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 Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Region-IX
Executive Editor ……......... 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
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
Associate Editors …….......
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
NOEMI B. 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 Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA
Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur
features
the
Blogfest
SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0
National
In This Issue...
Thursday,
Vol. 1 No. 95
15
80 war-weary NPA rebels, militia fighters surrender in Bukidnon
17
GSIS moves to facilitate fast implementation of GSIS-LandBank partnership
PIA Region X
Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy,
Apipa Bagumbaran,
20 22
Campaign against illegal drugs in Cotabato City gaining grounds Perlita B. Changco,
PIA Region XI
BT Talong safe for human consumption ..............................
12
Cover Story
Bloggers to convene in Gensan
by Pops Gumana-Fruylan
NORTHERN MINDANAO
PIA Region XII
23
Governor commends environment officials for seizure of copper ore in Tampakan
26
Gov. Matugas to request for increased military visibility in Surigao del Norte
27 32
Philippine Trade Unions Walk the “Green” Talk
33
12,147 potential 4Ps beneficiaries to register on Nov. 21-24 in Pagadian
Dani Doguiles ,
09
PIA Region X
BPO part of all-inclusive growth strategy RG Alama,
Aquino set to bring up dispute over West Philippine Sea in 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali ...............................
page 14
PIA Region XII
Ian G. Miculob,
Fryan Abkilan,
PIA-Caraga
JPA/GCC,
page 18
CENTRAL MINDANAO
PIA-Caraga
WESCOM joins celebration of PPUR’s triumph JPA/6CRGAFP/RVC,
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
PIA Region IX
page 21
CARAGA REGION page 25
PIA Region IX
WESTERN MINDANAO
page 30
Cover Story
Bloggers to convene in Gensan by Pops Gumana-Fruylan
H
undreds of bloggers and social media enthusiasts all over Mindanao are expected to flock the city on November 26 (Saturday) for the “BlogFest SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0,� known as the largest gathering of online writers in Southern Philippines. 4
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City Media Affairs Officer, Avel Manansala, who is spearheading this event, said this is the second time it will be conducted in the Tuna Capital after its unexpected success last year. “It was originally a small gathering of blogger friends in Gensan, but eventually turned out into the largest eyeball of online writers in South Central Mindanao which netted over 120 participants from as far as the cities of Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Zamboanga,” he disclosed. Manansala is the concurrent head of SOCCSKSARGEN bloggers or “sox bloggers,” an informal grouping of 75 online writers from all over South Central Mindanao who share a common vision of promoting SOCCSK-
SARGEN to the world. “We want to change the negative perception of people about Mindanao; we want the people to view Mindanao in a different perspective like festivals, foods, business, and tourism,” he said. SOCCSKSARGEN stands for South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. BlogFest SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0 aims to update participants on the current trends on the Philippine internet with the theme: “Emergence of Blogs and Social Media.” “The audiences will be equipped with knowledge on how blogs or social media can be utilized for social change, business, and in forming opinions about a certain issue or event,” he explained. Meanwhile, Manansala revealed that the participants should expect “nothing less” as organizers have invited the “internet stalwarts and online media specialists” in the country to share their knowledge on specific topics revolving around the central theme. The speakers include: Jack Thursday, November 17, 2011
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Madrid, the Country Manager of Multiply Philippines; Usec. Manolo Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO); Mindanaobased American Internet entrepreneur, Bob Martin; Top Tech Blogger Abe Olandres of Yugatech.com; Advocate Blogger Flow Galindez of the World Food Programme; and News Anchor/Producer Raffy Tima of GMA News and Public Affairs. Another most anticipated speaker is TV Commercial Director, actress and video blogger, Mae Paner or popularly known as “Juana Change,” according to blogger Alexis Chua. “Mae is behind the series 6
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of videos that aims to be a critic of the Philippine happenings in a fun, but smart way. She portrays different characters to show Filipinos about the relevant issues in Philippine politics and government,” Chua posted at Blogfestsox.com, the official website of the event. Moreover, Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio will also talk on “Harnessing the Power of Blogs: The GenSan LGU Experience,” where she is expected to tackle the SHEEP Computer Literacy Program of the city government. “We envision Blogfest Soccsksargen to serve not only as a yearly grand eyeball for bloggers and online writers/publishers in Mindanao, but as a convention where their skills and knowledge on what they do are further enhanced,” Manansala disclosed. BlogFest SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0 is sponsored by DOLE Philippines, Smart Communications Inc, Saggitarius Mines Inc. and AirPhil Express in collaboration with Circle of Arts Production, Gensantos.com, and GandaEverSomuch.com.
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Aquino off to Bali, Indonesia for 19th ASEAN Summit
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III left the Philippines Thursday morning to join other Heads of State for the 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bali, Indonesia from November 17 to 19.
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The President’s chartered jet left the tarmac of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing at the Villamor Airbase in Parañaque City at around 8 a.m. Inhspre-departure speech, the President cited the importance of the regional bloc, established in 1967, aimed at the “creation of a cohesive, peaceful, stable and resilient region”. “Lilinangin pa po natin sa pulong na ito ang mayaman nang ugnayan ng mga bansa sa rehiyon; at sama-samang tutugunan
P
ang mga problemang kinakaharap natin sa kasalukuyan,” the President said. Among the issues that will be discussed during the Summit, the President said, include “migrant workers, trafficking in persons, maritime defense, and peace and security.” He added that the Summit would also provide a venue to further strengthen ties between dialogue partners “China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and America.” “Susulitin natin ang
mga oportunidad na ito upang plantsahin ang anumang gusot sa ating mga bansa, at upang patatagin pa ang ating samahan,” the President said. “Sa pakikipagpulong natin sa kanila, paiigtingin po natin ang pagtutulungan natin sa larangan ng maritime security, disaster management, pagsugpo ng mga krimen at terorismo, pangangalaga sa kalikasan at pakikipagkalakal,” he added. (RCK)
Aquino set to bring up dispute over West Philippine Sea in 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali resident Benigno S. Aquino III will be discussing the issue of dispute in the West Philippine Sea and the steps on further strengthening the long-standing economic and defense relations between the Philippines and the United States during his meeting with United States President Barrack Obama, here.
In a press briefing at the Courtyard Mariott Bali Nusa Dua Hotel, here on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning
Office Secretary Ramon “Ricky” Carandang said that the United States has been exerting efforts to re-engage itself with the countries in the Asia Pacific region,
including the Philippines, which they consider as important
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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partners in economic and political development. “I think what’s very clear is that the United States wants to re-engage itself in the Asia Pacific region, especially now that they’re winding down their commitments to other parts of the world. The Asia Pacific r e 10
gion has become much more important to them economically and politically. And what we’re seeing are manifestations of that increased importance that Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, is taking and I am sure the discussions between the two leaders will hew to that general theme,” Carandang said. “As you know there are economic and security ties that we have longstanding with the Americans which cer-
ONE MINDANAO Thursday, November 17, 2011
tainly will be discussed,” he added. When asked if the Philippines will seek security assistance from the United States regarding the dispute in the West Philippine Sea, Carandang said that the government has been considering the action. “I think we’ve been doing what we can already with the West Philippines Sea issue and the American presence here, and the fact that they agree with our position is something that we find helpful,” Carandang noted. He added that the government welcomes any assistance from the US, specifically in increasing the maritime defense capabilities of the country to cope with its neighboring nations in the region. “Strengthened defense ties with the US, I think, in general will help build our defense capabilities. We have to play catch up with our ASEAN neighbors. You can see the naval capabilities of many of our
ASEAN neighbors have exceeded ours and we really need to do some catching up as far as capability is concerned to the extent that the Americans can help us there and that’s always welcome,” Carandang said. He said that the involvement of the US in the discussions concerning the claims dispute in the West Philippine Sea would help in the formulation of possible solutions to the issue. “In as much as we think that it’s a sta-
bilizing force to have many different players involved in the South China Sea issue or the West Philippine Sea issue. The more players there are, the more voices there are, I think will lend to more stability in the region with regard to dealing with this issue,” Carandang said. The bilateral talk between President Aquino and President Obama is scheduled on Friday as part of the 19th Asean Summit and Related Summits. Also attending
the event are the heads of state of Asean’s dialogue partners that include Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard,Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and United Nations Secretary General BanKi-moon, among others. (JCL)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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BT Talong safe for human consumption by Precie Catherine C. Cuarto
QUEZON CITY -- An official from the Biotech Program Implementation Unit of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech PIU) assured the public that the genetically-modified eggplant also called “Bt Talong” is non-toxic, allaying fears that this may be unsuitable for human consumption. In today’s Talking Points radio program, Director Candida Adalla of DA Biotech PIU said that 12
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at present farmers are dependent on the use of pesticides for growing eggplants to ensure quality yields,
Thursday, November 17, 2011
and to protect their crops from shoot borer worms. Thus, she said, eggplants sold in the
market today may have pesticide residue as farmers dip eggplant on pesticides. This pushed the DA Biotech PIU to conduct a laboratory experiment on the eggplant, with an end view of producing safe, weather-resilient, and pest-resistant food product. “To start with, we are one of the countries in the Southeast Asia that have very systematic process. The Department of Agriculture began with a legal basis on how to carry out technology development, adaption, as well as commercialization,” said Adalla. She also said that an interagency committee on bio-safety composed of the DA, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources do assess and certify the process of genetic en-
gineering. Further, she clarified that the BT eggplant has a BT toxin which is a “normal” component of the Philippine soil. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is a soil bacterium injected into the genes of plants to protect them from shoot borer worms. “We are already associated with it (BT toxin). We simply got a gene from it and transferred it (to the eggplant) to make the eggplant resistant to pests,” said Adalla, who is also an entomologist. She said the genetically-modified (GM) eggplant has the “very same appearance, taste, and chemical composition as the normal eggplant.” “The only difference is the protein called Cry1Ab. This protein had been studied over long periods of time that it’s not toxic to humans because it becomes deactivated
in acidic environment,” said Adalla. In the cooking process, chemical reactions take place to denature the BT protein in the eggplant before it is even eaten. “If it (BT protein) enters the stomach even in its original state (raw), it would still be deactivated because our stomach is very acidic,” she added. Meanwhile, Adalla said the BT eggplant is already under “openpollinated” field testing conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Institute of Plant Breeding to produce public seeds that many small farmers can take advantage of. The very first publicly developed GM product, as Adalla said, may be available in the market in the next two years after completion of field trial and other DA requirements.
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5,000 attend the Cooperative Peace Forum 11.11.11 in Cag. de Oro by Elaine O. Ratunil
S
ome 5,000 leaders of cooperatives from all over the country converged at the Atrium, Lim Ket Kai Center, here, to collectively advance what they believe is every Filipino’s right to live in peace founded on social justice, equity and sustainable development, last Nov. 11.
Thus, the cooperatives have declared affirmatively that they are up to the task of being not only as instruments of social justice and sustainable development but as vehicles for peace. Acting Executive Director 14
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Orlando Ravanera of the Cooperative Development Authority, region 10 (CDA-10) said “Where there is social injustice, there will always be conflict, where there is hunger, peace will remain an illusion. The cooperatives are now standing as one to rectify
social inequities through cooperativism founded on the collective spirit of the people.” He also said “Specifically, the Muslims, Lumads (Indigenous Peoples), small farmers, fisher folk – should be given the preferential use rights in developing their respective resources and that their cooperatives be accorded with the utmost priority in the use and management of such
resources, giving them the license, franchise and whatever privilege to handle key economic activities like planting industrial crops, sustainable mining, fishing, etc.” “This is based on the universal principle that the use of the Godgiven resources should accrue to the benefit of the bulk of the people and not just for a few,” Ravanera added.
80 war-weary NPA rebels, militia fighters surrender in Bukidnon by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy MARAMAG, Bukidnon – Growing weary and fed up of life on the run in the hinterlands, 80 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) decided to surrender to the government headed by Gov. Alex Calingasan, here. The surrender took place inside the headquarters of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), 3rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division (403Bde), Philippine Army, in Poblacion, Maramag.
The rebel returnees composed of 70 males and 10 females were led by Bukidnon’s top rebel leader Benjamin Salusad alias “Kumander Nonong,” former Commanding Officer of the Provincial Thursday, November 17, 2011
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Command (POC), Guerilla Front 6 (GF6) of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. In an interview, Salusad, 42, said he and his company were already fed up and exhausted from the senseless fight against the government. “After 18 years of leading a nomadic life, finally, we decided to voluntarily surrender because we realized that we will be stuck in a foxhole at war for life. We will be raising unschooled children,” Salusad woefully said. He bared his frustrations over the CPP-NPA’s deceptions and exploitations of issues related to social, cultural/ tribal discrimination. “The CPP-NPA leaders’ claim of hope and good life, once you join the organization, is totally opposite,” the rebel leader badly said. “It really is a wasted opportunity for me and my wife to have joined the NPA when we could do better here with the government’s assistance,” he added. Col. Romeo L. Gapuz, 403Bde Commander, based in the province, said the group who surrendered a total of 25 high-powered firearms, 16
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were composed of 31 regular combatants and 49 militias. “With this number of rebels, who just surrendered, about 25 percent of the GF6’s total strength and firepower was reduced and this will significantly weaken the enemies’ capability to conduct high impact offensives against the government troops,” Gapuz said. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command, said the event was a triumph not only for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but for the whole Filipino nation, as well.
GSIS moves to facilitate fast implementation of GSIS-LandBank partnership by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO, Misamis Oriental - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), in region 10, will provide prescribed template to government agencies to facilitate the implementation of the GSIS-Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) partnership. This was announced during the GSIS Consultative Meeting with Government Agencies held at the MultiPurpose Hall of GSIS Regional Office Building in Carmen, this city, Nov. 15. Ma. Luz Ilano-Briones, GSIS Regional Manager, explained that the fastest way to entice active members to request the transfer of their UMID account from Union Bank to LandBank is through the assistance of their agency heads. “Thus, instead of requiring members to accomplish or submit their individual request form, we will be providing prescribed template to government agencies where the names and other information about the members in those agencies are inputted,” she said. The GSIS will provide the agency with a soft copy of the template, in rewriteable Compact Disk (CD), containing the names and other required information which can be extracted from the billing file. Likewise, the agency head or his representative will validate the accuracy of entries in the template, and in cases of errors and discrepancies, should coordinate with GSIS for the correction or updating of the template, she added. The validated template will then be submitted to GSIS to be supported by a memorandum, signed
by the Agency Head, and containing a statement requesting the transfer of the agency employees’ Unified Membership Identification (UMID) bank accounts from Union Bank to LandBank, the number of employees covered by the request, and the name of LandBank Branch where the employees’ UMID bank accounts shall be maintained. The GSIS has partnered with LandBank to allow its more than 1.4 million members to take advantage of the bank’s wide network coverage. With a LandBank UMID card, members can withdraw their loan proceeds and other benefits in any Expressnet, Bancnet or Megalink Automated Teller Machines (ATM), nationwide. It also serve as a debit card in more than 20,000 accredited merchants, nationwide, and as a discount card for GSIS corporate partners such as Pfizer and Systems Technology Institute (STI). The card is free with no maintaining balance required for members transferring to Landbank. Meanwhile, Briones reminded the agency heads and their representatives that the validated templates must be submitted to the GSIS Regional Office before November 30, 2011. Thursday, November 17, 2011
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DTI ‘s Tindahang Pinoy a milestone for Davao Region’s tourism industry
T
by Carina Cayon at the Aldevinco Shopping Center just across the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. She disclosed that another three have recently signified to display their crafts at the Davao Ecocrafts store which is being managed by the Davao Ecocrafts, Inc. DTI regional director Marizon She said Davao Ecocrafts headLoreto said the establishment of the ed by its president Mary Ann M. Tindahang Pinoy in Davao Region Montemayor, is very selective in achas become one of the significant cepting high valued products which achievements of the tourism sector should be of world-class taste, susthis year. tainable and green or environment The Tindahang Pinoy branded friendly. as Davao Ecocrafts is a pasalubong According to Loreto, the store center featuring the region’s authen- has already earned P162,000 from tic products with world-class, susAugust to September. She said that tainable and green qualities ranging the high-end products at the pasafrom processed foods, gift items and lubong center have “very reasonable stationeries, fashion accessories, fur- prices” fit for their qualities for local nishings and home decors and furni- and foreign tourists to afford. ture. She said the establishment of Loreto reported that since the the Product Procurement Ordering center’s launching in August this System project in hotels and resorts year, 12 exhibitors from the initial in the region has helped promote the four are now displaying and selling Tindahang Pinoy which has been vistheir products at the center located ited by prominent people like social
he Department of Trade and Industry has considered Tindahang Pinoy a milestone for the region’s tourism industry, being the first in the country to showcase world-class products which are Davao-made.
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ite-philanthropist and columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdez. Davao Region’s tourism and trade stakeholders from the government and private sectors have put in place through a Memorandum of Agreement the ordering system in September this year aiming to assist tourists in purchasing pasalubong goods. The ordering system is also considered as a marketing tool that promotes One Town, One Product (OTOP) program and provides support to small and medium enterprises boost their sales. In this project, hotels and resorts provide lists of Davao Region products for their guests to choose from. The hotels and resorts facilitate the orders and delivery for the guests. According to Loreto, Tindahang Pinoy was a brainchild of DTI which identified Davao as one of the three pilot areas.
The next pasalubong center would be launched in Cebu slated in December this year, while the third center will be put in Clark next year yet, she said. Loreto also mentioned the plan of the City Tourism Office to put up another pasalubong center that will accommodate all Davao products. She said DTI will help in realizing this undertaking of the city. Among the displayed products at the Davao Ecocrafts are bags from the Crystal Seas; furniture designed by M. Tanoy; special papers and lampshades from the Tadeco Livelihood; shawls from the Tribes of the East; and signature tinalak barong by Alfonso Guinoo. The others are processed food, fashion accessories, furniture, furnishings and gift items from Gift Tags and Housewares; souvenir items from Great Gifts and Souvenirs and paintings by Bong Espinosa. (PIA-11/ Carina L. Cayon)
did you know that... If the term largest is to be measured according to weight then the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) would be the largest eagle in the world with an average weight of 4.7 to 8 kilograms (Harpy Eagle 6 to 9 kgs) But if largest is measured in size then the Harpy Eagle is the world largest eagle measuring at an average of 89–105 cm long. (Philippine Eagle 86-102 cm long) Thursday, November 17, 2011
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BPO part of all-inclusive growth strategy Opportunities and Reduce Poverty.” During the PDP’s caravan pit-stop in Davao City, Paderanga bared that the country’s BPO sector could become the strategy in attaining the ideal growth It is fast-growing and is well-distributed, said Paderanga of the BPO sector. “it is wrong to think of BPOs as just call centers.” Paderanga adds. He added the industries as having many layers like backroom operations and graphics for which the country is among the top three in the world. Instead of being just conDAVAO CITY- The country’ Busicentrated in Metro Manila, ness Process Outsourcing sector BPOs can now be found in secis eyed as a key part in President ondary Philippine cities like Aquino’s Philippine Development Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Plan strategy (PDP 2011-2016) Oro, even in big towns like Rowhich would involve all-inclusive sales in Pangasinan, BPOs are growth. now thriving. Secretary Cayetano Pad As long as there are good eranga said that in previous schools are found in the area, economic growths some sectors you can find BPOs. Paderanga of the society were left out. said. However certain levels The plan echoes the country’s goal of an inclusive growth of the population are also left anchored on President Aquino’s out in the industry, particularly “Social Contract with the Filipino those in the rural areas hence it is imperative that these secPeople.” Its overarching theme calls for “Good Governance and tors will be empowered like getting them more access to Anti-Corruption” with the figood education. (PIA/RG nal vision to “Achieve Inclusive Alama) Growth, Create Employment 20
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Sarangani rescuers training
ALABEL, Sarangani – Search and rescue volunteers from all over Sarangani continue their training at the Capitol building. The training for this 9th batch of rescue volunteers was facilitated by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. Eighteen trainees represented the seven municipalities of the province. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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Campaign against illegal drugs in Cotabato City gaining grounds by Perlita B. Changco COTABATO CITY - Cotabato City Mayor Japal “Jojo”Guiani, Jr. lauds the relentless campaign of law enforcement authoritiesagainst the proliferation of illegal drugs in the city being initiated by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM). Guiani defends the joint Philippine Marines and PDEA agents buy-bust operations last Monday, Nov 14 at Barangay Poblacion 2, this city amid questions of legality of the raid that yielded 8 grams of shabu and the arrest of four (4) suspected drug pushers. “It was a legitimate operations. Unfortunate-
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ly a civilian was killed in the operation, which is being investigated. PDEA agents and Marines were only doing their job,” Guiani said The mayor said, he acknowledges the aggressive efforts of PDEAARMM in performing its mandate and vowed support to the intensified campaign to address the problem and elimate threats of illegal drugs. According to PDEAARMM regional director Edwin Layese the buy-bust operations was conduct-
Thursday, November 17, 2011
ed after weeks of surveillance on the rampant illegal drug activities in the area. The raiding team, Layese said, was fired upon as they enter the target site prompting exchange of fires between the enforcers and suspected drug pushers resulting in the killing of one civilian during the buy-bust operations. As this developed, Mayor Guiani said, he is calling the village officials to monitor and identify drug-related areas of concern in their respective barangays while investigation on the Poblacion 2 incident is underway. (PIA Cotabato City)
Governor commends environment officials for seizure of copper ore in Tampakan by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. lauded environment personnel of the province for seizing illegally extracted raw copper ore in Tampakan town on Tuesday. “I commend the management of the Provincial Environment and Management Office led by Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, as well as MENRO (Eileen Estrada)of Tampakan for successfully apprehending the illegally extracted ore.�
Pingoy said. Personnel of Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Tampakan under order by Estrada confiscated some 200 bags of raw copper ore stored in Barangay Liberty, Tampakan.
Estrada said, MENRO personnel found the ore after following a tip from a village chairman who reported the location of the stocked ore. She did not disclose who extracted the confiscated raw ore. Barangay Liberty is lo
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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cated within the project development site of the mining firm, Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI). On Tuesday, the confiscated ore were transported to the Provincial Environment and Management Office in Koronadal City. Although he praised the accomplishment of local environment officials, Gov. Pingoy pointed out that the incident only proves that illegal mining in the area has continued despite efforts of the provincial government and other authorities to curb illegal mineral extraction in the copper and goldrich mountains of Tampakan.
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Last month, a composite team composed of members of PEMO, Philippine National Police, local government unit and Philippine Army raided and dismantled banlas (sluice mining) operations in Barangay Pulabato and nearby villages. Gov. Pingoy said he directed officials of these villages to secure the areas and stop illegal mining operations in the area. Pingoy has recently conferred with Department of the Interior and Local Government – 12 Regional Director Buagas Sulaik regarding the possibility of penalizing village officials who would fail to enforce the law.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
He said, Director Sulaik told him that the provincial government has the right to file complaints against barangay officials who refuse to implement orders regarding the banlas operations. All mineral extractions within the mountains of Tampakan are illegal. To date, no company or individual has been granted permits to mine in the area, according to Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). Even SMI, which has rights over the mineral resources of the town, is only allowed to conduct exploration activities. SMI plans to start actual production activity in the project site in 2016 but has not been given permit to operate by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Bureau. It is also blocked by the South Cotabato’s environment code which specifically bans openpit method of mining, which SMI plans to implement in its mineral extraction activity.
Nat’l Greening Program Summit by Jennifer P. Gaitano set in Butuan
A
one-day National Greening Program (NGP) Summit will be held on November 23, 2011 at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort in this city.
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The event is being organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). According to DENR-Caraga Regional Executive Di-
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rector Leonardo Sibbaluca, the said NGP summit aims to identify advocates and build partnerships leading to a regionwide commitment and participation of various stakeholders in tree planting and long-term plantation stewards. “Along with
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poverty reduction, resource conservation and protection, productivity enhancement, climate change mitigation and adaptation, the NGP is significantly given priority pursuant to Executive Order No. 26 of President Benigno S. Aquino III,” said Sibbaluca. Sibbaluca also called on the local officials and employees of government to participate in all the activities related to this program to strengthen the preservation and proper use of the country’s environmental and natural resources. For inquiries and clarification of this activity, the DENR can be reached at telephone numbers: (085) 342-7856; 341-3250; and cellphone number 0910340-5832. Look for Ms. Jholyvil Cocon.
Gov. Matugas to request for increased military visibility in Surigao del Norte by Ian G. Miculob BUTUAN CITY -- Governor Matugas of Surigao del Norte reiterated the need for increased visibility of military personnel in some parts in Surigao del Norte, including Bad-as and Claver, following the attack and burning incident perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPPNPA) at Taganito Mining Corporation in Claver, Surigao del Norte early this October.
` Talking with the media together with Cong. Philip A. Pichay, Gov. Johnny T. Pimentel and Director Carmencita S. Cochingco of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) during the
“Meet the Press” organized by the Caraga Regional Tri-Media Practitioners Association, Inc. (CATRIPA), Governor Matugas said that she will discuss with the CPP-CPA issues related to mining and the programs
they want that are not yet implemented. Governor Matugas is the present chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC), the highest policy-making body in the region. She was in Tandag City to preside over the October 18, 2011 69th RDC Full Council Meeting which preceded the media blitz at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel. “Please help us convince them that what we are doing is for the people,” Surigao del Sur Johnny T. Pimentel said, asking the media’s help to ap-
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peal to the CPP-NPA. Surigao del Sur also hosts several mining companies which are concentrated in the CANCARMADCARLAN area near Surigao del Norte. Governor Pimentel added that the people of Surigao del Sur can not remain fishers and farmers forever as there is already another opportunity for them. The mining industry alone has offered thousands
of jobs to the locals in the area. Congressman Pichay, on the other hand, highlighted his support to an amendment in a law specifically on mining firms being registered under the Board of Investments since presently the government, including the local government units, is only getting less taxes from mining. When asked if the media can sit in
the RDC as member so information can reach the masses and for the media to play its role in peace and order, Director Cochingco explained that membership in the RDC is governed by an Executive Order. “The request, however, can be discussed in the Development Committee of the RDC which can recommend non-voting status for the media,” she added. (NEDA-Caraga)
Philippine Trade Unions Walk the “Green” Talk by Fryan Abkilan SURIGAO CITY -- The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and Workers Development Foundation Inc. (WDFI) with support from the Japanese unions, together with 25 young trade union leaders from 17 local affiliated unions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, joined the country’ countdown to Rio+20 with a National Workshop on Green Jobs and Decent Work, held here recently. “Our engagement in green programs started with great optimism,” said Bro. Ernesto Herrera, TUCP General Sec28
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retary, recalling that in 2007 TUCP affiliates and members decided to carry out non-traditional (trade unions’) ambitious
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sustainable development actions and activities. “We started with ambitious goals with a serious commitment for
action. Looking back from where and how our engagements began, how much we’ve learned, and what we have accomplished to date, that green journey needs more action from trade unions,” pointed out Bro. Herrera. Together with representatives from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), regional offices (Region 10) of the Department of Labour and the Regional Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), the largest Japanese national center, the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO), and the Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF), the program looked at government’s current programs and initiatives on green jobs and appreciated actual, on-theground experiences, ac-
tivities and green and greening programs of unions. “We are happy to see the extent of engagement, the variety of activities and of how far Philippine unions have gone in green jobs and decent work,” said Bro. Yoshiharu Sonezaki, Assistant Director, Social Policy Division, Department of Economics and Social Policy, JTUC-RENGO. Unions as major actors of sustainability The participants put forward an urgent call for up-scaling current greening efforts, particularly providing more inclusive and sustainable avenues for unions’ participation in discussions, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of green jobs programs, projects and activities. “Unions refuse to remain bystanders and will fully engage in this time of great environmental challenge. We will continue to participate, collaborate, contribute and make people, businesses and communities
accountable for their (environmental) actions,” noted the participants. Recognizing the importance of a multisectoral approach in addressing local climate change concerns, the participants called upon the Climate Change Commission (CCC) to engage workers and their unions in the implementation of the National Climate Change Action Plan. As initial commitments to the campaign, the participants committed to partner with the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and its regional boards (RTWPBs) in holding more enterprise-level green jobs advocacy activities, documenting unions’ green and greening practices and inclusions of green provisions in collective bargaining agreements. Participants were from major target sectors such as services, telecommunication, transportation, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, academe, electronics, public sector and local media.
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Coco coir consultative meeting help promote coconut industry by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Today’s consultative meeting is an opportunity for us to find out the different problems and help promote coconut industry in the region.
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Thus, declared Philippine Coconut Industry (PCA9) regional manager Bal F. Faustino on Wednesday during the coco coir consultative meeting held at Bay Plaza Hotel here.
the country when the coconut water drink, now the leading brand in America was patronized and endorsed by entertainment personalities like Madonna, Demi Moore, and others during his Speaking 5-day official visit to before the US. Manzur said the stakeholders, Faustino secretaries of Departsaid the activity that ment of Agriculture the regional offices of Proceso Alcala and PCA and Department DTI Gregory Domingo of Trade and Industry received their official (DTI) have conducted marching orders from is an avenue where the president to desaid agencies with the velop and promote stakeholders will sit the coconut industry down and work out for saying that it is the the implementation of mainstay of the Philipprogram that would pine economy. help promote the co “This is a kick-off conut industry in the activity where PCA, region. DTI, DOST and other “This is just a agencies will look into start of our activthe coconut industry ity which would need seriously as potential a collaboration and industry for region 9,” support from all conManzur said. cerned agencies and Manzur said the its stakeholders,” consultation was very Faustino said. timely adding that DTI regional dithe agencies and rector Nazrulla h stakeholders will sit Manzur said Presitogether and come up dent Benigno Simeon with a work plan for Aquino III has pushed the industry. for the development The DTI chief of coconut industry in said their agency agriculturesource.com
will now focus on the development of the coco coir and coco pit saying that it was the specific directive that he received from the secretary. Manzur said the DTI who normally takes care of the marketing will immediately look into this for us to market our coconut products especially the coco coir and coco pit. After a work plan will be crafted a memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be forged between the DTI, PCA, DOST, FIDA and stakeholders to show support of the government’s program on the development of the coconut industry, Manzur concluded.
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WESCOM joins celebration of PPUR’s triumph wn.com
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Soldiers from the different military branches in Puerto Princesa City joined its residents on November 12 in celebrating the news of the inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the list of provisional winners of the global search for the new seven wonders of nature. The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP reported that the announcement was welcomed with fireworks followed by the thanksgiving Mass and unity march, led by local officials of Puerto Princesa, from the City Cathedral to the City Coliseum. PPUR, along with Halong Bay of Vietnam, the Amazon Rainforest of Bolivia, Iguazu Falls of Argentina, Komodo of Indonesia, Jeju Island of South Korea and Table Mountain of South Africa bested 24 other natural wonders from around the world. The result was 32
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based mainly on online votes and could still change, according to Weber, when the text votes are counted. The confirmation of official winners will be done early next year. Telecommunications companies are still validating the votes cast which officially closed on November 11. “We congratulate each participant on achieving provisional new seven wonders of nature status and look forward to completing the confirmation process to
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celebrate each one in their own official inauguration early on 2012,” Weber said. The search began in 2007 with more than 400 entries from all over the globe which were cut down to 28 finalists from where the provisional seven winners were
selected. “The victory of PPUR is another history in the making,”
Vice-Mayor Lucilo M. Bayron, who led the residents of Puerto Princesa City in the unity march to the City Coliseum, said. A special task force was created to rigorously promote PPUR and garner votes while the search was on-going. A week before the voting officially closed, the city government set up a voting center at the People’s Amphitheater in Mendoza Park in a lastminute effort to boost the underground river’s chances of winning in
the search. In coordination with the telecommunications companies, a promo dubbed “Pera sa Kuweba” was also launched where participants could win as much as P25 million pesos by voting for the PPUR through SMS. PPUR claims to be the longest navigable underground river in the world and features unique rock formations. A team of Italian scientists announced earlier this year the discovery of a crystal forest in one of the
caves in the highest parts of the limestone massif of the PPUR, along with the discovery within the rock caves of the bones of an extinct sea cow species believed to have existed 20 million years ago. The city government believes the inclusion of the PPUR in the new seven wonders of nature will greatly boost the tourism industry of Puerto Princesa and further improve its economy. (JPA/6CRGAFP/RVCPIA9 ZBST)
12,147 potential 4Ps beneficiaries to register on Nov. 21-24 in Pagadian
PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD9) in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), and city government will register and validate 12,147 Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) potential beneficiaries for Pagadian City during the community assembly on November 2124. Thursday, November 17, 2011
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Zamboanga del Sur provincial link Evangeline Poquita said the registration and validation activity will accommodate 14 barangays a day where a 20-man team composed of DSWD staff, municipal links, teachers and government employees will facilitate the conduct of the activity. Poquita said the 4-day activity will then cater the beneficiaries from the 54 barangays in the city.
those whose names were posted in the designated posting areas such as; barangay office, barangay halls, health centers or schools. The 4Ps participants are requested to bring the following documents: birth certificate of parents, marriage contract, school records or certificate, health records or certificate, valid ID cards (postal, SSS, Philhealth IDs or drivers license), baptismal certificate, or any valid documents, Poquita micmed8.blogspot.com conluded. In the registration Land Bank of the Phil- The activity will and validation, Poquita ippines (LBP) Poquita be simultaneously said the inclusion error added. conducted in the provcan be easily detected ince of Zamboanga and help determine The provincial link said Sibugay. (JPA/GCC/ the number of housethose who are qualiPIA9-Pagadian) hold to qualify as ben- fied to register are 34
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eficiaries. After the beneficiaries will be registered and validated by the team, they will be registered also at the
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