PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
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 Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Region-IX
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI Managing Editor …….........
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 Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
ABNER M. CAGA
Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga 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
Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) 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
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA
Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
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 Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur
features the
DPWH IX infra projects
National
Friday,
Vol. 1 No. 110
In This Issue... 12 15 19 20 22 23
Caraga DRRMC calls on public to prepare for Yuletide season Nora CL Molde,
Caraga Region
Paje pushes for reforms in mining industry Eric F. Gallego,
Caraga Region
Aquino expresses alarm over judicial uncertainty in the country...........................
9
Palace considers high optimism among Filipinos an inspiration to work even harder..................................................................
10
Cover Story DPWH IX implements P3.2 B worth of infra projects; remains top implementer nationwide Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
page 4
Iligan city to rehabilitate slaughterhouse Melvin T. Anggot and Virgilio C. Garcia,
CARAGA REGION
Region X
page 11
BJMP-10 fills up 86-m tunnel Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez,
Region X
Gov’t Information Officers urged to maximize info tech in governance communication Rene V. Carbayas,
Region IX
NORTHERN MINDANAO
page 18
AFP joins 2011 Mindanao Week of Peace
WESTERN MINDANAO
Region IX
26
TESDA Davao hits high employment rate 6 of 10 graduates get jobs
32 34
Rescued geckos in Gensan released into the wild
Region XI
Dani Doguiles
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
page 25
Region XII
Engineer from South Cotabato wins invention tilt for start-up companies Bai Tagitican and Dani Doguiles
page 21
Region XII
CENTRAL MINDANAO
page 29
Cover Story DPWH IX implements P3.2 B worth of infra projects; remains top implementer nationwide by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
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he Department of Public Works and Highways IX has implemented 320 infrastructure projects amounting to P3.2 B as of third quarter this year, remaining as top project implementer among all DPWH Regional Offices nationwide.
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Chief of Monitoring Section Engr. Leddie A. Estanislao said as of September 30, Region IX has maintained its grasp of the top spot on project implementation nationwide for CY 2011-2009 Current Year and Carry-Over Projects with 69.41% accomplishment rate. He said there are still 54 other ongoing projects and 16 more in pre-construction stage. Thirty six projects are still For this year alone, the department has completed 32 ongoing, and seven in pre-conmajor projects, six of which, struction stages. DPWH 9 Regional Director cost P20 M each. These are the Sindangan-Liloy Road, Dipolog- Jorge Sebastian, Jr. credited his Oroquieta National Road, Liloy- office’s success to all employees Ipil Road, Phases 4 and 5 of who have worked hard to serve the Jose Rizal Memorial State the public. “This accomplishment is a University Multi-Purpose Buildresult of the collective efforts of ing in Dapitan City, all in Zam- the men and women of DPWH boanga del Norte Province, and 9 focusing in the department’s the Lanao-Pagadian-Zamboan- mission and vision, in coordinaga City Road, Imelda Section in tion with the national and local Zamboanga Sibugay Province. officials and leaders in various communities”, Sebastian said. He added that they are complying with Secretary Rogelio Singson’s advocacy of 3-R Policy (Right Project, Right Cos and Right Quality), in pursuit of good governance as part of President Benigno Aquino III’s “Matuwid na Daan” slogan. Meanwhile, as part of next
year’s project, DPWH has already endorsed the proposed Friday, December 2, 2011
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P310 M by-pass road project in the city for initial funding. The project will cut across the city’s highlands to connect the eastern and western coasts
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directly linking the city’s industrial and commercial centers. It is also seen to solve perennial traffic problem in the city as it will help open alternative routes for motorists. More important, this project will boost socio-economic activities in the region, and the whole of Mindanao. As for the remaining unfinished projects this year, DPWH vowed to fast track its completion before the year ends.
Aquino leads Christmas Tree lighting in Malacanang
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III reminded the Filipinos of their instinctive concern for others through honest and transparent service, as embodied by the government’s programs towards the nation’s sustainable progress and development, especially now that the season of giving has just started. Friday, December 2, 2011
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In his brief but meaningful message during the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacanang Palace on Thursday, President Aquino said that the event symbolizes the tradition of giving and sharing among the Filipino people as exemplified by the real meaning of the yuletide season. “Ngayon nga pong sinindihan na natin ang ating Christmas tree at mga Christmas lights dito sa Malacañang, ipinapahayag na rin po natin sa bayan ang isa pang simbolo, isa pang tradisyon. Ito po ang tradisyon ng taos-pusong pagbibigay sa kapwa na ipinamalas sa atin ni Hesus,” the President said. He said that the newly-lit Christmas tree and lights signify a fresh hope for t h e 8
country and the individual role everyone plays in pursuing progress for the nation. “Ito po ang simbolo ng liwanag na kaya nating ibigay para sa bayan. Ang indibidwal po nating mga gawain—ang sari-sarili nating pagbubukas-palad, pagmamalasakit sa kapwa, tapat na serbisyo, at pagkilos tungo sa interes ng ating mga kababayan—lahat po ng ito, kung susumahin, ay sapat upang talaga namang isulong ang ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” President Aquino said. The Chief Executive also stressed the importance of cooperation and unity among people in order to achieve the common goal of overcoming any trial in favor of the nation. “Gaya nga po nitong mga ilaw na sinindihan natin ngayon: Maaari pong ang bawat maliit na bumbilya ay hindi kayang tumanglaw ng daan kung mag-isa siya, ngunit
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kung magsasama-sama at mag-aambagan, makabubuo ito ng isang dakila at dambuhalang liwanag na hindi kayang paandapin ng kahit anong kadiliman,” the President said. President Aquino led in lighting the 6.6 meters high Christmas tree made from recycled steel and garland. It was decorated with 125 lanterns and 32 sets of LED lights. Also present during the event were other high-ranking government officials led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Delez, among others. Prior to the President’s speech, performances were rendered by the Office of the President Chorale, the Philippine Marine Drum and Bugle Team and the children of the Children’s Joy Foundation. (JCL)
Aquino expresses alarm over judicial uncertainty in the country
P
resident Benigno Aquino III expressed concern over judicial uncertainty in the country noting the highest court is apparently not working in harmony with other branches of the government.
“My task as Chief Executive is clearly spelled out to uphold and defend the constitution; implement its laws; do justice to every man; and consecrate myself to the service of the people. You know that even before I was president, I was puzzled, even alarmed, by the behavior of the Supreme Court,” the President said in his speech at the 30th anniversary of the Makati Business
Club (MBC) in Makati City Thursday evening. The government is established to uphold public good and the President said that as the chief executive he needs clarity of rules and consistency in interpretations to effectively implement his plans. But the President said he wonders how he can fulfill his mandate as chief executive given the current behavior of the Supreme
Court, contradicting itself and issuing decisions not serving the interest of the public. The high court’s reversal of its decisions in the past has cast a cloud of uncertainty in the Philippine judicial system, he said. The President cited SC’s decisions
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on the status of Dinagat Island as a province, confusing its constituents after the high court reversed itself several times. Because of the system of checks and balances in the government there should be interplay between the branches of government, he said. The SC is supposed to be the designated arbiter when disagreements arise but the President doubted the objectivity and nonpartisanship of the high court. The President particularly mentioned the issue on the temporary restraining order (TRO)
for Mrs. Arroyo, saying he’s confused why the SC just relied on arguments of the former president’s lawyers despite the inconsistencies of her travel plans. Justice is the bedrock of progress, the president said adding every Filipino must be treated equally under the law. Also he underscored the importance of interplay of all sectors and institutions of society in realizing national progress. “A weak and corrupt government affects the state of the economy. We have seen so often in different countries all over the world how political instability has done nothing but harm
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business operations, and ultimately, economic stability,” he said. “And, worst of all, these redound directly to the lives of our countrymen -- in government programs and initiatives that do not, or cannot truly help the people because of a corrupt leadership; in lack of jobs and opportunities to take stock of their lives; and ultimately, in a poor and vulnerable Philippines,” he added. Aside from gracing MBC’s the 30th anniversary, the President also joined the unveiling of its new logo, acknowledging the role of the organization for the development of the country. (AS)
Palace considers high optimism among Filipinos an inspiration to work even harder alacanang said it shares the high optimism of most Filipinos for the coming year adding it would use the renewed public confidence to achieve national reform and progress.
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A survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) in June showed that Filipinos remain optimistic about their quality of life and expect positive changes in the country’s economy in 2012. “We share your optimism, to everybody who feels optimistic about 2012. We also likewise feel optimistic and we will use that optimism to keep putting our noses to the ground at tuloy lang po yung ating pagtatrabaho,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday. “Natutuwa po kami na patuloy po yung optimism and yung confidence ng ating mga kababayan,” she added. The high optimism, as showed by the recent SWS
survey means two things for the government, Valte noted. First, the administration will use it as further motivation “to keep doing what needs to be done to see those numbers go up.” “And secondly, also for our fellow citizens, that hindi tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa that we will see better days up ahead ,” Valte continued. The SWS survey said 36 percent of Filipinos expect their life would improve, while nine percent expect their life to get worse, resulting in a “high” net personal optimism score (optimistic minus pessimistic) of +27 points. This figure is 3 percentage higher compared to the “high” net personal optimism score in March of +24 (35 percent optimistic, 11 percent pessimis-
tic), according to SWS. The SWS asked 1,200 respondents nationwide, “In your opinion, what will be the quality of your life in the coming 12 months?” in the survey conducted on June 3 to 6. The survey also found that Filipinos see the economy to improve in the future, with 29 percent of respondents saying it would get better in the next 12 months. Sixteen percent said it would get worse, resulting in a net economic optimism score of +14 points. (AS)
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UP Open University to host 1st Int’l Confab on Open, Distance e-Learning by Robert E. Roperos
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he 1st International Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) will be held on Ferbuary 22-24, 2012 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila Philippines.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com 12
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Friday, December 2, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
The event will be hosted by the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), UPOU Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI) and the Philippine Society of Distance Learning (PSDL) in support of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the Aquino administration. The conference is anchored on the theme “Creating Spaces and Possibilities.” It aims to provide a forum for distance education and e-learning scholars, practitioners and policy makers to
share and reflect on experiences, and collaboratively create and explore spaces and possibilities for open, distance and e-learning for development. The activity also focuses on the convergence of philosophies, pedagogies and technologies in ODeL, as well as the issues and challenges arising from practice of ODeL in various contexts, including among others, public service and development. Interested participants may contact the sec-
retariat at +63 49 536-6001 to 06 local 420, 220 and 710 or email at icodelsecretariat@upou.edu.ph. The country aims to attain its education targets under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to improve quality, access and efficiency of education. The country has been cited as a “particularly striking example of under-performance” in educational reforms in the 2010 Education For All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report.
Caraga DRRMC calls on public to prepare for Yuletide season by Nora CL Molde
T
he Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga region through its chairperson calls the public to be prepared this yuletide season.
According to Caraga DRRMC Chairperson and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional director
Dr. Blanche Gobenciong, Filipinos may experience a wet Christmas season this year based on
PAGASA’s prediction. Gobenciong said that from December 2011 to January 2012,
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there is a strong chance of above normal rainfall in the tropical western Pacific, including the Philippines and the northeast monsoon will be dominant wind system which will result to cool and wet season. Thus, Gobenciong said that this year’s observance of Christmas season requires preemptive actions on the part of the RDRRMC to avert any potential disaster in order to ensure peaceful celebration of this yuletide season. Also, Gobenciong advices and warns the public on situations that 14
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has something to do or that relates in celebrating the season, like the traditional use of Christmas lights and buying of affordable toys with toxic chemicals. The public should take note that sets of Christmas lights without ICC mark are products that pose danger to its users. The traditional practice of using firecrackers/ fireworks or “paputok” and other pyrotechnic devices in celebrating Christmas Eve and in welcoming the New Year should also be avoided and/or be given extra attention and care
Friday, December 2, 2011
especially to children. Gobenciong further said that the RDRRMC Operations Center would maintain its 24/7 operation to closely monitor incidents arising during the period, which may result, to exposure of people to various hazards that can contribute more vulnerability to disasters. The call is in line with the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Program of the Aquino Aquino administration as among those featured in the Philippine Development Plan.
Paje pushes for reforms in mining industry by Eric F. Gallego
SURIGAO CITY – In support to the Philippine Development Plan of the Aquino Administration specifically on the Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources, Secretary Ramon Paje announced Tuesday that reforms are being worked out by the DENR to improve revenue collections of the local government from mining operations. “We will start the mining reforms in Zambonga del Norte,” Paje told the local newsmen shortly after the conclusion of the Environment Summit initiated by the Provincial Governor of Surigao del Norte Sol
F. Matugas in this mining capital of the Philippines. He said the local government must get a good share of income from the mining companies particularly in areas where they have active
operations. “It has to be remitted directly to the LGU” he said adding that he is “ personally campaigning for that with the Department of Budget and Management , the Department of Finance and the Bureau of
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Internal Revenue for the implementation of this policy reforms in tax remittances”. “I am proposing that the government must get additional 5 percent (%) from the mining companies of which 40 percent of that goes to the LGU” he said. “We expect an additional revenues of P 16 billion to the government coming from all the mining companies actively operating in the country”, the DENR Secretary said. “Imagine this revenues that will be used by the LGU for building roads, school buildings, government hospitals, water systems and other 16
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infrastructure projects”, Paje said. Secretary Paje was the keynote speaker of the one-day Environment Summit held at the Provincial Convention Center, Provincial Capitol in Surigao City. This was the second Environment Summit held this month in Caraga Region aimed at strengthening the social mobilization and awareness of the people on the need to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources in the country. Before he went to the summit, Secretary Paje made a brief aerial inspection of the Tagan-
Friday, December 2, 2011
ito Mining operation in Claver, Surigao del Norte where he saw some siltation along the coastal areas but nevertheless expressed satisfaction of the forest condition in the area. “ I have been in many parts of the country and I can say that Caraga is still the greenest part”, he said. The DENR chief was met at the airport by his field officers headed by Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca,and his staff including the Regional Technical Directors of Forestry Musa Saruang, Atty. Paquito S. Rosal of Land Management, Mario Eludo of the Protected Areas and Wildlife, Coastal Zone Management and Virgilio dela Cruz of the Ecosystems Research and Development, Director Alilo Ensomo of the Mines and Geo Sciences Regional Office and Ester Olavides, director of the Environment Management Bureau regional office. In his speech, Sec-
retary Paje has challenged every Filipino people to” do their share and responsibility on environment protection”. He said that the Philippine is the 6th most threatened countries vulnerable to climate change. The polar ice are melting ( owing to increase global warming caused by heavy concentrations of carbon dioxide and other harmful substances on the earth’s ozone layer), the sea level rises which will definitely affect the 90 percent of the Philippine communities that are situated in this areas. He said that the trend in the world is that the poor and population go together”. Under this situation, he said that as the population increases the natural resources is always susceptible to exploitation and therefore,result to environment degradation, low productivity and more poverty which becomes a vicious cycle”. “We must prove to
the world that in this part of the country, development and conservation go hand-in-hand.” Surigao del Norte, Paje said, can become a laboratory of “Green Mining “ . “ We can show the world that the sustainable development principle can work out in this part of the country” he said. He said that the DENR is very much focused on greening through reforestation efforts, clean air and clean water which are “fundamental human rights”. He said that by 2015, it is the objective of the government of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III that “ every Filipino must have direct access to clean water”. Secretary Paje later has stood witnessed to a Memorandum of Agreement entered among the DENR, DAR, DA, DepEd, the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and the City Government of Surigao City that seeks to harmonize
all greening efforts in rehabilitating the environment. Under the MOA, the Provincial and City Government of Surigao del Norte and SUrigao City shall lead in the province-wide tree planting activities with legislative support for the maintenance and protection of each area. The DepEd shall conduct the information ,education and communication to all students and immediate communities to enhance environment awareness while the DENR,DA and DAR identify potential and suitable areas for the implementation of the National Greening Program. Secretary Paje also distributed more that 700 free patents under the Handog Titulo Program of President Aquino to the different beneficiaries through their respective Mayors. Most of these beneficiaries are from the Dinagat Island province. (DENR-13)
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Cagayan de Oro hosts Doing Business in FTAs confab
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by Mila Aguilar-Lasquites agayan de Oro City will again host an information session dubbed “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA II) Program – A Sectoral Approach for Homestyle, Coconut and Fresh and Processed Food,” on December 8, here. The session will discuss the benefits of free trade agreements between the Philippines and the ASEAN countries and Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and India. There will also be sessions on market opportunities, tariffs, rules of origin and customs procedures pertaining to these countries. The FTAs the Philippines is currently implementing include one (1) Bilateral FTA - the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA); and six (6) Bilateral FTAs, namely: ASEAN Free Trade Area, and ASEAN Regional FTAs – ASEANChina, ASEAN-Japan, ASEAN-Korea and ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand 18
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FTAs including ASEAN – India. The ASEAN-India FTA is due for implementation this year, according to the DTI. To be discussed also, are market opportunities for the Homestyle, Coconut and Fresh and Processed Food Sectors in Free Trade Areas to include industrial snapshot, world demand, Philippine exports in FTA markets, shares of Philippine exports to world imports, consumer trends, lifestyle/social changes. The DBFTA info session is part
of the activities of Northern Mindanao during the Exporters’ Week which is celebrated during the first week of December 2011. The activity will be conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Tariff Commission (TC) to present benefits and opportunities on FTAs to
business people, academe, concerned government agencies and local government units, customs brokers, traders, distributors and freight forwarders, at the Mallberry Suites, Limketkai Compex. For interested participants, you may call or visit any Provincial Office within Region 10. (DTI-10)
Iligan city to rehabilitate slaughterhouse by Melvin T. Anggot and Virgilio C. Garcia ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - One of the top 10 priority projects in the draft of the Comprehensive Development Plan of Iligan is the P29 million rehabilitation of the slaughterhouse. Architect Gil Balondo, City Planning and Development Coordinator presented the plan to several barangay officials and local businessmen in the city. The amount is the same as what the Economic Enterprise Manager Orlando Maglinao said to rehabilitate the slaughterhouse back to its original status in 1996 as a triple A facility. It may be recalled that when Maglinao appeared in the regular session of the city council, he explained that many portions of the slaughterhouse needs repair and replacement such as the scalding vat, opal cleaning area, overhead by pass transporting slide, roofing and others. Aside from the rehabilitation of the slaughterhouse, included in the top 10 priority projects of Iligan in
the proposed CDP are the Iligan River and Mandulog Flood Control, drainage improvement, farm to market roads, integrated gymnasium and convention center, new Pala-o Public Market, city hospital improvement, construction of nearly 300 public school classrooms, to sustain the Reverse 47-74+1 Education Program and construction of Mahayahay-Tambacan Bridge.
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BJMP-10 fills up 86-m tunnel by Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez CAGAYAN DE ORO, Misamis Oriental - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Northern Mindanao is currently filling-up the 86-meter tunnel facility to prevent further harm to the people. This is after the agency successfully prevented recently a supposed unprecedented escape of inmates from the Cagayan de Oro City Jail facility through the tunnel, found intricately done. “Because of the frequent greyhound/search for contrabands operations conducted by our jail personnel inside the cells and the very stringent perimeter security we are implementing, one would necessarily find it difficult if not impossible to stage a daring escape,” said Jail Senior Superintendent Abraham P. Lintao, Regional Director, PNP, Northern Mindanao. “Maybe that’s the reason why they decided to dig up from the outside a hundred-meter away from our facility and concealed in such a way as not to arouse any suspicion from any passers-by,” he added. The BJMP is also conducting its separate investigation in order to pinpoint who is behind the dig-up. “As of now, we are still uncertain as to who is behind this, but one thing we are certain of, they are wellorganized and well-funded,” Lintao said. 20
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He stressed the discovery of the tunnel leading to the facility had once again proved that the government agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and BJMP could be very well effective in implementing our mandate if the community is willing to be involved. It is like a symbiotic relationship. We are willing to offer our services to the community other than the usual safekeeping and development of inmates and the community is willing to be of help, he emphasized. (BJMP-10)
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Sardines manufacturers in region 9 buck by Franklin P. Gumapon fishing ban circular ardines manufacturers in region 9 including the bottled sardines makers of this city have recently expressed objection to a circular jointly issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the implementation of closed fishing season starting December 1, 2011 to March 1, 2012.
Regional Development Council (RDC)-IX private sector representative Jose Suan said during
the recent RDC meeting here that the implementation of the fishing ban would adversely affect the sardines manufacturers and their workers in the region. Suan cited the economic losses to be incurred for three months if the govern-
ment would insist on implementing such a circular. Dipolog mayor and RDC chair Evelyn T. Uy also said the bottled sardines manufacturers here are opposed to the fishing ban, which also falls during their production period from October to May. Joint DA-DILG Administrative Order No. 1-2011 stipulated
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that the closed fishing season shall be from December 1, 2011 to March 1, 2012. In response to the points raised by Suan, DA-IX Executive Director Eduardo Hoyohoy disclosed that “the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is still awaiting the final issuance of a fishery
administrative order. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), on the other hand, has come up with “Sagip Tamban” program to provide alternative employment for displaced workers should the fishing ban be implemented. This program will be implemented in part-
nership with BFAR, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (JPA/FPG)
Gov’t Information Officers urged to maximize info tech in governance communication
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by Rene V. Carbayas
ommunication and information officers from government and non-government institutions were encouraged to become innovative and more creative in gaining knowledge on information technology to effectively inform the people on government activities. At least a hundred communication and information officers converged in General Santos City for the 9th Congress of the Mindanao Communicators Network (MCN) coming from 22
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Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and ARMM with the theme: “Strengthening Governance Communication through the New Media”. Speaking on behalf of the City Mayor Darlene Custodio, City
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Councilor Elizabeth B. Bagonoc stressed that “technology has altered the landscape of communication and society.” She said that the theme truly represents the need of the time and that the information communication tech-
nology, in all aspects, has provided vast opportunities that has increased affordability and productivity, thereby accelerates socio-economic development. Recognizing its potentials, Bagonoc said the city has maximized the use of the technology and launched several websites of the city council, including that of 26 public high schools in General Santos City, claiming it to be the first in the country. This, she said, will provide people with the opportunity to get in touch with their leaders (including that of the mayor) on-line, anytime and anywhere. “This will help ensure transparency and accountability in making government truly responsive to the people and exercise the highest standard of governance,”
she said. Regional Director Olivia T. Sudaria of the Philippine Information AgencyXII said that it has been some 11 years since the Mindanao Communicators Network was organized in 2000 whose membership now extends to communication officers, public relations officers, etc. from the NGOs, private sectors, and the academe. “The goal is simply excellence in governance communication with the vision to promote excellence in governance communication among members by creating a venue for learning, initiating, and conducting of learning activities for members,” Sudaria said. She underscored that the MCN takes the role of developing and enhancing the knowledge and
skills of government information officers, needed for promoting government programs to the general public and its partners. She said the MCN serves as the umbrella organization that synchronizes local efforts and plans to that of national efforts and programs, particularly for Mindanao. Through the years, the MCN has been supportive of the national advocacy programs for peace and development, socio-economic programs, and fight against corruption, among others with the Aquino III’s administration concept of “Daang Matuwid.” The 9th MCN Congress is held from November 28 to 30 with the election of new set of officers.
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AFP joins 2011 Mindanao Week of Peace
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he Armed Forces of the Philippines joins 2011 Mindanao Peace of Week which was launched last week in Zamboanga City through a civic parade from Petit Barracks to Don Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Complex. Troops from Western Mindanao Command, 530th Air Wing Division, Task Force Zamboanga and 4th CRG, CRSAFP marched in support to the desire of the Mindanaoans for peace together with the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, various government agencies, non-government organizations, and local government units, among others. Lt Colonel Gamal S Hayudini, Group Commander of the 4th Civil Relations 24
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Group, Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said that the 2011 Mindanao Week of Peace is an effort worthy of laud from the headship of the Peace Advocate of Zamboanga through the Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace. More so, the unity and participation shown by the people from the different walks of life, races, and religion in this Week for Peace is a manifestation of genuine will that Min-
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danaoans wants neither conflict nor war but Peace alone, he added. The 2011 Mindanao Week of Peace is observed from 24 November to 01 December with different activities showcasing primarily on “Peace.� Other activities participated by the military are the art exhibit in Garden Orchid Hotel and Concert for Peace on 01 December at Paseo del Mar. (6CRGAFP/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
PIA chief tells gov’t communicators to explore news thru SMS by Jeanevive Abangan
T
he communication challenge is to fit messages into the cellphones of every Filipino.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose A. Fabia posed the challenge for government information officers to “produce content that can fit in every cellphone holder in the country.” “I said this because I believe that the future of communication lies on how well we develop messages that can fit into the cellphone of every Filipino,” he said in a message de-
livered by MindaComNet past president Olivia Sudaria of PIA 12 during the 9th Mindanao Communicators’ Network (MindaComNet) Congress, held from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, 2011 in General Santos City. Fabia encouraged government information officers to maximize the use of new media as means of communicating and of transmitting information. Aside from cellphones, gadgets to access the internet are also called the new media through which information can directly be passed on to readers and listeners in a fastand-easy way. The internet offers various social media accounts such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, through which one can gain multiple links to share information. Fabia said the social media “is a very powerful, yet inexpensive tool for creating content and disseminating Friday, December 2, 2011
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information to the citizenry.” Though he did not discredit the traditional radio, print and television media which communicators mostly relied upon in the past, but he raised the question on their effectiveness, and their value for money. Noting the mass ownership of cellphones, and laptops to some, Fabia said the new media of information have emerged, referring such as “scud missile”. “Why scud missile? Because, we can now directly hit the targeted audience anytime we want and with the right kind of information,” he said Fabia cited the new media as reasons for PIA to create innovative news programs such as the Weather Watch which helps the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in saving “lives and property.” Fabia made the MindaComNet participants aware that the Weather Watch lodged in Facebook, had been
used and viewed by more than 17 million visitors, and had been cited as a reliable source of disaster related information by the United Nations, since its launching in October 2010. He also talked about One Mindanao, an electronic magazine copied by PIA offices in the Visayas and Luzon where One Visayas and One Luzon are also produced, respectively. “The day will come when One Mindanao, One Visayas and One Luzon will have more readers here and abroad compared with all the newspapers in the Philippines combined,” Fabia said. Fabia also informed participants how PIA has delivered timely information, in an inexpensive way, to countless recipients through “text blast.” Like a scud missile, the information is delivered to our recipients cellular phones,” he said.
TESDA Davao hits high employment rate 6 of 10 graduates get jobs DAVAO CITY- Six out of 10 graduates of vocational courses of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Davao region were able to land jobs this year, buoying up the shares of skilled workers in the various industries in the country. TESDA Region XI (Davao Re26
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gion) reported that 15,760 out of the total 25,272 trainees who completed their respective courses this year found employment after graduation. The number of graduates was culled from the total number of enrollees which reached 35,653. Of
those who graduated, 20,510 underwent assessment, and 17,573 were issued certification as TESDA Specialista. TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said the figure was very encouraging as this clearly indicates that the agency is successfully achieving its mandate to train for jobs and to produce graduates that industries need. “We are slowly coming to grips with the problem of mismatch between education choices and the skills required by businesses,” Villanueva said, adding that “at the end of the day, it’s above all an issue of quality.” Graduates cannot just apply for jobs without taking and passing the competency assessment. More and more companies require job seekers to show proof that they possess the knowledge and skills they require. A technical vocational graduate, who passes the assessment, is issued a certification. The TESDA certification attests the competencies of the qualification and that he has earned the right to earn the badge of excellence, that of being a TESDA Specialista. This serves as a kind of quality assurance for TESDA graduates before they plunge in to the real world of work, said Villanueva, who was in Davao recently for the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Industry Forum. The forum aimed to provide the framework for evaluating the needs
of the captains of the 11 industry clusters in the region. These are the prime movers of the economy involved in sectors such as banana, coconut, mango, seaweeds, woods, construction, information communication technology, livestock and poultry, machineries, tourism and mining. TESDA officials in the region are aiming for an 80 percent employment rate for their graduates. Davao Region is composed of Davao City and four provinces – Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur. There are a total of 248 institutions providing technical vocational and training, including public and private schools, private enterprises and community-based centers in the region. Trainers in the region number to a total of 1,468 while accredited assessment centers total to 175. As of November 18 this year, TESDA has released scholarship vouchers for the region worth about P30 million. TESDA provides scholarships through its two main programs namely, the Training for Work Scholarship Program and the Private Education Student Fund Assistance (PESFA). At least P2.3 million is still due for release to Davao City, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur under the PESFA scholarship. Friday, December 2, 2011
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Photo Release
Villagers thank World Bank for Bangka Project MAASIM, Sarangani – Barangay Kabatiol Chairman Noel Tapan extends his appreciation being the recipient of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) Bangka Project. The Kabatiol Fishermen’s Association received six new motorized bangkas worth P250,000 funded by World Bank, the Department of Agriculture thru MRDP and the Local Government of Maasim Monday. Fishing is the main livelihood of the barangay. (Maasim News Central/Abner Arzaga)
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Mountaineers advocate tourism, education, and environment by Ariel Lalisan
ALABEL, Sarangani – In the early morning of November 26, more than a hundred people gathered at the James L. Chiongbian Provincial Capitol building. That day was a big They came for three South Cotabato, moun-
day for Sarangani Province as it celebrates its 19th Foundation Anniversary and 9th MunaTo Festival. But those who gathered at the Capitol lobby that morning did not come for the festivities.
important causes: tourism, education, and environment. From as far as Davao and North Cotabato and from the neighboring cities of General Santos and Koronadal and the province of
taineering enthusiasts participated in the 1st MunaTo EcoTrek to Atnayan Waterfalls in sitio New Canaan, barangay Pag-asa in Alabel. The sun shone brightly as we rode three dump trucks from the
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Capitol compound. Looks like God answered our prayer, I told myself. Our biggest fear is for heavy rain to pour down because, as per experience, when it rains, the water level in the river can rise in no time and begin to inun-
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date the riverbanks. So it was a blessing that the sky was clear that morning. The mountaineers couldn’t hide their excitement as we started rolling. They got even more spirited as we were nearing barangay
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Pag-asa, where their eyes feasted on a panoramic view of the valley. They even enjoyed it when the trucks started to cross the river, thus the ride became all bumpy. After more than an hour of balancing stunts, we reached our jump off point for the trek. The books and seedlings were distributed to each participant. The books were wrapped in plastic to prevent them from getting wet. God had been very good to send us lowlying clouds when we started the trek. All through the trek, it did not get very hot for the trekkers. The participants crossed the river 23 times and traversed hills to reach sitio New Canaan. Not only did they have to endure the distance and the difficult trail, each of them carried additional weight due to the books and the seedlings. Three-and-a-half hours later, we were already at sitio New Canaan, where the mountaineers built a tent city
at our camp site. After which, we started planting the seedlings we brought. There were Acacia, Mahogany, and Spanish cedar. We did not want our efforts to go to waste; we chose an area where the locals can take care of the newly-planted trees. Barangay Kagawad Diansing Sampayon of Pag-asa assured us that he will see to it that the trees we planted will survive. During the welcome night, representatives from each participating mountaineering group were very thankful to have been given the chance not only to visit a new place but to also serve others by delivering books to the school and by planting trees. They said that they found the activity very meaningful. When I and my fellow Team Bundol Mountaineers conceptualized the activity, we emphasized that it should not just be a trekking to see the Atnayan Waterfalls. My team wanted to do a sort of an outreach
activity. So, we set our objectives that included promoting tourism, supporting the National Greening Program, and the Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan program of the local government of Sarangani, and eventually, facilitating progress in the area. The 1st MunaTo EcoTrek was hosted by Team Bundol Mountaineers, in cooperation with Madyaw Alabel Mountaineers Association (MAMA), and Magu Sarangani Mountaineers. It was almost an impossible dream for Team Bundol Mountaineers to organize such an activity given our limited resources, skills, and connection. We are thankful to MAMA, under the leadership of Narciso Grafilo IV, for rendering service by setting up the trail, acting as marshalls, and providing security and safety for the participants, and to Magu Sarangani Mountaineers, led by Alma Corazon Gabuat, for linking us to the
MunaTo Festival organizers and for helping provide transportation and logistical support. The activity turned out to be an overwhelming success. Furthermore, we owe a lot from Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QuEST) for providing the books. We are also indebted to the provincial government of Sarangani, tourism office, office of the provincial engineer, environment and natural resources office, and the municipal government of Alabel, especially to Vice Mayor Vic Paul Salarda. If there is only one way to measure the success of the activity, it would be the mountaineers shaking hands with you and personally telling you how grateful they are to have been involved in the activity. For me, there is not greater success than to inspire others to also start doing good things for the Earth and for other people.
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Rescued geckos in Gensan released into the wild by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- Some 1,600 geckos rescued in a raid in General Santos City are now back into the wild. SSupt. Albert Ignatius Ferro, regional director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-12) in an interview with a local radio station here said personnel from
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the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and CIDG released the geckos (tuko) in an area near the famous Seven Falls in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Wednesday.
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The area is part of the 102,305-hectare Allah Valley Protected Landscape. The geckos were seized on Tuesday in the compound of Mindanao Development
Venture and Trade in barangay Lagao, Gensan in a raid conducted by members of the CIDG, DENR, National Bureau of Investigation, and other police units after confirming reports that the company is engaged in buying and selling of geckos.
Geckos were placed in boxes, crates and cages and were reportedly ready for transport to Metro Manila when the team raided the compound. Charges have been filed against suspects
Mario Legazpi, Maricel Cayetano, Wesley Saliban and Gilbert Mendoza -- all officers of the company -- for violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act have been formally filed against the suspects. Ferro believes the geckos were collected from different parts of Mindanao, particularly around Marawi City. He said t he company have been buying geckos at P2,000 to
P5,000 depending on the sizes. Trading of wildlife, including geckos is prohibited by law. Collection of wildlife is allowed by law but only after securing permit from DENR. Demand for geckos in the Philippines has intensified in the recent months after reports that the reptile can fetch millions of pesos because of its supposed capability to cure many diseases, including HIV-AIDS.
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Engineer from South Cotabato wins invention tilt for start-up companies by Bai Tagitican and Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- An engineer from South Cotabato was recently named one of the five winners of the 2nd Filipinnovation Award being sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Filipinnovation Award is DOST’s search for five best inventions by start-up companies in the country. Engr. Benjamin B. Hurtado Jr., resident of barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City was hailed for his invention, the Daikkha Dehumidifier Mechanical Dryer, which has potential in helping farmers reduce cost and losses during post –harvest. In his search for an efficient alternative equipment, Hurtado, being an owner of a fabrication company, perfected a dehumidifier mechanical dryer after a series of experiments. His machine has a dehumidifier or heat exchanger that removes water vapor in hot air produced from a rice hull oven before the hot air is diverted to the rice/corn bin for subsequent drying process. 34
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With its capacity to provide drying services in any weather condition, it can produce food grade quality products at a significantly lower operational cost. The Daikkah Mechanical Dryer can dry 700 sacks or 35 metric tons of newly harvested palay in four processing cycles lasting a total of 16 hours only. Hurtado’s invention uses rice hull to create heated air for drying, and consumes only 144 kilowatts for 16 hours of drying. Other winners of the 2nd Filipinnovation Award were: Ahcil Laboratories, Inc., Barbalite Technologies, Crisologo Concrete Precast Enterprise, and Filimagineers, formerly Mayad-Web 3D. The Filipinnovation Award seeks to recognize and promote local innovative technology development by start-up
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companies involved in biotechnology, information and communications technology, electronics, robotics/mechatronics, material science, nanotechnology or combinations thereof. Plaques, cash prizes and gift packs were given to the winners during the awarding ceremonies held on November 25 at the Bayanihan Center, United Laboratories, Inc. in Mandaluyong City during the 4th anniversary celebration of the Filipinnovation. DOST 12 regional director Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan said Engr. Hurtado’s mechanical dryer was among the winners in the 2011 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibition (RICE), which highlighted the regional celebration of the National Science and Technology Week in General Santos City in August.