CONTENTS OUR COVER
The
NATIONAL
• Government ready to deal with global economic crisis, says Aquino features • Aquino defends approval of P72-billion Mangrove stimulus package
forest
in Kalamansig Sultan kudarat Photo Credit:
MRDP
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • DOT Sec graces unveiling of Zambo City’s latest tourist attraction • NMIS to conduct feeding program for street children • ARMM names Model OFW families for 2011 • ARMM housing project for workers to start soon
Northern Mindanao An Electronic News Magazine
published daily by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Clusters
EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor …….........
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Managing Editor …….........
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors …...
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
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
2
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
• BI puts up booth for foreign guests in Camiguin Lanzones festival • DA Sec. Alcala to inaugurate NFA warehouse • XU hosts IPv6 regional training • Stakeholders meet for a dairy forum on Oct. 20 at SM, Cag. de Oro • Lanao Sur Police Chief says crime prevention is a community effort • Camiguin indigent families get free medical, surgical and dental care
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Victims of strong wind in Sto. Tomas to get cash, food assistance • Old school desks in DavNor replaced with new Tagum-fabricated school furniture • DavSur coops urged to take part in environment care
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • Koronadal City to implement austerity measures due to IRA cut • Mga residente malapit sa Liguasan Marsh sa Maguindanao pinag-iingat
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • NCIP Caraga spearheads Indigenous Peoples Conference • DILG encourages barangays to create waste management committees • MARINA opens extension office in Surigao City • IFAD to give more funds for projects in Surigao del Sur • BI chief praises immigration agents for refusing bribes
Friday, October 14, 2011
Cover Story: Mangrove conservation gain roots in Kalamansig by Sherwin B. Manual SULTAN KUDARAT -- Two years after planting, close to a hundred thousand mangrove seedlings at about four feet high are now teeming with greens covering the erstwhile nude and muddy 20-hectare shoreline. The community considered to recover the original den- the past years. it a major make-over after sity since it has rehabilitated Most of the species planted the place was hit by a tidal through natural process in in the sandy and muddy wave, converted to fishpond and was abandoned. “This is the result of the concerted efforts of our alliance,” said Romeo Ebanada, president of Alliance Mangrove People’s organization. The “Alliance” is a cluster of four peoples’ organization (PO) formed to manage the 42-hectare mangrove rehabilitation comprising the PO from barangays Lapyahan, Buenaflores, Bantogon and Labak. The other 22 hectares in close canopy only underwent enrichment planting
Friday, October 14, 2011
3
loam include Bakauan (Rhizophora spp.), Bungalon (Avicennia marina), and Pagatpat (Sonneratia alba). Mangrove forests as life support system is a powerhouse resources critical for natural breeding and nursery area for many economically
4
known important marine animals like fish, crab, shrimp and other crustaceans. It also protects the shoreline from big waves wind and flood. The project was implemented under the Natural Resources Management (NRM) component of the Department of Agriculture - Mindanao Rural Development (DA-MRDP) in partnership with local government unit (LGU) of Kalamansig. “As NRM targets upland to coastal conservation, the mangrove rehabilitation is one of the four major interventions implemented in our town as it needs attention,” said municipal NRM focal Dexter Posadas. “The mangrove rehabilitation site covered a relatively large area, so to instill ownership of the project from the community we decided to form them into one organization, the alliance,” he said. The project was earmarked over P2 million which is part of the total P7 million NRM project of the town. The LGU put in 10 percent counterpart, another 10 percent from the national government, and 80 percent from the loan portfolio of the World Bank. “On our latest count we have at least 97,559 live seedlings from the 133,340 hills we planted which is
about 73% survival rate. The PO are due to plant in the coming days when they gather enough propagules,” said Posadas. “Before, my family plants mangrove behind our house near the seacoast because we know those trees protect us from strong winds,” said the Pagadianborn Ebanada. Ebanada said that when he arrived to the place in 1972 as employee of the Sta. Clara Lumber Corp. there was a thick mangrove forest and fish population was very abundant. “Fish was very abundant and the mangrove forest was really thick but when
the
lumber
company
Friday, October 14, 2011
closed many of us were unemployed and resorted to farming, fishing and other livelihood activities,” he said. He also recalled in 1976, gigantic waves hit the Moro gulf and devastated many areas including a sizable area in Kalamasig. “Some of the residents died during that tragic even but the biggest damage we saw was the coastal area left bare. Mangrove trees were uprooted and washed out,” said Ebanada. For a long time, there were no serious rehabilitation activities done. “When the area was made into fishponds, some mangrove trees were also cut. Plus many residents also made use of mangrove as firewood,” he said adding: “this contributed to the steady decline of the mangrove trees.” “With the MRDP project came, many were skeptic, saying it would just be ‘another government project that would just die down,” he said. “But this was different,” he added. MRDP designed the project to be implemented by POs in close coordination with the LGU. The PO members were paid for the seedling or mangrove propagules they produce
Friday, October 14, 2011
and were hired as workhand for the planting and other activities. “We earned extra income from the project. So, we understood that as we are the beneficiaries of the project, the activity also augments our income,” Ebanada said, adding: “This manner made it easy for us to accept and make the project our own.” The alliance underwent at least five technical trainings on mangrove rehabilitation management which Ebanada said made them more capable in handling the project. “Another thing I appreciate about the project is that there is close mentoring and monitoring. We were capacitated, technical personnel like Mr. Jhonny Pangud of DENR Region 12 and from other agencies assisted us,” Ebanada said. To secure the area, the four presidents of the alliance were identified to be “wardens.” The wardens monitor the project on a regular basis and put bamboo markers beside each plant to identify the spot has been planted. This made the monitoring of mortality relatively easy and the replacement the propagules quick. “We also fenced the
area with old nets and bamboo to prevent stray animals especially goats from eating on the leaves of the seedlings,” Ebanada said. They also sought the support of barangay council which in response issued an ordinance penalizing owners of stray animal that disturbs the rehabilitation site. “But the most difficult problem we had was barnacles infestation,” Ebanada said. The barnacle (marine organism of the class Cirripedia that tend to live in shallow and tidal waters) are deposited in the stems of the mangrove. Once there it will hamper the proper distribution of distribution on the growing seedling which will eventually cause the plant to wither.
“We scraped the barnacles from the each seedling but we have to be extra careful not to scratch the body of the seedling as it also caused for the seedling to die,” he said. Ebanada said he is glad to be part of the project as this could be a legacy he can live to his grandchildren. “I know my grandchildren will be proud of me being the leader of this successful project. And I want to instill in them the love and care for our environment,” said the 60-year old community leader.
5
P
Government ready to deal with global economic crisis, says Aquino resident Benigno S. Aquino III assured members of the business community and the general public that the Philippine government is “ready to deal” with economic uncertainties the world is facing today which already have made an impact in the country. Proof of which is the recently unveiled 72-billion stimulus package the government has allocated
6
for infrastructure and poverty alleviation projects as a result of the Aquino administration’s exercise of
“fiscal prudence” over the last 15 months. “There are many of us who feel uncertain and that is natu-
Friday, October 14, 2011
ral. But I am here to tell you that our government is ready to deal with these problems. Fifteen months of fiscal prudence and taking the necessary steps to ensure that money is spent wisely have given us the wherewithal to have decisively addressed the economic uncertainty we face today,” the Chief Executive said in a speech during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCI) 37th Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion, Thursday evening. The President reiterated the rundown of the P72-billion stimulus package emphasizing that the projects to be supported by this fund will not be done merely to boost the
Friday, October 14, 2011
economy but for the people “to feel the effects immediately”. “Our people are the ultimate beneficiaries here and these projects are important because we know that through these we can take significant steps towards alleviating poverty and addressing the needs of our countrymen,” he said. Of the P72-billion stimulus program, President Aquino said at least P6.5-billion will go to the local government units to fund vital infrastructure or poverty alleviation projects; P5.5-billion will be allocated for the projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways; P10-billion will be spent for the relocation of informal settlers residing in danger zones; while
an additional P4.5billion and P1.868billion shall be used for the improvement of the MRT and LRT lines respectively. The President, meanwhile, took the opportunity to express his deep gratitude for PCCI support in the administration’s bid towards improving the economy as he recalled attending inaugurations and groundbreaking ceremonies for new businesses since the start of his presidency. “So many businesses setting up shop had me rushing to one inauguration event after another, giving me little time to rest but I am not complaining. You can tire me more if you want to and the only requirement is it amounts to something and not just
7
photo opportunities,” he said jovially. “Since we saw each other last, the Philippines has garnered four positive rating actions from credit rating agencies such as Fitch’s and Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Our country moved up 10 places
P
in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index. We are now at 75th place from 85th in 2010,” the President noted. “Truly, these developments show us that our reforms and our focus on fostering a business climate conducive to growth
are indeed taking effect. We are maintaining the momentum we have built from last year. But for the record, while the government has indeed worked hard for this, all of you here are equally deserving of praise and of thanks,” he added. (HDC)
Aquino defends approval of P72-billion stimulus package resident Benigno S. Aquino III defended the P72-billion stimulus package he announced this week saying the plan isn’t underspending because it benefits the people in the long term.
“Our critics call this ‘underspending’ but is it underspending when you save 20 percent of contract cost on infrastructure projects as Public Works and Highways Secretary [Rogelio] Babes
8
Singson has done?” the President said in his speech during the 37th Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) 37th Business Conference and Expo on Thursday at The Manila Hotel.
“Is it underspending when you restructure your maturities so that you save P26 billion in interest payments in a year? Is it underspending when you demand a work program from a regional
Friday, October 14, 2011
director who asks for a bridge in his district?” the President added. According to the President, fiscal prudence isn’t underspending noting that it’s the sensible thing to do when the government wants to be sure that projects have work programs before they are given funds. The President also noted that it is not underspending when those projects not only fuel growth but will also concretely benefit the Filipino people. The Chief Executive said that the P72 billion in new programs will aid the economy from the ill effects of a global financial slowdown that is happening overseas. At least P6.5 billion will go to local government units so they can spend money on vital infrastrucFriday, October 14, 2011
ture or poverty alleviation projects. At the same time, the government is spending an additional P10 billion to help resettle and relocate informal settlers currently residing in the danger zones. The President also said that P5.5 billion will also go to infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). There will also be additional P4.5 billion and P1.8 billion for the improvement of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Trail Transit (LRT) lines, respectively. He, however, clarified that his administration doesn’t want to release the stimulus package merely for growth’s sake. “We chose initiatives for the stimulus package that are either high-impact or anti-poverty proj-
ects that are easy to get to the ground so that Filipinos can feel the effects immediately,” he said. “Our people are the ultimate beneficiaries here and these projects are important because we know that through these we can take significant steps towards alleviating poverty and addressing the needs of our countrymen.” Other countries around the world have been experiencing painful restructuring because they took in too much debt and are now hard pressed to repay, the President stressed. This is the same problem that the government has been managing to avoid, the President said as he vowed to treat taxpayers’ money with prudence and transparency. (AS)
9
T
DOT Sec graces unveiling of Zambo City’s by Jocelyn P. Alvarez latest tourist attraction Aourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. recently
unveiled the city’s newest attraction, a P2.3 million multi-patterned fountain constructed at a place considered the heart of the city- Plaza Pershing. Secretary Jimenez, who was here as guest of Honor during the October 12 Hermosa Festival, graced the turned over of the fountain. The fountain boasts
of its beauty, one of a kind and the second fountain recently turned over by the city. Earlier, the city turned over a laminar shooting jets fountain at
the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca, also known tourist destination in Zamboanga. “Never mind the cost, but it’s beautiful. It cost about P2.3 Million,” Mayor Celso Lobregat said during the inauguration and turned over ceremony. fountain The lights colorful emits which is sure to attract vieweres. This city’s latest attraction is open to public viewing for free. Fountain lights are switched on during night time starting 7:00. Lobregat turned
Photo courtesy of Zamboanga Today
10
Friday, October 14, 2011
over the project to the City General Services Office (GSO) for care and maintenance. Another million peso worth of “dancing fountain” at the prime leisure spot of the city-
Paseo del Mar, is sure to wow the public as it will be unveiled soon. The fountains are the city’s latest tourists “come-on” in time for the coming Christmas season.
These tourism projects are part of the City Development Strategy geared to boost the city’s tourism industry.(JPA/PIA9Zambo City)
NMIS to conduct feeding program for street by Gideon C. Corgue children
T
he National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) 9 will conduct a supplementary feeding for street children on October 20 at NMIS office here.
NMIS9 Regional Technical Director Dr. Arturo De Jesus, Jr. on Tuesday told members of the Zamboanga del SurPagadian City Press Club, Inc. that the feeding program is one activity lined up for the ‘National Meat Safety Consciousness week’
Friday, October 14, 2011
celebration on October De Jesus said 17-21 and the 19th the feeding program which NMIS is conducting a n n u a l l y, is not only the agency’s corporate responsibility but as a simple gesture of sharing their blessings and deep concern to the street children. founding anniversary of “We will round up NMIS. street children in the
11
city’s major streets to include ‘vehicle watchers’ in malls,” De Jesus said. “In the previous years, we used to visit DSWD’s Lingap Center in Dao and do the feeding to street children but now it’s different, it is us who will pick and bring them in our office to feed,” De
T
Jesus added. The NMIS9 chief said they changed the manner of conducting the activity saying that street children housed in the Lingap Center have donors from government and non-government organizations who are providing them foods and
the rest of their needs. “We will be targeting at 30-40 street children to avail the program,” De Jesus said. Asked if they will be feeding the street children with ‘arrozcaldo’, De Jesus said ‘no’, we will be feeding them with solid sumptuous foods.
ARMM names Model OFW families for 2011 he Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) named its regional winner of Model Overseas Filipino Workers Family of the Year (MOFYA) in a simple awarding ceremony in Cotabato City. Single mother and former domestic helper Hadja Rahma Nur Abantas of Simunul, TawiTawi won the regional MOFYA 2011 awards for the land based category, and Hadji Jamil Usman from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao got the awards for the sea based category. Their individual
12
distinctive success stories earned for a single mother of five and former domestic helper in the Middle East and a seafarer the honors as Model Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) 2011 from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
ARMM Information chief Ali G. Macabalang said Abantas and Usman also received cash prizes of P20,000 each from Globe Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s and another P5,000 each worth of account opening certificate from Bangco de Oro (BDO) at simple rites last October 6.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Amy Crisostomo, director of the ARMM’s Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), said Abantas and Usman bested other nominees for the award’s two categories. The other nominees were Monera Sakandal, a nurse from Tawi-Tawi, Abdulkarim Mohamad Taha, a trader from Maguindanao, Esmael Capampangan, a medical technologist from Lanao del Sur, and Aquilino Pitulan, Jr., an engineer from Maguindanao for the land based category, and seaman Jacob Yusop of Tawi-Tawi for the sea based category. Crisostomo said Abantas and Usman will represent ARMM to the national level of the MOFYA in Metro Manila on Nov. 6, adding that a resident of the
autonomous region was a awarded the national honor a few years ago. Shortly after receiving the regional awards, the two awardees paid a courtesy
call to the Office of ARMM Governor where Regional Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo enthusiastically met and awarded them additional cash incentives for their expenses to the national competition. MOFYA award is an annual event of the OWWA aimed at recognizing OFW’s
exemplary role in family affairs with outstanding community service contribution and financial stability. Awardees are adjudged on their wholesome care of their families, involvement in civic and community activities, success in children’s or family members and success in managing family finances, C r i s o s t o m o stressed. MOFYA was launched in 2004 to pay tribute to OFW’s and their families for their sacrifices and contribution in providing better family life and ties, outstanding community service and in helping the country’s economic development, she added.
Hja. Rahma Nur Abantas (2nd-R) of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi receives her P5,000 worth of account opening certificate from Banco de Oro representative Ms. Fayeen Gepte (extreme right) for winning the ARMM Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) 2011 for the land based category on Thursday, October 6 in Cotabato City. Assisting the awarding rites were (from L-R) ARMM assistant cabinet secretary Saripada Pacasum, Jr., Ms. Norma Lidasan of DOLE-ARMM and OWWA-ARMM regional director Amy Crisostomo. Abantas along with Haji Jamil Usman of Maguindanao for the sea based category also received P20,000 each courtesy of Globe Telecommunications.
Friday, October 14, 2011
13
T
ARMM housing project for workers to start soon he Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Monday announced that engineering works will soon start for the construction of housing units long sought by personnel of offices and bureaus under the ORG, especially those who have no houses of their own.
ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo said that ARMM Gov. Adiong made the announcement after the owner of a fourhectare land intended for the housing project finally turned over the Certificate of Land Title to the ORG in simple rites here over the weekend. ARMM Information chief Ali G. Macabalang said that Sally C. Sinsuat, the owner of the land located in Barangay Capiton, handed Transfer Certificate Title (TCT) No. T-37548 to ARMMORG officials and in turn received the P2.5 million check as full payment for the high-lying lot. The turnover rites were witnessed by village chieftain Chairman Datu
14
Erwin Sinsuat, ARMM Cabinet Secretary and concurrent Chief of Staff Ernie Masorong, and Regional Treasurer Kanggo Umal, who
and her kin. In his first Stateof-the-Region Address, Adiong had expressed his commitment to fulfill the dream of the ORG
has been facilitating personnel for houses the realization of the of their own within his housing project for term of office. the ORG employees According to and officials in over a ARMM officials privy to decade. the housing project, “Finally, we can say the the initial phase of dream is half-realized,� construction may said Umal, an official construct between 50 serving ARMM since its to 100 housing units, Land owner Bai Sally Sinsuat (seated left) receives the P2.5 million worth of check from ARMM regional treainception in right) 1989. and subsequent surer Kanggo Umal (seated on Friday, Ocrober 7 at the Office of thethe Regional Governor (ORG-ARMM) as payment of the four-hectare land area for the proposed housing project for ORG employees located Barangay Capiton, Umal said Governor phases would atfollow Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Witnessing the simple turn-over rites were ARMM Cabinet Secretary concurrent Chief of Staff Atty. Ernie Masorong (standing 4rth from right), ARMM officials and land owners.
Adiong and the land owner signed the deed of sale last August 16, but the payment has been delayed due to some reported intramurals involving the proprietor
to accommodate all qualified ORG workers, which number to around 300 individuals. (AGM/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
Friday, October 14, 2011
BI puts up booth for foreign guests in Camiguin Lanzones festival
A
By: Anthony Pelaez
hen
Immigration Booth will be put up by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), here, this coming Oct. 20-21, for foreign tourists who will be visiting Camiguin Island, during the Lanzones Festival, set from Oct. 16-23, this year. Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said a team of BI officials will travel to Camiguin and man the booth, which is part of the one-stop-shop organized by the Camiguin Provincial Government. Aside from providing visa extension services, the Immigration Booth will also entertain queries and disseminate information about the various services provided by BI to foreigners visiting the country, David said. “We hope that through this One-Stop-Shop, foreigners who will join the festival will be encouraged to frequently visit, not only Camiguin, but also explore other tourist spots
Friday, October 14, 2011
in the Philippines,” the Immigration Commissioner said. He added that BI will study the feasibility of putting similar one–stop-shops in other places of the country that holds annual festivities and attract large numbers of foreign tourists. Meanwhile, BI Boarding Section Chief Theodore Pascual said personnel from the bureau’s computer section in Manila and the BI-Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Field Office, including a payment assessor and cashier, will man the booth. Other agencies, such as, the Department of ForeignAffairs (DFA), National Statistic Office (NSO),
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will also participate in the one-stop shop activity. Pascual was invited to speak at the public forum to discuss the latest policies and regulations implemented by the BI as Chief Regulator of the entry and stay of foreigners in the Philippines. Aside from boosting local tourism, the activity also aims to generate employment opportunities for Camiguin residents, according to a primer released by island’s Provincial Capitol, Pascual added. (BI)
15
DA Sec. Alcala to inaugurate NFA warehouse By: Ma. Celeste R. Gaabucayan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala is expected in the city, tomorrow, Oct. 15. The DA Secretary will be here for the inauguration of the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Barangay Baloy, this city. This newly constructed warehouse, which has a capacity of 200,000 bags, will serve as the central terminal warehouse for the surplus rice and corn production of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. It will also be used
16
to store the food security requirements of the region including Lanao del Sur. Paqueo, further, stated that the warehouse will save the NFA some Php4.8 million, annually, in rentals of privately-owned warehouses. Expected to be present, during the occasion, are the congressional district representatives and local government officials of the CDO, Malaybalay City,
Misamis Oriental, Plaridel and Bonifacio Misamis Occidental, the Provincial Governors of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and grains farmer-leaders of the region. (NFA)
Friday, October 14, 2011
XU hosts IPv6 regional training By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – At least 46 participants coming from 18 organizations, regionwide, joined the 2-day Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) Beginners Training, held here, Oct. 12-13.
Sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) and Xavier University (XU), IPv6 campaigns for the use of “next generation” internet protocol that would replace the depleting number and limited address space of IP version 4 (IPv4). The first to be held in Mindanao, the activity compares IPv4 to a world running out of phone numbers, with the web facing billion of IP addresses that are about to hit the max, Bayani Benjamin Lara from ASTI said. Lara, however, clarified that both IPv6 and IPv4 will still run, hand in hand, until such time IPv4 will be completely left out. “The good thing about this protocol upgrade is that it was able to address inherent loses of the IPv4. I am not saying it is ultra secured but at least a lot of the security measures are already built into the protocol,” he noted. Executive Order 893 also mandates the promotion, deployment, and use of IPv6. Meanwhile, XU, expresses support to the activity, treating it as part of its social outreach program geared towards the promotion of the
Friday, October 14, 2011
technology in the community. Engr. Gerardo Doroja, XU Dean for the College of Computer Sciences announced that the university will include IPv6 as part of its syllabus. He, further, revealed that XU is also doing major technological upgrade to be IPv6 compliant. By second semester, the university network equipment will all be IPv6 ready. Doroja likewise noted that although the training was originally intended for Northern Mindanao, a lot of people coming from Luzon have actually joined it.
17
Stakeholders meet for a dairy forum on Oct. 20 at SM, Cag. de Oro By: Elaine O. Ratunil CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Stakeholders of the dairy industry in Northern Mindanao will converge for a forum, at the Atrium of SM Mall, here, this coming Oct. 20 Photo Credits: wn.com, cretancheese.com
The activity coincides with the 2nd day of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area Investment Conference (BIMP-EAGA ICon) cum ORO BEST Expo 2011 set from Oct. 19-22, in the area. Aimed to influence the public on the growing development of the dairy industry in the region, the forum promotes the sector’s initiatives through a series of Information Campaign and Education (ICE) on the Importance of Milk. Expected to participate in the forum are representatives from the media, academe, local government units (LGU’s), farmers’ organizations and our partners
18
in the government, James So, Officer-in-Charge of the National Dairy Authority (NDA), said. So said the ICE on Milk Project hopes to address the problems on malnutrition, marketing of dairy
products, especially milk, low milk production and consumption patterns in the region. It will also tackle the
low awareness and appreciation on the vital role of milk in creating a healthy population in the region’s five (5) provinces and eight (8) cities, he said. Likewise, a Livelihood Training Demonstration for Women on Milk Products Processing will be conducted by NDA, in the afternoon of Oct. 20. The said training will be held in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Foundation Inc. (OroChamber), Land O’ Lakes Foundation Phils., Inc. and the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC).
Friday, October 14, 2011
Lanao Sur Police Chief says crime prevention is a community effort By Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -Deterring criminality is not the sole job of the police and the military, rather, it should involve the active participation of the whole community. Photo Credits: PNP LSPPO
This was pointed-out by Police Senior Superintendent Romeo Magsalos, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LSPPO), who said the fight against criminality in the province is everybody’s responsibility. Magsalos said President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the re-activation of the Joint Philippine National Police-Armed Forces of the Philippines (PNP-AFP) Task Force Ranao to address the lawlessness and criminalities in the province, last month. He said the residents should change their perception on crime prevention and should not rely solely on the Joint PNP-AFP Task Force Ranao. He emphasized that every member of the community should be a stakeholder of peace and order since each member plays an important role in preventing the commission of crimes in the province. For instance, parents should teach
Friday, October 14, 2011
their children good values so that they will become good citizens while students should study hard, so that they can earn their diplomas and become productive citizens of the community, he further said. Magsalos added that the public should also be vigilant and should not allow themselves to be victims of crimes. They should also avoid wearing jewelries when going to supermarket or displaying their cellular phones in public places, he cited. He also asked the public to report to the police authorities’ suspicious looking individuals and criminal activities in the area. Don’t be negligent citizens, immediately report suspicious activity at the nearest police station, he urged.
19
Camiguin indigent families get free medical, surgical and dental care By Jorie C. Valcorza CAMIGUIN, Mambajao – At least 54 persons have undergone free surgical procedures, while 142 others underwent minor surgeries in the out-patient department (OPD) and emergency room (ER) section of the Camiguin General Hospital (CGH), here. The medical and surgical mission activity in the island, which took place from, Oct. 4-7, was backed up by the Philippine Medical Association of West Virginia (PMA-WV) and the Philippine Urological Association (PUA). Dr. Arvin F. Sampilo, Officer-in-Charge/ Chief of CGH, said PMA-WV saturated the first 3-days of the mission performing a series of surgical procedures, such as, excision of breast lump, thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), myoma (myomectomy) and hemorrhoidectomy to persons suffering almoranas. He said the mission intends to reach out to a number of underprivileged residents in the province, giving all needed medical, dental, and even surgical services for free. A total of 586 outpatient consultations were also recorded, while some 450 glasses were given freely by the PMA-WV to the needy public. Sampilo noted that patients still needing medical attention will still be catered by the hospital. “It’s all expense free, even the required medications were all provided by the PMAWV, who brought stocks of medicines for the
20
mission,” Sampilo added. The provincial government for its part has also released about Php500,000 to answer for the laboratory needs and other tests required in the conduct of the medical mission. Likewise, the CGH has extended full assistance in terms of manpower, providing doctors and nurses to work closely with the volunteers. By Friday, Oct. 7, the PUA doctors and volunteers took over, doing consultations and surgery for prostate and hernia, as well, as the removal of urinary stones through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive diagnostic surgical procedure which uses telescopes and instruments that are much smaller than normal. It can be recalled that last August, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) also visited the province for a surgical mission and served some 29 persons needing surgical sterilization, bilateral tubal ligation (BTL), and excision of uterine myoma, as well, as ovarian cysts. Free ultrasound and cervical screening were also extended during the POGS surgical mission in the island-province.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Victims of strong wind in Sto. Tomas to get cash, food assistance by Jean D. Abangan
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Cash and food assistance will be given to families whose houses have been shattered by a strong wind which swept across three barangays in Sto. Tomas on October 9. Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) chief Arlene Semblante said that families living in each of the four totally damaged houses will be receiving P5,000. The families of the three other partially damaged houses will get P3,000 each from the provincial government of Davao del Norte. PSWDO will also be providing them five kilos of rice with noodles and sardines as additional food assisFriday, October 14, 2011
tance on top of what they have received from the local government of Sto. Tomas. Strong winds that occurred at about 4:00 p.m. last Sunday totally damaged four houses and laid waste various crops in barangays Salvacion, San Vicente and Esperanza, said secretariat head Dorina Ararao of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MRRMO). The bad weather condition wrought a to-
tal of P152,000 damages to residential structures and P288,730 to crops. Totally damaged residences belonged to Rogelio Alimin, Narciso Dolera, Marites Siasol and Avelina Cortez while those partially damaged were owned by Joseph Vido and Julius Gumabay. A total of 840 hills of Cardaba banana on bearing stage and 1.5 hectares of harvestable rice were damaged, affecting nine farmers. 21
Old school desks in DavNor replaced with new Tagum-fabricated school furniture by Louie Lapat & Edwin Lasquite
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – A total of three schools in Davao del Norte benefited in this week’s wave of distribution of school furniture courtesy of the City Government of Tagum led by Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy. Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) chief Arlene Semblante said that families living in each of the four totally damaged houses will be receiving P5,000. The families of the three other partially damaged houses will get P3,000 each from the provincial government of Davao del Norte. PSWDO will also be providing them five kilos of rice with noodles and sardines as additional food assistance on top of
22
what they have received from the local government of Sto. Tomas. Strong winds that occurred at about 4:00 p.m. last Sunday totally damaged four houses and laid waste various crops in barangays Salvacion, San Vicente and Esperanza, said secretariat head Dorina Ararao of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MRRMO). The bad weather condition wrought
a total of P152,000 damaes to residential structures and P288,730 to crops. Totally damaged residences belonged to Rogelio Alimin, Narciso Dolera, Marites Siasol and Avelina Cortez while those partially damaged were owned by Joseph Vido and Julius Gumabay. A total of 840 hills of Cardaba banana on bearing stage and 1.5 hectares of harvestable rice were damaged, affecting nine farmers.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy delivers on October 11, 2011 new school furniture to Datu Libayao Memorial National High School in Municipality of Talaingod, Davao del Norte, considered to be the farthest DepEd school in the province which is 64 kilometers away from Tagum City. The mayor is joined here by Councilors Joedel Caasi, Alfredo Pagdilao and Tristan Royce Aala. (CIO-Tagum/Francis Abrenica) Friday, October 14, 2011
23
DavSur coops urged to take part in environment care by Nilda S. Aniñon DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – Governor Douglas Cagas has challenged all organized cooperatives in the province to form a cluster of cooperatives and work together to help care for the environment. DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Oct. 14 (PIA) – Governor Douglas Cagas has challenged all organized cooperatives in the province to form a cluster of cooperatives and work together to help care for the environment.
Cagas enjoined the cooperative officials to build up a nursery and plant vegetables, fruits and other fruit bearing trees in the pursuit of clean air and healthy environment, as well as ensure food security. The governor’s challenge was in line with the celebration of the cooperative month this October which has a focus on the care and protection of the environment. This year’s theme “Transformative Cooperative: Advancing people,
24
planet, prosperity and peace. Kooperatiba: Sama-sama sa Pagkandili nga Kalikasan”, enjoins all cooperatives nationwide to plant trees. In a Memorandum Order in coordination with the Cooperative Development Authority, each member cooperator is required to plant five trees. The undertaking was made possible through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office which provided several seedlings ready for planting. Meanwhile, Ca-
gas emphasized that self-reliance is the key to sustainability and prosperity. “Don’t be dependent always on the local government to extend financial assistance, do some initiatives and be a unified force,” he stated. “This is the true meaning of cooperativism,” the governor said conforming with the cooperative’s long time theme that says, “Alone I am weak, but with others I am strong”. Provincial cooperative office head Danilo Cadungog
Friday, October 14, 2011
reported that there is a tremendous increase in its membership as the office continues to conduct pre-membership education program to officers and members. Cadungog said his office is bent to continue organizing new cooperatives. Ernesto Mabunga, chairman of the Provincial Cooperative Union, said that great transformations have been taking place in the cooperative movement with the strong support of Governor Cagas. He said that it’s about time that cooperatives are recognized to help in the nation building. Cooperative Development Authority assistant regional director Mar-
Friday, October 14, 2011
garita Bauto lauded the province for its positive contributions and participation in the region. Bauto reported that as of December last year, 23 or 18 percent of the 120 registered cooperatives in the region came from Davao del Sur. Of the 1,528 reregistered cooperatives, 285 are from the province. The cooperatives that submitted the Annual Performance Request from the province reached to 145 out of the 972 regionwide, she said. According to Bauto, Davao del Sur contributed around P49.2 million to the compensation expense of about P535 million throughout the region. As to the Net
Surplus representing interest, share capital and patronage refund, the province contributed more than P83 million out of over P538.9 million. For the PaidUp capital, three cooperatives of Davao del Sur have been included in the top 20 with Bansalan Credit Cooperative which ranked first, followed by Digos Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Credit Cooperative Incorporated (DIMAVEMCI), and the third was the New USPD Credit Cooperative and MCDC. The provincial government of Davao del Sur took another leap in an effort to strengthen further the cooperative movement with a renewed commitment of all its members’ cooperators.
25
Koronadal City to implement austerity measures due to IRA cut By Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY -- With the inevitable cut in its 2012 internal revenue allotment, the local of government of Koronadal may have to enforce changes in the lifestyle of both officials and employees. City treasurer Marlon Gumbao said the city LGU will also be implementing several measures to brace the city from the effects of limited funds for maintenance and other operating expenses. Gumbao confirmed that next year, more than P59 million will be cut from the city’s IRA after the Supreme Court decided with finality that the cityhood conversion of 16 municipalities is
26
Friday, October 14, 2011
legal. IRAs of its 27 barangays will also be reduced. “The solution to this problem is simple. We just have to implement austerity measures,” Gumbao said. He said, they may have to order frugal use of electricity, gasoline, and office supplies and limit trips of department heads. For electricity alone, the city LGU spends almost P500,000 a month. “With the budget cut, we may have to think of ways to reduce our monthly electric bill to P250,000,” he said. The city LGU is also cutting its annual budget for next year. Gumbao said, they are preparing for a P440-million budget for next year instead of the expected P525 million. He, however, clarified that the budget is still in
Friday, October 14, 2011
the proposal stage and has not been submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. In an earlier interview, Mayor Peter B. Miguel promised that the budget cut will not hamper the delivery of basic services by the city government. He said, the city will have to find other sources of income, including beefing up the city’s tax collection activities. With 16 more cities getting share from the IRA, LGUs nationwide
will be experiencing a total cut of their IRA by 4.8 percent. These new cities are: Baybay in Leyte, Bogo in Cebu, Catbalogan in Samar), Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Lamitan in Basilan, Borongan in Samar, Tayabas in Quezon, Tabuk in Kalinga, Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, Batac in Ilocos Norte, Mati in Davao Oriental, Guihulngan in Negros Oriental, Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte), El Salvador in Misamis Oriental, and Carcar and
27
Mga residente malapit sa Liguasan Marsh sa Maguindanao pinag-iingat KORONADAL CITY – Pinag-iingat na ng Regional Disaster Risk Reduction ang Management Council (RDRRMC) at ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ang mga residenteng nakatira malapit sa Liguasan Marsh, kasunod ng pagdaan ng bagyong Ramon. Ayon kay OCDARMM Director Ret Gen. Loreto Rirao, kailangan umanong maging handa, dahil may posibilidad umanong ang mga tubig-ulan na nagmula sa Hilaga at Silangang
28
Mindanao ay dadaloy sa Pulangi River at Liguasan Marsh bago ito lumabas sa Moro Gulf. Kahit malayo umano ang Maguindanao sa sentro ng bagyong Ramon, at hindi masyadong
inulan, subalit sa mga nakalipas na mga dumaang bagyo, ang ilang lugar umano na malapit sa Liguasan Marsh ang tumatanggap ng umaapaw na tubig-baha. Matatandaang mahigit kalahating milyong katao mula sa mga Lalawigan ng Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat at Maguindanao at Lungsod ng Cotabato ang naapektuhan ng pagbaha noong buwan ng Hunyo at Hulyo. Patuloy umano nilang mino-monitor ang marshland, at kahit pa man hindi umano umabot sa nakaka-alarmang lebel ang tubig dito, kailangan pa ring maging handa umano ang mga residente. (ac agad PIA12)
Friday, October 14, 2011
W
NCIP Caraga spearheads Indigenous by Nora CL Molde Peoples Conference ith the theme, “Tribuhanong Katilingban Hagit sa Kasamtangang Panahon sa Karon ug Umaabot,� the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)- Caraga region will spearhead the Indigenous Peoples Conference on October 18-19 in one of the
convention center here.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
Friday, October 14, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
29
According to NCIP Caraga acting regional director Dominador M. Gomez, the activity will support the threemonth campaign for Indigenous Peoples Rights and Empowerment in partnership with the Congress, Civil Society Organizations, the
United Nations, International Labor Organization (ILO), Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the NCIP as a national government agency. Also, the activity will be participated by the different tribes of in-
digenous peoples in the region and is in line with the celebration of the 14th Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) anniversary in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation No. 1124 designating October 29 to November 4 of every year as Indigenous Peoples’ Week.
DILG encourages barangays to create waste management committees by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY -- City director Romeo Solis of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is encouraging all barangays in this city to create a Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management (BESWM) Committee, which is in line with Section 56, Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Also, the said committee is in line with the “Clean Ground, Zero Waste” Program of Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. which will be implemented in 86 barangays of this city. Meanwhile, the BESWM committee will be comprised of
30
barangay captains, barangay kagawads, SK chairman, school principals, General Parent-Teacher Association (GPTA) presidents, representatives from religious sectors, non-government organizations (NGOs), and junkshop owners. Members of the
Friday, October 14, 2011
said committee are delegated to make comprehensive plans, briefs, and implement waste segregation. They are also tasked to prepare their constituents in implementing the “No
Segregation, No Collection Policy” which will be launched on November 11, 2011. On October 3 & 5, members of BESWM and community volunteers undertook trainings to
prepare in the launching of Massive Education Campaign that will be enforced in the entire city. Part of the campaign is to segregate the biodegradable and nonbiodegradable wastes
MARINA opens extension office in Surigao City by FEAbkilan
SURIGAO CITY – Motor banca owners and seamen in Surigao del Norte and its neighboring provinces need not to go to Cagayan de Oro City in order to process their documents. They just have to visit the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Surigao Extension Office at Port Area, Surigao City. This was revealed by Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, regional director of MARINA X and XIII during the opening and blessing of their new office in the city on Thursday, Oct. 13. Carpio said although the extension office was already here since 1994 yet their function was only to received documents and boat applications. “With their new delegated authority, they can now issue documents under MARINA existing polic-
Friday, October 14, 2011
es. Seamen can also obtain their seaman’s book here,” Carpio said. Aside from applicant issuances, Carpio said the extension office can now initiate or assess the suspension and/or revocation of the above-issuances. “They will also supervise/coordinate/maintain administrative and regulatory activities,” Carpio added. Carpio said Engr. Charlito Bacang, Senior Ship’s Operating Specialist will lead the team
in Surigao City. The MARINA Surigao Extension Office’s area of jurisdiction includes the whole CARAGA Region which composed of the following: Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Dinagat islands.
31
IFAD to give more funds for projects in Surigao del Sur by Greg Tataro, Jr. TANDAG CITY – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) based in Rome, Italy is again willing to give additional funding assistance for programs and projects in Surigao del Sur under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) North Mindanao Community Initiatives and Resource Management Project (NMCIREMP).
According to Bernecita Rojas, provincial project coordination office chief, both Dorothy Lucks and Mark Keating, team leader and lead evaluator of IFAD project performance assessment, respectively, were so pleased with 32
the result of their assessment and evaluation of the projects implemented in the towns of Carmen, Madrid, and Cortes which they personally conducted. Rojas stressed, the province got an initial “A+” rating for the six (6) years
alongside with (6) components. Worth some P120M, these include irrigations, Farm-toMarket Roads (FMR) with Timber Bridges, Organic Rice Production and Marine protected area. On the other hand, the six (6) components are community institution and participatory development; infrastructure; natural resources management; support to the Indigenous People; Health, Social Services and Education; and Project Management. Friday, October 14, 2011
I
In exchange for releasing arrested Indian illegal aliens in Davao
BI chief praises immigration agents for refusing bribes
City
mmigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. praised intelligence agents for not succumbing to ‘easy money’ after they arrest an Indian national who attempted to bribe them in exchange for the release of two of his compatriots from the immigration jail in Davao
In his speech after awarding the certificates of commendation last Monday, David urged immigration officers and agents to stick to the straight path policy of the Aquino government and not to accept financial considerations in exchange of performing their jobs. The BI chief gave the certification to immigration agents led by detailed Army Lt. Col. Efrain Oropel, technical assistant for intelligence. David also disclosed that a team of intelligence agents led by Oropel arrested Sukhdarshan Singh, 35 years old in an entrapment operation at the Victoria Plaza Mall along J.P. Laurel Ave. in Davao City last Oct. 3. He said BI and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents set up the
Friday, October 14, 2011
operation after Singh went to the BI office in Davao and offered P200,000 bribe for the release of Gurmeet Singh and Amandeep Kaur who are both detained at the said office. Singh was later brought to the NBI headquarters in Davao City where he was booked on charges of attempted bribery and corrupting public officials. The two detainees whose release was sought by Singh were among the 31 Indians rounded up by BI agents last Sept. 19 in an operation conducted against suspected illegal aliens in Davao City. Earlier, David said he authorized the operation in the South due to intelligence reports about the increasing number of Indian nationals arriving and staying in Davao City.
He said a monthlong intensive surveillance on the activities of the said foreign nationals pave the way for the operation which resulted in the apprehension of 12 undocumented aliens and the discovery of fraudulent visas on passports of the other Indians. David said those arrested will undergo deportation proceedings for violation of the Philippine immigration act. “Some of them managed to acquire resident visas by submitting falsified documents in support of their visa applications,” the BI chief said. Also earlier, a Davao City judge dismissed for lack of merit a petition for habeas corpus filed by 12 Indian nationals arrested for being undocumented aliens.
33
Friday, October 14, 2011
35