PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Region-IX
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI Managing Editor …….........
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
ABNER M. CAGA
Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA
Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur
features the services of
Phil Red Cross
Agusan del Norte Butuan City Chapter
20 21 23
Monday,
Vol. 1 No. 99
City Population Office spearheads Population & Development Week celeb in Butuan Jennifer P. Gaitano,
CFO visits Caraga Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton,
Caraga Region
Caraga Region
DPWH hires Pantawid beneficiaries Region IX
24 26
Paje assures public: DENR will perform even better!
29
South Korean President lauds President Aquino’s inclusive growth policy .........................................................
14
Phl to try to clinch a Guinness record using 25 cents.......................................... ...........
16
Cover Story Feature: Philippine Red Cross of Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter, a ceaseless service provider Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
Poor Bayog folks benefit from medical , dental outreach
27
National
In This Issue...
CARAGA REGION
Region IX
Bernadine A. Gabawan,
Region X
MARINA requires SIB for seafarers
page 18
WESTERN MINDANAO
page 22
Region X
Apipa Bagumbaran,
DTI gears towards upgrading DICCEP Carina Cayon,
NORTHERN MINDANAO
Region XI
33
Tacurong joins Philippine Cities Global Convention and Expo in Manila
34
30 police personnel finish EOD course
Allen Freno,
Dani Doguiles ,
page 4
page 25
SOUTHERN MINDANAO Region X
Region XII
page 28
CENTRAL MINDANAO page 32
Cover Story
Feature: Philippine Red Cross of Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter, a ceaseless service provider by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
I
nspired by its fundamental principles, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) of Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter continues to reach out to the nation, stretching a helping hand that has a touch of love and commitment to do their remarkable service—saving lives. 4
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Monday, November 21, 2011
Like all other chapters of the Philippine Red Cross, the Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter is also doing its best in providing humanitarian services to the Agusanons. The Philippine Red Cross is founded on seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Blood Services
All year round, the local chapter staff collect blood thru bloodletting activities. There are times that the local chapter independently conduct a bloodletting ac-
tivity or may conduct it by partnering with other agency. Many agencies have partnered with PRC because of its contagious desire in helping people. Teodoro Cairo, Administrator of PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter, has urged Butuanons to donate blood to the needy-an act not only beneficial to oneself but to other people as well. As of October 2011, the Butuan City Chapter has collected a total of 3,488 units of blood acquired from walkin donors, patient-directed donors, replacement donors, and from mass bloodletting activities. It was on the month of March when the local chapter has collected the highest number of blood units. Disaster Management Services The local chapter also renders disaster management services (DMS). The DMS includes earthquake and Monday, November 21, 2011
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fire drills, trainings on basic disaster management and eventually produced graduates of the said training. Moreover, the local chapter, in partnership with the local government of Butuan, conducted a Bomb Simulation Drill last July of 2011 at Butuan City Hall. This was
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Monday, November 21, 2011
in line with the celebration of Disaster Consciousness Month. The conduct of the said drill was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and preparedness of the constituents in responding to such kind of disaster. On the first quarter of 2011 catastrophes took place in some barangays of the city and provinces in Agusan del Norte. The DMS handed relief goods to the affected families of Barangay Maug, Ignacio, Pangabugan, Bingkilan in Butuan City, and to the affected families from Do単a Rosario, Tubay, Agusan del Norte. Other relief operations were also conducted in the month of March 2011.
Safety Services
The Safety Services arm of the PRC is aimed at educating the people on how to prevent accidents. In the local chapter, the Safety Services committee has conducted lectures and trainings on Basic First Aid Training, Community First Aid Training, Basic Water Safety Training, First Aid and Basic Life Support for Adult Lay and Rescuers and Health Care Providers, First Aid Lecture Demonstration, Auto-
mated External Defibrillator (AED) Training, and Tailored First Aid Training. These lectures and trainings were conducted in the elementary schools, high schools, health centers, government agencies and private agencies all throughout the province especially in the populated academe such as the national high schools like Agusan National High School in Butuan City, Agay National High School RCY Council, Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte and among others. The local chapter will redo these activities over and over again for they will never get tired in keeping the people away from disasters and as well as preparing them in times of crises. In addition, the local chapter had also organized First Aid Stations and Beach Patrol during the special events in the province that needs their service such as the 9th Baoto Festival 30km paddling marathon in JabonMonday, November 21, 2011
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ga, Tanduay First Five Tour concert, 10th Chapterwide Youth Camp, and in 35th Milo Marathon 2011 last October.
Community Health and Nursing Services In line with the the World Water Day Celebration last March the Community Health and Nursing Services Committee conducted hygiene promotion, prop8
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Monday, November 21, 2011
er hand washing and mass feeding activities at Sangay High School, Buenavista, and Colorado Elementary School, Jabonga, in this province to 2100 students.
Red Cross Youth The Red Cross Youth (RCY) Council of the local chapter assisted in distributing relief goods to the different barangays of Butuan City and in other municipalities of Agusan del Norte during the time when the province was flooded last February and March 2011. From October 6 to 9, 2011 the RCY Committee of the local chapter hosted the 10th Chapterwide Red Cross Youth Camp at Trinos Beach
Resort, La Frateridad, Tubay Agusan del Norte participated by 1,139 Red Cross Youth members and 209 advisers from 108 school councils of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. Red Cross Youth members serve as the role models for the youth e s p e cially the children. For the past months, they are continually inculcating humanitarian values and character building to the youth through their efforts in assisting in relief operations, and through conducting
lectures on in Leadership Formation Course, Drug Abuse Preventive Education, Pledge 25 Donor Orientation and Youth Volunteer Orientation Course in the principal schools in the province.
Monday, November 21, 2011
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PHL, Korea sign five agreements for development assistance
President Noynoy Aquino welcomes His Excellency Lee Myung-bak President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) upon arrival at the Malaca単an Palace Grounds for his State Visit to the Republic of the Philippines, Today, November 21, 2011.
T
he Philippines and Korea further solidified its relations spanning 60 years by signing five agreements on furthering agriculture, electricity, and development assistance between Monday, November 21, 2011
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The signing ceremony was held at Malacaùang’s Reception Hall on the occasion of the three-day State Visit of Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-Bak to the Philippines on Monday. The first two agreements, signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Kim Sung-hwan, center on simplifying the processing and obtaining of loans and grants. The Framework Agreement for Grant Aid between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of Korea will facilitate the processing o f 12
grant projects while the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of Korea Concerning Loans from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund for the Years 2011 through 2013 enables the Philippine government to obtain soft loans of up to $500-million from the Republic of Korea. The third agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Energy and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy involves the setting up of a power plant in the Subic Bay Economic Zone using environment friendly technology to address the mediumterm and long-term projected electricity needs of the Luzon grid. This agree-
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ment was signed between DoE Secretary Jose Almendras and Knowledge Economy Minister Hong Suk Woo. The fourth and fifth agreements are between the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines, Agriculture Minister Suh Kyu-yong and the Korea Export Import Bank President Kim Yong-hwan. The MoU between the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on the Multi-Industry Cluster Project in the Philippines is a type of public-private partnership business where the efficient use of agricultural resources of both counties is promoted while the MoU between the DA and Korea EXIM Bank on the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II is an irrigation project intended to significantly
contribute to sustaining rice self-sufficiency levels by 2013. Presidents Aquino and Lee witnessed the signing of the agreements. In his speech, President Aquino cited the strengthening relations between the two countries and vowed to “steadily advance our bilateral relationship to reach even greater heights.” “I have full confidence that our meeting this morning has helped position our
two countries towards a more positive, dynamic and nurturing friendship that will best serve the mutual interest of the Filipino and Korean peoples,” President Aquino said. For his part, President Lee cited the “limitless potential” the Philippines has due to its highly skilled labor force and abundance of natural resources. “And in that regard, cooperation between Korea and the Philippines is also limitless as well,” Presi-
dent Lee said. The Republic of Korea is the fifth largest trade partner of the Philippines with bilateral trade reaching $6.08million in 2010. It is also the third top investor in the Philippines with investments reaching $691.3million. (RCK)
Monday, November 21, 2011
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South Korean President lauds President Aquino’s inclusive growth policy
V
siting Republic of Korea President Lee Myung Bak conveyed his ‘deepest admiration’ to President Benigno S. Aquino III for his policy of inclusive growth which enabled the country’s economy to remain upbeat despite the ongoing global economic crisis.
President Lee, who is on a threeday state visit to the Philippines, paid a courtesy call on President Aquino in Malacañang Monday morning which was followed by an e x -
14
panded bilateral talk with their respective Cabinet members where the two leaders exchanged views and conveyed gratitude to each other. In a statement issued after the signing of five agreements for development assistance between Korea and the Philippines at
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Malacañang’s Reception Hall, President Lee said the 7.6 economic growth posted by the Aquino administration is an “outstanding number” envied by other economies. “Despite the global economic crisis that all of the countries are going through, the Philip-
pine economy posted remarkable growth: 7.6 percent. This is an outstanding number as the envy of many countries around the world and also you are on a path towards continuous growth,” he said. President Lee credited this particular achievement by President Aquino based on the “tremendous vision and resolve” he has demonstrated toward implementing this inclusive growth policy in order to provide Filipino people with a better future
and prosperity for all. President Aquino, for his part, noted that the Republic of Korea is the Philippines’ fifth largest trade partner with bilateral trade reaching $6.08 billion and was the third top investor in the country last year with investments that reached $693.1 million. “The Republic of Korea and its business sector have continued to display confidence in the economic prospects and opportunities found in the Philippines and, for this, I thank them,” Presi-
dent Aquino said. Bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines in terms of trade prospects are expected to grow following the agreements signed involving the agriculture and energy departments of both countries. (HDC)
Monday, November 21, 2011
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O
Phl to try to clinch a Guinness record using 25 cents by Domingo B. Natividad V n November 30, 2011, the Philippines will attempt to break the Guinness world record for the longest chain of coins recordnow being held by a community in Fort Scott, Kansas, USA since 2008when it lined up 3,406,234 pieces of one cent coins, for a distance of 64.88 kilometers or 40.32 miles.
Its organizers, Kabayanihan Foundation and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Officers Club, announced today in the Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) forum at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the Philippines’ bid 16
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for this world record, with the laying of at least five million pieces of Philippine 25 centavo coins at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila that will hopefully measure up to 70 kilometers. Dr. Greg Suarez, president of
Monday, November 21, 2011
the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Officers Club, said the collection of the 25 centavo coins and other denominations started last month, beginning with its “internal collection” at the BSP. Currently, the BSP Officers Club
has already generated 50 kilometers worth of 25 cents valued at P625,000, as posted on facebook (http://www. facebook.com/kabayanihan. foundation?sk=wall). Suarez also explained that they chose to collect and line up this coin denomination, as the Philippine 25 centavo coin, “ay mas madaling hingin sa mga tao (can be easily donated by people), “because of its lower purchase value. Also, the coin denomination, he said, “is the most in demand coin by retailers and banks.” The BSP Officers Club official also revealed that the collected amount will be used to fund the construction of at
least three new schools in the country. To donate your 25 centavos and other coin denomination, Suarez said “you can bring your donations to the BSP.” BSP maintains at least 21 branches nationwide. Also, the Kabayanihan Foundation, its private sector supporter, is in close coordination with private organizations, such as FEJODAP, in developing a collection system where the public can easily donate their 25 centavos and other spare coins for the program. You may also coordinate your coin donation through email at info@ kabayanihan.org or through phone at (02) 358-3333. Monday, November 21, 2011
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PIA-Caraga trains young writers on e-magazine layouting, campus journalism
M
embers of campus publication teams and editorial advisers from grade school, high school and college of Surigao Education Center (SEC) recently learned the basics of electronic magazine layouting and campus journalism on Nov. 17-18, 2011.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Monday, November 21, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
Facilitated by Philippine Information Agency–Caraga Regional Office with the full support of SEC Administration, the two-day training attracted some 30 participants composed of students and advisers in the following publications: The Cruisers for the Montessori, The Anchor/Ankla for the grade school and high school, and The Beacon for the college. During the training, the participants were able to enhance and refresh their writing ability through the workshop, as well as improve the quality of
the campus paper based on the new trends such as the use of issuu.com for online publication. On hand to speak on the fundamentals of communication, editorial writing, feature writing and photojournalism was
David Suyao, Information Center Manager of Agusan del Sur. Fryan Abkilan, Information Center Manager of Surigao del Norte spoke on news writing and the basics of journalism while Robert Roperos, One Mindanao E-Magazine Copy Editor and concurrent Information Center Manager of Surigao del Sur trained the participants on computer-based layouting using Adobe InDesign CS3 software. Roperos then shared how their school publications will be able to maximize online publication through the use of issuu.com. (PIASurigao del Norte)
Monday, November 21, 2011
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City Population Office spearheads Population & Development Week celeb in Butuan by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY -– The City Population Office here will be spearheading this year’s Population and Development (PopDev) Week with the theme “Population, Poverty and Governance” on November 23-29.
In line with this, there will be a Search for Ms. PopDev 2011 and Variety Show on November 25, wherein students from both public and private high schools of Butuan City will be showcasing their talents on the competition. According to Marietta Pajo, officer-in-charge of City Population Office, the activ20
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ity aims to sustain awareness and interest in population issues and matters among inschool youth and the general public. “To convey population and development concepts and messages to students such as responsible parenthood, poverty, adolescent reproductive health, rights, gender and development; to promote values supportive
Monday, November 21, 2011
to population and development education among inschool youth; and to identify and organize youth leaders to serve as Adolescent Reproductive Health advocates are among the purposes of said activity,” stressed Pajo. With this, Pajo encourages the public especially the youths to participate and support to this weeklong celebration.
CFO visits Caraga by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY –- The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has recently visited some places in Caraga region to implement its Community Education Program on Migration through the conduct of symposia and radio interviews in various radio stations and schools in the region. The program was especially fashioned to enhance the awareness of the people concerning migration, intermarriages and human trafficking, CFO’s existing programs and among others. On November 1416, the said agency visited the province of Surigao del Norte and conducted a PulongPulong at Surigao City Auditorium. And on November 17-18, the CFO visited the city and conducted PulongPulong, symposium and radio interviews. During the inter-
view at dxBR-Radyo Bombo, in this city, Paul Vincent Avencilla, CFO’s Emigrant Services Officer II said that CFO personnel have been visiting cities and municipalities all over the country especially to places where there are many emigrants. “Based on our database, there are a total of 3,606 emigrants from Agusan del Norte in the year 1998-2009,” said Avencilla. According to him, most of these emigrants were Filipinos who married foreigners and have settled
abroad and some of them have petitioned their family to migrate as well. Avencilla revealed that they have visited Caraga to brief those who wanted to settle abroad about migration and human trafficking. The human trafficking issue was also addressed to the public so that they would know if they have become victims of such crime because most victims of human trafficking were not even aware that they are already being violated.
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SMEs undergo orientation on technology’s upgrading program by Gideon C. Corgue
T
o provide information to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), a set up orientation on the upgrading program of technology was conducted by the DOST9 on Friday at Bay View Plaza Hotel here. DOST9 Assistant Regional Director Engr. Mahmud Kingking said the proram was designed by the agency to improve SMEs’ operational productivity and making science and technology as their ways of developing their their business. Kingking said the agency is providing them technical support and funding assistance saying that they are some 22
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of their prospective beneficiaries on the agency’s programs. “We are providing them funding assistance for the acquisition of processing facilities and technical consultancy to include the training or the workers as well as improving their facilities,” Kingking added. He said they will teach SMEs on how to manage business and help them operate on
Monday, November 21, 2011
their technologies by tapping the services of experts from the Research Development Institute of the agency. Kingking said DOST has two programs, namely: the local grants-in-aid
the cooperatives, associations, and local government units and assistance for SMEs. The SMEs’ assistance has no interest but payable within in 3 years so that the money that they borrowed can also be used for others, Kingking explained. Kingking said
N
DOST has provided already assistance to different SMEs in region 9 where their business have improved. “In their business they earned profit and at the same time, they have provided employment to unemployed persons,” Kingking added.
The SMEs who have not availed assistance can avail next year, Kingking assured. The said activity is scheduled to be held next week the cities of Dipolog and Zamboanga and in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. (JPA/GCC)
DPWH hires Pantawid beneficiaries ine (9) beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Zamboanga City were recently hired by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office IX Regional Director Teodulo R. Romo, Jr. disclosed. Director Romo said the hiring was an offshoot of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by both national agencies in recognition of the need to converge efforts to alleviate the plight of the poorest of the poor.
Accordingly, the hired beneficiaries will be assigned in the maintenance department which is task to conduct maintenance works along the national roads in the city and shall received their wages according to the provisions
in the MOA. Meanwhile, Director Romo also revealed that collaborations are still going on with other national and local agencies to include the private organizations to explore possible employment for these
Monday, November 21, 2011
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beneficiaries with the end goal of augmenting their daily income and increasing their
P
capability to carry building.(JPA/SMUout their roles as re- NZB/DSWD9/CAL/ sponsible parents and PIA9/ZamboSur) contributor to nation-
Poor Bayog folks benefit from medical , dental by Bernadine A. Gabawan outreach oor folks of Bayog municipality received free medical dental services from the local government unit of Bayog.
The activity was in partnership with the Adventist Community Services of Salawagan, together with the Mindanao Sanitarium and Hospital Community Mission, Iligan City, Mountain View College Sanitarium and Hospital of Malaybalay, Bukidnon and the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission Health Ministries Department of Zamboanga City. The recently conducted medical and dental health outreach was held at municipal gymnasium, this municipality. The composite medical team offered their services for free with the following: med24
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ical consultation – 355, dental or tooth extraction – 145, circumcision – 32, Chinese medical services (acupuncture) – 3,000, mole removing – 500, bentosa (vacuum) healing with unspecified number of clients. The team also distributed free medicines and vitamins. It can be recalled that during the first week of this month, all officials and rank and file employees of the LGUBayog underwent a general medical check up, a commitment made earlier by Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr. for his employees and constituents. The medical team
Monday, November 21, 2011
was composed of the Rural Health Unit of Bayog, Health Education Services,Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital, The Mountain View College Sanitarium and Hospital sponsored the medicines, while Adventist Community Services of Salawagan handled the logistic services. The LGU is scheduled to conduct the same activity at Barangay Canoayan on November 24, to cater to the medical needs of the residents of the three (3) more barangays – Canoayan, Bobuan ad Deporehan. (JPA/ BAG/CAL/PIA9/ZamboSur)
State-of-the-art hospital now serves in Bukidnon by Jorie C. Valcorza
F
ully departmentalized and equipped of standard staffing complements, the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center in the City of Malaybalay says it can definitely compete with the leading private hospitals in Cagayan de Oro City. Earning as much as P13 million per month, the hospital now operates on its own with only minimal subsidy from the government in its operations. “We are operating as an economic enterprise since 2001, and we are
proud to say that we were able to beat our P112 million quota by 100 percent last year,� Corazon Y. Jamero the hospital administrator said. It is a third level referral hospital, constructed at a cost of Php 113.973 million and designed with 200 Monday, November 21, 2011
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authorized bed capacity. The medical center caters to the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, as well as the municipalities of San Fernando, Cabanglasan, Lantapan and Impasugong equipped with new and modern facilities and serves as an end referral hospital for specialized medical service in the province. “We do major surgical operations here, have intensive care units (ICUs), citi-scan, platelet separator for dengue patients and a neuro ward,” Jamero added. The new building will soon house the 20-bed private rooms and the outpatient department will also be transferred on the ground floor to give room for a dialysis ward. Jamero puts the credit to former
Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri for prioritizing the total health system and for placing in the three (3) major referral hospital in the province including the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag and Manolo Fortich. She also praised Governor Alex Calingansan for continuing the same fervor on health projects and continuing such programs up to now. Governor Calingasan believes that effective governance does not only stop in providing for the basic needs of his constituents but also in ensuring that health services are always available, affordable, efficient and more importantly accessible to those in need.
Paje assures public: DENR will perform even better! CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Challenged by survey results that the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III has received positive marks on environment issues, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said that his agency is poised to “Perform even more!” The result was based on an opinion survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to assess the 3rd quarter performance of the President in terms of economy, good governance, social development, justice and security, environmental protection and climate change. “We are happy with the positive rating given by the people on the government’s performance in so far as environmental issues are concerned,” 26
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Monday, November 21, 2011
Paje said. He also said this could only mean that our efforts in various fronts of environmental protection and natural resources management are being felt and appreciated by the people. The DENR Secretary said that even with the positive response of the public, his department will continue to level up its efforts. He also gave credit to the advocacy that DENR has embarked in partnership with various
sectors of society. “These public-private partnerships (PPP) have provided the catalyst to boost the department’s performance”, he added. In Northern Mindanao, the PPP is best exemplified with the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) wherein 1,084,100 seedlings were planted in an area of 2,273.3 hectares as of October 31, 2011. Some 15,777 volunteers participated in the tree growing activities conducted, region-wide, from January to October 31, this year. (DENR/PIA-10)
MARINA requires SIB for seafarers by Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - To further enhance the safety of life of the passengers, seafarers onboard vessels below 35 gross-tons (GT) are compelled to have Seafarer’s Identification Book (SIB). The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shall now implement, effective immediately, the “Rules in the Issuance of SIB” under MARINA Memorandum Circular No. 2010-02, advised Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, Regional Director of MARINA, region 10. Relatively, any person who is employed or engaged or works, in any capacity onboard Philippineregistered vessels below 35 GT, is mandatorily required to acquire and possess a valid SIB at all times. This is pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 474, and Section 12 of Executive Order 125-A, he said. He further said that non-
compliance shall be subject to sanctions as prescribed under the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations and pertinent MARINA Memorandum Circulars without prejudice to the suspension or cancellation of the vessel’s registry and safety certificates.
http://pinoytp.blogspot.com/2010/06/sea.html Monday, November 21, 2011
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OPAPP expresses hope for resumption of GRP-MILF talks by Mai Gevera-Macapagat
Peace Process Presidential Adviser Teresita Quintos-Deles expressed hopes for the peace negotiation to pursue after both the Philippine Government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) showed eagerness for a substantive agreement. The talks between negotiators held last November 4 in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia was enough reason for the government peace panel to hope for a focused negotiation. “
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There’s clarity between the two parties and another meeting will be set before the end of the year”, Deles told the Davao media during her recent visit in the city. MILF negotiators earlier also bared a sense of hope to forward the peace process. During the KL talks, negotiators clarified certain concepts and identified common grounds where both parties can work on as they start talking again. Both sides also called for a joint investigation into the deadly clash in Basilan’s Al-Barka town that left 19 soldiers and five rebels dead on October 18. Deles disclosed plans of President Benigno Aquino III of visiting Basilan with Secretary of Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo to check the condition of the displaced residents. Meanwhile, the OPPAP secretary welcomes the P8.5 billion
roadmap and investment plan for the five province of the ARMM. The said budget is on top of the P11.8 B regular ARMM budget for 2011. Deles clarified the need to validate first some municipalities if these have indeed occupants. There are also set conditions before the release of such fund. Bulk of the stimulus fund will go to health services to rehabilitate
hospitals and to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the construction and repair of national roads. Secretary Robredo stressed that the allocation of the multi-billion-peso funds for ARMM is one of the efforts of the present administration to alleviate ARMM’s social economic development, governance reforms and for improving peace and security in the region.
DTI gears towards upgrading DICCEP by Carina Cayon
DAVAO CITY--The Department of Trade and Industry is gearing towards the upgrading of its Davao Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (DICCEP) following a three-year successful implementation. DTI regional director Marizon Loreto said that DICCEP I will be extending its services and programs in DICCEP II by December this year, to provide more development assistance to the eight priority industry clusters in the region. Loreto said that DICCEP I has productively served the requirements of the different activities of the industries of banana, mango, coconut, wood, seaweed, mining, tourism, and information and communications technology (ICT). The DTI official attributed the successful implementation of DICCEP I to the strengthened involvement of
the private sector in the industry clusters that subsequently enhanced the capability to manage the industries in Davao Region. Loreto cited the banana cluster to be one which has significantly benefited from DICCEP particularly the small Cavendish banana growers. Through DICCEP, she said, the small Cavendish banana growers have found a direct market in Japan and forged a marketing agreement with the buyer. She added that the local banana growers no longer produce for the banana-based multinational corporations. Loreto claimed that the tourism sector is another successful industry cluster wherein several major programs have been initiated for its improvement in the region. The DTI official cited the Tindahang Pinoy or the pasalubong center as a milestone for the region’s tour Monday, November 21, 2011
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ism industry, being the first in the country to showcase Davao-made world-class products. The Tindahang Pinoy named as Davao Ecocrafts is currently displaying and selling the region’s authentic products with world-class, sustainable and green qualities ranging from processed foods, gift items and stationeries, fashion accessories, furnishings and home decors and furniture. Loreto said that the tourism cluster team has also initiated a survey on the profile of Davao City visitors to include their nationality, the frequency and the duration of their stay in the city. This study will tell different stories of tourists in Davao City,” she stated of the survey being conducted. She said that webmarketing and short messaging system through mobile phones have also been put in place “to give life about Davao.” Another DICCEP-assisted industry is the seaweeds cluster wherein
the academe partner Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in Davao del Sur has provided assistance for the industry’s value adding food products such as cakes, cookies and other things. Loreto disclosed that these best practices under DICCEP will be part of DTI’s report to be presented to the National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (Niccep). She said that the presentation aims to replicate the DICCEP experiences to all other regions. She added that Davao Region is also closely coordinating its DICCEP implementation with the different regions in Mindanao. DICCEP was a DTI-initiated program that aimed at promoting publicprivate partnership in providing technical and institutional capacities for the eight priority industry clusters in the region. It was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
did you know... That the island of Miangas (Las Palmas Island) located 47 nautical miles east of Balut Island in Davao del Sur, was the subject of the landmark international arbitration law case between the United States and Netherlands the then colonial powers of the Philippines and Indonesia. The International Court of Justice decided to award the island to Netherlands (Indonesia) in 1928. 30
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Monday, November 21, 2011
Photo Release
Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program uses horses ALABEL, Sarangani - Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) workers with their newly-acquired horses pose at the Capitol before going to their respective barangays after the formal turnover of additional 13 ECCD horses for workers from municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan and Malungon Monday, November 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/Sarangani Information Office) Monday, November 21, 2011
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Three automated weather stations installed in Region 12 by Olivia Sudaria Koronadal City -- Region 12 has three (3) automated weather stations (AWS) which are capable of monitoring weather situations in the region and generate particular data on rainfall. This was disclosed by DOST XII director Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan who said that the three automated weather stations are located in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, one at the General Santos City Airport and another at the Cotabato City’s People’s Palace (City Hall). Laidan explained that the said AWS are equipped with sensors capable of measuring weather parameters, wind speed, rain amount, duration, and intensity. She also revealed that an Automated Rain Gauge (ARG) will be installed in the last quarter of the year in region 12. ARG, one of the four (4) kinds of flood monitoring instruments, according to Laidan, is an instru32
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ment which is equipped with sensors that can gather and record the amount of rainfall over a set period of time, wind velocity, air temperature and air humidity. The other vital flood monitoring instruments, Laidan continued, are automatic water level gauge, manual rain gauge and manual water level gauge. The DOST XII direc-
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tor said the Department of Science and Technology has been beefing up the Philippine Real Time Environment Data Acquisition and Interpretation for Climate-related Tragedy (PREDICT). PREDICT, she elaborated, is a nationwide system that is meant to complement the existing observation capability of DOST-PAGASA.
Tacurong joins Philippine Cities Global Convention and Expo in Manila by Allen Freno KORONADAL CITY –Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat gets another chance to showcase itself as it joins other cities in the country in the 3rd Philippine Cities Global Convention and Exposition, which kicked off November 17 at the Resorts World in Pasay City. The convention, first to be hosted by the League of Cities of the Philippines, also gathered cities from other countries such as Japan, Australia and Canada. The event carries the theme ‘Bridging Cities, Transforming Lives’ and aims to put the Philippine Cities at par with their international counterparts. Mayor Lina Montilla headed the delegation from Tacurong, which included other city officials and heads of the various departments of the city government. Plenary and breakout sessions were held at the Resorts World and nearby Marriott Hotel where international experts and city officials build network and share inputs on common issues such as climate change, environment, local economy, and urban shelter.
Participating cities also joined other international and private exhibitors in the exposition that simultaneously opened today at the adjacent new Port City Terminal. At the expo, the public is given the rare opportunity to see the wonders of the country as cities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao display the best of their cities. People wanting to buy local products unique in each city are also given a one-stopshop offer. Mayor Montilla, who stayed at the Expo venue the whole morning before proceeding to the convention, got the chance to meet and talk with international entrepreneurs from Japan and officials from Blacktown City, Australia who were also delegates to
the convention. Blacktown city councilor Chris Shannon, expressed his amazement to the Baras Bird Sanctuary, one of the centerpiece exhibits of Tacurong in the exposition. By knowing more about Tacurong, many people from other parts of the Philippines and other countries have been given a new information on Mindanao geography particularly that of Tacurong, a budding city in the central part of Southern Philippines. The convention and exposition culminated on November 19 with a tour to selected cities in Metro Manila to give delegates a personal feel of the issues faced by urban cities as well as let them know of the said cities best programs and practices.
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30 police personnel finish EOD course by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- Some 30 members of the police force from Western Mindanao and Soccsksargen Regions completed a three-month training on basic explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) course held in General Santos City.
PSupt Resty Damaso, public information officer of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), said participants came from regional and provincial police offices, Philippine Bomb Data Center (PBDC), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Logistic Support Service (LSS) and Special Action Force (SAF). Graduation ceremonies were held on Friday, November 18 at the Regional Special Training Unit building, Tambler, General Santos City. Damaso said, the specialized training course aimed to enhance and upgrade skills of trainees regarding explosive ordnance disposal and 34
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to keep them abreast of new technologies, which can be very useful in preventing potential attacks from rogue elements. Training also aimed to improve their knowledge and skills in identifying and disposing bombs, which
Monday, November 21, 2011
could deliver greater impact in their delivery of duties and responsibilities as EOD experts toward protecting lives, Damaso added. Damaso said the course was in accordance with the Ten -Point Action Plan of
Director-General Nicanor Bartolome, specifically regarding development of competencies, enhancement of individual skills and specialization with premium on investigation, resource management and disaster response skills of the police. Ed Schlachter, RSO/ATA program manager, told trainees, “You are fortunate enough for being one of the best participants after taking and completing this course. It is indeed, our public responsibility relies on our hands for truly serving and for keeping our people safe.” P/CSupt Lester Camba, deputy regional director for administration of PRO-12, who represented Regional Director P/CSupt Benjardi Mantele in the activity, congratulated the BEODC participants “for surpassing another challenge of duties and responsibilities of a true member of the
PNP, which focuses on the enhancement of the ability of the personnel in responding to unwanted incidences and handling explosive ordnance eventualities, and finally, conducting a thorough investigation as to come up with an assessment that they could utilize to develop a sound plan in order to preempt such unlawful acts.” “Being part of the BEODC unit is not an easy task and it is a dangerous assignment, yet I believe that our participants can handle these predica-
ments with the knowledge and skills that they have acquired from this training, ” Camba said. P/CSupt Felipe Rojas Jr., deputy director for Directorate for Logistics, who was guest speaker of the activity said, “Now that we embraced and obtained the necessary knowledge based on the Ten-Point Action Plan of the Chief, PNP, we must be alert and ready at times to prevent the enemies of the government from doing harm on communities.”
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