CONTENTS
OUR COV- NATIONAL ER • Govt assures mining investors of better
Today’s cover features
security in mining areas
Dayaw: Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
Indigenous
• Banana industry sounds alarm on dreaded disease
Peoples Festival • Davao’s “bat-lady” named Disney Conservation Hero 2011 in Tagum
• Mga designers gikan Mindanao andam ipakita ang ilang produkto sa Mindanao ONE exhibit
City. Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN)
An Electronic News Magazine
published daily by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Clusters
EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor …….........
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Managing Editor …….........
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors …...
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
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SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
• 1,500 T’boli residents receive critical health services, information from LBK Bus • DTI-South Cotabato mino-monitor ang presyo ng mga panindang palamuti sa Pasko • Iba’t-ibang aktibidad tampok sa pagdiriwang ng Teachers’ Day • 400 benefit from MCFI’s surgical mission in South Cotabato
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • SENA done through Skype in CARAGA • AgNor-Butuan City joint Peace and Order Council Meeting set • Mandatory Barangay Assembly set for the 20th Year of the Signing of the Local Government Code • Gobyernong Aquino nagpadayon sa panlimbasog aron mapataas ang kalidad sa edukasyon • Palasyo mikondenar sa pag-atake sa mga rebelde sa minahan sa Surigao Norte
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • 60 human trafficking victims back in the country; now under DSWD’s care • Dipolog mayor lauds CVS program • Dipolog celebrates Elderly Filipino Week • DILG IX announces Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Awardees • Residents enjoined to participate in Barangay Assembly Day
Northern Mindanao • Cag. de Oro Mayor says opening of businesses shows confidence in city’s economy • School children in Lanao del Sur to benefit from Health Care Program • DSWD launches NHTS-PR database in region 10 • City solon lauds Iligan’s OBOP launching • Rediscovering Nunungan’s Mt. Inayawan
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Cover Story:
More Meaningful Dayaw in Tagum
by Jean Duron-Abangan
W accessories.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
e usually picture indigenous peoples (IP) festivals as colorful performances of various ethnic tribes. They dance, sing and chant. They show off their colorful indigenous garbs and intricate body 4 3
Cover Story:More Meaningful.....from page 3
We watch them sway in tiny, skipping dance steps. We rush towards the frontline of on-lookers to take pictures and videos, but have we understood what we are watching? Have we come to truly appreciate what our IP countrymen are doing? The upcoming Dayaw: Indigenous Peoples Festival 2011 from October 7 to 10 in Tagum City, is designed to bring meaningful experiences and lessons more than just performances and displays of colorful cultural garbs. Public education will serve as the underlying factor of interweaving the commonalities of IPs during the festival. This is intended to draw out real appreciation and under-
standing of who they are, and why they are doing what they are doing. To learn Now that Tagum City is hosting Dayaw, Tagum City Tourism Council (TCTC) is making sure that the IP participants and the general public as well, can take a different view of what an IP festival is. In hosting this year’s IP festival, TCTC chairperson Alma Uy wants nothing less than giving satisfaction for the participants and drawing meaning for the watching public. “Kinahanglan nga may kalaluman ang festival nga benefitted ang IPs. Dili lang ato na silang gi- paanhi, ato silang gipasayaw, and after that wala na. Dapat muoli sila sa
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Cover Story:More Meaningful.....from page 4
ilaha, naa silay makutlo. They should become hopeful being an IP. (There should be depth in holding the festival that would benefit the IPs. It’s not just that we are inviting them here to dance, and nothing after that. They should go home bringing what they have learned. ),” Uy said. For Ms. Uy, Dayaw should become more than just showcasing the colorful cultural practices of the IPs but empowering them to tell and explain to the public their aspirations, their concerns, and the meanings of their performances. Uy is very particular about integrating interactions as vital component of all the festival activ-
ities which will mostly be held at the Energy Park in Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Interactions will form part of the activities at the festival main venue, during visits to other towns and in schools, and in performances at the malls. “So magkaroon ng understanding kung unsa ning ilang mga gipanghimo, kaysa i-deploy dayon sila to perform sa malls nga dili masabtan. (So there would be clear understanding of what they are doing . It’s not just deploying them directly to perform.), “ Uy said. Weaving commonalities Uy gets her senses right in ensuring that the success of holding the festival should 6
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Cover Story:More Meaningful.....from page 5
be built on educating the public and the IPs through dialogues and interactions. Afterall, these have been proven to weave common understanding among peoples, a key towards finding commonalities--- the ultimate goal of this
year’s Dayaw. Dayaw is just one of the several IP festivals that the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has held in consonance with Presidential Proclamation 1906 declaring October as Na-
tional Indigenous People’s Month. In 2007, NCCA dubbed the annual IP festival as “Kalimudan: Panaghiusa sa Mindanao” in Davao City ; in 2008 as “Timpuyog: Indigenous People’s Month Celebration” in in 7
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Cover Story:More Meaningful.....from page 6
Santiago City, Isabela (Luzon); and in 2009, “Dungog: IP Festival” in Roxas City Capiz (Visayas). Such IP annual celebration took the name Dayaw in 2010 when it was held in Metro Manila. NCCA Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts Commissioner Joycie Dorado-Alegre has viewed Dayaw as a fitting word to describe the annual IP
Festival because the word is being widely used among various ethnic groups in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. She finds it generally good in meaning. “Dayaw means maayo, masaya, and it is very positive. It means praise for the Waray and honor for the Ilocanos,” she said. “ Nakikita ang kagandahan at Kabutihan ng ating kul-
tura. There is a sense of goodness and honor,” she added. Dayaw this year banners the theme “Paghahabi ng Ating Pagkakatulad Tungo sa Kapayapaan (Interweaving Our Commonalities Towards Peace.) To capture a sense of oneness, Dayaw will stage five major component festivals, namely, Tanghalang Makulay which is a ritual and performing arts festival; Salu-salong Sarap which is a food festival; Mga Habi ng Panaginip, an arts and crafts exhibit featuring basketry, textile and mat weaving; Sama-samang Tuwa, a games/sports festival; and Usapang Dangal at Likhang Pahayag, a forum and creative workshop on peace and unity. Beyond weav8
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Cover Story:More Meaningful.....from page 7
ing commonalities among ethnic groups, Uy wants to bring into the Dayaw woven fabric of peace , students and people who are interested to take a much deeper understanding of the IP culture. Dayaw experiences
On the first day, October 7, the gates of the Energy Park will open for the public to see a transformed E-park into a cultur-
al village. Students on educational tours and walk-in visitors can roam around the village only through a guided tour. They will first be briefed about the festival and about Filipino IP culture before they will be toured. Found in the cultural village are vernacular architecture structures or IP cultural houses. A trail is purposely being made leading visitors to
the Bebalay Subanen representing Mindanao, the Ati Dwelling of the Visayas, the Ifugao House of Luzon and the Togan House of the Cagans in Tagum. These houses are authentically made by IPs. IP Master-makers of these houses have been flown in from Zamboanga, Panay and Ifugao just to lead and oversee how these IP dwellings should be built. The Ata-Manabos from Talaingod are serving as helps in doing carpentry works. More than just looking at the houses, visitors will come to understand and appreciate the way they are built. The IP master-makers will be on hand to explain what the visitors want to know about these 9
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IP structures. Guides will then take those who are on tours to get a glimpse of various ethnic materials displayed in seven exhibit halls for: weaving textiles and garbs exhibit; mats, baskets and bamboo exhibit; musical instruments and Indonesian Gamelan exhibit. There will also be halls for Traditional Culinary and Food Presentation; Traditional Arts: carvings, metal crafts and ritual implements; Traditional Kitchen; and Traditional Games. Uy bared the guided tour as a way of instilling deeper public understanding and appreciation of IP culture and tradition. “We want to educate the people and appreciate the IPs, and then maintindihan mo ang iyong pagka-Pilipino (then
you will get to understand your being a Filipino), It’s learning,� she said . The guided tours will go on till the last day of the festival but on the second day, the IP participants will be deployed to do outreach activities and interact with fellows in nearby towns within Davao del Norte and in Compostela Valley. There will be groups which will be deployed to meet with their fellows in Talaingod, San Isidro, Kapalong and Asuncion towns in Davao del Norte; and in Maragusan, New Bataan, Nabunturan,Montevis ta,Compostela, Pantukan towns in Compostela. IP festival participants will also be spending time in schools and malls in Tagum City and in Davao City.
Wherever they may go during the outreach, participants will bring with them their signature performances. They may dance, sing and chant but not without letting the students (in schools) and community folks (in towns) understand them and their culture through interaction sessions. IP Forum Behind the scene of colorful and festive Dayaw activities will be the Usapang Dangal IP forum which is aimed at sharing, consolidating and drawing lessons from experiences of IP communities regarding cultural survival. IP participants are also expected to share their thoughts on how they are responding to issues on climate change. 10
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Cover Story:More Meaningful.....from page 9
The festival will not end with dances, songs and chants just the way it is expected to start. On the last day, participants will be coming up with a Festival declaration based on the issues and concerns gathered at the course of holding the Usapang Dangal IP forum. Just like in any other IP festival, we will be watching a colorful display of cultural performances this coming Dayaw. We will still be rushing to get videos and pictures of IPs as they dance wearing their intricately made garbs and accessories. But this time, their dances, songs and chants will hopefully become much more meaningful to us as Tagum wants to stage a more educational Dayaw.
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Gov’t assures mining investors of better security in mining areas
M
alacañang made an assurance Thursday on a more improved security in the country’s mining areas following the attack of the New People’s Army in Surigao del Norte on Monday.
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Govt assures......from page 12
Japanese and Australian mining investors have raised their concerns over the security of mining operations in the Philippines despite the statements of the government for improved security measures. “We understand their concerns because we’re just as disappointed of what happened there, so we’ve taken corrective actions. We are doing a threat assessment and we’ll facilitative if necessary upon the recommendation of the DND, the AFP and the PNP,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a media briefing in Malacanang on Thursday. Asked about the immediate actions that the government has implemented so far, he said they are leaving the matter to the military and the police adding that security officials haven’t informed the Palace Thursday, October 6, 2011
about recent security adjustments. The President’s spokesman also made an assurance that the government will look into allegations of abuses committed by mining firms that prompted the Surigao del Norte attack. It was reported that indigenous peoples were sympathetic with the NPA’s action and even environment adviser Neric Acosta was shocked by apparent violations. However, Lacierda said the NPA shouldn’t resort to violence in addressing those issues adding there are many proenvironment members of the Aquino cabinet that could have acted on those issues. “You don’t have to resort to violence to address those things. Puwede namang icomplain sa pamahalaan, si Secretary Paje po nandun, si Secretary Neric Acosta are
known to be environmentalists and advocates, so we have strong environmental groups within the government,” Lacierda said. “That (problem) could have been raised with us kung may mga violations. At kung nakita na ni Presidential adviser Neric Acosta, I’m sure he will look into it,” he added. NPA guerrillas staged coordinated raids on Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp. and Platinum Group Metals Corp. (PGMC) operating in Claver, Surigao del Norte, on Monday, killing three security guards. The rebels burned 10 dump trucks, eight backhoes, two barges and a guest house, the police and the military said. The rebels also seized several guns from private security guards. (AS) 13
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President Benigno S. Aquino III personally checks out the ing brought by the twin typhoons Pedring and Quiel in C also visited the provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga. (Photo
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Thursday, October 6, 2011
HOTO RELEASE
situation of affected families following the massive floodCalumpit, Bulacan Wednesday, (October 5). The President o by: Ryan Lim / Malaca単ang Photo Bureau). Thursday, October 6, 2011
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Banana industry sounds alarm on dreaded disease by RG Alama
akeholders of the banana industry in the region are raising the alarm on the onset of the dreaded Panama Disease which has already affected several banana plantations.
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Banana industry....from page 16 “It is an industry kller and for Mindanao an economy killer.” Alex Valoria, president of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association said of the destructive fungal plant disease. The fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense) attacking several plantations across the region have been identified as the recent strain Tropical Race 4. Currently it has no cure and cannot be controlled by fungicide. According to Stephen Antig executivedirector of PBGEA, the disease was spotted in Calinan about three years ago. But now has spread to banana plantations in Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur. “It is a very virulent disease and is a very fastkiller.” Valoria said. The fungus is carried by humans, dogs, cats, pigs, car tires. Rain water can also carry the fungus thus it can spread easily from upland farms to lowland plantations. In-
fected banana plants wilt and die days after it is stricken rendering plantations unproductive. Valoria explains that infected banana plantations have to remain fallow and vacant for about five years before it can be planted again hence it is described as an industry killer. Panama disease was responsible for single-handedly destroying the Malaysian banana industry three years after it was spotted in a Malaysian banana plantation. He said that banana growers are already approaching the local government of Santo Tomas for help after their banana plantations were infected. Valoria said foot and tire baths are one of the ways in controlling the spread of the infection. Valoria who is also the company president of Tagum Development Corporation (TADECO) shares his company’s strategy which is installing foot baths and tire baths in the plantation’s
ingresses and egresses. However he worries that the costs of these baths could be prohibitive for small growers, Tadeco alone has spent around P3million for tire baths. Antig said that they are currently undertaking an inventory to determine the impact of the disease and the results can be determined by the year-end. He estimates a significant impact brought about by the infestation particularly to small growers. In 2010 about 200-million boxes of bananas were exported, total export earnings for Cavendish in 2010 amounted to $720-million. In Mindanao there are about 245,000 hectares planted to bananas with 79,300 hectares devoted to export-quality Cavendish varieties. This industry could be threatened by a disease whose cure is still being researched by scientists from all over the world. Valoria said they are raising the alarm 18
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Banana industry....from page 17 with the disease at its onset. They are also asking for government support particularly in
the quarantine of ar- on an advocacy project eas infected by the ba- to raise awareness and nana disease. PBGEA is to educate the public. also planning to embark
Davao’s “bat-lady” named Disney Conservation Hero by Mai Gevera-Macapagat
DAVAO CITY Oct. 6 (PIA)-After tireless efforts on bat protection in her family-owned Monfort Bat Cave , Norma Monfort finally caught the attention of the global community as she is acclaimed 2011 Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Hero. Nomnated by the Bat Conservation International (BCI), Monfort is among the few selected heroes recognized as “ordinary individuals who are passionate about protecting animals and habitats in areas of critical concern”. This is an annual award of the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), focused on the study and protection of the world’s wildlife and ecosystems, involving
communities and addressing human needs. The DWCF has taken Walt Disney’s legacy across the globe with more than $15 million in grants across 110 countries. The DWCF is funded by Disney and donations from Guests of Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line. It was Monfort who asked assistance from BCI to help her main-
tain and preserve the Monfort Cave as this is believed to be the world’s largest-known colony of Geoffroy’s rousette fruit bats in a cave in Samal Island . Monfort considers the award a great honor as an international organization like Disney appreciates her efforts in bat conservation. She welcomed scientists, students, and all sort of people into her property where there is about 1.8 million of bats living in a unique19
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Davao’s bat-lady....from page 18
ly-configured cave. Appreciating the importance of scientific studies in developing the life of bats, the Monfort Bat Cave has also become a home for scientists specializing on bats. One of them is Rick Sherwin from Virginia , USA who loves to frequent Samal Island , and immerse in the Monfort Cave to study the cycle of bats from day until night. It is only in Monfort Cave that makes it so easy for scientists to observe bats. After
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thorough study, Sherwin strongly believes the reason why most bats from neighboring areas flocked and opted to stay in Monfort Cave is the high calcium content of the cave wall. “ We’ve noticed that these bats are eating cave walls, as we checked these walls are rich in calcium. Other caves do not have walls similar to Monfort’s.”, he said. He predicts that these bats will stay in that cave for thousands of years. Realizing anoth-
er problem of a highly congested bat sanctuary, Sherwin came back to Monfort’s along with other scientists to check the possibility of creating new habitats for these bats. Recently, Norma Monfort welcomed Linsey George and Ambre Graham both from Christopher Newport University . They will immerse at Monfort’s for six months to observe and study bat cycle to forward Sherwin’s goal of building new habitats for the bats.
Mga designers gikan Mindanao andam ipakita ang ilang produkto sa Mindanao ONE exhibit ga piniling mga designers karon nga nagagikan sa laing-laing parte sa Mindanao ang andam na karon ipakita ang ilang mga binuhat nga mga disenyo ug produkto sa umaabot nga Mindanao ONE, ang tumong niini aron sa pag pasundayag sa ka abunda sa atong nasud karon umaabot nga Oktubre 14 to 17 nga pagahimoon ngadto sa World Trade Center, sa kauluhan Manila. Thursday, October 6, 2011
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Mga desingers....from page 19
Aron malahi ug maklaro sa pagpasundayag sa mga talento sa taga Mindanao, ang Minadano One nga pundok nag desisyon nga pagapili-on ang mga bag-o ug kadtong adunay klarong talento, aron epektibong mahatag ang tinu-od ug orihinal nga produkto sa Minadanao. Atol sa pakighinabi diha sa paglunsad Minadanao ONE, ang mga Mindanao designers nga kilanguban nila Emi Englis, Christopher Gomez, Nicole Cabanlet, Carmaela Alcantara, Shiela Marie Damalerio ug si Fumiko Grace Kuroda ang gipaila kuyog ang ilang tagsa-tagsang mga produkto ug mga disenyo. Ngingalan sila nga maoy opisyal nga
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grupo sa disenyo sa Mindanao ONE, ang maong mga taga desinyo nigamit sa mga lumadnong materyales nga anaa daghan makita ug nagtubo dinhi sa rehiyon sa Mindanao. Ang maong mga produkto nga ila unyang ipa sundayag ngadto sa mahitabong expo, gigama kini sa buri, abaca, lubi ug uway. Si Emi Englis, mapagarbuhong mipakita sa iyang mga desinyo sa home accessories pina-agi sa mixing durability ug aesthetics nga maoy nag-unang elemento sa iyang mga desinyo. Ang maong grupo andam na aron sa pag pahingangha sa local ug langyaw nga merkado, tungod ka yang Mindanao ONE kanuanay ng misalmot sa tinuig nga
Mindanao Trade Exhibit nga kasagarang anhi sa dakbayan ginapahigayon. Kini maoy unang higayon, ug gituhu-an sa mga na organisa nga maoy pinaka ambisyoso, ang MTEFI sa kinaulahi-an nakita nga mao kini ang higayon nga ipakita ug dalhon ngadto sa lugar kung diin adto makita ang mga posebling mamalitay ug mamumuhunan. Si Convention director Lizabel Holganza nag pasibaw nga lisud gayud ang pag kumbensi sa mga potential nga imbestor aron sa pag bisita sa Mindanao tungod sa kasamok nga ilang nahibaw-an. Mas maayo nga atong ipadu-ol ang Mindanao ngadto kanila. (Albert D. Cahilog)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
1,500 T’boli residents receive critical health services, information from LBK Bus by Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, Oct 6 (PIA) -- At least 1,500 residents of T’boli town in South Cotabato are expected to receive critical health services today as the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK) bus of the Department of Health (DOH) travels to the remote town. LBK is a comprehensive health promotion caravan that aims to bring critical health services and information on healthy practices to families in isolated and geographically disadvantaged areas. It uses the concept of a mobile clinic that provide clinical services, including maternal and child care, as well as counselling services in a fiesta setting. Messages and ser-
vices are centered on exclusive breastfeeding, regular pre-natal check ups, safe pregnancy, birth spacing, and related concerns. While health providers render services, other members of the community are also exposed to interactive health exhibit, videoke concert, storytelling sessions, and other fun activities for the family. LBK bus is stationed at Barangay Aflek because
this is accessible to other barangays in the area. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. considered the visit of LBK bus to South Cotabato a blessing. He said the provincial government has placed health among its top priority as evidenced by several programs that ensure a healthy and wellnourished population. The trip to T’boli is the bus’ eighth stop 22
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1,500 T’boli....from page 21 in its 10-province tour for the first year of implementation of the program in support of President Benigno Aquino III’s health agenda on universal access to health care. It was launched in March in Capaz, Tarlac. Other areas targeted in its first year of tour are Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija in
Luzon; Bohol and Negros Occidental in the Visayas; and Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, and Maguindanao in Mindanao. DOH’s LBK bus is being supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), local government units, and private sector
partners including Victory Liner Inc., Melawares, Air21, OMF Literature, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dakila, Center for Community Journalism and Development, Manila Broadcasting Company, UNTV, Philippine Press Institute, and the Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International, Inc.
DTI-South Cotabato mino-monitor ang presyo ng mga panindang palamuti sa Pasko KORONADAL CITY, Okt. 6 (PIA) – Sinimulan na ng mga kawani ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) dito sa South Cotabato ang pagmo-monitor ng mga presyo at kalidad ng mga ibinebentang mga palamuti para sa nalalapit na panahon ng kapaskuhan.
AyonkayGinang Flora Gabunales, ang provincial director ng DTI-South Cotabato, kailangan nila itong gawin upang maseguro na mabuting kalidad at nasa tamang presyo ang mga ibinibenta sa mga pamilihan sa lalawigan.
Dagdag pa ni Gabunales, masusing binabantayan umano ng kanilang tanggapan sa buong bansa ang paggalaw ng mga presyo lalo na ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa mga pamilihan, upang mahadlangan ang mga masasamang
balak ng ibang “unscrupulous traders” na mag-samantala sa mga krisis at kalamidad sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng bansa. Pinayuhan din ni Gabunales ang mga mamimili sa buong lalawigan ng South Cotabato, na masusing tingnan ang mga 23
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DTI-South Cotabato...from page 22
pinamimiling mga imported goods at commodities, lalo na ang mga palamuting pamasko kung mayroon ang mga ito ng
Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers na mula 2009 hanggang 2011. Ang mga ICC stickers umano na
may petsang 2008 para sa mga imported na palamuti ay expired na at ito umano ay hindi na ligtas na gamitin.
Iba’t-ibang aktibidad tampok sa pagdiriwang ng Teachers’ Day KORONADAL CITY, Okt 6 (PIA) – Ipinagdiriwang ngayong araw, Oktubre a-5, 2011 sa iba’t-ibang distrito sa buong Rehiyon Dose, kasabay ng pag-obserba rin sa buong mundo ng Araw ng mga Guro. Iba’t-ibang mga aktibidad, gaya ng mga patimpalak sa sayaw at awit ng mga guro, fora, at iba pa ang itinampok sa programa na isinagawa sa bawat sangay na sakop ng Department of Education (DepEd) 12. Kasabay ng pagbibigay-pugay sa mga guro sa buong mundo, inilabas naman ng United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESThursday, October 6, 2011
CO) Institute for Statistics ang datos na mahigit dalawang (2) milyong dagdag na guro ang kakailanganin upang maabot ang napagkasunduan ng lahat ng mga bansa na universal primary education sa taong 2015. Ayon pa sa UNESCO, kahit ang mga guro ay kabilang sa mayorya na propesyon at itinuturing na mahalaga ang kanilang papel sa lipunan, ang kanila
umanong working condition, sahod at estado ay bumababa naman ang kalidad. I n i re ko m e n d a din ng UNESCO ang pag-rebisa ng mga polisiya at estratehiya sa pag-attract at pag-motivate ng mga karapat-dapat ng mga guro na magbibigay ng pantay-pantay na oportunidad para sa mga kabataan na malinang ang kanilang mga potensiyal. (ac agad) 23
400 benefit from MCFI’s surgical mission in South Cotabato KORONADAL CITY, Oct 6 (PIA) -- About 400 indigents, indigenous peoples, and retirees have benefited from the surgical mission that Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc. (MCFI) conducted in cooperation with the provincial government and the Koronadal Lodge 209 of Free and Accepted Masons in Koronadal City last week. A total of 372 individuals received free operations and dental services from September 26 until September 29 at the mission held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center. Of these, 120 underwent operation for minor cyst, 76 for cataract, 37 for pterygium, 12 for strabismus (cross-eye), 20 for hernia, 30 for cleft lip, and 26 for obturator placement; 51 also received dental services. Twenty-six specialists, mostly brought by MCFI did the operations free of charge. Several rooms, including the provincial tourism office and the dressing rooms of the gymnasium were turned into operating rooms. MCFI also brought with them operating room equipment and their mobile operating room for the mission. Besides those served last week, 17 more patients, mostly children who were
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not operated for their strabismus because of lack of time are now undergoing operation. They were brought to Davao City yesterday for their operation which will be done in the main office of the charity foundation. MCFI shoulders the transportation and accommodation of the 17 patients as well as their chaperons. The provincial government spent for their food. On Saturday, MCFI will bring the patients back to Koronadal City. Board Member Dr. Ervin Luntao, who spearheaded the surgical mission on the part of the LGU confirmed a statement of an MCFI staff that the operations conducted could have cost millions if those were done in private hospitals. He said, for example, a single operation for cataract or strabismus correction could cost between P50,000 to P80,000 when done in private hospitals based in urban centers like Davao.
Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy said he is very glad that MCFI has agreed to conduct its 49th medical mission in Mindanao South Cotabato . Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc. is a nonstock, non-profit charity foundation based in Davao City. It conducts free surgical missions for indigents, lumads and other marginalized sectors, including retirees. Dr. Rizal Aportadera said, they have already have already travelled most provinces in Mindanao, including Lanao provinces to conduct rehabilitative surgical missions for the unserved. “Our objective is to provide services for the indigents, indigenous peoples and retirees in the private and government sectors who do not have opportunity to undergo operations either because they lack finances or they do not know where to go,” he said. He said MCFI has been conducting missions since 1973.(Dani Doguiles) Thursday, October 6, 2011
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Committees discuss ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program by Jennifer P. Gaitano
orking committees for the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program led by the city government have prepared specific activities for synchronized implementation of the said program thru the ‘No Segregation, No Collection’ Policy. Thus, the different committees convened today for a Command Conference and discussed further its plans and updates.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Also, during the meeting, the committees presented its plans and updates; presented the garbage collection plan by the City
ENRO; presented the waste conversion plan (bio-degradable waste to organic fertilizer) by the City Agriculturist’s Office; discussed waste 26
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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Committees discuss...from page 25
conversion schemes for non-biodegradable waste; and discussed advertising and promotions strategies of presentation of the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ fan page in the networking sites.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr appealed to the general public to give their full cooperation and support for the fulfillment of this program. It was also learned
that series of activities like Seminar on Proper Solid Waste Management with speakers who have expertise in this field has been conducted in the barangays and schools.
AgNor-Butuan City joint Peace and Order Council Meeting set BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 6 (PIA) -- Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John Amante and Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr will hold a joint Peace and Order Council meeting on October 7, 2011, 8:00a.m. at the Goat2geder Hotel Restaurant, in this city.
The scheduled meeting came on the heels of the recent attacks perpetrated by the communist New Peoples Army (NPA) on mining companies, and the kidnapping of Lingig, Surigao del Sur Mayor Henry Dano. Governor Amante is chair of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC). 26
Agenda of said meeting include: 1) Summary Presentation (concise) of recent atrocities such as raids to PNP station, ambush, kidnapping and burning of equipment/machineries – PNP/Philippine Army; 2) Brainstorming to identify the implications of these atrocities to communities concerned, to the lo-
cal government unit, to the economy, others; and 3) Presentation, discussion and agreements on doable strategies/solutions to address the given problem. Meanwhile, as major stakeholders of Peace and Development, the League of Municipalities (LMP) of Agusan del Norte is also invited.(JPG) Thursday, October 6, 2011
Mandatory Barangay Assembly set for the 20th Year of the Signing of the Local Government Code BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 6 (PIA) -- The landmark legislation on local autonomy and decentralization known as the “Local Government Code of 1991” will mark its 20th year celebration on the 10th of October 2011 with the theme: “Local Government Code: 20 Years of Gains Towards A More Meaningful Autonomy”. According to Departmen of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, the celebration aims to reflect the two decades of accomplishments made possible by the Local Government Code highlighting the continuing challenges in local governance and explore possibilities for fu-
ture evolution of the code provision to enhance local autonomy toward national development. Local Government Units are strongly encouraged to hold appropriate and fitting ceremonies to make the celebration more meaningful. To coincide with this celebration, the conduct of the Mandatory Barangay Assembly every Oc-
tober will be held on October 9, 2011 pursuant to Proclamation No. 260 which was issued by the President on September 30, 2011. Barangay Officials therefore are enjoined to hold the Barangay Assembly on Sunday, October 9, 2011 instead of the 3rd Saturday of October. (DILG-13)
Gobyernong Aquino nagpadayon sa panlimbasog aron mapataas ang kalidad sa edukasyon by Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Okt. 6 (PIA) -- Timaan sa pagsaulog karong tuiga sa World Teachers’ Day, ang Malacañang kagahapon Miyerkules, Septeyembre 6 misubli sa panaad niini sa pagpataas sa kalidad sa edukasyon dinhi sa Pilipinas samtang mipasidungog kini sa liboan ka mga kalalakenhan ug kababayen-an nga nasakop sa propesyon nga nagtudlo. 28 Thursday, October 6, 2011
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Gobyernong Aquino.....from page 27 Sa pamahayag nga giluwatan sa opisina ni Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, ang administrasyong Aquino nagpabilin sa iyang panaad sa pagpataas sa kalidad sa sistema sa edukasyon sa nasod ug ipataas ang halangdon bokasyon sa magtutudlo. “Our administration is one with the Filipino people in celebrating World Teachers’ Day. We honor the thousands of men and women who have made it their life’s work to educate our children, youth, and adults—
sharpening their minds, shaping their values, and encouraging them to become dynamic and productive members of society,” ang pamahayag nag-ingon. Ang pagpalambo sa sistema sa edukasyon sa nasod maoy usa sa mga prayoridad ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III. Kamatuoran niini mao ang iyang desisyon sa pag-apil sa K-plus 12 nga programa sa Department of Education o ang Act Enhancing the Curriculum ug ang pagdugang og tuig sa Basic Education maoy usa sa
iyang listahan mga priority bills atol sa Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council meeting gihimo niadtong milabay nga Febrero. Si Pangulong Aquino usab mihisgot atol sa roundtable miting uban ang mga business leaders sa iyang bag-ohay pa lamang nga pagbisita sa Japan nga ang iyang administrasyon nagplano pagtukod og 10,000 eskuylahan isip parte sa unang upat ka prayoridad nga mga infrastructure projects ubos sa PublicPrivate Partnership nga programa sa gobyerno.
Palasyo mikondenar sa pag-atake sa mga rebelde sa minahan sa Surigao Norte SURIGAO CITY, Okt. 6 (PIA) -- Ang Malacañang mikondenar niadtong Martes sa pag-atake sa mga suspetsadong miyembro sa New People’s Army sa mga kumpanya sa minahan didto sa Surigao del Norte uban sa panaad nga gamiton ang tanang puwersya sa balaod aron mapasakaan ug madala ang hustisya ngadto sa nagbuhat sa krimen. Si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda misulti sa mga reporter atol sa brief-
ing didto sa Malacañang niadtong Martes, pero ang gobyerno magmakanunayon gihapon sa
pagpaningkamot niini nga makab-ot ang kalinaw tali sa rebeldeng mga grupo. 29
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Palasyo mikondenar.....from page 28 “We condemn the atrocities. We condemn the violence. But peace is a better alternative to war that is why we are committed to the peace process,” si Lacierda miingon. “We will continue our efforts to pursue the peace negotiations because that is, we believe, the better option,” siya midugang. Lacierda said that upon learning of the incident at around noon on Monday, the President immediately convened a meeting with the Cabinet cluster concerned with security. Si Lacierda miingon nga sa pagkahibalo sa maong insidente, ang Pangulo gilayon mipatawag ug miting sa Cabinet cluster sa seguridad. Siya miingon ang Pangulo mimando kang Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin sa pagpahigayon og threat asThursday, October 6, 2011
sessment ug lakip usab ang pagrebisar sa mga proseso sa operasyon “in order to identify vulnerable targets…by the CPP-NPA-NDF.” “So that is one way of making sure that we are in touch with the community and we’ll be able to identify the different threat assessments. Nonetheless, having the threat assessment, we are going to make sure that will provide security to the vulnerable areas,” si Lacierda miingon. Siya miawhag sa liderato sa NPA nga mo “exercise restraint” ug makigtambayayong sa gobyerno aron makabot ang kalinaw. “So this is the firm commitment of our government, of our administration: we will defend our people and they can be certain that will not stop at prosecuting and going after the rebels,” si Lacierda miingon.
“We call on the CPPNDF-NPA leadership to exercise restraint and to call on their troops to exercise restraint as part of confidence-building measures towards the peace process,” siya miingon. Ang mga suspetsadong miyembro sa NPA miatake sa tulo ka mga kumpanya sa mina: ang Nickel Asia Corporation, Platinum Metals Group ug ang THPAL Mining Company; nga nahimutang sa Claver, Surigao del Norte. Sumala sa mga taho, ang mga rebelde, nga mokabat sa 200 kabuok, misunog sa 10 ka dump trucks, otso ka backhoes, duha ka barges ug guesthouse. Ila usab gikumpiska ang pipila ka mga pusil sa mga private guards ug mibuak sa mga computer sa opisina sa site. (Susil D. Ragas, PIASurigao del Norte)
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60 human trafficking victims back in the country; now under DSWD’s care by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
S
ixty Filipinas illegally recruited to Malaysia are now back in the country.
The victims arrived in the city last September 28, with 59 now under the Department of Social Welfare and Development 9’s care, after relatives of one of them immediately took her. Initial investigation revealed that the victims were abused in Malaysia as prisoners, cramped in a small cell.
They related that they were forced to stay in a very small room with little ventilation. Some said they passed out due to suffocation. A victim also recounted they were given spoiled foods, some with maggots, for meals. She said she they can’t do anything about their ordeal. They were also
physically abused. “Sinasampal ka pag di ka marunong magsalita ng Malaysian. Yung iba sa amin pinahuhubad kapag nage-exercise”, a victim lamented. All these hellish ordeals repeated over and over for six months. Further investigation revealed the mo31
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60 human...from page 30
dus operandi of illegal recruiters is to entice job seekers thru posting job openings in the internet so the recruitment covers the entire country, promising high-paying jobs in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The victims said they were forced to go from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Zamboanga City. From here, they were brought to Malaysia. “Wala kaming choice kundi sumama kasi nasa kanila mga
papeles namin”, one victim said. Upon reaching Sandakan, Malaysia, they were brought to a safe house while waiting for their employers to fetch them. However, Malaysian authorities came to know of their arrival and were immediately arrested, and there, started the abuses. The victims were met at the local wharf by elements of Sea-based Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, DSWD, and PCTC Chief Supt. Celso
Bael, and the local police. The victims were brought to the Processing Center for Displaced Persons before going to the DSWD’s Home for Women where they are provided temporary shelter, food and basic needs before going back to their families. DSWD is now processing all the needed documents for the victims to go back to their families. The victims came from the different parts of the country including National Capital Region.
Dipolog mayor lauds CVS program by Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY, Oct. 6 (PIA) - - City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has recently extolled the men and women behind the Children’s Values School (CVS) for their efforts at teaching the children moral and spiritual values as well their basic rights. In her message versary, Mayor Uy children’s spiritual during the CVS’s sec- said the “CVS pro- growth and its esond founding anni- gram is crucial in our tablishment is a ma32 Thursday, October 6, 2011
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Dipolog mayor...from page 31
jor leap in their holistic development.” The lady mayor commended the CVS for initiating the program which seeks to develop the children’s physical and spiritual well-being to help them become responsible and upright citizens.
Attending the anniversary program were CVS mission director Roberto Y. Uy, volunteers, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) staff, barangay captains, parents, school officials and children. Certificates of appreciation were also
given to the facilitators, school principals and barangay captains in recognition of their invaluable support to the values teaching and feeding program conducted by the CVS for children in every barangay of this city.
Dipolog celebrates Elderly Filipino Week DIPOLOG CITY, Oct. 6 (PIA) - - To give color and meaning to the this year’s observance of Elderly Filipino Week, a number of activities have been lined up starting October 1-8 for the senior citizens here.
The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in collaboration with the Federation of Senior Citizens Association (FSCAP) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has included ballroom
dancing contest, sports competitions and free medical and dental services in the lined up activities to be participated in by the elderly people in the city. To mark the start of the weeklong celebration, a motor-
cade around the city was held last Oct. 1 which was followed by a short program and ballroom dancing competitions. The other day, 52 senior citizens have benefited from a free eye checkup given by Sem33
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Dipolog celebrates...from page 32
prun Optical Clinic. According to OSCA focal person Cris Enoy, the senior citizens will hold their sports competitions on Sunday to be followed by a free medical and dental checkup at the City health Office (CHO).
The sports to be played by these older citizens include basketball, dart, chess, walkathon, sungka, domino, and table tennis. The Elderly Filipino Week is an annual event declared through Proc-
lamation No. 470 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. The significant role of older persons in the society has been given deference in this year’s theme: “Nakakatanda: Kaagapay sa Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan.(FPG)
DILG IX announces Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Awardees
by Lia Sahi PAGADIAN CITY , October 6 (PIA) –- In recognition of the efforts of the local government units (LGUs) to advance economic prosperity and improve the social well-being of the community, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is recognizing exemplary and noteworthy efforts of deserving LGUs through an awards system dubbed as Gawad Pamana ng Lahi.
The Gawad is conferred to LGUs for reasons of exemplary performance in Administrative Governance, Social, Economic and Environmental Governance, drawn
from the database of the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), Seal of Good Housekeeping, International Organization or National Government
Agency – bestowed awards and acknowledged innovations, are among the criteria for the determination of the Gawad recipients. The Institutionalization of the Gawad 34
Thursday, October 6, 2011
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DILG IX announces...from page 33
Pamana ng Lahi by the DILG is a mechanism to motivate local governments in the provincial, city and municipal levels nationwide, to continuously foster and strive for good and effective local governance and further scale-up the value of accountability, transparency and inclusivity in local administration and development. In this regard, a Regional Awards committee headed by DILG IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil has been organized to assess and validate Regional Nominees at the provincial, city and municipal levels. The Regional Awards Committee is composed of at least four (4) Regional national government agency
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heads and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and private sectors, respectively. After thorough assessment and validation of the documentary requirements and other prerequisites, the Committee unanimously agreed to award the local governments of Zamboanga del Norte (Province category); Labason, Zamboanga del Norte (Municipal category) and Zamboanga City (City category), as Gawad Pamana ng Lahi recipients of Region IX. The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi winners will be awarded with plaques and checks totaling to P6 Million – P3 Million for the province, P1 Mil-
lion for the Municipal Level and P2 Million for the winner in the City category. Awarding Ceremony will be held on October 11, 2011 at the plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Roxas Boulevard, Manila to coincide with the 3-day celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Code of 1991. Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte and the municipality of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte being the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi winners at the Regional level will automatically qualify for the Gawad Pamana National Awards in 2012 as official nominees of Region IX.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Residents enjoined to participate in Barangay Assembly Day
PAGADIAN CITY, October 6 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX is enjoining all barangay residents in Region IX to troop to their respective barangay halls to actively take part in the Synchronized Barangay Assembly on Sunday, October 9, 2011.
Condcted twice a year as provided under section 397 and 398 of the Local Government Code of 1991, barangay assemblies serve as venue for the barangay officials to apprise their constituents of the various accomplishments, initiatives, programs and development projects undertaken by the leadership of the barangay for the benefit of the community. Likewise, the forum will afford Punong Barangay the opportunity to present the State of the Barangay Report to the community reflecting the true state of governance, administration, social services, environment and fiThursday, October 6, 2011
nancial standing of the barangay, among several other aspects for discussion. The conduct of Barangay Assemblies nationwide is supported by Presidential Proclamation No. 260 dated September 30, 2011 declaring the second Sunday of October 2011 as Barangay Assembly Days thereby amending previously issued proclamations. DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil emphasized that barangay assemblies are appropriate venues for the community to be apprised of the various affairs of the barangay and will likewise provide the residents the chance
to air their issues and problems and to be heard by their barangay officials. “We should make our presence count and felt in our barangays,” Director Abutazil said. He further emphasized that the community must play a big role in identifying solutions to issues and problems confronting the barangay. This nationwide undertaking is part of the 3-day series of activities lined-up for the 20th year celebration of local autonomy in the Philippines anchored on the theme “Local Government Code: 20 years of Gains Towards a More Meaningful Autonomy.” (ALT) 35
M
Cag. de Oro Mayor says opening of businesses shows confidence in city’s economy by Lorebeth C. Requiroso
Mayor Vicente Y. Emano
ayor Vicente Y. Emano has expressed his gratitude to the management of Gaisano Inc. for opening its 6th branch in the city.
“Another mall was recently opened in Barangay Bulua and this has positive indications to the conomic growth of the city,” the Mayor said. “Ang pagbukas sa Gaisano Mini-Mall sa Bulua usa ka positibong indikasyon nga taas kaayo ang pag-
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salig sa mga lokal ug langyaw’ng magpapatigayon sa natad sa negosyo sa atong dakbayan (The opening of a Gaisano Mini-Mall in Barangay Bulua is a positive indication of the high trust and confidence of the local businessmen in the city),” Emano said. “Gawas pa, maka-
tabang sa panarbaho sa mga kabus, diin ako mapasalamaton (Aside from that, it has helped the poor find employment, to which I am very thankful)” the Mayor added. Gaisano is one of the first mall and department store in Cagayan de Oro City.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
School children in Lanao del Sur to benefit from Health Care Program by Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 6 (PIA) --- School children in the province will benefit from the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP), a national flagship health program of the Department of Education (DepEd). The EHCP which consists of preventive interventions to improve child health was officially launched today at Bacolod Central Pilot School in Bacolod Kalawi town, this province. Spearheaded by the DepEd in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the launching was held in cooperation with the provincial government, and the Fit For School Inc., a non-government organization that works closely with the health and education sectors, various development agencies, and private partners to effectively promote, implement and sustain the EHCP in public elementary schools. Fit For School, Inc. Program Coordinator Jennylyn B. Aguinaldo
said the EHCP will be piloted in seven (7) schools divisions in ARMM, five (5) of which are from Lanao del Sur and that 25 out of the 35 schoolbeneficiaries are located in the province. Meanwhile, the program includes the implementation of the proper daily soap hand washing and daily fluoride tooth brushing, which were demonstrated to the school children. It also includes the mass bi-annual de-worming of children, as well, as improving water and sanitation facilities in public elementary schools and day care centers. “This simple and cost-effective program has been proven to be effective in reducing the spread of infectious diseases and rate of tooth
decay among children, ultimately creating positive impacts on a child’s school attendance,” she said. She said the scaling-up of the EHCP in the ARMM is also related to the Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao (BEAM) program and made possible with the support from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. During the launching, EHCP packages, consisting of toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap were turned-over to the Bacolod Central Pilot School. To formalize the commitment to implement and sustain the 38
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School children....from page 37 program in the province, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the represen-
tatives of the provincial government and Fit For School Inc., as well, as the Schools Division Su-
perintendents of Lanao Del Sur I-A, I-B, II-A, II-B, and Marawi City Division.
DSWD launches NHTS-PR database in region 10 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Oct. 6 (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Developmentm (DSWD), region 10, has launched, today, the regional database of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). The NHTS-R is an information management system that determines who and where the poor are, in the region, so that government resources are appropriately delivered to the right targets, Aldersey M. Dela Cruz, Assistant Regional Director of DSWD-10, said. Based on the NHTSPR, there are 338,749 poor households in region 10, sharing 6.44 percent of the identified poor households in the country. Of these figure, Bukidnon got the highest number of poor households with 98,107, followed by Lanao del Norte,
94,007, Misamis Oriental, 93,104, Misamis Occidental, 46,061, and Camiguin with 7,470. She said the NHTSPR has been created as a result of the assessment of households undertaken for the identification of the qualified beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The household assessment, she said, brought new ideas to the DSWD to create a system where all households in the country will be determined on the database. The beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya program, social pension
for indigent’s senior citizens, and social indigent sponsorship program of the PhilHealth have all been identified through the NHTS-PR, she added. Dela Cruz said the database has been created so that national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations, and other partners in the private and government sector will be guided as to who and where the poor are, thus, will have no difficulty in identifying beneficiaries for their social protection programs. She further said that with the launching 39
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DSWD launches....from page 38 of the database, national government agencies and LGUs will no longer spent too much for household assessment and government resources will no longer be wasted since the DSWD will be sharing the database to co-agencies and partners. However, in order
to use the database, the agency will need to sign a memorandum of agreement with the DSWD to ensure that all its content are solely used for social protection programs and will not be used for any political agenda, she concluded. The regional launch-
ing held at the Pearlmont Inn was actively attended by representatives of national line agencies, local chief executives, civil society organizations, and members of the media, as well as, municipal, city, and provincial social welfare officers in the region. (Apipa Bagumbaran)
City solon lauds Iligan’s OBOP launching by Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Oct. 6 (PIA)—The launching of October as Business Month by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is a recognition of the vital role of the business sector in Iligan. More so, with this latest undertaking of developing the One Barangay One Product (OBOP) Program, the barangay, as the basic unit of government in the country, and the most strategic choice where business and economy should flourish. This was the message of Congressman Vicente Belmonte, Jr., of the Lone District of Iligan City, delivered by his chief of staff,
Queenie Belmonte. The Congressman commends the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SP Committee on Trade and Industry Chairperson, SP Kagawad Frederick W. Siao, in coming up with this initiative of encouraging barangays to identify, develop and promote unique products that give them their distinct competitive edge and catapults their respective units into economic gains,
he said. He said OBOP will explore opportunities that will help further develop our area’s investment prospects, and that Iligan ‘s economic advancements can be easily achieved if backed up by progressive and economically stable barangays. The Congressman is pleased that this undertaking is very much aligned with his project, dubbed as ‘MagtamVarfyayong sa Pangi40
Thursday, October 6, 2011
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City solon....from page 39
nabuhian,’ (Together for Life) which seeks to economically empower the constituents by providing technical and financial support. Meanwhile, Kagawad Siao added that OBOP –Iligan City will support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manu-
facture, offer, and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents. “To make this program succeed, we need to have a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services
from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and the private sector,” said Siao. The commitment of support we will get from the Congressional Office of the Lone District of Iligan would help sustain the program, he added.
Rediscovering Nunungan’s Mt. Inayawan by Lord Leos Lavv Ladonga
NUNUNGAN, Lanao del Norte, Oct. 6 (PIA) -- With strong support from the local community, provincial government, and other stakeholders, the Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park may soon be next tourist attraction in the province.
This was the observation of the Youth for Development (Y4D), after they joined a group of nature lovers on a trek towards Mount Inayawan in the interior town of Nunungan, in whose vicinity the
Lake Nunungan is found. Led by soldiers from the 35th Infantry (Makamandag) Battalion (35IB), Philippine Army, the group composed of outof-school youths, local media, Y4D
leaders, non-government and people’s organizations (NGO/PO) and some government employees, aimed to rediscover Mount Inayawan’s scenic beauty and appreciate the abundance of its flora 41
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Rediscovering nunungan’s....from page 40
and fauna. With its calm crystal clear waters complemented by the cool mountain breeze, the place is ideal for meditation and relaxation after a day of nature exploration. The nature trek to Lake Nunungan was one of the highlights of a 3-day camp, along with a motocross competition and a boat race across the expansive waters of the lake. Meanwhile, in a bid to further preserve the natural resources in Nunungan, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation No. 1344, declaring Mount Inayawan Range Natural Thursday, October 6, 2011
Park as a protected area. As a protected area, the natural park is placed under the administrative control and monitoring of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Now, threatened species inside the more than 3,600 hectares of the park freely roam in their natural habitat as illegal poachers are kept at bay by military forces patrolling the boundaries of the municipality. Integral also to the development of the natural park is the establishment of a secured territory that will entice local and foreign tourists to explore
the wonders of nature in Nunungan. Moving towards this goal, the 35IB has been instrumental in strengthening peace in the area by closely coordinating with traditional and local government leaders. Located 1,535 meters above sea level, Lake Nunungan is composed of three (3) other lakes of different sizes. It holds an abundant supply of fish grown by the local folks and sits at the heart of Mount Inayawan which has been identified by nature trekkers and mountaineers as a great venue for regular climbs and adventure tours. 41
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