tagumpay Frontier, carefully selected by our dedicated team from the City Information Office, brings together nine agriculture stories that highlight the many

programs that are making difference in the lives of the Tagumenyo farmers.

Just recently, we opened our city’s firstever bee production facility, which is just a stone throw’s away from the now-frequented San Agustin Botanical Park. This endeavor is a brave new world for the city!

We also put the spotlight on our goal in making the Tagum a crab-producing city, alongside other high-value fishery products.

Taking immense pride with our Gulayan program, we are happy with how this notable program helped in addressing malnutrition in schools, providing food in every family’s tables and giving them extra income. We also featured in this edition the burgeoning cacao industry in the city, with the LGU Tagum putting emphasis in this crop essentially used in the production of chocolates.

These are just some of the insightful stories gathered in this Agriculture Issue of the Tagumpay Frontier­—remarkable stories that manifest the success of our programs on agriculture and fisheries. The City Agriculture

THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW INTERACTIVE.

Office and the City Veterinary Office are two of our lead offices that are working very hard towards harnessing the luster of agriculture as an effective poverty-reduction tool.

This administration is bent on sustaning this pivot on agriculture, as it continues to be the city’s major economic driver.

In our journey towards becoming a highly-urbanized hub, we shall continue to implement sound agricultural programs aimed at helping our farmers and making the most out of our products.

We do this following a simple logic: when our farmers succeed, we also succeed as a city. As such, when we champion agri-senso, we celebrate Tagumpay! Enjoy reading and please share this to your neighbors and friends!

Allan L. Rellon, dpa, ph.d City Mayor of Tagum

As you scan the pages of this magazine, you will notice QR codes that accompany some of the articles. These codes will lead you to a rich multimedia content that are embedded in each code. Just scan these codes using your smartphone where you will install a QR code scanner. Free QR code scanner apps can be downloaded from both App Store (for iOS users) and PlayStore (for Android users).

we recommend: QRReader

we recommend: QR and Bar Code Scanner

July-September 2016

THE BUREAU NEWS + UPDATES

TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP

Tagum City Chamber Chorale wins National Championship

Tagum among Top 10 component cities in RP

Mayor Rellon is VP for League of Cities of the Philippines

For once more, Tagum City boosted its claim as the Music Capital of the South after the Tagum City Chamber Chorale reigned supreme in this year’s Government Chorale Competition.

With its record-breaking increase in infraspending, Tagum City earned a fitting spot in the list of most competitive cities in the country as recognized by the National Competitive Council.

Mayor Allan Rellon soared as the second in command of the league of cities of the Philippines. This instatement mirrors his dedication in giving first-rate public service to the people of Tagum.

MORE ON PAGE 3

MORE ON PAGE 4

MORE ON PAGE 2

‘A win that cements Tagum’s moniker as the Music Capital of the South’

CHAMPS ANEW TAGUM CITY CHAMBER CHORALE pose with victory after singing their hearts out and clinching the top prize of the 6th Government Chorale Competition held September 13, 2016 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Leading the receiving of plaque and 200,000-peso cash prize is Mayor Allan Rellon who showed total support since the preparation of the choral group until the performance night.

The annual choral competition is part of the month-long celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service this September as sanctioned by the Civil Service Commission. Edwin Lasquite

FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS, voices from the City Government of Tagum resonated as the country’s finest as the Tagum City Chamber Chorale bested eight other government-based choral groups in the Philippines as it successfully defended their championship title in the 6th Government Chorale Competition held September 13, 2016 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The chorale group, which is composed of regular and casual employees of the local government, also bagged the awards for best arrangement of competition song for their rendition of Joey Ayala’s Karaniwang Tao as arranged by John August Pamintuan and best regional entry for Mindanao.

Mayor Allan Rellon extended his congratulations to the 30-man chorale for bringing huge pride to the city for the second time. It is believed that their second win to the said competition is a confirmation on Tagum City’s label as the Music Capital of the South.

Tagum’s group was awarded with a plaque and a 200,000 - peso cash prize.

In addition to the cash prize, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez also added another 100,000 - peso cash incentive to the group after being elated by the group’s impresive win.

It was also the group’s interpretation of the songs Pater Noster, the latin version of Our Father, and Dogalen a Mabaso, a song of folk tale of the Maranao, that captured the ears of the judges and enabled them to reclaim the top 2

prize.

It can be recalled that last year, the said chorale group also bagged the championship prize in the same competition sanctioned by the Civil Service Commission.

“We feel so blessed and fortunate kay nagpaid off ang among sacrifices and four months of practice just to defend the title,” said Marianne Ross Vinculado, a member of the Tagum Chorale.

She also stressed that the competition was a tough one considering that the other contenders were also past winners, even describing it as a battle of champions. However, she quipped that it was their 4-month preparation and the tough mentorship of Prof. Mario Sabello that enabled them to clinch the much-coveted award.

Declared as runners-up in the competition are Bayugan City Educator’s Chorale (1st runner up), Pagibig Fund Chorale (2nd runner up) and Pangasinan Provincial Chorale (3rd Runner Up).

The annual choral competition is part of the month-long celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service this September as sanctioned by the Civil Service Commission.

(Roy Banias)

SCAN THIS CODE USING YOUR SMARTPHONE TO WATCH THE PERFORMANCE OF TAGUM CITY CHAMBER CHORALE AT THE CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILILIPPINES

6TH ASEAN JAMBOREE TO PUT TAGUM INTO INT’L SPOTLIGHT Tagum City will once again be the central point of international buzz as the city is slated to host the 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree come October 2017.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon successfully defended Tagum City’s bid to host the said international jamboree during the holding of this year’s ASEAN Jamboree held in Malaysia.

No less than Mayor Rellon led the 27-man delegation of the Philippines as the country’s contingent head.

As the carrier of the Philippine flag, Mayor Rellon’s role focused on leading the country’s contingent to the said annual scouting conclave which gathered thousands of Boy Scouts coming from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei Darrusalam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines.

During the event, Mayor Rellon originally submitted Tagum City’s bid to host next year’s 3rd BIMP EAGA International Scout Jamboree but because of its impressive record in hosting the 16th National Scout Jamboree which gathered more than 21,000 scouts last year, the city’s bid was elevated to the ASEAN Jamboree. (Louie Lapat)

NUMBERSPEAK

183M+ LGU Tagum’s Infra Spending, in million pesos, for 2015

127

increase in percent of LGU Tagum’s infra spending in 2015 compared to 2014

4

nationwide spot earned by Tagum in nationwide competitiveness ranking for infrastructure

MOST COMPETITIVE Nationwide ranking for performing Philippine cities

reveals Tagum among the top ten admired urban hubs THE CITY OF TAGUM proved once more it is among the country’s highly-admired urban hubs as the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) ranked it as the 9th Most Competitive Component City in the Philippines which highlighted the local government’s efforts in promoting efficiency in governance, infrastructure development and economic dynamism.

Bared during the 4th Regional Competitiveness Summit last July 14, 2016 in Manila, Tagum’s inclusion in the top 10 circle is proof of Tagum’s effective governance buoyed by the administration’s EAGLE WINGS Program, according to Mayor Allan L. Rellon.

The local chief executive said Tagumenyos should be proud that it landed in the 9th spot among the 110 component cities in the entire Philippines, and the only component city in Davao Region and among the two component cities based in Mindanao to be included in the prestigious ranking.

In the annual competitiveness ranking, the city ranked 4th in infrastructure, 16th in economic

dynamism and 24th in government efficiency.

These three pillars became the bases of the NCC in ranking the over-all competitiveness of local government units in the country.

Of the three pillars, infrastructure development gained Tagum its sweeping retention to the top 10 component cities this year, but Mayor Rellon said this came as no surprise as his administration poured considerable budget for the implementation of infrastructure projects in the city.

In 2015, the LGU spent 183, 680, 873.10 pesos for its various infra projects, a record-breaking 127% increase in its 2014 infra spending amounting to nearly 81 million pesos.

These infra projects include construction of road networks, drainage, bridges, school buildings, gymnasiums, among others.

With this impressive ranking, Mayor Rellon is bullish Tagum will still be able to retain or improve its ranking next year, especially that his second term as local chief executive will usher in continued development for the city.

The Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index is an annual ranking developed by NCC through the Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCC) with the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Globe Telecom.

This year’s top 10 component cities are the following, arranged according to ranking: Naga, San Fernando, Legazpi, Bacoor, Cotabato, Antipolo, Ilagan, Imus, Tagum and San Pedro. (Louie Lapat) ANALYZE HOW TAGUM CITY FARED WITH OTHER CITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES. SCAN THIS CODE USING YOUR SMARTPHONE. THE BSP LEADERSHIP led by National President Wendel E. Avisado and Vice President for Mindanao Mayor Allan L. Rellon pose with the Philippine delegation to the 5th ASEAN Jamboree from September 15-20, 2016 in Tengku Muhammad Ismail Scout Camp in Malaysia. Mayor Rellon was named head of the Philippine delegation to the said scouting conclave. Edwin Lasquite

3 3

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE along with officials of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) does the fist gesture after their oath-taking ceremony at the Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace on July 27. Mayor Allan L. Rellon (1st row, 6th from left) was elected as Executive Vice President of the LCP. Ace Morandante/Presidential Photographers Division

SECOND IN COMMAND No less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte administered the oath of office of Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon who was recently elected as Executive Vice President of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) last July 27, 2016 at Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace, Manila.

Mayor Rellon was elected during the 63rd LCP General Assembly held at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Center, Metro Manila last July 22, 2016.

Elected as LCP president was Mayor Edgrado Pamintuan of Angeles City,

Mayor Rellon is elected veep for League of Cities of the Philippines

Pampanga while Mayor Lani Cayetano of Taguig City, the wife of Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, and Mayor Ronnel Rivera of General Santos City was elected as chairman and vice-chairman, respectively.

In the same election, Mayor Francis Garcia of Balanga City, Bataan also won the race for position of secretary general.

The LCP is a mandated organization of all Philippine cities created under Section 499 of the Local Government Code to carry out the “primary purpose of ventilating, articulating, and crystallizing issues affecting

city government administration.”

Tagumenyos are elated with Mayor Rellon’s election to the LCP and other Tagumenyo political leaders who have also been elected to key national positions.

It can be recalled that Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez was elected as House Speaker who will lead the 17th Congress, while Davao del Norte Governor Anthony G. del Rosario was also elected as Executive Vice President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines.

(Louie Lapat)

PUBLIC-PRIVATE ALLIANCE TAPPED FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN A VISION of making sports a way of life in the City, the City Government of Tagum signed a memorandum of agreement with four (4) private business organizations to launch the City Sports Development Office’s Adopt-A-Sport Program, highlighting wellness, health and sports tourism.

Mayor Allan Rellon signed the agreement with the partners from JHG Trading, Inc.; NCCC Mall of Tagum; Super Two-T Motorun Center and Tagum City Bankers Association – four of Tagum’s giant business firms – last September 05, during the monthly convocation program at the New City Hall Atrium, Tagum City.

Under the agreement, the private partners commit themselves to support the sports programs implemented by the local government through the provision of scholarship grants for young athletes, supply of sports equipment and financial aid for Tagumenyo athletes who will embark into competitions and tournaments outside the city.

The signing of MOA was made possible through City Ordinance no.

750 or the Tagum City Code on Public-Private Partnership, which aimed to build linkage between the local government and the private sector through the adoption of a contract management framework concept.

The local government will still continue to implement sports activities that will hone the skills of sports enthusiasts in the city. Aside from creating sports clinics, the local government will also launch programs that will generate further community-based initiatives for sports development.

The agreement is expected to open opportunities for the sports practitioners of Tagum City as boosted by the EAGLE WINGS Program of the local government which puts sports development as one of its priority thrusts. (Roy Banias)

Mayor Allan Rellon and representatives from private business organizations signed a memorandum of agreement last September 05, 2016 to launch the Adopt-A-Sport Program of the City Sports Development Office. Leo Timogan

4

WATER PROJECTS GET LGU’S PRIORITY PROBLEMS about inaccessible water source and supply shortage for potable water in remote areas in Tagum City are now a thing in the past as the local government inaugurated 14 “patubig” projects in its bid to assist its constituents who have long suffered shortage of water supply.

Mayor Allan Rellon personally led the blessing of the water system projects that consisted of two water tanks with thousandliter capacity each; 11 jetmatic pumps; one manual hand pump; and two units of dugwell at Don Ricardo Briz Elementary School.

The projects were funded through the supplemental budget for water development program of the city government amounting to 1,204,000.00 pesos. The rural barangays that benefited the project are Cuambogan, La Filipina, Nueva Fuerza and Barangay Magugpo East.

The fulfillment of the said projects can be credited to the formation of the city’s Patubig Infrastructure Development Task Force (PIDTF), a brainchild of Mayor Rellon, which is dedicated to respond to the needs of Tagumenyos for good water supply especially to those residing in far-distant rural barangay areas in the city.

The said task force is led by Engr. Judalyn M. Ferido under the direct supervision of the City Engineering Office headed by Engr.

Roosevelt A. Corporal.

The local chief executive emphasized that as a city that makes headways, Tagum should be sufficient in terms of first-rate water resource that can cater the growing number of Tagumenyos considering that water is essential for survival and for household, hygiene, and other livelihood inputs.

It can be remembered that the city government recently inaugurated 30 big infrastructure projects – costing 20,241,831.37 pesos -- across 16 barangays in the city through the Road Infrastructure Development Task Force (RIDTK).

With its EAGLE WINGS Program, the Rellon Administration vowed to implement more projects that will fortify the already strong economic and social strata of Tagum City. (Roy Banias)

Emergency response for tribal communities boosted GONE ARE THE DAYS when our brothers from indigenous cultural communities here in Tagum City would just rely on the provisions of nature and their home-grown learning in responding to some fortuitous events, because now there is something modern and quick they can depend on.

The City Government of Tagum, under the leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon, and in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently acquired a million-worth of rescue vehicle and equipment to the Tagum City Federation of Barangay Tribal Council, Inc. to ensure quick response to all hazards threatening the lives and property of the indigenous communities in the city.

The project was funded through the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB), a program of the national government that allows local groups, usually led by civic society organizations, to consult with communities and pick from a list of projects to implement.

The rescue vehicle and equipment, which cost a total of P 1,479,116.80, include one brand new unit of van-type ambulance complete with oxygen tank, collapsible stretcher and other

medical paraphernalia; a brand new inflatable boat with 30-horsepower outboard motor; and 25 units of licensed handheld radio.

The rescue vehicle and equipment were formally handed over by Mayor Rellon, with the members of the 7th city council, to the Datus and Bias of different barangays of Tagum last July 18, 2016 at the New City Hall.

The said bestowment was in response to the project proposal laid by the city’s tribal council federation that aspired to give the indigenous people, especially those living in flood prone and far-flung areas of Tagum, a means for rescue operations and a mode of transportation in conducting IP-related activities.

In a statement, the federation acknowledged the project as a way of reaching to the indigenous communities of the city and a significant step of catering their needs.

In line with the project, the City Tribal Office with the assistance of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the DILG selected five individuals coming from the IP community to undergo a four-phase training program as to become the official IP responders armed with specialized rescue skills.

(Roy Banias)

The City Government of Tagum inaugurated its 14 multi-million water system projects in various areas that were installed to solve the problems about inaccessible water source and supply shortage for potable water in the city especially in far-flung areas in rural barangays of Tagum. Leo Timogan

5

NUMBERSPEAK

C O N T I N U O U S AWA R D I N G O F L A N D T I T L E S

FULFILLED DREAMs

LAND AREA

1,339m

2

Aggregate land area awarded to the 23 members of Urban Poor Community Association Incorporation (UPCAI) in Barangay Apokon

awarded lands since 2014

923

were awarded to the residents of Tagum City from the year 2014 - 2016

AFTER 14 YEARS of effort and toil, residents in Purok 3-F, Barangay Apokon couldn’t help but be teary-eyed as the City Government of Tagum through the City Housing Board (CHB) finally distributed original certificates of land titles to twenty three (23) Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) beneficiaries, last August 04, 2016.

Led by Mayor Allan Rellon, a total of 1, 339 square meters of land were awarded to 23 members of the Urban Poor Community Association Incorporation (UPCAI) after successfully accomplishing some fiscal requirements.

UPCAI President Mary Jean Aguillar expressed her gratitude to the City Government, especially to Mayor Rellon, after seeing their association’s decade-long efforts bore fruits.

During her speech, Aguillar could barely contain her emotion as she recalled their association’s story of strenuously transforming the once thickly-covered grasslands to become their permanent domicile.

“Tungod sa CIDSS-UPCAI project natukod akong dream house,” Aguillar said.

Meanwhile, the local chief executive reminded the beneficiaries to actively participate in the activities the city government will be

conducting and to pay amortizations and taxes religiously.

Last July 20, 2016, 36 land titles were also awarded to the residents of Purok Gabayan 1 and 2, Brgy Visayan Village through the collective efforts of CHB, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, DENR, and the Registry of Deeds.

This is in accordance with the implementation of CA-G.R. SP 03419 of the Court of Appeals Mindanao Station that gave preferential right to the local government in awarding the disputed land.

“Kani siya kay importanteng activity kay atong napamatuod under sa EAGLE WINGS nga program ni Mayor Rellon sa social services subsector nga seryoso gyud ta sa paghatag nato ug luna sa mga tao na dapat matagaan jud,” Local Housing Board (LHB) Technical Working Group Head Engr. Bernard Castor, Jr. said.

Seeing shelter as one of the basic and important needs of the people, Mayor Rellon assured that the local government will pursue to put housing needs and concerns on priority over his EAGLE WINGS program. (Roy Banias)

MOVIE ACCESS? IT’S NOW FREE FOR TAGUM’S SENIOR CITIZENS FOLLOWING THE PROVISIONS of a local ordinance compelling local movie houses to grant free access to identified sectors, two of the city’s movie houses have now partnered with the City Government of Tagum in allowing senior citizens to watch movies for free at least once a week.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon spearheaded the signing of the memorandum of agreement with Robinsons Place Tagum which had signified their support to allow Tagumenyo senior citizens to watch films in all of its six cinemas every Tuesday.

Gaisano Mall Cinemas will also have free movie Tuesdays for senior citizens in their establishment in all its six cinemas 6

for whole day. Robinsons Place, meanwhile, will only offer free access to senior citizens during the first screening of movies every Tuesday in all of its cinemas as of the time being.

This initiative was made possible through City Ordinance No. 749 passed by the 6th City Council.

Senior citizens just need to present their senior citizen identification card to avail of the program, which can be processed and claimed at the City Social Welfare and Development Office for free.

Manuel Tamayo, head of the Senior Citizens Affairs Office, said this development comes in a very opportune time as the local government expands its programs focused on Tagum’s senior citizen.

Meanwhile, persons with disabilities can also avail of the free movie privilege every Thursday in the two aforementioned movie houses provided they will be able to present their identification cards by the CSWDO. (Louie Lapat)

FREE PASSES EVERY

tuesday thursday for Senior Citizens

for Persons with Disabilities

July-September 2016

#HASHTAGUM THE BIGGEST STORIES YOU NEED TO KNOW

COLORFUL PARADE Painted carabaos dominate the street during the Carroza y Pintados de Carabao, which serves as one the highlights of this year’s UGMAD Festival.

Tagum City opens bee production facility

Putting premium on Cacao production

Hooray to Tagumenyo Farmers

Tagum City is turning into a monarchy having recently purchased 21 queens, thousands of royal knights, nurses, drones, and colony workers: all with the capability of flying and buzzing.

As one of the country’s six golden crops (along with coconut, coffee, cassava, corn and rice), cacao has bright prospects awaiting it -- prospects which Tagum City is eager to attain.

This year’s edition of UGMAD Festival (Uma Gamiton, Mag-uuma atong Dayegon) once again puts the spotlight on Tagumenyo farmers as the city acknowledges their role in achieving food security for all.

MORE ON PAGE 8

MORE ON PAGE 12

MORE ON PAGE 16

Beesy TAGUM GETS

W O R D S

B Y

R O Y

B A N I A S

TAGUM CITY is turning into a monarchy having recently purchased 21 queens, thousands of royal knights, nurses, drones, and colony workers: all with the capability of flying and buzzing.

The City Government of Tagum under the Rellon Administration has opened to the public the city’s first Apiary and Training Facility, last October 17, 2016. This million-worth bee farm is an addition to the roster of attractions in the city, located at Brgy. San Agustin, just a few walks away from the Botanical Park.

Currently, the bee facility has 21 colonies, each with Queenbees imported from Australia. These cultured bees are scientifically known as Apis Mellifera and are acknowledged in producing honeys in surprising amounts.

“This apiculture project is part of the LGU’s vision of making Tagum a place for agricultural tourism,” said agriculturist Rejean Zulueta from City Agriculture Office (CAGRO).

The two-hectare facility is under the management of CAGRO and will serve as a training venue for those who wanted to venture in bee farming.

Aside from boosting Tagum’s claim as City of Parks, the bee farm cum facility also targets to contribute in the growing economic stratum of the city by utilizing it as a business venture.

When the farm reaches stable honey production, the local government will manufacture bottled honey, which currently retains an estimate market value of P150 to P200 per bottle, and other related products such as honey soaps, sweeteners, and beeswax candles.

The city intends to expand the farm by making it to 35 colonies.

Apart from income and livelihood generation, the bee farm also contributes to the preservation of nature with the bees’ significant role in pollination.

8

ALL EARS Mayor Allan Rellon and company get schooled on bee farming.

Vinzel Bret Davo

When the farm reaches stable honey production, the local government will manufacture bottled honey, which currently retains an estimate market value of P150 to P200 per bottle, and other related products.

CRAB COUNTRY TAGUM TO INCREASE KING CRAB’S POPULATION BASED ON THE PREMISE of making the high-value King Crabs more affordable and readily available for crab farmers in Tagum and beyond Davao Region, the City Government of Tagum, through its City Agriculture Office (CAGRO) initially focused on its production and launched its Crab Reseeding Program in January 2016, four months after the inauguration of its Multi-Species Hatchery, the 2-million peso - facility that was funded by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Notably, Tagum is only one of two LGUs in the country that implemented a crab program, and the lone LGU to implement it at such a large scale, with the full capacity of the hatchery pegged at 70,000 fries in one 30-day crab cycle. This means that the city has the potential to become a highly competitive producer of king crabs at the national, if not the ASEAN, level.

However, the program was only able to release 2,500 crab fries along the waters of Tancuan Creek during its two initial reseeding activities due to the low survival rate of early stage crabs brought about by its cannibalistic nature, and also due to the lack of modern water filter system at the hatchery which translated to not fully using the facility to grow crabs.

Despite the hiccup in its implementation, the city is still committed to continue the reseeding program so that it can provide free crab fries to the local crab farmers. But this can only be possible if the proper water filtration system is already

in place, ensuring full use of the facility and full implementation of the crab program.

CAGRO also plans that the next time the local government conducts crab reseeding activities following the installation of modern water filtration system, a moratorium of one year against harvest activities should be placed to allow crab population growth. This can be equitably done after consultations between the city and the affected crab farmers are conducted to find solutions that are not arbitrary for either parties. However, the crab farmers may be deemed entitled to harvest spill-over crabs found outside the city’s Fishing Village.

To continue providing aid to the city’s crab farmers who will be acutely affected while the crab program is temporarily halted, CAGRO has decided to simultaneously shift into producing Bangus or Bangus fingerlings at the Liboganon hatchery, Tilapia at the Fishing Village, and Hito at Mandapaan Rice Station.

In the meantime, the Fisheries section of CAGRO is focused on the implementation of its Bottom- Up Budgeting (BUB) Projects which are funded by the BFAR. These projects which will be benefitted by the SEA-K, the Liboganon Fisherfolk Association (LIFA), and Cabugan Association, include the trainings and actual construction of fish corals (bunsod), the Crab Fattening/ Aquasilvi Culture, and technical assistance on the production of seaweeds.

the lgu will also put premium on these high-value products: BANGUS

The city’s Multi-species hatchery will soon culture bangus to cater the huge demand of local markets in and outside Tagum. This is seen as an alternative means of livelihood for crab farmers in Liboganon.

HITO

Hitos will be purposely cultured at the LGUowned Mandapaan Rice Station in the rolling hills of Barangay New Balamban to provide the constituents with a source of income that is separate from rice farming.

TEXT BY RICHI GULLE | PHOTOS BY LEO TIMOGAN

LONG LIVE THE KING King crabs of this size (above) that are hatched in the city is expected to be among Tagum’s top fishery products. Here, Mayor Allan Rellon leads in the crab seeding, a crucial step in increasing the population of king crabs in the city.

Notably, Tagum is only one of two LGUs in the country that implemented a crab program, and the lone LGU to implement it at such a large scale, with the full capacity of the hatchery pegged at 70,000 fries in one 30-day crab cycle.

TILAPIA

The City Agriculture Office is bent on farming Tilapia in lieu of king crabs because it tolerates a wide-range of temperature and salinity levels making it among the most sustainable species for aquaculture.

9

Helping farmers through Livestock Dispersal Program W O R D S

B Y

TRUE TO THEIR MISSION of making impact to the lives of Tagumenyos, the City Veterinary Office (CVO) of the City Government of Tagum, as per mandate of Mayor Allan Rellon, is never tired of extending assistance to the locals in solving livestock and animal problems and offering them new modes of livelihood.

Through its Livestock Dispersal program, CVO dispersed a total of 97 carabaos, 22 cattles, 63 goats, 48 pigs, and 52 chickens to more than 100 local farmers across 23 barangays in the city since 2014. This was made possible through the sizeable funding from the Local Government Unit of Tagum, the Department of Agriculture and the provincial government of Davao del Norte.

George Barriga of Brgy. Nueva Fuerza is one of the program beneficiaries of the Goat Multiplier Fund, a component of the dispersal program. His association, the Nueva Fuerza Goat Raising Association (NFGRA), is now raising 11 high-breed goats out from the first batch of caprine they received last 2014.

With the support of supplementation and management from the CVO, his group was able to disperse 9 baby goats to its members.

Currently, eight other goats are expected to

R O Y

B A N I A S

bear another set of offspring which will be bestowed to other members of the association.

“Dako jud kog pasalamat sa gobyerno sa Tagum karon kay niayuda ug gitabangan jud mi nila. Makaingon jud ko na palangga mi sa gobyerno karon,” said Barriga.

The program is anchored on the EAGLE WINGS development blueprint of the Rellon Administration under the agenda of agriculture, fisheries and environmental development which gives the local farmers of Tagum the privilege to receive first-class government services.

Meanwhile, Tessie Danieles, a livestock technician of CVO said that their office as headed by Dr. Jesus G. Edullantes is fully committed on giving help and hope to the people of Tagum especially to the livestock farmers as part of their mission as well as the government’s pursuit on agriculture modernization.

Aside from the dispersal of animals, CVO is also committed to perform toprated veterinary services such as artificial insemination, rabies vaccination, castration and treatment, topped with their celebration of Barangay Animal Health Services Action Day.

GROWING A HERD A farmer feeds a herd of goats which are products of the LGU’s livestock dispersal program. Leo Timogan

10

HARNESSING LOCAL TECH TO BOOST PRODUCTION

THIS SOLAR-POWERED MACHINE CURTAILS UNWANTED INSECTS IN TAGUM’S FARM FIELDS. HERE’S HOW. The Photovoltaic Selective Light Water Insect Trap is a solar-powered tool for pest control engineered by the City Agriculture Office of Tagum that uses energy from sunlight to curb the population of insects that infest farm fields.

With the solar power it collects from daytime, the device’s bulb will beam a strong amount of light at night which attracts insects. A basin filled with chemical solution will then draw the insects to settle that will lead to their gradual drowning.

The insect trap uses two stroke engine oil or commonly recognized as 2T oil used for motorcycles that is high in viscosity which traps the insect pest.

This innovative, low-cost device is effective in diminishing the number of insect pest in rice fields like stem borers, black bugs and leafhoppers, among others thereby leading to a more productive harvest. The device is also frequented by students and agri-technicians who are interested in studying the machine, even centering it in their scholastic papers.

fun fact Broccoli contains more protein than steak.

Aside from the usual nutrition one garners from eating veggies, broccoli in general has a great deal of protein. Calorie for calorie, there is more protein in broccoli than steak. Since it doesn’t come with all those saturated and trans fats or cholesterol, you can get all the protein you need with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

GULAYAN PROGRAM

Sustaining the ‘Green Revolution’ W O R D S

B Y

M J

D E

C A S T R O

TAGUM CITY has once again led a movement with its Gulayan Program by promoting food security and nutrition by encouraging communities to plant and consume healthy vegetables.

“

Taking a step further in realizing the importance of the program, the City Agriculture Office has also conducted numerous trainings to help interested Tagumenyos actualize their plan on in starting a Gulayan in their respective homes.

“Isa sa ginawork out nato para ani kay katong mga bakante nga luna diri sa Tagum kay magamit para atong matanuman ug mga klase-klaseng gulay o high value crops nga pwede mahimong additional income sa atong mga kaigsuonan na Tagumenyos,” said Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture Coun.

Ronald S. Eliot.

Gulayan Program not only aims to increase the awareness of students and households about the importance of growing and eating healthy vegetables, but also develop their entrepreneurial skills through marketing their own produce.

In line with the city’s movement on Agriculture, Fisheries and Environmental Development, the program promotes vegetable gardens in two key places: Gulayan sa Paaralan, and Gulayan sa Pamayanan.

Over 40 elementary and secondary schools in the city has established vegetable gardens in their school which educates their students and aids them in feeding programs.

According to Tagum City National Comprehensive High School principal Roger Martinez, the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program has helped their students become more responsible in caring for plants and has helped their malnourished students.

Participated by all 23 barangays, the Gulayan Program has transcended to something that promotes the spirit of bayanihan among the community members.

Bertoldo Dengue, a resident of Magugpo West who exercises the Gulayan Program in his household affirms the help that it brings not only to his family, but also his neighbors.

“Dako gyud ni na tabang sa among pamilya kay diri man mi magkuha ug gulay. Pati silingan matagaan sad namo ug gulay kay sobra sobra naman sad para sa amoa lang,” he said.

The implementation in the barangay level has also been making a difference in the lives of its residents.

“Sa amoang barangay lang, muabot ni siya ug 224 households ang nagaparticipate ani. Kung gusto pud sa uban na muapil, very open sad among barangay Gulayan aron mangtahag ug klase-klaseng mga seedlings para sa ilang mga panimalay,” said San Isidro Brgy. Captain Rodito Pielago, whose barangay was hailed as a Hall of Famer in the annual Gulayan Awards.

Taking a step further in realizing the importance of the program, the City Agriculture Office has also conducted numerous trainings to help interested Tagumenyos actualize their plan on in starting a Gulayan in their respective homes.

Additionally, a Gulayan Bagsakan situated in the public market was also instituted as part of the City Economic Enterprise for farmers looking for an avenue to sell their produce where a stall is assigned for each barangay.

Gulayan Program head Michael Tradio stated that aside from the benefits that the schools and barangays reap, the city also holds yearly contests to keep the fire going and inspire Tagumenyos to level up their Gulayans.

Mayor Allan Rellon also highlighted the importance of the project and promises to continue it in the next years in order to inspire more citizens to establish a Gulayan in their homes.

“Ang atong panglantaw sa Gulayan Program dili lang ni kadyot lang, dapat masustain nato ni. Year-in, year-out, dapat masustain gyud nato ni na program sa siyudad sa Tagum,” he said.

Gulayan Program has undoubtedly made a difference in the lives of Tagumenyos. This proves to be another story of Tagum Tagumpay!

11

TAGUM’S RISING AGRI CROP

LGU Tagum’s investment in cacao production seen to boost city’s economy W O R D S

B Y

R O Y

B A N I A S

BEING CONSIDERED as one of the country’s six golden crops (along with coconut, coffee, cassava, corn and rice), cacao has bright prospects awaiting it -- prospects which Tagum City is eager to attain.

The Local Government of Tagum, under the leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon, has seen cacao as a potential agriculture and economic driver of the city. With the huge demand it offers in the global market, the LGU of Tagum is transforming the city into a cacao capital thereby bringing profit inflows and generating livelihood.

Currently the city is flourished with almost 125 hectares of both vegetative and productive cacao farms. After a series of land assessment and suitability analysis as conducted by the City Agriculture Office, it was found out that Tagum had still hundreds of land hectares good for cacao cultivation.

With cacao’s promise of prosperity, the LGU Tagum through CAGRO implemented the Cacao Production Program (CPP), scoped under the Fruit Tree Seedlings Production Program, which takes the mechanism of breeding grafted or non-grafted cacao seedlings and bestowing them to local farmers for free, coupled with proper technology transfers.

In aggregate, CAGRO has produced 138,640 cacao seedlings for the farmers of Tagum City which is worth a total of 3.4 million pesos since 2014 with the assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) through its Cacao DoubleUp Program.

One of the beneficiaries of CPP is Norman Maglacion, 38, from Brgy. Pandapan. He is a beginner in farming and has chosen to start this career by cultivating cacao.

Maglacion received 1,500 seedlings and 30 sacks of fertilizers from the city government for his 2 hectares of farm. Seeing that his cacao farm is growing well, he plans to expand it by adding 4 more hectares.

Another beneficiary is Juanito AmoraGule, 66, of Brgy. New Balamban. Compared to Maglacion, Gule is already a seasoned farmer, but he admitted to experience a failure in cacao farming decades ago.

“Nagtanom naman kog cacao tung-una, mga tuig sa ‘80s. Pero kay wala pod lage koy proper na knowledge sa pagtanom nahulog jud siyag palpak. Karon nagtanom na pod kog balik human naka undergo ko ug seminar sa CAGRO bahin aning cacao, ug makita man ang nindot na tubo nila,” said Mang Juanito.

To address this issue, CAGRO has 12

conducted cycles of cacao training to various communities dubbed as Package of Technology (POT) Cultural Management of Cacao. They also perform area validation to the farms of those who wanted to be the beneficiaries of the program.

This year, the cacao industry here in Tagum has generated an income of P10 million. According

to CAGRO, by year 2025, an estimate of P309 million pesos will be grossed from cacao trade if Tagum will reach the target of 2000 hectares of productive cacao farms.

Aside from income and livelihood generation, Cacao Production Program also seeks to contribute to the environment and people’s organization development of the EAGLE WINGS development agenda of the current administration, considering that a hectare of cacao farm can sequester 85 tons of carbon dioxide and that 2 farmers associations are being assisted, empowered and capacitated by this program, namely: Tagum City Cacao Farmers’ Association and Tagum City Federation of Coconut Farmers Organization.

Cacao is indeed a sweet treat to the Tagumenyos, and with the programs propelled by the local government through CAGRO, who knows, Tagum might be the next chocolate capital of the country.(Roy Banias)

TAGUMPAY AGRIVOLVING FUND SEEDING HOPE AMONG FARMER GROUPS W O R D S

B Y

R O Y

B A N I A S

With its EAGLE WINGS development thrust, the Rellon administration is pushing hard to give every farmer in the city equal opportunities with other lines of work as they are recognized for their significant contribution to the continued growth of Tagum especially with their role in the attainment of food security.

LATE IN THE YEAR 2012, Typhoon Bopha, or locally known as Bagyong Pablo, has left a widespread destruction in Mindanao, marking blows of damages in the agriculture sector. Tagum City was not spared.

Farmers like Lorna Seville and Allan Dalisay, both from Brgy. Pagsabangan, were greatly distressed with the damaging visit of Pablo, saying that with the damages they received, they see no hope of starting again.

Considering that they are still facing dilemmas about unclear source of funding and insufficient irrigation and supply of fertilizers, the stability of their livelihood is also shaken like that of a typhoon’s dangerous blow.

It was on this reason that Mayor Allan L. Rellon immediately extended assistance to them through their farmers organization PATAFIA (Pagsabangan Tagum Farmers’, Irrigators’ Association) and to other farmers who were affected by the calamity. Right then, the Local Government of Tagum doled out rice seedlings, fertilizers and other resources needed to support the restarting of every farmer’s livelihood in the city.

This time the City Government made sure that the rice farmers of the city will be supported by a system thatwill keep them from going to lenders to finance the operational costs of their farms, thereby becoming debt-ridden due to the extremely-high interest rates. Through the LGU’s aid, PATAFIA established their so-called revolving fund.

The revolving fund or what now labeled as the Tagumpay Agrivolving Fund is under the Farmers Empowerment and Sustainable Agriculture (FESA) Program of the City Agriculture Office. With the free start they got,

PATAFIA members agreed to give the equivalent amount of the fertilizers they received from the government after their successful crop production. The amount was based on the lowest prevailing and current market price of the fertilizers and will be managed by PATAFIA, itself.

After that season’s harvest, each member of PATAFIA has contributedP6,000 in every hectare of rice field they own which will be redistributed to them by the time they will start to plant for another cycle, thus came the name revolving fund. They also contributed P500 as service charge.

80% of the accumulated 500-peso additional contribution of the farmers is intended to compensate the operating expenses of the association and will be used in accomplishing projects for the benefit of the farmer-members while the 20% is added to the revolving fund.

In every harvest, PATAFIA is able to collect P47,000 to P49,000 from its members or an annual collection of P90,000 to P95,000 for two rice seasons. As of this writing, PATAFIA has a financial reserve of P600,000 plus, which is deposited to a bank with separate bank account for the revolving fund.

With their current funding, the association was able to construct a multi-purpose center wherein the members can assemble and carry out activities; extended a financial contribution to the city government for the creation of a million-worth rice drier with miller; and enjoyed several excursion and leisure activities together with their families.

To make sure that the fund is handled accordingly and effectively and that the

members of PATAFIA have farms that are productive, the City Government of Tagum through the City Agriculture Office is constantly assessing the current status of the association and their farms, and providing them with programs to bolster their capacity as farmers and as an association.

PATAFIA is currently overseeing almost 94 hectares of farm lands. Through the years, the association has grown bigger, enticing more farmers to join and enjoy the benefit of revolving fund.

Meanwhile, Lorna cannot help herself but to compare her previous farming career with the present she is experiencing.

“Kung tung-una manghangyo pa mi ug presyo para sa pagbaligya sa among humay kay kato ra man pod among mga financer ang buyer, karon kay wala naman mi nagsalig sa ilaha, sila na poy manghangyo ug presyo sa amua,” said Lorna.

She stated that her days of trader-hunting are already over, emphasizing that the Agrivolving Fund has boosted her self-esteem being a farmer as well as every famer’s dignity.

Lorna also quipped that the abundance every farmer is enjoying today is due to the relentless efforts of the local government of Tagum in providing the people in the agriculture sector with scores of services.

With its EAGLE WINGS development thrust, the Rellon administration is pushing hard to give every farmer in the city equal opportunities with other lines of work as they are recognized for their significant contribution to the continued growth of Tagum especially with their role in the attainment of food security.

13

REAL PEOPLE, REAL LIVES

HARD WORK SPELLS THE DIFFERENCE Farmers tilling lands owned by the local government share how their lives have changed from vegetable farming and growing sweet corn, and eventually, how it made them laugh all the way to the bank words by LOUIE LAPAT

MADAUM, TAGUM CITY­—A group of farmers here flashed their wide smile as soon as our group arrived in their makeshift purok that stands few meters away from the highway. From here, one can see a vast tract of land intercropped with several agricultural products: tall sweet corns juxtaposed with tiny shrubs of vegetables and other crops are a picture of a rural bliss that’s been changing the lives of these people tilling this fertile land.

To say that it’s just normal for these folks to greet us with toothy smile as a sign of a warm welcome will be an understatement. Soon after we exchanged views, it occurred to me that they have all the reasons to smile this way, given how successful their farming venture is for the last 11 years.

Back in 2005, a group of 20 retired banana plantation employees based here saw the opportunity to farm an unutilized land straddling a total of 14 hectares. Turns out, this land is among the properties purchased by the City Government of Tagum during its massive land-banking project during that time.

The latter deemed it wise to let these 14

farmers utilize these unused lands, a thing that was greatly appreciated by the farmers. The City Agriculture Office (CAGRO) revealed that aside from Madaum, the local government also authorized the use of its unutilized lands in Barangays Mankilam and San Agustin, respectively, for vegetables farmers.

What started as a group of 20 farmers now expanded to a total 46, big enough to form a group they call as the Madaum Vegetable and Sweet Corn Farmers Association.

A BLESSING

Laurencio Cucharo, 68, can’t contain his gratitude to the local government when asked about how this groundbreaking initiative helped him and his family.

“Malipayon ang akong pamilya kay mas dako pa akong kita sa pagpang-uma kaysa sa akong pension,” he said and followed it up with a crunchy laugh. That laughter is easily understood. If you’re in his shoes, you will probably do the same.

After all, who wouldn’t do so when you are earning 15,000 pesos a month through farming sweet corn and vegetables? Add

his 5,000 pesos monthly pension, that pegged his monthly income roughly at about 20,000 pesos. Not bad for a farmer, eh?

Interestingly, this same fate is evident among all the association members. Their president, for instance, is in fact earning more than Laurencio. Bonifacio Montilla, the group’s annointed poster boy, says he earns 27,000 pesos a month just farming.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Along this line, CAGRO—the city’s lead office in instituting sound agricultural programs—is providing much-needed assistance to farmers in a form of seedling provision, knowledge transfer and marketing support. Of course, the local government allows them to use for free its still unused land, a thing made formal through

the signing of memorandum of agreement between the LGU and their respective association.

THE PRICE OF HARDWORK

It is reassuring that there’s still hope in the ground, and that there are people who earns a living through decent work. Through hardwork. What’s inspiring is what they said to me in a makeshift hut in the middle of their farm before we ended our caucus:

“Nagpasalamat mi sa gobyerno nga gitabangan mi. Pero dili kailangan nga isalig lang tanan sa gobyerno para kami pud mulambo sa among kinabuhi. Kailangan pud ug kapital gikan sa amoa ug kana nga kapital mao ang kakugi ug pagpaningkamot.”

Indeed the government is ready to help, but only to those who are also willing to help themselves.

CAPACITATING THE FARMERS,

INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE W O R D S

B Y

R O Y

B A N I A S

In times when development is measured through concrete buildings, education is certainly a tool in increasing the number of future farmers.

I

magine a community without farmers. Strange, isn’t it?

The idea that no men are present to devote themselves in the cultivation of lands and production of food is rather disturbing. And if this depiction actually exists, what will happen to the rest of the community? Will they, in the end, survive?

Apparently, there will be no farmers in Tagum City several years from now. This has been one of the assumptions of the City Agriculture Office of Tagum after conducting a study regarding the average age of farmers in the city. The study showed that the average age of active farmers is 57 years old which CAGRO found as alarming.

“We can extract two assumptions out of the finding of this study: first, is that the younger generation are now losing interest in farming and are more fascinated in entering to service-related and blue collar industries. Second, knowing that the people belonging and nearing the 57-year old age bracket are greatly outnumbered by the younger generation, in five to 10 years, if there will be no interventions brought in, farmers will no longer exist in this city, ” explained Eng. Rejean Zulueta, an agriculturist of CAGRO.

To this effect, CAGRO came up with an intervention to solve this problem -- to educate a number of those who belong to the next age group and let them be the next advocates of agriculture.

The City Government of Tagum launched the Agri-Aral Program, a 6-month intensive training in agriculture to select scholars in the city. The training aimed to reinforce the knowledge of the scholars towards proper crop-disease treatment, farm diversification, optimum production and everything about efficient farm management.

“The scholars will be exposed not just to the cultivation of rice but to all commodities, to give them a holistic education on agriculture” said Richie Barabat, coordinator of the Agri-Aral program.

Agri-education at larger scale

Interestingly, CAGRO is also conducting farm trainings to groups, however this time it only concentrates to one agricultural commodity and it takes a season before accomplishing.

This training program is called Farmers Field School with the ultimate goal of capacitating the beneficiaries with knowledge geared towards farmers’ productivity and increase in their income.

“This is a seed-to-seed program, meaning to say we will guide the farmers from the initial planting of seeds until these will grow and will later produce another seeds. In other words, this is a season-long program, from planting to harvest,” said agriculturist Jerson Sobrevilla, a field school trainer from CAGRO.

One group to benefit the program is San Agustin Rice Farmers Association (SAGRFA). The members of this farmers association underwent months of intensive training in rice farm management especially in pest infestation management and proper utilization of fertilizers.

The trainees from SAGRFA have graduated from the program and received their certificates of accomplishment during this year’s celebration of UGMAD Festival.

ABOVE. Members of SAGFRA carefully follow the instructions of a CAGRO instructor. They are guided to select and count the good grains of a rice stalk to determine the possible harvest per hectare of rice field.

BELOW. Amidst the scorching heat of the sun, SAGFRA members are still all ears to a CAGRO instructor as they take note to the information being relayed to them. It is part of the season-long lectures on field.

SNAP

SHOTS

HOORAY! TO OUR FARMERS October appears to be the month of nonstop harvest for Tagumenyo farmers and fisherfolks as the local government and the whole of Tagum celebrate this year’s UGMAD Festival.

This celebration aims to acknowledge the noble role of farmers towards food security and to prove that the local government gives importance to its agrarian communities amid the massive structural and economic development being experienced by Tagum City.

July-September 2016

THE BRIEFING

BITE- SIZED FACTS FOR YOU TO GET THE WHOLE PICTURE

HELPING THEM

STAND

WHAT IS STAND PROGRAM?

WHEN DID IT START?

HOW CAN YOU EXTEND HELP?

The STAND Program, or Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw Nang Droga, is a multi-layered program aimed at reforming drug dependents to become productive and law-abiding citizens who are free from the bondage of illegal drug abuse.

The City Anti Drug Abuse Council started implementing the STAND Program in July 2016, soon after the new president made clear his policy on the war against drugs.

We enumerate the things you can do to help drug dependents within your community as they tread the path to reforming their individual lives

FLIP TO KNOW MORE

My God, I hate drugs

THE TAGUM CITY PERSPECTIVE

Winning the

‘War on Drugs’ means saving lives compiled by LOUIE LAPAT

DU30 STARTED IT ALL.

With the rise to power of President Rodrigo Duterte, he made clear his pronouncement on his highly-publicized war on drugs. This pronouncement of the new president intensified the government’s actions against illegal drugs, yielding a staggering number of drug dependents who submitted themselves to the folds of the government.

IT DIDN’T LAST LONG FOR TADS* TO SURRENDER.

TADS

acronym; noun :short for Tagumenyo Against Drugs :term coined by Mayor Rellon to collectively describe the surenderees to avoid social stigma :may be used by TADS as an endearment to their fellow TADS 18

In Tagum City alone, a total of 4, 481 drug dependents have surrendered last July—an overwhelming success in the war against drugs on a city-wide level. This could be Mindanao’s biggest haul against illegal drugs to date. Nationwide, local government officials are in scramble to answer overwhelming questions: How will the government address the rehabilitation and reformation of these individuals? Will it have enough resources to carry out its plan to extend a helping hand to drug dependents?

TAGUM’S RESPONSE?

STAND PROGRAM Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw Nang Droga

The Anatomy of the

STAND PROGRAM

The STAND Program is a holistic, multi-layered program aimed at, among other things, reforming drug dependents to become productive and law-abiding citizens who are free from the bondage of illegal drugs abuse. Below is the framework of the STAND Program as developed by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council that is continually being implemented by the city government as of this writing

STEP 1

IDENTIFICATION JUNE 2016 *Conducted through PNP’s Double Barrel Program (Oplan Tokhang and Taphang) with the help of the respective Barangay Anti Drug Abuse Council (BADAC)

STEP 2

PRESENTATION JULY 2016 *Drug Dependents were formally presented and accepted/ labeled as TADS (Tagumenyos Against Drugs) to avoid social stigma * TADS signify their commitment to anti illegal drugs advocacy by taking an oath and affixing their signatures

STEP 3

PROFILING AUGUST 2016 TADS are required to submit their profiles to: a.) PNP for record purposes, and b.) BADAC and CADAC for a narrative of how they start to involve in illegal drugs, how it affected their lives and how they intend to change

STEP 4

INTERVENTIONS AUGUST­—DECEMBER 2016 For 5 months, TADS will undergo the following interventions to be carried out by the local government and other non-government organizations: Values Enhancement, Moral And Spiritual Development, Physical Fitness, Community Service Involvement, Mental Health Development. MORE DETAILS AT THE NEXT PAGE

STEP 5 MONITORING AND EVALUATION AUGUST­—DECEMBER 2016 During the interventions phase, TADS will be regularly monitored by both the BADAC and CADAC. This will be culminated with a Drug Test by the PDEA or any accredited drug testing center.

STEP 6 CERTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION AUGUST­—DECEMBER 2016 This 6-month STAND Program will culminate with a Recognition Program where TADS will be given a Certificate of Interventions Compliance and will be formally confirmed as a fullpledged STAND (Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw ng Droga)

HOW CAN YOU EXTEND HELP? Tagum City’s STAND Program is fastened towards saving a herd of lost sheep ensnared in barbed fences and guiding them to the trail where green pastures await.

And as Filipino citizens, it is our duty to be the shepherds of these lost sheep and support them in their journey to change.

This we can achieve by encouraging them to take part in community activities or to get involved into something which they enjoy and make them feel needed; help them build good social networks, introduce them to people who can be their role models; assist them in avoiding people, places, and situations that trigger their urge to use; talk to them and listen to their stories and gradually pitch advices that you find helpful to their commitment to reformation; extend empathy, make them feel that you understand their plight and that they are not alone in freeing themselves from the bondage of drug addiction; make them realize that life has something more to offer, that pleasure is not just attained through the use of drugs. Show them that they have family whom they can haul out inspiration, or be an inspiration yourself. Ultimately, when their life is filled with rewarding activities and a sense of purpose, their addiction will lose its appeal.

NOTE: Within the duration of the program in all phases, law enforcement, if necessary and justified, will be applied pursuant to RA 9165 otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

19

Reforming lives

is the

DNA STAND PROGRAM of the

Designed to be a mass-based rehab approach, the STAND Program’s many layers pool resources from the local government, the barangay government, police force, the private sector and the community in general…all working on a vision to reform lives damaged by drug abuse. The soul of the STAND Program lies on its informal intervention programs aimed at reviving the moral, spiritual, mental and physical aspect of every TADS. The implementation of these programs are carried out through the cooperation of all stakeholders who signified support to the local government’s STAND Program.

THE INTERVENTIONS

so what’s the reward?

The six-month implementation of the STAND Program will be capped with a recognition program where TADS will be given a Certificate of Interventions Compliance and will be formally confirmed as a full-pledged STAND (Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw ng Droga) --- a fully reformed individual who is now drug-free. But before being given the title as a full-pledged STAND, every TADS should secure the signature of nine individuals who can attest to their commitment to reform their lives. In other words, they will not be eligible to be called a STAND if they fail to comply the requirements set by the STAND Program. Among the signatories are the Chief of Police, their designated peer support and the local chief executive.

‘graduates’ of

stand program can expect:

Employment Referral/Facilitation Access to Livelihood Grants Education Scholarship/Subsidy Access to Skills Trainings Reintegration to Society

1

VALUES ENHANCEMENT SEMINAR

TADS are required to attend a one-day values enhancement seminar conducted by the City Government. The objective of the seminar is focused on values reformation. Family members of TADS will also join them before the end of the seminar.

2

MORAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Evangelical pastors, Imams and Priests who are convenors of the Tagum for Peace Movement will help by “adopting” TADS near their jurisdiction. They will work on spiritual guidance for TADS, as formalized thru a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the LGU and the TPM.

4

community service

TADS will engage themselves in various community service activities in their respective puroks and barangays.

5

mental healh development

TADS will submit themselves to psychologists of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and health officers of the City Health (CHO) Office.

20

3

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

TADS will be required to undergo physical fitness activities that will be spearheaded by the LGU thru the City Sports Development Office such as Fun Run, Basketball League and Zumba

July-September 2016

LAST FRAME

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

Agriculture Modernization

Leading towards the attainment of total food security, the Local Government of Tagum is exploring all options to sky-rocket the production of all farmers in the city and raise their dignity to the highest scale. Different programs fit to their needs are offered and expanded in response to the noble role they played , being the backbone of the society, especially in terms of food security. In time to the new era of globalization, Farm Mechanization is being championed by the Rellon Administration. With the infusion of the latest technology in agriculture, Tagumenyo farmers are assisted in reaching efficient harvests, making the once-painstaking job to be swift and easier. The photo above signifies the grazing of the hardships every farmer has endured which is followed by a bountiful harvest.

Chairman of the Board Hon. Allan L. Rellon, DPA, Ph.D. City Mayor Vice Chairman Mr. Giovanni L. Rellon, MDMG City Administrator Mr. Edwin B. Lasquite, MM Acting City Information Officer Editor in Chief Louie Bryan M. Lapat Information Officer III Managing Editor

Leunielon A. Timogan Chief Photographer/Creative Editor Mary Christma Richi D. Gulle Roy R. Banias Mj de Castro Writers Ric Kevin L. Conde Graphics Designer/Layout Artist Kelvin Z. Palermo Vinzel Bret Davo Jay M. Apostol Photographers

Gleiza B. Delgado Kareen Jane Gomez Ronald Allan E. Miguel Logistics In-Charge Darwin Sugpatan Mobility The TAGUMPAY FRONTIER is the official magazine of the City Government of Tagum that is quarterly published by the local government through the City Information Office. Any comments, suggestions and contributions are welcome by sending an email to tagumcityinformation2011@ gmail.com. The online version of this magazine can also be accessed in the LGU’s official website at www. tagumcity.gov.ph