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PIA REGIONAL OFFICES Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com, mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX
Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com, r10_pia@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL ADVISERS SEC. SONNY B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency EXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI MANAGING EDITOR
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph Website: www.piacaraga.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - Caraga Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga SOCCSKSARGEN Region Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region COPY EDITORS
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region
FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST
NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region
THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
LAYOUT ARTISTS VICTORIANO B. VILLACRUZ JR., PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X RAUL M. QUILAB, JR., PIA Caraga Region
NATIONAL
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President Aquino commemorates Undas with a visit to parents at Manila Memorial
INFOCUS
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Clean, sustainable energy in Mindanao sought By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
CARAGA
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CONTENTS Cover Story SOCCSKSARGEN farmers, LGUs receive P204-M farm machineries, projects By Danilo E. Doguiles
OPAG-SurSur, PCA collaborate in controlling coconut scale insects By: Japhet C. Sugian Phil Army pushes peace initiatives to end terroristic activities in AgSur By: CMO-75IB
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WESTERN
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DAR, KRCC urge rubber farmers to plant other crops By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy NMIS assures Filipinos safe food on table By Gideon C. Corgue
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NORTHERN
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Lanao del Norte towns continue to benefit from anti-poverty program by Vincent N. Labial MisOcc Pasungko festival 2014 features agri-industry, eco-tourism, cultural, environmental activities by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
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Army engineers lead road rehab on far-flung critical areas
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Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
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Sarangani town gets P12-M GPB projects By Danilo E. Doguiles
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108 MILF dependents complete TESDA techvoc courses By Perlita B. Changco
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SOCCSKSARGEN farmers, LGUs receive P204-M farm machineries, projects By Danilo E. Doguiles
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griculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has urged farmers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region to help the country attain greater food sufficiency.
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In a recent visit in nearby Tupi town, Secretary turned over P204 million worth of farm machineries, postharvest facilities, and projects to farmer organizations and local government units from different parts of the region. “These are not simple interventions, Secretary Alcala said. “We do not distribute these simply for the sake of giving.” “What the Department requires from you as repayment for what are being granted to you is better agricultural production,”
he emphasized as he addressed hundreds of farmers and local government officials attending the event at the Seed Farm in Barangay Bololmala. Turned over to farmer organization and LGU recipients were 43 hand tractors (worth P4.5 M), 48 rice threshers (P5.9M) 10 85-95 horsepower (HP) farm tractors (P20.9 M), 5 over 95-HP farm tractors (P10.8 M); 12 cassava graters (P1.6 M) 1 37-HP four-wheel drive tractor (P637, 500) 1 shallow tube well (P85, 000) 6 multi-cultivator with accessories (P1.3-M), 30
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roads, namely: Purok 2 – San Martin FMR, Tayugo Paladong FMR, and Bual – Talitay FMR being implemented under the Philippine Rural Development Program.
power sprayers, and 1 coffee processing facility (P1.1 M), 1 cacao processing facility (P 1.6 M) and a 700-meter farmto-market road in Surallah (P2.9-M).
Some P68.5 M worth of checks livelihood and FMRs projects under the national government’s Grassroots Participatory Budgeting and PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) Program were also handed over to LGU recipients.
Seven farmer groups also received certificates of turn-over for small-scale irrigation projects (SSIP) worth P40M. Moreover, the local government unit of Isulan will also receive Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF) worth P33.7-M for the rehabilitation of the following farm-to-market A total of 107 farmers associations, irrigators’ associations and 22 LGUs in South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani benefited from the what is being touted as so far the biggest mass distribution of farm machineries, facilities, and projects in the region.
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Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of DA 12, confirmed another mass distribution of farm machineries and projects is slated in November. Datukan emphasized that the interventions are proof to the commitment of the Department of Agriculture to support the farmers and fisher folk achieve better production and income.
country. Philippines has achieved 96 percent rice self-sufficiency, she pointed out, a 14 percent leap from the 82 percent level in 2010. Datukan further noted that in 2013, SOCCKSARGEN Region ranked 5th in rice production and 3rd in corn production in the country.
These assistance, she added, should also push further the region’s standing as far as agricultural production is concerned and contribute more to the rice self-sufficiency in the NOVEMBER 3, 2014
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Palace welcomes new loan from World Bank
MANILA - The Palace welcomes the new 300 million US dollar loan grant from the World Bank, Presidential Communications Operations Office Herminio Coloma, Jr., announced on Sunday.
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The new loan aims to boost fiscal sustainability and governance transparency for a sustained and inclusive growth. “Malugod na tinatanggap ng Pilipinas ang pagkakaloob ng World Bank ng 300 milyong dolyar na pautang upang patatagin ang mga programa at mekanismo na may kinalaman sa fiscal transparency at pangangasiwa ng pondo ng bayan, alinsunod sa hangarin ni Pangulong Aquino na gawing permanente ang transpormasyon at repormang panlipunan,� said Coloma in a radio interview over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. According to Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima the loan will fund the government projects with an annual interest of less than one percent per year, said Coloma. “Ito ay manipestasyon ng tiwala at suporta ng World NOVEMBER 3, 2014
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Bank sa programs ng Aquino administration sa larangan ng mabuting pamamahala at pagpapahusay ng fiscal transparency,� he added. Under the loan, the country will receive from the World Bank support in strengthening priority public investment implementation, reducing the cost of doing business for jobs creation and poverty reduction, developing the human capital of the poor, promoting fiscal transparency and good governance, as well as consolidating fiscal sustainability through revenue mobilization and risk management.
of Finance other government agencies that will also be involved are the: Department of Budget and Management, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Climate Change Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, and Department of Health. (PCOO/PND ag)
The main focus of the loan will be infrastructure development and the streamlining of business registration processes for micro, small and medium enterprises.
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President Aquino commemorates Undas with a visit to parents at Manila Memorial
MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III commemorated Undas on Sunday with a visit to the resting place of his parents, former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, at the Manila Memorial Park in Para単aque City NOVEMBER 3, 2014
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grandparents, Demetria and Jose Cojuangco, and those of his other relatives in a mausoleum located just a few steps away from the area. He and his family left the cemetery at about 10 minutes before 1:00 p.m.
The President arrived at 12:23 in the afternoon and joined his sisters Ballsy Cruz, Viel Dee, and Kris Aquino in a brief holy rosary led by the latter. Most of his nieces and nephews were also around. After the prayer, President Aquino mingled with some onlookers nearby. He gave them yellow baller IDs. The people were delighted and thanked the President. Some were even heard extending early Christmas greetings to the President and his family.
President Aquino spent most of his weekend monitoring events related to Undas. Last Friday, he inspected major gateways outside Metro Manila for the safe travel of passengers who were going to their hometowns for the annual commemoration of the day of the dead. (PCOO/PND (hdc)
President Aquino also visited the graves of his maternal
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Clean, sustainable energy in Mindanao sought By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Energy (DOE), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, Incorporated (AMRECO) put together a one-stop facilitation to fast track the process of monitoring and approval of Renewable Energy (RE) projects particularly hydropower projects. NOVEMBER 3, 2014
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RE is site specific which requires approval of various government agencies like the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and consideration of land use, among others. The approval of RE projects is five years, but the committee intends to shorten it to two, Montenegro said. Right now, the committee is looking into 157 RE projects that they intend to fast track. Once these projects get approved, a combined 1,700 megawatt of clean and sustainable energy will Romeo Montenegro, Director be incorporated in the Mindanao for Investment Promotion and grid. Public Affairs Office of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), He said that today we are said during the press conference enjoying 60% renewable, 40% of the 3rd Mindanao Congress fossil however if we don’t do of the Advocates for Renewable anything with the one stop for Energy and Rural Electrification approval of 157 RE projects, and Development (MinCARED) then we are looking at 70% 30% on October 29 in Cagayan de reversal of energy mix by 2018 Oro City, that they have created in favor of fossil. the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee to make sure RE Montenegro explained that projects in Mindanao will be fast the problem with fossil is first tracked. the impact to the environment. Second, is that it is 100% He said that there are many imported thus subject to foreign challenges concerning (RE) exchange fluctuation, market projects applications and RE volatility. If prices for coal or technologies. Location for a diesel or coal plant is easy meanwhile
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dispatch, over all other technologies. RE technology will be used first. RE Act of 2008 has a Green energy option where there should be a policy already implemented that will mandate industries, companies and even the government to take the green energy option.
diesel go up, then prices for electricity also go up. Unlike water, sun or biomass that is abundant here that we have not harnessed yet. Although they are looking at more fossil based technology in the energy mix onwards to 2018, the desire for Mindanao has always been a balance of RE as well as fossil for base load, Montenegro stressed. However, he said that even though the desire is balance energy mix, RE will still be given priority dispatch.
According to RE Act of 2008, RE technology will be given premium, must be a priority
He said that the national renewable energy board of DOE is putting together Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which will be implemented soon. RPS once implemented will mandate distribution utilities to get part of their sources from RE, not purely fossil or fuel then to invite all other industries to really tap RE sources. Prices of Electricity According to Sergio Dagooc, AMRECO President, distribution utilities are regulated. Distribution utilities such as the Cagayan Electric and Light Power Company (CEPALCO) or Misamis Oriental Rural Electric Cooperative (MORESCO) cannot charge any single centavo without the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
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to start the cooperative is from the government through the National Electrification Administration (NEA). He said that compared to an electric corporation, members of the electric cooperative can choose their leaders. He said that electric coops hold a general assembly every year to elect or file complaint against the board. However he said that they are all private but supervised by NEA. Power readiness in ASEAN integration or reduction of power rate will be done through public hearing. So even if these utilities want to reduce power rate, they cannot under the law.
According to Romeo Montenegro of MinDa, it’s not entirely correct that the Philippines is the most expensive per se because neighboring countries like Indonesia, In terms of which is cheaper, Malaysia, and others are Dagooc said that an electric subsidized. cooperative under Presidential Decree (PD) 269 as amended Electric rates are subsidized by PD 1645 and amended again because they are oil producing by Republic Act RA 10531 is a countries. Indonesia is a coal non-stock, non-profit electric producing country and therefore distribution utility whose their electricity is subsidized. mandate is total electrification Brunei is an oil producing country. in the countryside on an area Many of those countries in the coverage basis. ASEAN have those resources
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to be able to have subsidized electricity rates and to electricity rates, he said. improve the delivery of power supply to end-users by Montenegro said power encouraging greater competition sector is business driven; thus and efficiency in the electricity government does not have any industry. The essence of these hold because it was dictated reforms is giving stakeholders a under RA 9136. CHOICE. On June 8, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. Among other benefits, RA 9136 is designed to bring down
However, right now there are many amendments proposed for EPIRA which targets to bring down the cost of electricity.
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DA-13 conducts 2nd Be RICEponsible short film contest By: Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY - With the vision to be a rice sufficient nation by year 2016 and beyond, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga region continuously conducts the Be RICEponsible campaign to bring awareness in the minds and hearts of the people the value of being a responsible rice consumer.
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On Friday, DA Caraga headed by regional director Dr. Edna M. Mabeza conducted the 2nd Be RICEponsible Short Film contest participated by 13 public and private high schools in the region. According to regional director Mabeza, the contest is one of the several information and advocacy campaigns that have gained positive response among the public and private high schools in the region. The Be RICEponsible Short Film Contest is a short documentary produced by students that tackle important issues that affect not only the youth but all sectors in the society as well, Mabeza said. The Short Film Contest’s production central theme is Be RICEponsible. It exhibits responsible and healthy rice consumption and production practices; recognizing the important role of farmers; youth contribution to food suf-
ficiency; community’s role to food sufficiency; and innovative rice farming. Mabeza also said, the contest is a way of encouraging the youth to take part in the Be RICEponsible campaign and rouse interest among secondary schools in the region. “Through their participation, youth will become our allies in reaching their families and relatives that creates a ripple effect in information dissemination,” she said. The contest winners were chosen according to the following criteria: Relevance of the Theme; Narrative Flow; Performance; Production Design (props, costumes, sets, and locations; Visual Composition/Cinematography; Use of Audio Enhancements (sound and music); and Editing and Use of Visual Enhancements that include the transitions, titles, credits, and special effect). The awarding of winners is set on November 28, 2014 in
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time with the National Awareness Month celebration. First placer will receive P20,000; P15,000 and P10,000 for the second and third placers, respectively. Each will also receive a trophy and certificate of participation. Last year, Mabeza recalled that the campaign on National Year of Rice has gained positive response among the different stakeholders in the national and local level. In the region, infor-
mation campaigns were done in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Education. The provincial and local LGUs had promulgated into resolutions the support of the previous advocacy especially on responsible rice consumption while schools have pledged its support to avoid rice wastage in their homes and schools, she added. The Be RICEponsible is an advocacy campaign that aims to promote the RICEponsibility of every Filipino to their physical bodies and the nation for better health and rice self-sufficiency. Apart from the role of the farmers, it also informs the consumers and policy-makers on how they can help the country achieve rice self-sufficiency.
OPAG-SurSur, PCA collaborate in controlling coconut scale insects By: Japhet C. Sugian
TANDAG CITY - The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) in Surigao del Sur in collaboration with Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has recently conducted a Level Technical Awareness on Coconut Scale Insects also known as “Cocolisap� to the three batches of farmers in Marihatag town, Bislig and Tandag Cities. 20
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Technical information of the capability of pest and the extent of damage it brings and some possible control measures were presented. Coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus destructor, Signoret) accordingly is endemic in the province of Surigao del Sur. Though PCA- Surigao del Sur has released a statement suggesting a “no show” of scale insects in the province, they still encouraged farmers to be very vigilant and be observant in such cases. On his presentation, provincial seed coordinator and entomologist Daniel C. Lequillo said scale insects are small insects and considered as plant parasites. He showed to the participants the morphological characteristic of this pest and its level of damage to coconuts. On the other hand, provincial IPM coordinator Floresita Pante also explained how to combat this pest. “Mechanical control is found to be more appropriate in this stage of damage which in-
cludes pruning and spraying with the use of soapy water and it is also applicable to use natural enemies, insects against insects,” she said. “The knowledge imparted by the speakers will help us especially in early detection. It is very important to know the pest by heart so that we will be able to establish immediate control to prevent its infestation,” said Rex Fernandez, CAFC chair of Tandag City. Surigao del Sur chief provincial agriculturist Marcos Quico also shared the importance of farmers in every agricultural endeavor of the provincial government. He said, “the farmer will serve as channel of information and act as an extension worker to their area or barangay”. Meanwhile, Governor Johnny Pimentel already ordered the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, together with the PCA, to continue their initiatives in controlling possible pest occurrence, restore coconut planted areas with senile trees and re-establish
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a rehabilitation campaign to improve coconut industry in Surigao del Sur. He also pointed out that concept for coconut optimization program in the 2nd district of Surigao del
Sur must be drafted the soonest for the inclusion of funds to the Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rural Development Project (DA- PRDP).
Phil Army pushes peace initiatives to end terroristic activities in AgSur By: CMO-75IB
SURIGAO DEL SUR – “The army will continue to push the peace initiatives in order to cease terroristic activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) and for the development to come in, even if the lives of soldiers are at stakes. We will be able to accomplish the mandate and vision in a proactive way to promote peace and development in the area by doing our best to protect the people,” stated 75IB commanding officer Lt Col Noman Alcovindas following an incident where one Army trooper was slain in an encounter while patrolling as part of their Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program implementation around 8:20 a.m. of November 2, 2014. 22
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In a press statement released by the 75th infantry battalion based in Bislig City, the troops led by TSg Leonardo Pilare reportedly had an encounter with NPA allegedly members of the Guerilla Front -14, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee in the vicinity of Sitio Maghilot, Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in Agusan del Sur. Capt. Librado Olunan, 75th IB Civil Military Operations Officer said that the encounter lasted for more than half an hour that resulted to the death of Pilare. Olunan said that prior to the incident, they received series of reports from the concerned citizens that the alleged NPAs have planned to conduct harassment such as
extortion, burning of equipment, and kidnapping to the identified big establishments just like what they did in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. The COPD team aims to bring the government closer to the people as catalyst in bringing the gaps for the delivery of basic services.
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Photo Credit: Ruel D. Tabada
Fr. Caermare is new Diocese of Dipolog bishop By Mary May A. Abellon DIPOLOG CITY – Rev. Fr. Severo C. Caermare, 44, a priest from Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte was ordained recently as the new bishop of the Diocese of Dipolog following his appointment by Pope Francis, replacing Bishop Jose R. Manguiran.
He is the third bishop of the See of Dipolog and a Doctor of Divinity who will head 787,000 Catholics and 68 priests. Prior to his appointment as diocesan bishop, Fr. Caermare has served as rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary here after Fr. Virgilio P.
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Belleno in early May of this year. He studied philosophy at the Cor Jesu Seminary and St. Vincent’s College in Dipolog City, and his theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City where he earned a master’s degree in Theology and Pastoral Ministry. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Dipolog on April 22, 1996
from 2002-2003; a trainer, rector and professor at St. Mary’s Theologate of Ozamis City from 2003-2004; a rector, liturgist and professor at Cor Jesu
Seminary in Dipolog City from 20042006; a trainer, professor and dean of studies at St. Mary’s Theologate of Ozamis City from 2006-2007.
and worked as the Administrator of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Godod, Zamboanga del Norte from 1996-1997. In 1997 to 2002 he served as a trainer at Cor Jesu Seminary in Dipolog City; an administrator of St. Isidore parish, Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte
In 2013 he was chief executive at St. Antonio de Padua Parish in Gulayon, Dipolog City.
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DAR, KRCC urge rubber farmers to plant other crops By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Representatives from the Korean Rural Community Corporation (KRCC) in a forum here on Thursday urged rubber farmers in the province to plant alternative crops while the price of rubber is very low.
Dr. Choi Ho Jin, who leads the KRCC group, said rubber price would definitely be low until the year 2016. “It is entirely affected by the conflict in Thailand and several other countries, which are the key players in the rubber industry,” said Dr. Choi. Partnering with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-9, KRCC has been visiting provinces in Zamboanga Peninsula region to assess and survey Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) for potential publicprivate partnerships (PPP) on agrienterprise. In Zamboanga Sibugay, the six towns belonging to the Salipyasin ARC Cluster attended the forum,
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namely: Tungawan, Roseller T. Lim, Ipil, Titay, Naga, and Kabasalan - all rubber producing municipalities. Dr. Choi inquired why there was low yield in the province when it is known as the rubber capital in Region 9? Rubber farmers representing various cooperatives cited several reasons such as the lack of technology and less support from the government resulting and others. Ms. Luz S. Ani, ARCP II-AED specialist, said rubber farmers must consider the suggestion of the Kore
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an visitors to plant other viable crops to increase their income and help Ms. Julita A. Rathem cope with the low price of rub- gandang, regional director of ber. DAR-9, expressed gratitude to the Korean visitors for giving time to vis “The low price of rubber is afit the province of Zamboanga Sibufecting the entire globe. It is an ingay. She stressed that their presence ternational phenomenon and is not signifies interest to help the farmers only experienced by our farmers in who are agrarian reform beneficiathe Philippines.”
NMIS assures Filipinos safe food on table
By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – All Filipinos deserve safe food on their table.
Thus declared Dr. Minda S. Manantan, executive director of the National Meat Inspection (NMIS) in her message as read by Regional Technical Director Arturo De Jesus Jr. at a weekly media forum hosted by Philippine Information Agency-IX held at New Roxan Hotel here recently. Manantan said, “Effective regulatory system is essential in protecting the health and safety of consumers. It is equally critical enabling a country to access its foods into international markets, at the same time ensuring that imported foods conform with the national requirements.” “The consumer’s demand for safe and quality food knows no border. NOVEMBER 3, 2014
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Creating and sustaining the supply of safe products for domestic and international trade relies on the capacity of a country to implement the requirements necessary to satisfy the demands for safe foods,” Manantan pointed out.
The executive director further said that the NMIS would also continue to ensure that all meat and meat products entering the country are safe for human consumption be subjecting meat examination, sampling and laboratory analysis.
The NMIS is a regulatory agency mandated to ensure the safety of meat products.
The forum is part of the linedup activities during the Meat Safety Consciousness Week celebration last Oct. 20-24 with the theme: “R.A. 19611 Food Safety Act, Para sa Kaligtasan ng Mamamayan at Katuwang sa Kalakalan.”
Manantan stressed that the NMIS had developed and is currently implementing meat safety standards that serve as over-all guide pertaining to the requirements needed for The celebration focused on crelocal meat to satisfy the international ating awareness on food safety and trade standards. its effect on public health and trade facilitation.
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NCIP celebrates 17th Indigenous People’s Rights Act by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - To strengthen and protect the rights of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community here, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) region 10 gathered on October 29 tribe leaders and IP community to celebrate the 17th Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA).
Northern and Western Mindanao Ethnographic Commissioner Cosme M. Lambayon said that this is
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the 17th year since the approval of the IPRA. He said that the intent of IPRA is to strengthen and protect the rights of the indigenous community. NCIP was created to promote the rights of the tribes. As of now, Lambayon said that there are already 171 certificates of ancestral domains title issued and handed over, recognized all over the country. They have also issued 257 certificates of ancestral land titles to Baguio, General Santos and some parts of region 10. One of the requirements for these recipient tribes is to prepare an ancestral domain sustainable development and protection plan. This plan should include the tribe’s projects and programs including education, livelihood, peace and order, ecological balance such as in watershed areas, among others. Lambayon said that they need to incorporate this ancestral domain sustainable, development and protection plan to the local development plan of their baranggay, municipality, province or city to include them in their rural development and
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investment plan. Regional Director Roberto L. Almonte of NCIP also said that the IP belong to the marginalized sector of the country that is why programs are implemented for them. Meanwhile, Datu Maida, one of the elders recognized that partnership is the key to development. He said that they cannot stand alone, they must partner with the government to attain peace and development. He added that through IPRA, discrimination is diminished. The elders further created a regional league in region 10 to identify and look into the problems and issues and how to find solutions and strengthen IPs in the region. Avowing the rights and welfare of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) or Indigenous Peoples (IPs), particularly their clamor on land tenure security and the recognition of their freedom to make choices under the rubric of human rights and development, Republic Act 8371 was enacted into law on October 29, 1997 creating the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) merging the Office for Northern Cultural Communities (ONCC) and the Office for Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC) as its Organic Offices.
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This year’s celebration is observed in Reclaiming Indigenous with the theme, “IPRA-A Ray of Hope Peoples Identity.”
Lanao del Norte towns continue to benefit from anti-poverty program by Vincent N. Labial
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - Seven towns of Lanao del Norte continue to receive assistance from national government through its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSSNCDDP). This was made and entered into thru a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing of KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP held at Macapagal Training Center, provincial capitol grounds, Tubod capital town, last October 2014. “We are happy that national government recognizes the honest and efficient implementation of infrastructure projects here in our province especially in its KALAHICIDSS program. By working hard together with our municipal and barangay leaders, we are getting things done here in Lanao del Norte,” expressed governor Khalid Dimaporo during his speech. KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the Philippine Government being implemented by the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) which aims to empower barangays and communities of targeted municipalities to achieve improved access to services and to participate in more inclusive local planning, budgeting, and implementation. The Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach being used in the implementation of KALAHI CIDSS has now become a National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) of the government in its fight against poverty. Among the towns included in the expanded NCDDP are Kapatagan, Lala, Magsaysay, Kolambugan, Matungao, Kauswagan, and Tagoloan. Aside from expanding its coverage, the anti-poverty flagship
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program has also enhanced its services to beneficiaries by providing bigger allocations to depressed areas and promoting intensified convergence not only among DSWD’s programs and services but also with other government agencies. “I believe we have proven ourselves worthy of the trust and support of national government through our implementation of earlier KALAHI-CIDSS projects. We shall continue to live up to the expectations of national government, our provincial governor and most importantly – our people,” said mayor Allan Lim of the municipality of Lala, one of the recipients. The Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte has consistently provide its cash counterpart to municipal Local Government Units implementing the KALAHI-CIDSS program to help them construct projects that would benefit the most number of local residents. Projects implemented include
barangay health centers, drainage canals, farm-to-market roads, potable water systems, solar dryer, improvement of barangay roads, and construction of public market. A total of P159-million worth of infrastructure projects shall be divided among the identified Lanao del Norte municipalities for every calendar year. Eleven (11) more towns are set to join the new batch of recipienttowns in year 2015. Participating in the simple MOA signing ceremony are barangay leaders and Local Chief Executives of recipienttowns, provincial government officials, and DSWD Region 10 personnel led by assistant regional director Aldersey Mumar-dela Cruz.
MisOcc Pasungko festival 2014 features agri-industry, eco-tourism, cultural, environmental activities by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Agro-industrial, eco-tourism, cultural and environmental activities will be among the features in the month-long celebration of the 5th Pasungko Festival in Misamis Occidental, this November.
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The celebration, which coincides with the 85th foundation anniversary of the province, opens with an agroindustrial trade fair, from November 3-9, at the Capitol Ground, where the One Town, One Product (OTOP) of each of the provinces’ 17 local government units (LGU) will be displayed. “Particularly, all these LGU’s will put on display their OTOP products in the booths assigned them, during the trade fair, with their tourism spots shown in tarpaulins used as backdrafts, Gain Paul De Barras, provincial tourism officer (PTO) said. Meanwhile, De Barras said the festival activities will start with a flag-raising ceremony, Catholic mass, motorcade along the city’s main thoroughfare, Subanen ritual, opening of the Trade Fair, an “Eat All U Can” dinner and fireworks display on November 3, and conduct of the week-long Trade Fair, from November 3-9. The other activities include the following: Free legal clinic, November 4-5, opening of the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) American Colonial Architecture in Mindanao, November 5, Agri-Aqua Day, distribution of Land Titles by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), November 6, Festival Queen Competition, November 7, and “Liga sa mga Barangay” Congress, November 7-9. Signing of the Joint Resolution Declaring Misamis Occidental as Conflict Manageable and Development Ready Province and Association of Barangay Captains
(ABC) Solidarity Night, November 8. Festival Street Dance and Showdown Competition at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletic Center (MOPAC) and fireworks display at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, November 9. GO HERMIE Football Cup at MOPAC and 19th Malindang Ascent in Don Victoriano town, November 14-16, and jobs fair and renewal of Professional Registration Commission (PRC) licenses at the Provincial Capitol, November 15. “Laag-laag sa Misamis Occidental (Provincial Tour),” November 20-21, the 9th Culinary Congress, November 20-22, Smoke-free Youth Summit, November 29 and Scubasurero or coastal clean-up at the Misamis Occidental Aqua-Culture Park (MOAP) in Sinacaban town, November 30.
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Davao Trade Expo slated this November by Rudolph Alama
DAVAO CITY- From November 19-22, SMX Davao will play host to the 16th Davao Trade Expo. Touted as the biggest trade expo in Mindanao, DATE 2014 is expected to have 200 exhibitors from mostly coming from agri-trade and agri-industrial sectors together with its complementary industries, food (fresh, processed, packaging), machineries equipment, post-harvest facilities, agricultural chemicals,
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animal husbandry, fertilizers & pest management, financing, ICT and logistics. This year’s DATE will carry the theme “Davao: From Local Agriculture to Global Agribusiness.” It is an annual flagship project of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Luciano Frederick
Puyod III chairman of this year’s eign speakers and delDATE said this year’s expo will be egates.” Puyod said. (PIA/ unique as it will put the banana inRG Alama) dustry in the spotlight. DATE will be held back-to-back with the International Banana Symposium. The event will bring together experts and stakeholders in the banana industry from around the world. Recent advances on research and development, marketing strategies, logistics, pest management and other emerging trends in the banana industry will be presented. More than 300 delegates from all around the world are expected to attend the International Banana Symposium. “We hope that Mindanaoans can take advantage of the learnings that they can get from our local and for-
facts and figures 14,600
hectares of banana plantations destroyed by Typhoon Pablo in Region-XI in 2012
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Army engineers lead road rehab on far-flung critical areas DAVAO CITY-Top military officer of the Eastern Mindanao Command cited the need to improve the farm-to-market roads in far-flung areas with critical peace and order condition due to the presence of the rebels. Lt. General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the EastMinCom said Army Engineers lead the rehabilitation of the road in Barangay Gupitan in Kapalong, Davao del Norte to guarantee that the problem on poor road condition is attended. He said the road repair is done with the cooperation of the indigenous peoples in the area in order to protect the equipment and to ensure that the rehabilitation is done. Baladad said even on areas where no contractor dares to do the road works because of the presence of rebels, Army Engineers take over to do the job. “We are ready to pursue the job on road rehabilitation because the Army has our own engineers,” he said. Baladad also mentioned the need to discuss further ways to protect the equipment of contractors who handle the flag-ship projects of government in far-flung areas. He said it is impractical to provide a soldier for every equipment left on the construction site.
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Baladad suggested to bring the equipment to a motor pool for protection. He also said the military through the peace and development outreach teams communicates with the indigenous peoples in order to prevent the exploitation of their tribe by the lawless elements. Baladad observed the IPs are given the wrong information to stir dissatisfaction in their plight. “In past, many lumads came down due to the lure of the being given rice. It was the misinformation given for them to participate,” he said. Baladad said this approach is no longer effective because of the lessons learned by many IPs who experienced hardships when they were told to evacuate to the city. (PIA 11Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
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DTI S. Cotabato intensifies marketBy Aida C. Agadd KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 3 – With the coming of Christmas season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has geared up for its province wide monitoring of commodities like candle, Christmas lights and Noche Buena products. DTI South Cotabato Provincial Director Flora Gabunales headed the monitoring and met the managers and supervisors of big retailers all over the province on Wednesday. During the monitoring, the retailers were provided with the latest suggested retail prices (SRPs) of said products to guide both business establishments and consumers in their transactions. With the SRPs, consumers are guided on whether the goods sold are overpriced or above the profit margin, Gabunales said. ”Also,the SRP is meant to serve as a guide for consumers in their purchases,” she added. Director Gabunales stressed the posting of SRPs is also meant to serve as a warning to retailers to ensure that they sell these products within the set price ceilings. The DTI intensifies its market-monitoring activities to ensure stable prices and protect consumers from unscrupulous traders taking advantage of the spike in shopping activities. This is also to ensure the supply is available, and within the SRP range, the DTI said. The price monitoring is part of DTI’s efforts to ensure that consumers have access to safe and
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quality products sold at reasonable prices,� Provincial Director Flora Gabunales said. PD Gabunales stressed that retailers found selling above the SRPs will be asked to explain and show the cost of acquisition. If found guilty of violating the Price Act, the manufacturer or dis-
tributor would be fined of up to P1 million. Criminal liability for illegal price manipulation may also result in imprisonment of not more than 15 years and a maximum fine of P2 million, Gabunales said. (ACAgad PIA 12/with reports from DTI-South Cotabato)
Sarangani town gets P12-M GPB projects By Danilo E. Doguiles
MAASIM, Sarangani, Nov 3 -- The municipality of Maasim in Sarangani recently received P12 million worth of livelihood and agriculturebased projects under the national government’s Grassroots Participatory Program (GPB).
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Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture 12 and Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr led the distribution of agri-projects on Monday, October 27. Meant to alleviate poverty, these projects include a P1.27-million livestock dispersal and a P1-million dairy production that would benefit at least 93 farmer-beneficiaries. Fund allocations also include several other projects such as artificial insemination center equipped with facilities (P1M), rice thresher (P300,000), warehouse with mechanical dryer (P930, 000), small irrigation project (P500,000), fishing boats (P500,000), fish processing project (P1M), fish port (P4M), icemaker (P1M), and organic agriculture promotion (P500,000). “We want to capacitate our LGUs by downloading to them funds which they can use in reducing poverty incidence by providing livelihood assistance to farmer groups in their respective localities,’ said Director Datukan. Meanwhile, Fe Ybañez, DA 12 GPB Focal Person, urged officials of LGU Maasim and other recipients to be prompt with the implementation of the projects granted and to immediately liquidate the transferred funds. On his part, Mayor Lopez thanked the national government and concerned agencies particularly the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DA for entrusting these big projects to the municipal-
ity and its residents. Julie Cabreras of Barangay Kabatiol who received a carabao at the turned over ceremony said farm operations would be easier. She is also expectant of additional source of income with the milk production project they are embarking into soon. Formerly called Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB), the GPB is a poverty reduction program which allows local government units to identify livelihood and infrastructure projects adherent to their local poverty reduction action plans. These plans are formulated with the strong participation of basic sector organizations and other civil society organizations. Through GPB, the local government units in consultation with their community-based organizations and farmer groups determine the needed projects that will improve the economic status of their farmers and fisher folk. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with LMSalvo-DA 12)
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108 MILF dependents complete TESDA techvoc courses By Perlita B. Changco COTABATO CITY, Nov 3 ---Some 108 male and female dependents of MILF organic members have completed the 3-month training on various technical and vocational qualifications or courses offered by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA). TESDA is one of the agencies identified to implement programs under the livelihood component of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro launched by President Benigno S. Aquino III last February 2013 as part of government confidence-building initiative in a move to hasten the GPH-MILF peace negotiations. According to TESDA-ARMM Executive Director Datu Omar Shariff Jaafar, the 108 ( 71 from ARMM and 37 from Region XII) first batch of graduates is part of the 660 total slots allocated under the TESDA Scholarship Program for the Sajahatra Bangsamoro jointly being implemented by Region XII and the autonomous region. Technical and vocational qualifications or courses under the TESDA Scholarship Program for the Sajahatra Bangsamoro include computer hardware servicing, automotive servicing, commercial cooking, machining services, technical drafting, electronics, food and beverage, driving and several others in partnership with some private technical education service providers. Citing challenges such readiness
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and competency of the trainees, the duration of training for the courses may not necessarily last for three months, Jaafar said. “The challenge on readiness and competency of enrollees is always there, the challenge dealing with language barrier, educational attainment, but we always try to accommodate and adjust to them. If an applicant comes and claims to be high school graduate but has difficulty in speaking Tagalog, then we make the adjustment. On many occasions we have to go down to the level of the alphabets,� he said. All TESDA graduates, he added, undergo basic Math and English literacy training before exposure to the actual work area to ensure competency considering the training involves both technical and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.. (PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City)
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