PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
EDITORIAL BOARD
P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Skype: hnb_r9pia
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
Central Mindanao (SOCSKARGEN)
Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
Managing Editor …….........
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com pia_xii@yahoo.com
Executive Editor …….........
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
features
Coconut Production
in Davao
Photo credits: justcocooil.com, lyricsdog.eu
Cover Story :
4
Vol. 1, No. 86
The tree of life; going coco in Davao by RG Alama
NATI O NAL
10 12 13
President aquino ensures 2% of DA budget for organic agricultural programs Aquino awaits busy schedule in Bali, Indonesia Aquino to keynote 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference
WESTERN Mindanao
29
29 30 31 32
AFPSLAI augments soldiers’ recreational center to boost morale Reading Association of the Philippines midyear demofest 2011 slated in Dipolog on Nov. 13-15 RTWPB approves new wage hike ADSWD sends stress debriefer teams to assist victims of lawless elements encounter PHL, US Marines show off amphibious operations capabilities
contents
CENTRAL Mindanao
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10 16 17 18 19 21
Vehicles for barangays
36 37
22 24 25 26 27
Lanao Norte Guv thanks Pres. Aquino for declaring Nov. 7 a holiday for all
Muslim Filipinos celebrate Eid Al-Adha Coop Union in Lanao del Sur urges GPH-MILF to continue peace talks
Lanao del Sur holds 2nd coop congress
TF Bamboo 3E starts bamboo tree planting along riverbanks in NorMin
PNP sets security plan for Yuletide season, deploys personnel to malls NFA S. Cotabato opens warehouses in Upper Valley area
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34 brgy ng DOS, Maguindanao tumanggap ng sasakyan
34 35
NORTHERN Mindanao
Gensan completes computerization of 85 public schools
CARAGA Region
34
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
PDEA-13 calls brgy officials’ support to curb illegal drug activities
SOUTHERN Mindanao
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DOE assures technology to mitigate coal-fired power plant effects
40 43 44
DENR XI claims illegal logging curbed but massive prod’n of school furnishings from hot logs says otherwise Davao LGU commits to E-trike project Tagum Coop Young Savers’ account reach million level
Sen Legarda guest of honor at tribal assembly on Nov 12 Tribal assembly set in Surigao del Sur CYLN to participate in the United Nations Global Compact NPC president to induct Caraga Tri-Media officers
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Cover Story The tree of life; going coco in Davao By RG Alama
C
onsidered as the tree of life for an array of commodities and products which can be sourced from its different parts from the leaves, nuts and trunk up to its roots, the Coconut is among Davao Region’s top product providing livelihood and income to farmers and residents in the countryside. 4
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Philippine Coconut Authority-XI Regional Director Lornito Orillaneda said that the Davao Region has about 376,000 hectares of coconut farms producing 3-million coconuts annually. It accounts for more than 60% of the Philippine coconut industry income of P600-million. In the region, Davao Oriental is tops in the number of coconut trees planted and in income contributions computed at around 72 percent. Davao del Sur is at the second spot, Davao City on third and Davao del Norte at fourth. Davao Oriental is considered as the country’s top coconut producer. According to 2007 figures the province produces an average of one billion nuts annually covering a total crop area of 156,837 hectares.
The major products exported by the province are crude oil and copra pellets. Records show that export of 816,863 metric tons of crude oil and pellets from 1997 to 2001 is valued at $ 185.7 million. The estimated number of coconut farmers in Davao Oriental is around 114,079 farmers, the number of coconut plantations number at around 46,091 farms with an average farm Size of about 3.68 hectares and an average production per hectare / year at 1.2 tons. Orillaneda said that current export
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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receipts for the whole region from January to September 2011 are estimated to be at $200-million. This is an increase from the $154-million export receipts recorded in 2010. These receipts included all coconut products from copra, coconut oil, coconut water, coco-sugar, bio-fertilizers among others. According to data from the National Economic Development Authority; Regional economic production suffered a 6
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
slump in 2010. It registered a production drop of 1.4% as compared to 2009. According to a report the primary source of the decrease was the biological stress factor on coconut trees like the onslaught of drought and heavy rains which resulted to a 2 to 3 a year cyclical harvest. However according to NEDA data, despite the lower production, the prices of copra resecada increased from a P16 a kilo in January 2010 to P40
a kilo in October 2010 and in February of this year alone, copra prices surged to an all time high of P64 a kilo. This is due to an upsurge in demand from the markets of China and India, which has become the top coconut markets aside from Europe and the United States. Banana plantations a threat? Orillaneda said that initially expanding banana plantations, which resulted in the conversion of formerly coconut farms and the cutting of trees for coco-lumber was an alarming trend for the coconut industry. It was brought about by low prices of copra the traditional source of export commodity for many coconut farmers. A decade ago, the prices of copra per kilo shrunk to a historic low P2 per kilo which forced many farmers to shift to high-income crops like bananas. But he said the percentage of coconut trees that were cut accounted for just 1% of the coconut trees in the region. Orillaneda said that at present farmers are now replanting new coconut seedlings. In the first three quarters of 2011, about 173,000 new trees were
planted. And these included replacement trees for old senile coconut palms. The total replanting rate is about 7% per year which outstrips the cutting rate of 1%. By three years time according to Orillaneda there will be 173,000 more productive coconut trees. At present the coconut industry is producing 2.6 billion coconuts annually and their goal for the next five years is to nearly double the production to about 4-billion trees. According to Orillaneda, the region can still accommodate around 320-million coconut trees.
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Revitalizing an industry The PCA is introducing value-adding factors in revitalizing the coconut industry. Instead of trying to rely on copra as a traditional product, they are eyeing the development of coco-coir and coco-peat industries. For example coconut husks which used to be waste products or kiln fuel in traditional 8
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
copra industries can be utilized as another revenue stream for farmers. The coconut husks can be made into brushes, doormats, carpets, bags, ropes, yarn fishing nets, and mattresses, etc. the coir fiber from the husks can be utilized as substitute for jute in making rice, copra, sugar, coffee, bags and sandbags and many other materials. It is estimated that the country produces 15-billion coconut husks and the number alone the country can hope to overtake Sri Lanka and China as the top coco-coir exporters in the world. Other revitalization programs include inter-cropping with other crops like cacao, bananas and coffee. Particularly cacao (cocoa) which the Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAO) is heavily promoting citing the increasing world market demand for chocolates which is
sourced from cacao, current cacao prices (dried beans) range from P100 to P125 a kilo. The CAO said that in a hectare planted to coconut trees a farmer can squeeze in 900 cacao trees which can give him an additional income of about P150, 000 per year. The cacaococonut farm model is part of the city’s agro-forestry development program which aims to target 105,000 hectares of agricultural forestry land in Davao City. Climate Change Mitigation More than just income and livelihood for farmers, coconuts can also help in climate change mitigation. Dr. Severino Magat of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in his paper titled, “Coconut: Its Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change” it has suggested that the Philip-
pines can utilize its 3.2-million hectares of coconut lands as carbon sinks. Acco rding to studies, a hectare of coconuts had a capacity to store 24.1 tons of carbons in a year. For example basing on the given data Davao Region alone with an area of 376- thousand hectares planted to coconuts sequesters an estimated 9-million plus tons of carbon in a year. According to Dr. Magat’s paper these coconut lands could be developed for income generating carbon sequestration projects and carbon credit market. Aside from carbon sequestration capacities, the coconuts can also ease up the use of fossil fuels with its bio-fuel products which can be sourced from its oil. From providing livelihood to farmers to its potentials in mitigating climate change, the coconut has again proven that is the tree of life from the past, to the present until the future. And Davao Region with its abundant coco-resources could again benefit from its resurgence. Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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President aquino ensures 2% of DA budget for organic agricultural programs
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Department of Agriculture to ensure that two percent of its annual budget be allocated for the implementation of it’s programs and policies on organic agriculture. 10
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The President gave the directive in his speech at the 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference at the Aquino Center of Hacienda Luisita here. “Inaasahan ko ang tuloy-tuloy na pagdodoble-kayod ng Department of Agriculture sa pagbuo at pagpapatupad ng mga polisiya at programa na magpapabilis sa pag-unlad ng organic farming sa bansa, sa ilalim ng kanilang National Organic Agriculture Program,” the President said. “Katuwang naman ang Department of Budget and Management, sisiguruhin natin na mailalaan ng DA ang hindi bababa sa dalawang porsiyento ng kanilang taunang budget sa pagpapatupad sa nabanggit na programa, alinsunod sa RA 10068,” he added.
Republic Act 10068, otherwise known as Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, strengthens the State’s policy to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines. The President is promoting organic agriculture as a means to address the issue of food security in the country. “Habang pinapalawak natin ang access ng bawat pamilya sa sapat na pagkain, kailangan din nating pag-igtingin ang pagpapalaganap ng mga kaalaman at teknolohiya na magpapanumbalik sa kalusugan ng mga lupang sakahan,” the President said. “Dito pumapasok ang halaga ng organic agriculture,” he added. The President said that through or-
ganic agriculture, farmers are ensured of cumulatively conditioning and enriching the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent depletion of natural resources, and further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the general public. He added that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has determined that organic agriculture has the potential to increase farm productivity thereby increasing farmers’ wages and provide food for all. “Makakatulong din ito sa pagbaba ng gastos sa pagsasaka,” the President added. (RCK)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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Aquino awaits busy schedule in Bali, Indonesia
A 19.
busy schedule awaits President Benigno S. Aquino III at the 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Bali, Indonesia from November 17 to
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio said in a pre-departure briefing at Malacanang on Tuesday, that the President will have a series of meetings where he will promote the ad12
vocacies of the country for ASEAN. The 19th Asean Summit will formally start in the morning of November 17 which will be followed by the Plenary and Retreat Sessions and the ASEAN Lead-
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
ers’ Meeting with the Asean Business Advisory Council. The Agreements and Declarations to be signed by the Asean Ministers which will be witnessed by the Asean Leaders include the Agree-
ment on the Establishment of the Asean Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center), the Declaration on Asean Unity in Cultural Diversity: Towards Strengthening the Asean Community. The Asean Leaders will also sign the Bali Declaration on the Asean Community in a Global Community of Nations. The first day’s
P
side event will feature the 2011 Asean Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) Asean Fair. Topping the activities on Friday (Nov. 18) are the AseanChina Commemorative Summit followed by the Launching of the Asean-China Center, the 14th AseanJapan Summit and the 14th Asean-Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit. There will also be the 14th Asean Plus
Three Summit and the 3rd Asean – United States of America Leaders’ Meeting wherein the Philippine plays as the coordinator. On its final day (Nov. 19), the activities include the 4th Asean – United Nations Summit, the 9th Asean – India Summit and the 6th East Asia Summit (Plenary and Retreat Sessions). (JCL)
Aquino to keynote 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference resident Benigno S. Aquino III will embark on a three-day trip to Bali, Indonesia to attend the 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits from November 17 to 19, a senior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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I n a pred e p a rture briefing at Malacanang on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio said that apart from his ASEAN counterparts, President Aquino will also be meeting with the leaders of Asutralia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea
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(ROK), Russia and the United States (US), and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. “President Aquino will be attending the 19th Asean Summit, the AseanChina Commemorative Summit, the 14th Asean-Japan Summit, the 14th Asean-ROK Summit, the 14th Asean Plus Three Summit, the 3rd Asean-US Leaders’ Meeting, the 4th
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Asean-U.N. Summit, the Asean Leaders’ Meeting with the Asean Business Advisory Council, the 9th Asean-India Summit and the 6th East Asia Summit,” Usec. Basilio said. The Philippines also welcomes the finalization of the Guidelines on the implementation of the DOC of Parties in the West Philippine Sea. During the said events, the President will focus on Philippine advocacies for Asean, which are aligned with the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, namely political-security, economic diplomacy and assistance to nationals. These advocacies include Maritime Security and the transformation of the West Philippine Sea to a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship, and Co-
operation (ZoPFF/C) with respect to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration of Conduct (DOC). It will be recalled that during the 18th ASEAN Summit last May in Jakarta, Indonesia, President Aquino offered a frame-
work for pursuing the ZoPFF/C. In his speech at the 18th Asean Summit last May in Jakarta, President Aquino underscored the main purpose for the creation of Asean in 1967 which aims for the “creation of a cohesive, peaceful, stable and resil-
ient region�. The President stressed that it is paramount for Asean-member countries to remain committed to its community-building goals to realize an Asean Community by the year 2015. (JCL)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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Vehicles for barangays The Provincial Government of South Cotabato under the leadership of Governor Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr. has turned over vehicles to Brgy Avancena of Koronadal City, Brgy Basag of T’boli, Brgy San Miguel of Norala; Brgy Liberty of Tampakan, Brgy M. Roxas of Sto. Niño, and Brgy Koronadal Proper ofPolomolok. These vehicles, Gov. Pingoy appealed, should be used solely for the efficient delivery of basic services in communities. (Photos by TONY SOLIS and STEVE RODRIGUEZ/SoCot-PIO)
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Gensan completes computerization of 85 public schools By Pops Gumana-Fruylan GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The local government here has recently completed the computerization of all the 85 public elementary and secondary schools in the city in a move to sharpen the city’s competitive advantage in the domestic and global arenas. City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio led the website-launching of the 69 public elementary schools over the weekend in addition to the websites of the 26 barangay high schools that were launched few weeks earlier. According to Media Affairs Officer, Avel Manansala, the idea of linking the 85 public schools in the city through the internet is underscored in the SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) headed by the mayor’s Executive Assistant, Percival Pasuelo, Manansala disclosed that the SHEEP-CLP is one of the major development thrusts of the present administration to prepare the city for effective domestic and
global engagements, as envisioned by former Mayor Adelbert Antonino. SHEEP stands for Social Transformation, Human Empowerment, Economic Diversification, Environment Security and Regeneration, and Participatory Governance and Transpar-
ency. Meanwhile, Manansala revealed that all these 85 websites can be accessed through a centralized websitewww.gensantos.orgwhere interested net or web surfers especially alumni of the schools can check on their Alma Mater.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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“These websites are very interactive and perform like blogs where students can contribute their essays and upload pictures of their school activities,” he said. Manansala explained
that the City Government and the Department of Education (DepEd) have partnered in training the principals of the 85 public schools as well as their staffs on how to responsibly maintain their respec-
tive websites. “General Santos City now holds the distinction of being the first city in the country where all its public schools have online presence,” he opined. (PIA-Gensan)
PNP sets security plan for Yuletide season, deploys personnel to malls By Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY- Barely a week after the successful implementation of Oplan Kaluluwa, Region 12’s Police Regional Office (PRO 12) is already on the final stage of setting up security plans for the Christmas season. Police Regional Dihave already “set on rector P/CSupt. Benpaper” the security jardi Mantele said they plans for both Christ-
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
mas and New Year celebrations. “We have already written down the duties and responsibilities of each unit,” he said. After these plans have been finalized he said, he will call a meeting with police provincial directors and commanders and chiefs of police for a discussion and implementation of the security measures. He added that dur
ing the implementation of the plans, senior officers will be going around the region to supervise and make sure that plans are properly followed. Mantele, however, emphasized that the police personnel need the assistance and cooperation of the public in the success of the security plans, pointing out that keeping the celebrations peaceful
and orderly remains a concerted effort between the police and the communities. Mantele has also ordered beefing up of security in malls and supermarkets that are expected to be busy in the coming weeks. Effective yesterday, malls and supermarkets in General Santos City have been assigned with two to four police person-
nel to help security guards, particularly in assuring that no dangerous or illegal items such as firearms are brought inside the establishments. He said he has already directed chiefs of police in the other parts of the region to also assign police personnel in malls in their respective jurisdictions. (PIA 12)
NFA S. Cotabato opens warehouses in Upper Valley area By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- South Cotabato’s National Food Authority today opens two warehouses to make sure that palay procured in the Upper Valley area would be properly stocked.
NFA Assistant Manager Angelina Lucena said they have rented Rockwell warehouse in Norala and Bautista warehouse in Banga, which also serve as buying
stations where farmers in the municipalities of Banga, Norala, Surallah, Lake Sebu, T’boli, and Sto. Niño can deliver their produce. “(The warehouses Tuesday, November 8, 2011
19
have been rented) in preparation of our procurement in the upcoming harvest in December,” she said. In an earlier interview, Lucena said the warehouses have a combined capacity of at least 100,000 bags, enough to accommodate deliveries from the Upper Valley area. Provincial Agriculture Officer Reynaldo Legaste in a separate interview said more than 12,000 hectares of rice are expected to be harvested in December. Although they are still short of their target, Lucena is 20
farmers to deliver their produce to NFA South Cotabato, it simplified the requirements so that more farmers could sell their produce. “Farmers only need to present a certification from either their municipal agricultural officer or municipal agrarian reform officer,” Luceconfident they can still achieve the pro- na said. “The certification curement of 168,000 should specify the target before the number of hectares year ends. of rice field being More farmers in the province still pre- tilled, volume of profer selling their pro- duction this season and the farm clasduce to commercial traders because they sification whether irrigated or rain-fed.” still get better price Besides the buying for their wet palay. stations in Banga NFA buys palay from rice farmers at and Norala, farmP17.00 per kilogram. ers may also deliver their produce to two “We buy palay at buying stations in KoP17.40 per kilo if this is clean and dry,” ronadal City. She also assured she said. Accredited rice farmers that cooperatives that NFA South Cotabato sell their palay to has enough funding NFA also get incenfor the procurement tives of P0.30 per program until the end kilo. To encourage more of the year. (PIA 12)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
34 brgy ng DOS, Maguindanao tumanggap ng sasakyan
KORONADAL CITY – Tinanggap kahapon ng 34 na mga opisyal ng iba’t-ibang barangay ng bayan ng Datu Odin Sinsuat sa Lalawigan ng Maguindanao ang tig-isang sasakyan (multicab) na gagamitin para sa paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko para sa mga residente. Ang mga sasakyan ay ipinamahagi sa pamamagitan ng isang simpleng seremonya na pinangunahan ni Maguindanao at Cotabato City Representative Bai Sandra Sema. Ang pondo na binili ng sasakyan ay kinuha sa Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) ni Rep. Sema. Sa kanyang mensahe, hinamon ni Sema ang mga opisyales ng barangay na kanilang gamitin ang mga sasakyan para sa paghahatid ng mga batayang serbisyo at huwag umanong abusuhin ang gamit nito para sa kanilang pansariling kapakanan. Dahil ang sasakyan umano ay pag-aari na ng barangay, pinayuhan din ni Sema ang mga opisyales na ipagamit sa mga residente ito sa panahon ng emergency at kalamidad. Umabot sa mahigit P5.920 milyon ang halaga ng 34 na mga sasakyan na pinondohan ng PDAF ni Sema. (ac agad PIA12)
300 magsasaka sa Maguindanao tumanggap ng CLOA COTABATO CITY -- “Pagyamanin, alagaan at bungkalin at tamnan upang maging produktibo ang lupang kaloob ng gobyerno para pagkakakitaan,” ito ang mensaheng ipinaabot ni Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangundadatu sa mga benepisiyaryo ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Mahigit 300 magsasaka ang napagkalooban ng Department of Agririan Reform (DAR) sa Maguindanao ng Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) sa ilalim ng CARP pagkalipas ng ilang taong sila ay walang sariling lupang sinasaka. Sa awarding ceremony noong Nobyembre 4, sinabi ni Mangundadatu na sa pamamagitan ng biyayang lupaing tinanggap ng mga magsasaka ay daan upang segurado ang dagdag kita para sa pamilya. Hinikayat ng gobernador ang mga benepisyaryo na magdoble sipag sa pagsasaka sa kanilang lupain para dagdag kita ng pamilya sabay paalalang huwag padadala sa sulsol para ibenta o isanla ang hawak nilang CLOA. Ayon kay Bing Bacar, provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO) ng DAR-Maguindanao tuloytuloy ang implementasyon ng CARP na pansamantalang tinigil noong nakalipas na ilang taon. Sa katunayan aniya, ang lalawigan ng Maguindanao ang may pinakamataas na bilang ng CLOA na naipagkaloob sa mga magsasaka. Sa suhestiyong isailalim sa Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program ang mga tinaguriang “ill-gotten lands” sa lalawigan, sinabi ni Bacar na ito ay dadaan sa masusing pagaaral at pagrepaso ng ahensiya sa tulong at koordinasyon ng iba pang kinauukulang tanggapan ng pamahalaan. Ang lupaing isasailalim sa CARP ay kinakailangang napapabilang bilang “alienable at disposable” at hindi produktibo o hindi pinakinabangan sa loob ng tatlong sunod-sunod na taon, paliwanag ni Bacar. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City) Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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G
Lanao Norte Guv thanks Pres. Aquino for declaring Nov. 7 a holiday for all By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
ov. Khalid Q. Dimaporo has thanked President Benigno S. Aquino III for declaring ,Nov. 7, as a holiday not only for Muslims but for Christians, as well.
“This act of President Aquino is very laudable, since it pushes for more unity and understanding of each others’ cultures, “the Governor said. Himself an offspring of a MuslimChristian marriage of Former Congressman Abdulah Dimaporo, a Maranao and Former Governor Imelda Qibranza, a Christian, the Governor, who is one of couple’s five (5) siblings, is an epitome of such cultural unity. He said if Christians have Christmas in December, the Muslims have their Eid Al-Adha in November and if the Christians have the Holy Week for their period of fasting, the Muslims have also their version for such, during the Ramadan. “Ang lahat ay sama-samang nag holiday sa mga panahong ito (All are enjoying these holidays, together),” he said. Republic Act No. 9849 provides that Eidul Adha or Feast of the Sacrifice shall be celebrated as a regular 22
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
holiday in the country. Thus, President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Proclamation No. 276, declaring Nov. 7, as regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eidul Adha. The proclamation was recommended by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) as the culmination of a 3-day celebration: the Eidul Adha Prayer on Nov. 5, the Eidul Adha Festival on Nov. 6 and the Eidul Adha Holiday on Nov. 7.
The date of the festival, Nov. 6, was based on the declaration made by Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body. Meanwhile, yesterday’s Eid Al-Adha festival in Lanao del Norte was observed with a Korban “Beef Sharing” and “lechon baka” offering attended mostly by the Provincial Volunteer Health Workers (PVHW). “Halal” beef of two (2) kg., each, were distributed to some 4,000 families, both Muslims and Christians ,while the roasted beef provided for their lunch. The fresh meat came from some 220 cows, of which 20 were roasted and prepared at the meat section of the Provincial Agora Public Market, fronting the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC), in Sagadan , here. About 100 of the cows were donated by the Turkisk Government through the Integrated Center for Alternative Developments (ICAD) and Pacific Dialogue Foundations, while the other 120 were donated by the Lanao del Norte Provincial Government.
Ferhat Kazkondu, President of ICAD Foundation said the beef-sharing is their way of reaching out to their brothers and sisters in the Philippines. He also said he will try his best to increase the number of cows that the Turkish people will donate to the Eid Al-Adha festivities, here, next year.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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Muslim Filipinos celebrate Eid Al-Adha By Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Muslims all over the country observed Eidul Adha, Sunday, with religious fervor and renewed spirit of sacrifice.
They have gathered in their respective local mosques where the Eid Al-Adha congregational prayers were offered. One of the two Islamic Festivals, Eidul Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the great act of sacrifice Abraham (Ibrahim among Muslims) was willing to make in order to submit to the will of Allah. Muslims celebrate this occasion to remember the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, said Aleem Khairuddin Hanapi. He said before Abraham was able to sacrifice his son, Allah replaced Ishmael with a sheep, thus, sparing his life. That is why Muslims remember this momentous event by sacrificing a sheep, camel, cow, or goat, and sharing the meat from the sacrifice to others, especially the poor, he 24
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
added. Meanwhile, President Benigno S. Aquino III, has praised Muslim Filipinos for their earnest conviction for their beliefs and steadfast fulfilment of their religious obligations citing these as an inspiration to their fellow countrymen. In his Eidul Adha message, the President said Eid Al-Adha is a reflection of a tale about unconditional trust reminding Muslim Filipinos that sacrifice is a test of one’s principles amid the challenges and complexities of life. This occasion also imparts the lesson of courage, motivating a believer to be more accepting of the trials along the way of his enlightenment, he added. Furthermore, the President also expressed hope that Muslim Filipinos will remain committed in helping create an environment of stability through harmonious relations among all Filipinos. In line with the celebration, President Aquino has declared November 7, 2011 as a regular holiday throughout the country in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eidul Adha to the fore of national consciousness. Eidul Adha is the 12th regular holiday being observed in the entire country.
Coop Union in Lanao del Sur urges GPH-MILF to continue peace talks By Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The newly-organized Cooperative Union of Lanao del Sur (CUL) has urged the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) to resume the peace talks in Mindanao. This consensus was agreed by the CUL members of the during the second provincial cooperative congress held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol, here, recently. In its first resolution, CUL requested both the government and MILF to resolve, once and for all, the ongoing atrocities affecting some areas in Mindanao and also give preferential interest in the peace and development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). With the presence of conflict, the union members believed that it could not engage in business and expand their social and economic endeavors that would contribute to the development in their respective localities. Anchored on the theme, “Transformative Cooperative: Advancing
People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace,� the coop congress aims to promote the spirit of cooperativism as a vehicle for social transformation for the people, planet, prosperity and peace. One of the highlights of the gathering was the oath-taking of the officers of the CUL namely: Dr. Lominog B. Manoga, President, Sultan Tingagun Macaagir, Vice President, Abdulrahman Barazar, Secretary, Aleem Abdulmalik Macarampat, Treasurer, Soraidah Alonto Bookkeeper, and Saifon Abdulmanan, Faisal Mangco, and Engr. Omar Macarimbang, Board of Director. Meanwhile, Atty. Paisalin D. Tago and Pendatun B. Disimban, CDA Administrators for Mindanao, have called on the officers of CUL to join in the Mindanao Peace Forum on November 11, 2011 to show that cooperatives are not only instrument of social justice and sustainable development but also vehicles for peace. The peace forum, dubbed as 11.11.11, is slated to be held at the Atrium of Lim Ket Kai Center in Cagayan de Oro City. Cooperative leaders from all over the country is expected to participate to advance what they believe is their inherent right to live in peace founded on social justice, equity, and sustainable development. Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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Lanao del Sur holds 2nd coop congress By Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Close to 200 cooperative members in the province converged here, recently, and joined hands to put forward the cooperative movement in this part of the country. Organized by the Cooperative D e v e l o p m e n t Authority (CDA), in collaboration with the Provincial Cooperative Office, the 2nd Lanao del Sur Cooperative Congress aimed at raising public consciousness on the contributions of cooperatives on the socio-economic development of the country. Anchored on the theme “Kazalimbutad A Kapamagogopa: Kambayorantang, Kapuromasay, Kaphiaphia, Kathigur Ago Kapanglimbabaan Para Ko Lalayon A Kalilintad Ago Kathagompia (Transformative Cooperative: Advancing People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace),” the congress also aimed to promote the spirit of cooperativism as a vehicle for social transformation for the people, planet, prosperity and peace. “The theme is fittingly appropriate as this advocacy is never an affair of the government, alone, but also the concern of all stakeholders of the society, especially the people themselves,” expressed Lanao del Sur First District Representative Hussein 26
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Pacasum-Pangandaman. He said the promotion of cooperatives is one of the major interventions of the government to minimize, if not totally eradicate, poverty. By enhancing the capabilities of non-government organizations, livelihood associations, people’s organizations such as cooperatives, and self-help groupings dedicated to the people, the government is buildingup the capacity of the masses, he added. Pangandaman, who was the keynote speaker of the coop congress, also underscored that active participation and strong adherence to the spirit of cooperativism is the one of the necessary ingredients to achieve prosperity and peace.
He said what is admirable in the cooperative is that it will only decide in favor of the common good and not on a particular person’s vested interest. Hence, he expressed the need for strong cooperatives that are guided by transparency and accountability to ensure that the cooperatives’ interest will prevail in the community. Pangandaman also urged the participants to transform into cooperative efforts the admirable culture and tradition of Maranaos towards the concept of “kapamagogopa,” a Mranao term which means helping one another
for prosperity and peace within the challenging environment. Meanwhile, Mindanao State University (MSU) Director for Research and Extension Dr. Amer A. Comadug, has expressed commitment to support the CDA in its agenda of advancing human resource development. He said MSU, through technical assistance, will assist CDA and the newly-organized Cooperative Union of Lanao del Sur in enhancing their skills and capabilities to make them effective in carrying out endeavors to advance cooperativism.
TF Bamboo 3E starts bamboo tree planting along riverbanks in NorMin by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Task Force Best Action for Mobilizing Barangay Organizations for Opportunities in Education, Environment and Entrepreneurship (BAMBOO 3E) has been formed in Northern Mindanao. Described as a multi-sectoral approach to enhance environmental education and entrepreneurship formation among children, BAMBOO 3E aims to address the concern on climate change by the elementary, secondary, and tertiary schools of the region. The said task force advocates for bamboo to be planted along the riverbanks because of its potential for preventing soil erosion and entreprenueral value to the students,” Regional Director Luz Almeda of the Dept. of Education (DepEd), Northern
Mindanao, said. “We want to start them young in taking care of the environment by educating them how to plant trees, grow them, and then develop their entrepreneural skills using the bamboo as a means to sustain their lives,” she said. The composition of TF BAMBOO 3E and their respective tasks is as follows: DepEd, as chair, provides manpower for the planting and growing of the bamboo seedlings into trees and making the tree guards to ensure Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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their safe growth from destructive of seedlings and tree growing. animals.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as vice-chair, provides the technology for the processing of the bamboo trees into school furniture, such as, school desks, blackboards, book shelves, book stands, book ends, etc.
Also included in the TF are the Dept. of Tourism (DOT), Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the information, education, and advocacy drive of the project. Meanwhile, DepEd-10 has identified several pilot areas for planting bamboo trees: Barangays Lingating and Langawon in Baungon; and Bukidnon and Mambuaya, Gusa and Iponan, in Cagayan de Oro City.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the local government units (LGU),identifies the planting areas, coordinates with its land owners and arranges for the security of its protection and maintenance of the bamboo growing process. So far, Almeda said DepEd has allocated P200,000 for the purchase Department of Environment of bamboo seedlings, while DOST and Natural Resources (DENR) has promised to put up a bamboo and Dept. of Agriculture (DA) for processing plant worth P1.2M in technical assistance in procurement Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
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AFPSLAI augments soldiers’ recreational center to boost morale by Rene Carbayas he Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan, Inc. (AFPSLAI) formally turned over on October 28 to the Enlisted Personnel (EP) of Western Command (WESCOM) items which will be placed in the floating cottage that will serve as the EP’s recreation center.
The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP reveals that AFPSLAI Palawan branch manager Gloterio M. Dolorfino personally handed over a refrigerator unit and other recreational items to the EP that amounted to more than P170, 000. WESCOM Commander LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP led the
turn-over ceremony held at the Social Hall at the WESCOM headquarters.
hard work. The turn-over also coincided with the induction of officers of the EP Cooperative Association and of the EP Ladies Club which were also officiated by LTGen Sabban. The EP Cooperative was estab-
Providing the EP with the floating cottage that will serve as their recreational center is another project conceptualized with the aim of boosting the soldiers’ morale and encouraging them to give better service. The floating cottage will be a place where the enlisted personnel can go to relax after a long day of lished Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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to provide the enlisted personnel with an income generating project as well as an establishment where they
could go to buy grocery items at a cheaper price. MSg Engalla PAF was elect-
ed as the president of the EP Cooperative Association. (JPA/6CRGAFP/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
Reading Association of the Philippines midyear demofest 2011 slated in Dipolog on by Franklin P. Gumapon Nov. 13-15
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ublic and private school administrators, college professors and elementary and high school teachers are slated to coverage here on Nov. 13-15 for the midyear demofest 2011 spearheaded by the Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP). This year’s gathering of reading teachers, professors and specialist in the mother tongue, Filipino, and English will focus will focus on the theme, “Reading Rizal: Pagsulong sa Kaniyang Adhikain sa Konektadong Daigdig. The activity aims to bring together professionals and advocates from various parts of the country to share their best practices on literacy education in relation to the follow30
ing strands: Reading Rizal, Rizal and Technology and Rizal and Love of Country. Prof. Ambeth Ocampo of the History Department of Ateneo de Manila University will serve will serve as keynote speaker during the opening program. Other speakers include Prof. Patrocinio Villafuerte of the Filipino Department, Philippine Normal University-Manila, Dr. Lina Diaz De Rivera of the College of Education, University of the
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Philippines, Dr. Daniel Churchill of the nUniversity of Hong Kong, Dr. Micahel Tan of the College of Science and Philosophy of the University of the Philippines-Diliman and Executive Director Victorino Manalo of the National Archives of the Philippines. It can be recalled that the National Physics Conference was also held here in the city last month. (JPA/FPG/ PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)
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RTWPB approves new wage hike by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ood news for workers in the region. Department of Labor’s (DOLE) Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in its recent meeting held in Manila approved Wage Order 17 granting a Php 12.00 increase in the basic salary of the private workers in Region 9. DOLE Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom said the said wage order will be “out” anytime soon as the papers for the new wage increase are still with the National Wages Productivity Commission (NWPC) for review. Ligutom said notice of new wage hike will be published in newspapers
F
once the labor department will get hold of the papers after thorough review of the NWPC and implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will then fallow. Earlier, the RTWPB have conducted several wage hearings on the possible wage increase in the region. The Regional Wage
Board composition is as follows: two representatives from the employers sector, two from the workers sector, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DOLE as the chair. (JPA/PIA9-Zambo City)
DSWD sends stress debriefer teams to assist victims of lawless elements encounter ourteen teams of social workers were dispatched to the municipalities of Alicia and Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay early this month to conduct Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing (CISD) sessions to armed conflict affected families. The teams, composed of social workers from the regional office and its sub-offices in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur,
are trained debriefers who shall conduct debriefing sessions to adults and children willing to undergo the said session.
Mrs. Socorro Macaso, Head of the CISD teams explained that CISD is not a psychotherapy, nor it is a substitute
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for psychotherapy instead it is to provide an opportunity for ventilation in a structured and supportive environment. “It’s main goal is to relieve the person of the stress brought about by a traumatic incident such as the recent conflict in Payao.” Mrs. Macaso further revelaed that four (4) teams will be deployed in Payao while the other
S
teams will be assigned their experiences and in Alicia municipality encountered scenes in considering that most the hope of mitigating evacuees come from the the effects of their experiences. said area. The teams were Adults shall be subjected to the seven also tasked to assess (7) phases of Jeffrey the damages brought Mitchell’s CISD model about by the conflict while children who were as well as look into also affected by the other needs of the distressful ordeal shall affected families and (JPA/ have sessions on draw communities. and tell, where they will DSWD-9/PIA9/CAL/ be encouraged to draw ZamboSur)
PHL, US Marines show off amphibious operations capabilities howing off their enhanced interoperability capabilities in conducting amphibious operations, the Philippines and the United States Marines participating in the bilateral military training on October 27, successfully conducted a boat raid exercise in the coast of Tagkawayan, Puerto Princesa City. The 6th Civil Rela- the sea and using the The US Marines tions Group of the AFP element of surprise to have only started trainreported that in a sim- their advantage. ing with their Filipino ulated scenario, counterparts the combined the day before Philippines and the capability US Forces demdemonstration onstrated their and the forcapabilities to mer have been infiltrate an enimpressed by emy’s base by how easily the coming in from Philippine Ma 32
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rines have int e grated what they learned in their own operational system. US Marines team leader Captain John Dolby commended the Philippine Marines for proving themselves at par with their American counterparts. The simulated boat raid operation was part of the annual military exercises between the Philippine and US Marines dubbed Phiblex designed to enhance interoperability between both countries’ marine forces. This year’s exercises focused on improving territorial defense capabilities as well as disaster response preparedness. LTGen Juan-
cho M. Sabban AFP, Commander of the Western Command (WESCOM), said Palawan was chosen as one of the venues for the training not only because the beaches found here are suitable for military exercises such as the boat raid operation but also because of the presence of the support facility in the West Coast, particularly in Ulugan Bay. WESCOM Chief said amphibious operations like the boat raid are the core competency of the Philippine Marines and the training with the American soldiers would further improve their capabilities. US Exercise director Brig. Gen. Craig Timberlake said training with the Philippine Marines is particularly special of the kinship between the Filipino soldiers and the US
Marines. The exercise was participated in by at least 2000 US marines and a thousand Philippine troops. Community development and humanitarian assistance projects had also been conducted as part of military exercises. Aside from trainings in Palawan, joint marine exercises are being held simultaneously in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim in Cavite, Crow Valley in Tarlac and Naval Station San Miguel in Zambales. (JPA/6CRGAFP/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
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PDEA-13 calls brgy officials’ support to curb illegal drug activities
by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
arangay officials should not be scared in giving information to the office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga relating to smuggling of drugs in their barangays.
This is the statement by PDEA Caraga Acting Regional Director Joel Plaza in an interview with a local radio station here. Plaza said infor-
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com 34
mation such as this makes it easier for the agency to conduct operations to curb drug smuggling in barangays. The PDEA chief
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
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of the region said that the coordination and support of the local officials led to a decline in drug smuggling cases in the region.
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
Sen Legarda guest of honor at tribal assembly on Nov 12
TANDAG CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda will be is the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 1st “Kahimunan” and “Panagdapog” tribal assembly on November 12 in Surigao del Sur. Legarda is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities. The assembly with the theme “Unity, a key towards achieving cultural integrity” will be participated in by the
IPs from Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. MGen Felix Victor Felix, Commanding Office of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army will
deliver an inspirational message. Meanwhile, Indigenous Peoples Rights Act will be discussed by the NCIP legal officers to enhance their knowledge on IPs’ rights as enshrined in the said law.
Tribal assembly set in Surigao del Sur by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY-- A tribal assembly dubbed 1st “Kahimunan” for the Manobo and “Panagdapog” for Mandaya organized by the ManoboMandaya Cultural Communities Alliance (MaManCCA) is set on November 11-13 at the Municipal Tree Park, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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The different indigenous cultural communities from the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Orien-
tal will convene to initiate the activity after a series of consultations. Different issues and concerns are expected to be raised by IP leaders dur-
ing the assembly. An open forum is also set where Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel and the province’s 19 town Mayors are expected to give immediate response to whatever concerned issues raised by the IPs. It was learned that Ifugao Lone District Congressman Teodoro Baguilat, Jr will be the keynote speaker on the first day of the event, while Gov. Johnny Pimentel will present an IP Development Agenda.
CYLN to participate in the United Nations Global Compact AGUSAN DEL NORTE -- The Caraga Youth Leaders’ Network Inc. (CYLN Inc.) will participate in the United Nations Global Compact of the United Nations system. The UN Global Compact is a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anticorruption. By doing so, business, as a primary driver of globalization, 36
can help ensure that markets, commerce, technology and finance advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere. As social, political and economic challenges (and opportunities) affect business, many companies recognize the need to collaborate and partner with gov-
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
ernments, civil society, labour and the United Nations. This ever-increasing understanding is reflected in the Global Compact’s rapid growth. With over 8,700 corporate participants and other stakeholders from over 130 countries, it is the largest voluntary corporate responsibility
initiative in the world. Mr. Rex Ybanez, CEO and Chair of the CYLN expressed his gratitude to the United Nations system headed by Secretary - General Ban ki-moon for the positive response on CYLN’s application to the United Nations Global Compact after a meticulous process of screening. The CYLN a nongovernment organiza-
tion (NGO) based in Caraga region that aims to advance the Caraganon youth development affairs. This is one of the purposes of CYLN to aim high for the benefits of the Caraganon youths towards a better Caraga. Despite of the struggle of the CYLN in financial sustainability, and full recognition by various local government units
(LGUs), the CYLN continues to develop and advance the Butuanon, Agusanon and Surigaonon youth welfare. The United Nations Global Compact is a corporate responsibility initiative - the world’s largest with over 8,000 business and non-business participants in 135 countries of the United Nations. (CYLN/PIACaraga)
NPC president to induct Caraga Tri-Media officers by Rina “Jiji” Jaylo
SURIGAO CITY -- National Press Club (NPC) President Jerry Yap will induct officers of the newly-organized Caraga Region Tri-Media Practitioners Association (CARTRIPA) on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Provincial Convention Center, this city. Yap will also be the keynote speaker, according to Roberto “Jun” Parada, newly-elected president of CARTRIPA and Caraga Aksyon Balita publisher. Also known as Caraga Tri-Media, the said regional media group was organized on October 8, 2011 during the culmination of the twoday Caraga Regional Media Conference held at Prince Hotel in Butuan City. Its members include media practi-
tioners from the print, broadcast and internet/ online media covering the five provinces and six cities of Caraga Region 13. In an interview, Parada said they are very elated that NPC president Jerry Yap has accepted their invitation to become their inducting officer and keynote speaker. According to him, Yap’s acceptance as inducting officer is a very big boost to the morale of local journal-
ists in this part of the country and he considers the same as a major achievement. “This is the first time in the history of the entire Caraga Region that a legitimate regional media group was organized and its officers will be sworn in by no less than the president of the National Press Club. We have chosen NPC president Jerry Yap as our inducting office because of his unquestionable integrity, his national stat-
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ure and the prominence of the organization he represents. Stated thus, taking our oath of office before him is already a very big accomplishment because it will give us immeasurable honor and prestige,” Parada explained. He disclosed that the forthcoming induction of officers will be attended by Governor Sol Matugas, Congressman Franciso Matugas, Congressman Guillermo Romarate, Jr., Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas and other town mayors of Surigao del Norte. The Caraga TriMedia officers who will take their oath before 38
NPC president Jerry Yap are: Caraga Aksyon Balita publisher Roberto “Jun” Parada, president; Philipine Star correspondent Benedict “Ben” Serrano, executive vicepresident; DxSE station manager Rona Alvizo, vice-president for Surigao del Sur; DxRS anchorman John Estanio, vice-president for Surigao del Norte; Dinagat TV News program director Jimmy Jara, vicepresident for Dinagat; DxSF station manager Max Tutor, vice-president for Agusan del Sur; DxJM anchorman Louie Oranda, vice-president for Agusan del Norte; Caraga Aksyon Balita
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associate editor Aidye Ahyn Ortega, secretarygeneral; DxVP station manager Judith Suarez, treasurer; Bandilyo Caraga Balita publisher Arnold Dagcuta, assistant treasurer; DxJJ anchorman Lito Ucab, auditor; Smile FM station manager Richard Grande, assistant auditor; and Bunawan FM station manager Fred Lobog, P.I.O. Composing the board of directors who will also take their oath are: Caraga Aksyon Balita editorial adviser Eugenio “Jun” Lira as chairman; TV6 newscaster and DxVP anchorman Willy Evangelio, board member; TV6 correspondent and DxVP broadcaster Leonardo “Nards” Hijara, board member; DxJJ broadcaster Pinky Bee, board member; and Real Radio broadcaster Neil More, board member. The Caraga TriMedia pool of advisers include, Amy Cabusao, organizer of Mindanao Media Forum; Jaime Matugas, editorial consultant of Caraga Aksyon Balita; and Mike Crismundo, correspondent of Manila Bulletin.
DOE assures technology to mitigate coalfired power plant effects by Mai Gevera Macapagat local government units to formulate a program to be able to help municipalities acquire electric tricycles. “We have proven electric tricycles as economically viable. Converting from the traditional tricycle to electronic would spell out additional income to the operator by about P200 to P300 a day. Indeed, there’s economic value to this,” he said. Aside from the economic aspect, DOE also sees its viability with the social value that e-tricycles could give to operators and the riding pubavao City is among the lolic. cal government units that “The next time oil price turns wrote to the Department of Energy high, we will be assured that the triand committed to implement the cycle fare remains the same because E-trike Rent to Own Program. it does not rely on oil,” Almendras Speaking before power stakeholdexplained. ers in the entire Mindanao in to DOE is set to distribute 20,000 day’s Energy Forum held at the units of e-trike from 2012 to 2013 Waterfront Insular Hotel, Energy until it reaches to release up to Secretary Jose Rene Almendras 100,000 units by 2016. bared Davao City Mayor Sara Du A loan facility will be provided terte’s enthusiasm in supporting by the Asian Development Bank the department’s E-trike program. (ADB) for industry market transfor This program hopes to acceler- mation through the introduction and adoption of energy efficient electric ate efforts in promoting and utiliztricycles. To achieve this objective, ing alternative fuels technology for public transport by partnering with
D
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the program aims to deploy 100,000 electric tricycles with the use of lithium ion batteries in various key cities and provinces. It was in April this year that DOE piloted the program in Mandaluyong City. About 20 units of electric tricycles were turned over to the LGU as they started commercial run of these units the following month. Results showed promising economic returns for the drivers within the four months of using the e-tricycles. Using natural gas is way cheaper than using diesel and gasoline. It
is also tagged cleaner and environment-friendly. Studies showed that if the country has 1,000 natural gas buses running all over the Metro, the country will have a cleaner air with a reduction from 147 ppm (parts per million) down to about 90 plus ppm. DOE is taking the lead in providing the so-called FSTP or Fueling Sustainable Transport Program, wherein the government have identified all possible alternative fuels for the transport sector. (PIA-11/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
DENR XI claims illegal logging curbed but massive prod’n of school furnishings from hot logs says otherwise by Jean Abangan
TAGUM CITY- The conversion of illegally cut trees into classroom materials is going on a massive scale but Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI officials claim that illegal logging in Davao Region has been curbed.
Anti-illegal Logging Task Force chief Forester Evelio Tabanguil of the DENR XI asserted in a press conference this morning that illegal logging is no longer happening in Region 11. His claim came on the heels of massive distribution of Tagum Cityfabricated school materials such as
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chairs, desks and tables made out of confiscated logs from DENR XI. Some quarters view this an indication of continuing illegal logging activities. But DENR Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna supported claims of Tabanguil saying, illegally cut trees transported through Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley came from peripheral areas of CARAGA Region particularly in Agusan del Sur. “We have known the people behind this sinister. We are hoping that with the strict implementation of E.O. 23, they will stop their nefarious activities,” he said, in a separate in
terview, referring to people involved in transporting hot logs from Loreto, Agusan del Sur (CARAGA Region) to the downtown areas in Region 11. Illegal logging has been claimed curbed, but Sampulna revealed to have monitored timber poaching activities in the towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga in Davao Oriental. “Timber poaching, meaning manomano lang, walang malalaking makinarya,� he said.
June this year so much hot logs from Loreto, Agusan del Sur, reaching an estimated volume of 678,400 board feet (1,600 cubic meters). Loreto is located on the southwestern part of Agusan Del Sur Province. It is bounded on the north by La Paz, on the east by Bunawan and Veruela (towns of Agusan del Sur), on the south by the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Del Norte,
He said he has directed local Environment and Natural Resources Offices (ENROs) to wage a massive confiscation of poached timbers in the identified towns of Davao Oriental where such illegal cutting of trees had been noted. Meanwhile, Sampulna bared DENR XI to have hauled since
and on the west by the province of Bukidnon. Access to urban areas from Loreto, Agusan del Sur is much easier through passing Laak in Compostela Valley down to Tagum City in Davao del Norte. Sampulna discovered such enormous volume of illegally Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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felled trees along the periphery of CARAGA Region in an aerial survey he conducted early this year, in line with his bid to strictly enforce E.O. 23, that declares a moratorium on cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests. With the assistance of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Sampulna waged an operation to stop the transport of such hot logs but he eventually decided to confiscate the contrabands. “Kunin ko na lang dahil sige sila palusot sa gabii . (I have to get it because they’re transporting it at night),” he said in a phone interview referring to the hot logs. Sampulna bared the confiscation and hauling of such illegally cut logs from an area outside of Davao Region XI did not come easy though he had gotten the approval of DENR CARAGA and the authority from DENR national office. Two soldiers died and five others were wounded in an encounter with armed rebel groups in the first hauling operation that DENR did in June 2011. To avoid heavy armed conflict, Sampulna initiated a dialogue with communities which kept the illegal logs, and that their leaders agreed to release them on assurance that the logs would be used for school chairs, desks and tables. He also got the cooperation and support of Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy, Laak Mayor Rey Navarro and Mayor Rey T. Uy in bringing down the illegal logs from 42
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the hinterlands of Loreto to Tagum City. “Swerte ako (I am lucky) that Col Suerte is also there to support me,” he said referring to 1003rd commanding officer Col. Lysander Suerte whose area of responsibility covers Laak, Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte. Data from Tagum City Information Office revealed that the city government of Tagum received in August, 2011 a total of 913 cubic meters of confiscated logs for fabrication into school chairs, desks and tables. Gov. Arturo Uy explained that he recommended the confiscated logs be turned over to Tagum City local government which owns a machine with fabrication capacity. In a press briefing this morning, Mayor Rey T. Uy revealed that he had delivered a total of 5,106 pieces of armchairs, desks, kiddie chairs and teachers’ tables to various public schools in Davao del Norte badly needing of such classroom materials. He had also delivered a total of 2,023 pieces of the same to various schools in Compostela Valley Province. Double deck beds (30 sets) and hospital beds (38 pieces) made out of the confiscated logs were also distributed to Compostela Valley provincial hospitals, and to quarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army. (PIA 11/jeanevive d abangan)
Davao LGU commits to E-trike project by Mai Gevera Macapagat
DAVAO CITY-Davao City is among the local government units that wrote to the Department of Energy and committed to implement the E-trike Rent to Own Program.
Speaking before power stakeholders in the entire Mindanao in today’s Energy Forum held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras bared Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s enthusiasm in supporting the department’s E-trike program. This program hopes to accelerate efforts in promoting and utilizing alternative fuels technology for public transport by partnering with local government units to formulate a program to be able to help municipalities acquire electric tricycles. “We have proven electric tricycles as economically viable. Converting from the traditional tricycle to electronic would spell out additional income to the operator by about P200 to P300 a day. Indeed, there’s economic value to this,” he said. Aside from the economic as
pect, DOE also sees its viability with the social value that e-tricycles could give to operators and the riding public. The next time oil price turns high, we will be assured that the tricycle fare remains the same because it does not rely on oil,” Almendras explained. DOE is set to distribute 20,000 units of e-trike from 2012 to 2013 until it reaches to release up to 100,000 units by 2016. A loan facility will be provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for industry market transformation through the introduction and adoption of energy efficient electric tricycles. To achieve this objective, the program aims to deploy 100,000 electric tricycles with the use of lithium ion batteries in various key cities and provinces. It was in April this year that DOE piloted the program in Mandaluyong City. About 20 units of electric tricycles were turned over to the LGU as they started commercial run of these units the following month. Results showed promising economic returns for the drivers within the four months of using the e-tricycles. Using natural gas is way cheaper than using diesel and gasoline. It is also tagged cleaner and environment-friendly. Stud Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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ies showed that if the country has 1,000 natural gas buses running all over the Metro, the country will have a cleaner air with a reduction from 147 ppm (parts per million) down to about 90 plus ppm. DOE is taking the lead in pro-
viding the so-called FSTP or Fueling Sustainable Transport Program, wherein the government have identified all possible alternative fuels for the transport sector. (PIA-11/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
Tagum Coop Young Savers’ account reach million level by Jean Duron- Abangan TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Young savers’ account of Tagum Cooperative has grown to a total of P25.6 million as their membership expands to a total of 18,534. In a press conference over the
weekend, Tagum Cooperative general manager Brendo Bayocot revealed that the young savers’ deposit accounts 3.69 percent of the P693,629,081.50 total savings deposit of Tagum Coop. The young savers represent 29 percent of the 63,837 total members of the cooperative. The young savers whose ages range from zero to 18 years old either belong to the Youth Savers, Power Teen, Aflatoun, or the Tagum Coop Youth Laboratory.
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Youth Savers and Power Teen savers have contributed P25 million to the total young savers deposit as such groups have been established since early year 2000, Bayocot explained. But he foresaw a fast-growing sector of young savers among elementary and secondary students now that Tagum Cooperative has adopted Aflatoun in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) Tagum City Schools Division. As defined in the internet, Aflatoun is a “concept to teach children about social values, and rights and responsibilities coupled with basic financial education.” Tested in India 18 years ago, the Aflatoun concept is also aimed at facilitating the “inclusion of Child Social and Financial Education into formal and informal education systems as a recognition of child’s rights.” DepEd Tagum City Schools Supt. Nenita Lumaad who also chairs the Board of Directors of Tagum Cooperative calls such Aflatoun implementation in Tagum City as Financial
Literacy for the Youth (FLY). With Tagum Cooperative as its major partner, DepEd Tagum is pilot-testing it in seven public elementary schools particularly in Rizal, Mankilam, Pilot, La Filipina, Laureta, Apokon and Catalan. Aflatoun currently draws 2,167 savers from the pilot schools but Bayocot said Aflatoun savers would grow fast as Tagum Cooperative plans to spread its coverage next year, requiring each branch to adopt one to three schools in its location. Meanwhile, Tagum Cooperative is also establishing Youth Laboratory Cooperatives in Tagum City National
High School and in Imelda Elementary School. The youth laboratory cooperative is a miniature organization of Tagum Cooperative. It has its own board of directors and committees. “One of the purposes of creating the Tagum Cooperative Youth Laboratory Cooperative is to serve as a training ground for the youth members in preparation for their future membership to big coops like Tagum Cooperative,” said Norma R. Pereyras, ch airperson of Tagum Cooperative Board of Advisers. (PIA11/Jean Duron-Abangan)
Did you know... That the late Fe Misa Ayala, the wife of Dabawenyo agro-industrialist Jesus V. Ayala, wrote the lyrics for the popular christmas song “Miss Kita Kung Krismas” in partnership with her then piano teacher Hermie Uy who provided the music. Ayala and Uy’s song would become a timeless romantic christmas ballad sang and popularized by singing stars such as Susan Fuentes, Rico J. Puno, Sharon Cuneta, Sarah Geronimo and Charice Pempengco
(from letft) Fe Misa Ayala, balladeer Chad Borja and Hermie Uy
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