PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
EDITORIAL BOARD
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
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
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
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 Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
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 (SOCSKARGEN)
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
Managing Editor …….........
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, 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
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
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
Executive Editor …….........
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
features
Tagum Cooperative
Youth Laboratory’s 1st General Assembly
Cover Story :
4
Tagum Cooperative: Grooming financially secured children by Jeanevive Duron-Abangan
NATI O NAL
10 12 14 15
10 Palace says Arroyos not victims of political persecution Aquino ensures media freedom, says press to remain guardian of democracy Malacañang moves against group misrepresenting themselves as government officials Feature: Why farmers must insure their crops
NORTHERN Mindanao
29 30 31 32 33
Vol. 1, No. 88
Robredo to LGU’s: “Let’s push PPUR to victory”
Valencia CDRRMC releases Php300,000 for earthquake victims NorMin dengue cases drops 77.63 percent in first 10 months, this year Pres. Aquino awards LGU Opol for exemplary governance Foundation for the Disabled honors Opol for accessibility efforts
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NOVEMBER 10, 2011
contents
CENTRAL Mindanao
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WESTERN Mindanao
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18 19 20 21 23
Banana plantation opens in Sarangani Army helps settle family feud
CHD 12 orients Gensan media on Malaria Control Program Police on full alert following IED explosion, recovery in Central Mindanao Mag-aaral, empleyado ng USM pinaalalahan, wag patulan ang bomb scare
SOUTHERN Mindanao
35 37 38
DOST technology upgrading program helps small enterprises Solon urges concerted, decisive action on overseas ban NFA chief eyes Caraga, Davao as pilot regions for rice production
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First kidney transplant patient in Zambo City doing well; influx of patients seen DOH steps up campaign on newborn screening BIR urges professionals to be compliant with tax laws dxPR to spearhead planting 3,473 trees on Friday Tawi-Tawi to propel environment program in Mapun, Turtle Island
CARAGA Region
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‘Lolong’ is biggest croc in captivity Mayor Amante calls for the people to be proactive in dealing with crimes PRC alarms people on paid blood donors Nat’l Congress on Moral Recovery Program opens in Butuan City PDEA Caraga celebrates drug abuse prevention week thru tree planting
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Cover Story
Tagum Cooperative: Grooming financially secured children
by Jeanevive Duron-Abangan
I
never thought that even children from ordinary families can become part of a millionaires group, until I recently attended the first general assembly of Tagum Cooperative Youth Laboratory Cooperative. 4
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I was expecting to see 15 to 24 years of age individuals. I was surprised. The sight of little children as young as five to below 18 years of age, met my eyes as I approached the assembly hall. They were lining up for registration. They showed their passbook, got a registration coupon, then picked a little sling bag as token from Tagum Cooperative (TC). About 1,200 children, most of whom were with their mothers, came to join the activity which infected the mature guests with a child-like feeling. Everyone, even guests from national and local government offices and from the House of Congress, showed their wacky pose upon the egging on of Norma Pereyras, chairperson of the Board of Advisers of TC Youth Laboratory Cooperative.
The assembly participants were given their heyday on November 05 as young members of Tagum Cooperative. After all, their sector has generated P25,586,951.10 savings deposits which is 3.69 percent of the P693,629,081 total savings deposits of Tagum Cooperative. The young savers whose ages range from zero to below 18 years old belong to the Youth Savers, Power Teen, Aflatoun and the Tagum Coop Youth Laboratory. The young savers groups are fast-becoming a force to reckon with, especially in terms of savings. Their membership which totals 18,534
Groups of young savers Thursday, November 10, 2011
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makes up 29 percent of the 63,837 total members of Tagum Cooperative. Started in early year 2000, the Power Teens and the Youth Savers draw the biggest volume of savings of P25 million. But Tagum Cooperative OIC General Manager Brendo Bayocot foresees more savings to be drawn from elementary and secondary students as TC has adopted Aflatoun in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) Tagum City Schools Division. Aflatoun is a “concept to teach children about social values, and rights and responsibilities coupled with basic financial education.” Tested in India 18 years ago, the Aflatoun con-
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
cept is also aimed at facilitating the “inclusion of Child Social and Financial Education into formal and informal education systems as a recognition of child’s rights.” DepEd Tagum City Schools Supt. Nenita Lumaad who also chairs the Board of Directors of Tagum Cooperative calls such Aflatoun implementation in Tagum City as Financial Literacy for the Youth (FLY). With TC as its major partner, DepEd Tagum is pilot-testing it in seven Tagum City public elementary schools particularly in Rizal, Mankilam, Pilot, La Filipina, Laureta, Apokon and Catalan. Aflatoun currently draws 2,167 savers from the pilot schools. Its membership is expected to grow fast as TC plans to spread Aflatoun coverage next year, requiring each branch to adopt one to three schools in its location. Bayocot reveals that rolling out Aflatoun in schools is sort of just a social responsibility undertaking of Tagum Cooperative. TC has already spent about P300,000 in im-
plementing Aflatoun since June this year, TC Youth Program Officer Clyjenee Dairo said. TC shoulders the production teachers’ manuals of FLY applying the Aflatoun concept, and the printing of passbooks and deposit slips. Social benefits Lumaad admits that Aflatoun is costly to implement. But she is looking at building a community of savers more than just raking in immediate return-ofinvestment. She remains optimistic that TC still can reap real gains, in the long run, not just in terms of money but social capital.
“They will also become very good savers and good payers because of the training that we have given them� she said. As an educator Lumaad puts in a lot of value to the essence learning that Aflatoun brings. The simple filling out of a deposit slip reinforces reading and mathematical skills aside from the financial planning and budgeting lessons instilled among students and pupils in schools where Aflatoun is being implemented. Lumaad is encouraging parents to reflect on the saving enthusiasm of the young savThursday, November 10, 2011
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ers. She is hoping that the Fi- tive. They have their own board nancial Literacy Program for the of directors and committees. Youth would be adopted not just by the school but by the com- Future coop leaders Pereyras pictures the youth laboratory cooperatives as a training grounds for young members to become future cooperative leaders. “We want them to know how to manage a cooperative while also teaching them right values and showing them right munity. lifestyle.” “Once the community owns In most of her speaking the program it will continue” she engagements Pereyras often said. “If ang mga bata maka speaks a mantra saying “live besave, how much more the par- low your means” . TC is also adents?,” she poses the challenge vocating such principle among for parents to live by the prac- members of the Youth Laboratice of saving. tory Cooperative. “They should Aside from molding savers, also know how to do financial TC is also grooming coopera- planning and budgeting, though tive leaders through its Youth they’re still young,” she said. Laboratory Cooperatives estab- As Youth Laboratory Cooplished in Tagum City National erative officers and members High School and in Imelda Ele- encourage savings among their mentary School (also in Tagum fellows, they are also expected City). The youth laboratory co- to “walk their talk”, and to show operatives are a miniature or- in their way of life and in their ganizations of Tagum Coopera- dealings with people the value 8
Thursday, November 10, 2011
they’ve learned from Tagum Cooperative. “Leaders should save not just money but also values and principles in life because as leaders, you cannot give what don’t have,” Pereyras said. Members of the Board of Directors of Tagum Cooperative are united behind the programs for the youth. They are putting at stake substantial investment, based on well calculated risk principle, for the welfare of the young members of Tagum Cooperative. Tagum Cooperative has
made a significant dent in making a difference on the lives of people in its community. As of October, 2011, it posted P1.39 billion net asset and a net surplus of P88. 7 million. As it continues to seek improvement in the lives of its members, it now flies as the “wind beneath the wings” of young people. It wants to become part of their journey towards becoming future leaders who are financially secured, who lives in a right way with right values in life.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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Palace says Arroyos not victims of political persecution
P
resident Benigno Aquino III is serious in bringing in foreign medical experts to examine former president Gloria Arroyo to debunk speculations that the Arroyo family is being persecuted by the present administration, a Palace spokesperson said on Thursday. 10
Thursday, November 10, 2011
In an interview over dzBB radio Thursday morning, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President is serious in his offer to provide medical experts for the former leaders after the Department of Justice (DOJ) rejected her request to travel abroad to seek medical help. Valte admitted that they got a lot of comments regarding the President’s pronouncements adding however that the announcement of the president is made out of humanitarian reason. “The way that we look at it, it’s out of humanitarian considerations at nag-offer lang naman po tayo. Ang
sinasabi ho kasi nila mayroon daw political persecution – o talagang pagdidiin kay Ginang Arroyo. Gusto lang po natin ding ipakita na hindi ito personal,” Valte said. Valte added that the President is open to having a dialogue with the former president with regards the Palace offer although the Arroyos have earlier rejected the idea. On Wednesday, President Aquino III said he fully supports Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s decision disallowing former president and now congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from traveling abroad to seek medical treatment.
The President said in a press briefing in Malacañang that not permitting Arroyo to travel abroad ensures her being present to face the charges of electoral sabotage, a non-bailable offense, being leveled at her. He said the government was willing to shoulder the expenses of flying in medical specialists to look into Arroyo’s medical condition to ease the former president’s need to travel. The DoJ on Tuesday denied the former president’s request for an Allow Departure Order for lack of merit. (AS)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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Aquino ensures media freedom, says press to remain guardian of democracy
P
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his message during the 37th Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Top Level Management Conference (TLMC) at the Molave Room, Holiday Inn, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga Wednesday November 09, 2011. The TLMC is an annual meeting of the KBP where critical issues affecting the broadcast industry are discussed
democracy. 12
resident Benigno Aquino III made an assurance Wednesday that his administration will not curtail media freedom in the country noting the press will continue to become the guardian of Philippine
Thursday, November 10, 2011
“Sa tuwid na daan walang maglalagay ng tali sa inyong (media) leeg upang maging sunud-sunuran. Walang gagamit sa radyo at diaryo para bumanat nang bumanat ng walang katuturan,” the President said in his message during the top-level conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, on Wednesday. “Mananatiling tagapagbantay ng demokrasya ang media ng bansa at kabalikat ninyo ang inyong administrasyon sa pagpapanatli ng pinakamataas ng propesyunalismo, integridad at kredibilidad sa inyong larangan,” he added. The President praised KBP’s continuing work in ensuring that information is provided to the public since the dark years of martial rule in the country. When politics cloud public perception, the KBP plays a major role in raising
important issues that also elevate the degree of public discourse in the country, the President said. At the same time, the President recognized the role and dedication of KBP as it functions as the “fourth state” in Philippine society particularly the introduction of a newer form of media—the Internet. But the President also acknowledged that the press is not perfect underscoring the need of the media to police itself of corrupt and unscrupulous individuals that taint the good reputation of many practitioners. The media should match the expectations of the people, the President said, noting that the press must maintain a high degree of integrity similar to the public expectation of elected officials. “Ang mga batayang prinsipyo ng sinumpaan naming mandato—katapatan, paghahayag ng katotohanan, malasakit sa
ating k a b a bayan, lahat ng ito ay sumasalamin din sa tungkulin ng media,” he said. “Samakatuwid kapwa tayo may pananagutan sa mamamayan, kapwa tayo may utang na loob sa taumbayan” As a leading media organization in the country, the President encouraged KBP to maintain a stronger relation with government for the benefit of the people. In concluding his speech, the President asked the press and the public to show to the world the changes and reforms that are happening in the country bringing new confidence to the people for a better future. “Sa lakas ng nagkakaisang bayan, tuluy-tuloy na ang ating pagbangon at sa tulong ng KBP tunay ngang napipinto na ang katuparan ng ating mga pangarap,” he said. (AS)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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I
Malacañang moves against group misrepresenting themselves as government officials
n a move to address the rising incidents of unscrupulous individuals misrepresenting themselves as government officials to victimize government employees, Malacañang appealed to all government officials and employees to confirm first the identity of the person contacting them. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued this appeal in a press briefing in Malacañang Thursday afternoon. He asked that all officials and employees to be wary about these individuals who may prey on them by “dropping names” to instill fear or ask for a favor. “Ang request ko sa mga government officials and employees, don’t hesitate to confirm the identity of the person calling you,” 14
Lacierda said. “I would like to ask the government employees to verify first the identity of the person calling because ang government employees kasi, pag binitawan ng pangalan naniniwala kaagad so I ask the government employees to verify first the identity of the person and to ask for further proof that that person they are speaking to is really that person whom he or she claims to be,” he added. Lacierda said any
Thursday, November 10, 2011
person who may be contacted by these spurious individuals may report the incident to his office number 0917-8085329. Lacierda also said that a text message currently circulating saying that his office, the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson is giving out raffle prizes, is not true. “There’s no truth to that. The government does not hold raffle contests nor give raffle prizes,” Lacierda said. (rck)
Feature: Why farmers must insure their crops by Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
T
o give farmers a bird’s eye view on what crop insurance is all about,here is a brief so that during times of unforeseen disasters, farmers will not be holding an empty bag. The government’s crop indemnity program provides insurance protection to agricultural producers against loss of the crops on the account
of natural calamities, plant pests and disease, and/or other perils. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) is the government agency directly
responsible for its implementation by virtue of PD 1467 signed on June 11, 1978 and implemented nationwide on May 7, 1981, initially covering pa-
Thursday, November 10, 2011
15
lay and followed by corn beginning July 1, 1982. R.A. 8175 signed into law in December 1995 amended P.D. 1467 and is known as the “Revised Charter of Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. Under the program, rice and corn farmers and high value commercial crop growers may be able to avail loans from any lending institution (LI) be it commercial, development, rural bank, coop banks, and other LI and lending conduits and other quasi LI, NGOs, coops, and government entities. 16
farmers (optional), provided they agree to place themselves under the supervision of a PCIC accredited Agricultural Production Technician. Moreover, a regular crop insurance covers up to P16,800 per hectare for palay and up to P20,000 for hybrid rice (F1). While, Once enrolled, a farm- for corn farmers, their er is assured that he crops are protected up will recover his invest- to P8,000 per hectare ment if he suffers crop for any open-pollinatand other agricultural ed variety, and up to P project losses caused 14,000 for any hybrid by natural calamities, variety. pest and disease in- The program also festation, and other offers government losses. Likewise, be- premium subsidy but ing enrolled in the only for subsistence program enhances the farmers or those who farmer’s credit stand- are tilling seven hecting. ares or less rice/corn The program ex- land. tends to loans to farm- The coverage peers, or those obtaining riod include from the produ tion loan under direct seeding or upon the government super- transplanting up to vised credit program; harvest privided that and to self-financed insurance shall com-
Thursday, November 10, 2011
mence from the date of issuance of the Certificate of Insurance Cover (CIC) or actual direct seeding or upon transplanting for rice and emergence of the first leaf for corn. Generally, farmers also have the option to choose from among the types of insurance coverage they would be applying which include Natural Disaster Cover--damage due to typhoon, flood, drought, volcanic eruption, and earthquake; and Multi-Risk Cover-- risks due to natural disasters, plus pest infestation and diseases. To apply for insurance coverage, an individual borrowing farmer may file his application for production loan with a lending institution/bank; while borrowing farmers as a group must submit List of Borrow-
ers (LOB), Standard Farm Plan and Budget (SFPB) and Control Map (CM) / Location Sketch Plan (LSP) Similarly, self-financed farmers should file Application for Crop Insurance (ACI) any day before actual transplanting/direct seeding. The farmer may file ACI with PCIC Insurance Underwriter, accredited solicitor or underwriting agent. On the other hand, farmers applying for coverage under the GroupCrop Insurance Scheme (GCIS) must submit the following: - List of Participants (LOP)-Standard Farm Plan and Budget (SFPB) -Control Map (CM) / Location Sketch Plan (SFPB) W h e n filing for Notice of Loss, the farmer should take note that it s h o u l d be filed within 10 calendar days from occur-
rence of loss. Where damage is gradual or progressive, NL should be filed not later than 20 calendar days before the scheduled date of harvest. Finally, claims for Indemnity (CI) should be filed within 45 calendar days from occurrence of loss.During an earlier episode of the Communications and News Exchange (CNEX) Forum held at the Philippine Information Agency, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that crop insurance is readily available to any farmer who meets the Department of Agriculture (DA) eligibility requirements. As Alcala urged all rice and corn farmers to avail of the program, he said that “if worse comes to worst, farmers will be able to recover their losses and replant again.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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Banana plantation opens in Sarangani ALABEL, Sarangani – Sarangani Agriventures, Inc., a newly established Cavendish banana plantation in Sarangani, opens its farm in barangay Baluntay Tuesday, November 8, with guests Colonel Glorioso Miranda (left), commanding officer of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army; Mayor Corazon Grafilo (center); Governor Migs Dominguez; Madeline Dizon Marfori (right), corporate secretary of Sarangani Agriventures, Inc.; and local officials. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
Army helps settle family feud By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- The Philippine Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City, along with the municipal government of Pandag, Maguindanao recently helped in the reconciliation of two families involved in a rido (family feud).
In a press release, Cpt. Ariel Morlejo, civil military operations officer of 601st IB said, commanding officer BGen. Leo Cresente Ferrer, and Pandag Mayor Datu Zajid Mangudadatu, led in the settlement ceremony between the families of Nords Sangkigay and Teng Manebpil of Brgy. Kabuling on Tuesday, November 18. At the ceremony, an outcome of a series of negotiations, the families in conflict took oath to end of the practice of exacting revenge against one another ang put to stop the retaliations for the benefit of their future generations, Morlejo said.
Both families also pledged to forgive previous offenses the other party have inflicted on them. They also swore to rekindle unity and alliance between the two families. After the oathtaking ceremonies, the families a played a game of basketball to signify the beginning of a renewed friendship. The also shared a
meal in the military tradition of “budolbudol.” BGen Ferrer thanked both families for giving reconciliation a chance. He hopes other families involved in feuds will follow their example of resolving long-running conflicts. Incidentally, 601st IB is also called “Unifier” Infantry Brigade. (PIA 12/ DPAO-PA)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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CHD 12 orients Gensan media on Malaria Control Program By Pops Gumana-Fruylan GENERAL SANTOS CITY, – The Department of Health -Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 12 on Tuesday (Nov. 8) presented the concepts of the Malaria Control Program (MCP) to media practitioners here in the city in a move to empower residents of the region on the agency’s vision of controlling malaria cases and moving towards elimination by year 2020.
Regional Malaria Coordinator, Dr. Jebie Areen Biron, asked the support of the local media to help the agency disseminate the key communication messages of the MCP to concerned in-
20
dividuals especially to “population at risk.” Biron explained that there is a need to “significantly reduce the malaria burden so that it will no longer affect the socio-economic development of
Thursday, November 10, 2011
individuals and families in endemic areas.” “Malaria is dangerous but is a preventable and curable disease,” she said. Meanwhile, Rebecca Ocat, Health Educator of the City Health Office (CHO) revealed that as of September 24, 2011 Gensan recorded seven malaria cases with one death. Ocat disclosed that out of the seven cases, only three are “indigenous” or originated in Gensan while the other four cases got the disease outside of the cityone from Indonesia, two from Papua New Guinea, and one mortality case came from Balut Island, Davao
del Sur. Biron said the agency has identified the indigenous cases of malaria from Barangays Labangal, Apopong, City Heights and San Isidro, which are currently under close monitoring because of their proximity to a slow-flowing stream-the perfect breeding place for mosquitoes. To stop the proliferation of the disease, Dr. Corazon Rodaje, malaria and dengue coordinator of the City Health Office (CHO) revealed
that they have been distributing 3,000 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to affected areas in the city since October this year. Rodaje is encouraging the use of ITNs or chemically-treated nets because they repel or kill mosquitoes especially during night time, the biting time for the disease vectors. The city health official also shared the proper care of ITNs to maintain the effectiveness of the insecticide against mosquitoes.
Aside from sleeping inside the ITNs every night, CHD 12 entomologist, Roy Boholst, also revealed other tips to prevent malaria which include: wearing long sleeves and long pants during night time activities, use of insect repellant; the use of indoor residual spraying (IRS) as determined by the Municipal Health Officer (MHO), and the clearing of streams when appropriate and advised by MHO, among others. (PIA-General Santos City)
Police on full alert following IED explosion, recovery in Central Mindanao By Dani Doguiles and Roderick Beñez KORONADAL CITY -- Director Felicisimo Khu of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations – Western Mindanao (DIP0-WS) today confirmed police in possible target areas in the Region 12 have been placed on full alert following the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) and recovery of five others in two separate municipalities in the past two days. “All provincial police directors of targeted areas in the
region have been directed to enhance their alert status
with this renewed EID threats,” Khu said in an interview with a
Thursday, November 10, 2011
21
local radio station in Koronadal City this morning. Khu identified the possible targets of bombing as the municipalities of Midsayap, Carmen, and Kabacan and the city of Kidapawan in North Cotabato; Cotabato City, Isulan and Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat; Koronadal in South Cotabato, and General Santos City.
and the street is a primary route going into or coming out of the campus. P/Supt. Joseph Semillano, chief of Kabacan PNP said another bomb was recovered from the same area. With tips from local residents, three more EIDs made of the same materials were recovered from separate sites in Kabacan early yesterday morning. These were diffused by exploAround 8:00 p.m. sive ordnance disposal Tuesday an IED made team of the Philippine from an 81 mm morArmy and the PNP. tar with cellular phone These IEDs were as triggering device planted outside a exploded outside bakery along Rizal Kakuan Dryer along Avenue, in front of USM Avenue, Kabathe municipal hall, can, North Cotabato. and outside the public The site is about market. 200 meters outside Another EID was rethe main gate of the covered from a FlyUniversity of Southern ing V gasoline station Mindanao, the largest in Poblacion, Isulan, state-owned academic Sultan Kudarat provinstitution in the Cenince around 11:00 in tral Mindanao. the morning yesterNo casualty or inday. This, too, was jury was reported in diffused by 63rd EOD the bomb blast. The team of the AFP. area is near boarding The sixth IED was and lodging houses made from a 60 mm 22
Thursday, November 10, 2011
mortar. Khu said they are “validating raw intelligence report” that the IEDs were planted by the group of Jemaah Islamiyahtrained Abdul Basit Usman. Meanwhile, COP Semillano have called on the students and employees of the state university not to panic over text messages that say USM is the target of the bombing. He, however, advised the USM’s security force to tighten security in the university campus. The explosion was the second in Kabacan in one month. On October 24 a roadside bomb exploded in Barangay Kayaga while a Rural Transit bus was passing by. One student from USM sustained minor injuries from that bombing. Police believes the motive of the first bombing was extortion. (DXVL/ Radyo ng Bayan/PIA 12)
Mag-aaral, empleyado ng USM pinaalalahan, wag patulan ang bomb scare
aaral at empleyedo ng USM. Matatandaang isang improvised explosive device (IED) ang sumabog mga dalawang daang metro lang sa labas ng main gate ng USM bandang alas – ocho ng gabi noong Martes, kasabay nito ang isa pang bomba na hindi sumabog. Tatlong bomba pa ang narekober ng mga otoridad at iba’t ibang bahagi ng Kabacan kinabukasan. Aminado si Semillano na bagama’t walang nasawi o nasugatan sa pagsabog na KORONADAL CITY -- Pinaala- nangyari malapit sa nakahilerang mga boarding house lahan ni P/Supt Joseph Semillano ang mga mag-aaral, sa kalsada na kalimitang dinadaan papasok at palabas sa guro at empleyado ng University of Southern Mindanao unibersidad, nagdulot pa rin ito ng takot sa kumunidad. na huwag patulan ang kuSamantala, inatasan na rin makalat na mga text mesni Semillano ang security sage na umano’y target ng force ng USM na mas higpitan pa ang pagbabantay sa pambobomba ng masasakanilang nasasakupan. mang elemento ang state Ang USM ay pinakamalakuniversity. ing state university sa ReNanawagan din si Semihiyon Dose. May lawak itong llano na huwag nang ika1,024 ektarya at may stulat pa ang matatanggap na dent population na umaabot kaparehong text message upang huwag nang magdulot ng mahigit labintatlong libo. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/RBenez/ pa ang panic o matinding DXVL Radyo ng Bayan) takot sa kumunidad, lalung lalo na sa libu-libong magThursday, November 10, 2011
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First kidney transplant patient in Zambo City doing well; influx of patients seen
T
by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
he first-ever kidney transplant patient in the city, and the whole of region 9, is doing well, along with the donor, Dr. Michael Abutazil, head of Renal Transplantation of Western Mindanao Medical Center, said.
In an interview with PIA, Dr. Abutazil was visibly happy to see that the patient and donor are responding well with the medication. “The patient is doing well. His creatinin is back to normal. He visits me every week for monitoring”, Abutazil said. He said they are 24
now tapering down the dosage of maintenance medicine intake and pointed that it’s a good sign. “This is a good sign of recovery. The lower the dosage is the better. It is an indication that the patient is responding well. Abutazil added that the donor also doing well and is now back in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. “The donor visits us once a month, also
Thursday, November 10, 2011
for monitoring. This will go for six months”, the youthful doctor said. After six months of monthly check up, the donor will be checked every two months, for two years. “Hindi natin pwedeng pabayaan yung donor. We have to monitor both”, Abutazil stressed. With the success of the first transplant procedure, Dr. Abutazil said they are now working out on six other patients for transplant. “If all goes well, one of them will undergo the procedure within the next two months. We are looking to oper
ate all of them in around 6 months. We are just waiting for the compatibility test”, he said. “We are working for one of the patients for possible cadaver donor program”, he furthered. When asked on the readiness of the city as the region’s center for kidney transplant, Abutazil assured the public that the city has enough facilities and technical specialty to cater patients. “We have five nephrologists here in the city, including me, all of us are trained to conduct transplant”, he said.
help the city on medical tourism. “I’m looking into the big potential of our city on medical tourism. Nearby regions and provinces will opt to come here rather than go to Cebu, Davao or Manila as it will be much cheaper to have the transplant here”, he explained. Abutazil pointed that the expense will be two-thirds lower here. “The usual cost of the procedure is around P1.5 M, but here it’s only around P800,000 to P900,000. And they don’t have to fly to other places and rent a house for the duration of their Abutazil said this will also stay,” he said.
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“Again, we are already equipped with the knowledge and expertise, so we are ready for possible influx of patients. But of course, we have to keep ourselves (nephrologists) updated with the new trends on transplantation”, he added. Abutazil is also hoping for more support to realize all operations here. “We recently received donations from individuals for the next transplant. We hope more will come from the government and private sectors alike”. (JPA/MVC/ PIA-ZBST)
DOH steps up campaign on newborn by Franklin P. Gumapon screening o give all newborns a chance to live a normal life, the Department of Health (DOH) through the city/ municipal health centers is now urging the parents to have their infants undergo newborn screening (NBS). NBS coordinator Liberty S. Sybico of the City Health Office (CHO) here said the newborns should be screened to find out whether they have metabolic congeni-
tal disorder that may lead to mental retardation or early death. “Should a child have a metabolic congenital disorder, NBS provides the opportunity for early treatment
of diseases,” explained Sybico. NBS is a simple procedure to find out if the baby has a congenital metabolic disorder which may lead to men
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tal retardation and even death if left untreated. Public and private hospitals as well as birthing homes are required
to promote NBS as mandated under Republic Act No. 9288 otherwise known as the Newborn Screening Act of 2004. This law aims to ensure that every newborn has access to newborn screening for certain heritable condition that can result
in mental retardation, serious health complications or death if left undetected and untreated and that the parents must recognize their responsibility in promoting their child’s right to health and full development by protecting him/her from preventable causes of disability and death through newborn screening. (JPA/ FPG/PIA-Zambonga del Norte)
BIR urges professionals to be compliant with by Paulnazer T.Lontua tax laws
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evenue District Officer (RDO) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Zamboanga Sibugay, Monib Dimakuta, urged professionals to comply with tax laws and file their income tax correctly and on time. According to Dimakuta, he is putting on his priority list the monitoring and checking of all the tax obligations of professionals in his areas of responsibility. “I would like to post this invitation to all the professionals out there who have tax obligations to comply and 26
make sure they file their income tax correctly and on time because I am putting this monitoring on all professionals,” Dimakuta emphasized. In Zamboanga Sibugay, Dimakuta urged doctors, lawyers, engineers and all professionals to abide by the tax law to prevent
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any trouble with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the future as it will not hesitate to implement the Oplan Kandado to delinquent tax payers. The BIR raised its revenue collections last year and expected to do the same this year. The bulk of the increase
would come from the professional segment comprise of doctors, lawyers, accountants and other high-earning self-employed individuals. The country has about 700,000 professionals, but they contributed only P7 billion to government coffers
in 2009. Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima earlier said this amount would translate to an average contribution of P5,000 from each of the 700,000 professionals for that year. According to the Professional Regulatory Commission, the Philip-
pines have three million professionals, including nurses, doctors, engineers and seamen who are either self-employed or employed. Lawyers and doctors, who are presumed to earn the most among professionals, numbered 190,000. (NBE R IX / P. Lontua)
dxPR to spearhead planting 3,473 trees on by Gideon C. Corgue Friday
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s part of the corporate social responsibility of Radyo Mo Nationwide (RMN) and in support of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s National Greening Program (NGP), the dxPR radio station is set to plant 3,473 trees on Friday. Station manager Alejandro E. Gesta said the event dubbed “Reverde Ako: Tutulong Ako’ is the brainchild and the heroic service of the environmentalist Don Henry Canoy, the founder of RMN, which started 59 years ago. The ‘Reverde Ako: Tutulong Ako’, Gesta said is a regular public service activity of RMN which gives importance on the date, November
11, 2011 (11/11/11) in accomplishing a monumental planting of the generation “Z”, commonly known as ‘Net generation.” Gesta said the event also envisions to save our mother earth and aims to have a greener future for the next generation. “It will teach and motivate the new generation on how to appreciate the essence of public service at their young age, en-
courage them and make them realize how potential they are in molding the next generations’ future,” Gesta added. The event will be simultaneously conducted by all AM and FM radio stations nationwide, Gesta added. Gesta said the local station has identified four (4) barangays as tree planting sites, namely: Danlugan, Macasing, Lala, and Pedu
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lonan where the 3,473 seeds will be planted. Gesta said over 400 junior and senior students from the Pagadian City National High School in Danlugan and Lala National High School, Lala,
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and the barangay officials of Macasing and Pedulonan will join the activity. Gesta said 1st district representative Victor Yu will provide the seeds for the event.
It was learned that 32 AM and FM organic stations will plant 3,473 seeds to meet the quota of 111,111 seeds nationwide. (JPA/GCC/PIA9Pagadian)
Tawi-Tawi to propel environment program in Mapun, Turtle Island he Province of Tawi-Tawi is on another leg next week of propelling its Natural Resources Management (NRM) program in Mapun and Turtle Island, two far-flung municipalities of this southern province. Provincial Information Officer Abdel Nasser Tahang reported that in a planning meeting at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall Tuesday, Vice Governor Ruby Sahali discussed the agenda with the concerned agencies participating in the implementation of the program. The NRM activities include mangrove planting in partnership with the DENR, fruitbearing tree planting with the DA, dive exploration with WWF, and Coastal Resource Management and Cli28
mate Change with WWF and DA. Tahang added that social services that will be included are Brigada Iskwela, maternal and child care, 4P’s beneficiary assessment, Islamic lectures, assistance to Mother’s Club of Turtle Island, operation gupit, and medical/dental services. Vice Governor Sahali said these are the programs and activities that the provincial government is undertaking since 2010 in line with its implementation of the province’s NRM program. She said that af-
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ter Mapun and Turtle Island, she has eyed for Sapa-Sapa municipality as the next recipient. “We are doing this public service for the benefits of the people and we have set aside politics here,” she said. Meanwhile, Task Force 62 commander, Captain Renato Yongque, PN, GSC, has assured the availability of a navy boat to ferry the Mapun and Turtle Island-bound group this week end. (JPA/ RVC/PIA9 ZamBaSulTa)
Robredo to LGU’s: “Let’s push PPUR to victory”
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nterior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, today, called on all governors, city and municipal mayors, and other local government officials in Northern Mindanao, to vigorously urge their constituents to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR).
Robredo’s call was made two (2) more days before the final voting on Friday, November 11, for the worldwide search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN). “The local government sector should play a pivotal role in the final push to victory for the PPUR,” Robredo, who is the Chairperson of the InterAgency Task Force for the PPUR campaign created under Presidential
Proclamation 182, said. The DILG secretary said he was delighted to learn that PPUR has made it to the top 10 finalists in a recent update on the ongoing worldwide voting. Aside from the PPUR, other nominees that made it to the top 10 N7WN are the following: Dead Sea (Israel/Jordan/ Palestine), Grand Canyon (United Thursday, November 10, 2011
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States), Great Barrier Reef (Australia/ Papua New G u i n e a ) , Halong Bay (Vietnam), Jeita Grotto (Lebanon), Jeju Island (South Korea), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Sundarbans (Bangladesh/India), and Vesuvius (Italy). Robredo said the report about the PPUR’s overall standing is indeed a positive development, although only seven will be chosen among the 10 finalists. “Hence, there is a need to close ranks and demonstrate patriotism in order for our entry to get into the magic seven,” he said.
“The help of our local government officials is very crucial at this critical juncture” he said. Robredo reiterated his call to local officials and the public to vote through text messaging or SMS by typing PPUR and send it to 2861, or via internet by logging on to www. new7wonders.com. He said “Ang pakiusap po natin sa ating mga mayors at governors na sa lahat ng gagawin nilang pulong mula ngayon hanggang Nov. 11, pakiusapan nila ang kanilang mga kapulong na ilabas muna ang kanilang cell phones at mag-text upang bumoto para sa PPUR.” (My only request is for our mayors and governors that in every meeting they attend from now on up to Nov. 11, they would request those attending the and meetings to get their cellphones vote for PPUR).
Valencia CDRRMC releases Php300,000 for earthquake victims By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Some Php300,000 had been allocated by the Valencia City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) for the Nov. 7 earthquake victims in the city. Of this amount, Php200,000 was used for the hospitalization and medical assistance of the victims while Php100,000 was allocated for food assistance in th form of rice, sardines, beef loaves and noodles. Regional Director Ana Caňeda of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) who is also the Chairperson of the Regional 30
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DRRMC, in the region, said based on the reports of the Valencia CDRRMC there were about 31 individuals who were injured due the earthquake that occurred in the city, last Nov. 7. Of those injured, 16 were confined in the hospital in Valencia,while the other 15 were treated as out-patients, the oldest of whom was aged 58 while
the youngest was aged one (1) year old. Immediately after the earthquake that occurred at 5:42 p.m, last Nov. 7, about 40 admitted patients of the Sanitarium Hospital in the city were brought to safer grounds by the hospital staff. Although the main columns of the Sanitarium Hospital were intact, some cracks on the walls of the 3-storey, 200-bed capacity, secondary hospital were visible. A rapid damage assessment of the affected hospital done by the Office of the Building Official of the City Engineer’s Office (OBO-CEO) revealed that although the building sustained hairline cracks, no major damage was done.
On a scale of 0-10, the effect of the cracks was rated 0.5, and thus safe for re-occupancy, so the hospital employees and patients were allowed to go back to the hospital at about 8:00 pm. of that day. Electric power in the city, which went off immediately after the quake, was partially restored by local electric company at about 7:55 p.m., last Nov. 7. With an intensity of 5.2, the quake which was of tectonic origin, was felt in Valencia and the neighboring areas: Intensity 3 in Malaybalay City and Quezon town in Bukidnon, Intensity 2 in Cagayan de Oro City, and Intensity 1 in Camiguin.
NorMin dengue cases drops 77.63 percent in first 10 months, this year By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - A total of 1,605 dengue cases were admitted to different sentinel hospitals, in Northern Mindanao, during the first 10 months, this year. This figure is actually 77.63 percent lower compared to 7,177 cases in the same period, last year, Dr. Jaime Bernadas, Regional Director of the Department of Health (DOH), region 10 said. Bernadas said the ages of those afflicted by dengue ranged from less than one (1) month to 90 years of age, with the median age placed at 10.5 yrs. old and about 56 percent of those afflicted with dengue were males.
There were nine (9) deaths placing the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) at 0.57%. Highest among the age group was the 5-9 years old which noted a CFR of 0.97 percent. Meanwhile, Dr. David Mendoza, Chief of the Regional Epidemiology Surveilance and Disaster Response Unit of DOH-10 said most of the cases were from the following provinces: Bukidnon, 5 percent, Camiguin, 1.0 percent, Lanao del Norte, 16 percent, Misamis OccidentaI, 25 percent and Thursday, November 10, 2011
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Misamis Oriental, 53 percent. So far, only the province of Misamis Occidental had an increasing number of cases, 11.11 percent, compared to the same period last year. Among the cities, however, Ozamiz City has the highest increase of the dengue cases of more than 191.23 percent. Mendoza said the cluster of cases were noted in the following areas, which had three (3) or more in a barangay during the past four (4) weeks:
Barangays Carmen, Kauswagan, Lapasan and Patag in Cagayan de Oro City, Taytay in El Salvador City, and Barra, Opol, all of Misamis Oriental and Malaubang in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. There were nine (9) deaths placing the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) at 0.57%. Highest among the age group was the 5-9 years old which noted a CFR of 0.97 percent. Mendoza said five (5) of these deaths were reported in Misamis Oriental, while two (2) each were reported in the provinces of Lanao del Norte.
Pres. Aquino awards LGU Opol for exemplary governance
OPOL, Misamis Oriental - President Benigno S. Aquino III and Secretary Jesse Robredo has awarded the Municipal Government of Opol for its commendable performance in local governance. consisting of a trophy and a check of Php1.0 million, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), last October 14. The GPLA is conferred to a province, city or municipality for its exemplary performance in governance as evidenced by its Local Government Performance Monitoring System (LGPMS) Overall Performance Index This, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government which is at least 4.0, Seal of Good (SGH), awards (DILG) conferred upon it the Gawad Housekeeping Pamana ng Lahi Award(GPLA) for and recognitions received, and Region 10 Municipality Category, acknowledged innovations. Last September, Opol also made 32
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it to the list of local governments that passed the criteria of the SGH of DILG. As such, Opol is eligible to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of the DILG in the amount of Php1.0 million which can help fund local development projects. The SGH is a program that
recognizes LGUs that adheres to the principles of accountability and transparency. These LGU’s have complied with the full disclosure policy of the DILG and their financial reports have no adverse opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA). (PIO)
Foundation for the Disabled honors Opol for accessibility efforts OPOL, Misamis Oriental - The Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) gave a special LGU Award to the Municipality of Opol for its full cooperation on the adoption of PWD-friendly facilities. The award was given during the 26th Awarding Ceremonies of the Apolinario Mabini Awards held at the Heroes Hall, MalacaĂąang Palace last October 24. President Benigno S. Aquino III and Ambassador Cristina C. Ponce-Enrile, Chairperson of 2011 Apolinario Mabini Awards Committee, handed the plaque to Mayor Dexter B. Yasay. Opol is one of the four LGUs recognized this year. With the implementation of the Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE) Project for Persons with Disabilities in
cooperation with National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), physical changes were effected not only in public buildings but also in private Thursday, November 10, 2011
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commercial establishments in Opol. The Municipal Hall now has signages and a ramp with handrail leading to an accessible comfort room and to the different offices. Doors of offices are now accessible to PWDs and compliant to BP 344. The Municipal Library, the venue for the weekly sign language class for the deaf and mute and academics class for those with Down Syndrome facilitated by the LGU, now has signages and an accessible comfort room. The Local Government Unit also renovated the stage of the Development Learning Resource Center to make it accessible to PWDs. The DLRC is regularly u s e d by the different sectors in their gatherings and events. The private sector supports the LGU as well. Two restaurants already renovated their establishments and installed ramps. The rest of the private establishments committed to construct ramps and accessible comfort rooms. To intensify the creation of a Non-Handicapping community, Mayor Dexter B. Yasay issued 34
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Executive Order No. 5 series of 2011 which requires public and private buildings for public use to install and incorporate five basic accessibility facilities and features: washrooms and toilets, non-skid flooring, parking area, signages and ramps. The Awards was named after one of the country’s foremost heroes, Apolinario Mabini, also known as the Sublime Paralytic. In his speech during the awarding ceremony, President Aquino said it was his honor to recognize the modern Apolinario Mabini of the country - the organizations, institutions and individuals who demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities. (PIO)
DOST technology upgrading program helps small enterprises by Carina Cayon
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he technology upgrading program of the Department of Science and Technology has helped several small enterprises in the region boost their respective productions and improve their income.
Among the assisted business is the Tadeco Livelihood and Training Center in Panabo City of Davao del Norte province, which engages in the production of expert quality handicrafts from indigenous materials such as abaca, banana and pineapple fiber. The training center has availed of almost P900,000 funding from DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) that improved the handmade paper production process and minimized production time in drying by 50 percent. According to DOST project profile, TLTC used the amount to purchase handmade paper dyer designed by local inventor and laboratory tools for dyeing and laboratory apparatus for standardized dyeing. TLTC was also able to construct handmade paper cooker with design
assistance from Forest Products Research and Development Institute. Its workforce undertook technology training on dyeing and wrought iron metal forming. The business is presently selling most of the handmade paper products to the local markets, and some are being exported to Egypt, USA and Australia. Its tinalak-based products are also being sold abroad. DOST SETUP has also brought the upgrading of the Cavendish banana flour production of the AMS Employees Fresh Fruits Producers Cooperative in Kapalong town in Davao del Norte. The P500,00 funding from the program acquired hammer mill and slicing machine for the cooperative that was able to make improvements in its production process that significantly increased by 91.42%. The banana-based cooperative is engaged in the production of food and feed grade banana flour produced from the rejects of Cavendish bananas in a 200-hectare plantation. In Davao City, the P90,000 SETUP assistance improved the qual Thursday, November 10, 2011
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ity and packaging of the processed durian products of Rosario’s Fruits Stop owned by Mary Grace Belviz in Calinan District, and with an increased sales of 20%. The single proprietorship business produces durian candies, tarts and frozen fresh durian, and other products that include decorative items from young durian fruits. The SETUP project purchased an automatic mixer that shortens mixing time of durian pulp and improves product quality and productivity. The assistance also covered training on Good Manufacturing Processes and food safety, provision of stainless steel food processing fixture, product development, improvement of plant lay-out and provision of label design. Another SETUP project that was recently approved was the upgrading of the manufacturing process of dry type transformer of the Oriental American Technologies Electrical Construction Services Inc. (ORAMTECH Inc.) in Buhangin, Davao City. The project amounted to P460,000 that was utilized to purchase processing equipment such as bender and shear/core cutter expected to increase production efficiency and projected to boost income by 100 to 300%. In Davao del Sur, the technology upgrading program assisted the Woodworks Kiln Dried Products based in Digos City that specializes in panel doors and moldings. Woodworks obtained the 20board foot capacity Kiln Lumber 36
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Dryer, milling machine, wide-belt sander and engraving machine from the nearly P1 million SETUP assistance, to address the need for an upgrading of facilities and to cater to the increasing market for panel doors. The DOST-SETUP has also improved the coconut sugar/syrup venture of the Lao Integrated Farms, Inc. in Bansalan, also of Davao del Sur, which received a financial assistance of P660,000 that acquired the firm a double jacketed steel pasteurizer and rotary dryer project. The assistance helped develop the production process and quality of coconut sugar/syrup products complying with the export market standards. The DOST SETUP has been providing cash assistance to small enterprises in the country with no interest and payable for three years. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)
Solon urges concerted, decisive action on overseas ban by Mai Gevera Macapagat whether these countries which violated the Migrant Workers Act should be banned from deployment. She said these three agencies should talk and decide what to do with those 41 non-compliant countries. Apsay stressed that the first consideration should be the welfare of Filipino migrant workers. “ There are countries which are friendlier to Filipino migrant workers so why don’t we prioritize deployment to these countries rather than to countries with records of violating the DAVAO CITY- Following the anrights of the workers� she said. The legislator, after personnouncement of the Department of Foreign Affairs on the 41 countries ally visiting some countries in the Middle East advised Filipinos not to found to be non-compliant to the provisions of RA 10022 or Migrant work as domestic helper in Saudi Arabia. There is not much of a probWorkers Act, Compostela Valley First District Representative Mari- lem for those working as professionals as they are treated well. Apsay car Apsay who is one of the fourbelieved that violations done could man team who assessed foreign have rooted from the culture and countries like Saudi Arabia asked beliefs in those countries. In Saudi, the DFA, the POEA, and the DOLE Filipino women could not just go out to talk and put their acts together. any time they want without being The role of the four house accompanied by her husband or by representatives who personally asher employer. Caught walking down sessed the condition of migrant the street with a male who is not her workers in some areas of the Middle husband could bring her to jail. East was to come up with an assess- This, according to her, is just ment straight from the mouth of the one of the many culture-based poliworkers. cies in the said country which Filipino However, Apsay said that it is migrant workers should strictly now the role of the DFA to decide Thursday, November 10, 2011
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follow. “ We cannot do anything to break their culture. Rather, we should inform those who are about to work in those countries that this is the kind of environment they are to get in” she added. Meanwhile, the DFA recently committed to submit new certifications after 90 days taking into account the dialogues made by the DFA with the countries listed as non-compliant to the migrant workers law. It was in November 2 that the POEA release board resolutions
that approve OFW deployment to 49 countries and another that bans OFWs from 41 countries. However, the DFA sought the effectivity of the ban to be delayed as Philippine diplomats are to dialogue first with the affected countries. The Department then recommended that implementation of the ban take effect on February next year for enough time to deliberate. (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
NFA chief eyes Caraga, Davao as pilot regions for rice production
TAGUM CITY- National Food Authority Administrator Angelito T. Banayo called for the establishment of two model regions for rice production in Mindanao, if the country is to achieve its aim of rice sufficiency in the near future.
areas for rice production in these two regions of Mindanao,” Banayo stressed, during his recent meeting with the stakeholders of the rice industry in Davao del Norte at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan in Tagum City. Appropriate and adequate interventions, such as certified and hybrid After urging the national govseeds, improved irrigation system ernment to refocus its food security and farm-to-market roads, fertilizer program in Mindanao, Banayo named subsidy and other assistance must the Caraga and Davao regions as be provided to ensure that farmers ideal pilot areas for the production in the region are able to meet their of the staple food because of their production potential. prominence as the agribusiness hubs After the success of these pilot of the island. areas, the program shall then be ex He said the enormous agriculpanded to other potential regions of ture potentials of Mindanao, being Mindanao. tagged as the country’s ‘food basket’, Banayo revealed rice sufficiency remains to be seen as government’s in the country is now difficult to atinterventions have not really been tain by 2013 after a series of natural specific to Mindanao. calamities, particularly typhoons Pe “We have to establish pilot dring and Quiel, that recently hit the 38
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country. In order to meet the challenge of food security, the government must have to craft the right policies and programs now, to include refocusing its food security program to Mindanao. He said Mindanao’s rich agricultural resources and generally fair tropical and relatively typhoon-free climate makes it an ideal location for a wide variety of economic activities, particularly intensive rice production. “It is only a matter of taking many of the resources that are in Manila and bringing them where they are needed most and where they are most productive,” he said. In the same forum, Banayo also lauded the quality intervention of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, led by Governor Rodolfo del
Rosario, in achieving food sufficiency, as well as in mitigating the effects of climate change in the agricultural lands of the province. The NFA official cited the province’s feat of remaining the biggest rice-producing province in the Davao region despite some factors. “We are doing some mitigating measures on how we can sustain our production level,” Gov. del Rosario said. He bared some interventions being done by the province to include distribution of certified seeds and hybrid seeds, improving the irrigation system and farm-tomarket road network, and providing farmer field schools for both farmers and students, among other support mechanisms. (Noel Baguio PIO DAVNOR)
THE REGIONAL GALLERY
A DPWH road upgrading program in Davao del Sur
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‘Lolong’ is biggest croc in captivity by David M. Suyao
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t’s now official.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
“Lolong” is the biggest crocodile in captivity. This was announced last Wednesday by Dr. Adam Briton, an Australian expert on wild animals and authenticator of the Guiness Book of World Record for reptiles and snakes. Dr. Adam Briton, together with a team from the National Geographic Channel arrived in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on October 31, 2011 and has been observing the characteristics of Lolong, including the reptile’s health condition. Last Tuesday, November 8, when Dr. Briton first measured the length of Lolong, his estimate reached 21 feet and three inches. To ensure accuracy, a series of measurement were done and the final results revealed that Lolong is 20 feet, three inches long. This makes Lolong 15
inches longer than Cassius Clay, former title holder from Australia as the biggest crocodile in captivity as declared in July 2011. “I am glad to pronounce tonight, that the actual and final measurement of crocodile named Lolong here in Bunawan is 20 feet and three inches long, the biggest so far all over the world. Because of this final report, Lolong will now be the title holder as the biggest crocodile in captivity worldwide,” Dr. Briton said. Dr. Briton also said that despite some petty scratches on the scales of Lolong, the crocodile is in good health condition. “I advise that the caretaker must always change the water in the pond where Lolong is staying so that bacteria will not accumulate
in the area. We must remember that Lolong used to live in moving waters in Agusan Marsh and moving waters are usually clean for them to live in,” Dr. Briton said. Besides Lolong’s pond, another much bigger pond being prepared by the locals is nearing completion. This will be used for Lolong’s mate who is still at large. According to Mayor Edwin Elorde of Bunawan, they are just awaiting the go signal from proper authorities to capture the much bigger crocodile, which according to residents of Barangay Nueva Era, is just within the river where Lolong was captured. As evidence of its presence, traces of its trails are sometimes visible especially during rainy season when the river sides are soft and wet.
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Mayor Amante calls for the people to be proactive in dealing with crimes by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY -- To address the problems concerning the occurrence of crimes, the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) conducted a strategic workshop on Wednesday in one of the local hotels here. The local government unit (LGU) of this city and representatives from different national and regional line agencies convened to give inputs on peace and order. Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. said he was glad for the initiative of the CPOC in 42
conducting the said activity most especially the efforts of City Director Romeo Solis of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and City Councilor Ryan Culima. “I am very glad that the local government has come up with this workshop. This will
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really help in solving the problems being experienced by our community”, Amante said. He added that this workshop will be of great assistance in evaluating, assessing and finally coming up with solutions to the crimes that is happening in the city. “We can never pre-
vent a crime from happening, we can never be always at the scene of the crime but one thing is for sure… we are doing our best, we have slowly resolved the crimes; in fact, some suspects were already arrested. But let us not stop there, we must continue in stabilizing peace and order in this city,” the mayor said. According to Mayor Amante, the barangay tanods are deployed to secure every baran-
gay. “We have already trained them and gave them uniforms. If anything may happen, at least they are insured”. Moreover, the mayor said that the townspeople must not only be reactive if there are crime incidences but they must also be proactive. He said that the community must help and coordinate with the government in dealing with crime. “Let us show to the people that their taxes
will be compensated in terms of more government services and police visibility,” Amante disclosed. However, due to some cases where the victims were children, the mayor warned the parents to be responsible in securing their children at home. He said everyone should remember that crime is everywhere and people should always be alert and ready to deal with this.
PRC alarms people on paid blood donors
BUTUAN CITY -- While the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) encourages people to donate blood, it discourages people from selling their blood to those who are in need. Thursday, November 10, 2011
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According to PRC Chapter Administrator Teodoro Cairo of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, as early as 2002, PRC has been discouraging paid blood donors. “People must not sell their blood to the needy,” Cairo said. “Blood must be voluntarily given.” He added that although this can help some people who are very poor that they resort in selling their blood and even their own organs, people must also be aware that this kind of act is prohibited.
Cairo made the statement during the recently concluded Board of Directors meeting of the PRC Agusan del NorteButuan City Chapter. “The reason why the Red Cross discourages paid donors is that some of them are abusing their body. Some paid donors were unhealthy and are not qualified to donate blood,” Cairo said. The official added most paid donors are not adequately screened if they have any disease
or they are taking medication that disqualified them in donating blood. “What kind of quality of blood will they give to the patients if they are unhealthy? A donor must be healthy in order for him to give blood,” said Cairo. Cairo added donors are not allowed to donate blood more than three times a year. This will endanger the donor, who may become weak and anemic, he said.
(MRA)
Nat’l Congress on Moral Recovery Program opens in Butuan City by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY -- The first national congress of the moral recovery program opened Wednesday in one of the local convention centers here. 44
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In his welcome message during the opening ceremony, Vice-Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun emphasized the importance of proper upbringing of children to achieve peace and order. Fortun said no matter how equipped and how efficient the police forces are, the issue of peace and order will only be achieved if people are educated about societal norms. “Even if all criminal will be prosecuted
and put to jail right now, there will still be new breed of criminals who will be doing criminal acts… in this way, the problem will not be solved,” Fortun said. Vice Mayor Fortun also emphasized that the activity is not only important for addressing good governance but also in upholding peace and order “because it always have to start with the morality of the people.” Anchored on the theme “Empower-
ing the Filipino People through Values”, the program is in line with the mandate of Presidential Proclamation No. 62, otherwise known as Moral Recovery Program. The Moral Recovery Program is a movement which aims to mobilize Filipinos for nation-building through the exercise of “personal operative values” as citizens and to awaken them to the power of these values in achieving individual and national goals.
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PDEA Caraga celebrates drug abuse prevention week thru tree planting by Nora CL Molde
BUTUAN CITY -- In support of the city government’s program “Plant a Million Tree Project,” the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga regional office will conduct a tree planting activity on November 15. PDEA Caraga acting regional director Joel B. Plaza said the tree planting activity is in line with the celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week on November 1218 and also to combat the key challenge of the 21st century – the Climate Change. The activity will be conducted at baran46
gay Kinamlutan at five o’clock in the morning. There will also be activities to help the agency bring drug abuse issues to the forefront of the people’s consciousness in the weeklong celebration with the theme “Global Action for Healthy Communities.” PDEA is the lead anti-drugs law enforcement agency, responsi-
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ble for preventing, investigating and combating any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals within the Philippines. The agency is tasked with the enforcement of the penal and regulatory provisions of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
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