OUR COVER
Team Mindanao’s free charging at RTR Plaza serves 70 residents Nora CL Molde Caraga Region
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Today’s news... NATIONAL
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8 13 15 17 27 29
Government conducts dental, medical missions in Tacloban
CENTRAL MINDANAO
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NorthCot’s relief mission helps over 5,000 families in Leyte Shahana Joy E. Duerme
Youth organized fun run raises funds for Yolanda survivors
Oliver Ross V. Rivera
CARAGA REGION
Caraga Conference for Peace &Dev’t celebrates Peace Month
NORTHERN MINDANAO
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Bukidnon journalists commemorate 4th Ampatuan massacre anniversary
Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
DepEd MisOr in search for 2013 outstanding public school workers Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
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LGUs urged to use integrated health, population and environment approach in dev’t. plans
WESTERN MINDANAO
ARMM
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11th PFLCW congress bats for women empowerment
Mary May A. Abellon
CONZARRD, KASAMMAKA continue to gather relief goods for “Yolanda” survivors Gideon C. Corgue
TESDA Lanao del Sur clarifies delay on release of C4TP allowance
Mohammad Nassif M Elias
ARMM Vice Governor leads tree planting activity in Lanao del Sur Mohammad Nassif M Elias
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 Vol. 3 No. 71
COVER STORY
Team Mindanao’s free charging at RTR Plaza serves 70 residents by Nora Cl Molde
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The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Team Mindanao free cellphone charging service has served around 70 residents at the RTR Plaza, here. According to team leader and PIA Caraga regional director Abner M. Caga, the free cellphone charging that was held at the RTR Plaza, the first venue of the agency’s free service, was successful and a significant endeavor of the team. “The free cellphone charging is intended to help the typhoon Yolanda survivors/residents of the area in order for them to have a continuous contact to
their families,” said Caga. Angelica Mae Marie Burdeos, a resident of barangay Paterno and a survivor of typhoon Yolanda was very happy upon learning of the free service offered by PIA. She was also thankful that the team was able to conceptualize such unique service. “I am indeed happy that I was able to charge my cellphone today, I can now contact and give updates to my loved ones and friends,” she said.
residents were also allowed by the team to be charged. Restoration of electric lines is still ongoing in the area. The free charging at the RTR Plaza started at 9a.m. up to 12:30 p.m. The next venue of the free charging will be at the Tacloban Astrodome. While residents/survivors of typhoon Yolanda are availing of the free charging, PIA’s Power FM also entertains them with music. Simultaneous with the conduct of PIA’s Team Mindanao free charging is the whole day Diskwento Caravan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 8 headed by its officer-in-charge Stanley Tabiando.
Burdeos was able to have her cellphone fully charged. Aside from the free cellphone charging, technical assistance was also provided to the recipients. They were taught how to utilize their cellphones as FM radio. Also, laptops, emergency lamps and flashlights of the 5
Tacloban City residents take advantage of Diskwento Caravan
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nduring the scorching sun, thousands of typhoon victims lined up as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) again organized a Diskwento Caravan Wednesday.
Eight trucks coming from Cebu goods, water, hygiene products, City arrived here loaded with basic laundry detergents, among others. commodities such as bread, canned The caravan, for the first time, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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also offered hardware materials such as light bulbs, nails, and GI sheets to help typhoon Yolanda victims in rebuilding their houses. Price of GI sheets varies depending on sizes. They are being sold at P170 (8 ft.); P210 (10 ft.) and P250 (12 ft.). DTI representative from Biliran Ronald Napales said the prices of GI sheets are much cheaper than those being sold outside Tacloban City. “In Dulag I heard that GI sheets are being sold at 500 pesos,� he said. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
Products being sold at the caravan are 5 percent cheaper than the market price. The caravan, with various private companies participating, was held at the RTR Plaza from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It was organized by the DTI to help typhoon victims by selling basic goods at low prices. DTI OIC Regional Director Stanley Tabiando said they are looking for other areas to hold longer caravans that will help the people here until the resumption of business establishments.
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Government conducts dental, medical missions in Tacloban
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nsuring the health of typhoon victims housed in evacuation centers, the Philippine Army alongside the Japan Disaster Relief-Self Defense Forces (JDR-SDF) Units held dental and medical missions here Wednesday.
“We have started the dental and medical mission at 9 a.m.,� said AFP Major Luther Punzalan of the 8th Infantry Division. Punzalan said they are offering extraction and consultation services WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
for the evacuees who are temporarily housed at Tacloban City Convention Center. The AFP dental team assisted at least 27 patients as of 11a.m. There were also doctors treating evacuees
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with ailments and minor wounds. The government earlier assured enough supply of medicines to assist typhoon victims. Punzalan said they will be visiting other 31 evacuation centers in Tacloban to give free medical and dental aid to affected families. The Japan Disaster Relief Forces, meanwhile,offeredfreeimmunization for measles, oral polio, and vitamins and health supplements for the evacuees. Tetsuro Amano, minister and WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
deputy chief of the Mission Consul General, said they have deployed four doctors to administer the vaccination. Amano said they are expecting more than 200 evacuees who will avail of the free medical services. “We give vaccinations to children ages 5 months old up to 6 years old,� he said. This activity was in coordination with the World Health Organization, United Nations and the Department of Health. PND
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DAR supports Mindanao farmers to produce export-quality cacao
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he Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has linked arms with the Kennemer Foods International, Inc. (KFI) to help provide Mindanao farmers additional source of income through the production of export-quality cacao beans. DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said the Cacao Contract Growing Program seeks to attain two important objectives: “Provide our farmer-beneficiaries additional income and gain acccess to the international market.” KFI President Simon Bakker said that the Philippines’ annual consumption of cocoa is 30,000 tons, yet production is only about 6,000 tons a year. “This presents a big opportunity for your ARBs (agrarian reform beneficiaries) especially here in Mindanao where the climate is suitable for cacao growing,” Bakker said. According to Bakker, cacao trees need a little shade which makes it an ideal intercrop with coconut. Under the agreement, KFI will teach and train farmers in the development and scaling of cacao production. It will also assist the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in consolidating their produce through block farms. The block WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
farms comprise agricultural lands belonging to beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). “The agreement ensures the rights of farmerbeneficiaries to retain control and possession of their awarded lands throughout the duration of the three-year project,” said de los Reyes. The cacao project, which commenced in June this year covers 10,000 hectares of ARB lands in Mindanao. Working in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) through the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), De los Reyes said that DAR will be extending financial assistance through loan to cacao farmers especially the CARP beneficiaries in Mindanao hopefully by next year. “We will provide financial assistance to interested cacao farmers. Each of them is allowed to borrow up to P 60,000 per hectare,” said de los Reyes.(PNA)
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56 T’boli families receive livelihood to keep children in school By: Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The activity at the Department of Labor and Employment 12 compound yesterday afternoon was still halfway to completion , but Sangking Tongcaling was already pre-occupied inspecting her brand-new Singer sewing machine and the other tools and materials to jumpstart a dressmaking business.
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Before the program closed, the 50-something T’boli woman had the machine already wrapped in a carton box, ready for loading on a truck waiting for her and her companions to ferry them back to Barangay Kematu, T’boli. “Finally, I got my own sewing machine. I don’t anymore need to rent one to make a living. All my earnings from dressmaking won’t anymore be shared with a dress shop or sewing machine owner, ” Tongcaling, whose native tongue is T’boli, excitedly said in a mixture of Hiligaynon, Tagalog and Cebuano. “I am very thankful to DOLE and the government for giving me this livelihood,” she said. “With this dressmaking business, I am assured of a constant source of income for the family. I could also send my children to school.” Tongcaling was one of the 56 parents from gold-rich Barangay Kematu in T’boli town who received starter kits from DOLE 12 in response to their pledge to send their children to school instead of requiring them to work and earn for the family. Tongcaling and 8 other women received kits for dressmaking business; 41 received materials to begin food-based business like eateries, barbecue stalls, and kakanin (native delicacies) business; 4 got resources for beads accessories production; and 2 had kits for beauty parlor business. Each of them received P10,000 worth of equipment, tools and cash to buy the other resources for their respective business ventures. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
DOLE 12 regional director Ofelia Domingo, said recipients are parents who earlier promised that they won’t anymore send their underage children to work in the mining tunnels and illegal “banlas” (sluice) mining operations. “The initiative to provide starter kits to parents is aimed at addressing the problem of children, being forced to work for a living and exposed to dangerous working conditions such as the mining tunnels and the banlas areas,” she said. Domingo emphasized: “Instead of working and earning for their families, these children should be going to school where they rightfully belong.” Poverty, she added, remains the major reason why children stop going to school and work to earn income. “Even if we cannot eradicate the problem of child laborers as this is very difficult to achieve, by giving livelihood to parents we could reduce the number of child laborers in the region to the minimum,” she pointed out. In October last year, DOLE 12, along with local government of T’boli, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and all other agencies involved in the protection of children’s rights and welfare, launched Child-Free Barangay program in Barangay Kematu, after discovering that the area has at least 69 child laborers. At the launching, parents of the identified child-laborers signed a memorandum of agreement with
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DOLE and partners that they will send their children back to school and cease from allowing their children to work for a living. On its part, DOLE 12 and partner agencies vowed to provide interventions, including livelihood projects, that would help address poverty. Charmaine Dawn Ladot-Sonsona, labor communications officer of DOLE 12 told Philippine Information Agency 12 that several trainings have been conducted to capacitate the parents in the livelihood of their choice before the turnover ceremonies yesterday. “The starter kits are given free to the recipients. They don’t have the obligation to repay the government for these assistance,” she explained. Meanwhile, Emil Daway, public employment service officer of T’boli town said a mechanism has
been put in place to ensure that the beneficiaries actually start their income-generating livelihood. “With these starter kits, they should be able to earn income for their families,” he said. “The barangay chairman and the PESO officer of the municipality have been tasked to monitor the economic activities of the recipients.” “Monitoring will be regular,” he promised. “In case, they fail to comply with their responsibilities, we are ready to implement several interventions.” In 2013, DOLE 12 has an allotment of P15 million for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. More are expected this year, according to Director Domingo with the Congress’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocation is allotted to the national line agencies. (DEDoguilesPIA 12)
NorthCot’s relief mission helps over 5,000 families in Leyte
By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato -The provincial government of North Cotabato’s relief mission tagged as “Tabang Leyte, Tara Na” has served more than 5,000 families particularly in Ormoc City.
Jimmy Sta. Cruz, newswriter of the provincial government’s media center said that the composite team of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) primarily provided relief assistance to three villages in the said town. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
These include: Barangay Margen with 928 families; Barangay Bagong Buhay with 2,000 families; and Barangay San Isidro with 1,440. Sta.Cruz also noted that the team has also distributed relief packs to 1,056 families
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in Barangay Puerto Bello in the neighboring Merida municipality. Ma. Cristina Ramos, village chairman of Margen said that her constituents lost their jobs in establishments and in farms lands. “We really need help here. Aside from our homes, we lost our jobs and source of living. It is a blessing that you people from North Cotabato province came and help us here” Ramos explained almost crying. Meanwhile, Ormoc City vice mayor Toto Locsin, personally
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thanked the PDRRMC composite team for what he said is an honorable act of extending help and care for the people of Ormoc. On the other hand, before the relief mission, team leader and coordinator Jessie Enid, also the focal person of North Cotabato’s health programs coordinated with the local officials of Ormoc City through the help of Makilalabased businessman Jack Sandique of Sandique Rubber, Inc. whose relatives are from Ormoc City. This was to ensure a smooth
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relief mission in the target place. “Tabang Leyte, Tara Na” relief mission was launched by the provincial government of North Cotabato through the initiative of Governor Emmylou Mendoza after supertyphoon Yolanda
ravaged the provinces of Leyte and Samar as well as other nearby provinces killing thousands of people and leaving other thousands homeless. (SJDuermePIA12/North Cotabato Provincial Government)
Youth organized fun run raises funds for Yolanda survivors
By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato – Residents of Pigcawayan town in North Cotabato united last weekend for a fun run to raise funds for Yolanda victims.
Some 400 Pigcawayanons including senior citizens, children, local officials, police officers, and army troops from different barangays registered for the fun run. The run for a cause entitled “Madalagan ko para makabulig” was organized by local youth group KApatiran sa SIning at MAlikhain na gaWA (KASIMANWA) Artist Guild. Aside from the fun run, the group also organized “Gusto Ko Makabulig Concert for a Cause” a week earlier where they raised P6,300. Dats Tilendo of KASIMANWA artist guild said they were able to raise over P41,000 from the registration and other fees. Tilendo added that the funds
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will be deposited to calamity fund of Sagip Kapamilya, the emergency humanitarian assistance program of ABS-CBN Foundation. Meanwhile, according to one of the participants, Ivy Joy Petingco, it feels good to help fellow Filipinos especially in times like these. “In our simple way, we were able to extend our help to victims of typhoon Yolanda in visayas.” Petingco said. The organizers would like to extend their gratitude to those who joined the event and to the San Blas parish youth ministry and other private groups who helped in promoting the fun run. (ORVRivera-PIA12)
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Mass vaccination launched in Tacloban City TACLOBAN CITY -- – The fight against measles and polio kicked-off in this city on Tuesday, November 26, in an effort to prevent infectious disease outbreaks, said Department of Health (DOH) regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr.
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Llacuna said they have targeted children in areas hardest hit by the disaster— starting with the evacuation centers in the city of Tacloban. The on-going activity provides supplemental immunization against measles and polio for children under five years old and below, free of charge. “They will also be given
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Vitamin A drops to boost their immune systems,” he said. Llacuna said that mass immunization and vitamin A supplementation are immediate health priorities especially after a disaster for infectious diseases like measles spread quickly when people are living in unhygienic and overcrowded conditions such as evacuation centers.
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Caraga Conference for Peace &Dev’t celebrates Peace Month
BUTUAN CITY -- – The Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) is celebrating once again this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) from November 28 to December 6, 2013. “Despite the sad events in the neighboring islands, we do not forget that November is the month to celebrate peace in Mindanao,” said Most Rev. Juan de Dios Pueblos, CCPD/MWOP Convenor. Bishop Pueblos also encouraged the public to spend a week of inner peace through prayers and penance, and maintain active involvement in efforts to alleviate human suffering in Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Ilo-ilo, Antique, Aklan, Masbate, Palawan WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
and the smaller islands affected by the recent disasters. “In the midst of sadness, confusion and misery in some parts of the country these days, let us celebrate the Mindanao Week of Peace in a very special way,” added Pueblos. This year’s MWOP celebration is anchored on the theme “Dialogue and Hope – Our Key to Peace.” The theme inspires us to show compassion to one another and keep our hopes high in order to experience peace.
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Dominga Mallonga DOST-Caraga Regional Director
for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.ph DOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph
Dominga Mallonga DOST-Caraga Regional Director
for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.ph DOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph
SSS launches AlkanSSSya for informal sectors in MisOr by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Workers from the informal sector in Opol, Misamis Oriental will now find it easier to be a member of Social Security System (SSS) with the launching of the AlkanSSSya program.
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The AlkanSSSya program is an innovative micro-savings scheme that offers a simple and affordable means for the informal sector groups to save for their contributions to SSS. It will make use of cabinet-like piggy banks to help tricycle drivers, farmers, fisherfolks, market vendors and other workers in the informal sector save and come up with the needed monthly due of P312. The program aims to give opportunity to workers in the informal sector to pay premiums and avail of the benefits offered by SSS, said Atty. Edwin Alo, officer-in-charge of SSS Northern Mindanao Division during the launching at Opol town Friday, November 22. He said the program would also teach them how to prioritize their spending. AlkanSSSya, according to Alo, would likewise help local government units (LGU) in empowering their constituents.
“As self-employed members under the AlkanSSSya program, your constituents will not be 100 percent dependent on the help of the LGU,� Alo told local officials present during the launching. Opol Mayor Maximino Seno expressed appreciation for the implementation of the program while highlighting its importance to informal sector workers with no security of tenure. He said the local government has assigned a liaison officer for the program to facilitate and assist AlkanSSSya program members of the town. The AlkanSSSya program launching was highlighted by the signing of memorandum of agreement, symbolic turnover of the AlkanSSSya to LGU-Opol, and ceremonial dropping of coins to the AlkanSSSya. The AlkanSSSya program was also launched by SSS in Villaneuva, Misamis Oriental, the same day.
Bukidnon journalists commemorate 4th Ampatuan massacre anniversary by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - More than 40 news writers, broadcasters, including social media buffs and bloggers in Bukidnon were one with the relatives of the victims in commemorating the fourth anniversary of the gruesome November 23, 2009 Ampatuan massacre. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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Wearing mostly black shirts printed with slogans “Stop Killing Journalists!” and “Justice for Ampatuan Massacre Victims,” media workers from across the province recently gathered at the Alkuino Emporium courtyard in Valencia City to light candles and pray to protect the victims’ families and other journalists at risk every day. Pacifico “Jun” Estore, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Bukidnon chapter president, who led the memorial event, urged fellow press workers to be vigilant and be updated about the case by reporting on it regularly. “We pray for the victims’ families that no one will succumb to offers of money so that justice will be served,” he said. Four years ago, a massacre that killed 58 persons shocked the nation and made headlines across the world. Many of the victims’ bodies were smashed beyond recognition by the powerful weapons of the suspects, who also buried them in freshly dug graves, including the vehicles where they were in. Of the 58 victims, 32 were journalists. Their death was the wicked attack against press workers wherever in the world, Estore said. The victims were to file certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor of then Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu when waylaid at Masalay subvillage in barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Mangudadatu was spared WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
from the massacre but he lost his wife Genalyn and several family members because he sent them to file his COC. The slain media workers were part of the convoy to cover the COC filing. Walter Balane, president of Bukidnon Press Club said he was dismayed because the case remains sluggish. “Four years after this most heinous of crimes, only 104 of the 195 accused, and only eight members of the political clan that led in carrying out the carnage, have been indicted while 88 suspects, many of them armed, remain at large,” he said. He, however, said focus should not be on trial alone but also on needed reforms to prevent similar massacres from happening. Balane also urged a stop to private armies, warlordism, and all these issues that led to the media murders.
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DepEd MisOr in search for 2013 outstanding public school workers by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Education Misamis Oriental (DepEd-MisOr) is in search for outstanding public school heads, teachers and non-teaching personnel in its upcoming 2013 Araw Ng Parangal on December 16. specific duties and responsibilities in the field of work. She added that through this recognition, school heads and teachers will be strongly motivated in achieving excellence in their roles and strengthening and uplifting the educational services of schools in Particularly it is looking for top 10 the Division. outstanding elementary school General requirements for school heads/administrators (five per heads and teachers include at least congressional district), top four three years in service, performance outstanding secondary school heads/ rating of Very Satisfactory (VS) at administrators (one per cluster), least 8.5 for the last three rating outstanding elementary school periods, with permanent appointment teacher (two per district), outstanding to the position, and no pending of secondary school teacher (two per administrative, civil or criminal case, learning area/cluster), and top 10 among others. division outstanding non-teaching Meanwhile for non-teaching personnel. personnel, they must be active in his According to DepEd Misor or her work either as personnel Schools Division Superintendent assigned in accounting or records Cherry Mae Limbaco, the search offices, secretaries, health personnel aims to recognize the exemplary and other support staff for the last performance and outstanding five years with not less than two accomplishments of the members of years from the school/office/work the academic community who place she is presently connected. manifest profound commitment and Winners will be given certificates remarkable dedication to their during the Araw Ng Parangal. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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Yolanda survivors witness Tagum’s giant Christmas tree lighting greatly suffered the brunt of the strongest supertyphoon in history to make landfall—witnessed the festivities along with Tagumeños from all walks of life who flocked to the Freedom Park to take part in lighting the city’s Christmas icon. It’s a different atmosphere from the totally devastated CITY OF TAGUM, DAVAO DEL Leyte, said 45-year NORTE—This city’s kick-off of its old Gina Jonale who sought refuge Christmas season through the in Tagum along with her husband lighting of its 78-feet giant holiday and three children, adding that she tree was made more meaningful considers their “second life” the best as survivors of Supertyphoon YoChristmas present. landa from the devastated prov Their relatives fetched them in ince of Leyte joined in the festiviLeyte to start anew and rebuild all ties last November 20, 2013. that was destroyed by Yolanda. Close to 10 families comprising On the part of the local of 35 individuals from Leyte—which WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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government, Mayor Allan Rellon welcomed them and stressed that the city government is more than willing to extend assistance to them. Upon his prior meeting with the refugees, Mayor Rellon initially offered aid in form of Sulong Dunong scholarships, food, clothing and possible employment for the heads of the family. The local chief executive urged the public to make the Christmas season an opportunity to help those in need. Other survivors said Wednesday’s ceremony made them hopeful for a brighter tomorrow despite of what they have gone through. Thousands graced Wednesday’s highly-anticipated event, an annual tradition in Tagum that traces its roots wayback in 2000, which was WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
highlighted by the 78-feet giant holiday tree that is hoisted in the heart of the city, all adorned with twinkling lights in form of flowers, stars, angels, birds, rain drops and palm trees. On top of it is the symbolic insignia of the EAGLE WINGS program of the current administration, which serves as compass of the LGU’s programs and policies. Performances during the event are rendered by the Tagum City Chamber Chorale, the Tagum City Junior Symphonic Orchestra and the brass bands from Tagum City National Comprehensive High School and Tagum City National High School, and the finalists of the LGU-led amateur singing contest dubbed as Kantahan sa Tagum. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)
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LGUs urged to use integrated health, population and environment approach in dev’t. plans
DAVAO CITY- The local government units in the region were urged to maximize the integrated population, health and environment (PHE) approach in their comprehensive development plans, in a bid to achieve “healthy people in a healthy environment.” The Commission on Population (Popcom) recently proposed this emerging model to the LGUs following the release of its fifth WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
periodic report focused on the current situation of the population, the state of environment and the health status of Filipinos. Popcom launched last week in the region the State of the Philippine Population Report 5 (SPPR-5) entitled “Seeking a Healthy Balance,” that underscored the importance of seeing the connection among population, health and environmental factors.
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Popcom executive director Dr. Juan Antonio Perez, III said the SPPR-5 promotes the use of the integrated PHE approach that has been found to work especially in developing countries like the Philippines aiming to bring about a healthy and livable environment. Perez said the strategy is helpful for local government officials to make their development plans sustainable. He said the report is very timely as the country is often faced with natural and manmade disasters, citing the recent occurrence such as the Bohol earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda which greatly devastated the Visayas region. “How can we sustain our population, our livelihood in calamity situations like these?” he told representatives of various government agencies during the regional launch of SPPR-5 last week in the city. Perez also raised the importance of sustainable livelihood programs to be added in the LGUs development plans, urging local officials “You look for important livelihood that you want to sustain in your areas, and see how you integrate it with your population, health and environment.” “Livelihood must be sustaining. You should not go into areas WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
where livelihood is threatened,” he stated. The SPPR-5 described the PHE situation in the country, citing the big fast growing population which means growing demand and consumption patters, and the high fertility rate of women. The report noted how the country is urbanizing very rapidly with figure representing 48-50 percent of the population is living in urban areas. The SPPR-5 reported the state of rice production stating that it cannot cope up with growing population, and that rice production has decreased by about 600,000 metric tons from the 2008 level. The production of fish has also been increasing but the rate of increase is not necessarily good because it implies overfishing, the report stated. It added that mangrove forests have been reduced to only 115,000 hectares as of 1996 and only 4.3% of the country’s corrals is still in excellent condition. The SPPR-5 underscored that efforts to protect and preserve the environment are done in tandem with efforts to improve people’s health and quality of life. (PIA-11/ Carina L. Cayon)
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UN: Information, a basic need in Zambo rehabilitation efforts By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - While Zamboanga City is moving towards the early recovery phase after the crisis that lasted 23 days last September and displaced thousands of people from their homes, there is a need to step up communication efforts, particularly to create a strong feedback mechanism where information is shared between the displaced persons and the government and non-government service providers.
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“In communicating (with the displaced), we have to ask ourselves: Swak ba yung ating ibinibigay? (Are we giving exact information?)” asked Malou Eudela, humanitarian affairs assistant for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) during a media seminar held here Saturday. UNOCHA is currently working with the city government of Zamboanga, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other agencies in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the IDPs. Ms. Eudela added that there have been many instances of miscommunication in cases such as the one Zamboanga had experienced, and it brought about severe consequences. “As a result of miscommunication, the people experience disillusionment, basically for the non-delivery of the services that they need and expect,” she said. “In worst cases, this may lead to angst.” “The responses and services provided to them should be guided by their feedback,” she added. On the other hand, Sheila Covarrubias, city information officer said: “Communication, like food is a basic need. Information is at par with any other social services provided to the people.” “The lack of information or misuse of it can lead to misunderstanding,” she stressed. In light of this information need, the Communicating with Disaster-Affected Communities (CDAC) Working Group, or CWG was WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
established, which is composed of the City Information Office (CIO), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the different agencies involved in the rehabilitation like the DSWD. More helping hands came through various other organizations including the UN-OCHA, the UNICEF, Save the Children and other international nongovernment organizations. The CWG has been developing localized IEC materials for the IDPs’ consumption which will respond to their information and communication needs. It has been conducting studies on how best to establish a feedback mechanism between the IDPs and their service providers. Moreover, the CWG has been closely coordinating with each other through weekly meetings, and with the private media through press briefings. In the seminar conducted last Saturday, approximately 30 media personalities, information officers including those from the police and military, and campus journalists were oriented on the rehabilitation efforts of the city government. They were briefed on laws pertaining to handling gender and child sensitive stories. The lady mayor said “if we are going to build back Zamboanga, it has got to be a better one. But this can only be achieved if those who are at the forefront of information speak with one voice.” Mayor Climaco participated in a coordinated sharing of information among the communication practitioners.
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11th PFLCW congress bats for women empowerment
By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – A three-day seminar-workshop capped the 11th general assembly of the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women (PFLCW), which was held here last Nov. 20-22. Aimed at empowering the women in all aspects of social, political and economic endeavors, the activity also sought to determine the various opportunities and issues that go with women empowerment programs and projects. Speaking in the said assembly, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy lauded the unswerving efforts and commitment of all officials and members of the PFLCW in empowering the women through various development initiatives to contribute to nation building. The participants were acquainted with the rights and laws protecting the women against violence and all forms of abuses. They were also given lectures on entrepreneurship and ecolivelihood tour at the Livelihood Skills and Development Center WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
(LSDEC) where they were taught how to make t-shirts, cassava chips, bottled sardines and noodles. Dipolog was chosen to host this year’s PFLCW assembly, as the city was one of the awardees in the 2012 Search for Outstanding Local Council of Women (LCW) of the Year. PFLCW believed that its members could learn a lot from LCW-Dipolog’s successful projects. With this, women leaders from the different municipalities and cities were able to gain better ideas in advancing the causes pursued by the women sector. Present during the assembly were PFLCW chair Myrna T. Yao and national coordinator Edna Madrigal, Women in Nation Building chair Atty. Anna Luz Cristal, Heide Ong of Yellow Boat Foundation, Polanco MTC Judge Deborah G. Nazario,
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Lerma M. Campanerof DILGDipolog, Councilor Jasmin Pinsoy, Assistant City Information Officer Leonor Rabino, City Civil Registrar Rosemarie P. Miranda, Mayor Evelyn
T. Uy and LCW delegates. The PFLCW assembly was anchored on the theme, “WE (Women Empowerment) Inspire by Breaking Barriers.”
CONZARRD, KASAMMAKA continue to gather relief goods for “Yolanda” survivors By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – The painful experience of people in the Visayas region wrought by super typhoon “Yolanda” (international code name, Hyan) on Nov. 8 has encouraged the Convergence of Non-government and People’s Organizations in Zamboanga del Sur for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (CONZARRD) to donate relief items for the survivors.
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CONZARRD Executive Director Teodolita Suano said that while watching the news on television featuring the many affected people in agony and trauma after losing their relatives and properties to the super typhoon, she and her companions immediately decided to donate relief goods for the survivors. “We are deeply touched by the situation of typhoon ‘Yolanda’ survivors who are desperately begging for food and water,” Suano said. Suano said they have collected relief goods from their members. “The goods comprising 800 kilos of dried fish, 400 sacks of rice, 1,000 kilos of mongoes, and other food items,” Suano added. Suano said the relief efforts WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
initiative of CONZARRD dubbed “Humanitarian Action Network Against Disasters” was supported by the KASAMMAKA (Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma/Mamumuong Kababayen-an), whose total number of members reaching almost 2,000, was aimed at extending assistance to survivors. “This is our own little way of extending help to the survivors. With our little donation, we hope it will make them smile despite the tragic incident that happened in their lives,” Suano said. Suano said the relief goods which they sent on Tuesday to Tacloban City was just the first batch of the goods. “We will be collecting more relief goods from our members for the victims,” pointed out.
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DAF, DepEd partner with UN-WFP to improve food security in ARMM
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he Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will work jointly with the United Nations–World Food Program (UN-WFP) to improve food security in the region. The three agencies signed on Tuesday, November 19, an agreement that establishes their collaboration in the strengthening of the “Gulayan sa Paaralan,” a project that brings together the school and the community in putting up a vegetable garden within the school compound. Macmod Mending, DAF-ARMM secretary, said the project aims to improve food security and the health of school children in the region and also lessen incidents of malnutrition. DepEd-ARMM will help identify an area of at least 1,000 square meters in every participating school where the “gulayan” or garden can be put up and encourage 20 farmer-parents and pupils to engage in the project. The UN-WFP will support the project through the provision of food WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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support, monitoring the progress of the engagements and facilitating meetings of stakeholders, according to the agreement. Meanwhile, DAF-ARMM will provide agricultural inputs and organize a Project Management Team (PMT) at the provincial levels to ensure proper coordination among stakeholders. The agency vowed to ensure the sustainability of the program and conduct a harvest festival as an
indicator of its progress. Mujiv S. Hataman, regional governor of ARMM, lauded the efforts and partnership of the three agencies. He said it is also important to recognize the school beneficiaries who will successfully attain their target for the harvest festival. (Arman C.Trabucon/OJT-Bureau of Public Information)
TESDA Lanao del Sur clarifies delay on release of C4TP allowance by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - An official of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has clarified the reason on the delay in the release of allowances of the Cash for Training Project (C4TP) beneficiaries.
TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata S. Mapandi explained to the listeners of “Ozor ka, Ranao!” radio program of Philippine Information Agency that the papers required for the release were already submitted to the TESDA regional office. “The papers are now in the regional office for processing of payment to schools and training WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
allowances,” she said. Mapandi gave her assurance that they will immediately issue the checks to the C4TP beneficiaries upon receipt of their training allowances from the TESDA regional office. Aside from the allowance, she said toolkits will also be handedout to those who availed of the self-employment (hanapbuhay)
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component of the project. The C4TP is a special program of TESDA in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for job facilitation and entrepreneurial support to identified youth. The project implemented under two components, the training for wage employment (trabaho) and training for self-employment, has a
total of 657 beneficiaries in the entire province. Mapandi said C4TP was aimed to provide training to poor youth particularly those coming from the Pantawid Pamilya households, and give them opportunities to use their acquired skills as their human capital.
ARMM Vice Governor leads tree planting activity in Lanao del Sur by: Mohammad Nassif M Elias
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid A. Lucman, Jr led a tree planting activity in Mindanao State University (MSU) Main campus, recently.
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Around 300 seedlings consisting of tanglin, igyo, white lawaan, upang, and mab’lo (fruit berry) were planted by Lucman and representatives from Lanao del Sur Police Office, 103rd Infantry Brigade, students, and youth groups in the one-hectare Demo Farm of MSU College of Forestry and Environmental Science. Melvin U. Disomimba, faculty of the MSU College of Forestry and Environmental Science, expressed appreciation to the regional vice governor for choosing the demo farm as the area of the tree planting activity. “Only few were able to conduct this kind of activity here but with the initiative of the regional vice governor, we realized WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
now that we have partners in the advocacy of promoting and protecting the environment,” he said. The tree planting activity was part of the ECOWATCH program of the vice governor launched recently here to promote awareness on the protection of Lake Lanao and the environment.
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