One Mindanao - August 23, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO

Today’s News...

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

COVER STORY : Discovering the Merloquete treasure

Northern Mindanao

NATIONAL • Press Statement of Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on the Arrival of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar • Aquino cites need for PTV-4 to give Filipinos a public service network • Aquino says acquisition of new patrol ship depicts the government’s concern for defense capability • Aquino says PHL should not be blamed for the misdeed of one man in last year’s hostagetragedy in Manila • Aquino says gov’t will acquire more equipment to improve defense capability of military • Aquino announces proposal for creation of ‘super body’ to ensure delivery of safe and potable water

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

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 (SOCSKSARGEN) 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 Marloquete Falls in Zamboanga City. ONE MINDANAO

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • DOLE 12 gives livelihood assistance, wheelchair to residents in far-flung LGU • Barangay-based enterprise gears for full operations • SRS orientation on full swing in Koronadal City • ARMM to evaluate early recovery program • Cebuano news: Gensan hugot ang preparasyon alang sa 13th Tuna Festival Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • PIA-Caraga, RMN to conduct bloodletting activity in Butuan on Sunday • OWWA-Caraga launches “Operation Syria Libreng Tawag” • DPWH eyes better roadside management in Siargao Island • 1st Caraga Mining Sympo, safety competition, a resounding success Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • PNP Dipolog adjudged Best Component Police Station in Mindanao • MILF factions reject ARMM ‘buy-out formula’ on disputed land • 57 PPP Beneficiaries to get their gasoline allowance next week • Policy forum on RP-RH bill slated in Dapitan on Aug. 26 • Zambo Norte to benefit DA’s certified corn seeds distribution in region 9 Northern Mindanao • DOH-NorMin intensifies anti-dengue campaign despite a 76.57% drop of dengue cases in the region • PHO Bukidnon warn public anew vs. leptospirosis • 21 NorMin LGU’s receive the “seal of good housekeeping” • 27 displaced HSW’s from Mis. Occ. avail of OWWA’s Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay program • Army’s 8IB CARES program benefit thousands of indigents in Mis. Or. hinterlands Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Peace and dev’t efforts better than waging war • Mindanao has 9 of the country’s 15 poorest provinces - NSCB • Campaign vs. corruption good for business • Statistics bare Mindanao MDG’s state on curbing poverty • RDR spells out initial PEOPLE accomplishments

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Cover Story:

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez PIA 9- Zamboanga City

Discovering the Merloquete treasure

A “piece of heaven” in Zamboanga

iscovering a “piece of heaven” right at your very own place where you practically grew up and never knew it existed until you finally step foot on it is more than just amazing, it’s jaw-dropping and breathtakingly surprising...maybe it could be compared to dreaming …dreaming of an enchanted place and wanting to keep that moment as long as you like. “How could such a wonderful creation of God be not recognized and shared all these years? Like a majestic queen, the wondrous falls stands tall in between two mighty mountains. She cascades cool and crystal-clear water. She sends calming and soothing sound of an angry but velvety- thundering water as it falls down from her bosom. Mr. Joel Baysa of DENR says, if his assessment is right, the Merloquet Falls have been in existence long before we were even born. It means the breezy falls have been there for centuries! But why on earth have we not heard stories about its existence? Why have our grand parents not spoken about it? Was it because they too have not discovered this amazing treasure? There were very few stories about the falls but majority of the populace did not believe that

the falls truly existed. For centuries, she lies “untouched”, undeveloped and unknown to many. But Oct. 23, 2010 changed it all…… Discovering the Merloquete Falls After a not so “well-organized” preparation and coordination, more than 60 adventure enthusiasts-(members and guests) of Zamboanga Adventure Tourism and Eco-Recreation Society (ZATERS) (coming from the national government agencies, local government units, local media, private individuals and entities, young professionals and students) decided on Oct. 23 to visit the falls for the first time. Not knowing what lies ahead, the group excitedly met early that morning. Each one 4

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Discovering the Merloquete... from page 3

packed his/her own “baon” and shelved out a meager amount of P300 per head coming from the participant’s own pocket for the bus fare and snacks for the five- member Red Cross Medical Team and five police escorts. Other participants took their own family vehicle. After almost two hours of ride, taking the city proper-barangay Vitali-barangay Sibulao route, we finally reached our destination half past ten that morning. As soon as we arrive at Sitio Merloquete, the bus driver literally told us to go down as he cannot anymore trust his vehicle to cross the road as he was afraid that we might get stuck in the mud. (“lodo pandayan”clay like mud). And so we began our trek to Merloquet Falls. The sun was scorching high, almost blinding and painful. (Of course we were prepared with our sun glasses and visors). Everyone was sweating. The trek made all of us direly thirsty. Thanks to Coca-cola–Zamboanga for providing us with 120 bottles of 500ml Viva mineralized wa-

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ter. It helped us quenched our thirst. We continued our trek taking extra careful as the terrain was slippery because it rained the night before our Merloquete activity. The way to the falls may be described as rough, downhill, rolling terrain. It was almost like going down a 45 degree angle. There was nothing to hold on to in case we roll down the hill (thank goodness it never happened) Our guide told us that we need to patiently go down the hill if we want to see the falls situated at the foot of the mountain (in the middle of the almost forested area or Sitio Merloquet). All of us were “first timers” in that falls, except for our guide, so it took as more than an hour of trekking before we found the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.” We knew at that time that we were nearing the falls as we hear the “musical” sound of powerful surging waters, as if it were having a duet with the strident chirping birds, enticing us to move quicker and faster. We started to feel the 5

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Discovering the Merloquete... from page 4

zephyr and smell of nature, the smell of trees surrounding us. And in an instant, she appeared right before our naked eyes! A splendid beauty nesting gracefully as she boasts of her strong “down fall” of waters. We finally found what we were looking for! We saw what we came for.! We were all smitten by nature’s wonder, of God’s creation. “It was all worth it. Nakakawala ng pagod” said one of the participants. Immediately upon arrival, almost everyone plunged into the water, took a swim while others enjoyed the “hard massage” of the water falls on their backs as they enjoyed bathing. Others had their “infinite pictorials” and some further explored the area while the rest enjoyed bird watching using their binoculars.

“I never knew na meron pala tayong ganito ka gandang falls dito sa Zamboanga” echoed one participant. “Totoo pala na may lugar na Merloquete at may falls pa? Dati I thought parang katatawan lang sya na parang figure of speech. Na it’s what u said to a person kapag he is from a far flung barangay, so sasabihin mong taga merloquete xa . Yun pala, totoo na may Merloquet! Another participant commented. “Thank you so much for the opportunity of adventure tourism while we still can” warmly said one of the three senior citizens who were with us during the Merloquet adventure. “We are looking forward to joining the group again on its next adventure” she exclaimed. The group packed up 2:30 that afternoon 6

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Discovering the Merloquete... from page 5

and arrived at the city proper at about 6 in the evening. It was the trekked going up that slowed us down as we were all exhausted. We literally have to climb our way back up. I even got my left ankle sprained. It was black and blue and swollen and terribly painful. But I don’t mind having to suffer from such pain, it was nothing compared to what great feeling and experience Merloquet Falls had brought me. It could have been not that memorable without the sprain! (hahahah) “Even if I have to go back here a hundred times, and experience the pagod at hirap over and over again, di ako magsasawa.” Said mikey of National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). Sharing the discovery, spreading the good news It seems that the group could not get enough and could not stand not telling the whole world “that we got a piece of heaven here in Zamboanga” so ZATERS started telling every one about Merloquete Falls. Mindanao Cable TV had the entire activity covered and will be shown over its Community Channel 18 for the entire month of November. We also posted our pictures all over the net, facebook, youtube etc., sharing a piece of

Zamboanga to the rest of the globe. Sending message that we also have good things to offer here in Zamboanga City and not just the sensationalized news on terrorism, bombings, kidnappings and Abu Sayyaf that you hear or see on TV, radio and papers. Zamboanga is far more than that, if you only give us a chance to show you more of what Zamboanga is made of. Merloquete Falls Route Merloquet Falls is located at Sitio Merloquet, Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City. It is situated in the private area owned by a certain Gregorio family. Mr. Joel Baysa of DENR said There are two ways to reach the area. One is by taking “Route 1” which is from the City proper to Brgy. Tagasilay ≈57 km; then from Brgy. Tagasilay to Sitio Merloquet ≈t 5 km to Acejas Residence to Merloquet Falls ≈ 500 m ROUTE 2 City proper to Brgy. Vitali ≈ 68 km; Brgy. Vitali to Brgy. Sibulao ≈ 8 km; Brgy. Sibulao to Merloquet Falls ≈ 1 km. Mr. Baysa who was also with us during the adventure said, “we found bird species within the Merloquet Falls area such as pigeons, doves, kul-kul, king fisher and coucal” The Merloquet Waterfalls is subdivided 7

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Discovering the Merloquete... from page 6

into two; the lower level falls with an estimated Height of 10m and a Width of 13m and the upper level falls (just above the lower falls) with an estimated Height of 5 m and a Width of 8m. Baysa said at the bottom of the upper level falls is a 10feet deep pool where one could freely swim. “Just be careful with the “mysterious hole” at its left corner. Meron pong hole doon na malakas ang current na parang hihigupin ka” warned Baysa “This is an unexplored area so di pa namin alam kung saan dumadaloy yung tubig sa “mysterious hole. Possibility may passage papunta sa cave or kung saan pa man, kasi nakadikit yung hole mismo sa mountain” Baysa theorized. Needed development When asked what could be the developments that can be introduced to the area to promote it as an accepted tourist attraction Baysa candidly said “ sana magkaroon ng resolution ang barangay na ayusin ang trail going down the falls para hindi dilikado kahit sa mga matatanda o bata na gustong pumunta sa falls. Sa ngayon kase medyo mahirap ang terrain. Wala kang makapitan.” He said. Tuesday, August 23, 2011

“At sana maisama rin sa resolusyon ang pagtanim nga mga puno along the trail at maglagay ng mga signage sa area of the Do’s and Don’ts sa falls to keep the area clean at mapanatiling malinis ang tubig sa falls”. Baysa stressed. The multi sectoral movers behind the cause ZATERS is a group organized by PIA9DOT9-SPELEO. One of its objectives is to be able to help pinpoint and promote (in its own little way) adventure tourism spots in the city that would somehow help tone down negative impression about Zamboanga and ambitiously catapult Zamboanga City as a safe place to visit and live in. Members of ZATERS are passionate adventure tourism enthusiast with serious goal of helping realize its objectives. Active member-agencies of ZATERS include: (national line agencies) DENR, DTI, DPWH, DOLE, DA, NLRC, PMS, CHED, TESDA, DOH, PNRC-Zamboanga Chapter, PNP, DILG, Bureau of Fire, OCD-DND, OWWA, NNC, DSWD, DOST, (local gov’t units) OCENR, City Tourism Office, City Mayor’s Office, local media such as Mindano Cable TV (MCTV), NET25, NBN 7, DAILY ZAMBOANGA TIMES, ZAMBOTIMES.COM ONLINE MEDIA, ZAMBOPEN JOURNAL, SUN STAR NEWS, ZAMBOECOZONE, students and private individuals and entities. Councilor Gerky Valesco sits as its honorary adviser. (JPA-PIA)

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Across the Nation... Press Statement of Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on the Arrival of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar President Benigno Simeon Aquino III tours and inspects the facilities of the newly acquired Philippine Navy (PN) ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF15) during the Arrival Ceremony in Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila Tuesday August 23, 2011. The ship and it’s all Philippine Navy crew successfully completed more than 7,000 mile, 33-day journey (June 18 – August 21, 2011) from Alameda, California. PF-15 was acquired through the United States Excess Defense Act (EDA) using Department of Energy Malampaya Project funds. BRP Gregorio del Pilar was largely used by the US Coast Guard for drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, search and rescue, living marine resources protection, and defense readiness. In photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Eduardo Oban, Jr. and Navy Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

he acquisition of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve our Navy’s capacity to patrol and secure our waters. As the President said in his State of the Nation Address, the resources within our territory belong to Filipinos, and the modernization of our armed forces is part of measures to ensure that our people are protected, our security is augmented and our sovereignty is respected.

As shown by the young general after whom our new ship is named, the patriotism, selflessness and bravery of the Filipino soldier is second to none. However, due to our country’s limited resources, our armed forces have had to fight for the security of our coun-

try with inadequate weapons and equipment. The Cabinet Cluster on Security, which I chair, is currently spearheading reforms in our armed forces that seek to address this concern. Under the stewardship of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gaz-

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min, the Department of National Defense will ensure that the financial resources allotted for the military will be used wisely and judiciously and will go where they are intended to go: better weapons and modern equipment for our men and women in uniform. Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Aquino cites need for PTV-4 to give Filipinos a public service network

resident Benigno S. Aquino III wants the new People’s Television Network 4 (PTV-4) to offer distinct and unique programs aimed at improving the lives of the Filipinos, a Palace official said on Monday.

In an ambush interview in Malacanang, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said on Monday that President Aquino wants to give the people “a public service network.” “He wants to know how we can offer distinct and unique programs that are different from what are being offered now. Because if we will just copy or we’ll just mimic what the commercial networks are offering, then that would not serve the objective of a government public service network,” Coloma said. The President met with Coloma and other officials who presented “the reformatted PTV 4 news and non-news program flow” in Malacanang. Coloma said the President made several suggestions for the revitalization of the PTV-4 during the said meeting. “He has very concrete suggestions on what we can present differently and better so that the network can have its own unique identity,” he said. “For the reformatted

PTV-4, we would like to make it a good public service network that will be a source for reliable, timely information that is useful to the people. In other words, the concept of communication being a channel for development and for improving the lives of our people,” he added. We have to be able to offer unique value. We have to be able to address certain niches that the private networks may not be addressing directly,” Coloma said. “The channel could conduct teacher trading through educational programs and supplement the learning that children in school get by offering good educational programs. And, of course, we can also promote Filipino culture, like we can promote indie music and indie movies,” he said. Coloma also said the President expressed his readiness to appear in the programs of the PTV- 4. Coloma acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges is how to generate revenues. “Our biggest challenge is to be able to offer value-laden programs that people will be willing to in-

vest in. So that is what we’re working on. Our concept is we would not want it to be dependent on government appropriation that’s why, the challenge is for the network to be able to generate revenues and we can only generate revenues if we have programs that have a credible value proposition.” Coloma likewise underscored the need to improve the technical capability of the station adding that it’s also part of the entire revitalization concept. According to Coloma, the President’s instructions to the group which included Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and Presidential Communications and Operations Office officials led by Coloma, Undersecretary George Syliangco, and Assistant Secretary Lesley Cordero was to develop concrete proposals to ensure “that we deliver effective programming that centers on disseminating government information and services to the public.” The President also instructed the group to prepare the proposed amendments to the PTV law for submission to the Legislative 10

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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Aquino cites... from page 9 and Executive Development Council (LEDAC). “The purpose of the bill is really to recapitalize because the original capital of one billion pesos was already depleted. And number two, to amend the provision

that limited the ability of the network to generate commercial revenues which was only for the first 10 years of its existence. So only from 1992 to 2001 and because of that, and the fact that the network is not getting any

official government appropriation—it’s not included in the General Appropriations Act—the network had great difficulty getting enough resources for programming,” Coloma concluded. (js/12:59 pm)

Aquino says acquisition of new patrol ship depicts the government’s concern for defense capability President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, welcomes the newly-acquired Philippine Navy (PN) ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF15) upon docking during the Arrival Ceremony at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila on Tuesday (August 23). The ship and it’s all Philippine Navy crew successfully completed more than 7,000 mile, 33-day journey (June 18 – August 21, 2011) from Alameda, California. PF-15 was acquired through the United States Excess Defense Act (EDA) using Department of Energy Malampaya Project funds. BRP Gregorio del Pilar was largely used by the US Coast Guard for drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, search and rescue, living marine resources protection, and defense readiness. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

resident Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the conscientious efforts of the government to ensure the delivery of services to the Filipino people as he cited the newest addition to the Philippine Navy fleet as a symbol of hope, reform and complete change.

n his speech during the arrival ceremony of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar Pacific Fleet (PF) 15 at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday, the President said the newest patrol ship depicts the Aquino administration’s sin-

cere concern in defense capability and compensates the hard work and dedication of the Filipino men in uniform. “Ang barkong ito ay bunga ng ating pagsusumikap na ibigay, hindi lamang sa Sandatahang Lakas,

kundi sa mamamayang Pilipino ang uri ng serbisyo na inaasahan nila sa pamahalaan: tapat, may malasakit at nakatuon para sa kanilang kapakanan,” the President said. “Sagisag ang modernong barkong 11

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Aquino says... from page 10

ito ng kahandaan nating pangalagaan, bantayan, at kung kinakailangan, ipagtanggol ang interes at kapakanan ng ating bayan. Higit sa lahat, sumasalamin ang barkong ito sa mithiin nating magdulot ng tunay na reporma’t pagbabago, at bigyang-halaga ang hirap at sakripisyo ng ating mga kawal sa pamamagitan ng modernisasyon ng kanilang mga sasakyan, armas at iba pa nilang pangangailangan,” the President said adding that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar increases the capabilities of the Navy in securing the coastal areas. “Ngayong may BRP Gregorio del Pilar nang magagamit ang ating Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), naitataas din natin ang antas ng kanilang kakayahang magpatrolya at magbantay sa ating kapuluan,” the President noted. The Chief Executive also noted the important role of the Tuesday, August 23, 2011

citizenry in pursuing more developments that will eventually lead to progress and development. “Simula pa lang po ito. Sa responsable nating pamamahala, at sa pakikiisa ng taumbayan sa tinatahak nating tuwid na daan, mas marami pa tayong magagawa; mas marami pang mabubuting balita ang darating sa atin,” the President stressed. “Hindi tayo titigil sa mga barko; hindi tayo makukuntento sa mga helicopter. Mga modernong sandata, mas mabibilis na mga patrol craft, at mas epektibong mga kagamitan pa ang maihahandog natin sa ating mga kawal at pulis nang walang nasasayang na pera mula sa kaban ng bayan,” he added. In the United States, the BRP Gregodrio del Pilar is classified as a Hamilton Class US Coast Guard Cutter specifically designated as a Weather High Endurance Cutter (WHEC715).

In the Philippines, the newest ship is classified as a Surface Combatant Ship with a “Type Code” of “P” for Patrol and is further powered by combined diesel engines and gas turbines, equipped with a helicopter flight deck, a retractable hangar and facilities to support helicopter operations. The 378-foot vessel with a crew capacity of 180 is also equipped with armament and weapons system, propulsion plant, electrical generation, among others. It will be deployed to carry out the mission for drug prohibition, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, defense readiness and migrant interdiction. It will also perform tasks in protecting the country’s natural gas and oil exploration projects off Palawan amid reported incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

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Aquino says PHL should not be blamed for the misdeed of one man in last year’s hostage-tragedy in Manila

resident Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said that the entire country need not be blamed for the action of one man in last year’s Manila hostage tragedy that left eight Hong Kong tourists and their hostage-taker dead.

“This was the act of one man. In the same token that some of our citizens have been affected elsewhere in the world, we do not blame the entire population,” the President said during a chance interview at the arrival ceremony of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila. “We know that there are criminal elements; there are mentally deranged individuals (who) pose a threat to anybody regardless of race or country of origin,” the he added. President Aquino said that his administration deeply regrets what has transpired on August 23, 2010, as he emphasized that the country has been improving from then on to ensure the safety of its citizens and its visitors.

“We sympathized and we continue to sympathize with them. We really wish it did not happen. We hope we had performed better at that point in time. But in the same token that in Norway there was this tragedy could have been prevented because of a lone solitary deranged gunman,” he said. “Again, we deeply regret what has transpired. Yung apology connotes that the State did them grievous harm. I don’t think that is correct,” the President stressed. The country marked on Tuesday the first year of the hostage-taking incident that left eight Hong Kong tourists and their hostage-taker, former police officer Rolando Mendoza, dead on August 23, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand in

Manila. The relatives of the victims and the survivors of the tragedy arrived in the country on Sunday, and they are demanding a formal apology from the Philippine government, reasonable compensation, and justice for the slain hostage victims. “We understand they’re hurt but hopefully they understand also that we could have improved and we have been improving from then to now but, at the same time, even at our levels right now if you have a deranged individual who suddenly changes his disposition, practically in a whim, there are very serious limitations that one person or any country can do,” President Aquino said. The President also said that his govern13

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Aquino says... from page 12

ment has tried to assist the survivors and the families of the victims to overcome the August 23, 2010 tragedy.

“We have tried to assist them to overcome this tragedy. I think they are aware of the fact that both public and private

concerns of this country have really tried to assist them in their moving on,” he said.

Aquino says gov’t will acquire more equipment to improve defense capability of military

he Philippine government will acquire more military equipment as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP‘s) modernization program, President Benigno S. Aquino III said.

President Aquino made this statement during an ambush interview after he led the arrival ceremony of BRP (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas) Gregorio Del Pilar at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila City, on Tuesday. The President said that his administration plans to acquire more equipment, such as leadin jet trainers, surface attack crafts, air defense radars, among others, to further improve the Tuesday, August 23, 2011

capability of the military. For the Air Force, the Aquino administration will acquire Surface Attack Aircrafts, Air Defense Radars, Long Range Patrol Aircrafts, and Close-Air Support Aircrafts, the President noted. “For the Navy, Strategic Sealift Vessels with Amphibious Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels, Naval Helicopters—there is at least three of them—Coast Watch Stations, then ‘yung

mga katulad nitong Weather Heavy Endurance Cutter,” he added. For the Army, Aquino said, new assault rifles, armor assets, tanks, armored-personnel carriers, force protection--helmets, bullet-proof vests-and night fighting equipment. The President also said that the Philippine Navy is studying whether there is a need to purchase a submarine.

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Aquino announces proposal for creation of ‘super body’ to ensure delivery of safe and potable water

resident Benigno S. Aquino III bared the proposed creation of a “super body” whose main task is to ensure the delivery of safe and potable water to every Filipino household and come up with a comprehensive plan for the country’s water resources.

In an ambush interview following his attendance at the arrival ceremony of BRP Gregorio del Pilar 15 at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday, the President said the proposal came after his meetings with the economic managers pointing out the need of creating an agency that will focus on ensuring a sufficient and safe water supply for the Filipino people. “We will be proposing a super body, it can be a committee, it can be just one agency, who will come up with a water plan - how do we conserve water, how do we utilize water, and how do we treat water af-

terwards,” President Aquino said. The Chief Executive noted the existence of several agencies of government that were tasked to work on various programs on water complicates and affects their efficiency. “There are so many agencies involved with water, you have Nawasa or MWSS, you have the DA [Department of Agriculture] with their National Irrigation Administration, you have the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] managing iyong water shed... bottom line ay napakaraming departamento, ahensiya ng

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gobyerno in-charge sa tubig... sa dami nila, parang wala na talagang in-charge,” the President said as he stressed the importance of water and its supply sustainability and management for the consumption of the people. “Water is a very important resource, if it is not managed properly, there can be shortages,” the President stressed. He added that part of the responsibilities of the proposed “super body” is the formulation of a more comprehensive and coordinated plan on water supply and the management of its sources.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Central Mindanao

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA

PIA-XII Regional Director

DOLE 12 gives livelihood assistance, wheelchair to residents in far-flung LGU by Charmaine S. Ladot

KORONADAL CITY, Aug 22 (PIA) – The regional Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 12) in coordination with the the Local Government of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat recently provided livelihood assistance and wheelchairs to qualified residents. Columbio is located in the eastern most part of the province of Sultan Kudarat. Most inhabitants in the province are Ilocanos, Ilonggo, B’laan and Maguindanaon. Regional Director Ma. Gloria A. Tango and Sultan Kudarat Field Office Head Ms. Arlene R. Bisnon, together with Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto T. Mangudadatu, Columbio Mayor Amirh

Musali and Vice-Mayor Edwin Bermudez, released two DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits and three wheelchairs donated by the Dole Philippines, Inc. Dolores Centina, a starter kit beneficiary, is an out- of -school youth who has a skill in crochet bag making. DOLE 12 provided her with tools and materials for

her to start her own business. In like manner, Mr. Abdulrahman Mama, a person with disability (PWD), received tools and equipments for his TV and radio repair shop. The starter kits released amounted to P 4,000.00 in total. DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits Project is a livelihood formation strategy 16

Barangay-based enterprise gears for full operations

KORONADAL CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) – The charcoal briquetting project of a community in Tantangan, South Cotabato is now in full operations after a recent enterprise training on charcoal briquetting production training. The training held at the Municipal Agriculture Office of Tupi town, was intended for residents of Barangay Libas in Tantangan town under the Department of Labor and Employment Region 12’s Community Enterprise Development Program

(CDEP). The project was launched in May this year specifically for Libas Multi Sectoral Organization (LMSO). The barangay is known for its being a major source of charcoal made from cut trees, which poses adverse

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

effect to the environment. It is for this reason that instead of using cut trees, LMSO is using agricultural waste for the charcoal briquettes. For LMSO to be able to start its barangay-based enterprise, DOLE 12

awarded the organization the amount of P326,210.00 as a start-up capital for the purchase of raw materials and equipment. This project is an example of public-private partnership or PPP in action. Aside from the DOLE and the LGU of Tan16

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SRS orientation on full swing in Koronadal City by Charmaine S. Ladot KORONADAL CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; National Skills Registry System (SRS) is already in full swing in South Cotabato with the conduct of orientation on the online registration of the department in all 27 barangays of the city. DOLE South Cotabato Field Office started the orientations in August and will be ended in September. The SRS aims to address the the perennial problem of job and skills mismatch. Judith Marmonejo, city PESO manager told barangay officials that their role in the implementation of the program being the conduits in the information dissemination concerning job vacancies and in consolidating the profile of jobseekers in their localities. Ruby Carrasco, South Cotabato Field Office SRS focal person, presented the structure of the SRS, including the proce-

dure on how to fill up the forms. Sahe said the Skills Registry System allows workers and job seekers to register their skills and qualifications for easy access of the employers. SRS is a warehouse of information on the qualifications and skills of registrants, which are either formally acquired in school or gained through experience. The information gathered from each barangay will be posted at www.phil-jobnet.com, a website managed by DOLE. As of August 18, four barangays were visited by the SRS Team (DED/PIA 12/ DOLE 12)

DOLE-12 gives... from page 15 intended to bring about improved socio-economic wellbeing of workers in the informal economy. It provides package of services that will enable the target beneficiary to start quickly a livelihood undertaking through selfemployment. Also during the activity, DOLE 12 , in partnership with Dole Philippines Inc., also released wheelchairs to

three PWDs who have cerebral palsy. Dolefil has been a partner of DOLE in providing improved mobility to those who are differently abled. To augment the assistance given, Gov. Mangudadatu gave an additional P10,000.00 to the three beneficiaries. In his message, Gov. Teng Mangundadatu acknowledged the assistance

given by DOLE XII for the constituents of Columbio. He looks forward for the stronger partnership with the department in improving the quality of life of the people in Columbio through training, provision of livelihood assistance and community development. (DED/PIA 12/DOLE 12)

Barangay-based... from page 15 tangan, the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council of South Cotabato (TIPC) whose members are coming from the employers

and workers in the private sector, is also part of the team. DOLE continues to tap other agencies, public and

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private, that can be of assistance in the Libas Community Enterprise Development project to promote its charcoal

briquette in the local and national market. (DED/PIA 12/ DOLE 12)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

ARMM to evaluate early recovery program KORONADAL CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) - Technical personnel of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are set to evaluate this week the implementation of the ARMM Early Recovery Plan (ERP), a master plan that coordinates assistance aimed at helping civilians displaced during the 2008 conflict between government forces and elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) get back on their feet. The ERP was initially gether government agencies the number of IDP families hatched in January of 2009 and partners from humani- staying at different evacuabut was only vigorously pur- tarian aid organizations to tion centers in the province sued on the assumption of effectively provide returning has been brought down to the present ARMM adminis- families the help they need. around 2,000 from 18,000. tration. It has set forth in- He said the conver- According to Romeo Diocolterventions designed to help gence has allowed the imple- ano, the assessment workand encourage internally mentation of wide-ranging shop this week is designed displaced persons (IDPs) lin- and comprehensive assis- to evaluate the progress of gering at evacuation centers tance that not only helped the ERP, conditions in the 46 to return to their respective individual families start over return sites and gaps in the places of origin and start but practically revived the implementation of program. over. entire community. Diocolano said they will ARMM Executive Sec- Forty-six sites in Ma- also be looking into means retary Naguib Sinarimbo guindanao have been identi- to enhance the present said the region’s early re- fied as priority areas under ERP. (DED/PIA 12/BPIcovery program brings to- the ERP. As of July this year, ARMM)

Cebuano news: Gensan hugot ang preparasyon alang sa 13th Tuna Festival

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) – Padayon karon ang hugot nga preparasyon sa dakbayan alang sa umaabot nga 13th Tuna Festival kung asa sugdan na ang selebrasyon karong Byernes (Agosto 26) hangtod sa Setyembre 5 karong tuig. Una na’ng nagpahigayon ug press conference ang Tuna Festival Council kaniadtong Agosto 9 sa Tierra Montana Hotel ug gibutyag sa Festival Director nga si Ronald Velasquez ang nagkalain-laing mga aktibidad nga naka linya aron mapaanindot ang naasoy’ng kasaulogan nga ilado dili lamang sa Mindanao apan sa tibook nasud.

Matud pa nga tumong sa nasampit nga selebrasyon nga mapausbaw ang ekonomiya sa dakbayan ilabi na ang industriya sa tuna kung asa giila isip “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” ang dakbayan sa Heneral Santos. Pila sa mga ipatugbaw sa naasoy’ng okasyon mao ang National Tuna Congress, Tuna Festival Trade Show and Exhibit, Sashi-

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

mi Night, Search for Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2011, 7th Mindanao Open Bonsai Competition, mga nagkalain-laing seminars, ug uban pang mga dula ug panag indigay sama sa lawn tennis, skate boarding, skim boarding, takraw, table tennis, ug airsoft competition. Apil sad sa gipreparahan mao ang pagplano sa hugot nga seguridad ila-

bi na sa City Oval Plaza aron masegurong mamahimong malinawon ang umaabot nga kasaulogan ug luwas sa katalagman ang mga sumasalmot. Ang 13th Tuna Festival dunay temang: “Exploring New Depths, Conquering New Heights.” (PGFruylan/PIAGensan)

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Caraga Region

ABNER M. CAGA

PIA-XIII Regional Director

PIA-Caraga, RMN to conduct bloodletting activity in Butuan on Sunday by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – With the increasing number of dengue cases in many parts of the country, the regional office of the Philippine Information Agency in Caraga partners with Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) – dxBC Butuan in the conduct of bloodletting activity as part of the corporate social responsibility of one of the oldest radio stations here in the city on Sunday. In a phone-patch interview with PIA, Sasie Abastas-Babar, News Director of RMN-dxBC Butuan said the activity is in time with the 59th anniversary celebration of RMN nationwide. Abastas also said the medical-dental mission is also their way of thanking the people of Butuan and the neighboring provinces

for making RMN one of the most-listened radio stations in the city. Other services to be conducted in the whole-day activity include a jobs fair, blood sugar test, free massage, and giving of free medicines. The activity is sponsored by Butuan City ViceMayor Lawrence Lemuel

Fortun, 402nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, and Philippine National Police (PNP) PRO-13, among others. Meanwhile, the region’s Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will also sponsor a mass feeding during the activity. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

OWWA-Caraga launches “Operation Syria Libreng Tawag” by Ritchel Molero BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Office 13 on Monday launched “Operation Syria Libreng Tawag” to provide immediate assistance to families of OFWs in Syria. Per record, there are only five (5) Caraganon OFWs in Syria that are members of OWWA. However, to safeguard the welfare of all Overseas Filipino Workers, even those who are not members are to be given the access to avail the free call. It is expected

that through the Operation Syria Libreng Tawag concerns of families regarding the OFW’s whereabouts and condition will be easily made known giving instant relief to the affected families. M o r e o v e r, OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon stated that the Philip-

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pine Embassy in Syria is having active communication with the Filipino community leaders of the said country. The embassy is also ready to assist OFWs who want to come home. The Philippine Government will provide for the repatriation cost, it was learned.

With these developments, OWWACaraga urges families of OFWs in Syria to come and visit their office, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, at Nimfa Tiu Building II, J. Rosales Avenue, this city. (OWWA-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, other 15 mayors set to visit Surigao del Sur by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines with other 15 mayors from Cavite province are set to visit in Surigao del Sur on August 24-26, 2011 This was confirmed by Engr. Merlyn Baure, the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Chief in Surigao del Sur. According to Engr. Baure, Revilla’s group will also meet the mayors in the province of Surigao del Sur to discuss issues and concerns, share its best practices that will also help improve their

programs and services in their respective municipalities. Revilla’s group will visit the following municipalities: Cortes, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Tandag City, Bislig City, Hinatuan, Britania and San Agustin. (PIA-Caraga)

DPWH eyes better roadside management in Siargao Island by Michael Conte DAPA, Surigao del Norte, August 23 (PIA) - In an effort to help prolong service life of infrastructure facilities in Siargao Island, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has enhanced the currently implemented CY2011 roadside maintenance program for a better roadside management. Maintenance Section Chief sites that link the 8 municipali- walks, desilting of drainage caEngineer Quintiniano C. Arm- ties of mainland Siargao to do nals, longitudinal pipes and cross endarez said the District Engi- the actual works,” Armendarez drains, manual pothole patching neering Office has hired workers said. and manual reshaping of gravon job-order basis as augmen- Roadside and carriage- el shoulders and carriageway. tation workforce to the regular way maintenance activities in- (DPWH-2nd Engineering Dismaintenance crew. volve the cutting of vegetation trict/PIA-Surigao del Norte) “Roadside workers are along shoulders up to the road deployed in various national road right-of-way, clearing of side-

1st Caraga Mining Sympo, safety competition, a resounding success

BUTUAN CITY, August 23 (PIA) - The 1st Caraga Mining Symposium and Safety Competition with the theme “Responsible Mining: Key to Caraga’s Economic Growth and Sustainable Development” in Surigao City recently posted a resounding success. In a press state- ness of the participants Noted govern- event culminated in a ment of the Regional at responding safety is- ment officials as well recognition ceremony Office of the Mines and sues in anticipation of as several partners and where winners of the Geosciences Bureau the unforeseen circum- colleagues from the Safety Competition (MGB), the Safety Com- stances that may beset mining industry and so- were awarded. petition showcased and the mining operations. ciety graced the event Also, the cerdemonstrated mine res- Meanwhile, the and delivered timely emony recognized the cue, fire brigade, and Plenary and Technical lectures. invaluable contributions the first aid competen- Symposium featured At the Hotel Tav- of the guests of honors, cies of the participating substantial topics, is- ern, a variety of booth resource speakers, parmining companies held sues, and discussions in display and exhibits ticipants, and organizat the Surigao City Na- relation to the manifold featuring several miners to the success of the tional High School on dimensions of mining ing companies were event. (MGB-13/PIAFriday. and its significant con- launched for public Caraga) Said competition tribution to economic viewing. exhibited the adept- growth. The singular

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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Western Mindanao

NOEMI B. EDAGA PIA-IX Regional Director

PNP Dipolog adjudged Best Component Police Station in Mindanao by Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) - - It is another feather added to its cap.

The city police station here has again bested other police stations as having been adjudged the best component police station in Mindanao during the recently concluded search for best police station spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP). It also managed to bag the first runner-up place in the same competition at the national level. PSupt. Reynaldo M. Maclang, city chief of police, personally received the award at Camp Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City from PNP-IX Regional Director PCSupt. Elpidio de Asis. The awarding ceremony was also attended by two former provincial directors of the

Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO), PCSupt. Mario Biong Yanga and PSSupt. James Buslig Mejia, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy of Dipolog and Zamboanga del Norte second district representative Rosendo Labadlabad. PCSupt. De Asis has also given a special award to Mayor Uy in recognition of her all-out support to the PNP, resulting in the effective and efficient implementation of security programs in the city. It can be recalled that PNP-Dipolog in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has intensified its campaign against illegal drugs. Police records revealed that more than 50

drugs pushers were apprehended in drug buy bust operations from January to July this year. Supt. Maclang and his men have also been active in running after illegal miners and loggers in the area. Lately the police had intercepted and seized 137 bags of smuggled pebbles from Gutalac municipality in a checkpoint at barangay Punta this city. The awarding ceremony was also held during the 110th Police Service Anniversary Celebration (PSAC)which carried the theme, “Sandaang Taon at Sandekadang Paglilingkod ng Kapulisan: Kaagapay ang Sambayanan Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan.”(FPG/ PIA-Zambo. Norte)

MILF factions reject ARMM ‘buy-out formula’ on disputed land

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 23 (PIA) – Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has offered a ‘buy-out formula’ to resolve the disputed land but the two factions within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has rejected it.

The conflict recurred er fashion that had left at 3,500 villagers displaced, on August 6 and escalat- least 23 combatants killed, according to military re21 ed for six days into fierc- scores wounded and over ports.

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

MILF factions... from page 20

The Bureau of Public Information of the ARMM disclosed that two days after the start of the rebel factions armed intramurals, a convergent group of some military and humanitarian officials led by ARMM executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo went to the oft-embattled Datu Piang, Maguindanao and raised a proposal to buy out the five-hectare land under dispute between the groups of Akas “Adzmi” Kasim and Abunawas Ibad. Kasim, a field leader of the Murad-led Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF’s) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), and Ibad, a rural commander of the defiant Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) of Ustadz Ameril Ombra Kato, had rejected any financial settlement of their land dispute, town officials told the convergent team. The team instead conducted an assessment on the plight and needs of displaced villagers as basis

for relief operations, which followed a day later and is still underway, according to ARMM social welfare acting Secretary Pombaen KaronKader. Agencies of the ARMM continued to provide relief assistance to communities affected by the armed conflict between commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the break-away Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters after the warring factions refused an ARMM “buy-out formula” on their land dispute. The peace formulaconveying team included also Brig. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, head of the State peace panel’s ceasefire committee, OCD-ARMM Director Loreto Rirao, United Nations’ agents, and relief agencies’ representatives. According to Kader, her social welfare workers has distributed to displaced villagers ample relief goods beefed up by supplies from the Office of the Regional

57 PPP Beneficiaries to get their gasoline allowance next week

Governor (ORG). The relief stuffs include rice, coffee, sugar, noodles, sardines, and used clothes, she said. Kader said the evacuees served included those housed in refuge centers in Datu Piang town and in Talayan town, where the land dispute-spawned skirmishes had spilled over. Benjie Mando, an evacuee from barangay Damablak in Talayan said that they fled home last August 14 after they heard heavy exchanges of fire from armed groups. He complained that it was only on August 16 that his family got government aid. He expressed gratitude, however, to ARMM agencies including the office of Acting Regional Governor Hooky Adiong for assisting them in their needs. The displaced families called on the warring factions to settle their conflict and respect the Holy Month of Ramadhan. (BPIARMM/ RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

by Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 23(PIA)—Their long wait will be over very soon.

This developed as the Land Transportation Office, Dipolog City District Office has assured the Pantawid Pasada Pro-

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

gram (PPP) beneficiaries in Zamboanga del Norte who have been issued Pantawid Pasada Cards can already get their gasoline allow-

ance next week. Mr. Amado D. Denoyo, Transportation Regulation Officer II of LTO Dipolog City

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57 PPP Beneficiaries... from page 21...

District Office said, 57 Pantawid Pasada applications have already been reported to its Central Office for validation and their corresponding PPP cards will be activated next week. Once activated, the 57 legitimate Public Utility Jeepney operators in the province who are Pantawid Pasada Program beneficiaries will then be able to withdraw their onetime gasoline allocation of P1,500.00 from the designated gasoline stations in the Zamboanga del Norte. However, Denoyo clarified that 106 PPP applications, though have met all the requirements of the program are still pending at

the LTO Dipolog City District Office for having been submitted late. “They will be included in the next batch,” he said He also urged the jeepney operators who have not yet availed of the program to visit their office at Upper Turno, Dipolog City, even before the renewal date of their vehicle for the processing of their application. Among the documents that must be submitted by the PUJ operators to avail of the Pantawid Pasada Program are the Certification of Registration; Official Receipt; Confirmation of Units; LTFRB Franchise(Xerox); Driver’s

license/ID Card (owner); and Valid ID (Xerox). It maybe recalled that on April 1 this year, President Benigno Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 32 establishing the Public Transport Assistance Program, popularly known as Pantawid Pasada Program to address the impact of the soaring oil price hike in the world market. Under the program, qualified PPP beneficiaries will receive P1,500.00 as one-time gasoline assistance to cushion the impact of the soaring oil price hike in the w+orld market on the public transport sector.(ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

Policy forum on RP-RH bill slated in Dapitan on Aug. 26

by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG, Aug. 23(PIA) - - Commission on Population (POPCOM) Executive Director Tomas M. Osias together with partylist representative Luz Ilagan of GABRIELA and Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC) Executive Director Eden R. Divinagracia is slated to arrive in Dapitan City on Aug. 26 for a policy forum on Responsible Parenthood-Reproductive Health (RP-RH) bill.

POPCOM-IX officer in-charge Belinda T. Tangco bared that this activity will be attended by the local chief executives, religious leaders, non-government organizations, academe, students and other stakeholders. Updates on the current status of the RP-RH

bill will be discussed during the forum “to clear whatever doubts the participants have on HB 4244,” said Tangco. The activity will be held at the Dapitan City Cultural and Sports Center, Dapitan City starting at 1:30 p.m. A press conference

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will also be conducted an hour before the start of the forum with POPCOM Executive Director Tomas Osias, Congresswoman Luz Ilagan and PNGOC Executive Director Eden R. Divinagracia as panelists. (FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Zambo Norte to benefit DA’s certified corn seeds distribution in region 9 by Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA)--The two Congressional Districts of Zamboanga del Norte are among the recipients of the certified corn seeds that will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture in region 9. Dionisio Adante, Regional Seeds Coordinator said each Congressional District will get 800 bags of certified corn seeds. This includes a special project for the municipality of Siayan and another 800 bags in support to National Agri-business Corporation that will soon be inaugurated in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte. Accordingto Adante, his office has already identified the farmer-beneficiaries and the areas where it will be distributed and planted in coordination with the Local Government Units in the area. Other areas in the region to benefit the certified corn seeds distribution are Districts I and II of Zamboanga Sibugay which will get 600 bags each, while Zamboanga del Sur and Isabela City Tuesday, August 23, 2011

will also get 500 and 100 targeted farmer-benefibags respectively. ciary will be given nine (9) kilos of seeds which DA-Regional Field they will pay in form of Office 9 Regional Corn seeds to the agency at Coordinator Felizardo 18 kilos after harvest. Salomes said, anytime This will be distributed this quarter, DA-RFU 9 to the farmer-benefiwill be distributing the ciaries in queue for the certified corn seeds to next planting season. all its target beneficia- The same seed varieties ries, including those will serve for three genwithin the expansion ar- erations to sustain seed eas, under the AgriPinoy availability every cropCorn Program. ping season. According to Sa- The certified corn lomes, the certified corn seeds’ distribution aims seeds will be coming to increase corn producfrom the University of tion and ensure food Mindanao in Kabacan, security, adequate and North Cotabato. This is affordable food for all composed of two variet- Filipinos in support to the ies – USM-VAR-10 and food sufficiency program Institute of Plant Breed- of the government; ease ing IPB VAR 6 with high the pressure in rice proprotein, high lysine and duction; minimize rice tryptophan variety importation and teach Under the DA’s the people to eat corn Open Pollinated Variety especially in Visayas and (OPV) white corn seed Mindanao. (ATR/PIA9exchange program, each Zambo Norte)

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Northern Mindanao

RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB PIA-X Regional Director

DOH-NorMin intensifies anti-dengue campaign despite a 76.57% drop of dengue cases in the region by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Health, Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), region 10, has called on the residents of Northern Mindanao not to lower their guards in the fight against dengue.

Regional Director James S. Bernadas of the DOH-CHD 10 sounded the call even as the number of dengue cases in the region dropped, remarkably, compared to last year’s record. Data at DOH-CHD 10 show a total of 1,058 dengue cases were admitted to the different sentinel hospitals, region-wide, from January 1 to August 11, this year. “This is actually 76.56 percent lower compared to 4,514 cases during the same period, last year,” Bernadas said. He also has acknowledged the efforts of the local government units (LGU) for activating their Barangay Anti-Dengue Task Forces and Brigades that initiate the massive information and awareness drive against dengue thru its 4S campaign: Search and destroy mosquito breeding places,

Self-protection through use of mosquito nets and wearing of long sleeve shirts and pants, Seek early consultation and treatment if symptoms persist, and Say no to indiscriminate fogging. He, also, said that DOH-CHD 10 has placed the Mosquito Ovicidal/ Larvicidal trap (OL Trap) to trap the female “Aedes aegypti” mosquitoes in strategic areas to stop them from propagating. Despite this downtrend in the dengue incidence, however, Bernadas has directed the DOH-CHD 10 personnel to intensify the information and awareness drive in the field stressing that preventing dengue is always better than looking for money and medicines to get rid of it once it’s already there. Meanwhile, Dr. Dave Mendoza, Chief of the Regional Epidemiology and

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Surveillance Unit of DOHCHD 10, said the ages of patients of the dengue cases ranged from one (1) month to 90 years of age or a median age of 10.8 years.. He said 56 percent of the patients were males and that there were four (4) deaths with a Case Fatality Rate of 0.38 percent. The highest number of 507 cases or 48 percent came from the province of Misamis Oriental, followed by Misamis Occidental with 295 cases or 28 percent. Lanao del Norte registered 201 cases or 19 percent, Bukidnon, 40 cases or 4.0 percent and Camiguin, 15 cases or 1.0 percent. So far, only the province of Misamis Occidental posted an increase, from 197 to 295 cases or 75 percent rise in the number of dengue cases, compared to the same period, 25

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

DOH-NorMin... from page 24 ...

last year. Those of the other provinces posted decreases: Misamis Oriental, from 1822 to 507 or a decline of 72.17 percent, Lanao

del Norte, from 989 to 201 or a decline of 79.67 percent. Bukidnon, from 1447 to 40 cases or a decline of 97.24 percent and Cami-

guin, from 59 to 15 cases or a decline of 74.58 percent. (DOH-CHD/PIA10)

PHO Bukidnon warn public anew vs. leptospirosis by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Aug. 23 (PIA) – As the decline in number of dengue cases were noted in the province, the Department of Health (DOH) and Provincial Health Office (PHO) alerts public on flood-related illness known as ”eptospirosis.”

Dr. Teresita Damasco, Provincial Health Officer, said we must be watchful of leptospirosis and work for its prevention. DOH data show that from January to May this year, 454 leptospirosis cases were reported or 74.6% higher than the same period, last year, with only 260 cases recorded. “Leptospirosis” is a bacterial infection, com-

monly transmitted to humans, from water that has been contaminated by animal urine, usually rats, and comes in contact with cuts in skin, eyes, or mucous membranes,” she said. “Its symptoms include jaundice or yellowing of the skin, anemia, fever and meningitis,” Damasco said. She also explained that the best defense against

leptospirosis is not to wade in floodwaters in bare feet, or “if wading is necessary or cannot be prevented, one must wear protective boots,” she added. “With this, cleanliness and sanitation activity is always our battle cry to fight flood-related diseases,” Damasco, further said. (PIA 10)

21 NorMin LGU’s receive the “seal of good housekeeping” by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 23 (PIA) – At least 21 local government units (LGU) in Northern Mindanao were awarded the “Seal of Good Houskeeping (SGH)” for championing in transparency and accountability in their transactions.

Together with the seal, each LGU also received the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of Php1.0 million for an excellent performance in local governance. Given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the award is in keeping with

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

the advocacy for “Tapat na Pamamalakad,” LGU’s commitment to advance the promotion of good practices in local governance, Regional Director Loreto T. Bhagwani of DILG, region 10. Last year the coverage of the SGH award only included the 4th to 6th

class municipalities but has been expanded, this year, to include the component cities, highly urbanized cities (HUCs) and independent component cities (ICCs). Bhagwani, likewise, appealed to the awardees, to give justice to the seal and continue with its ad

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21 NorMin LGU’s... from page 25 ...

mirable practices, such as, keeping an updated posting or disclosure of their local budget and finances, as well, as strict compliance to the anti-red tape act (ARTA). The SGH is given based on the merits of a sound fiscal management, accountable and transparent governance, valuing performance management and other general impressions gathered like peace and order situation or simply on the visibility of the chief of executives in their area of responsibility. These 21 recognized SGH qualifiers for this year include the following LGU’s: Damulog and Sumilao in Bukidnon and

Mahinog in Camiguin. Kauswagan, Kolambug an, Linamon, Magsaysay, Matungao, Munai, and Salvador in Lanao del Norte. Aloran, Bonifacio, Don Victoriano, Lopez Jaena, Tudela, and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental, and Alubijid, Gitagum, laguindingan, Libertad and Sugbongcogon in Misamis Oriental. Meanwhile, Bhagwani told awardees during their conferment in the city last week, “You may display the seal and bronze citation beside your logo as not all LGUs gets such credit.” LGU Damulog is a two time qualifier of SGH,

as it also won in 2010, together with LGU Naawan of Misamis Oriental, as well as the municipalities of Clarin and Calamba in Misamis Occidental. Rhona P. Abadilla, SGH regional focal officer admited that few days after its implementation, SGH has evolved really fast, not only on the logo designs but more importantly on the substance of the project. “What’s also good lately is that instead of only accomplishing the monitoring tool there has to be a regional validation prior to the nomination,” she added. (PIA 10)

27 displaced HSW’s from Mis. Occ. avail of OWWA’s by Nestor Flores Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay program OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Some 27 displaced Household Service Workers (HSWs) from this province underwent a training on Native Snacks Preparation last August 17-18.

Held under the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO) BalikPinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program, the activity was held at the Oroquieta Agro-Industrial School (OAIS), a training institution supervised by the Technical Education and Skills Development Au-

thority (TESDA). The “Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” Program is one of the income augmentation strategies of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) by providing livelihood opportunities through skills training and starter-kits, Regional Director Petronila M. Bergado of the Over-

seas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), region 10, said. The livelihood projects under this program are funded by NRCO through direct administration or through accredited OFW cooperatives, family circles and other associations under the supervision of OWWA Re27

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

27 displaced HSW’s.. from page ...26

gional Offices, in partnership with TESDA Regional Offices and other training institutions. Bergado said eligible beneficiaries of the program are women OFW’s displaced by hostilities and conflicts in the Arab Countries and other distressed and displaced women HSW’s. Meanwhile, in her desire to finish the course, Lota Anduman, a former worker in Dubai, brought along her 6-month old

baby to the training. “This is a rare opportunity to avail of a free training like this. I might be able help my husband earn a living through this, so I brought my baby with me just to join the training,” she said. During the closing ceremony, Angelita Gomez, another returning OFW, said she did not realize that what she had been searching for abroad, which is sustainable liveli-

hood, is here in the Philippines. “We all know how we sacrificed and suffered abroad, only to find out that the answer is here. Our only request now is for each of us to be given a moving cart in addition to the starter kit so we could sell our products,” Gomez added. (OWWA/ PIA-10)

PHOTO RELEASES: The Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO) turns-over a brand-new desktop computer to NCMF Acting Provincial Director Sarah Lomondot Camama (third from left) to speed-up the processing of hajj documents. (VNL & LAR/PIO-LDN)

Thousand of indigents from the hinter barangays of Claveria and Lagonglong tows in Misamis Oriental benefits from the army’s 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion free basic services catered through the Army CARES Program recently. (1st Lt Jeorge R. Jallorina / 8IB, 4ID PA)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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Army’s 8IB CARES program benefit thousands of indigents in Mis. Or. hinterlands CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 23 (PIA) --- Some 2,305 indigents from the hinterlands, here, and Lagonglong town benefited from the free basic services of the Philippine Army’s Community Assistance for Rural Empowerment through Social Services (CARES) Program, last August 9 to 18.

Anchored on the theme “Gugma ug Panaghiusa: Tulay sa Kalamboan” (Love and Unity: Bridge Towards Progress), CARES was launched by the 8th Infantry (DEPENDABLE) Battalion, PA, in Barangays Mat-i, Aposkahoy and Parmbugas, all of Claveria and Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, during the period. Lt. Col. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II, 8IB Commander, said the program aims to serve and deliver basic services to the people, especially, in the hinterland areas of the province, which is within its area of responsibility (AOR). “We’ve been conducting Army CARES Programs in areas where we are to culminate our Peace and Development Operations. In fact, we had conducted the same in some barangays of Medina and Gingoog City, middle of this year,” Cuerpo said. “This is because purely military operations remain inadequate solution to our decadelong problem on insurgency. We need complimentary and concerted efforts to address the issues of poverty, injustice, illiteracy and illnesses to achieve a lasting peace in the province,” he added. The program kicked

off with a Tree Planting activity where hundreds of Narra and Mahogany seedlings were jointly planted by the different heads of offices/agencies of the government in support to “National Greening Program (NGP).” Prior to the delivery of free basic services, a Grand Pulong-Pulong (Barangay Forum) was also conducted to address the issues and concerns of the residents. Historical records and verbal revelation of former rebels who have gone back to the folds of the law showed that one of the unanswered concerns is the weapons used by the CNN in instigating residents to join the armed group. “My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Army, especially to the officers and men of 8IB for facilitating the government programs and services to reach or barangay,” William A. Senamin, Barangay Chairman (Village Chief) of Parmbugas, said. “This program of the Army is very beneficial to our constituents, especially, to our poor families. I would also like to thank the local government unit (LGU) of Claveria and the province of Misamis Oriental for their support.”

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Meanwhile, 1Lt. Jeorge Jallorina, 8IB’ CMO Officer, said the following number of beneficiaries availed of the CARES services: Medical check-up and treatment with free medicines, 442 adults/children, tooth extraction, 247, milk and porridge feeding of malnourished children, 605, free weighing/ Timbang, 269, blood pressure taken, 314 , circumcision, 162, free haircut, 311, free bloodtyping, 39 and blood donors, 16. Also distributed, during the occasion were AM-FM transistor radios to selected residents for the purpose of informing the people of government’s projects and programs. Congressman Peter M. Unabia also manifested his support by giving free scholarship grants to deserving students, Virgilia F. Dumadag, Political Officer III of his office, said. Other participants of the program included the different heads and representatives of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), the Department of Agrarian Reform, MORESCO II, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). (8IB/ PIA-10)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Southern Mindanao

EFREN F. ELBANBUENA PIA-IX Regional Director

Peace and dev’t efforts better than waging war

DAVAO CITY Aug. 23 (PIA)- Peace and development initiatives have been proven to be a better strategy in the military’s counter-insurgency campaign particularly in the Davao Region.

During the AFP/PNP (Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police) press conference held last August 23 at the Task Force Davao Headquarters in Sta. Ana Wharf, the military has bared that its Peace and Development Program or PDOP has netted in 380 New Peoples Army rebels who have surrendered to authorities. The PDOP an integral part of the national government’s internal security and peace plan was implemented in the third quarter of 2010. To date it has visited over 524 barangays in the region. According to Major Jacob Obligado, commander of the Civil Military Operations Battalion of the Eastern Mindanao Command, combat operations represent just a small dent to NPA losses in the region. “Majority of the surrenders were a result of the national program for unification and development (NPUD)” Obligado

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

said. According to military-statistics, NPUD accounted for 32% of the total rebel surrenders, followed by hardships in the mountains at 25.7%, family/ relatives 23.4%. Surrenders as a result of combat operations accounted for just 2.3%, Obligado said. From 2006-2011 the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army facilitated 769 New People’s Army guerillas who surrendered, this 2011 alone the Army had recorded 265 surrenderees this tally does not include the recent August surrender figures. During the press conference, the military presented to the media four New Peoples Army guerillas who surrendered after an encounter last August 11 and 12 in Cateel, Davao Oriental. During that skirmish, 12 NPA rebels surrendered (seven of them wounded) and the Army recovered 23 high-powered and low-

powered firearms. Eugenio Baugan alyas Tatang, one of the rebels, said he surrendered because of his battle wounds and worsening rheumatism which rendered him nearly immobile. He cited the Army soldiers for the humane treatment accorded to him and his comrades. “I thought the soldiers had finished off my comrades, I am glad to see them alive and are well taken care off.” Baugan said in vernacular. Two of Baugan’s wounded comrades are recuperating at the Camp Panacan Station Hospital and another two are confined at the Southern Philippine Medical Center. Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th ID said that Baugan and his family will later be sent to the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center in Bansalan Davao del Sur for agricultural livelihood training which he can utilize after his surrender. (PIA 11/RG Alama)

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Mindanao has 9 of the country’s 15 poorest provinces - NSCB by Carina L. Cayon DAVAO CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Mindanao carries nine of the country’s 15 poorest provinces, while none of its provinces are listed in the 14 least poor, according to 2009 statistics. The National Statistical Coordination Board data on poorest and least poor provinces revealed this Mindanao status based on the rating of poverty incidence among families in 2009. NSCB secretary general Romulo A. Virola enumerated the poorest Mindanao provinces as Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Maguindanao, Zamboanga Sibugay, Davao Oriental, Saranggani, Sulu, and Lanao del Norte. Zamboanga del Norte of Region IX topped the list with poverty incidence among families of 46 per cent, Virola told participants to the 7th Mindanao Statistics Congress held in Davao City on August 18. Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte of Caraga Region immediately followed the rank, with 43.5% and 43.1% ratings respectively. The provinces of Maguindanao (5th) and Sulu (13th) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao respectively got percentage points of 37.7% and 33% on poverty incidence. Another province from Region IX, Zamboanga Sibugay was 6th on the list with 35.4%, while Davao Oriental of Region XI ranked 9thafter gaining a 36.4% rating. At the 12th place was Saranggani of Region XII with a score of 34% poverty incidence, and Lanao del Norte of Region X was the 14th poorest with 31.9% rating. Based on the ranking of

these provinces, Virola remarked that Caraga, ARMM and Region IX have become the poorest among the Mindanao regions, while the least poor is Region XI followed by Region X. The NSCB official recalled that ARMM was the least poor in 1991, but drastically has an overturn of status in 2009 about 20 years later. Regions XII and X used to be the poorest. He said that Caraga remained among the country’s poorest, but now has the smallest number of poor families. Virola stated that poverty incidence in Mindanao between 1991 and 2009 has reduced by 2.8 percent among families and 0.3% among population. But he said that despite the decrease in the poverty incidence, “the actual number of the country’s poor increased by 465,000 families, and by two and a quarter million individuals, noting that the additional poor families and individuals live in Mindanao” with 430,000 families and 2.4 million individuals. More than half of these families came from ARMM with 146,000 and Region IX with 105,000, he revealed. He said that the economically bigger regions of Mindanao, Regions XI, X and XII, “have done better in reducing poverty compared to the smaller regions” namely Region IX, Caraga and ARMM. With this, he lauded Davao Region and Northern Mindanao for their economic growth, saying “Your development models

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might just be working.“ But he said that while Region X enjoys its economic growth, the region continues to have the biggest number of poor families in Mindanao. “Could it be that the economic growth of Region X has not trickled down to the poor?” he asked. Meanwhile, also under NSCB 2009 list of poorest provinces were Eastern Samar (4th) and Northern Samar (10th) of Region VIII, Romblon (7th) of Region IVB, Masbate (8th) and Camarines Sur (15th) of Region V, and Bohol (11th). The ten poorest municipalities in Mindanao which were among the 15 poorest municipalities in the country as of 2003 were also mentioned by Virola in his presentation during the Mindanao Statistics Congress that aimed to provide a venue “for the finest statisticians and development practitioners/academics in Mindanao, to come together to discuss statistical issues and policy concerns relevant to the development Mindanao.” Said municipalities were the following: Siayan in Zamboanga del Norte; Sominot in Zamboanga del Sur; Tangcal in Lanao del Norte; Midsalip in Zamboanga del Sur; Bacungan in Zamboanga del Norte; Jose Abad Santos in Davao del Sur; Godod in Zamboanga del Norte; Lapuyan in Zamboanga del Sur; San Luis in Agusan del Sur; and Poona Piagapo in Lanao del Norte. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Campaign vs. corruption good for business

DAVAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 23 (PIA): President Benigno Aquino III may not have talked much about energizing business enterprise but former banker Davao del Norte 1st District Congressman Anthony del Rosario said the president’s campaign against graft and corruption generally augers well for the economy. In a press forum, del the cost of producing a tooth- ing politics noted that in the Rosario explained that inves- paste between two countries recent State of the Nation tors primarily consider the saying the toothpaste in a Address (SONA), President cost of doing business in de- country not plagued with cor- Aquino talked about improved ciding whether or not to put ruption would presumably be credit ratings that internationtheir money in a country. lower than the cost of pro- al credit rating agencies were Some may not have ducing the same in a country giving to the Philippines. realized that graft and cor- where investors have to pay He looked at this develruption increases the cost of for fixers just to comply with opment as an indication of an doing business, he said. a number of business require- improved level of confidence “How will we become ments. that investors were pinning competitive?” he said refer- In a separate interview, on the country as a place to ring to the Philippines in com- he said that a good busi- invest. parison with other countries ness environment is built on With improved credit in terms of business viability if less red tape in government ratings, he was hopeful that the country would be saddled transactions and on less cor- the country would become with corruption. “Ang impor- ruption. one of the choice Asia locatante, walang korapsyon,” he “Less red tape, the better; less tions of investors who were said as he pointed out that corruption, the better. This is moving out from the United eliminating such would be a one of the basis of putting in States which recently was good way of “enticing inves- investments,” he said. given a much lower credit rattors to invest in our country.” Del Rosario who used ing. (PIA 11/ jean duron He cited as an example to be a banker before enter- abangan)

Statistics bare Mindanao MDG’s state on curbing poverty by Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Latest statistics on the state of the Millennium Development Goal on poverty reduction showed “more bad news than good news for Mindanao.” Secretary General Ro- among population. “Despite the decrease mulo A. Virola of the National He said that “this re- in our poverty incidence from Statistical Coordination Board duction pales in comparison 1991 to 2009, the actual bared this in his keynote ad- to the reduction achieved for number of the country’s poor dress during the recently held Luzon” which he added was increased, by 465,000 fami7th Mindanao Statistics Con- close to a 9% reduction, and lies, and by two and a quargress in Davao City. for Visayas which was close to ter million individuals,” Virola With statistical presen- 8%. bared. tation, Virola showed a re- But he lamented that He noted a “very sad duction of poverty incidence reduction in poverty incidence news”, saying that “practicalbetween 1991 and 2009 in “has not coped with the faster ly all of these additional poor Mindanao by 2.8 percent increase in our poor popula- families and individuals live among families and 0.3% tion.” 32

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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Statistics bare... from page 31 ... in Mindanao” with a headcount of 430,000 families and 2.4 million individuals. Subsequently, the share of Mindanao has increased from 27-28% in 1991, to 3536% in 2009, while the shares of Luzon and Visayas among the country’s poor have been reduced from 1991 to 2009, Virola stated. “Mindanao has a bigger share of the poor now than Visayas!” he said throwing a “tough challenge” for Mindanawons. Among the Mindanao regions, Virola bared that Region IX and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao “are at risk,” while Regions XI and XII “seem to be ok” in terms of achieving the MDG on poverty reduction. In fact, according to Virola, more than half of the 430,000 families added to the poor of Mindanao from 19912009 came from ARMM with 146,000, and from Region IX, with 105,000. Based on Virola’s statistics presentation, ARMM has a lot of catching up to do with MDG1 indicator 1.1a on the proportion of population below the poverty threshold with a 1991 baseline data of 21.5 percent. The region has to achieve a percentage of 10.8 by 2015 on this particular indicator. As of 2009 it still

scored a 45.9% rating. On MDG1 indicator 1.8 on the prevalence of underweight 0-5 years of age with a baseline data of 31.3%, ARMM has so far gained 28.8% in 2008, while it has to attain 15.7% by 2015. Region IX, stand at 43.1% rating in 2009 in terms of the proportion of population below the poverty threshold with a baseline data of 35.8%. The region has to reach 17.9% in 2015. On the prevalence of underweight 0-5 years of age with a baseline data of 33.8%, Zamboanga Region has to accomplish 16.9% at the end of the MDG period from the 33.3% it rated in 2008. Region XI has a score of 31.3% in as of 2009, and it has a target of 19.7% on the proportion of population below the poverty threshold. In its target on the prevalence of underweight 0-5 years of age, the region was at 26.3% in 2008 while it aims for an 18.6% by 2015. Meanwhile, Region XII has to reach a poverty threshold of 25.2%, and it stand at 35.7% in 2008. On the prevalence of underweight, the region targets 16.6% while it marked a 30.5% three years ago. Virola remarked that the economically bigger regions of Mindanao, Regions XI, X and XII, “have done bet-

ter in reducing poverty compared to the smaller regions” namely Region IX, Caraga and ARMM. He posed these questions: “Is the Mindanao problem then the result of disparity in economic development? And is disparity in economic development a matter of geography, culture, and/or size (land area, population)?” “But ARMM is big! Or is your problem, more of a problem of governance?” he asked. Statistics on poverty reduction, as the overarching aspect of the Philippine MDG were among the many significant and relevant concerns that the NSCB official discussed before a crowd of statisticians and stakeholders from various government and private institutions and academes who attended the Congress on August 18-19 in Davao City. Virola said that the Mindanao Statistics Congress provides a venue “for the finest statisticians and development practitioners/academics in Mindanao, to come together to discuss statistical issues and policy concerns relevant to the development Mindanao.” He hoped for the 8th Congress to be held at the ARMM next year. (PIA-11/ Carina L. Cayon)

RDR spells out initial PEOPLE accomplishments

by Jeanevive D. Abangan

DAVAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 23 (PIA): Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario has spelled out initial accomplishments in rolling out his pro-people agenda.

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

RDR spells out... from page 32... Guesting in a recently held media forum, Del Rosario talked about recent developments in health, agriculture, education and infrastructure programs and projects in line with his P.E.O.P.L.E. agenda which stands for People empowerment, Education, Optimum health and social services, Public-private partnership, Link to the world, and Employment and livelihood opportunities. He explained that his PEOPLE agenda is directed towards delivering government services geared towards giving the majority of his people a much better health, education and livelihood. He bared the initial release of P36 million from the Department of Health (DOH) out of the total of P52 million for health facility enhancement fund that would basically cover improvement and equipment purchases for the three district hospitals. This would also include the construction of a new Provincial Health Office (PHO). On top of the health insurance grants of the national government, he revealed having rolled out P20 million Philhealth Para sa Masa for his indigent constituents. Students in schools under the Davao del Norte Department of Education (DepEd) Division will soon

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

be feeling the ease as the provincial government has secured a P44 million counterpart funding for more school-building construction that will start this year. Meanwhile, the arrival of 150 milking cows from New Zealand that the United States Department of Agriculture is giving through Land O’Lakes, answers the need for livelihood and also provides intervention for malnutrition among children. The dairy industry project of Land O’Lakes with the provincial government of Davao del Norte is being piloted in the municipality of New Corrella. He looked forward to more cows grown in Davao del Norte, and that more milk as well as milk products would be produced in the province as the provincial government will be putting up a pasteurizing plant as its counterpart for the project. More environmental, agriculture and infrastructure projects are coming their way to the province especially once the World Bank releases the P280 million that it has considered to provide for projects proposed under the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). Del Rosario said that some of the projects lined up for MRDP funding were farm-to-market road, water supply, irrigation, projects

for livelihood and for environmental concerns. The public is now seeing the on-going preparation for the construction of the Davao del Norte Sports Complex at a sprawling empty lot near the RDR Gym located just across the Provincial Capitol. Del Rosario targetted the P240 million sports complex to be completely done in one year through a “turn-key” or design-andbuild arrangement with the contractor. “They will construct it first before they will be paid,” he said referring to the contractor which has yet to be known until the bidding is done by September this year. On top of some developments in implementing of PEOPLE agenda, the provincial government of Davao del Norte is also a recipient of the P40 million Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF) coming from the Australian Aid for International Development (AusAID). Along with the PRMF, AusAID has also committed to provide technical assistance on disaster risk reduction management which del Rosario explained as “more on trainings while the PRMF will dwell on observing good governance through proper road management.” (PIA 11/ jean duron-abangan)

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