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
Public Safety Command Center
in
Davao City
Photo credits:rodincouch, liquidcrew
Cover Story :
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The Davao City Traffic Signalization System by RG Alama
NATI O NAL
10 10 12 14
President Aquino supports De Lima’s decision disallowing former PGMA’s travel abroad to seek medical help Aquino assures contuined pursuit of government reforms to benefit the people Ochoa hails exceptional public servants
WESTERN Mindanao
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30 31 33 34
Vol. 1, No. 87
Rep. Climaco supports PNoy’s “all-out-justice”
contents
CARAGA Region
17 19 20 21 22
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Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils Inc turns over P4 M project to Butuan City gov’t
Red Cross urges Butuan residents to donate blood Surigao Sur official condemns killing of 2nd district board member Public schools in Agusan del Norte receive CFL lamps DILG Sec. urges LGUs to vote for PPUR
NORTHERN Mindanao
35 36 37 38 40
Bukidnon quake knocks out electric power lines, cracks buildings
5.2 intensity quake prods hospital staff to bring patients to safer grounds 150 mountain-trekkers in Mt. Inayawan prove Lanao Norte is a safe place Army’s advocacy for peace building thru environmental protection in Lanao del Norte continues! – 35IB Dying on the Outside but Living in the Inside
Nov. 20-26 declared “Press Week” in Dipolog DOH-CHD9 conducts trainer’s training on CHT DSWD disqualifies 1,186 households from 4Ps in ZaNorte DOT urges tourism related establishments accredited w/ the agency
NOVEMBER 9, 2011
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CENTRAL Mindanao
24 24 26 27 28 29
South Cotabato pushes for expansion of RoRo route for local veggies, products
Mga magsasaka sa Region 12 hinikayat na magtanim ng kape
Pagpapalawak ng kapehan sa rehiyon tinututukan ng DA RDC isinusulong ang tuluyang paglipat ng 24 na line agencies sa Koronadal CIDG 12 may bagong pinuno
SOUTHERN Mindanao
41 42 44 45 46
Cleaner hi-tech coal plants possible plants-DOE Social welfare, econ opportunity vital to peace, security - Guv del Rosario GSIS strengthens info drive for newest partnership KALAHI-CIDSS school to address commitment to Pantawid Pamilya 9 more classrooms under “Bayanihan sa Paaralan-Phase II” built in Laak, Comval
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Cover Story
The Davao City Traffic Signalization System
T
By RG Alama
raffic, bottlenecks, gridlocks whatever you may call it but crowded road networks is an urban curse affecting major cities around the world with people and vehicles outstripping current infrastructure capacity.
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A s megacities scramble for solutions, several key American cities and a Philippine city have found an answer to a cursethat Philippine City, the City of Davao. The answer is its ultramodern Citywide Traffic Signalization and Management Project started way back in 2006. The P1-billion project involves the setting up of sophis-
ticated sensorized intersection management using direct wire and wireless connections integrated under a Citywide Traffic Signal System. The project contractor is Abratique and Associates, a 22-year old company based in Los Angeles, United States which specializes in traffic engineering, basically in traffic system and design. The company has a well-distinguished client portfolio dealing with big-ticket infrastructure projects in the Southern California Region particularly in Los Angeles County. Davao City is its first major client in the Philippines. One of the most unique features of the Traffic Signalization project is the setting up of intelligent signalization platforms using sophisticated software to control and coordinate an integrated citywide traffic network. A system used by most American cities like Washington D.C. and Honolulu. Davao City is the first urban Wednesday, November 9, 2011
5
center in the country to utilize this digital technology. “We have about 55,000 motor vehicles using the streets of Davao city everyday. Kung wala yan mahihirapan tayo, so yung sa mga kanto.”(If we don’t have that, it would be very difficult to manage particularly in the intersections) City Vice-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said during an earlier interview describing the modern traffic systems in place. It was his flagship project during his term as a City Mayor and is considered as one of his legacies alongside the equally sophisticated Central 911 Emergency Response Center. The Davao project was done in three phases and covers 65 intersections across the major thoroughfares in the city
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in sum the whole project involves the: - Field check, research, design, construction, installation and programming of traffic signal intersections. -Digitalizing traffic signal control through Bi-Trans 233 program software -Installation of street signs, striping and channelization, push button and vehicle call detectors -Installation of direct wire and wireless connectivity to traffic signals -Signalization of sensorized intersections -Installation of high-quality Close-Caption TV cameras in 16 major intersections
implementation the presence of high-quality CCTV cameras located 16 major intersections has also imposed discipline among Dabawenyo motorists. Because of the reduction of road accidents due to the project, Abratique and Associates was given the 2008 Engineering Excellence Merit Award in Sacramento, California.
around the city. -The establishment of an integrated Traffic Operation Center, the nerve center of the high-tech Davao City Traffic Management System. Furthermore the set-up of the whole system was guided by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devise (MUTCD) was followed in implementing the project. The MUTCD is considered as the bible of designing the traffic control system. The traffic signalization system telling successes had been the reduction of traffic accidents that occur usually in intersections. Traffic accidents had been reduced to about 93% since the project’s
CCTV cameras
According to Traffic Management Center head Desiderio Cloribel, about 70 to 100 traffic violations had been caught by the CCTV cameras each day particularly thru the non-contact apprehension policy (a national statute implemented by Wednesday, November 9, 2011
7
the Land Transportation Office) in which traffic violations can be monitored by using the City Government’s traffic cameras. However, City Councilor Pilar Braga chairperson of the city council’s committee on energy, transportation and communication wants to suspend the implementation of the No-Contact-Apprehension Policy which has netted around 11,165 violators. Braga cited the policy’s legality and vagueness in the implementation of the law and would want to clear things up before the provisions are fully
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implemented. Traffic Education To complement the traffic infrastructure, the TMC is focusing on information drive particularly on traffic rules and etiquettes and also the use of certain features of the modern traffic lights particularly the pedestrian crossing button, which a pedestrian would have to push when he/she crosses the street. “Many are still ignorant of the button and don’t know how to use it.” Cloribel said. He said
that many still do not use the buttons particularly afraid that the buttons are grounded where they would be electrocuted or it would be easily destroyed and they would be charged for any damages incurred. Cloribel said that they are targeting schoolchildren, since the kids are easier to teach and could re-echo what they learned to their parents or adults in the family. The TMC has already covered 7,000 schoolchildren in their traffic information drive.
Units in the City under the Public Safety Comand Center. Within the facility are TV monitors which show the 17 CCTV cameras installed in 16 major intersec-
Traffic Nerve Center
Perhaps the final piece of the puzzle is the sophisticated Traffic Monitoring Center which was inaugurated by Mayor Sara Duterte in 2010. The monitoring center is combined with Central 911
tions. The cameras have 35x zoom capabilities and can see clearly even in low-light conditions. The cameras are interconnected wirelessly to the command center. Its database has about 16 terrabytes of memory for archiving. Videos from these CCTVs are kept in the archive for 60 days. These archive videos can be recopied to help in the investigation of a crime or accident caught in its camera.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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President Aquino supports De Lima’s decision disallowing former PGMA’s travel abroad to seek medical help
P
President Benigno S. Aquino III affirms the decision of DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima to deny former President now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to seek medical treatment abroad in a press briefing at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (November 09). The Chief Executive said the government is willing to extend help in bringing medical experts to the country to treat the former President. In the photo are Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Health Secretary Enrique Ona. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
resident Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that he fully supports Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s decision disallowing former president and now congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from traveling abroad to seek medical treatment. 10
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The President said in a press briefing in Malacañang that disallowing Arroyo from traveling ensures her being present to face the charges of electoral sabotage, a non-bailable offense, being leveled at her. “Sang-ayon po ako sa desisyon ni Kalihim Leila De Lima na huwag munang payagan si Ginang Arroyo na bumiyahe sa ibang bansa,” the President said. “Makatuwiran po ito sapagkat kinakailangan ang personal na pagharap ni Ginang Arroyo sa arraignment, kung umabot man tayo dito, at ayaw nating maunsiyami ang pagusad ng isang kasong may napakahalagang implikasyon sa ating demokrasya,” he added. He said the government was willing to
shoulder the expenses of flying in medical specialists to look into Arroyo’s medical condition to ease the former president’s need to travel. “Kung kinakailangan, handa nating sagutin ang mga tungkuling pinansyal sa pagpapagamot ni Ginang Arroyo. Gagawin natin ito upang
matiyak ang pagharap ng sinumang akusado sa ating hukuman at manaig ang katarungan sa ating bansa,” the President said. The DoJ on Tuesday denied the former president’s request for an Allow Departure Order for lack of merit. (RCK)
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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P
Aquino assures contuined pursuit of government reforms to benefit the people
resident Benigno S. Aquino III assured the government effort to effect reforms and pursue programs beneficial for the people as he asked for their continued support and cooperation that will eventually result to winning peace in the country. In his speech during the 54th Philippine Army Change of Command at the Army Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Wednesday morning, President Aquino said that through cooperation towards the common goal of winning the peace, the country is gearing towards real and sustainable progress and development. “Diretso at patas na kaisipan ang batayang prinsipyo natin sa tuwid na daan, mananatili tayong nakatutok sa ating misyon ng makabuluhang reporma sa kabila ng 12
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
pangliligaw ng iilan… manalig po kayong gagawin ng ating gobyerno ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya para protektahan ang ating mga kasundaluhan at mga sibilyan,” the President said. “Hiling ko naman po na manatili tayo sa pagkakapit-bisig sa ating adyenda ng pagbabago, sa sama-sama nating pagtatanggol ng kapayapaan at pangangalaga sa ating mga mamamayan… tuloy-tuloy na ang pag-asenso ng ating bayan,” he added. The Chief Executive reiterated that declaring war is not the best option in attaining peace and protection for the Filipino people. “Naninindigan po akong isantabi ang pagdidikta ng digmaan dahil naniniwala ako sa mas malalim nating pananagutan… na ang pinaka-buod ng ating tungkulin ay hindi ang pakikipagsagupaan, kundi ang kaligtasan
ng taumbayan,” President Aquino said. He added that the real essence of every Filipino soldier cannot be gauged in the lives that they have taken through furious armed battle but with that of the lives that they have saved during clashes. “Sinusukat ang tagumpay ng ating mga kawal hindi sa dami ng giyerang pinagtagumpayan kundi sa pananatili ng kapayapaan sa ating bayan… at higit na hinahangaan ang ating mga sundalo hindi sa dami ng kalabang kanilang napatumba sa panahon ng kaguluhan kundi sa dami ng buhay na kanilang naisasalba sa mga tunggalian,” the President noted. “Tanging ang kaligatasan ng mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao sa kasalukuyan at maging ang kapakanan ng susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino ang atin pong iniisip…” he added. President Aquino
pres i d e d over the turnover ceremonies where he formally installed Major General Emmanuel Bautista as the 54th Commanding General of the Philippine Army replacing Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz who is retiring on November 13 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Also present during the ceremony to witness the event were other high-ranking military and government officials led by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief of staff General Eduardo Oban Jr. The turnover was held in advance as President Aquino will be attending the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Leaders and Ministers’ meeting in Hawaii. Prior to his appointment, the 53-
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yearo l d Bautista was the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, the unit responsible for Internal Peace and Security Operations in Region VI and provinces of Negros
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Oriental and Siquijor in Region VII. The newly-installed chief of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class ‘81. A well decorated officer, Bautista is a recipient of five Distinguished Service Stars,
Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action, Bronze Cross Medal for bravery, three Outstanding Achievement Medals, 29 Merit Medals, five of which were earned in combat, Military Commendation Medals and various Campaign Medals and Ribbons. (JCL)
Ochoa hails exceptional public servants xecutive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. commended on Wednesday 81 civil servants who were cited for their extraordinary contributions to good governance under the Honor Awards Program of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). In simple ceremonies for the 2011 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang, Ochoa noted the competence and dedication of the awardees to uplift public service and their com14
mitment to set an example for the entire bureaucracy. Ochoa also echoed President Benigno S. Aquino III’s message to the awardees, urging the recipients of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, Dan-
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
gal ng Bayan Award, and Pag-asa Award to continue to serve as inspirations for the Filipino people, and expressed hope that other civil servants will emulate them. “Sa lahat ng nabigyan ng parangal… nagsilbi kayong hu-
waran at inspirasyon hindi lamang sa iba pa nating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno, kundi pati na rin sa sambayanang Pilipino. Nakakapagdulot kayo ng lakas at pagasa sa araw-araw nating pakikibaka tungo sa tunay na pagbabago,” stated the message of the President, which was conveyed by Ochoa during the ceremo-
ny. “Kaakibat po ng mga parangal na inyong natanggap ay ang hamong iniiwan sa inyo nito upang manindigan bilang mga awarded,” the Chief Executive’s message further said. “Nawa’y maging instrumento pa kayo sa paghubog ng iba pang lingkod-bayan. Umaasa ako na hindi magtatapos sa araw na ito ang pagpapamalas ninyo ng husay at dedikasyon (sa serbisyo-publiko). Hinihikayat ko po kayong bumuo ng isang kalipunan ng mga lingkod-bayan na magsusulong ng magagandangprograma sa iba’t ibang lugar sa
ating bansa.” The 81 officials and employees of government were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior in public service. Each individual or group received either a gold-gilded medallion expertly crafted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or a trophy designed by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva, a plaque, and a cash prize. The CSC administers the annual nationwide Honor Awards Program to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, re-
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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sponsiveness and courtesy in the civil service. The program seeks to recognize and reward state officials and employees for their outstanding contributions and achievements in the delivery of public service. The 2011 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees include Laguna Gov. Jeorge E.R. Ejercito Estregan, Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Misamis Occidental Public Employment Service Office Manager Lucia Buaqui単a, Philippine Air Force-Clark Air Base (Pampanga) Technical Sergeant Jesus Fabian, Spe16
cial Science Teacher III Janeth Fuentes (Leyte), Philippine Army (General Santos City) Col. Joselito Kakilala, Negros Occidental Solid Waste Management Team. Supervising Science Research Specialist Lucille Abad (PNRI-QC), State Auditor Helen Cailing, Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto, Postman Jelyn Duting, Administrative Aide Joey Fernandez, Medical Officer Eleanor Javonillo, Master Teacher Edgar Madlaing, Forestry Technician Elpidio Malinao (Posthumous), Maguindanao Vice Mayor Ramon Piang Sr., Teacher 1 Lorna Ibban Pulalon (Posthumous). Administrative Aide Bayle Ba-
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
guioan, Electronics and Communciation Equipment Technician Dionisio Cagampang, Social Welfare Officer Aileen Cuevas, District Jail Warden Ma. Annie Espinosa, Philippine Navy Commander Jose Renan Suarez (Service Force, Philippine Fleet-Cavite City), Aerobic Rice Research, Development and Extension Program (Bulacan Agricultural State College), Dumalag Rural Health Unit (Capiz), Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (Cagayan De Oro City), Philippine Textile Research Institute (Taguig City), and Provincial Health Office Dental Team (Bangued, Abra).
Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils Inc turns over P4 M project to Butuan City gov’t by Jennifer P. Gaitano
T
he Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Incorporated has officially turned over the P4-million Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project dubbed “PPP-BBQ KIOSK” to the city government here with Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr Nov. 8. It was held at Silongan corner A.D. Curato Sts and witnessed by city officials and stakeholders.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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Mayor Amante said that Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., with its 100 years of existence in the country, continues to satisfy the Filipino people in its products. “Thank you CocaCola Bottlers for choosing Butuan City and for being our partner in this project… We were only then thinking of a 1-M project but Coca-Cola has extended it to 4-M just to ensure that Butuanons would really enjoy the kiosk, as well as enjoy Coca-Cola beverages,” Amante said. City Economic Enterprise and Development Office (CEEDO) Manager Ma. Ruth Jugao said the city government is very much happy to 18
accept the “PPP-BBQ KIOSK”. She also assured the Coca-Cola Bottlers, through the Territory Sales Manager for Butuan Elmer Ian Pabatao, that the city government will do its responsibilities especially in maintaining the cleanliness of said kiosk. Pabatao said they partner with other local government units but it is only in Butuan where they sees the booming economic growth that made them decide to extend the cost of project to P4 million. “I promise three things to the city government and these are: to satisfactorily serve all the stall vendors; ensure quality production
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
of the Coca-Cola; and to continuously coordinate with the barangay officials here who will also ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the area,” said Pabatao. Meanwhile, Mrs. Josefina Cabrera, Stall Owners Association President in Butuan City thanked the Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc. and the city government for providing them a wellventilated venue/kiosk where they can better serve their customers. With this development, the city government is encouraging Butuanons to patronize the “PPP-BBQ KIOSK” and support partnership of the two parties.
Red Cross urges Butuan residents to donate blood by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY -- Donating blood is a social responsibility and the Philippine Red Cross is encouraging people in every barangay of Butuan City to donate blood, said by Teodoro R. Cairo, Chapter Administrator of Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City, during the regular meeting of the board of directors. It has been reported that there was a blood shortage of blood type O in one of the municipalities of Agusan del Norte and the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte Chapter was saddened with this circumstance. “We run out of blood sometimes. It just happens that is why we encourage the community to donate blood”,
said Cairo. Cairo added that the PRC schedules at least five mass donations every year to accommodate the needs of the people but blood shortage occasionally occurs. He said that shortage generally arises when there is an epidemic. “There are times patients from other region even in Cebu will
ask for blood in Agusan”, Cairo added. Moreover, Cairo suggested that every agency with more than 50 employees to help in their mission. According to Cairo, giving blood is something that we humans can only do, and it is such a remarkable deed. “We can save lives if we donate blood”, Cairo said.
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Surigao Sur official condemns killing of 2nd district board member
by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY -- Surigao del Sur Vice Governor Manuel Alameda condemned the killing of 2nd District Board Member Rafael “Raffy” Viduya who was shot Sunday morning. According to a report from Philippine National Police (PNP)-Caraga Region, at around 10 am, Viduya was shot after attending the mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church, at Forest Drive Village, Brgy. San Roque, Bislig City by two uniden20
tified gunmen. The said gunmen shot him several times, hitting different parts of his body. In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan here, the province’s second highest official said he is proposing that the provincial government will give
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
a reward for those who can give information for the whereabouts of the suspect/s. Alameda added that by providing incentives, this can help for the immediate arrest of those who are involved in the crime.
Public schools in Agusan del Norte receive CFL lamps by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY -- Public schools in the elementary and high school levels in Agusan del Norte received compact fluorescent lamps from the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO). ANECO Member Development Officer Roldan Requerme Jr. said the project started last year and is intended for distribution to public schools in the country. He said this is one way of promoting the use of CFL bulbs as it is considered a versatile range of different lampballast configurations
that can provide a comfortable, productive, and well-illuminated space if properly used. “CFL have a much longer life – usually 6,000-10,000 hours compared to 750 to 1000 hours for a standard incandescent bulb,” Requerme said. He said media practitioners and government
agencies who are members of ConsumerNetCaraga will also be given with the said bulbs. Meanwhile, the Department of Rnergy said a compact fluorescent lamp will initially cost more than an incandescent bulb, but because it lasts longer and costs so much less to run, it will prove to be a better bar-
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gain over time. Accordingly, compact fluorescent lamps use 70 - 80 percent less energy than their incandescent equivalents. When replacing a 100watt incandescent lamp a 20 to 23 - watt CFL is used. Compact fluorescent bulbs last approximately 6,000 to 10,000 hours, which is 8 to 13 times the life of an in-
candescent lamp (expected life approx. 750 – 1,000 hours). Most of the compact fluorescent lamps have improved color rendition. The light is a warm tone that is almost identical to that of an incandescent lamp. Most people cannot tell the difference. Compact fluorescents are most costeffective when used at least 4-5 hours per day.
Although compact fluorescent lamps may appear different than the common incandescent, they fit most standard fixtures found in homes today. The screw-in base is the same on both lamps. The typical incandescent lamp wastes 90 percent of the energy it uses, producing heat rather than light.
DILG Sec. urges LGUs to vote for PPUR
W
ith two more days before the final voting on November 11 for the worldwide search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo today called on all governors, city and municipal mayors, and other local government officials to vigorously urge their constituents to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River. 22
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Robredo, chairman of the Interagency Task Force for the PPUR campaign created under Presidential Proclamation 182, said the “local government sector should play a pivotal role in the final push to victory for the PPUR”. The DILG secretary said he was delighted to learn that PPUR has made it to the top 10 finalists in a recent update on the ongoing worldwide voting. Aside from the PPUR, other nominees that made it to the top 10 include the Dead Sea (Is-
rael/Jordan/Palestine), Grand Canyon (United States), Great Barrier Reef (Australia/Papua New Guinea), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Jeita Grotto (Lebanon), Jeju Island (South Korea), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Sundarbans (Bangladesh/India), and Vesuvius (Italy). Robredo said the report on the PPUR’s overall standing is a positive development although only seven will be chosen among the 10 finalists.
“Hence, there is a need to close ranks and demonstrate patriotism in order for our entry to get into the magic seven,” he said. “The help of our local government officials is very crucial at this critical juncture” he added. Robredo reiterated his call to local officials and the public to vote through text messaging or SMS by typing PPUR and send it to 2861, or via internet by logging on to www. new7wonders.com.
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South Cotabato pushes for expansion of RoRo route for local veggies, products
By Dani Doguiles Officials of South Cotabato have recently asked Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala for the inclusion of either Sarangani Province or General Santos City in the Roll on, Roll off (RORO) route. 24
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Provincial Agriculture Officer Reynaldo Legaste said putting up of a RORO terminal in Glan, Sarangani will be an advantage to South Cotabato’s farmers, especially growers of quality vegetables. Legaste explained that approximately 30 percent of the province’s vegetable production in the province are sold outside of the province through the nearest RORO ports in Davao City or Cagayan de Oro City. “At times when there is surplus of vegetable in Davao City, our vegetables are rejected,” he said. “The same happens in Cagayan (de
Oro).” Legaste said thousands of farmers in South Cotabato and neighboring areas will benefit if a RORO station is set up in either Glan or Gensan. “If this is realized we will be able to improve the capacity and pro-
vide opportunities for our vegetable growers,” he said. Growers in the province and neighboring areas will be able to immediately ship their produce at cheaper cost, he added. Legaste said, vegetable farmers in the province have already been organized, “which means that we already have a formal structure with whom we can talk about creating a production program and link with possible markets.” South Cotabato is considered as a major producer of highquality vegetables in southern and central Mindanao. Major production ar
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eas include Tupi municipality, particularly Brgy. Miasong, which has more than 300
hectares devoted to vegetables and the highland barangay of Ned in Lake Sebu town
where another 300 hectares are recently being developed. (PIA 12)
Mga magsasaka sa Region 12 hinikayat na magtanim ng kape KORONADAL CITY -- Hinihikayat ng mga opisyal ng Department of Agriculture (DA) at Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ang mga magsasaka sa Rehiyon Dose na subukan ang pagtatanim ng kape dahil maganda ang potensyal nito. Sa isang pulong balitaan hinggil sa nalalapit na 1st Region 12 Coffee Congress, binigyang-diin ni Danilo Centillas, high value crops coordinator ng DA 12 na tinututukan nila ngayon ang pagpapalawak ng lupaing tinataniman ng kape sa Rehiyon at paghihikayat sa mga magsasaka na magtanim ng kape na maaring makapagbigay ng mas malaking kita. Samantala, inihayag naman ni Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Sultan Kudarat provincial director Nelly Nita Dillera na walang dapat ikabahala ang mga mag26
sasaka ng kape dahil mataas ang demand ng produktong kape sa loob at labas ng bansa. Hindi rin problema ang merkado ng produktong kape dahil
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malaki pa ang kinakailangang supply ang higanteng Nestle Corporation at iba pang buyer ng kape. Aabot sa 65,000 metriko tonelada ang kailangang supply ng
kape sa bansa subalit sa ngayon nasa 30,000 metriko tonelada lang ang kayang tustusan ng produksyon ng bansa. Nangangahulugan ito, ani Dillera na mahigit kalahati o 35,000 metriko toneladang kape ang kailangang angkatin ng bansa sa ibang bansa. Maliban sa lokal
na merkado, malaki din ang demand ng kape sa ibang bansa. Kabilang sa mga bansang pinagbibilhgan ng produktong kape ng Pilipinas ang Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United States. Gaganapin ang First Regional 12 Coffee Congress sa kapitolyo ng Sultan Kudarat sa bayan ng Isulan sa
Nobyembre 17 hanggang 19. Layon ng naturang pagtitipon ang makahikayat ng mas maraming mamumuhunan sa kape, market matching ng lokal na produkto at mapa-unlad ng produksyon ng kape sa Sultan Kudarat at iba pang bahagi ng Rehiyon. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
Pagpapalawak ng kapehan sa rehiyon tinututukan ng DA KORONADAL CITY -- Kinumpirma ni Danilo Centillas, high value crops coordinator ng Department of Agriculture Region 12 (DA 12) na isa sa pinakamahalagang prayoridad ngayon ng DA 12 ang pagpapalawak ng kapihan sa rehiyon. Ani Centilla, magandang pasukin ang naturang industriya dahil malawak pa ang lupain sa rehiyon na angkop sa cultural management ng kape at maganda ang potensyal ng industriya ng kape. Sa Sultan Kudarat na kilalang may pinakamalawak na kapehan sa buong Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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bansa, halos 13,500 na ektarya pa ang maaring taniman ng kape. Sa ngayon, sa buong Rehiyon Dose aabot sa 25,171 na ektarya ang may tanim na kape; 19,064 na ektarya dito ay nasa lalawigan ng Sultan Kudarat. Base naman sa impormasyon galing sa Department of Trade and Industries, mahigit
35,000 metriko tonelada ng kape pa rin ang kailangang angkatin ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa upang punan ang 65,000 na metriko toneladang kape na kailangan para lokal na merkado. Mas malaking supply pa ang kakailanganin ng bansa para sa lumalagong coffee industry sa buong mundo. Sa Nobyembre 17 hanggang 19 nakat-
akdang ganapin sa kapitoly ng Sultan Kudarat sa bayan ng Isulan ang First Region 12 Coffee Congress na naglalayong makahikayat ng mamumuhunan, palaguin ang produksyon ng kape sa rehiyon, at makahanap ng merkado para sa lokal na produktong kape. (DEDoguiles/ PIA 12)
RDC isinusulong ang tuluyang paglipat ng 24 na line agencies sa Koronadal KORONADAL CITY -- Muling pinaalalahan ng Regional Development Council 12 (RDC 12) ang may 24 na government line agencies na tuluyan nang lumipat sa regional center sa Koronadal City.
Ayon kay NEDA 12 regional director at RDC 12 vice chair Teresita Socorro Ramos, na sinulatan na nila ang mga naturang ahensiya na sundin na ang tumalima na sa Executive Order (EO) 304 na inisyu ni dating Pangulong Gloria 28
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Macapagal-Arroyo noong Marso 30, 2004 na nag-uutos sa paglilipat ng regional center ng Soccsksargen Region mula sa Cotabato City papunta sa Koronadal City. Batay sa 20082010 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan ng RDC 12 dapat umanong
natapos na ang paglilipat ng mga regional offices ng pamahalaaan sa Koronadal City. Sa ngayon aniya, 41 pa lang sa 65 na line agencies ang tuluyan nang nakalipat. Ang iba ay nagtalaga lamang ng kanilang satellite office o liaison office dito. Subalit giit ng RDC,
dapat umanong ilipat na ang kanilang mga opisina at regional staff sa Koronadal City. Sa 24 na sulat paalala na ipinadala ng RDC nasa pito pa lang umano ang sumagot, ayon kay Director Ramos. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
CIDG 12 may bagong pinuno KORONADAL CITY -- Pormal nang umupo bilang bagong regional director ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group ng Rehiyon 12 (CIDG) kahapon, Nobyembre 8 si P/SSupt. Albert Ignatius D. Ferro.
Pinalitan ni Ferro si P/SSupt. Pedro Austria Jr. na inilipat naman sa Regional Investigation and Detection Unit ng Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). So Ferro ay dating hepe ng Detection and Special Operations Division ng CIDG Central Office sa Camp Crame.
Sa turn-over ceremonies kahapon nangako si Ferro na palalakasin ng kanilang tanggapan ang kampanya laban sa droga at iba pang kriminalidad sa nasasakupan. Samantala, sa kanyang pag-alis sa Soccsksargen region, nagpasalamat si P/ SSupt Austria sa suportang ipinakita ng mga otoridad at
mga opisyal mga lokal na pamahalaan sa kanyang administrasyon. Isa sa mga mahahalagang kasong nahawakan ni Austria ang pag-iimbestiga sa Maguindanao massacre noong Nobyembre 23, 2009 na ikinamatay ng 58 katao, kabilang ang 34 mamamahayag. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
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Rep. Climaco supports PNoy’s “all-out-justice” by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ouse Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, City 2nd District Representative Ma. Isabelle Climaco said she is fully supporting the “all-out-justice” of President Benigno Aquino III instead of all-out-war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In a press statement, Climaco said, “We fully support the President in his move for all-out-justice”. Climaco explained that “all-out-justice means applying the law to those who have committed crimes, especially, those responsible for killing members of the armed forces. 30
“This means prosecution of those liable, and there will be actions from the military and the government”, Climaco said. The lady solon said the best solution to the decades-old problem of Mindanao is to sustain the ongoing peace negotiations with the MILF. She said peace talks will enable the International Monitoring Team, the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, the Joint Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, local, government units, and other stakeholders to come into terms as
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to what is best for all. She also added that any violation of the cease fire agreement committed by either the MILF or the government troops should be discussed at the negotiating table. Climaco, however, called on the president to also look into the situation of the government troops particularly the Special Forces. She has already sent invitation for the President to visit the soldiers to boost their morale. (JPA/MVC/PIA-ZBST)
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Nov. 20-26 declared “Press Week” in by Franklin P. Gumapon Dipolog n recognition of the significant role played by the fourth estate in the society, the city government here headed by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has issued Executive Order No. 2011-25 declaring November 20-26, 2011 as press week in the city. In issuing such a declaration, Mayor Uy underscored the important contribution of the press to maintaining check and balance in a democratic country. The Zamboanga del Norte Press Club (ZNPC), on the other hand, has already lined up certain activities to highlight the weeklong celebration. Its officers and members
have decided to hold a tree planting activity following a motorcade on the opening day to be participated in by all print and broadcast media outfits in the city. The club will also sponsor a poetry writing contest for high school students in partnership with the Ta ‘Glibon Ini Lady Art Collective, Inc., an all-ladies art group
in the city. This activity is scheduled to be held on the final day of the celebration. Media practitioners in Zamboanga del Norte and its twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan celebrate the press week every third week of November each year. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)
DOH-CHD9 conducts trainer’s training on by Gideon C. Corgue CHT
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n order to determine whether the ‘Kalusugan Pangkalahatan’ (KP) was implemented effectively in barangays, the Department of Health-Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD)IX conducted 2-day Trainers’ training on Community Health Team (CHT) at Hotel Guillermo here. Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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Trainor’s resource speaker Dr. Agnes Mabolo said the department ensures that President Benigno Simeon Aquino’s health agenda: “achieving universal health care for all Filipinos” will be implemented in order that the health care needs of the poor Filipinos will be properly addressed. The training, Mabolo said which was attended by the municipal health officers, public health nurses (to include the nurses working at RN Heals program) , and municipal links from the inter-local health zones in Dumanquillas and Yllana bays hopes to update the data on health saying that they data we usually relied was on 2002 which is 8 years delayed and at the same time provide health services especially to the poorest of the poor. 32
Mabolo said the participants were given information on the ‘KP’ adding that after they were trained
they will be the one to educate the barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars in their respective localities for the people most especially with less income to enroll of the Universal Health Program like that of PhilHealth. “The CHT will conduct the same training in their respective localities on December and by January next year, the trained volunteers will go to the National Household Targetting System (NHTS) families and help promote KP pro-
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gram,” Mabolo added. The CHT, Mabolo said will help encourage poor families to access public health by visiting the health center saying that there are families who are ashamed of visiting the health center because they have no formal clothes and slippers to wear. “We want to remove that negative mentality. We will show to them that we are giving them our sincere service. We will bring ourselves closer to the people,” Mabolo concluded. The training was conducted simultaneously in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur on the following schedules: November 8-9, 10-11 and 15-16 where speakers from DOH-CHD9 assigned to deliver lecture in the said provinces. (JPA/GCC/PIA9Pagadian)
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DSWD disqualifies 1,186 households from by Alfonso T. Ruda 4Ps in ZaNorte rom the additional 22,891 indigent families originally identified to avail the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Zamboanga del Norte (ZaNorte), its now initially down to 21,705 households. This developed, after the Department of Social Welfare and Development with support from DSWDZamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay and concerned Local Government Units held a Community Assembly in the 13 municipalities of the province to register and revalidate the identified additional beneficiaries of the program last November 3 to 7. Mr. Jose Cruz, DSWD 4Ps Provincial Link in Zamboanga del Norte said that 1,186 households were deleted from the list of 4Ps beneficiaries after they have
been found ineligible to avail the program. Among the reasons cited by Cruz that caused the disqualification of the 1,186 households from 4Ps are inclusion error for 69 families; 34, waived their right to avail the program; double entry for 546 families; 117 have no children below 14 years old; 304 have transferred residence; and 116 families, unknown. Meanwhile, the DSWD is giving last chance to those who failed to attend the Community Assembly from Nov. 3 to 7. It is presently conducting an extension registra-
tion and revalidation for the 5,102 potential 4Ps beneficiaries until Nov. 11, 2011. On the other, the DSWD has just started its registration and revalidation in Sibuco which has 3,831 potential 4Ps beneficiaries in the said municipality. Earlier, the DSWD Regional Office has released the list of additional 4Ps beneficiaries from the 13 municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte. These are the municipalities of Leon Postigo with 1,322 families; Baliguian, 1,332; Godod, 917; Gutalac, 1,840; Jose
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Dalman, 1,223; Kalawit, 1,177; Katipunan, 1,430; Manukan, 1,523; Roxas,
1,599; Sergio Osmeña, 1,218; Siayan, 2,055, Sibuco, 3,831; and Sindangan with
3,424 family-beneficiaries. (JPA/ ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)
DOT urges tourism related establishments by Jocelyn P. Alvarez accredited w/ the agency
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he Department of Tourism (DOT) here urges all tourism-related establishments in the city to obtain accreditation with the agency and get the benefit of being part of DOT’s program.
DOT Acting Regional Director Mary June Bugante shared, if an establishment is accredited with DOT, that particular establishment will be given priority in DOT trainings and will be included in the tourism department’s promotional materials. 34
Bugante called on all tourism-related establishments to get their accreditation now as it will be mandatory in 2012. She said the fee is minimal and is based on capital. Bugante revealed, there are so far, two accredited
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tourism-related establishments in the city (a hotel and a tour operator) and 8 for the entire Region 9. Tourism-related establishments include travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and tour operators. (JPA/PIA-ZBST)
Bukidnon quake knocks out electric power lines, cracks buildings By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
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n intensity 5.2 earthquake knocked out electric power lines and cracked towering structures causing momentary panic in Valencia City, Bukidnon at 5:42 p.m., Monday, November 7.
The Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (BUSECO) said the power tripped off at about 6:00 p.m. due to a fault caused by the swinging conductors and intermittent contact with tree branches after the quake hit the Maramag-Aglayan 69kv line. Marcial Labininay, Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in Northern Mindanao said the quake, which was tectonic in origin was recorded at 5.2 magnitude near the epicenter, shaking homes and causing cracks to high-rise buildings in Valencia City. He said the tremor was traced with
a depth of one (1) kilometer (km). Its epicenter was 7.89 km north, 124.96 km east, 32 km south and 24 km west of Malaybalay City. Valencia City Mayor Leandro Jose Catarata said five (5) buildings are now being reported damaged, spawned by the quake’s strength. The Phivolcs emphasized that it was felt at intensity V in Valencia City; intensity III in Malaybalay City and Quezon, all in Bukidnon. Phivolcs, further, reported that the tremor was also felt at intensity II in Cagayan de Oro City and intensity I in Camiguin province. Mayor Catarata further said the damage is considerable and no major injuries reported. “The local government unit through City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) are now on overtime assessing further damages of the earthquake event,” Catarata said. Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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5.2 intensity quake prods hospital staff to bring patients to safer grounds By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – At least 40 admitted patients of the Sanitarium Hospital in Valencia City, Bukidnon, were evacuated to safer grounds by the hospital staff, due to the earthquake that occurred at 5:42 p.m., Monday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the earthquake was of tectonic origin with Magnitude 5.2, and 1 km. depth of focus, located at 07.90 degrees north, 125.00 degrees east – 29 km. south, and 19 degrees west of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It was also felt in the neighboring areas with the following magnitude: Intensity 3 in Malaybalay City and Quezon town in Bukidnon, Intensity 2 in Cagayan de Oro City, and Intensity 1 in Camiguin. Although the main columns of the Sanitarium Hospital were intact, some cracks on the wa44lls of the 3-storey, 200-bed capacity, secondary hospital were visible. Regional Director Ana Cañeda of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Chairperson of the Regional DRRMC
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said a rapid damage assessment of the affected hospital building was done by the Office of the Building Official of the City Engineer’s Office (OBO-CEO) for appropriate decision and proper disposition on the safety of their patients. Engr. Celso Trazo of the CEO assessed the building as having sustained hairline cracks, but no major damage and that on a scale of 0-10, the effect of the cracks was rated 0.5, and thus safe for re-occupancy. Per the OBO-CEO’s assessment, together with that of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), the hospital employees and patients were allowed to go back to the hospital at about 8:00 pm. Electric power in the city, which went off immediately after the quake, was partially restored by local electric company at about 7:55 p.m. Meanwhile, reports reaching the Regional DRRMC revealed that Marife Caseres, 35 yrs. old, and her 3-yr. old son, Gerald Caseres, sustained injuries when their house partially collapsed due to the ground shaking. Mother and child are now admitted at Abella Hospital, Poblacion, Valencia
City, Cañeda said. She also said another injured was one Daisy Suarez, 29 yrs. old, also of Poblacion, Valencia who was treated at the out-patient department (OPD) of the Abella Hospital for minor injuries due to the occurrence of the tremors. At least five (5) houses were reported damaged in Purok 20-A,
Barangay Poblacion, while six (6) residents reported that their television sets fell to the floor when the tremors occurred. The Valencia CDRRMC team is now conducting an ocular survey of damaged houses and possible damage to other properties and infrastructure in the city, Cañeda said.
150 mountain-trekkers in Mt. Inayawan prove Lanao Norte is a safe place
NUNUNGAN, Lanao del Norte – Another 150 mountain-trekkers conquered the ranges of labyrinth virgin forest of diverse flora and fauna, as they scaled their way, under the occasional inconvenience of leaping leeches and itchy and thorny shrubs, towards Mt. Inayawan, here.
Spearheaded by the 35th Infantry (Makamandag) Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, the event was among the activities of the Inter-agency 2nd Trek and 5th Camp Out for Peace to the majestic Mt. Inayawan and its mountain ranges, in Barangay Inayawan, over the weekend. “Participants of the camp were
mostly, ‘environmentalists,’ as they called themselves and came from the Lanao del Norte Provincial Government, local government units (LGU’s), non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), civil society organizations (CSO’s), people’s organizations (PO’s), and other stakeholders,” Lt. Col Ferdinand Razalan, Commander of the 35IB, said. Razalan said the trek and camp out, which had been planned for over a month, was pushed through to negate the impression that Lanao del Norte is unsafe for tourists and motorists, following the recent incident that occurred in the village of Payong, Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), during the 3rd week of the previous month. Despite the uncontrollably spread rumors, the trekkers and Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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campers joined hands to show to the whole region and the whole country that the province is a safe haven for local and foreign tourists, a testimony of a strong “Bayanihan” (unity and cooperation) spirit, between and among the different sectors of society,” he said. The 3-day picturesque event occurred within the Mt. Inayawan Ranges Park (MIRP) where the camp site was set up at the Barangay Park of Inayawan village, a perfect location from which a nature’s lover could have a clear view of the scenic Mt. Inayawan that towers around 1,535 meters above mean sea level. The event marks the successive trek to the summits of Mt. Inayawan and a
secondary mountain popularly known as Mount Taguranao that nests a lake on its peak. Part of the jovial event was the presentation of the “Lawiga Datu, Tubod-Salvador and Mt. Inayawan Ranges Saga,” an Environment and Security Advocacy Briefing conceptualized by 35IB. The briefing was presented to the members of LGU of Nunungan led by Vice MaHji Muamar Sanayon, together with the members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), barangay captains (village chiefs) and other LGU staffs headed by Miss Rakela Manamparan, the Municipal Tourism Officer. (35IB PA)
Army’s advocacy for peace building thru environmental protection in Lanao del Norte continues! – 35IB TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – The peace-building activities of the 35th Infantry (Makamandag) Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, in the province continues. This assurance came from Lt. Col. Ferdinand Razalan, Commander of 35IB, who said his unit will continue to conduct massive information dissemination to update the people in its unit’s area of operation on its current peace building initiatives, particularly, in the interior areas, through environmental protection, in partnership with the different civil institutions. 38
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Razalan cited the newly conducted Inter-agency 2nd Trek and 5th Camp Out for Peace to the majestic Mt. Inayawan and its mountain ranges, in Barangay Inayawan, participated by some 150 environment protection stakeholders, over the weekend. Of its total land area of 3,986 hectares, Mt. Inayawan has a
protected area of 3,120 hectares especially, in the conflict-affected or 78.27 percent and a buffer zone areas,” Limoso added. of 866 hectares or 21.73 percent. The series of Treks and Camp After its declaration by Outs for Peace initiated by the then President Gloria Macapagal Makamandag Troopers, as they Arroryo (PGMA) on July 30, 2007, are popularly known, was primarily Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park aimed to, significantly, promote (MIRNP) is the only remaining the province’s unveiled tourism largest rainforest of the province potentials and to drum-up support with dipterocarp forest containing from the different agencies and high diversity of flora and fauna LGU’s. conducive for academic researches and studies. This, in order to boost the socio-economic condition in the Beneath its surrounding municipality, particularly, the mountain ranges, lies the pristine interior barangays and to prevent water of Lake Nunungan that the resurgence and/or incursion of significantly serves as a watershed lawless elements. supplying ground water to Kapatagan Valley, that also serves as an open “We intend to bring life to this laboratory and a potential spot for potential tourism and recreation eco-tourism and or recreation. area, especially, thru the ‘Bayanihan’ (unity and cooperation) spirits “The 35IB has been very active of the different agencies and the in pursuing our objectives thru LGU’s employment opportunities invigorated inter-agency activities thru eco-tourism,” Maj. Gen. Noel in its area of operation in support Coballes, Commander of the 1st to the Internal Peace and Security Infantry (Tabak) Division said. Plan (IPSP) of the Armed Forces of “Likewise, we want to enhance the Philippines (AFP),” Col Aldred agricultural productivity to be Limoso, Commander of the 2nd generated in these areas, thereby, Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) insulating the marginalized people Brigade, said as he expressed of the province from the influence elation to the peace initiatives of of the insurgent groups and/or the unit. lawless elements,” Coballes said. “Having attained such “This is a clear manifestation condition, we have won the peace,” of the Army’s commitment to the 11D Commander concluded. achieve a just and lasting peace (35IB PA) and sustainable development, Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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Dying on the Outside but Living in the Inside by JO1 JMSC Sanchez
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Susan Espinosa, left her hometown in Ozamiz City due to dire poverty and found herself working in Cagayan de Oro City as a nanny. After having met a man whom she thought would give her better life, she left her work and lived with the man. But, eventually, she began living a life in the fast lanedrinking, gambling and all the stuffs that comes along with it earning for herself the title “CDO’s Mahjong Queen.”
One Sunday morning after mass was offered, Fr. Angelo Benjamin Durana, BJMP10 Chaplain visited her bunks and for the first time after 48 years, she went into confession.
One can only guess if it is her new found faith that healed her, as As luck (or lack of it) has it by some stroke of fate, Susan is for her, she found herself charged now presently deemed stable after with illegal possession of prohibited days spent in the hospital. drugs and soon was locked- up at the Cagayan de Oro City Jail- Female Call it coincidence. Call it Dorm last October 23, 2003. providence. Is it that she found God or was it God who found her, in a Year in, year out, after more place she least expect it to, the four than seven (7) years of being (4) corners of her prison cell. detained, she had realized that her life is slowly getting wasted, Susan was able to release her her hope beginning to wane and resentments and unburden her loads her body starting to deteriorate… through BJMP Chaplaincy’s spiritual literally. nourishment program for inmates. To top it all, Susan was later diagnosed with diabetes. Hers was as the doctors had it, a hopeless case.
It was the first step to her healing, physically and psychologically. Her body may be slowly deteriorating but her spirit is well and alive, dying on the outside but living and kicking Half of her left leg is decomposing on the inside.(BJMP-10) and its open wound is starting to eat more parts of her body.
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Cleaner hi-tech coal plants possible plants-DOE by Carina Cayon ergy Forum at the Waterfront Hotel. He said that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation countries has made a declaration in San Francisco that “there’s no such thing as clean coal,” admitting that coal has pollutants. “But we have to acknowledge that we have new technology available that mitigates coal pollution,” the Secretary stated. Almendras maintained his poepartment of Energy Secre- sition to push for coal-fired power tary Jose Rene Almendras plants amidst oppositions from enassured that the modern technolo- vironment groups, saying that said gy would mitigate the polluting ef- source of energy would address the fects of a coal-fired power plant as needed power in Mindanao of at least 500 megawatts of non-hydro he continued to bank on it as the generation. quickest solution to ensure suffi Though he admitted that the cient power supply in Mindanao. existing Mindanao hydro-power Almendras said that power plants in Agus and Pulangi generate could be generated from coal “without harming much the environment,” power in full capacity, but, said that countering claims from environment it’s still not enough for the peak periods. groups. “During the time na mahina ang “There are technology that will rains, we have no enough capacity to mitigate the polluting effects of coal generate power,” he explained emthat will result in a more environphasizing that “the coal-fired power ment friendly,” he told the media here today after delivering a keynote plant is the fastest solution right now.” message during the Mindanao En-
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Almendras said that the government effort is still short of 200 megawatts to reach the 500 megawatts needed to stabilize Mindanao. “What do we have in the table is the 100 megawatts in Saranggani,” he said referring to the proposed coal-fired power plant of the Alcantara-led Conal Holdings Corp. in Maasim, Saranggani Province. In Davao, he said that the proposed 200 megawatts coal-fired power plant by the Aboitiz Power would also push through. Almendras, however, said the 500 megawatts would still not be enough five years from now, saying that “we need to generate more power. “ He urged the cooperation of the local government units and of the public to support the government’s undertaking on coal-fired power
plants. “Right now Mindanao should be ok for as long we can dispatch the power to be available,” Almendras assured. “As DOE Secretary, it’s my job to serve at the best of my capacity to the interest of the Filipino people, to find the cheapest and efficient way of bringing reliable power supply in the country,” he told the power stakeholders during the Mindanao Energy Forum. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)
TAGUM CITY- Adequately implementing social welfare policies and providing economic opportunities to the people is essential in building up peace and security in the region.
security entails positively responding to the basic needs of the people and broadening their economic prospect. “As people work to attain their full human development, you must ensure human security to enable them to pursue their choices and aspirations,” the governor told security officials in the province, during the seminar on the formulation of the Integrated Area/Community Public Safety Plan for 2012 on November 8, 2011 at the Molave Hotel, Tagum City.
Editors note: The story was supposed to come out yesterday but was omitted to layout glitch. We are printing the story in its entirety.
Social welfare, econ opportunity vital to peace, security - Guv del Rosario
Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario said ensuring public safety does not only mean arming the law enforcement agencies and making them ready for any eventuality. Del Rosario, who is chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI, explained peace and
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He also urged the police to ensure the upholding of the rule of law for all citizens to enjoy democratic rights. The president of the confederation of all local chief executives in Mindanao (Confed) further reiterated
his call for all-out peace in the region, in order to prevent the escalation of hostilities and their spread to other areas. Dir. Almario Cero, former DILG Provincial Director, who is now
head of the Administrative Division of DILG-XI, said an integrated public safety plan is necessary to ensure a comprehensive and concerted action in the promoting peace and security in the communities. He said the plan intends to institutionalize a system of effectively addressing security threats in the locality, as well as, in strengthening their capability to respond to peace and order concerns. He also stressed that community involvement is key to public safety, since crime and social ills emanate from the villages. Angelito Ravanera, Acting Regional Director of NAPOLCOM-XI presented the steps, procedures and processes in the preparation of the annual public safety plan of the province. He bared the six areas of concern of the plan includes: crime prevention and control; fire prevention and suppression; counterinsurgency; environmental enhancement; and, disaster management and control. (Noel Baguio/DAVNOR PIO)
did you know that... Tony Tan Caktiong, founder and chairman/ CEO of fastfood giant Jollibee spent his childhood in Davao City where his parents then owned a restaurant, and it was where the young boy learned the basic recipes to success; humility and good food. Though jollibee was first put up in 1975, it took 16 years when the first Jollibee store (the fastfood chain’s 100th) was opened in the southern city. Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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GSIS strengthens info drive for newest partnership by Mai Gevera Macapagat
DAVAO CITY- Of the 65,000 members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Davao region, only about 5,000 has yet opted to transfer their UMID eCard from Unionbank to Landbank.
of birth, UMID Common Reference Number or CRN, and preferred LandBank branch to eservices@gsis.gov. ph or visit the GSIS website www. gsis.gov.ph, and log on to the e-Card member transaction page by typing the GSIS ID number. GSIS regional manager Deity LandBank has the widest U. Manampan bared that expanding its partnership with the Landbank of branch network in the banking inthe Philippines is an answer to com- dustry with branches in all of the country’s 80 provinces. plaints of most members living in GSIS members can then receive areas where there is no Unionbank loan proceeds and other benefits branch. such as cash dividends through a “ We understand their comLandBank-issued UMID e-Card inplaints. Withdrawing money from a stead of getting the same through non-Unionbank ATM machine would your UnionBank-issued UMID e-Card. cost them P10 or more per transac The LandBank-issued UMID etion. That would be too much for Card also functions as a debit card in them if they withdraw often”, Manamore than 20,000 accredited mermpan said. chants nationwide. It is also a dis Davao provinces which do not count card for selected Pfizer medihave Unionbank branch or ATM machines are Davao del Sur, Davao Ori- cines and when enrolling children/ ental, Compostela Valley , and Davao relatives in any STI campus nationwide.(PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat) del Norte. Learning about the low percentage of transferees despite the absence of Unionbank branches in most Davao provinces, the GSIS official and his staff scheduled series of information drive to disseminate the information and explain the process. A member may transfer account from UnionBank to LandBank through email, just write name, date 44
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KALAHI-CIDSS school to address commitment to Pantawid Pamilya TALAINGOD, Davao Del Norte--An indigenous community in Talaingod, Davao del Norte has realized the importance of education that it has asked that a school building be built for its children.
can fully utilize the sub-project. “Dili lang importante nga ato ning ampingan, ang mas importante nga ato ning gamiton para makaproduce ta og mga brilliant nga mga kabataan (It is not just important that The residents of Sitio Mesolong we take care of this facility; what is more important is we use this so of Barangay Sto. Nino felt fortunate that we can produce brilliant chilafter their proposed P1.4 million three-classroom school building proj- dren),” she added. The sub-project will also be ect earned the second spot during another factor for residents to comthe prioritization of the Kapit-Bisig ply with their commitment as benLaban sa Kahirapan – Compreheneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang sive and Integrated Delivery of SoPilipino Program, as about half of its cial Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) last pupils are beneficiaries. year. Razon said the school will sup For Assistant Regional Direcport the goal of educating more chiltor Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD, the implementing agency of KALAHI-CI- dren from the poorest families. The Mesolong Elementary DSS, the school building sub-project will allow the community to produce School increased its enrolment in June 2010 to 644 pupils from 410 its future leaders. the year before because of Pantawid “Ang pagtuon, mao ni ang Pamilya, said school head Arnel Laatong capital para sa atong kaugmbasan. aon (Education is our capital for our The school, which started with future),” said Razon during the build- two teachers – Labasan was one of ing’s blessing and inauguration. the two pioneering teachers – now The village has a population of has 14 teachers. 206 households. In the past, because of lack of Razon pointed out that in the five years that KALAHI-CIDSS is im- classrooms and because the school could not refuse parents who would plemented in the municipality most of the sub-projects were either tribal send their children to school, parents joined hands to build a makeshift housing or capacity building on susclassroom out of cogon grass. tainable agriculture. Labasan said that with new She urged the residents to send building, more parents will be entheir children to school so that they couraged to send Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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school. “Nakit-an nako sa una ang atong kabataan ug karon nga nakagamit na sila sa eskwelahan, naghinay hinay na pod og tulo akong luha, sa una kaguol pero karon kalipay. At least karon natubag na ang atong gipangayo (I saw our children then,
and now that they have a school building. While before I cried because of sadness, now it is because of happiness. At least we now have what we were asking for).” he said. DSWD/Leslie Lao-Francisco
9 more classrooms under “Bayanihan sa Paaralan-Phase II” built in Laak, Comval School and San Antonio Elementary School with 1-unit, 2 classroom building each was turned-over on November 8. While Kaligutan Elementary School with 1-unit, 2 classroom building and Kapatagan National Highschool with 1-unit 3 classroom building were turned over on November 9. The newly built classrooms are LAAK, COMVAL PROVINCE- Miracomplete with blackboard, teacher’s cles do happen. That as much as table and chair, kiddie chairs for elthe new 9-classroom buildings ementary and armchairs for highthat are turned-over in 4 public school. The school chairs and tables schools in Laak on November 8-9, were made from the confiscated logs 2011. With volunteer builders and fabricated in Tagum City motorpitching in their help whichever pool under Mayor Rey Uy. way they can along with skilled And yet it did not stop there as workers, the classroom buildings the KK-BSP also extends its “bayaare constructed in just 10-14 days. nihan” in making the “Gulayan sa paaralan” program where schools This is the 2nd phase impleare encouraged to plant vegetables, mentation of the “Kalinga sa Kathereby addressing nutritional needs bataan: Bayanihan sa Paaralan” and food sustenance. program initiated by the provincial Luciano Rivera, even though government of Compostela Valley, he has no children studying in Longthe first of which is the 7-classroom ganapan, admitted at first he was buildings in Maragusan, Pantukan hesitant especially when hearing and Maco turned over early last about helping build the school as it month. was purely on volunteerism. “Pero Longganapan Elementary 46
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nadasig ko nga dihang nakita unsa kapas-pas ang paghimu sa eskuwelahan” (I was encouraged upon seeing how fast they build the school), he said. He join the build and even extended his help more than the days assigned to him. Now he was just overjoyed that the school was finally finished and that he was part of it. Meanwhile, the people of barangay San Antonio could not believe they have finished the construction of the school in just 10 days. “Tungod sa tinabangay sa komunidad ug sa gobyerno, nahuman nato kini sulod sa 10 ka adlaw lamang,” Lorenzo
Ingay said in his testimony. Comval Gov. Arturo Uy believes that the unity of the Comvalenyos contributed much in the success of the project saying he was elated with the number of volunteers and the energy and active participation of the community. Mayor Reynaldo Navarro also expresses his gratitude and hopes that with the spirit of volunteerism they have shown during the build, the same “bayanihan” spirit will continue on not only on this endeavour. (fe maestre/ids comval)
REGIONAL LANDMARKS
The futuristic looking stadium at Tagum City’s new City Hall grounds. which can host events like festivals, concerts and performance arts events (photo Mai Gevera Macapagat Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011