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
South Cotabato LGU’s Preparation
for Christmas Festival
Sunday,
Vol. 1 No. 98
16
Mga magsasaka sa So Cotabato hinihikayat na subukan ang pagtanim ng gulay
19
DTI & LGU-Butuan conduct E-Bamboo Training
20
Perlita B. Changco,
Region XII
Cristina Dedel,
Caraga
PNP chief approves additional quota for CY 2011 PO1 Recruitment Program PSupt Martin M Gamba,
22 23
Endline Survey on BJPP implementation conducted in Dipolog
26
SDA supports the smoke-free Mis. Occ. campaign
28
Jocelyn P. Alvarez,
Jocelyn P. Alvarez,
Elaine O. Ratunil,
ASIAN countries agree on creating regional rice reserve system, Aquino reports ........................................................
10
Palace lauds performance of Filipino athletes in 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia ...............................
12
Cover Story So. Cotabato prepares capitol grounds for Christmas fest
page 4
Dani Doguiles
Caraga
City prepares for “Pascua na Zamboanga 2011”
27
National
In This Issue...
CENTRAL MINDANAO page 14
Region IX
Region IX
CARAGA REGION
page 17
WESTERN MINDANAO
Region X
page 21
Army’s 1ID and 4ID combine efforts for Bayanihan sa Barangay Program in Lumbia Region X
ComVal focuses on IP advancement RG Alama ,
NORTHERN MINDANAO
page 24
Region XI
SOUTHERN MINDANAO page 28
Cover Story
So. Cotabato prepares capitol grounds for Christmas fest by Dani Doguiles
L
ast year , a giant Santa Claus straddled the canopy at the entrance to the provincial capitol’s front building. This year, a “Belen” takes the center stage in the annual Christmas festivities in and around the provincial government seat. 4
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
Personnel of the local government began prepping the capitol grounds two weeks ago, and are now on the final stage of putting up the nativity scene and lighting the grounds and the surroundings of the capitol compound. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy personally chose the nativity scene as the centrepiece of the attraction because he said this is the real essence of Christmas celebrations. The provincial LGU reportedly allocated P150,000 for the decorations but additional P100,000 have been donated by some benefactors to augment the project’s budget. The belen measures 23 by 24 feet and features, Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, 5 sheep, 3 camels and the three magi places against scene of Jerusalem on the backdrop.
A giant star lights the nativity scene. The entire Belen is a collaborative handiwork of the South Cotabato artist groups: Aton Art Association, K’Ogon Art Association, and Kinalum Arts Guild. This year, about a thousand children ages 4 to 10 will once again enjoy a special night specifically for their entertainment; for the second year, the provincial LGU will hold
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“Pamaskong Handog para sa Kabataan.� On December 22, children from all walks of life will be treated to a night of party, food, games and prizes. Booths filled with food, toys, and candies will be installed around the capitol grounds to serve the kids. Mascots from popular food chains will also be there to entertain the kids. The next day, during the provincial LGU Christmas party, employees and officials of the provincial LGU will showcase their talents in a contest ala Pilipinas Got Talent. Prizes await winners: P10,000 for the first placer, P8,000 for the second placer and P6,000 for the third placer, P5,000 for the fourth placer, and P4,000 for the fifth placer. As in the previous years, the Productivity and 6
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
Technology (Protech) Center just across the provincial capitol compound will be abuzz with yuletide season festivities starting the first week of December. Among the most popular features of the activities for local residents and tourists include nightly concerts featuring local bands, games and amusement, ihaw-ihaw park, and agri-trade fair. Other activities in the Protech Center include several arts and culture presentations, job fair, singing contests, and many others.
President Obama commends Philippines’ strides toward reform
U on Saturday.
nited States President Barack Obama praised the Philippines for the extensive reforms that the current government has initiated, vowing to continuously support it in its endeavors, President Benigno S. Aquino III said
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The President arrived Saturday night at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City after his successful attendance at the 19th Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) Summit in Bali, Indonesia this week. “Nakausap rin natin ang i l a n g kaaly8
ado, kabilang na si Pangulong Obama ng Amerika. Idiniin po niya ang mga naihayag na ni Secretary of State Hillary Clinton bago pa tayo tumungo sa Bali: mas malalim na ugnayan at suporta sa ating seguridad at mga programa upang iangat ang nakakarami mula sa kahirapan,” he said in his arrival statement. “Nagpakita rin
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po si Pangulong Obama ng paghanga sa ating tuwid na landas, at sa patuloy nating agenda ng tapat at maypananagutang pamamahala,” he added. The President underscored the importance of effective and clean governance in defeating poverty in the country, one of his campaign pledges when he run as president
last year. “Tunay nga po: nasa tuwid na pamamahala ang ugat ng pagpuksa sa kahirapan. Nasa isip ko po iyan, saanmang lupalop ako mapadpad, kaya nga hindi po tayo nahuli sa pagtutok sa mga pangyayari sa Pilipinas kahit pa ba kaharap natin ang mga pinuno ng iba’t ibang bansa,” the President said. The President and Obama had a
bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 19th Asean summit in Indonesia reinvigorating the longstanding relationship between the two countries. “I just want to commend President Aquino for his leadership and his reform efforts. I think our relationship that is already very strong can only become stronger,” Obama told the President about the developments in the country. Aside from strengthening their alliance, Obama and President Aquino discussed important matters such as maritime security and non-proliferation, among others. Prior to the meeting between
the two leaders in Indonesia, President Aquino met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who arrived in Manila this week for the commemoration of the military alliance between the Philippines and the US. At the same time, she signed a Partnership for Growth initiative aimed at boosting the country’s economy, create social stability as well as reform the judicial system. (AS)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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ASIAN countries agree on creating regional rice reserve system, Aquino reports
A
sian countries agreed on the creation of a regional rice pool that they can use in case of emergencies and severe rice price fluctuations in the global market, President Benigno S. Aquino III reported on Saturday.
The President, who arrived Saturday night at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City from his successful attendance at the 19th Association of South East Asian Nat i o n Summ i t i n
10
Bali, Indonesia, said the creation of a rice reserve system in Asia is in response of the recent devastation by typhoons that resulted to massive flooding in Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines that severely affected rice production. “Nariyan po ang mga kasund-
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uan ukol sa agarang lingap para sa mga nasalanta ng sakuna,” the President said in his arrival speech. The president was referring to the agreements signed by the Asean member countries as well as their partners in the region. “Nakikita po natin ang epekto ng bagyo sa Thailand
at Cambodia ngayon, bagay na hindi rin bihira kung dumalaw sa atin. Dahil na rin po dito, napagkasunduan po ang isang sistema ng paluwagan sa bigas, na mapapakinabangan ng mga kasaping bansa, pati na rin po ng Tsina, Japan, at Korea, tuwing haharap sa hamon ng bagyong magpapababa ng ani,” he added. The Chief Executive also mentioned the signing of the Bali Concord 3 by the Asean member countries explaining that it will pave the way for a clearer path that the regional block would take in the future that ensures political stability, better security, and stronger economic and socio-cultural cooperation among Asean members. The Philippines also raised its ad-
vocacy for migrant workers’ rights, being one of the biggest exporter of human laborer in the region, the President said adding that the Philippines got overwhelming support from other members particularly Indonesia. “Maganda rin po ang naging usapan ukol sa ugnayan at pagbubuklod ng mga ekonomiya sa Asean. Naniniwala po tayong magiging kalasag ang pagkakaisa laban sa mga problemang kinakaharap ng ibang mga rehiyon ng mundo sa ngayon,” he said. The rice pool system is expected to boost efficiency, ensure timely delivery of the commodity, less market distortion and greater consistency with global trade rules. Asian counties have proposed a reserve system that
will address price fluctuations resulting from unusual market conditions, particularly during times of natural calamities like flooding or draught that result in an upsurge in rice prices. Also, the reserve would be used as food aid during emergency situations and in the case of poverty alleviation projects needed by member countries. Asean is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. (AS)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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Palace lauds performance of Filipino athletes in 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia
M
alacanang on Sunday congratulated the Filipino athletes for their performance in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) held in Indonesia.
12
During an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Deputy
Spokesperson Abigail Valte lauded the Filipino athletes who represented the Philippines in the SEA Games for bringing pride
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and honor to the country. “Congratulations doon po sa ating mga atleta na nanalo na po ng medalya sa SEA Games.
Maraming salamat sa inyong pagsasakripisyo at sa inyong pagdadala na naman ng karangalan sa ating bayan,” Valte said. The Philippines is currently in the 6th place of the 26th SEA Games competition in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, with 24 gold, 42 silver and 60 bronze medals. Valte said over Radyo ng Bayan that the government will look into ways of helping the Filipino athletes improve their performance.
“There’s always a way to improve. Siguro po tingnan natin kung ano aong puwedeng gawin para naman mai-akyat pa natin ang antas at maalagaan ang ating mga atleta,” the deputy spokesperson said. Last week, Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao defeated Juan Manuel Marquez and retained his WBO welterweight title. Beauty Queen Gwendoline Ruais was named first runner-up in the
2011 Miss World pageant in London while Binibining PilipinasInternational Dianne Necio finished in the Top 15 of the Miss International contest in China early this month. “Ang dami na po niyan in the past few weeks-from our beauty queens to our math students to our athletes,” Valte said. “Lingo-linggo ang paalala sa ordinaryong Pilipino that we really can make it on the global stage on any front if we put our minds to it.” (CO)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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Ethnic wrestling (S’buno) MALUNGON, Sarangani – Locals closely watch S’buno, a wrestling competition for the indigenous people (Blaan and Tagakaulo) during the culmination of the 4th–year Tribal Day celebration on November 17-18 in Malungon. (JoJo Gocotano/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE) 14
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
Cotabato City Police director vows to address illegal activities by Perlita B. Changco COTABATO CITY – Newly installed Cotabato City Police Office chief PSSupt Danny Reyes promised he will do all he can to address all illegal activities in the city. Upon assumption to duty early this week, Reyes immediately paid a visit to Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr. to confer regarding city security plan. Directorate for In-
tegrated Police Operations (DIPO) Western Mindanao head Atty. Felicisimo personally installed Reyes as head of the city police office vice PSSupt. Roberto Badian in a turn-over ceremony
.
During the courtesy call, Reyes said, the city chief executive issued marching orders to address pressing problems affecting the safety and security of all citizens
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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as well as the economic activities in the area. Mayor Guiani strongly urged the police to focus and support the city government’s aggressive campaign against illegal terminals to ensure smooth flow of traffic, illegal gambling, proliferation of minors engage in sex trade and other unlawful activities, Reyes said. Reyes said, the
mayor has likewise ordered the strengthening police visibility and foot patrol in secluded areas to deter crimes and attempts to sow fear and lawlessness in the city. Expressing full support, Reyes said he has immediately issued a directive instructing police station commanders and members to give priority and focus on the issues and
concerns raised by the city mayor. “I have already issued a directive to conduct massive saturation drive, regular inspection of establishments being frequented by minors working as guest relations officer (GRO) in coordination with the city social welfare office palakasin ang police visibility,� he added.
Mga magsasaka sa So Cotabato hinihikayat na subukan ang pagtanim ng gulay KORONADAL CITY -- Kinukumbinsi ngayon ng Provincial Agriculture Office ng South Cotabato ang mga magsasaka na lumipat sa pagtatanim ng gulay bilang alternatibo sa pagmamaisan. Alinsunod sa kanilang mga inisyatibo na makamit ang seguridad sa pagkain, isinusulong. ng DA ang patuloy na pagpapalawak ng industriya ng prutas at gulay sa lalawigan. Aniya may maaasahang ayuda ang mga magsasaka mula sa kanilang tanggapan kabilang ang tulong sa farm inputs, pag-uugnay sa merkado at iba pang tulong sa pagpapaunlad sa industriya ng gulayan. 16
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Kilala ang South Cotabato bikang pangunahing prodyuser ng highvalue vegetable tulad ng asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, carrots at marami pang iba. Kilala din ito sa produksyon ng pinakbettype na mga gulay tulad ng sitaw, talong, okra, ampalaya, at kalabasa Tatlumpung porsiyento nito ay naipapabili sa lokal na merkado habang ang mas malaking baha-
Sunday, November 20, 2011
gi ay nadadala sa ibang parte sa loob at labas ng Mindanao. Ibinalita rin ni Legaste na isinusulong ngayon ng kanilang tanggapan ang pagkakaroon ng RORO port sa Gensan o Sarangani upang mas mapapadali ang pagluluwas ng produktong pang-agrikultura kasama na ang gulay mula sa South Cotabato at karatig na mga lalawigan. (DEDoguiles/PIA12)
Toyo University presents final report on “PPP Possibilities for the Future of Butuan City”
T Japan.
oyo University Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Research Center presented recently its final report on “PPP Possibilities for the Future of Butuan City” at the Japanese university’s main campus in Tokyo,
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
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The presentation was attended by the Butuan delegation composed of representatives from the local government unit led by City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., with representatives from the business and academe sectors of the city. The Butuanons were formally welcomed by Dr. Makio Takemura, President of Toyo University, and Prof. Yuji Nemoto, PPP Research Center Principal. Also present to witness the presentation were Mr. Geoffrey Hamilton and Mr. Michael Flynn, PPP experts from the United Nations, and Mr. Froilan Pamintuan of the Philippine Embassy in Japan. The final report contained observations in the fields of agriculture, recycling, renewable energy, economic enterprise and tourism. The most noteworthy recommendations include the mechanization of the agriculture industry, the conversion of waste to energy and the use of wood pellets as biomass fuel. Prof. Sam Tabuchi, team leader of the 18
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group that conducted the study, emphasized that Butuan City is rich in timber and has the ability to grow trees, such as falcata and ipil-ipil, in three to five years. He said that this is a major advantage over Western countries which need approximately 40 years to grow trees for biomass fuel production. In his response, Mayor Amante expressed that his administration is serious about the current efforts to strengthen PPP in Butuan, in line with the PPP advocacy of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, and that the city government is committed to work on the recommendations of Toyo University for economic development in Butuan City. The presentation of the report is a component of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Toyo University and the city government of Butuan which allowed Toyo University PPP Research Center to conduct a study on possible Public-Private Partnership
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Projects in Butuan City. It can also be recalled that a team from Toyo University conducted interviews and site inspections in Butuan City last September. The study marks the first time that Toyo University conducted such study outside Japan, choosing Butuan City as its first non-Japanese LGU subject. The activity also included the signing of the MOU for academic, scientific and cultural cooperation and exchange between Toyo University, Caraga State University, Father Saturnino Urios University, Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, and the City Government of Butuan. Said activity was immediately followed by a business forum wherein Mayor Amante presented Butuan’s investment opportunities to potential Japanese investors, and a reception dinner was then hosted by Toyo University for the Butuanon guests. (LGU-Butuan PIO)
DTI & LGU-Butuan conduct E-Bamboo Training by Cristina Dedel BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte, in coordination with the Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RUMEPP), Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) and the city government of Butuan, conducted training on engineered bamboo entitled “Bamboo Primary Processing & Lamination” from November 7-11 at the Slaughter House Compound and Ronwood Construction Co., this city.
According to DTI-Agusan del Norte Officer-inCharge Gay Tidalgo, the five-day training aimed to introduce and transfer the technology of engineered bamboo to the Caraga region’s existing and potential furniture makers.
“It is also expected that this activity would encourage tree farmers and other landed individuals to opt for bamboo plantation,” Tidalgo added. Meanwhile, Elvin T. Dimasuay of the CITC actted as the trainer/resource person of said skill’s
training. Beneficiaries of the training are the members of the United Furniture Makers Association (UFMA), Caraga Chamber of Wood Industries Association (CCWIA), tree farmers and other furniture stakeholders of the region.
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PNP chief approves additional quota for CY 2011 PO1 Recruitment Program by PSupt Martin M Gamba
BUTUAN CITY - An additional quota of 2,261 for Police Officer 1 has been approved by the PNP Chief for recruitment for the calendar year 2011. With this, 400 is allocated for the Special Action Force, 931 for NCRPO, 465 for PRO 7 and PRO 10. Prospective applicants from PRO 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 needs to apply personally at PRO 10 Headquarters, Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City. According to the PNP/NAPOLCOM, the general qualifications are: 1) A citizen of the Philippines; 2) A person of good moral character; 3) Baccalaureate Degree holder from a recognized learning institution; 4) Must possess any of the following eligibility: NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Examination, R.A No. 6506 (License Criminolo20
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gist), R.A No. 1080 (Bar and Board Examinations of Baccalaureate Degree), P.D No. 907 (granting Civil Service Eligibility to College Honor Graduates), Civil Service Professional Examination; 5) Must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military employment or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government; 6) Must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude; 7) At least 1.62 meter in height for male and 1.57 meter for female; 8) Weight not more or less than five kilograms (5 kg) from the standard weight corresponding to his/her
Sunday, November 20, 2011
age, height and sex; and 9) Must not be less than 21 nor more than 30 years of age. Meanwhile, all other photocopied documents must be authenticated by the issuing office. Initial requirement are the following: 1) Duly accomplished Personal Data Sheet (CSC Form 212); 2) Birth certificate authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO); 3) Report of rating of eligibility authenticated by issuing authority; and 4) Transcript of Scholastic Records and Diploma duly authenticated by the School Registrar and CAV from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
T
PRC to spearhead Million Volunteer Run by Alfonso T. Ruda
he Philippine Red Cross-Zamboanga del Norte Chapter
will conduct a Million Volunteer Run on December 4, 2011 in Dipolog City.
Mr. Nidoh Regencia of the PRC-Zamboanga del Norte Chapter said the fun-run will be simultaneously done by 100 Red Cross Chapters in the key cities and municipalities throughout the country The Dipolog City fun run will start at Sta.
Cruz and ends at the Provincial Capitol Plaza for a short program with 101st Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Jet Velarmino as its guest speaker. From Sta. Cruz, it will pass through Rizal Avenue, Herrera St, General Luna and turn-around at the Rotonda and back to General Luna. Regencia said they are expecting more or less 150 runners to participate in the Million Volunteer Fun Run as some Local Government Units, government agencies and some civic and non-government
organizations have already express their commitment to support the said activity. Each participant will be given Red Cross 143 ID Card with Disaster Prepared Guide; Million Volunteer Run T-shirt; Whistle; Race Number and Red Cross membership with Accident Insurance Benefits. Regencia said the activity aims to enhance public awareness on disaster and accidents and spark among them the spirit of volunteerism in saving lives in times of disaster. The activity is
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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also in support to the “143” project – which is the flagship program of Phil. Red Cross that encourages people to
I
offer voluntary services. The Million Volunteer Run is held in line with the observance of the 10th Year
Anniversary Celebration of the International Year of Volunteers. (JPA/ATR/ PIA9-Zambo Norte)
City prepares for “Pascua na Zamboanga by Jocelyn P. Alvarez 2011”
t’s “all systems go” for the city initiated festivity dubbed “Pascua na Zamboanga 20011” (Christmas in Zamboanga), a two week festival aimed to spread Christmas cheers and spirit in the merry month of December. City Information Officer (IO) Sheila Covarrubias said “the festival will kick off December 2 with the traditional lantern parade and the opening program that will be highlighted by the ceremonial switch on of lights in City Hall and Plaza Pershing and the Paseo del Mar Christmas landmarks.” Covarrubias shared, “City Mayor Celso Lobregat will spearhead the over 2000 city officials
22
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and employees in the lantern parade that will reel off 5:30 pm of Dec. 2.” The active lady IO said other activities during the twoweek festivity include the best dressed santa caluse competition set on Dec. 8; Canciones de Zamboanga , a chorale competition set on December 9; while December 15-17 is set for Christmas Food Festival, an exhibit of all specialties and delicacies saved
Sunday, November 20, 2011
during Christmas season . Covarrubias added “the entry evaluation of the best Christmas landmark competition will be held Dec. 12-16.” “The Pascua na Zamboanga is one of the most celebrated festivals and celebrations in the city that makes the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ even more meaningful,” Covarrubias was quoted as saying.
Endline Survey on BJPP implementation conducted in Dipolog
T
he Gerry Roxas Foundation in cooperation with the City Government of Dipolog has conducted an Endline Survey in some barangays of the City on the implementation of Barangay for Peace Project in the area. The survey which is under the United States Aid for International Development (USAID) was done on November 17 and 18 by the team from Davao City. The survey further aims to monitor the impact of the Barangay for Peace Project, if indeed it has reduced the petty crimes committed
in the barangays as a concrete proof on the effectiveness of the project. It was learned from the City Information Office that the Gerry Roxas Foundation has conducted the random survey on the compliance of some barangays on the Barangay for Peace Project. The GRF survey
team was composed of Ms Sarah Radam, the team leader, Mr. Franco Calibo, Rene Bahena, Noraida Salilaguia, Naila Alon and Social Advocacy on Neoteric Governance for Social Ascendancy (SANGSA) Executive Director Datu Widz from Zamboanga City. (JPA/ ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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NorMin Area Development Plan highlights the LADP as an “aerotropolis” by Peleta Abejo
T
he role of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LADP) in the expanded Cagayan-Iligan Corridor (CIC) will be that of an “aerotropolis” – the next major destination, in the country.
This was highlighted by Regional Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. of the National Economic and Development Authority, region 10 (NEDA-10) when he presented the Northern Mindanao Area Development Plan (NMDP) to the Sub-Committee on Land Use 24
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
and Environment (SCLUE) of the Regional Development Council’s (RDC-X’) Special Committee on the LADP. The presentation was done during the Laguindingan-AlubijidGitagum Cluster meeting at the Misamis Oriental Rural Electric
Services Cooperative (MORESCO) 1 Training Center, here, last Nov. 16. Other key development zones in the expanded CIC include the following: the Misamis Ecozones, the main center for industrial development which host most heavy and medium-scale industries. The Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Metropolitan Area as the regional capital and growth center with major infrastructure and capital investments and the Iligan Industrial Core (IIC) with heavy industrial manufacturing plants and the Lanao del Norte Development (LDND) Cluster as an agri-industrial center. Based on the commonality of resources, potentials and challenges, the region is divided into four spatial development clusters (SDCs) focusing on their functional role to the region‘s and country‘s economy. SDC 1, which covers the western part of Misamis Oriental, eastern part of Lanao del Norte and the northern part of Bukidnon, leads the transshipment role of Region X and is geared towards realizing the CIC. The core development themes and strategic interventions are directed towards ensuring an investment-friendly climate, managing land use and more livable settlements, and enhancing integration and connectivity of key
development clusters/zones within the expanded CIC. SDC 2, which focuses on capitalizing on the agri-fishery and eco-cultural tourism endowments of Lanao del Norte and Mis. Occ., SDC 3 on boosting agri-business and eco-tourism ventures in Bukidnon and SDC 4 on harnessing the Gingoog-Camiguin tourism adventure loop. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Pledge of Commitment for an inter-agency cooperation on various concerns was entered into by the Local Chief Executives (LCE’s) of the municipalities of Laguindingan, Alubijid and Gitagum, all of Mis. Or. Included in the MOA is the establishment of a clustered sanitary landfill, implementation of an integrated approach on watershed management, adoption of an integrated coastal resource management plan, holistic food security program, responsive land use plans and zoning ordinances and urban greening program. Signatories of the MOA were some 50 participants including officials and staff of the local governments of Gitagum, Alubijid and Laguindingan and representatives of the memberagencies of the SCLUE, RDC-X Special Committee on LADP. (NEDA/PIA-10) Sunday, November 20, 2011
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SDA supports the smoke-free Mis. Occ. campaign by Elaine O. Ratunil
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) vowed to support the advocacy of Misamis Occidental’s antismoking campaign. This, after the provincial government here intensified its advocacy against smoking as it launched the Smoke-Free Misamis Occidental Campaign in response to a recently approved anti-smoking ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). Pastor Rolie Ursunal of SDA said the campaign is an instrument that the people will be free from the ill-effects of smoking, as among the priorities of Gov. Hermie M. Ramiro, especially for the well-being of the youth. Further, Pastor Segundino Asoy, President, SDA Against Drug-Abuse, urged the Misamisnons, particularly the parents, to stop smoking as this would affect the health of their children. Early this year, Atty. Josefina Buenaseda, legal consultant of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) called on the Tobacco Control Group in Northern Mindanao for the strict 26
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banning of all tobacco advertisements in televisions, newspapers, billboards and internet. The FCAP has challenged the local chief executives (LCE’s) to pass ordinances adopting Republic Act 9211, an act regulating the packaging, use, sale distribution and advertisement of tobacco products. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rachel T. Micarandayo said cigarette smoke poses a grave danger to the health of all Misamisnons as the number of deaths and diseases related to tobacco smoke have been increasing.
Army’s 1ID and 4ID combine efforts for Bayanihan sa Barangay Program in Lumbia CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - A joint “Bayanihan sa Barangay” Program (BBP) was conducted by the 1st Infantry (Tabak) and the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Divisions of the Philippine Army in Barangay Lumbia, this city, recently. The BBP was the culminating activity for the recently concluded one-week Civil-Military Operations Capability Enhancement Training (CMO the Civil-Military Operation Capability Enhancement Training and Subject Matter Experts Exchange (CMOCET-SMEE) held in the camp. Hosted by 4ID in Camp Evangelista and participated by officers and enlisted personnel from 1ID and 4ID, the training was initiated and conducted by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7, Philippine Army. The activity started with a simple opening ceremony, wherein the barangay officials warmly welcomed the soldiers from both divisions for choosing their barangay as recipient of the BBP. Activities included the joint cleanup drive, feeding program, free medical consultation and check-up, cataract screening, massage and haircut. Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, 4ID Commander conveyed that the BBP
complemented with the current thrust of the government through the new Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan.” This new AFP Campaign Plan lauds the people-centered and whole-of-nation approach putting great emphasis on the role of every stakeholder in all sectors of our society in ending the war against insurgency in order to have a lasting peace that is conducive for sustainable development. “This BBP proves the commitment and dedication of our soldiers to be of help and to serve our fellow Filipinos, wherever they may be, as exemplified through the joint effort of 4ID and 1ID,” Felix said. Although 1ID’s area of operations is in the whole of Zamboanga Peninsula and the provinces of Lanao, Misamis Occidental, and Basilan, they wholeheartedly shared their time and effort to support 4ID in making the BBP in Lumbia successful. (4CMO/PIA-10) Sunday, November 20, 2011
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P72-billion stimulus fund to benefit Mindanao
The P72-billion stimulus fund under the President Aquino’s administration will also benefit Mindanao, says Mindanao Development Authority Chair Lualhati Antonino. Antonino bared that among those that will be benefited from the stimulus package will be the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which has been allocated P8.5 billion. The fund which is termed as the ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan will include welfare projects covering cash-for-work-programs, construction of day care centers, supplemental feeding, core shelter assistance. The stimulus fund will also fund the building of infrastructure like irrigation and farm-to-market roads. 28
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Aside from the ARMM funding, P6.5 billion will also be poured to various local government units for their own stimulus funds. The LGU support fund. these funds will be strictly allocated for capital outlay as a local government’s pump-priming measure and not as a fund for maintenance and personnel services. The government is aiming that the LGUs will prioritize the development of roads, enhance agricultural productivity and local enterprises. During their Philippine Development Plan (2011-2016) Roadshow in Davao City last week, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said that the P72-billion stimulus fund comes from government savings in line with the present government’s prudence in implementing projects which has generated savings. Among its strategies was the scaling down of project costs due to revised cost estimates and bidding prices.
Paderanga said that underspending is just a misconception as government projects now cost less
and savings generated from it are allocated to new projects. (PIA/ RG Alama)
ComVal focuses on IP advancement COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-To ensure further development of the Indigenous People (IP) sector in the province, Governor Arturo T. Uy sees to it that ample attention is given by the provincial government. Various programs supporting the sector are designed in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) headed by Provincial Officer Shirley Iguianon. Recent developments include embracing Memorandum Circular No. 2010-119 issued by Secretary Jesse M. Robredo of the Department of the Interior & Local Government (DILG). The circular mandates representation of the indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils. Relative to this, a joint conference of the IP and Local Government Unit officials was called. It can be recalled also that in 2010, Hon. Augusto “Junjun” Blanco, Jr. took his Oath as the IP Representative to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Another development is the creation of the Provincial Tribal Women Cooperative through the IP Women Federation of Compostela Valley. Upon completion of their coop’s registration and accreditation, the newly-created
Women’s Cooperative is already eligible to avail the provincial government’s Micro-Credit Assistance Program for Cooperatives (MCAPC) with a free technical education assistance and trainings for their members. As to IP youth advancement, recently more or less 150 indigenous youth leaders gathered for a 2-day IP Youth Congress at the Provincial Capitol. Important matters tackled were the organization of the IP youth in the barangays, conduct of leadership and management trainings, importance of education, passing of a Municipal Youth Development Council (MYDC) resolution requesting for a seat at the Provincial Youth Development Council (PYDC), recognition and preservation of the cultural traditions, and the conduct of workshop in support to Governor Uy’s reforestation program. It was also said that the province is the first to organize a Tribal Youth Federation and that other provinces in the region are planning to replicate the system. Giving his all-out-support and commitment to the IP sector is a continuous program of Governor Uy through equipping them with skills, education and livelihood assistance, and provision of better opportunities. (Grace Almedilla, ids- comval) Sunday, November 20, 2011
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