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
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Managing Editor …….........
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
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
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
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
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) 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
Davao’s cacao
source of world’s best chocolates
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
Photo Credits:ACDI/VOCA epicstreet.blogspot.com
Cover Story :
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Vol. 1, No. 90
Davao’s cacao: source of world’s best chocolates By Mai Gevera Macapagat
NATI O NAL
10 10 12 15
Aquino arrives in Honolulu for the 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit Aquino faces busy schedule in 3-day working visit to Honolulu Palace assures Mrs. Arroyo due process
17
21 CENTRAL Mindanao
24 24 25 26
Mayor plants mangrove 63,00 IDPs in Maguindanao to receive livelihood aids from New Zealand Gov’t
Labor union from Makilala, N. Cotabato wins 1st WINAP productivity Olympic
contents
NORTHERN Mindanao
17 18 19 20
34
22 23
Romblon leaders impressed by Tagum’s style of governance
Davao City 87th fastest growing city in the world
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RDC-X to use the 2007 censusbased projections for population PDEA-10 arrests 6 persons in drive against illegal drugs All Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are set to receive Philhealth benefits – DSWD Secretary Cag. de Oro Tourism Board now accepts ‘Halad sa Pasko’ entries
28 34
SOUTHERN Mindanao
How to solve “Rido” tops concern of Lanao del Sur peace advocates
CARAGA Region
28 29
NOVEMBER 12, 2011
PDEA conducts initial screening of applicants to augment Caraga regional office personnel CCPD, partner stakeholders step up preparations for 2011 MWOP celeb Gov’t troops encounter insurgents anew Gov’t troops encounter insurgents anew BCWD 2011 Water Quiz Show ends with a bang Pinakaunang harinang gawa sa sago inilunsad ng mga katutubong Agusanon
WESTERN Mindanao
36 37 38
AFP to propose new modernization plan WESCOM personnel urged adherence to highest conduct, ethics standard PCNHS students support tree planting program of RMN
36
Cover Story Davao’s cacao: source of world’s best chocolates By Mai Gevera Macapagat
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ho would have thought that one of the world’s known chocolate bars like Mars heavily rely their cacao supply from the Philippines, specifically in Davao region.
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Another significant chocolate maker based in Springfield, Missouri, USA and specializes in single origin chocolate in small batches, the Askinosie Chocolate, also sources out raw cacao supply from Davao City. The owner, Shawn Askinosie, personally visited Malagos, a small community found in the outskirts of the city. Convinced that the area is perfect for quality cacao production, Askinosie formalized partnership with the local farmers to supply the company with raw cacao. Through the company, the Davao White Chocolate Nibble Bar was named by the
Times of London as one of the Ten Best Chocolate Bars in the World as released in September last year. Giving back to the community that positively helped Askinosie Chocolate find its niche in the global market, the owner constantly pours in social development projects like establishment of Internet connection and enough number of computer units which can be of great use to the students of Malagos Elementary School. The Mars Chocolate, having been long established in the region, has also contributed much
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to the growth of the cacao industry. The Mars Cocoa Development Center (MCDC) that started in 2008 was built to bring positive environment and socioeconomic benefits of sustainably grown cocoa to farmers. It is through the center that farmers get to learn best practices in cocoa cultivation. it is here that they learn new methods in pest control to better improve the quality of their cocoa. More than 3,000 farmers have been part of the center, most of them graduated from the Farmer Field School. MCDC has expanded its coverage from Malagos to oth6
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er Davao provinces like Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. Satellite demonstration farms were set up in those areas to further cater to more farmers and start engage in cacao production. Another significant actor in the development of the cacao industry in Davao Region is the USDA-funded project Success Alliance II as implemented by ACDI/VOCA in partnership with CocoaPhil. In this project, farmers attended Farmer Field School activities wherein they didn’t just improve production but they have also strength-
ened the industry by engaging in collective venture. Before the project, these farmers used to do farming as individuals. They were not yet educated about the realities of the value chain and importance of consolidation. Through time, these farmers grouped themselves and started doing things as Subasta Cocoa Farmers. They bought wet cocoa beans from their members and few from other farmers in the community.
They sold and delivered these cocoa beans to Puentespina Farms, the leading market of these wet cocoa beans. The farmers also learned that they could also earn not just from wet cocoa. They started to sell dried and fermented cocoa beans by the assistance of ACDI/VOCA. A solar dryer, fermentary boxes and bean-grading toolkit were provided to the Subasta farmers. Increased income led to the building of additional postharvest facilities. These have further improved the cocoa production of the said farmers. They have mastered the skill, applied technology, played the market, and joined the compeSaturday, November 12, 2011
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tition. At the end of the day,the lesson learned is the importance of collective work. Working individually in this industry, as they observed, may have been very promising at first ,however, the consolidated effort of each farmer was found vital in the long run for the sustainability of the industry. What urged farmers to focus and better cocoa production is the turn out of the cocoa export in the recent years. Before when Davao 8
was not yet known to be a conducive area for cocoa production farmers almost lost interest in farming cacao. Things changed as international demand started coming in. It was in 2008 to 2009 that the Bureau of Customs XI reported a six fold increase in exports from a mere 151 metric tons to 1,112 metric tons in 2009. Before the increase, it was barely China and the United States that import the cocoa products
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from the region. However, with the full-blast trainings and other form of capacity development efforts the BOC XI noted some expansion of the international market. It has expanded to Europe with the Netherlands as the shipping point. Not just that, neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand also followed to import from the country. More than half of the supply here was exported to Malaysia, a portion of the total supply went to Thailand, USA, and Netherlands.
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Aquino arrives in Honolulu for the 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit
H
ONOLULU, Hawaii: President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Hickam Airbase here for a threeday working visit to attend the 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting from November 11 to. November 13. 10
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APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia Pacific Region. It has 21 members referred to as “member economies” which account for approximately 40 percent of the world’s population, approximately 54 percent of world gross domestic product, and about 44 percent of world trade. Hosted by the United States, APEC 2011 is working towards the achievement of a “seamless regional economy.” The Chief Executive, who was accompanied by a lean delegation led by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas and Presidential Spokeman Edwin Lacierda, was on board the Philippine Airlines chartered Flight PR001 that landed at the airport’s tarmac at exactly 8:15 am (Honolulu time, 2:15 am Manila time) from Manila. He was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia, Jr., Consul General Leoncio Cardenas, Jr., Trade and investment Officer of the United States to the Philippines Jennifer Neidhart de Ortiz, and a Senior US Protocol Representative among others. After the simple arrival ceremony at the Hickam Airbase, President Aquino, accompanied by his delegation, motored to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel where he is billeted. Following a brief respite, the President will attend his first activity for the day -- the Panel Discussion on Commodity Security for Economic Growth, where he is one of the panel participants at the Sheraton, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Other participants in the event include Frank Ning Gaoning, CEO of the China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation plus Richard Adkerson, president and CEO of the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc., as well as Jane Ulrich, managing director and chairman of the Global Markets, China, JP Morgan. Saturday, November 12, 2011
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Duri n g the panel discussion, there will be four chairs on stage. The moderator would welcome and introduce President Aquino and will have one-onone for ten minutes where the President would be asked an initial question which he could turn into an opening statement about the issues.
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This APEC CEO summit will be held from November 11 to 12 with high-level representation from the private sector, government, and academia. This summit will identify ways to enhance publicprivate cooperation within APEC. It is held annually just prior to the annual APEC Leaders’ Meeting and is a “by invitation only” event. The first APEC
CEO Summit was held in 1996 during the Philippine chairmanship of APEC. Later in the evening, the President will likewise attend the APEC CEOLeaders’ Dinner with the theme “Taste of American Reception” hosted by Microsoft chairman Craig Mundie at the exclusive home in Honolulu of Paul and Mrs. Fredrica Cassiday. (RSDA)
Aquino faces busy schedule in 3-day working visit to Honolulu esident Beenigno S. Aquino III faces a busy schedule ahead as soon as he sets foot on Friday (Honolulu time) at the Island Paradise here to join the other 20 leaders of member economies attending the 19th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting.
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Shortly after his arrival at the Hickam Airbase from Manila, the President and his official delegation
ing visit is to attend the Panel Discussion on Commodity Security for Economic Growth at the
tion; R i c h ard Adkerson, president and CEO of the Freeport Mc-
will be immediately whisked to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, where he will stay for the duration of his three-day official working visit. The President’s first activity on the first day of his work-
Sheraton Waikiki. Aside from President Aquino, other participants in the panel discussion include Frank Ning Gaoning, CEO of the China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corpora-
MoRan Copper and Gold Inc.; and Jane Ulrich, managing director and chairman of the Global Markets, China JP Morgan. The APEC CEO Summit is sched-
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uled from November 11 to 12 with high-level representation from the private sector, government and academia. The summit will identify ways to enhance publicprivate cooperation within APEC. It is held annually in the APEC host economy just prior to the annual APEC Leaders’ Meeting. Later in the evening, the President will attend the APEC CEO Leaders’ Dinner with the theme “Taste of American Reception” hosted by Microsoft chairman Craig Mundie at the exclusive home in Honolulu of Paul and Mrs. Fredrica Cassiday. 14
During his visit, President Aquino will take time out to visit the Pearl Harbor. Before his attendance at the dinner in honor of the APEC Leaders and Spouses at the Hale Koa Maile Garden, the President is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Julia Eileen Gillard. Then President Aquino will proceed to meet with the members of the accompanying media during a Coffee with Philippine Media at the Honolulu Suite of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel. On Sunday, November 13, President Aquino will attend the 19th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the JW
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Marriott Thilani Hotel The President will likewise attend the Leaders dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) members also in the same hotel. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the dialogue with APEC Leaders “gives ABAC members the opportunity to meet with APEC Leaders to discuss the entire year’s ABAC work programme and to raise issues of pressing concern to the business community. The Chief Executive will then attend the Working Lunch for APEC Leaders with the topic entitled “Regulatory Reforms and Competitiveness”
Prior to the issuance of the Joint Declaration by the 21 APEC Leaders, the President will resume his attendance at the 19th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Session 2 on the topic “Energy Security and Energy Efficiency.” The President will also check the condition of the Filipino Overseas
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Workers in Honolulu when he meets with them on Sunday (November 13, Honolulu time) before he leaves for Manila. In a prepared program for the OFWs meeting, the President will deliver his speech where he is expected to report to them the positive developments of his administration since he as-
sumed office last year. Consul General Leoncio Cardenas will also deliver welcome remarks while Bernadette Misalucha, chairperson of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii and Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie will deliver their respective messages. (RSDA)
Palace assures Mrs. Arroyo due process alacanang assured former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo due process in the ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for her alleged involvement in massive corruption during her administration. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Saturday, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte was asked if the
Palace supports speedy inquiry on the allegations against Arroyo so that appropriate charges could be filed against her.
“What we would prefer is that the DOJ goes step-by-step on the process. At this point, we are already being accused of po-
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litical persecution but, on one hand, you also have comments that we are too slow in prosecuting,” Valte said. “We want to assure that whatever cases are on the table will go through the proper process, will go through due process and that the rights of whoever is being accused of anything are afforded and are protected,” she added noting they don’t want half-baked investigation results. At the same time, she said they want to fend off speculations 16
that the administration is sitting on the cases against the former president. “Gusto lang po natin talaga masunod yung tamang proseso,” she added. Charging Mrs Arroyo in court could bolster the government’s resolve in issuing a hold departure order to prevent her from leaving and seeking asylum anywhere. This week, President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his full support to Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s decision disallow-
Saturday, November 12, 2011
ing the former president to travel abroad to seek medical help. 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 Arroyo’s request for an Allow Departure Order for lack of merit. She was also reported seeking asylum in the Dominican Republic. (AS)
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How to solve “Rido” tops concern of Lanao del Sur peace advocates roblems on how to solve “Rido” or family feud topped the concerns of some 300 delegates from various sectors who attended the MultiSectoral Peace Forum at the Municipal Gym, here, last Nov. 8.
Jointly organized by the Philippine Army (PA) and the local government unit (LGU) of Picong, Lanao del Sur, the delegates, mostly sectoral leaders, showed their commitment to support the campaign against lawlessness, “Rido” and promotion of the observance of the justice system and support to the authorities. Leading the civilian delegates was Picong Mayor Alinader M. Balindong, while Col. Daniel A. Lucero, Commander of 103rdBrigade (103Bde), PA led the security sector. Several speakers shared their programs to the participants, like Lt. Col. Ceasar Marlon M. Yadao, Commander of 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB) and the main organizer of the event who discussed the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan (unity and cooperation)” of the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP). This was followed by a sharing about the campaign against drug illegal drugs by Feliciano Alejandro A. Serino II of the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA). Likewise, delegates from the International Monitoring Team (IMT) -Mindanao discussed the peace process mechanisms and their campaign on non-violence, while discussions on religious matters and the Local Government Code were shared by concerned sectoral representatives. The participants were also given a chance to give questions according to the lectures, most of which were centered on how to resolve “Rido,” which is a problem besetting the peace in the province. In addition to the activities, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by the various sectoral leaders to show their commitment of support to the campaign against lawlessness, “Rido” and promotion of the observance of the justice system and support to the authorities of Picong. Another MOA was, likewise, signed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) represented by the Picong Municipal Saturday, November 12, 2011
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Police Station Commander and the 51IB for the creation of a Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center for Picong. Meanwhile, the 103Bde Commander, who was the guest of honor and speaker, emphasized the role of the Army, particularly, his troops as protectors of the Maranaos.
He, likewise, assured the people that all soldiers under his command had to undergo a Cultural Sensitivity Seminar before being deployed. “We are like a human body: the military as one part and the people as another, harmonious functioning of each leads to peace and development,” he said. (103Bde PA)
RDC-X to use the 2007 census-based projections for population by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Due to the absence of official population projections based on current census, the Regional Development Council, region 10, has adopted the 2007 census-based interim population projection (CBIPP) for region 10. Such decision of RDC-X is manifested in Resolution No. 24, s. 2011, “Adopting the Interim 2007Based Population Projection for Region X, by Provinces/Highly Urbanized Cities and Municipalities: 2008-2015.” Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, who is the RDC-X Chairperson, said this will put to rest the issue on the incomparability of the projected population figures used by the local government units (LGU’s) and the regional line agencies (RLA’s) raised during the May 10, 2011, meeting of the Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RSCC). “To foster uniformity, among the various users within Northern Mindanao, and in the absence of a 2010-based official population projection, the RSCC decided to provide a 2007 CBIPP for Region X,” Cruz said. 18
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Pursuant to Paragraph C., Section 2 of Executive Order No. 135, s. of 1993, the RSCC is authorized to act on statistical matters that concern only the region, province/city, municipality and barangay. Cruz, however, said the use of the interim population projection shall be limited only to administrative and development planning purposes and shall cease to be effective once the NSO releases the 2010 official population census results. Upon release of such results by the NSO, the RSCC, thru the Macro and Development Administration Committee, shall immediately estimate and provide a new interim population projection based on the official 2010 census. The resolution was attested by Engr. Leon M. Dacanay , Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic
and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, and approved by the RDC-X Chairperson and Aresenio L. Sebastian III, Co-chairperson and RDC-X Representative from the Private Sector. Thus, based on the 2007 CBIPP for Region X conducted by NSO, Northern Mindanao is projected to have a population of 4.48 million by the year 2015. In 2007, the region had a
projected population of 3.95 million, which grew up to 4.02 million or 1.66 percent in 2008, to 4.08 million or 1.62 percent in 2009, and to 4.15 million or 1.60 percent, in 2010. Likewise, the projected population of the region is expected to increase to 4.21 million or 1.59 percent in 2011, to 4.28 million or 1.57 percent in 2012, to 4.34 million or 1.55 percent in 2013 and to 4.41 million or 1.53 percent in 2014.
PDEA-10 arrests 6 persons in drive against illegal drugs by Juliet Cagaanan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – At least six (6) persons were arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2006, in two (2) separate buy-bust operations conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), region 10, last Nov. 9. Regional Director Roberto S. Opeùa of PDEA-10 said these operations were conducted at about 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., respectively, by the PDEA, Misamis Oriental Provincial Special Enforcement Team led by Investigation Agent (IA) 1 Rodolfo S. De La Cerna and Iligan City Special Enforcement Team led by IA 3 Rey D. Pavillar, PDEA-10 Deputy Regional Director. The first buy-bust operation was conducted in Purok 7, Barangay Molugan, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental where a Target-Listed Drug Personality (TLDP) identified as Marites Turno Macapanton, female, 54 years old, separated and jobless was arrested. Bought from the suspect were two (2) pieces of heat-sealed plastic transparent sachets (HSPTS) believed
to be shabu and recovered from her possession and control were another two (2) pcs. of the HSPTS containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, 20 pcs. open plastic sachets with shabu residue and other drug paraphernalia. The other buy-bust operation was conducted in Purok 3, Barangay Saray, Iligan City which resulted to the arrests of Analisa Delalamon Amabao, a WatchListed Drug Personality (WLDP), female, 34 years old, single, and her live-in partner, Leonilo Omongos Camingawan, also a WLDP, male, 38 years old, single. Bought from them was one (1) piece small size HSPTS believed to be shabu and recovered from their possession and control were: Two (2) pcs. small size heatSaturday, November 12, 2011
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transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, 20 pcs. folded aluminum foil placed in a plastic container. During the Saray buy-bust operation, three (3) other persons who were “caught in the act” of having a pot session, were arrested: Tommy Tecson Balaba, male, 43 years old, single, Marcelo Edralin Dorio, male, 36 years old, single and Jovanie Casilang Labasamo, male, 19 years old, single, all were residents of Pindugangan Tipanoy, Iligan City. Recovered in their possession and control were one (1) pc. disposable
lighter and two (2) pcs. used improvised tooter. The suspects are now temporarily detained at PDEA-10 Detention Cell in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City Police Station 5 Detention Cell for booking and documentation, while the drug and nondrug evidences were brought to respective Crime Laboratories of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for qualitative and quantitative examinations. Opeña said appropriate charges for violation of RA 9165 is now being readied for filing in court against the suspects. (PDEA-10)
All Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are set to receive Philhealth benefits – DSWD Secretary By Charmaine P. Tadlas
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- All beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) are set to receive benefits from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth). Likewise, all those identified in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) are also going to be enrolled with Philhealth. These clarifications were made by Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who convened all the provincial governors of the country, here, last Nov. 9. The activity was aimed to discuss the updates and clarify issues, as well, as gain support from the Provincial Chief Executives of the Pantawid Pamilya. A conditional cash transfer (CCT) scheme of the National Government, the Pantawid Pamilya provides cash assistance to poor families for their children’s health and education. 20
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The DSWD Secretary said the Pantawid Pamilya has been developed, mainly, to address the inter-generational cycle of poverty plaguing, among poor families, due to lack of opportunities to quality education and accessibility to health services. She said a Pantawid Pamilya household-beneficiary is receiving a maximum of Php1,400 on a monthly basis for their children’s health and education, whose ages are from 0-14. In order for them to continuously receive the grant, they are also required to comply with the Program’s set conditionalities: to send their children to school with at least 85 percent school attendance and to regularly send them to health centers for check-ups.
The national consultation drew a closer tandem between the DSWD and the provincial governors who, Sec. Soliman said, are the Department’s partners in reaching out to poor families in their areas. The Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, however, are identified through household assessment and validation using the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) which identifies who and where the
poor are, and thus eliminate politicizing the identification of beneficiaries for government resources. The DSWD Secretary said Pantawid Pamilya emphasizes that it is a program of the National Government, because it is being implemented not only by DSWD but also by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well. (DSWD-10)
Cag. de Oro Tourism Board now accepts ‘Halad sa Pasko’ entries By Cheryl C. Moncay
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- The City Tourism Board, here, is once again holding its yearly ‘Halad sa Pasko’ competitions and is now beginning to accept qualified applicants. These competitions consist of the “Bangga sa Daygon (Christmas Carol Contest)” and the “Indigay sa Parol (Christmas Lantern Contest). A cash prize of Php15,000 awaits the winner of the Indigay sa Parol which will be held on December 3, at the Limketkai Center. Open to all students, barangays, groups or individuals of Cagayan de Oro City, each participant of the lantern contest is allowed only one (1) entry. The 2nd, 3rd, and consolation prizes are Php10,000, Php5,000, and Php500, respectively. Registration forms are now available at the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office or at the City Tourism Showhouse in Divisoria where interested participants may also inquire about the complete guidelines
of the contest. Deadline for submission of the registration forms for the Christmas Lantern Contest shall be on Nov. 28. The Bangga sa Daygon, on the other hand, will happen on Dec. 17, at SM City Mall, and is open to all glee clubs and choral groups of both private and public elementary schools in the city. First prize for the choral competition is a whooping Php25,000, while the 2nd and 3rd prizes are Php20,000 and Php15,000, respectively. Submission of registration forms for the choral competition shall be accepted until Dec. 9. All interested participants for both contests may inquire and look for City Tourism Officer Imma Rae D. Gatuslao, or Ophelia B. Fuertes at the City Tourism Office. (CIO) Saturday, November 12, 2011
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Romblon leaders impressed by Tagum’s style of governance
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ocal leaders from the Lone District of Lombon visited Tagum City last November 5, 2011 and were impressed by how local governance is working here, especially on the initiative of Mayor Rey T. Uy to make use of the confiscated hot logs into school furnitures. Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona of the Lone District of Romblon led a team of mayors, vice mayors and barangay captains in their visit to the city to learn from the corporate style of governance as espoused by Mayor Uy.
The local chief executive met them at the city’s motorpool where he shared the dynamics of the Care for School Chairs Program of his administration. He also gave a tour to the visiting officials to the facilities located inside the motorpool. The team also tried the Tagum City River Cruise where they were able to have a glimpse of the mangrove reforestation project of the city. (By Louie Lapat/Edwin of City Information Office- Tagum)
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Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona of the Lone District of the Romblon gave a marble lampshade to Mayor Rey T. Uy of Tagum City as a sign of gratitude. (Louie Lapat CIO Tagum)
Davao City 87th fastest growing city in the world top growth city in the Southeast Asian region is Jakarta placed at 47th. The annual growth rate projections is based on historical growths and decline, other factors are of forecasts by international and national statistics organiztion. the 15 year period covers the year 1996-2010. Davao City is the only Philippine City included in the top 100 fastest growing city a distinction which Mayor Sara Duterte said DAVAO CITY- From among the would mean a growing and a more top 200 high growth cities in the world, Davao City has been ranked robust economy. According to the related study, in the 87th spot. “World’s Fastest Growing Cities in 2007” In a study conducted by a Euroeconomic growth is the main driver of pean internet-based research group urbanisation particularly in many naCity Mayors Foundation which measures the performances of world’ cities, tions. high growth is equivalent to a strong economy of a city. Davao was listed in the top 200 cit In 2008 the Foreign Direct Investies based on projected annual growth ment Magazine of the Financial Times rates. Group adjudged the City as one of the In a 15 year period, Davao regTop Ten Asian Cities in the Future. the istered an annual growth of 2.53 perratings were based on investments/ cent, ranking it as among the world’s economic opportunities and gover87th fastest growth city. nance. (PIA/RG Alama) Metro Manila is ranked 190th with an average growth of 1.5%. the Saturday, November 12, 2011
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Mayor plants mangrove Alcantara Foundation project officer Jean delos Santos and Maasim Mayor Jose Zamorro plant a mangrove seedling at barangay Tinoto Friday, November 11. The activity was initiated by the Alcantara Foundation, Inc., Alcantara Group of Companies, Sarangani Energy Corp. and the municipal environment office. (Abner Arzaga/ MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL)
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Saturday, November 12, 2011
63,00 IDPs in Maguindanao to receive livelihood aids from New Zealand Gov’t By Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY -- At least 63,000 internally displaced persons, comprised of about 10,550 farming and fishing households in Maguindanao are set to benefit from a livelihood project that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Government of New Zealand and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) will implement soon. The resolution approving the program implementation plan of the project “Restoring Agricultural
Livelihoods in ConflictAffected Areas in Maguindanao Province of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao” was
signed in a first meeting of the project coordinating committee at the Al Nor Hotel and Convention Center in
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Cotabato City yesterday. Cesar Galvan, project team leader from FAO said, the project has an implementation duration of one year and primarily aims to bring back the agriculture-based livelihood of the target returning IDPs. Assistance to IDPs is through provision of agricultural input packages that include rice, corn, and vegetable seeds; fertilizers; hand tools; livestock/poultry; and fishing gears; coupled with conduct of solicited trainings and technology demonstrations. “This will help the
IDPs rebuild their livelihoods and lessen the rate of their dependency on external food aid,” Alberto Aduna, emergency coordination officer of FAO said. A formal launching of the project is scheduled on November 22 in either Barangay Liong or Barangay Balakanen in Datu Piang town, Maguindanao. A joint press release of the FAO and Government of New Zealand in June this year said that the New Zealand Government has provided a grant amounting to US$ 1,351,413 for FAO to assist IDPs and returnee households in Maguindanao restore
their farming activities. In the same press release, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Andrew Matheson said the project “is another example of New Zealand Government’s commitment to responding to the most critical needs of conflict-affected people, particularly in Maguindanao province.” “We hope to contribute in restoring and having lasting impact on food security, national status, and income generation of the IDPs,” he added. (PIA 12/DAF-ARMM)
Labor union from Makilala, N. Cotabato wins 1st WINAP productivity Olympic KORONADAL CITY -- A labor union in Makilala is one of the nine national winner of the First WINAP Productivity Olympic held last month in Manila. Jesse dela Cruz, secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12, announced that Stanfilco Makilala Labor 26
Union (SMLU) bested 25 other finalists and won the micro-service category of the productivity olympic. Dela Cruz said, SMLU
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has shown exemplary performance through productivity by being successful with their cooperative store. WINAP or Work
ers Income Augmentation Program (WINAP) is a Department of Labor and Employment Program that assists workers in the formal economy to engage in business to augment the salaries and wages of the workers. The business activity intends to provide workers with additional sources of income from their profit and to facilitate employment of their family members. Besides financial assistance, DOLE also helps the proponent by developing organizational capabilities in planning, business management and production skills. Dela Cruz said, SMLU opened a consumer store in 2006 but was immediately beset with problems common to micro-business: high commodity prices, limited profited, unaccounted losses of inventory and dwindling capital fund. In 2008, SMLU availed of P600,000 additional capital under DOLE’s WINAP. Through Productivity Improvement Program of the WINAP, SMLU rose from being a mere store to a consumer
store with a vision, managed by a Project Management Team who is harmonious, trained to be systematic and productive. Before WINAP, their total net income for three years was P11,518.99. Under WINAP, they realized a total net income P687,895.84, due to access to low priced commodity that is augmented through a system of profit sharing and patronage refund. WINAP enhanced their skills, knowledge and attitude through trainings; provided capital augmentation; established a Manual of Operations / Policies; and set up of monitoring and evaluation system. These resulted in having 74% of the members patronizing the SMLU consumer store. SMLU has already acquired the land where the consumer store is located and has seven direct labors that operate the consumer store. It has also create employment opportunity for those who wanted to put up a sari-sari store since the prices of their commodity are very minimal. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosal-
inda Baldoz told the winners of the productivity Olympic: “You’re not just winners in this tough competition. You are in fact catalysts of the President’s 22- point agenda on labor and employment. “When you go into productivity improvement programs, you consequently train your people on productivity improvement technologies through RTWPBs. In effect, you invest in enterprise competitiveness as well as improved productivity on our human resources and the economy in general.” She cited that MSME’s comprised 99.7% of the country’s businesses and employs two- thirds of the workforce. Productivity Olympics is a national competition of the best productivity programs and practices of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide and is done biennial. The competition is organized by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), DOLE and in coordination with all its RTWPBs. (cdml/lco/DOLE12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
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PDEA conducts initial screening of applicants to augment Caraga regional office personnel by Nora CL Molde
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s part of the weeklong celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program on November 12 to 18 with the theme “Global Action for Healthy Communities,� the regional office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will conduct an initial screening and interview of qualified applicants for their regional office on November 17.
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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
PDEA Caraga acting regional director Joel B. Plaza bared that there are 13 vacant positions for deliberation on Thursday, which include the following positions: one each for the positions of Attorney IV, Attorney II, Information Officer III, Chief Administrative Officer (AO V), Administrative Aide VI (Communication Equipment Operator II), Chemist III, and Laboratory Technician II; two items for the Dangerous Drugs Regulation
Officer II; and four for the Prison Guard II positions. The need for an additional workforce of the region would significantly add to the success in fighting the very stern drug problem of our society, Plaza added. Also, Plaza encourages interested applicants to visit their office at the provincial hospital compound in Libertad, Butuan City or call telephone number (085) 815-1661 for more details and information.
PDEA is the lead antidrugs law enforcement agency, responsible 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.
CCPD, partner stakeholders step up preparations for 2011 MWOP celeb by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -– The Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) with partner stakeholders steps up preparations for this year’s celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) in Caraga. For this year’s celebration from November 24-30 with the theme: “Common Word between Us and You: Love of God, Love
of Neighbor,” the stakeholders from different sectors in the region have joined hands in the preparation and finalization of the week-
long activities that will unite and create big impact to the lives of the Caraganons. The Department of the Interior and Lo-
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cal Government (DILG) Caraga will be spearheading the opening ceremony of said celebration in Surigao City, 7 a.m on Nov. 24. A press conference will follow at 9 a.m while at 6 p.m, an hour of silence for peace will be conducted at the Bishop’s Home in Butuan. On Nov. 25, MWOP stakeholders will join forces with other member-agencies of the Caraga Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) during the ‘Walk for A 30
Cause’ activity from Rizal Park going to Agusan del Norte Provincial Covered Court since it is also in time with the kick-off celebration for the 18-day Campaign to end Violence against Women. Afterwards, the Tree Planting for Peace will also follow at 7:00a.m. along the sidewalk in the Government Center, Amapayon, this city. On Nov. 26, the following activities will be conducted simultaneously in different venues: Bike for Peace,
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7 a.m (city proper); Peace Offering through the Bloodletting, 9 a.m; and Tri-people Consultation for Peace, 8 a.m, both to be held at the St. Peter College Seminary. On Nov. 28, 7 a.m, a tribal organization will be spearheading the Tribal Dialogue and Assembly among the Indigenous Peoples to be held in Bunaguit, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Also, the Peace Forum and Symposium is set on Nov. 29 at the St. Peter College Seminary with the topics – Climate Change and its impact on Peace, and Internal Security and Peace. Finally, on Nov. 30, the MWOP celebration will culminate at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Formation Center, in time with the CCPD’s 5th Anniversary and Awarding Search for Best by the DILG-Caraga.
Gov’t troops encounter insurgents anew by
Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
SURIGAO DEL SUR –- Government troops of the 29IB Philippine Army, under the command of Col. Henry Robinson, reportedly encountered around 20 Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front members at Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, this province while conducting a combat operation.
pha Company were conducting combat operation on November 9, they encountered the rebels led by alias Adel that led to a firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes. No casualty from the government side has been reported, while it remains un nit, CMO officer, determined for the According to while troops of Al- opposing side. Capt. Ramiel Fug-
BCWD 2011 Water Quiz Show ends with a bang by Ramil S. Barquin
BUTUAN CITY -- It was a successful year for Butuan City Water District’s (BCWD) Water Quiz Show with the adoption of the Philippine Association of Water District’s (PAWD) National Science and Math Quiz patterned from BCWD’s Water Quiz.
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With the additional incentive of being the representative to the National Level Quiz Show, the Champions Guild of Four for both the Elementary and the Secondary Levels, battled it out in the 2011 Water Quiz Show Grand Championship Match last October 14, 2011. The venue for the said contest was at the BCWD Training Hall. Rising as over32
all champion for the elementary level was Danica M. Astillero from Divine Seraphim Speech and Development Centre, Inc., while Stephanie Grace M. Buico from Butuan United Christian came in second place, settling for the runner-up award. Consolation prize winners were Diane P. Amit from Libertad Central Elementary School and Jeramae Aira
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M. Mordeno from Enfant Cheri Study Centre, Inc. For the Secondary Level, Frances El E. Bequilla of Libertad National High School and Gian Carlo M. Rosales of Angelicum Montessori School went head-to-head. But it was Mr. Bequilla who came out victorious, as he grabbed the coveted crown of being the Champion for 2011 while Mr. Rosales won the runner-up trophy.
Consolation prize winners were Khristine Dee L. Montenegro of Enfant Cheri Study Centre, Inc. and Junril Jay T. Menque of Anticala National High School. The champion for both levels each received P 3,500.00 cash plus gold medals, P2,000.00 cash plus a silver medal
for the runner-up and P 1,000.00 plus a medal for the consolation prize. The champions will also represent BCWD in the National Science and Math Quiz come February 2012 in Cebu City. Acting as Board of Evaluators for the competition to verify the answers of the contestants
were: Ms. Jennifer J. Dejarme, Science Research Specialist from the Department of Science and Technology Caraga, Dr. Lidwina L. Calo, Department of Education Supervisor and Engr. Al Patrick M. dela Calzada, Senior Water Utilities Management Officer of BCWD.
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Pinakaunang harinang gawa sa sago inilunsad ng mga katutubong Agusanon by David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR –- Inilunsad kamakailan lamang ang pinakaunang pabrika ng harinang gawa sa sago sa Barangay Sampaguita, sa probinsiyang ito.
Ito ang hudyat na sisimulan na ang p a n g m a l awa k a n g produksyon ng sago palm flour ng mga Manobo na napapaloob sa Veruela-Sta. Josefa Ancestral Domain Management Organization (VESTA ADMO) sa pamamagitan ng kanilang pangkabuhayang programa, ang Kayumbyahan Sagu Manobo Corporation (KASAMACOR) Ang naturang harina ay galing sa bunga ng isang natural na halamang tumutubo sa lugar na kung tawagin sa Manobo ay lumbya o sago, at tumutubo sa mahigit 700 34
ektaryang lupain na sakop ng Veruela Sta. Josefa ancestral territory. Ito ay pinaunlad ng samahan ng mga Manobo sa ilalim ng Caraga Indigenous People’s Development Programme (IPDPCaraga ng International Labour Organization (ILO) at sa suporta na ibinibigay ng Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), at pinapatupad sa pamamagitan ng tambalan ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) at ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Veruela.
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Ayon kay Veruela Mayor Salimar Mondejar, ang proyektong ito ay parte ng tuloy-tuloy na pagsisikap ng mga Manobo mismo sa tulong at patnubay ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Veruela para palakasin ang kanilang personal at kabuuang kakayanan para makakita ng pangkabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng tuloy-tuloy na kaunlaran at pagtatanggol ng kanilang ancestral domain. “Marami ang nagsasabing baka raw kapusin ang supply ng lumbya para sa pangmaramihang produksyon
ng harina, pero gusto kong ipaalam sa kanila na ang sago na tumutubo dito ay natural na dumadami at hindi na kailangang ito ay itatanim pa. Ang gurp ding ito ay bukas para makapamili ng sago salabas ng Veruela at Sta. Joseafa kung saan mayroon ding maraming saog na tumutubo, kaya hinid problema ang lumbya na gagawing harina,� sabi
ni Ikel Asuncion, chairman of the Board of KASAMACOR. “ A k o ay natutuwa at ang mga katutubo rito ay mayroong ganitong pag-uugali, prinsipyo at mga inisyatibo para mapa-unlad ang kanilang kabuhayan. Ako ay naniniwala at may pananaw na ang proyektong ito ay mag-aani ng tagumpay na siyang maging modelo balang araw na susundin ng iba pa nating mga kababayan para maipakita at maisigaw natin sa buong mundo na ang mga tao sa Agusan del Sur ay may mala-
kas na determinasyon. Dahil sa ipinamalas ninyo, dadagdagan ko ang puhunan ninyo ng isa pang milyong piso kapag ang inyong produksyon ay maging mabili sa merkado,� sabi ni Gob. Adolph Edward Plaza ng Agusan del Sur. Ayon kay Mondejar, ang harinang gawa sa sago ay maaring gawing cookies, tinapay, noodles, ice cream at marami pang iba.
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AFP to propose new modernization plan
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by Rene Carbayas
ith the current AFP modernization program set to expire by the end of this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is pushing for a new one.
The 6th Civil Relation Group of the AFP reveals that during the visit at the Western Command (WESCOM) on November 4 of AFP Vice Chief of Staff LTGen Reynaldo B. Mapagu AFP said the military is crafting a new program to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces. Earlier reports said the AFP submitted a proposed P428 billion appropriation for its new modernization program. LTGen Mapagu AFP also suggested during his visit at WESCOM that funds for the upgrading of the military’s capabil-
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ities be taken from the Power Project in northproceeds of oil explora- ern Palawan. tion projects, such as The Vice Chief of the Malampaya Gas-to- Staff said that out of
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the 34 existing service contracts issued by the Department of Energy (DOE), 18 are in Palawan. The revenue that will be generated from these oil exploration projects can provide the fund needed for the acquisition of new equipment for the military, LTGen Mapagu AFP said. “If we want something done, obstacles can be overcome,” LTGen Mapagu AFP pointed out, referring to the challenges that the military faces in implementing its modernization program. WESCOM Commander LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP, in a related matter, asked the
AFP Vice Chief of Staff that the security of prospective oil exploration projects, particularly in the southern part of the province be placed under the centralized command of WESCOM. Unlike Malampaya, LTGen Sabban AFP wants WESCOM to take full responsibility in the security of these potential oil exploration projects. In the case of Malampaya, a special task force was created by virtue of a presidential proclamation—the Joint Task Force Malampaya—to primarily secure the gas-to-power project because of its huge significance in the energy department. Considered as the
largest natural gas development project in the country, Malampaya can provide up to one-third of the energy requirements of the entire Luzon and one-fourth of Metro Manila. It extracts natural gas and transports it to three power plants in Batangas. Thinking “five years ahead,” LTGen Sabban AFP said the security of oil companies conducting seismic surveys in other parts of the province should already be considered so as to be prepared if and when their tests as to whether there is an oil and gas reserves in their area of study yield positive results. (JPA/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
WESCOM personnel urged adherence to highest conduct, ethics standard
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by Rene Carbayas
o promote the adherence to high standard of ethics in public service to the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the Western Command (WESCOM), the Office of Ethical Standard and Public Accountability (OESPA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted on November 4 an information drive about Republic Act 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.
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The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP reported that AFP Vice Chief of Staff LTGen Reynaldo B. Mapagu AFP took part in the information drive held at the Social Hall of the WESCOM Headquarters. The information drive served to remind the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of WESCOM that “public office is a public trust” and, therefore, they must always perform their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity and competence. The code, which was the primary subject of the information drive, requires government officials and employees alike to commit themselves foremost to pub-
lic interest and to be responsive to the public. It upholds professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, nationalism and patriotism and commitment to democracy. Conducted by the OESPA annually, the information campaign aims to curtail corrupt practices in the armed forces, promote honesty and integrity in the military service and inculcate a strong sense of public accountability among the military and civilian personnel of the AFP. Military and civilian personnel of WESCOM have also been taught of the proper way to fill up their respective Statement of Assets and Li-
abilities and Net worth (SALN). Besides being a tool for monitoring who among the AFP personnel are amassing unexplainable wealth, the SALN also serves as a deterrent for anybody who might be thinking of enriching himself beyond legal means. “As public servants, we cannot allow our credibility to be tarnished by even the tiniest doubt of corrupt practices, which is why we should always adhere to the highest standard of conduct and ethics that have been set for us,” WESCOM Commander LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP stressed. (JPA/6CRGAFP/RVCPIA9 ZBST)
PCNHS students support tree planting program of RMN
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wenty one (21) caregiving graduates of Philippine ParaMedical Technical School (PPTS) on Friday took the national competency assessment and certification exam conducted by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) at PPTS here.
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by Gideon C. Corgue Saturday, November 12, 2011
Clinical Instructor Raymund Pedrosa said the assessment is being conducted by TESDA in the accredited assessment schools to measure assessee’s level of competency in the field of caregiving. “The graduates are required to take the National Competency (NC) II TESDA certification exam as a requirement to work in the country or abroad,” Pedrosa said. Pedrosa said the NC II certificate is a major requirement for the caregiving graduates who wish to work abroad or in our country. “It is a vital document that an agency or employer is looking from a caregiver as an evidence to show that he or
she is a competent health care provider,” Pedrosa added. Pedrosa said, PPTS the only TESDA accredited assessment school in Zamboanga del Sur since 2008 has conducted several batches of assessment in caregiving and health care services and has produced caregivers abroad. The assessors composed of nursing department head Paulo Martin and instructress Mae Sunshine Sarmiento and TESDA representative Teresa Mensoza appraised the assessees skills that they’ve learned from their school by requiring them to take a written exam, perform basic life support and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, bed
making , and etc. Pedrosa said PPTS will accommodate not only their own graduates to take the exam but those who are also coming from other schools saying that it is the only accredited assessment school in the province. He also sai d PPTS will also accommodate students who wish to take an assessment exam for health care services (NC) II. For those who would like to take the exam shall submit the following requirements: assessment form, recent 2x2 r ID picture and P350.00 assessment fee, Pedrosa condluded. (JPA/GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian)
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