PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
Today’s News...
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
NATIONAL
Northern Mindanao
in Baguio City • Education sector cites significant improvements under Aquino government • Coloma underscores role of new media in pursuing Aquino government’s Social Contract with Filipino people • Malacañang says government is set for repatriation of Filipinos in Syria
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
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
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN)
• Puerto Princesa’s N7WN bid gains support in South
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 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 (SOCSKARGEN) 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 (Caraga) 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
OUR COVER
• Aquino to lead Burnham Park public lighting
The cover of this issue features the Indak-indak streetdancing of the 2011 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City.
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Cotabato • Lungsod ng Koronadal, pinapurihan ng NCDA sa pagtatag ng PDAO • BIR RR - 18 collects P2.47 B, exceeds target by 4.49 percent • Accessibility Audit sa ilang gusali sa Koronadal City, isina gawa Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • PBCC Agusan Sur now hits 65% blood collection against annual target • REDCOP Seminar set in Butuan City • Trento Pinoy Abroad Organization gains acknowledge ment, support from LGU • Regional Police fetes 110th Police Service Anniversary Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • DTI bats for foreign direct investments • Dengue cases in Zambo City “down by a mile” • KOHA-Integrated Library System orientation set tomor row in Dipolog • ARMM’s boneless tilapia producers get aid for product expansion • Isabela City ‘Buntis’ Assembly tackles maternal health, child care Northern Mindanao • BFAR still raises red tide alert for Mis. Occ. Bay • CSC still accepting entries for essay writing contest • CSC digital book cover contest to highlight heroic role of civil servants • DepEd-10 supports campaign to vote for PPUR as one of the N7WN • Cebuano news: Mga OFWs nga mibalik sa Pilipinas hata gan ug hinabang sa gobyerno Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • August 19 a holiday in Davao • DOST offers cheaper packaging, labeling service • Davao City’s drainage unit looks to the future • 2 DavOr reg’l Gawad Saka awardees vie for the national award
Thursday, August 18, 2011
PCOO News... Aquino to lead Burnham Park public lighting in Baguio City
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III will lead Friday the public lighting of Burnham Park in Baguio City aimed at boosting tourism as well as raising public awareness on the use of energy saving lights. During the event, the Chief Executive will switch on the ceremonial button on a panel board with the map of the Burnham Park that will light up the light-emitting diode (LED), which serves as the marker of the lighting system of the park. The development project in Burnham Park started with funding from the Department of Tourism and the Priority Assistance Development Fund of Congressman Bernardo Vergara, with the assistance of the Department of Energy which undertook modernization of the park’s lighting using energy saving lights. The lighting project that included the Wright Park, is under the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The DOE replaced all the mercury lights in the park with energy efficient lighting composed of high pressure sodium vapor lamps and fluorescent lamps that could help the city government save up to P1.5 million in power consumption. The public lighting program aims to demonstrate energy savings through the adoption of efficient lighting technologies for public lighting. At the same time, the regional office of the Department of Tourism in Baguio City expects that the development of the Burnham Park into a premiere destination will boost the tourism industry in the city. Joining the President during the ceremony are Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Cong. Bernardo Vergara and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan. Around 1,000 individuals are expected to attend the event, which will be composed of members of local government units, Baguio City residents, visitors and other guests.
Education sector cites significant improvements under Aquino government
T
he Department of Education (DepED) said that it has attained significant improvements under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III since he assumed office in June last year.
DepEd issued the statement in response to a one-page paid advertisement “Ganito tayo noon, bakit nagkaganito tayo ngayon?,” which compared the accomplishments of the previ-
Thursday, August 18, 2011
ous Arroyo administration to the Aquino government. Contrary to the advertisement published on August 16 in two newspapers, the Education department said that it will
achieve 1:1 textbook-to-student ratio across all levels by December of this year for all core subjects. “We will achieve 1:1 textbook-to-student ratio across 4
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from page 3... all levels by December for all 5 core subjects--English, Science, Math, Social Studies and Filipino,” it said, adding that it has already started the delivery of textbooks. As to the salaries of the teachers, DepEd reported that as of July of this year, the basic salary for Teacher 1 is now P17,099, noting that there are 2,807 kindergarten teachers with regular positions who are receiving a basic monthly salary of P17,099. It added that there are 25,868 volunteer teachers earning P3,000/month/session up to P6,000/month for two sessions. “Among these, Licensure Examination for Teachers passers may apply for regular items that will be opened once the Universal Kindergarten law is signed,” the statement continued.
DepEd also reported that 22,015 classrooms have been constructed in the first year of the Aquino administration with 4,155 constructed from July 2010 to May 2011, 11,169 are for completion within the year and 6,691 classrooms have been rehabilitated. Under the Aquino administration, classrooms-to-students ratio is 1:39 for Elementary and 1:53 for High School, compared to the previous administration’s 1:39 (Elementary) and 1:55 (High School). There were also 691,494 Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) beneficiaries receiving P10,000 each for the National Capital Region and P5,000 each outside Metro Manila from 2010 to 2011. “This was increased
to 757,000 beneficiaries under GASTPE education service contracting scheme for SY 2011-2012,” it said, adding that the beneficiaries outside Metro Manila received an additional P500. As to its Food for School Program, DepEd said that the effort was shifted to the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program under the administration of President Aquino. “Under the Aquino administration, the effort was shifted to the conditional cash transfer program, however, there are local schools feeding programs implemented in poor provinces initiated by DepEd or the LGU. We also have feeding programs in select areas in partnership with the private sector such as NutriAsia,” the statement stressed.
Coloma underscores role of new media in pursuing Aquino government’s Social Contract with Filipino people
P
residential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. underscored the important role of new media in pursuing the Aquino government’s Social Contract with the Filipino people adding that the digital tools could be a very effective platform in establishing a healthy environment as the country inches its way towards progress and development. DepEd issued the statement in response to a one-page paid advertisement “Ganito tayo noon, bakit nagkaganito tayo ngayon?,” which compared the accomplishments of the pre-
vious Arroyo administration to the Aquino government. Contrary to the advertisement published on August 16 in two newspapers, the Education department
said that it will achieve 1:1 textbook-to-student ratio across all levels by December of this year for all core subjects. “We will achieve 1:1 textbook-to-student ratio across all levels
by December for all 5 core subjects--English, Science, Math, Social Studies and Filipino,” it said, adding that it has already started the delivery of textbooks. As to the salaries 5
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
from page 4...
of the teachers, DepEd reported that as of July of this year, the basic salary for Teacher 1 is now P17,099, noting that there are 2,807 kindergarten teachers with regular positions who are receiving a basic monthly salary of P17,099. It added that there are 25,868 volunteer teachers earning P3,000/month/session up to P6,000/month for two sessions. “Among these, Licensure Examination for Teachers passers may apply for regular items that will be opened once the Universal Kindergarten law is signed,” the statement continued. DepEd also reported that 22,015 classrooms have been constructed in the first year of the Aquino administration with
4,155 constructed from July 2010 to May 2011, 11,169 are for completion within the year and 6,691 classrooms have been rehabilitated. Under the Aquino administration, classrooms-to-students ratio is 1:39 for Elementary and 1:53 for High School, compared to the previous administration’s 1:39 (Elementary) and 1:55 (High School). There were also 691,494 Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) beneficiaries receiving P10,000 each for the National Capital Region and P5,000 each outside Metro Manila from 2010 to 2011. “This was increased to 757,000 beneficiaries under
GASTPE education service contracting scheme for SY 20112012,” it said, adding that the beneficiaries outside Metro Manila received an additional P500. As to its Food for School Program, DepEd said that the effort was shifted to the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program under the administration of President Aquino. “Under the Aquino administration, the effort was shifted to the conditional cash transfer program, however, there are local schools feeding programs implemented in poor provinces initiated by DepEd or the LGU. We also have feeding programs in select areas in partnership with the private sector such as NutriAsia,” the statement stressed.
Malacañang says government is set for repatriation of Filipinos in Syria
M
alacañang announced on Thursday that the Philippine Airlines (PAL) offered help for the repatriation of Filipinos who are trapped in Syria.
In a regular news briefing in Malacanang held on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said PAL President and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Bautista is ready to coordinate with the government in mapping out repatriation plans to ensure the safe transport of Filipinos from danger zones in Syria back to the country. “We would like to thank Philippine Airlines for their help and they have been doing this in the past. In fact, in the recent
Thursday, August 18, 2011
situation in Libya, PAL also offered to help the Philippine government,” he said. Lacierda, clarified that the government will shoulder the fuel and cabin crew costs, adding that the DFA will confer with the airline company as to what routes the repatriated Filipinos will take in their return to the Philippines. The Department of Foreign Affairs raised the crisis alert level in Syria to alert level 3, in light of the continuing political tension in said country and as a
precautionary measure for the 17,000 Filipinos there. Under crisis Alert Level 3, voluntary repatriation at the government’s expense will be offered to Filipinos who wish to leave Syria in light of the escalating tension. A deployment ban is put in place effective immediately in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Likewise, all Filipinos are advised not to travel to Syria at this time.
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Central Mindanao
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA
PIA-XII Regional Director
Puerto Princesa’s N7WN bid gains support in South Cotabato by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) -- Puerto Princesa Underground River’s bid to be included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) has gained support among the local government units of South Cotabato. On Monday, as per order of Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., employees of South Cotabato provincial government engaged in a marathon texting of “PPUR” to 2861 in support to Palawan’s world-renown subterranean river as the country’s remaining official entry in the New 7 Wonders of Nature search of the New7Wonders Foundation. Gov. Pingoy earlier issued a memorandum enjoining all employees to vote for PPUR by sending text messages. He even appointed a focal person to handle the PPUR campaign in the province. A giant tarpaulin will reportedly be installed soon at the main entrance to the provincial capital urging the public to join in the drive to push PPUR to the top seven natural wonders of nature. Besides these, the governor through the Provincial Development Council has asked nongovernment organizations to support the activity. The same call for support is being featured in the provincial government’s sponsored programs and
spots as well as in social networks. Leaflets, brochures and other reading materials about the campaign are also distributed to the public. Also on Monday, the local government of nearby Tupi Town also launched 440-7 PPUR Campaign. Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said “to be listed in the New Seven Wonders of Nature is a great honor for our country and a privilege also to be known worldwide that Philippines is abounding with natural resources.” “Let us do our part in making PPUR as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.” 440-7 Campaign stands for the 440 original entries to the N7WN search in 2007 and the objective for PPUR to be declared one of the new seven wonders of nature. Planning is underway for more activities to engage the residents in the municipality in the campaign. Meanwhile, Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel said his administration is 100 percent supportive of the PPUR campaign. Mayor Miguel has been calling on residents of the city and nearby
municipalities to also give their support to the city. To vote one may text PPUR to 2861. A single phone number may be used to cast as many as 15 votes. For a one-time multiple votes, one may text PPUR7 to 2861 to cast seven votes or PPUR15 to cast 15 votes. Votes may also be cast online via http://www.new7wonders.com. The 8.2 kilometer long Puerto Princesa Underground River is considered the longest subterranean river in the world. PPUR was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1999 and as a National Geological Monument in December 2003. On June 3, President Benigno Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 182 declaring a national and international promotion campaign in support of the PPUR. The search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature is now on its final phase with only 28 contenders remaining. Declaration of the N7WN will be on November 11, 2011. (PIA 12)
Lungsod ng Koronadal, pinapurihan ng NCDA ni Aida Agad sa pagtatag ng PDAO
KORONADAL CITY, Agosto 18 (PIA) – Pinuri ng National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) ang pamunuan ng Pamahalaang Panglungsod ng Koronadal, dahil ito ang kauna-unahang lokal na pamahalaan na nagtatag ng tanggapan na tututok sa mga pangangailangan ng mga 7 taong may kapansanan.
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
from page 6... Sa pamamagitan ng isang resolusyon na inaprubahan ni mayor Peter B. Miguel, naitatag ang Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) sa lungsod. Ang tanggapan ay kasalukuyang pinamumunuan ni Mr. Noel Manabe, na siya ring pangulo ng
Pederasyon ng mga may-kapansanan sa lungsod. Sa pagpupulong kahapon ng Regional Council on Disability Affairs (RCDA) dito sa lungsod inihayag ni NCDA coordinator Flerida Labanon na maganda ang ginawang hakbang ng lokal na pamahalaan.
Dahil dito, umaasa si Labanon na sundin din ng ibang lokal na pamahalaan sa rehiyon dose ang ginawa ng Lungsod ng Koronadal para sa kapakanan ng mga residenteng mayroong kapansanan. (PIA12)
BIR RR - 18 collects P2.47 B, exceeds target by 4.49 percent by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, Aug 18 (PIA) - Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) regional office (Revenue Region No. 18) today announced that they have surpassed their seven-month tax collection target by 4.49 percent. “From January to July, the region has a cumulative collection of P2,471,118,415.71 as against the goal of P2,364,926,000.00,” said Assistant Regional Director Atty. Alberto S. Olasiman, the concurrent officer of BIR-RR 18. Their excess collection reached P106,192,415.71. Olasiman also announced that compared to the same period last year, the present collection is higher by 14.36 percent; from January to July 2010 their collection amounted to P2,160,736,860.39. With the present trend, he is confident BIR RR 18 can achieve, if not surpass, their 2011 target collection set at P 4,165,853,000.00. BIR-RR 18 covers SOCCSKSARGEN Region and Maguindanao Province.
SOCCSKSARGEN Region includes the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato. Cotabato City and Maguindanao Province comprises Revenue District 107. During the eighth regional staff conference in Kidapawan City on August 11, Revenue District 107 (Cotabato City/ Maguindanao) received a Certificate of Recognition for being the top performing revenue district in July after collecting P93,465,110.97 last month, which is 12.58 percent higher than its goal of P83,019,000.00. Revenue District No. 108 (Kidapawan City/Cotabato Province)
was also commended for collecting P43,859,110.05, which is 11.48 percent over its P39,343,000.00 July target. Revenue District No. 110 (General Santos City/Sarangani Province) came in third with a collection of P 105,932,036.98 against its goal of P 97,343,000.00 or 8.82 percent excess. Olasiman commended the BIR officials and personnel for their untiring services to achieve and surpass their goals despite many odds in collecting taxes. He is also grateful to the taxpaying public for promptly paying their obligations to the government. BIR RR 18 needs to collect at least P1,695,734,584.29 to achieve its goal for this year. (with reports from Sumael Abad/BIR RR 18) (PIA 12)
Accessibility Audit sa ilang gusali sa Koronadal City, isinagawa ni Aida C. Agad
KORONADAL CITY, Agosto 18 (PIA) – Nagsagawa ng Accessibility Audit ang National Council on Disability Affairs sa ilang mga tanggapan sa Lungsod ng Koronadal sa South Cotabato. Kasama ni NCDA coordinator Flerida Labanon ang ilang opisyal ng Regional Federation of Persons with Disability (RFPWD) na pinamumunuan ni Mr Ericson Sabanal. Ang pagsasagawa ng audit ay base sa Republic Act No. 9442 o ang Magna Carta for Disabled Persons at
ng Batas Pambansa (BP) 344 o ang Accessibility Law. Ilang gusali sa loob ng South Cotabato Provincial Capitol Complex ang tiningnan ng accessibility audit team. Ayon kay Labanon, maliban sa mga bagong gusali na mayroon ng accessibility feature, ang mga
Thursday, August 18, 2011
lumang gusali umano sa loob ng kapitolyo ay kailangan lamang lagyan ng rampa upang ito ay makatulong sa mga taong may kapansanan na pumupunta sa mga tanggapan. Ang mga rekomendasyong ito pati na ang paglalagay ng priority lane para sa mga Disabled Persons ay
kanila umanong ipagbigayalam sa tanggapan ni governor Arthur Y. Pingoy. Pinuntahan din ng grupo ang bagong Koronadal City Hall. Base sa kanilang inspection, at dahil ito ay bagong ipinatayong gusali, ang nabanggit ay kanilang sinirtipikahang “accessibility compliant.” (PIA12)
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Caraga Region
ABNER M. CAGA
PIA-XIII Regional Director
PBCC Agusan Sur now hits 65% blood collection against annual target by David M. Suyao AGUSAN DEL SUR, Aug. 18 (PIA) - The Provincial Blood Coordinating Council (PBCC) now hits 65 percent in blood collection against its target for this year, while intensifying its efforts to accommodate donors all over the province as scheduled in its annual target. Just the other day, 16 donor employees from the capitol and offer their precious blood as their share in provincial capitol and three non-government employ- the life-saving program of the provincial government, ees voluntarily walked-in at the lobby of the provincial the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the PBCC. 9
REDCOP Seminar set in Butuan City by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) – To prevent the increasing number of people inflicted with kidney diseases in the country, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) continue to intensify its Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) which aim for a nationwide kidney disease-free thru conducting seminars, and this time, NKTI is set to hold a seminar on August 24 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. The NKTI-REDCOP team in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is currently undertaking series of seminars on urinalysis for physicians throughout the country this year. The seminar entitled “Maximizing the Basic Tool for Diagnosis & Prevention of Kidney Diseases”, is a related activity included in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NKTIREDCOP and PIA. On the seminar day (Aug. 24), Dr. Susan L. Jorge, IM/Adult Nephrology Consultant and REDCOP Asst. Program Manager will give the background and objective of the seminar while Dr. Romina L. Rusillon, Adult Nephrology Consultant will discuss the two topics – Basic Anatomy and Urinalysis,
and Dr. Arlene S. Muñoz, Adult Nephrology Consultant will also focus on the topic - Approach to the Diagnosis of Kidney Diseases: The 10 Renal Syndrome. Also, Dr. Jorge will take up the Urinalysis and the 10 Clinical Syndromes in Nephrology. Meanwhile, Northeastern Mindanao Cluster Head and PIACaraga Regional Director Abner M. Caga, as well as Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Regional Director Leonita P. Gorgolon are expected to deliver their inspirational messages. Right after the seminar, participants will have the chance to throw their questions and clarifications to the speakers as well as express their issues and concerns dur-
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ing the forum. REDCOP is the office incharge of implementing the NKTI’s public health projects on the prevention and control of renal and other related diseases. It plans, implements and monitors projects for research, advocacy, training, service and quality assurance. REDCOP’s activities are done mostly on a national scale through its network of Regional Coordinators throughout the country. With this, REDCOP-NKTI is optimistic that through this kind of activity, physicians throughout the country will be more knowledgeable in their field of work/expertise, and at the same time could help in the campaign for a kidney disease-free country. (PIA-Caraga)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
from page 8... To date, according to Julie Lapides, medical technologist of the PRC Agusan del Sur Chapter, blood collected by the PBCC already reached some 1,700 units, around 68 percent against the annual target of 2,500 units. “Just like the previous years, as birthday gift of the Agusanons to Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza who will celebrate his birthday on Augsut 21, we conducted blood-letting at the provincial capitol. While it is a special schedule, many always responded, and the activity is undertaken not only by the technical force of the PBCC, but with the joint personnel compliment from the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, Prosperidad Health Center and the
PRC Agusan del Sur Chapter. The team, led by Dr. Carolyn Mandia of the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital with four medical technologists and nurses also from the same hospital, a medtech from Prosperidad and personnel from the PRC Agusan del Sur chapter started the blood-letting activity at around 9:00 o’clock in the morning and ended at 12:00 noon. With that length of time, we have collected 19 units, a great contribution to our blood requirement in the province,” PRC administrator Cristyll Basan said. Being unique compared to other provinces, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur subsidizes the financial requirements for the re-agents in processing the
blood collected by the PBCC. Last year, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur budgeted P1.5 Million, and an additional P1 Million from the supplementary fund. Another P50,000 each from the 13 municipalities and the city of Bayugan is also collected based on their pledges to address the mobility and other incidental expenses for the blood program. Lately, the PRC Agusan del Sur have acquired a brand new refrigerator worth P450,000 for the storage of blood collected as requirement for being a blood collection unit by the Department of Health. (PIA- Agusan del Sur)
Trento Pinoy Abroad Organization gains acknowledgement, support from LGU by Ritchel Molero
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) — The 50 members of Trento Pinoy Abroad Organization (TPAO) are now set to start a small scale enterprise after attending the Skills Training for OFWs/Beneficiaries conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at Trento Municipal Gym, Trento, Agusan del Sur. The 2-day Skills Training for OFWs/Beneficiaries covered Laundry Powdered Soap Making, Cologne and Perfume Making, Dishwashing Paste Making, and Fabric Conditioner Making. With fifty members, TPAO aims to become cooperative selling soaps, perfumes, colognes,
dishwashing pastes, fabric conditioners, salted eggs and agricultural products that they themselves have produced. To provide constant assistance to the OFWs and their beneficiaries, the local government unit of Trento under the Administration of Hon. Johnmark C. Billanes,
Municipal Mayor and OWWA-Caraga OIC-Regional Director Marieta A. Lumawag officially signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) designating a help desk in Trento Municipal Hall on August 8, 2011. Also, Mayor Billanes assured OWWA and TPAO that the LGU-
Trento is willing to take an extra mile to prop up whatever endeavor the organization will take. The conduct of the signing of the MOA was in lieu with the celebration of Trento’s 49th Santikan Festival and 16th Araw ng Trento. (OWWA-13/PIACaraga)
Regional Police fetes 110th Police Service Anniversary
by Noel B. Najarro BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) - The Police Regional Office 13 celebrated the110th “Police Service Anniversary” by highlighting the giving of awards and promotions to its deserving officers and personnel, at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez parade grounds, 10 Brgy. Libertad, this city. Thursday, August 18, 2011
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from page 9...
The celebration revolves around the theme: “Sandaang Taon at Sandekadang Paglilingkod ng Kapulisan Kaagapay ang Sambayanan Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan” was attended by a number of LGUs , top police regional officials led by PCSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal, officials of the government line agencies, top military officials in the region, police retirees and other representatives coming from the various sectors. The guest of honor and speaker of the occasion was Police Director Victorino S. Panganiban, Jr. the Director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM). In his message PDir. Panganiban traced out what is now known as the Philippine National Police, from its humble beginning. It started according to him as a paramilitary group known as the “Insular Constabulary” started by the US government in this country over a century ago. It evolved to become the “Bureau of Constabulary and Police,” and then the “Philippine Constabulary.” It was later on replaced by the Integrated National Police which was renamed the “Philippine National Police,”. Throughout the years, Dir. Panganiban said, the organization had always considered it their primary mandate which is to serve and protect the general public. According to Dir. Panganiban, only the name of the organization had changed but its
10
dedication and commitment to service is constant. Now, according to Panganiban, this commitment and dedication was given a face through the performance of the awardees. Topping the list, Panganiban said, was the heroic deed of the recently promoted to Police Senior Inspector Charity S. Galvez. This will just show to the public that within their ranks there are heroic men and women who are worthy of the honor because of their exceptional services, commitment and sacrifices rendered. According to Panganiban, the police are under the watchful eyes of the public. Oftentimes, he said, it’s the scalawags which always get the immediate attention and the majority who does well may be forgotten or set aside. But he believed that a big number of the rank is faithful to their sworn duty of protecting the public. The DIPO-EM chief calls on the men in uniform to always do what is good for God, to the community, to the public and the environment. Dir. Panganiban also led the giving of awards and promotions to the deserving officers and personnel of Police Regional Office 13. The Individual Awardees included: :PSSupt. Eugenio B. Paguirigan (Best Senior PCO for Administration), PSSupt. David Y. Ombao (Best Senior PCO for Operations), PInsp. Anthony Jess A. Punzalan (Best Junior PCO), SPO4 Emmanuel P. Isiang (Best
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Senior PNCO), PO3 Giovannie M. Tindoy (Best Junior PNCO), NUP Gil Licayan (Best NUP Supervirosy Level), NUP Judith L. Goforth (Best NUP Non-Supervisory Level), SPO2 Remili Y. Portillano (Best WCPC Desk Officer), PInsp. Ephraim Y. Detuya (LEAD PNP Award) and PSInsp. Charity S. Galvez (Spot Promotion). The Unit Awardees are: the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (Best Police Provincial Office), Surigao del Sur Police Public Safety Company (Best Provincial Public Safety Company), Bayugan City Police Station (Best City Police Station), Nasipit Municipal Police Station (Best Municipal Police Station) and the 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion (Streamer of Distinction). The Special awardees included: PSSupt. Rodlfo M. Dasmarinas (Resident Summary Hearing Officer), PCInsp. Joseph S. Estrada (Chief, Regional Engineering Office), PInsp. Arvin A. Bolotano (Platoon Leader, Agusan del Sur PPSC), PInsp. Ronald N. Orcullo (Platoon Leader, Ex-O ADS, PPSC), PInsp. Lloyd J. Mercado (OIC, Sta. Josefa Police Station), SPO3 Benjamin A. Langbid (Posthumous, RID Operative), PO3 Mhel Hubo (Agusan del Sur PPSC, Medalya Ng Sugatang Magiting) and PO1 Joel L. Lazarte (Agusan del Sur PPSC, Medalya Ng Sugatang Magiting). (PIA Caraga)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Western Western Mindanao Mindanao DTI bats for foreign direct investments by Franklin T. Gumapon
mains a major concern among the local government units (LGUs), DTI has recommended that the LGUs invite foreign direct investments (FDIs). According to Bazan, FDIs will “bring in and continue introducing technology in both equipment and process including research and development, and secure marketing footholds for the Philippines in countries and sectors where they sell to. Besides, the country’s growth objectives in terms of GNP, per capita income and exports cannot be achieved without the participation of foreign investments. Bazan added that the
country really needs FDIs to address the problem of unemployment in the shortest possible time. FDIs do not only give their workers better wages but they also “introduce works disciplines necessary to build the right labor infrastructure,” stressed the DTI provincial director. Participants to the investment promotion seminar are the local government officials of Dipolog, Dapitan, Polanco, Katipunan, Roxas and Manukan (DDPKaRoMa) as well as the stakeholders and member-agencies of the DDPKaRoMa Alliance. (FPG/PIAZambo. Norte)
KOHA-Integrated Library System orientation set tomorrow in Dipolog by Franklin T. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) -Sixteen municipal librarians are slated to converge at the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Library in this city tomorrow for an orientation on the KOHA-Integrated Library System (KOHAILS) spearheaded by the National Library of
PIA-IX Regional Director
Dengue cases in Zambo City “down by a mile” by Michael Vincent Cajulao
DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) - To create employment opportunities, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now encouraging the local government officials to make their respective towns/cities attractive to investors. In his message before the participants during the first day of the three-day investment promotion seminar which will wrap up today, DTI-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Noel R. Bazan underscored the importance of attracting investments to the province as these will help create employment opportunities in the area. Presently, the province has a total population of 1,060,415 and more than half comprising the labor force. Twenty two percent of the total labor force remained underemployed while 4.8 percent were completely unemployed. As unemployment re-
NOEMI B. EDAGA
the Philippines (NLP). Provincial Librarian Erlinda Realiza-Nunag told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the 16 municipal librarians come from the municipalities of Polanco, Pinan, Mutia, Rizal, Sibutad, Liloy, Kalawit, Gutalac, Dapitan, Manukan, Roxas, Salug, Siayan, Sindangan,
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Tampilisan and Labason. OHA-ILS project seeks to make the library services responsive to the needs of the reading public and researchers with the aid of computers. Months ago KOHA-ILS had already distributed nine computers to eight municipal libraries in the prov12
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) – While other areas in the country are now declared under state of calamity due to dengue outbreak, Zamboanga City saw a dive in the number of cases of dengue according to the City Health Office (CHO) record. As of this writing, CHO has only recorded two cases of Dengue from Aug. 115, a far cry from the 485 cases recorded for the same period last year or 99.6% decrease. Dengue cases last month also improved drastically with only 64 cases compared to the 460 cases recorded in July last year. But in spite of the vast reduction on dengue infection in the city, City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos is continuously appealing to the public to keep their surroundings clean especially this rainy season. He also urged them to stay vigilant and be cautious of the symptoms of dengue to avoid further loss of lives. CHO has recorded seven (7) deaths due to dengue this year, 18 less than last year with 25. Agbulos said the best way to avoid dengue is to maintain cleanliness. He pointed that destroying possible breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes is the basic step to avoid contracting the disease. Last year, the city recorded one of the highest cases of dengue with 2,487. (MVC/ PIA9-Zambo City)
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ince and the provincial library. This time another eight towns are going to receive computers from the KOHA-ILS project for their municipal libraries. These towns include Polanco, Pinan, Mutia, Rizal, Sibutad, Liloy, Kalawit and Gutalac. Prof. Ed B. Quiros, ITD
Chief, NLP and Ms. Nona Yauder, Assistant Chief, Public Libraries Division, NLP are expected to attend the occasion. For her part, Provincial Librarian Nunag has expressed gratitude to the National Library for its continued support to provincial and
municipal libraries more particularly in upgrading and enhancing the capabilities of the municipal librarians. Zamboanga del Norte, which has 25 towns and two component cities, has a provincial library and 16 active municipal libraries.
ARMM’s boneless tilapia producers get aid for product expansion ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 18 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao released half a million peso loan to local boneless tilapia meat producers, recently. In a press release, the Bureau of Public Information reveals that the Central Mindanao Integrated Livelihood Assistance and Resource Development Foundation, Inc. (CEMILARDEF) received loan from the ARMM’s DOST, which found the group’s process of producing boneless tilapia fish meat a “very promising technology” in the country. Prof. Albaiya Andamen, CEMILARDEF project manager, and DOST-ARMM Secretary Fradzkhan K. Ilaji signed here Tuesday a memorandum of agreement prescribing the mechanics of the use of the loan in the immediate construction of eight house-type solar dryers needed in a broader scale of the fish meat processing now gaining popularity in local markets. Ilaji said the loan is interestfree and payable in three-years, a scheme gladly welcomed by Prof. Andamen and his producer-mem-
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bers to “upgrade boneless tilapia processing technology” that needs “drying devices to improve quality production.” Producers of boneless tilapia fish meat from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are pushing to bring their technology to wider network and help enhance the ARMM image in the outside following their receipt of a soft loan from the government. Prof. Albaiya Andamen, CEMILARDEF Project Manager, and Regional Secretary Fradzkhan K.Ilaji signed the memorandum of agreement to formally turn-over the funds for the project and to take parameters on how it will be implemented. The said project is a small-loan payable in three-year time with zero percent interest. Ilaji and Andamen were both optimistic that the local fish processing technology will be successful in boosting the economy of the autonomous region and help
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erode its awkward image spawned by hyped media reports on alleged “failed autonomy”, past electoral frauds, and the Maguindanao massacre in 2009, among others. Ilaji said the loan has been granted under the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP), a nationwide strategy encouraging and assisting the local micro, small and medium scale firms to adopt technological innovations and improvements in their operations. He said SET-UP helps local firms address technical problems through DOST technology transfer and technical interventions. It involves the aspect of operation such as productivity, product quality, manpower capability-building, cost reduction, waste management and other related services, he added. (JLBBPIARMM/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Isabela City ‘Buntis’ Assembly tackles maternal health, child care by Rene V. Carbayas ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 18 (PIA) – Pregnant and lactating mothers in this city underwent a seminar on maternal health and child care, which taught mothers on the importance of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In her message, pregnant and lactating Nutrition Action Officer Health Office. City Mayor Cherrylyn mothers gathered at the Jennesa Tubongbanua At the end of the Santos-Akseminar, the bar remindcity governed pregnant ment distriband lactating uted pack mothers on of rice and the imporMedcare OB tance of keepcapsule, a ing oneself nutritional clean, healthy, food suppleand fit. “The ment for more that we pregnant need to take and lactatcare of ouring women. selves, even This multiIsabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar reminded pregnant and lactating mothers on the importance of after giving keeping oneself clean, healthy, and fit. (Rene V. Carbayas, PIA9-BST) vitamin birth,” she contains said. city gym late last month said that the assembly was vitamin A, B-complex, vi The lady mayor for the “Buntis Assembly” one of the major activities tamins C, D, E, folic acid, expressed her gratitude to with topics on the impor- that the city government sodium fluoride, iodine, the participants for taking tance of breastfeeding and of Isabela has undertaken iron, calcium, and zinc. time to attend the assem- some reminders on preg- with the City Nutrition Granados also bly knowing the value of nancy were tackled. Committee. announced that the city whatever little informa- Akbar, moreover, “Nutrition does not health office had already tion that the city health of- stressed on giving prima- only connote eating or giv- requested from the city fice could share on mater- ry, if not the only, option ing our children the right government some 500 nal health and child care to breastfeeding, saying food. Nutrition involves “buntis kits”, containing in a limited time. that the mother’s milk proper health care for both basic needs for pregnant She said the half- is the best because of its mothers and children,” women after delivery as day seminar is part of the high nutritive value and she said, hoping that the incentive for those regunational observance of at no cost. She said that seminar will equip moth- larly visits and would give Nutrition Month, which breastfeeding is also the ers on how to raise healthy birth at prescribed health continuously reminded us mother’s way of letting and strong children. centers. (RVC-PIA9 Bato keep ourselves and the their child feel the warmth Lecturers were Vi- SulTa) community healthy. and love. oleta Ramirez and Emily More than sixty Meanwhile, City Granados from the City
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Northern Mindanao
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB PIA-X Regional Director
BFAR still raises red tide alert for Mis. Occ. Bay by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 18 (PIA) – Murcielagos Bay in the boundary of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte, is still positive for paralytic shellfish poison or “red tide” based on the latest bulletin released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Thus, BFAR has warned the public not to harvest, sell, buy, or eat all types of shellfish or “alamang (minute shrimps)” in the area as it is found to contain poison beyond the regulatory limit and will not be safe for human consumption. Similar warning has also been issued by BFAR with Dumanguillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Masinloc Bay in Zambales. Regional Director Visa TanDemiren of BFAR-10, however, clarified that fishes are still safe to eat but advises the public to thoroughly clean it and have the internal organs removed before cooking. She also said squids,
shrimps and crabs are also confirmed to be safe for consumption. Other areas found by BFAR to be free of toxic red tides in its latest laboratory result include the following coastal areas: Tanguines Lagoon in Benoni Mahinog of Camiguin, Biliran waters in Biliran Province, Hinatuan, Bislig and Lianga Bays of Surigao del Sur and Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental. Pilar, President Roxas, Pontevedra, Panay, Roxas City, Ivisan and Saplan in Capiz, as well, as waters of E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran,
Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City. San Enrique in Negros Occidental, Irong-irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, Ormoc, San Pedro, Cancabato and Carigara Bays in Leyte. Cavite, Las Piñas, and Parañaque in Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay, Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos and Bani in Pangasinan. Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate, Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon, Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerto Princesa City and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan. (PIA 10)
CSC still accepting entries for essay writing contest by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 18 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has launched, this year, a new set of profile activities, in a bid to increase awareness of public servants of their roles in providing effective, efficient and excellent service. “ One of these activities is the essay writing contest which aims to drum up the Philippine Civil Service (PCS) 111th Anniversary and encour-
age active involvement of the whole bureaucracy,” Atty. Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, Regional Director of CSC, region 10, said. The essay shall fo-
cus on the role of government employees in public service delivery and how they can become servant heroes in the eyes of God and country.
Anchored on the theme “Kawani, Kaya Mong Maging Lingkod Bayani,” the entries should answer the question “Ano ang Lingkod Bayani?” or 15
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
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“What is a Servant Hero?” on the perception of a public servant. All entries must be original, unpublished and not included in any previous essay writing contest administered by government agencies and must be submitted via registered mail, courier or personally delivered to the Civil Service Commission No. IV, 139 Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City. Thus, she has called on all interested government employees to submit their entries now as the deadline will be on August 24.
She also encourages them to visit the CSC regional field offices first and secure entry forms as well as to be oriented on the mechanics of the entry. First prize winner gets Php10,000 cash and plaque, while second and third place awardees will also receive a plaque and cash worth Php7,000 and Php5,000, respectively. Other activities organized in observance of the anniversary next month includes a fitness walk, fun run, inter-agency friendship games, trade fair, bloodletting, photography, musical and the honor awards rites.
This year’s celebration is anchored on President Aquino’s call for reform for “Daang Matuwid,” and on his pledge to implement change in government, thus the PCS 111th Anniversary theme: “Championing R.A.C.E.: Public Servant at Full Speed.” The theme urges civil servants, nationwide, to respond to the call for change and be servant heroes by joining CSC in building a responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective public service or R.A.C.E. (PIA 10)
CSC digital book cover contest to highlight heroic role of civil servants by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 18 (PIA) --- The 2011 Philippine Civil Service (PCS) Digital Book Cover Contest will highlight government employees as servant heroes in their own right and as civil servants, they directly uphold national interest and public service. Conducted by CSC, in partnership with the National Book Development Board (NBDB) to celebrate the 111th PCS Anniversary, the contest which runs from July 22 to August 21 is open to all public servants, nationwide, with the penchant for illustration and graphic design. Lawyer Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, Regional Director of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), region 10, said the book cover design should reflect the con-
cept “Lingkod Bayani ang Bawat Kawani,” in full color, high resolution, 8.5”x 11”in size. It should be submitted in digital form or JPEG format to csc.pmrd@ gmail.com, along with the signed and scanned official entry form and certificate of employment, attached to the email. The CSC and NBDB will only accept original and unpublished designs which the contestants will ensure by signing the contest form.
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If the contestant is using a photograph or artwork of another person as part of or inspiration for the design, he or she must secure written permission from the copyright owner. The entries will be judged by a panel in terms of the following criteria: relevance to the theme, 50 percent, creativity, 30 percent, and impact, 20 percent. The grand prize winner will receive Php10,000 cash prize while the second and third placers
will get Php6,000 and Php4,000, respectively. Certificates of Recognition shall also be given to the respective offices of winning contestants. As additional incentive to winners, the winning book covers will be used by the CSC for its various official publications and promotional materials with proper acknowledgement of the winning artists, Vidal added. (PIA10)
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DepEd-10 supports campaign to vote for PPUR as one of the N7WN by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
Dr. Luz S. Almeda, Regional Director of DepEd-10, in her directive to the different Schools Division Superintendents (SDS) of the region, said her office is extending support to the campaign. “I strongly encourage your benevolent support relative to the campaign for the PPUR as one of the N7WN, through text and online voting,” she told the SDS. Meanwhile, per DepEd Memo No. 150, s. 2011, bookmarks and other materials on the
campaign have been sent to the different regions, nationwide, DepEd Undersecretary Rizalino D. Rivera, said. He has also asked to be furnished with updates regarding the campaign including the number of votes sent every end of the month until Nov. 10, 2011. President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Presidential Proclamation No. 182 declaring a national and international promotion campaign for the PPUR as one of the N7WN, last June 4. Such proclamation intends to
awaken the sense of patriotism and national pride of the 30 million Filipino internet users and 77 million Filipino mobile phone subscribers by encouraging them to support the campaign. Voting can be done by logging on the website: http:// www.puerto-undergroundriver.com, http://www.new7wonders.com/n7w or thru texting, text PPUR15 and send it to 2861. (PIA-10)
Cebuano news: Mga OFWs nga mibalik sa Pilipinas hatagan ug hinabang sa gobyerno ni Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy Atol sa ‘press briefing’ sa Malacanang, si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda miingon nga ang mga hingtungdan nga mga ahensya sa kagamhanan kamulo karon nga nagatrabaho aron mahatagan ug kasulbaran ang mga kalisod nga nasinati sa mga OFWs nga namakwit tungod sa padayon nga kagubot sa Syria. “Atong suta-on kung unsa ang labing
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maayo nga mahimo sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aron maseguro usab nga matabangan ang mga nasangpit nga OFWs. Miingon usab si Lacierda nga ang Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) nagapangita usab ug paagi aron makahatag usab ug ayuda. Si President Be-
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nigno S. Aquino III miingon nga ang gobyerno dunay gihan-ay nga ‘quick response plan’ ug ‘contingency measure’ diin andam kanunay ang kagamhanan bisan unsang orasa kung ugaling gasigi pa ang pamakwit sa mga trabahanteng Pilipino didto sa Syria. Dako ang kabalaka didto sa Syria, tungod kay mokabat sa 17,000 ka mga trabahanteng Pilipino ang naa
sulod sa nasangpit nga nasud, ug 95 porsyento (95%) niini mga katabang sa panimalay kon ‘domestic helpers’. Miingon si Lacierda nga ang hinabang sa gobyerno alang gayod sa tanan nga naapektuhan. “Makala-um kamo nga dili gayod sila pasagdan sa kagamhanan,” dugang sa Presidente. (NCR/PIA-10)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Southern Mindanao
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA PIA-IX Regional Director
August 19 a holiday in Davao By Mai Gevera-Macapagat
DAVAO CITY Aug. 18 (PIA) - A August 19 has been declared by Malacanang as a special non-working day in Davao City, the start of the week-long Kadayawan Festival celebration. This is to enable the people of Davao to celebrate and participate in the occasion and ceremonies. One of the highlights in the celebration is the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan to start from Magsaysay Avenue to Rizal Park on August 20. Pamulak Kadayawan or the famous floral float parade and competition is set on August
21 (Sunday). Other major activities are Sayaw Mindanaw on August 18 at SM City, Tunog Mindanaw at Abreeza Mall on August 20, Moda Mindanaw at SM City Davao on August 21. Some 5,000 photographers and photojournalists from all over the country are coming to witness and take part in photo
competitions. Kadayawan is considered the king of festivals. It is dedicated to the city’s 10 indigenous communities. It was first celebrated in September 1986, a few months after the People Power Revolution. (PIA/Mai GeveraMacapagat)
DOST offers cheaper packaging, labeling service By Mai Gevera-Macapagat DAVAO CITY Aug. 18 (PIA) - Cheaper by 30 percent from private packaging and labeling centers, the Technology Innovation and Packaging Development Center (TIPDC) of the Department of Science and Technology now welcomes micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to avail of its services. Opened Thursday morning (August 18), the facility houses the agency’s Packaging and Labeling Center and Shelf Life Testing Laboratory which the MSME’s can make use of in their licensing requirements with the Food and Drugs Authority. This P8.5 million facility, located at the DOST XI com-
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pound, is ISO accredited which only means that clients are assured by its quality service. “MSMEs who cannot afford the packaging and labeling services offered by private enterprises will now have access to such services through TIPDC.” said DOST XI regional director Anthony Sales.
An introductory price for a regular shelf life testing service is P12, 000. This amount is way cheaper than the regular rate offered by private establishments which does not go lower than P14, 000. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dr. Maria Lourdes Monte-
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verde thanked the initiative of DOST as this would benefit the business sector in the region especially the Davao Branding project of the DCCCII. Davao Branding is a project that accredits Davao products which qualify from stringent and rigid process for high quality products.
“ For two years, there were only 18 products that got this Davao Branding. Most of the products that failed to do so lack the technology and facility that would help them in packaging and labeling. This TIPDC facility would greatly help more SMEs develop and improve their products.” She said.
Also found in the facility is a shelf life testing laboratory which will help determine if the product is safe for human consumption, and support SMEs marketing effort with adherence to food safety and quality. (PIA/ Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
Davao City’s drainage unit looks to the future by RG Alama
DAVAO CITY Aug. 18 (PIA)- With the city experiencing perennial flooding, the local government hopes to find modern ways to control the problem. According to Engineer Andrew Lepardo operations head of the drainage maintenance section, they are currently making an inventory of the existing drainage system in the City. If collated the data will be utilized through digital mapping where the drainage flow direction, existing outfall and drainage profile can be viewed in the map. Lepardo says the map can be done by using GPS or Global Positioning System and through profile surveying. He admits that the current drainage lines are already 30 to 50 years old hence there is a need for a new comprehensive study that will come up with a new master plan for the city’s drainage.
One of the initial steps is the visit of a team from the Bureau of Designs- Department of Public Works and Highways central office to take a look at the initiative. Another step taken to address to address the drainage problem is for new structures being built in Davao City to have drainage permits that the builders must secure before starting with the construction. The drainage permit requirement is a drainage plan which includes a hydraulic computation that aims to measure the amount of water that the structure will divert to the drainage line. In case they will determine that there is excessive water outflow, the Drainage Main-
tenance Section can recommend engineering interventions to minimize the load of water flowing to the existing drainage lines. He also hopes that more green buildings will be built in the city. He cited SM-Lanang which uses green materials where instead of regular cement these so-called green materials allows rainwater to be absorbed to the ground because of their porous characteristics. “For every 10 drops of rain, eight drops are absorbed to ground compared to regular cement which just deflects water.” Lepardo says. Another feature in the still being constructed SM mall is the water holding tank which can keep the outflow of water for five 19
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to six hours rather than draining it immediately to the drainage lines. At least 50% of those collected in the holding tank are to be used in the comfort rooms and in the sky gardens. Also instead of gutters in the roof, the mall has sky gardens with plant boxes
which absorb water rather than gutters that throw water out. “Sadly dito lang sa Pilipinas hindi masyado known ang green buildings.” (Sadly here in the Philippines green buildings are not that well-known.) Lepardo lamented.
Aside from modern technology, Lepardo said that the key to having good drainage is to practice discipline particularly in throwing garbage properly. He said that about 60% of the materials extracted by drainage maintenance crews are considered as
2 DavOr reg’l Gawad Saka awardees vie for the national Award
MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Aug. 18 (PIA) – After making it as the over-all champion in the Regional Gawad Saka Award, having swept six out of ten awards, the province of Davao Oriental is again catapulted to the national level of achievement, as two of the six awardees made it as top 3 finalists to the National Gawad Saka Award.
The two are Mr. Rosito Dagmang from the muninipality of Lupon who will vie in the Outstanding Large Animal Raiser category, and NAGMASID Cooperative from the municipality of San Isidiro, who will vie for the Small Farmers Organization category. Mrs. Mercy Quiamco of the Prov’l Agriculture Office (PAGRO0) said that they are now waiting for the result of the said national competition. “Being in the top 3
is already an achievement, and the province is proud of them. It will be an added feather on our cap if we will make it again, this time in the national level,” she said. Quiamco furthered that Gov. Corazon Malanyaon was so elated having won the overall championship in the Gawad Saka Awards, and the goal this time is to maintain the momentum, maintain the six awards, or even get more for next year. “Hopefully, we can start scouting for agri-
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achievers this month. This starts from the municipalities. The agri-achievers in the municipalities will compete for the Search for Agri-Achievers-Provincial level. The provincial winner goes to the regional level, to the Gawad Saka Award, and if so lucky enough, up to the national level,” she explained. The agri-achievers are farmers, fisherfolks, and livestock raisers who showed exemplary performance in their endeavors, going beyond the ordi-
nary, in coming up with remarkable output ought to be replicated. In the Awarding ceremony of the Regional Gawad Saka Award, Gov. Corazon Malanyaon emphasized that the accomplishment is history for Davao Oriental, and proves the determination of the provincial government in showcasing agriculture, and its contributions in the economic activity of the province. (DXHM/Neela G. Duallo)
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