Vol . 1 No. 1
MAIDEN ISSUE
Monday, August 15, 2011
PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO Western Mindanao 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 : r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Skype : hnb_r9pia
Today’s News… NATIONAL Aquino declares August 29-30 as regular holidays Malacañang urges Syrian gov't to end violence Malacañang says Aquino approves in principle the Freedom of Information Bill
Northern Mindanao Graces' Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail : pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com
Southern Mindanao 2/F 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
Central Mindanao Provincial Capitol Compound 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
Northeastern Mindanao Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
Western Mindanao Sibugay solon turns-over completed PNP barracks 20 youngsters undergo ICT workshop for peace building NEDA Director says Zambo City’s growth to continue without being the regional center Ipil LGU set to launch mobile pharmacy service Youth urged to use ICT for peace-building
Northern Mindanao Cong. Rodriguez prioritizes Cag. De Oro City road improvement 13th MRP congress set Nov. 9-11 in Butuan City Deadline of submission of entries for CSC’s “Give It Your Best Shot” Photo Contest is Aug. 17 Region 10 braces for the BIMP-EAGA SOMM in Oct. 10-14, this year Cebuano news: Gobyerno mokunsulta sa tanan nga mga hingtungdan sa dili pa ipahigayon ang pormal nga panagsabot tali sa MILF Southern Mindanao Regional tourism dir. cites outgoing DOT Secretary gains Pres. Aquino thinks of Mindanao, says Rep. del Rosario NYC consults Davao stakeholders for youth dev’t plan Del Rosario: PNP should regain lost glory Guvs glad over Pnoy’s pledge to mitigate impacts of 2012 IRA cut Northeastern Mindanao
FEATURED COVER OF THE WEEK:
PHO-Agusan del Sur bares awards and recognition NFA-Caraga chief urges employees to make most of resources Agusan del Norte solons, LGU execs sound alarm on eviction of NFA granaries, ask P-Noy for help Surigao Norte to receive aid from AusAID
ONE MINDANAO
Monday, August 15, 2011
3
Aquino declares August 29-30 as regular holidays
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Proclamation No. 234 declaring August 30, 2011 as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).
The proclamation, which was signed on August 11, this year by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., was issued in line with the Republic Act No. 9177 that declared Eid’l Fitr or Feast of Ramadhan as a regular holiday throughout the country. Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim World for three (3) days after the end of the month of fasting. “To promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and
celebration of Eid’l Fitr,” President Aquino said. The President stressed that “In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Tuesday, 30 August 2011, as a regular holiday throughout the country.” Ramadhan is the month when Muslims observe a strict fast for a period of 12 hours daily, from sunrise to sunset. The holy month of Ramadhan started on August 1, 2011, and will end with the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which
takes place either 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month. By fasting, the Muslims hope to strengthen their self restraint and develop piety. Ramadhan is also a month of sacrifice and purification as the Muslims worldwide fast, pray and act with kindness towards the poor and less fortunate. President Aquino also declared August 29, 2011 which falls on a Monday, also as a regular holiday in celebration of National Heroes Day or Araw ng mga Bayani.
Malacañang urges Syrian gov't to end violence
M
alacañang called on the Syrian Government for a peaceful end to violence in Syria.
“We are calling on the Syrian government for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Syria,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a
regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday. Lacierda said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continues to monitor the situation of some 17,000 overseas Filipino
workers in Syria. He assured that contingency measures are now in place to address the needs of the OFWs. “We view with deep concern the escalating violence in Syria and call on 4
ONE MINDANAO the Syrian government to do its utmost to halt this violence, and to ensure the safety and security of its people and all foreign nationals,” Lacierda said quoting the statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.
“We therefore urge the Syrian Government to address the Syrian people’s concerns and to immediately implement the reforms promised to them,” Rosario’s statement added The U.N. Security Council on August 4 issued a statement condemning the
Monday, August 15, 2011
4
Syrian government's crackdown on protesters and calling for an immediate end to violence by all parties. Since mid-March, anti-government protesters have taken to the streets across the whole country of Syria to demand reforms.
Malacañang says Aquino approves in principle the Freedom of Information Bill
M
alacañang said that President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved in principle the passage of the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill pending several concerns that are yet to be addressed through careful study and deliberation. In a press briefing at the Palace on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the President himself has approved in principle the FOI Bill as he clarified that there were just several concerns that need to be discussed. “The President agrees with the FOI in principle but there are certain things which we have to address...,” Lacierda said. Lacierda further said that the President wants more time to study and flesh out the bill.
“We’ve got four years and 11 months to go,” Lacierda said. The Palace version of the FOI bill provides for the creation of an independent Information Commission, with its own budget and quasi-judicial functions such as the power to subpoena. The commission would be the “arbiter” between government and any parties who have questions regarding the bill’s enforcement. At least 13 FOI bills were studied and reviewed --
including those enforced in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa -- for exemptions covering classified information and documents that would be prejudicial to national defense or security. The FOI bill seeks to answer a Constitutional provision that guarantees the right of people to access to information and documents in the custody of government officials and agencies.
ONE MINDANAO
5
Monday, August 15, 2011
NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director
Sibugay solon turns-over completed PNP barracks by Paulnazer Lontua PAGADIAN CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- The morale of the PNP Sibugay enlisted men augers well with the newly constructed PNP barracks. Very recently, Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd District Congressman, Romeo Jalosjos, Jr., formally turned-over the newly completed P1M Philippine National Police (PNP) Barracks constructed inside the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Headquarters Compound in Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. In his speech, Cong. Jalosjos said the barracks is just one of the many projects his office plans to grant the Sibugay PNP. He added that acquisition of water system equipment like pipes, water
pumps and tanks for the enhancement and upgrading of the water system of the PNP Provincial Headquarters amounting to P1M is underway. PSSupt. Ruben D. Cariaga, Sr., Provincial Director of PNP-Sibugay, expressed his gratitude to Jalosjos for granting them projects to improve the PNP’s structures. “I am very thankful our Congressman prioritized our requests for a new barracks; a morale- booster to uniformed men and women of the PNP here in the
Sibugay Headquarters, stressed Cariaga. It took the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) barely took two months to see completion of the PNP headquarters. The turn-over ceremony was attended and graced by PSSupt Felixberto Candado, Assistant Regional Director for Operations of PNP-IX. Father Arnel Demegillo led the new blessing of the building. (NBE/PIA9/Paulnazer Lontua/Ipil, Zambo Sibugay)
20 youngsters undergo ICT workshop for peace building by Jasmine Mohammadsali ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- Twenty participants composed of secondary students and out-of-school youths (OSYs) underwent comprehensive sessions on blogging, social media networks and video content creation in a seminar workshop entitled "Use of ICT in Conflict and Post-Conflict Areas" initiated by the National Computer Center Field Operations Office – Zamboanga (NCC-FOO), in partnership with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from August 3-6. The 4-day activity sought to help youths in conflict areas in
developing content to promote peace and appreciation of cultural
6
ONE MINDANAO
diversity through information and communication technology (ICT) tools. "We want to hear you express your views on current and emerging issues using the information and communications technology", said Cheryl C. Ortega, Acting Director of the NCC-FOO. "We want to hear your voices, read your blogs and watch your videos on how you think peace can be attained”, she added. Aside from helping participants gain proficiency in various ICT tools, the seminarworkshop also sought to provide an
online venue where youths in conflict areas can express their thoughts, opinions and views on issues and concerns about peace. As part of their output, participants will be managing their own social media accounts to continue their efforts to promote peace. "An insider's point of view is important, especially when reporting about Mindanao," said blogger Oliver Robillo, one of the resource persons for the activity. Serving as resource persons for the seminar-workshop were Ana Lourdes Lopez, AIJC director for Research and Policy, Oliver
Monday, August 15, 2011
6
Robillo, founder of the Mindanao Bloggers Community, Joel Yuvienco, country representative of Edu 2.0 and Florjannelle Dagaas, AIJC director for Professional Development Program. The conduct of the seminar-workshop is the first of its kind in the country. According to Flordeliza Azarcon, AIJC director for ICT for Development, this ICT for peace project will also be replicated and conducted in other areas as well. (MVC/JM/PIA9Zambo City/NCC-FOO)
NEDA Director says Zambo City’s growth to continue without being the regional center by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) – The city will still grow whether it’s the regional center or not, National Economic Development Authority 9 Regional Director Arturo Valero said. Valero was referring to the economic effects of the transfer of the regional center from the city to Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur. “Even if Zamboanga City is not the regional center, it will still grow”, Valero said. Instead, he pointed that the city should focus on being the industrial or commercial center of the region. The city government is still lobbying for the return of the regional seat to the city which was
relegated to Pagadian City in 2004 as ordered by then President and now Pampanga 3rd District Representative Gloria MacapagalArroyo. However, President Benigno Aquino III issued Memorandum Circular no. 11, calling for a 30-day moratorium on the transfer of regional offices from the city to Pagadian. The Memorandum also tasked and inter-agency committee
headed by NEDA to conduct studies on the issue. Malacañang issued another memorandum, MC no. 11 – A, extending the studies on the matter and asking all affected agencies to submit to NEDA the stand on the regional seat transfer. Dir. Valero, however, said there is no official result of the study yet as it is still being collated by NEDA. (MVC/PIA9-Zambo City)
Monday, August 15, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
7
Ipil LGU set to launch mobile pharmacy service by Paulnazer Lontua PAGADIAN CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- Now in the works is the launching of a mobile pharmacy designed to cater to the basic health needs of the poor Ipileños who are in dire need for medicine and treatment. “A mobile pharmacy with the slogan: “Resita Mo, Gamot Ko” is one good way of helping Ipileños get proper medication for free”, said Atty. Edna Alibutdan-Diaz, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Ipil, especially its remote and far-flung barangays, needs special attention in terms of acquiring free medicines to ensure that their health is well taken cared of, added Diaz. Having a mobile pharmacy, according to Diaz, can maximize the operation and serve
the purpose of the Local Government of Ipil to deliver good health services in the homes of the needy Ipileños. Diaz emphasized that the mobile pharmacy will dispense medicines upon the prescription of doctors from the Municipal Health Office (MHO) to ensure that the medicines given are appropriate to avoid negative side effects and results. “The mobile pharmacy is considered one of its kind in the municipality. Its impact may be minimal but people now having
access to medicine at their doorstep equates to assurance that their government is working for their welfare,” Diaz expressed. “I am giving back what the people had given me. The Ipileños made me one of their SB members and one way of expressing my gratitude is through this project. I will personally fund this endeavor and would just hope that everybody will see it as a gesture of pubic service and not as a political strategy”, Diaz pointed out.
Youth urged to use ICT for peace -building ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 15 (PIA) – Selected youths of Zamboanga City were trained to use the Information Communication Technology (ICT) or the internet for peacebuilding through blogging and social networking, recently.
Selected youths of Zamboanga City were trained to use the Information Communication Technology (ICT) or the internet for peacebuilding through blogging and social networking, recently. (NCCFOO/PIA9-BST)
8
ONE MINDANAO
The National Computer Center - Field Operations Office (NCC-FOO), in partnership with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), successfully spearheaded the conduct of a seminar workshop entitled "Use of ICT in Conflict and Post-Conflict Areas" at the NCC-FOO computer laboratory from August 3 to 6. A total of 20 participants composed of secondary students and out-of-school youths (OSYs), underwent comprehensive sessions on blogging, social media networks and video content creation. "We want to hear you to express your views on current and emerging issues using the information and communications technology," said Cheryl C. Ortega, Acting Director of the NCC-FOO. "We want to hear your voices, read your blogs and watch your videos
on how you think peace can be attained," she added. The 4-day activity sought to help youths in conflict areas in developing content to promote peace and appreciation of cultural diversity through information and communication technology (ICT) tools. Aside from helping participants gain proficiency in various ICT tools, the seminarworkshop also sought to provide an online venue where youths in conflict areas can express their thoughts, opinions and views on issues and concerns about peace. As part of their output, participants will be managing their own social media accounts to continue their efforts to promote peace. "An insider's point of view is important, especially when reporting about Mindanao," said blogger Oliver Robillo, one of the resource persons for the activity. Serving as resource persons for the seminar-workshop were Ana
8
Monday, August 15, 2011
Lourdes Lopez, AIJC director for Research and Policy; Oliver Robillo, founder of the Mindanao Bloggers Community; Joel Yuvienco, country representative of Edu 2.0; and Florjannelle Dagaas, AIJC director for Professional Development Program. The conduct of the seminar-workshop is the first of its kind in the country. According to Flordeliza Azarcon, AIJC director for ICT for Development, this ICT for peace project will also be replicated and conducted in other areas as well. (NCCFOO/RVCPIA9 BaSulTa) A plan to conduct a medical outreach in every barangay is also underway in coordination with the MHO doctors and the mobile pharmacy. (NBEPIA9/Paulnazer Lontua/Ipil, Zambo Sibugay)
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge
Cong. Rodriguez prioritizes Cag. De Oro city road improvement by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 15 (PIA) – Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) has vowed to prioritize the improvement of the city roads in time for the opening of the Laguindingan International Airport (LIA). 9
ONE MINDANAO Located in Laguindingan town, some 30 km. from CDO going to the western part of Mindanao, the airport is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012. One of the identified concerns, once the airport project is completed, is the increase in volume of traffic along the national highway, specifically, along the Butuan -Cagayan de Oro CityIligan City Road (BCIR). Right now, a 195 linealmeter flyover costing more than P362 million is being constructed in Sitio Puerto, Barangay Bugo at the CDO-Bukidnon-Butuan City junction, a bottleneck area in the eastern portion of the city. “This is one project that has a big impact to the city considering that Puerto is one of its busiest areas with business
establishments sprouting in the city’s hub,” Rodriguez said. Meanwhile, Rodriguez turned-over three (3) road improvement projects worth some Php35.17 million to the CDO City Government, recently. “These are just a few of our projects, but we are going to have more of these because I see that we should take part in the development of LIA by not only improving but also widening our roads,” he said. The first of these projects included the concreting of some 99.84 linear meters of road with an average width of 11 meters and thickness of 0.23 meters in the South Divisoria of the city. Along with its drainage, the project had an appropriation of Php3.383 million and was undertaken by the Angel & Sam
Monday, August 15, 2011
9
Construction and General Merchandise for 90 calendar days. The second was the concreting of some 311.60 linear meters of road, also with an average width of 11 meters and thickness of 0.23 meters in North Divisoria. Including the installation of pipe culverts for drainage, it had an appropriation of Php6.785 million and was undertaken by C. Dy Builders & General Merchandise for 120 calendar days. The third project was as asphalt overlay of some 1.046 km. of road along the Butuan-Cagayan de OroIligan City Road in Barangay Lapasan section with an appropriation of Php25 million, undertaken by SOKOR Construction for 45 calendar days. (PIA-10)
13th MRP congress set Nov. 9-11 in Butuan City by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 15 (PIA) – The Moral Recovery Officers Foundation (MROFI) will be holding this year’s Moral Recovery Program Convention-Seminar at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City, on November 9-11. Dr. Francisco T. Duque, Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has called on the heads of constitutional bodies, departments, bureaus and agencies of the national government to attend the event. Also called to participate in the convention are heads of local government units (LGU’s), government-owned and control corporations (GOCC), with original charters and state universities and colleges (SUC’s). Now on its 13 th year, the convention which coincides with
the annual celebration of the Filipino Values Month per Proclamation No. 479, s. 1994, will be anchored on the theme “Empowering the Filipino People Through Values. The 3-day activity aims to serve as a venue for the exchange/gathering of ideas/concepts which are of national concerns that can contribute to the realization of the government’s desired change and resolution to current issues/problems of our country, Duque said.
Meanwhile, Atty. Jose A. Fabia, Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has directed all the Regional Directors and Officers-in-Charge of PIA throughout the country to attend and actively participate in the MRP Congress. For more details, you may call up the Convention Chairperson, Pastor Charlie Prior at telefax (o85) 225-5737, mobile phone 0919-408-2745 or 0929-8019316 and email address: priorptr@yahoo.com.ph. (PIA-10)
ONE MINDANAO
Monday, August 15, 2011
10
Deadline of submission of entries for CSC’s “Give It Your Best Shot” Photo Contest is Aug. 17 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 15 (PIA) – Entries for the “Give It Your Best Shot” Photo Contest of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) will be accepted until Aug. 17, 2011. Anchored on the theme “Excellence in Public Service,” to celebrate the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, photos should capture the essence of public service at its best in the Filipino’s everyday life and must have been shot since the start of the term of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Lawyer Lourdes ClaviteVidal, Regional Director of CSC, region 10, said the contest is open to all employees in public service/government employees holding permanent positions, except employees of the CSC and all government employees affiliated with the National Press Club (NPC) and the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP). Vidal said the following photographs are disqualified: Photos that are digitally or otherwise enhanced or manipulated and applied with special effects, such as, coloring, toning, collage, photo composites, etc., for creative purposes. Also disqualified are photos that have been submitted to
or won in any other contests or have been published in print or online and those that violate another person’s rights, including but not limited to copyright. Only one (1) entry/photograph per entrant with the following requirements: 8R size, color print, un-mounted, JPEG format file with a minimum size of 1MB in a compact disc are accepted Criteria in judging are as follows: Relevance to the theme or how well the photo interprets theme, 25%, creativity, how the photographer showed some creative thoughts and how the subject matter is pictured in a unique and interesting way, 25% . Technique or use of elements of photography, whether the photo showed balance in light, focus, depth of field, etc., 25% and overall impact or whether the photo was able to grab and hold the viewers’ attention and made them wish they were there when the event happened, 25%. Top 10 entries from the CSC’s 16 regions will be
forwarded to the national level wherein the top 10 will be determined by a panel coming from representatives from partner organizations and the CSC. Vidal said the top three (3) winners in the national level will receive cash prizes of Php10,000, Php5,000 and Php3,000 to the first place, 2nd place and 3rd winners, respectively. For more information, you may visit the CSC-10 Regional Office at Vamenta Boulevard, Carmen, this city, or call telephone numbers (08822) 71-00-57/72-3108/72-82-67or (088) 858-7583 or send an email to pald_csc10@yahoo.com.ph. You may also visit the CSC Field Offices in each of the provinces in Region 10 at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mambajao, Camiguin, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. (PIA-10)
Region 10 braces for the BIMP-EAGA SOMM in Oct. 1014, this year by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 15 (PIA) – Preparations are underway for holding the BIMP-EAGA Senor Official’s and Ministers Meeting (SOMM) in the city, on October 10-14, this year. 11
ONE MINDANAO An annual activity of the BIMP-EAGA, the SOMM is an activity wherein senior officials and ministers meet, together with the chairpersons and members of various sectoral clusters, working groups and task forces, for the purpose of discussing the status and progress of the sub-regional priority programs and projects, including issues and concerns affecting its implementation. Comprised of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines (BIMP)-East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) is a shared strategy of the four (4) governments in addressing the imbalance in economic development, especially, for their less developed and more remote territories. “It is the standing instruction of President Benigno S. Aquino III for the Philippines to take the lead in showing substantial gains and outcome of this subregional cooperation at the sidelines of the 7 th BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit held last May 8 in
Jakarta, Indonesia,” said Jon Miral of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). He said MinDA is on top in the over-all coordination with regard to SOMM preparations, but will closely work and touch-base with the CDO City Government, through the Department of Trade and Industry in Misamis Oriental (DTI-Mis. Or.) provincial office, particularly in the exchange of information and other relevant documents. Relatedly, the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 20102016 sees the importance of BIMPEAGA in boosting investments, trade and exports for the region, recognizing the opportunities offered by the participating governments in effecting crossborder consolidation, complementation, industry and value-chain management. The principal mechanism for consultations between and among the participating countries of the BIMP-EAGA is the SOMM which provides the strategic
Monday, August 15, 2011
11
directions and general policy guidelines in addition to drawing the attention of the central governments to the development requirements of the focal areas. Meanwhile, Ruben Vegafria, President of Promote CDO Foundation, said the conduct of the SOMM in region 10 will enable the region to promote its products and services, thereby, encourage the participating countries to strengthen and open up linkages in the Northern part of Mindanao. Featuring major events such as the Northern Mindanao Agro-Industrial Trade Fair and Exhibit, BIMP-EAGA Investment Conference on Agro-Industry and Tourism and the MindaONE Trade Fair and Exhibit, the SOMM will showcase not just Region 10’s best products and services but also create complementation with the rest of Mindanao’s products, thereby, increasing the island’s prospects for business with the partner nations, Vegafria added. (PIA-10)
Cebuano news: Gobyerno mokunsulta sa tanan nga mga hingtungdan sa dili pa ipahigayon ang pormal nga panagsabot tali sa MILF (Government to consult all stakeholders concerned ahead of formal talks with MILF)
by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, August 15 (PIA) – Giseguro sa gobyerno nga ikonsidera usab ang mga panglantaw sa tanan nga mga dunay kalabutan sa ‘peace talks’ tali sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sa dili pa ipahigayon ang ‘meeting’ karong umaabot August 22-23, matud ni Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. Sa gisulti ni Secretary Teresita Deles sa Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP), ang panig sa
gobyerno magpadayon sa pagtrabaho kauban ang mga grupo sa katilingban aron sa pag-andam
sa mga gimbuhaton sa nasangpit nga’ meeting’. Kabahin sa pangutana kung ang administrasyon andam ba
12
ONE MINDANAO sa pag-amendar sa konstitusyon segun sa gisugyot sa MILF alang sa gitawag nga ‘sub-state’, si Valte miingon nga dili pa siya makasulti bahin niana hangtud nga dili mapahigayon ang pormal nga panagsabot tali sa MILF. Apan anaa sa Presidente ang posisyon kon ugaling dili niya suportahan ang pagduso sa ‘charter change’. Sa usa ka ‘press briefing’ sa miaging semana, ang ‘chief negotiator’ sa gobyerno nga si Marvic Leonin miingon nga ang isig ka panig mag baylo-ay sa huna-huna sa mga mahinungdanon nga hisgutanan atol sa umaabot nga panagtagbo.
Kini himoon human sa panagtagbo usab sa Presidente kauban ang mga ‘leaders’ sa MILF didto sa Japan sa miaging semana. “Kada ‘meeting’ aduna masabutan nga mahinungdanon nga ‘agenda’. Ug akong subli-on pagingon nga kada human sa panagtagbo, ang isig ka panig magkasinabot usab nga kinahanglan nila dali-on ang ‘peace talks’ nga proseso, matud ni Leonin kabahin sa meeting sa Japan. Ang pakigtagbo ni Presidente Aquino sa MILF didto sa Japan nagpakita kini nga sinsero ug matinud-anon ang gobyerno sa pagpadali sa ‘peace talks’ tali sa mga rebeldeng Muslim. Gipahayag usab ni Leonin
Monday, August 15, 2011
12
nga ang Presidente ug si Murad hinigalaay nga nagsultihanay kabahin sa mga pamaagi sa isig ka panig aron usab makab-ot ang kalinaw sa Mindanao. “Ang pag-adto sa Presidente sa Japan kauban ang tibuok pwersa sa gabinete nagpasabot nga matinud-anon ang kagamhanan sa mao nga ‘peace negotiations’, dugang ni Leonin. Ang ‘chief negotiator’ miingon nga walay ‘secret deal’ sa mao nga panagtagbo tali sa MILF ug kagamhanan. Miingon siya nga dili gusto ang administrasyong Aquino nga mausab pa ang nahimo nga sayop sa miagi nga administrasyon. (NCR/PIA-10)
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Regional Director
Regional tourism dir. cites outgoing DOT Secretary gains DAVAO CITY Aug. 15 (PIA) – Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato said that outgoing Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim will leave behind notable accomplishments in the tourism industry. Boncato said that Secretary Lim’s hallmark achievement would be his pushing of the open skies policy of which Executive Order 29 or the pocket open skies policy was signed by President Benigno Aquino III during Sec. Lim’s term. Executive Order 29 allows foreign airlines to fly in and out of selected international airports outside of Metro Manila connecting it with destinations abroad. However the E.O. disallows cabotaging or the act of foreign airlines transporting people and
goods between two different routes within the country. A pocket open skies policy enables the growth of local destinations as more flight connections are opened particularly from other foreign cities. Boncato also said that under Lim’s leadership the National Tourism Development Plan was drawn up. The National Tourism Development Plan acts as a medium term plan for Philippine tourism as mandated by the Tourism Act of 2009. The regional
director says that the main goal of the NTDP to make the country “a must-experience destination in Asia.” Under the plan, the plan targets 6.3 million foreign visitors by 2016, also in that year there will be a targeted 30-million domestic tourists and tourism receipts would reach $1.7 billion dollars and about 6.7% of the Gross Domestic Product. As of 2010 figures there are about 3.5-million foreign tourist arrivals and 28-million domestic tourists.
13
ONE MINDANAO Boncato said the plan will cover the entire country with Tourism Development Areas where destinations are clustered together by geographical proximity and thematic similarities.
The NTDP is ready to be presented to President Aquino which can be used by future Department of Tourism secretaries. Secretary Lim tendered his resignation as Secretary of the
Monday, August 15, 2011
13
Department of Tourism last week citing personal reasons for his decision. Sec. Lim’s resignation which is effective August 31 has been accepted by the President. (PIA/RG Alama)
Pres. Aquino thinks of Mindanao, says Rep. del Rosario by Jeanevive D. Abangan DAVAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 15 (PIA) – Davao del Norte 1st District Congressman Antonio Rafael del Rosario has dispelled notions that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III thinks less of Mindanao. Guesting in the latest Kapihan sa Kapitolyo, Cong. Del Rosario surmised the President to be as much concerned about Mindanao though he talked less about it in his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA) contrary to what most Mindanawans expected. He pointed out the increased national budget share of Mindanao and the move to push the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace talk as manifestations of the President’s favored attention to Mindanao Basing on the recent budget hearing in Congress, Del Rosario revealed that Mindanao is due to get 26 percent share from the P1.8 trillion 2012 national budget, an increased share from the measly 11 percent that it cornered this year. Del Rosario viewed this development as an indication that President Aquino did not sidetrack Mindanao. “Dili pasabot nga wala hatagi ug importansiya ang Mindanao because based on 2012 budget proposal, dako ang makuha sa Mindanao. (I t doesn’t mean that Mindanao has not been given importance because based on 2012
budget, Mindanao will be getting a much bigger share.)” he said. He could not categorically say what sectors in Mindanao would be receiving substantial budget shares but he explained that sectoral budget sharing follows with the national sharing. He was sure that the education sector would get the biggest share of the pie as the Department of Education (DepEd) has the biggest share of P238.8 billion which is 15.2 percent from its P207.3 billion budget in 2011. In a separate talk, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Luwalhati Antonino confirmed that Mindanao corners a much substantial share of the national budget next year, and that she saw the huge chunk of such budget would go to infrastructure other than education and social welfare. Meanwhile, Del Rosario further dispelled the notion that President Aquino was not keen about Mindanao’s development saying, the President was showing deep interest for Mindanao’s peace and development. He was referring to the secret meeting of the President with
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair AlHaj Murad in Tokyo, Japan. “Mindanao is in the back of the mind of the President,” he said. However, he still was looking forward for the President to publicly lay bare the commitments of the Philippine government with regard to GPH and MILF peace talks though be believe that the President remained true to his statement saying “no agreement is final without the approval of the people.” Meanwhile, Del Rosario remained optimistic that he could corner funds for his district especially for the concreting of Asuncion to Laak Road as initial construction works are being started with the P50 million funding from Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. He was hoping to get additional P45 million for the road concreting from the national government. Del Rosario also revealed that he had made President Aquino commit P500 million for the Cancer Center at the Davao Regional Hospital even before he went for a one-year leave.
14
ONE MINDANAO In 2010, P200 million was released for the Cancer Center construction and equipment purchase, and that another P100
was released this year for additional purchases of equipment. Del Rosario bared the President committed to release the
Monday, August 15, 2011
14
funding for the Cancer Center in tranches until the end of his presidential term in 2016. (PIA 11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)
NYC consults Davao stakeholders for youth dev’t plan by Mai Gevera-Macapagat DAVAO CITY Aug. 15 (PIA) – The National Youth Commission gathers representatives from various regional line agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders as the NYC is set to formulate the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP). NYC Commissioner Earl Saavedra said the office conducted several consultations from different regions as the result of this would be the basis for the projects to be implemented by the commission. During the consultation, the office also presented the National Youth Situation in the Philippines, a result of the commissioned survey and study that involved 5,800 youth respondents. “ After presenting the situationer, we expect the stakeholders to respond and validate the given survey. And from there, we come up with a lined-up projects until 2016.”, Saavedra said.
Some of the topics discussed during the consultation are key issues facing the youth, opportunities, enabling conditions and proposed strategies and policies which government, other duty bearers and stakeholders should create and provide. Saavedra also stressed that NYC is optimistic for the approval of their request for representation in the Peace Sub-Panel wherein the commission sees the need for a voice of the youth in the peace process. “It is now in review for the inclusion of a youth representative. NYC had submitted the proposal to the OPAPP and we are awaiting for the answer of this particular request.” he said.
NYC, although providing consultations nationwide, is now more particular on the situation of the youth in Mindanao especially that most of the youth in this part of the country claimed to have been deprived from their rights due to the effects of the peace conflict. “ On peace and order, we are already done on some key processes like interfaith dialogue and immersions. This time, we wish to tap and focus on areas affecting the youth like education, health, and employment.” Saavedra added. The PYDP Regional Consultation in Mindanao is now being held at the DSWD Conference Hall, this city. (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
Del Rosario: PNP should regain lost glory by Noel Baguio Davao City – Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario challenged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to rise above its tarnished image by bringing about complete and effective change to be able to regain its former glory. Del Rosario, in his keynote speech at the 110th Police
Service Anniversary of the Police Regional Office 11 at the Camp
Catitipan, Davao City on August 10, 2011, said the PNP leadership
15
ONE MINDANAO should try to make a change for the better and take back its former glory as protector of the people and the constitution. “The PNP should seize the opportunity to rise from where it fell,” he said. The President of the confederation of all the local chief executives in Mindanao (Confed), said the various issues thrown against the PNP, which are brought about by the “vicious cycle of cooptation by unscrupulous civilian powers”, crippled the institution in performing its lead role in nationbuilding. However, he stressed the institution must be allowed to selfrejuvenate and regain its moral confidence and commitment to uphold and protect the people and the constitution. As it continues its quest for change in line with the president’s “Tuwid na Daan” (Straight Path) advocacy, the governor said the agency should redefine the depth and extent of obedience expected upon its officers, which should mean “working within the legal parameters.” “We need a politically-free PNP that is not beholden to any powers that be, but solely to the constitution and the legal system of this country,” del Rosario said.
Del Rosario, who is also the new chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) –XI hinted that apart from keeping watch over its own ranks, the PNP can redeem itself by also dynamically engaging in peace and development works. In his speech, Gov. del Rosario cited the pioneering convergence for peace and development in Davao del Norte, which saw the LGUs, the army, the police and the community pooling their resources together in bringing medical and other basic government services to the farflung, impoverished communities. He bared thousands of poor indigenous people were served during the launch of the convergence initiative in Barangay Gupitan in Kapalong town on August 9, 2011. “We need to show our constituents that we in the government must be willing to work together in the service of our people,” he told the media afterwards. By being active in community work and peacebuilding activities, the governor said the police can greatly reverse its image from being “vulnerable tool for malevolent intents to one
Monday, August 15, 2011
15
that is potent partner for positive change.” When asked by the media about his assessment on the performance of the police force in the region, del Rosario was quick to say that the police officials and officers in the region appear to be well-disciplined. PRO-11 Regional Director PCSUPT. Jaime Morente said this is so because the PNP leadership in the region has not been remiss in its duty of reminding the police personnel of their sworn duties and responsibilities. He said his leadership does not condone illegal activities of men in uniform and that police officers found guilty of wrongdoings are met with corresponding punishment. “If they do grave mistakes, of course they will be discharged or dismissed from the service,” he said. He also revealed his command is taking the negative issues haunting the PNP national command positively. “We take the criticisms and investigations going on positively. Kasi it will redound to the improvement of services and system of the PNP,” he said.
Guvs glad over Pnoy’s pledge to mitigate impacts of 2012 IRA cut by Romulo D. Tagalo Malacañan Palace, Manila – Anxious on the impending 4.8 per cent cut on Local Government Units’ internal revenue allotment (IRA) in 2012, members of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) trooped to Malacañan Palace for a brief dialogue with President Noynoy Aquino last August 7, 2011. Early in the day, the governors consolidated their positions in its 19th General
Assembly at the Century Park Hotel, Manila, where 50 governors attended for a crucial deliberation.
Various options were raised in order to avert the reduction which
16 6
ONE MINDANAO is expected to result in reduced social welfare spending. At the outset, the governors agreed to insist upon the President the P5 billion collectible due to LGUs as an offshoot to the Mandanas vs. Ermita case. It can be recounted that during the time of Pres. Estrada, the IRA releases were short of P20 billion, which became the subject of the aforesaid court litigation. The Arroyo government paid 75 per cent through a Land Bank-facilitated monetization scheme charged to the national government coffers in seven years. The scheme was made possible during Gov. del Rosario’s
presidency of the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP), and Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP) “In our meeting with the President, Sec. Butch Abad briefed him about this long overdue balance. We expressed the general sentiment of all LGUs about the negative impact of this IRA reduction next year, especially on our health program and other social services. And we are glad that President Pnoy pledged to consider our plea,” Governor del Rosario said. “I think that among other options, this one was feasible; and
Monday, August 15, 2011
16
sure enough, we had no trouble convincing the President of our position,” he stressed. Gov. del Rosario was one among the seven governors originally chosen by the assembly to meet and present the proposal to President Pnoy. The budget cut for LGUs is said to be the true impact of typhoons Peping and Ondoy in 2009, since the 40 per cent IRA allocation is computed against the local tax collection three years prior to any fiscal year. (Romulo D. Tagalo, IO III, Exec. Asst.)
ABNER M. CAGA Regional Director
PHO-Agusan del Sur bares awards and recognition by David M. Suyao AGUSAN DEL SUR, August 15 (PIA) – The Provincial Health Office (PHO-AdS) here has made it to the top in terms of service delivery and management and presented the awards and recognition bestowed upon them by health authorities from the regional and national levels. On July 28 this year, Dr. Joel Esparagoza, Provincial Health Officer and chief of the D. O. Plaza Memorial Hospital receives from the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Region an award recognizing the PHO for achieving the highest immunization coverage in Caraga Region on Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) for 2011, with 98.12 percent. Before that, Caraga Center for Health and Development was also recognized as the number one performer in the entire country, and
Agusan del Sur is the highest in the entire region. But before anyone knows, PHO-Agusan del Sur has been consistently on the top since 2004 delivering the same services. Another award that the PHO-Agusan del Sur presented during the Monday flag raising ceremony is the plaque of recognition for its management in sustaining the revolving trust fund that started in 2003 called the local health system development fund (LHSD), funded by the Inter-local Health zone, the DOH, the health sector reform project and the
provincial hospital trust fund funded by the provincial government. The LHSD was established through a District Health Board Resolution No. 01 series of 2002 requesting the fivemember municipal LGUs to allocate funds for medicines and supplies for Philhealth-enrolled patients including medicare sa masa admitted at the D. O. Plaza Memrial Hospital. As result, seed capital reached up to more than P1.8 Million where P205,000 as five- municipal LGUs share,
17
ONE MINDANAO P100,000 Center for Health and Development-Caraga share, P1 Million from Health Sector Reform Project share and another P500,000 from the provincial government of Agusan del Sur. The P500,000 will be sourced-out from the hospital income every year after the
provincial government gave the amount as seed money. Another recognition received by the PHO-AdS is the amount of P997,400 handed over to Dr. Esparagoza by the DOHCaraga as DOH counterpart for the enrolment of 1,629 indigent families who were recognized
Monday, August 15, 2011
17
based on the Community-Based Management System. To date, Agusan del Sur is recognized to have reached universal coverage required by Philhealth, where Philhealth Sabado program has contributed much. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
NFA-Caraga chief urges employees to ma ke most of resources by Greg Tataro, Jr. TANDAG CITY, August 15 (PIA) - NFA Caraga Regional Director Javier Lozada, jr., urged employees to make the most of the resources of their office. Lozada shared this message in a turn-over ceremony held recently in Surigao del Sur between then Provincial Manager Raymundo Cotianco and newly reinstated Provincial Manager Sebastian Solano, Jr. According to RD Lozada, even if NFA Budget was slashed in
favors of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), his administration will continue to push on with the enhancement of their respective offices. RD Lozada also suggested to employ “multi-tasking” as an extra effort referri ng to the present lean staffing.
He added that “initiative is not only limited to managers” but expected of an employee. Lozada emphasized, the main role of managers is directionsetting. (Radyo ng Bayan /PIA Surigao del Sur)
Agusan del Norte solons, LGU execs sound alarm on eviction of NFA granaries, ask P -Noy for help BUTUAN CITY, AUGUST 15 - In a memorandum for President Aquino signed jointly on July 27, 2011, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr, Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante, Rep. Jose S. Aquino II (1 st Dist.) and Rep. Angelica Rosedelle A. Matba (2 nd Dist.) joined the PAFC and GRECON in saying that the eviction of NFA warehouses in Libertad here will unduly disrupt the food security program in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte and adversely affect peace and order. They urged the President to amend Proclamation No. 725 as requested by PAFC and GRECON in order to confirm NFA’s continued use of the site where two grains facilities, each with a capacity of 100,000 bags of rice, are situated. The petitions arose after the local PNP authorities demanded of NFA to vacate the area so that it could put up its own training and dormitory buildings. The PNP asserted the claim saying that it is
included in the seven-hectare site allegedly allocated to it. It was learned however that under Proclamation No. 725 issued in 1960 it was the defunct Philippine Constabulary, then an organic part
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, that was given the portion of the military reservation that was previously created under Proclamation No. 526.
18
ONE MINDANAO In 1979, the AFP granted NFA permission to use a portion of the military reservation comprising 16,448 square meters for its operations. On the basis of the permit, NFA constructed the warehouses and since then NFA has been in continuous possession. The AFP has not revoked the permit up to this time. NFA Regional Director Javier P. Lozada, Jr. said that the construction of similar warehouses will cost an estimated P50 Million excluding the cost of the land and its
development. NFA authorities could not ascertain if funds could be available for the purpose nor could a suitable alternative site be found. In the meantime, the operations to keep the supply of the staple in the market would be disrupted. Doubts have been expressed on the legal standing of PNP to evict NFA since the land is a military reservation and that the 1987 Constitution abolished the Philippine Constabulary, creating in its place the PNP but
Monday, August 15, 2011
18
categorically classifying it as a purely civilian agency. Military reservations pertain to the patrimonial property of the State and are absolutely under the control of the President of the Philippines being lands of the public domain. The Agusan del Norte officials see the amendment of Proclamation No. 725 by another presidential proclamation affirming NFA’s right to stay in the site as the most expeditious way to settle the emerging controversy. (NFA13/PIA-Caraga
Surigao Norte to receive aid from AusAID SURIGAO CITY, August 15 (PIA) - The province of Surigao del Norte is set to receive an incentive grant under the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF), a facility funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID), Gov. Sol Matugas said recently. Matugas said the incentive grant costs around AUD 1,134,087 (Australian Dollars) or an equivalent of P49, 015,240.00 in addition to the P50 million grant fund in the second year (FY 20112012) of the PRMF. In a letter from Andrew Egan, Development Cooperation Counsellor of AUSAID, the PRMF informed the governor that the
province has fully achieved its targets after having been assessed of its performance in the first year of implementation. Based on this performance – based program, the province will continue to receive base grant and incentive grant funds. It could be recalled that Surigao del Norte is one of the seven (7) pilot provinces in the
country for this AUSAID program. With the recent addition of three (3) more provinces as pilot, the Provincial Government under the watch of Governor Matugas, will continue to achieve the targets set by this five-year program.(PPDOSurigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5:00 a.m., 15 Aug. 2011 Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas. Forecast: Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. Light to moderate winds blowing from the Southeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the South to Southeast over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.