Today’s News...
PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) 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
• Coloma underscores Aquino government’s active participation in addressing effects of climate change • Malacañang says Aquino government will help finance rapid labo ratory test of indigent dengue victims • Aquino appoints Reyes as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court • Aquino says gov’t remains relentless in its fight against dengue
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
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
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
• Dengue cases in Surigao Sur under control, says PHO • Malacañang oks P200M for road concreting in Surigao del Sur • Out-of-School Youth Web Portal of the Phils’ turn-over ceremony set in Butuan • OWWA to conduct probe on the recent killing of OFW in Kuwait • Socorro CeC launches wifi access • LMP nat’l prexy, 15 Cavite mayors to visit Surigao Sur
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
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 The cover of this issue features the winner of Hiyas ng Kadayawan 2011 RAHIMA M. USMAN
NATIONAL
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• Mayor Co signs EO 132 institutionalizing the Pagadian City Public Employment Service Office • Lamitan City launches Citizen’s Charter • BOI conducts investment promotion seminar in Dipolog
Northern Mindanao • • • •
Senator Koko visits hometown/spells out priority plans Dengue cases in Bukidnon dips 80% DOE to grant loans to new oil industry players Bangko Sentral to conduct Financial Education Expo in Cag. de Oro • Iponan river bank is 3rd bamboo planting area of TF BAMBOO-3E
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Pasalubong center to be launched for Davao visitors • OWWA 11 offers repatriation assistance to OFWs in Syria
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • 4 inmates get temporary freedom under prov’l LGU program • Business group confident with local authorities, agrees blast was isolated case • Health officials warn public not to trust “tandok” as antirabies treatment
Friday, August 19, 2011
Across the Nation... Coloma underscores Aquino government’s active participation in addressing effects of climate change
P
residential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. underscored the government’s efforts in pushing for a sustainable environment to mitigate the effects of climate change which is part of the roadmap towards the country’s progress and development as embodied in the Aquino government’s Philippine Development Plan.
In keynoting the GP3 Conference dubbed as “Strategies for A Green Economy: Facing Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Growth” at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Friday, Coloma stressed the active participation of President Benigno S. Aquino III in addressing the global issue of climate change. He noted its inclusion in the five cabinet clusters that were tasked to focus on various projects towards sustainable development. “Ang Pangulo mismo ang chairman ng Climate Change Commission. Ang Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation ay isa sa five Cabinet Clusters dahil sa kahalagahan nitong paksang ito, kasama ito dun sa ating Philippine Development Plan na siyang roadmap para sa kaunlaran ng ating bansa kaya napak-
ataas ng prayoridad ng ating pamahalaan para sa paglikha ng isang sustainable environment at sa pagtugon sa mga hamon na dulot ng climate change,” Coloma said. The PCOO chief also bared the importance of information dissemination and public education concerning the effects of climate change. “Awareness, consciousness then action… mahalaga kasi malaman ng ating mga kababayan yung kahalagahan ng konsepto ng sustainable development in the midst of the many challenges posted by climate change,” Coloma said. “With awareness, sana ay lumalim din yung kamulatan or consciousness… kapag may kaalaman na at kamulatan nagkakaroon din ng kakayahan for taking proper action that will positively influence the improvement of the environment,” he added.
When asked on the specific participation of the business sector in protecting the environment, Coloma disclosed their important role of business in pushing for the cause. “Mahalaga ang maitutulong ng business sector sapagkat sila ang gumagawa ng mga produkto, sila ang nagdi-distribute ng mga kinoconsume natin sa araw-araw na buhay kaya’t kung sila ay magiging involved sa green marketing, green products, malaki ang ambag nila doon sa paglikha ng sustainable development environment,” Coloma said as he welcomed the business sector’s awareness of the global phenomenon. “Lahat naman sila ay nagpapakita ng kamulatan hinggil dito sa isyu na ito dahil sa katotohanan na kapag environmental-friendly ang mga produkto, mas desirable at 4
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Coloma underscores... from page 3...
mas competitive ang mga ito, at sa maraming lugar mas cost-competitive din sila kasi mas efficient yung kanilang mga proseso.” Coloma said. Organized by the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Enrionment Inc. in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the biennial two-day event is an integral part of
the Green Philippine International Total Green Movement Exhibition and Conference showcasing the country’s green construction, green manufacturing, green energy and green living initiatives. The event was attended by business leaders, chief executive officers and high-ranking government officials, as well as top management officers and decision makers.
Malacañang says Aquino government will help finance rapid laboratory test of indigent dengue victims
T
he Aquino government will help finance the rapid laboratory test of indigent dengue victims as it assured that the Department of Health (DOH) is on top of the situation in dealing the dengue outbreaks in the country.
In a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Malacanang will discuss the finding with Health Secretary Enrique Ona to ensure that his department has sufficient funds help dengue patients get free rapid test. Aside from the help being provided by the PCSO, Lacierda assured that the national government though the DOH, will also help in providing funds for the test. He also allayed fears that the dengue situation is getting worse stressing that the number of dengue cases has actually decreased. “We are just stating
the actual status of cases all over the Philippines- a decrease in dengue cases. But there is a peculiar increase this time on those affected areas but it does not mean that the DOH is not on top of the situation,” he said. Earlier, the Aquino government has enjoined local government units (LGUs) to help spread out the dengue traps in a bid to decrease the number of dengue cases in the country. According to Lacierda, the government is encouraging the LGUs and the communities to get dengue traps (Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap or the OL Trap) from the Department
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of Science and Technology (DOST). “It is actually very cheap and the dengue trap that the DOST developed has been proven to be effective,” he said. The OL Trap is a simple device that helps reduce the number of the denguecarrying female Aedes aegypti mosquito by attracting mosquitoes and killing their eggs trapped in the kit. Lacierda said the LGUs have an important role in the successful deployment of the technology as he acknowledged the effectiveness of the DOSTdeveloped OL Trap based on previous tests.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Aquino appoints Reyes as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
The Chief Executive signed the appointment papers of Reyes on August 16, 2011. Prior to his appointment, Reyes worked as vice president for Legal and Corporate Affairs of R.C. Silverio Group of Companies from 1975 to 1981.
He was a founder of a Makati-based law firm, Reyes Daway Lim Bernardo Lindo and Rosales. Reyes also served as chairman, director, president and/or corporate secretary of various corporations. He was also the board secretary
of National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation and chairman of the Board of Celebrity Sports Plaza. The newly appointed Supreme Court associate justice was also a finalist in the 1997 Awards for Judicial Excellence.
PHOTO RELEASES Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. stresses a point during the 5th Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit at the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center in Makati City on Thursday, August 18, where he was one of the resource speakers. Coloma discussed the Philippine Government’s Digital Strategy as a major tool in bringing government services closer to the people. (Bert Canilang/ NIB Photo) Presidential Communications Operation Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr.(right) receives a plaque of appreciation and blackberry seedling from Presidential Assistant for Climate Change Elisea Bebet Gozun (second from right) following his keynote message during the GP3 Conference dubbed as “Strategies for A Green Economy: Facing Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Growth” at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Friday. Looking on are Commissioner Naderev Sano of the Climate Change Commission (left) and Antonio Kalaw Jr., president of the Development Academy of the Philippines. (NIB photo/ Bert Canilang)
Friday, August 19, 2011
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Caraga Region by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, August 19 (PIA)- Gov. Johnny Pimentel of this province already got the nod from Malacañang for the release of P200M fund intended for the initial concreting of the unpaved roads section between Cortes and Lanuza towns stretching to more than 10 kilometers.
PIA-XIII Regional Director
Dengue cases in Surigao Sur under control, says PHO
Malacañang oks P200M for road concreting in Surigao del Sur by Greg Tataro, Jr.
Pimentel told Radyo ng Bayan, he took advantage of the 3-minuteaudience he had with Pres. Noynoy Aquino to follow-up said amount during the meeting with fellow governors in Manila a week ago. Gov. added, he also approached Budget Secretary Florencio Abad on the matter. The said road section is 1 of the 2 remaining unpaved portion left behind during the massive concreting of more than 200-
ABNER M. CAGA
kilometrs stretch of Nat’l H-way in the province known as Surigao del Sur-Davao Coastal Road (SDCR). Meanwhile, District Engr. Joseph Calderon of DPWH 1st District Engineering Office here, the other one is about 12-kilometer span located at the Northernmost town of Carrascal which lso needs a considerable Funding allocation. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, August 19 (PIA) - The Provincial Health Office here said dengue cases in Surigao del Sur is under control. According to gional Office, SuProvincial Health Of- rigao del Sur had ficer Dr. Romeo de ranked 4th among los Reyes, despite the provinces here of the Spurt of den- during the 1st segue cases in Region mester including the 1, 3, and Metro Ma- row of cities. nila, there had no, Surigao del significant cases of Sur had posted 57 dengue noted prov- cases during the ince-wide. said period but no H o w e v e r , casualty had been based on the data reported. (Radyo ng released by the De- Bayan Tandag/PIA partment of Health Surigao del Sur) (DOH) Caraga Re-
Out-of-School Youth Web Portal of the Phils’ turn-over ceremony set in Butuan by Jennifer P. Gaitsano
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) – The Caraga Youth Leaders’ Network (CYLN) Inc. with Honorable Representative Juan Ponce
Enrile, Jr. is currently working out its project entitled “Out-ofSchool Youth (OSY) Web Portal of the Philippines”. This online 7
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Out of school... from page 6...
project sets useful and imperative information and services on out-of-school youth issues and concerns accessible 24/7 around the globe. According to CYLN Chief Executive Officer Rex Ybañez, the OSY Web Portal is first ever in the history of the Philippines. “The project provides services like online training course on skills enhancement, online counseling, online English proficiency course, online youth group link all over the country, focus group education discus-
sions on adolescent health, premarital sex and others, and linkage to other partners and supporters on youth development affairs,” Ybañez said. Also, the portal serves as a store of information available for research purposes on out-of-school youth of the Philippines. The turn-over ceremony of the said project is favorably arranged by Rep. Enrile, Jr. which is set on Aug. 28, 9am at the CYLN’s office, this city. Government line agencies are invited to at-
tend the ceremony as well as private stakeholders and partners in media. This project will also serve as an eye-opener, and non-government organizations -domestic and abroad might also be of help to outof-school youth by extending some assistance. CYLN headed by Chief Executive Officer Rex Ybañez hopes that with this project, youth leaders as well as the general public will utilize and give their support. (PIA-Caraga)
OWWA to conduct probe by Robert E. Roperos on the recent killing of OFW in Kuwait BUTUAN CITY, August 19 (PIA) – Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will conduct investigation on the recent incident where a certain Juvy Montesoso, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur was killed on August 5, 2011 when she allegedly jumped on the sixth floor of the building. In a recent interview with PIA, OWWACaraga Regional Director Dr. Marietta Lumawag said OWWA will be conducting investigation to the case. Dr. Lumawag also said, authorities in Kuwait are already conducting investigation “and we are dependent of the rules and policies of the host country,” she said. Meanwhile, the OWWA chief of the region said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office where OWWA-Kuwait is located will see to it that the remains of the victim will be transported to Manila. Friday, August 19, 2011
Furthermore, Lumawag said OWWA will provide a half-way home in OWWA Manila to her family who will meet her in Manila. She said upon arrival in Bancasi Airport here, OWWA-Caraga will provide assistance in transporting the remains to her hometown. “We will also be providing counseling to members of her family, “ she said. Also, OWWA-Caraga will brief the victim’s family on the things to prepare “so that her insurance claims will be processed quickly,” Lumawag said. (PIA-Caraga)
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Socorro CeC launches wifi access by Melody Cocon BUTUAN CITY, August 19 (PIA) – The Community eCenter (CeC) of Socorro recently launched its wifi Internet access installations for households and institutions. This development comes in just around a year after Socorro established its CeC, one of the eleven Year 1 CeC pilots in the Caraga region. “Kahit mahirap pipiliting magsusumikap para sa kapakanan ng mamamayan. Yan ang alay ng Socorro CeC (It’s hard, but we are compelled to strive even harder for the sake of the people. That is what Socorro CeC offers and commits),” said Zenith Rivas, Socorro CeC manager of the wifi access which is now being enjoyed by a school, a rural bank, two Internet cafes and two households in the municipality.
Aside from providing residents with access to the Internet, the wifi access is also an income-generating project which will contribute to the sustainability of the CeC. Residents and institutions who subscribes need only to pay one thousand pesos (P1,000) each month to the CeC. The CeC also exerts efforts to facilitate improved and convenient services to the residents. It offers basic Internet and business ser-
vices, and capability building projects such as computer literacy. It also assists job seekers who do not have personal computers at home to access employment opportunities via the Internet from 5:00pm to 2:00am. With this development, Socorro will finally link itself firmly to the rest of the world while generating enough gains to keep the municipality sustainable and operational. (NCC Field Office/PIACaraga)
LMP nat’l prexy, 15 Cavite mayors to visit Surigao Sur by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, August 19 (PIA) - Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, along with 15 mayors of his home province of Cavite is set for a three-day visit to Surigao del Sur on August 24-26. Engr. Merlyn Baure, spots as proposed in his Cortes, Carrascal, Cantilan, Provincial Planning and De- itinerary. Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, velopment Office (PPDO) Revilla and company Tandag City, Bislig City, Hichief in Surigao del Sur an- will practically travel the natuan, and Britania, San nounced recently that Re- whole stretch of the province Agustin due to pre-arrange villa and company will have from North to South except appointments. (Radyo ng some important engage- for the southernmost tip mu- Bayan Tandag/PIA Suments here with his coun- nicipality of Lingig and some rigao del Sur) terpart-mayors side by side interior municipalities. with tours in known scenic Stopovers will be at
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Western Western Mindanao Mindanao
NOEMI B. EDAGA PIA-IX Regional Director
Mayor Co signs EO 132 institutionalizing the Pagadian City Public Employment Service Office by Alma L. Tingcang
PAGADIAN CITY, 19 August (PIA) - Confronted with the problem of out-migration mainly because of lack of job opportunities in the city, local government officials here saw the need to institutionalize the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). It was in July 12 during the 40th regular session of the Pagadian City Council presided by Vice Mayor Romeo Pulmones when the Committee on Good Government, Ethics and Civil Service passed Resolution No. 2011-0346, “A Resolution approving Draft Ordinance No. 016 entitled: “An Ordinance Creating The Pagadian City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) as a Division under the City Mayor’s Office; Providing Its Personnel Complement; Defining Its Duties, Functions and Responsibilities; and Allocating Funds Therefore.” Having complied with all the required processes, following the determination of its necessity and practicability, it was enough to merit the council’s final action and approval. Hence, the draft ordinance was unanimously approved as City Ordinance No. 2K11-320. For his part, the good mayor, Hon. Samuel S. Co then signed Executive Order 132 to fulfill his commitment to help Pagadian job seekers find livelihood and suitable employment. Under Executive Order 132, the PESO is now a division under the Office of the City Mayor to be manned by competent personnel headed by a PESO Manager, equivalent to the position of
Friday, August 19, 2011
Supervising Administrative Officer and other personnel as may be necessary. However, in the meantime that no personnel can be hired, the same may be pooled from among the qualified employees of the City government or through contract services. The PESO is tasked to help address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills among the city’s labor force, lack of adequate information on employment opportunities and lack of job placement for job seekers and applicants. It will serve as a referral and information center for different employment opportunities in the city and outside both in the public and private sectors, provide a venue where job seekers could explore simultaneously with various employment options and actually seek assistance. The PESO will likewise undertake skills and enhancement training in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Pagadian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry and other government agencies and nongovernment organizations which have programs to develop human resources. Further, it will coordinate with various employers in the city and establish linkage with those outside of the city, for submission on regular basis, list of job vacancies in their establishments in order to facilitate the exchange of information between employers and job seekers, and recruitment assistance to employers. It is also tasked to develop and administer in coordination with the PESO, testing and evaluation instruments for effective job selection, training and counseling, provide employment counseling , career guidance and value development activities. Lastly it will conduct job fairs and livelihood bazaars in coordination with employers and financial institution. With this new era of good governance, we are assured that this will take us to greater heights and assured of better chances and opportunities, thereby addressing not only the problem of unemployment but alleviate the standard of living of Pagadianons as well. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)
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Lamitan City launches Citizen’s Charter
by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 19 (PIA) – The city government of Lamitan unveiled to the public Thursday its Citizen’s Charter at the city hall, which outlines local government’s frontline services and procedures to better serve the public. City Information Officer Felipe Fernando disclosed that the creation of the Citizen’s Charter was highlighted during a simple ceremony, which showcased the local government’s frontline services, along with the performance pledge and the mission and vision of the local government. Present during the launching were Civil Service Commission-ARMM Acting Director Cleofe Gilayo, DILG City Local Government Officer Ummicalsum M. Sali, and the office caretaker of the Civil Service Field office-ARMM for Basilan Roger V. Gumandao. On behalf of Mayor Roderick Furigay, who was on official trip, Councilor Joaquin Puri Jr. delivered his message. Meanwhile, in her remarks to the
city’s charter, CLGO Sali gave emphasis on public access and accountability of the office personnel. Director Gilayo further conducted an orientation on ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Act) during the program to level off the understanding between the client and the frontline personnel. The Department of Interior and Local Government has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2008-164, dated November 4, 2008 to strictly adhere to Republic Act 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. The creation of a Citizen’s Charter for every government agency and local government unit is one government effort that would eliminate bureaucratic red tape, avert graft and 11
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Lamitan City... from page 10...
corruption practices and to improve the efficiency of delivery of government frontline services. In his closing remarks, City Administrator Danilo V. Alvaro said that “Lamitan has been recommended for excellence rating during the visit of the regional director of the DILG weeks ago.” He also warned some of the employees who were already “eat-
en by the [bad] system” before and are still currently working with the city government `should begin correcting themselves. Alvaro cited his experience working in a private company, saying that they have a “perfect anti-red tape system with only two or three signatories and still the company runs very well”. The unveiling cer-
emony was headed by Hon. Joaquin P. Puri, Jr. and assisted by Director Cleofe M. Gilayo and Ummicalsum Sali. They were joined in by other city councilors present, namely: Jessica Flores, Clarito San Juan, Ajid Omar Dalawis and Donel M. Ramos, including the different department heads of Lamitan City. (FMF-CIO/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)
BOI conducts investment promotion seminar in Dipolog by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) - Around 30 participants consisting of local officials from the cities/municipalities belonging to the Dipolog-Dapitan-Polanco-KatipunanRoxas-Manukan (DDPKaRoMa) Growth Corridor as well as representatives of the national government agencies (NGAs), business sector and other stakeholders have joined the three-day investment promotion seminar held here recently.
Ms. Lourdes Ellen Kionisala, head of the Board of Investment (BOI)Cagayan de Oro Extension Office served as the main lecturer-facilitator in the seminar, providing techniques in investment generation and servicing. Kionisala told the
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participants particularly those coming from the LGUs that they should start building the image of their respective cities/ towns to attract investors. She said that giving incentives to investors is one way of attracting
investments. This may be in the form a tax holiday or tax credit. The participants were also asked to identify the positive conditions and characteristics of their respective cities/ municipalities that make them attractive to businessmen. A common trait among the municipalities which is considered a come-on to investors is the very low crime incidence. Terror groups are also absent in the area. Two vice mayors and a municipal councilor religiously attended
the seminar. They were vice mayors Enriquita U. Winters and Leonor O. Alberto of Manukan and Roxas towns, respectively, and Councilor Erlinda Zaragosa of Polanco municipality. The seminar was an initiative of the DDPKaRoMa Project Management Office headed by Maria Teresa B. de Jesus in partnership with the Local Government Support Program-Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
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Northern Mindanao
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB PIA-X Regional Director
Senator Koko visits hometown/ spells out priority plans by Jorie C. Valcorza CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 19 (PIA) – Newly seated Senator Aquilino Martin Pimentel III visited his hometown, here, yesterday, for the first since assuming the post, for a day of thanksgiving.
He was accompanied by his mother, Ma. Lourdes Tuyor-Pimentel and wife, Jewel May Lobaton, a Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title-holder who represented the country in the Miss Universe Pageant in 1998, among his other relatives, in a mass at the St. Augustine Cathedral. The 1990 Philippines Bar Topnotcher, Senator “KoKo” as he is fondly called, wowed the Cagayan de Oro media after he announced, in a press conference, that the remaining constituency development fund (CDF) of former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri for the year, will all be poured into Mindanao, including this city. Having gone through lot things in search of truth and justice, the Senator admitted that finances is one of the things that one should really prepare to hurdle
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when filing an election protest. “It’s quite expensive to file a protest and this is one aspect of electoral reform that I’m interested to look into, how to turn it as an ‘effective remedy,’ by lessening the roll of money and time, that politicians who think of committing election frauds will think twice for call to shame,” he said. Pimentel shared that he and his staff are in no pressure to out-rightly file some bills that are half-baked, as he needs more time to review some of the priority draft bills which includes justice on electoral reforms and the local government code. The Senator also assured to support bills filed by the two (2) district representatives of the City, namely, Congressmen Rufus Rodriguez and Jose Benjamin
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Benaldo. “I am free to be their counterpart at the Upper House Senate to ensure that their bills will be carried through at the shortest time possible,” he said. When asked about his position on the ongoing peace negotiation with the MILF and the government, he answered that he supports all efforts to achieve peace and urged “that talk, talk and all talks about peace is far better that shooting wars.” He also sounded a call on the part of the government negotiating panel not to commit something that is not feasible under the Constitution, so that no one is misleading anybody and the commitment of the executive to work on the amendment of the constitution is enough. (PIA 10)
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Dengue cases in Bukidnon dips 80% by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Aug.19 (PIA) – A notable decrease of dengue cases here was recorded in the surveillance post of the Bukidnon Provincial Health Office (PHO). This, after Governor Alex Calingasan has ordered precautionary measures to combat the disease through interpersonal and social communication that encourage community participation for positive behavioral changes into dengue prevention and control programs. Dr. Teresita Damasco, provincial health officer, said last year’s surveillance posted 1,505 dengue cases. “This year, however, we have recorded 275 dengue cases, from January up till now. It dramatically dropped by more than 80 percent compared to the same period last year,” she said. Damasco attributed this to the intensive Friday, August 19, 2011
information, education and communication campaign through cleanliness and sanitation operation by the local government units and civil society groups in the entire province. Records also reveal that dengue fever claimed nineteen (19) lives in 2010 and only one (1) in July this year—most of them children. Dr. Sulpicio Henry Legaspi, Chief of the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center, meanwhile, said late consultation and treatment caused the death of aforesaid children. He said, in a radio interview, that the day-biting mosquitoes called aedes aegypti which commonly thrive on
clean and stagnant waters, cause dengue hemorrhagic fever. “These mosquitoes are most active two (2) hours after sunrise and two (2) hours before sunset or between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are of the low-flying type, flying only about two (2) feet high, thus, most of those infected with dengue are children,” he said. Dengue’s signs and symptoms include joint and muscle pain, abdominal pain, skin rashes, pain behind the eyes, high fever that may last to seven days, and nosebleeding when fever starts to subside. “Controlling dengue is a collective effort among homeowners. Our
community must recognize that dengue will not go away on its own and fogging can never eliminate all the breeding sites for mosquitoes,” he explained. “Thus, we urge the incorporation of social communication and community participation, hoping that the declining trend will continue,” he further said. Legaspi said dengue is still a serious threat to health and must never be underestimated. “Despite the low number of cases recorded, the next few weeks will also be critical because dengue peaks during August to September, the perfect time it spreads in other areas,” he said. (PIA-1O)
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DOE to grant loans to new oil industry players by Rutchie C. Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 19 (PIA) – The Department of Energy (DOE) will be granting a Loan Fund Assistance Program (LFAP) to new players in the downstream oil industry, after it approved Department Circular No. 2011-03-0005, last March 24. Director Manuel M. Llaneza of the DOE-Mindanao Field Office (MF) said this new circular has amended some vital provisions of Section 14 of DC98-03-004, entitled “ Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act 8479, Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998,” as amended by DC 200306-007. He said per DC-2011-03-0005, the following loan purposes shall be eligible for funding under the LFAP: Establishment/Construction of New Gasoline Station/Auto LPG Station to include purchase and installation of equipment to be used for the operation of a gasoline station / auto-LPG station. Purchase of dispensing pumps, underground tanks, filters, compressors, and purchase and installation of basic tools and equipment related to health, safety and environmental protection, wheel aligner/balancer, engine analyzer, fire extinguishers, water tanks, oil and water separator. Site development, civil/electro-mechanical/ erection works including but not limited to construction and concreting of pump islands, perimeter wall, forecourt, driveway and other similar works and purchase of brand new LPG cylinders and purchase and installation of other similar equipment as may be approved by DOE. Also eligible for loan funding is the improvement and maintenance of existing gasoline station to include purchase and installation of equipment as an addition to or the replacement of old equipment installed in the gasoline station. Purchase of major equipment and auxiliaries, such as, auto-LPG /liquid petroleum products (LPP) and relocation of the tank from above ground to underground. Excavation, purchase and installation cost of under ground tanks’ and other similar costs, for gasoline stations with above-ground tanks still existing prior to the effectivity of this Circular. Renovation and additional construction of facilities, building, canopy, service bay, forecourt, engine
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room, roll-on/twin post lifter, pump islands, and other similar facilities, as well as perimeter walls, forecourt, driveway and other similar works. Purchase of additional fuel/non-fuel petroleum prod ucts from suppliers of good standing, purchase of brand new LPG cylinders and purchase and installation of other similar equipment, as may be approved by DOE-OIMB. Llanesa said refinancing loan proceeds acquired from other banks that were utilized in the gasoline station/auto-LPG station business is also eligible for funding under the LFAP. As to equity, a minimum of 20 percent of the total project cost, including existing land and improvements made by the borrower, shall serve as equity of said borrower. He said all eligible projects can avail of the 100 percent loanable amount provided that such amount shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost or Php10 million, whichever is lower. The maximum term of the loan shall be 10 years and payments of principal shall be made monthly, provided, that the first installment shall be due within six (6) months from the date of initial release of the loan proceeds. For borrowers with existing gasoline/auto-LPG station, whose sole purpose of the loan is for the purchase of petroleum products, the loanable amount shall be based on the average monthly sales volume, not to exceed Php2.0 million, payable in two (2) years. Meanwhile, in order to qualify for the loan, applicants must undergo and complete a DOE seminar/ training program on how to run/manage and maintain a gasoline or Auto-LPG station/outlet. Seminar/Training fee is Php5,000, exclusive of accommodation. For further details about the loan fund assistance program, slot reservation, venue and schedule of the seminar/training, interested applicants are advised to call/contact the DOE-MFO Davao City at tel. No. (082) 221-0778 or send email to gerochedoe@yahoo.com. (DOE/PIA-10)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Bangko Sentral to conduct Financial Education Expo in Cag. de Oro by Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, August 19 (PIA) - In its bid to educate and protect financial consumers, the Financial Consumer Affairs Group (FCAG) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to conduct a Financial Education (Fin-ED) Expo on September 28-29, 2011, here. In a letter to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Teresita P. Lisama, Acting Deputy Director and FCAG head, said the Fin-Ed Expo is a component program of the BSP Economic and Financial Learning Program which integrates all the outreach education activities of the BSP under one flagship program. With a theme “Financial Education: Building Block for Stronger Economy,” the two-day expo will feature lectures and learning booths covering topics on the Philippine Financial System (PFS), FCAG/Consumer Protection, Currency Concerns, Personal Finance, Financial Products, and Financial Regulators. A PFS booth will highlight the structure of the country’s financial system, the importance of the financial market and its players, and the financial regulators, as well as, the various financial institutions it regulates. On the other hand, the functions of the FCAG and its consumer assistance mecha-
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nism and financial education programs showcasing the various primers and advisories that the group developed in line with its consumer protection and financial education advocacy will also be introduced in the FCAG/Consumer Protection booth. The proper physical handling of money, the importance of coin circulation, and the BSP’s clean note policy will be highlighted in the Currency Concerns booth while the basic concepts of personal finance, the benefits of saving early, the steps in financial planning, and the risk-return trade-off will be introduced in the Personal Finance booth. One booth will also feature the various savings and investment products available in the financial market and the mechanics in availing such products. Another booth, the Financial Regulators’ Booth, will showcase the financial education and consumer protection initiatives and published advisories, as well as, the other
materials and information provided by representatives of BSP partners in the Financial Sector Forum such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Insurance Commission (IC), and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC). Meanwhile, all the produced primers, advisories, and “Ingat Tips” on financial services will be displayed in the Primer Hub booth where each participant may obtain a copy of available information material displayed. Several interactive activities related to the different modules presented in the lectures will also be featured in the Primer Hub. With the expo, the BSP hopes to promote greater awareness and understanding of essential economic and financial issues to help the public acquire the necessary knowledge and skills towards making informed economic and financial choices and decisions. (PIA-10)
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Iponan river bank is 3rd bamboo planting area of TF BAMBOO-3E by Rutchie C. Aguhob CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 19 (PIA) – The Iponan River Bank in Iponan, this city, has become the third area for planting bamboo by Task Force Best Action for Mobilizing Barangay Organizations for Opportunities in Education, Environment and Entrepreneurship (BAMBO 3E). A multi-sectoral approach to enhance environmental education and entrepreneurship formation among children, BAMBOO 3E is a year-long activity that commits and supports bamboo growing and caring project along riverbanks. Regional Director Luz Almeda of the Dept. of Education (DepEd), region 10, said the task force, actually, advocates for bamboo to be planted along the riverbanks because of its potential for preventing soil erosion and entreprenueral value. Aiming to address the concern on climate change by the elementary, secondary and tertiary schools of the region, the activity have been condu cted in Mambuaya River Bank during the first quarter and at Gusa River Bank in the second
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quarter. Almeda said TF BAMBOO-3E wants to teach the students how to take care of the environment by educating them how to plant trees, grow them and then develop their entrepreneural skills using the bamboo as a means to sustain their lives. “In fact we have arranged the tree growing activities along river banks near a school to ensure that they are cared for by the students, their parents, their teachers, and the community,” among others. For his part, Anthony Brilleta, Iponan Punong Barangay (Village Chief) welcomed the activity and committed to support the TF BAMBOO-3E by mobilizing, not only the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA), but also the whole community in the area to
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help in the project. Meanwhile, TF BAMBOO-3E is a flagship project of DepEd-10, in partnership with other government agencies, local government units, the media and other stakeholders, who believe in the worthy cause of adapting to climate change. As TF Chair, DepEd provides manpower for the planting and growing of the bamboo seedlings and making the tree guards to ensure their growth from destructive animals. On the other hand, the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST), as Vice-Chair, provides the technology for the processing of the bamboo trees into school furniture, such as, school desks, blackboards, book shelves, book stands, book ends, etc.
Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the local government units (LGU), identifies the planting areas, coordinates with the land owners and the nearby riverbanks to secure protection and maintenance of the bamboo growing process. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Dept. of Agriculture (DA) procvides technical assistance in procurement of seedlings and tree growing. Also included in the TF are the Dept. of Tourism (DOT), Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the information, education and advocacy drive of the project. (PIA-10)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Southern Mindanao
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA PIA-IX Regional Director
Pasalubong center to be launched for Davao visitors by Carina L. Cayon
DAVAO CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) -- Visitors to Davao will experience effortless pasalubong shopping, as the city will offer a one-stopshop of Davao Region’s best quality products. In time for the Kadayawan Festival, Davao guests and visitors could start buying authentic Davao products on August 20 at the Davao Ecocrafts Tindahang Pinoy, at the Aldevinco Shopping Center along Claro M. Recto Avenue. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Tourism will launch the pasalubong center tomorrow, which will showcase the best locally-made goods such as the products from the One Town One Product (OTOP) program. DTI Davao City director Teolulu Pasawa said the center will carry products ranging from processed foods, gift items and stationeries, fashion accessories, furnishings and home decors, furniture and other items typically found in souvenir shops. Pasawa told the media during the Club 888 Forum that Davao Ecocrafts, Inc. will operate the pasalubong center which is located at the Aldevinco Shopping Center. Friday, August 19, 2011
The DTI and DOT partnership with Davao Ecocrafts is part of the Private Public Partnership program of the present administration, he stated. The collaborative effort, he added, also involves an accreditation program of the DOT in terms of customer service and visual merchandising standards. Pasawa also announced another PPP endeavor of DTI involving the Product Procurement Ordering System project, a marketing strategy for Davao products. He explained that the project would intend to put up “an ordering mechanism for Davao guests and visitors which shall be institutionalized with the hotel owners and tour operators.” The project will be launched in the evening of August 20 at Marco Polo Hotel, where DTI and the hotel owners and operators will forge a formal partnership in a Memorandum of Agreement. (PIA-11/ Carina L. Cayon)
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OWWA 11 offers repatriation assistance to OFWs in Syria by Carina L. Cayon
DAVAO CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the region has called on the kin of Overseas Filipino Workers working in Syria who may wish for voluntary repatriation to coordinate with the agency for assistance.
OWWA regional head Zenobia Caro urged the families and relatives to visit the OWWA office to also have their family member/s be included in the agency’s head count of OFWs affected by the escalating tensions in Syria. “So far, wala pang relatives ng workers sa Syria who came to our office,” Caro told the media during the Club 888 Forum Wednesday. A free call would be provided for the relatives to be able to check on their kin from Syria, she said, however adding that her office is still waiting for the final directive from Manila. Caro said that the Philippine government has raised the crisis alert level in Syria to level 3
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due to the continuing political tension in said country. She stated that a voluntary repatriation is being offered to the affected OFWs “at the government’s expense.” According to Caro, there are a total of 1,082 household service workers in Syria per OWWA regional office’s data base. However she said, 634 are active members, while 448 have become inactive. She explained that the inactive members would either mean that they have not renewed their employment or they have not reported that they have returned to the foreign country. “This is why we are calling all the relatives of our OFWs in Syria
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to come forward to inform us that there family member is in Syria,” Caro stressed. Meanwhile, Caro said her office has provided relief assistance of P10,000 each to 33 OFWs who were repatriated from Libya. She said the workers also applied for a livelihood assistance of P10,000 each, and some have availed of the skills training. She bared that staff from the overseas head center has been posted in Libya to check on other OFWs who decided to stay in the country. “Para puntuhan ang mga naiwan (in Libya), if they’re willing to go home,” Caro stated. (PIA-11/ Carina L. Cayon)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Central Mindanao
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA
PIA-XII Regional Director
4 inmates get temporary freedom under prov’l LGU program by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, Aug 19 (PIA) – For the first time in Philippine history, a provincial government pays for the cash bonds of inmates. Four inmates of the South Cotabato Provincial Rehabilitation and Detention Center were temporarily released from jail after the provincial government paid P42,000 for their cash bonds. Given their release papers during the launching of the province’s Half-Way Out Program and release-on-bail ceremonies on Wednesday were Allan Zapanta, Rommel Sagun, Emmanuel Siga, and Helen Alojado. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said the provincial government implemented the program “to help inmates who have been allowed by court to post bail were unable to do so for lack of financial capability.” “We also want to decongest our provincial jail,” At present, the detention center, which was built for only 300 inmates has 893 residents.
Under the program, the provincial government sources out cash bonds of not more than P10,000 to qualified inmates. It also provides jobs for the inmates on bail under condition that part of their salary will be used to repay the amount, which in turn will be used as a revolving fund to help other inmates. To implement this, the provincial LGU has partnered with the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) and the provincial warden particularly in the identification of possible candidates and thorough background investigation and psychological evaluation. The grant is open only to inmates who are facing charges on cases where the sentences do not exceed six years of incarceration; also, they should not be recidivist inmates. Task Force Half-Way Out also assures that the inmates
have families and communities who will receive them once outside the jail. Zapanta and Sagun are being charged of theft and Siga for qualified theft. Alojado is facing estafa case. Their release papers were issued by RTC Branch 24 Judge Rogelio Ayco. While out on bail, the recipients are required to report to the Provincial and Probation Office every third Wednesday of each month. “Finally, I can go back to my family,” Helen Alojado said. “ I am very grateful for Gov. Pingoy for giving us this opportunity.” Alojado has been jailed for five years. While in the provincial jail she underwent several livelihood trainings and finished high school under DepEd’s Alternative Learning System. Gov. Pingoy said the four inmates will being work 20
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4 inmates... from page 19...
ing at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital or other interested private institutions starting September. PPA officer-in-charge Rodrigo Manuel called Gov. Pingoy as the “Father of the Half-Way Out Program” because in the entire country,
South Cotabato is the first province to implement a program that bails out inmates. “The Half-Way Out Program means that you are given provided with a restorative justice. If you are innocent, you are given justice but if you are guilty, the program
give justice to the community by giving you opportunity to amend the crimes you have committed,” he told the recipients during the ceremonies. Assessment and evaluation for the second and third batches of qualified inmates is underway. (PIA 12)
Business group confident with local authorities, agrees blast was isolated case by Allan Freno TACURONG CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) – Following a car bomb blast that rocked Tacurong City on August 15, the business sector manifested its full support to the local government unit and the local police. The statement was issued by the business sector during the meeting of the Tacurong City Peace and Order Council (POC) meeting a day after the blast. Mayor Lina Montilla presided over the POC meeting. Mr. Martin Te, leader of the FilipinoChinese Chamber of Commerce said that the explosion did not sway their trust to the local authorities. He also concurred to the police and military report that the incident was an isolated case and not an act of terrorism.
He said that the business group saw how the city government and local police exerted effort to maintain peace and security in Tacurong. A high military official said during the POC meeting that the blast suspect did not intend to just hurt anybody because the car that exploded was parked far from a crowded area. “We cannot consider the blast as an act of terrorism because it avoided incurring collateral damage”, the official said. In the report of Superintendent Gil-
berto Tuzon, Chief of Police of Tacurong, he said that based on investigation, the PNP is ruling out terrorism in the incident. He also cited the plain view policy of the PNP as a reason why the improvised explosive devise inside the car that exploded was not detected. The car bomb blast was the first to happen in the city. Erwin Garcia, president of Tacurong City Chamber of Commerce, said that the business sector is still very much willing to support the efforts of the local authori-
ties in restoring tight security in the city. Amidst the volatile condition within the city, Mayor Montilla assured the public and the business community that the city government will do everything in its power to prevent another untoward violence in the city. “Together we will move on, and together we will not let anything like this happen again”, the mayor said. Mayor Montilla also expressed her gratitude to the police and military for the continued support 21
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Business group... from page 20...
they are giving to the local government. She particularly thanked the PNP for deploying additional forty-eight policemen to Tacurong a day af-
ter the explosion. “The deployment of additional police force in our city will be a huge help in boosting our police checkpoints and
mobile patrol around the city”, the mayor added. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/LGU-Tacurong City)
Health officials warn public not to by Dani Doguiles trust “tandok” as anti-rabies treatment
KORONADAL CITY, Aug 19 (PIA) - South Cotabato’ Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has warned the public not to rely on the traditional “tandok method as a post exposure anti-rabies treatment. IPHO disease surveillance officer Cecil Lorenzo said the traditional method is ineffective and poses health hazards to individuals supposed. This traditional methods involves slicing animal bite wounds using a blade and forcing the blood to come out either by pinching or sucking the wound. “All four rabies cases in the province this year all underwent “tandok” treatment and did not undergo post exposure immunization,” Lorenzo said. “This is proof that the “tandok” method is not effective.” Lorenzo was referring to the four confirmed deaths from rabies – two from T’boli town, 1 from Upper Sepaka, Surallah and one from Siloton, Lake Sebu – from January to first week of August. A person undergoing the traditional method is also susceptible to other infections such as tetanus. Instead of getting the traditional treatment, Lorenzo advised the public to immediately was bite wounds with soap and running water. “Sucking blood from the bite wounds is prohibited because this gives an opening for the rabies virus to infect the person sucking the blood,” she said. This is Friday, August 19, 2011
a very critical entry because the mouth is nearer to the brain which is the primary organ that the rabies virus attacks, she explained. After washing the bite wound, the victim is advised go to the Animal Bite Center for immediate post-exposure prophylaxis. Immediate post-exposure treatment is necessary because once the rabies virus has began infecting the victim, death is certain, she pointed out. She assured that the Animal Bite Center of the SCPH has enough supply of anti-rabies vaccines for anybody who needs post-exposure treatment. Just recently, the center in partnership with the local government of Surallah, the provincial government and the provincial government administered post-exposure immunization to at least 60 individuals who slaughtered and consumed a rabid dog and a horse that became sick after having bitten by that rabid dog. They conducted a massive information drive to immunize those who have eaten the animals because cooking the meat of a rabid animal does assure that it becomes free of the virus. (PIA 12)
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