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
Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital’s Centennial Celebration
Photo Credits: Daniel C. Valido Jr. www.agusadelnorte.gov.ph
Cover Story :
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Vol. 1, No. 67
Agusan del Norte Prov’l Hospital: 100 years of providing healthcare services to Agusanons by Brian
Jay Ceballos
NATI O NAL
OCTOBER 20, 2011
contents
NORTHERN Mindanao
SOUTHERN Mindanao
22 24
8 8
Aquino joins Asian business leaders in honoring companies with best corporate social responsibility programs
10
Reason for positive outlook on Asian businesses is corporate social responsibility, says Aquino 10
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Aquino not keen on ‘all-outwar’ against lawless elements of MILF 12
CENTRAL Mindanao
27 28 29 30
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BFAR 12 celebrates fish conservation week GenSan naglaan ng pondong P52.8 milyon para sa konstruksiyon ng gabion dikes
Vocational Skills Development at Entrepreneurship Training itinakda ng TESDA-Maguindanao 51 na mining application binasura ng MGB 12
15 16 18 19 20
15
Maternal health facility soon to rise in DavSur provincial hospital
Gov. del Rosario rallies LGUs, State Governments for stronger roles in BIMP-EAGA
Senior Officials agree to scale up EAGA cooperation with priority
EAGA local execs push for stronger ties, assert role 16 BEMCA forge four point action plan
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OROBEST 2011 showcases the best tourism, agri-trade in Northern Mindanao Cagayan showcases Oro’s best to BIMP EAGA senior officials,
CARAGA Region
31 33 34 35 36
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From dynamite fishers to sea protectors
WESTERN Mindanao
DOH-CHD turns over birthing home facility to Surigao City LGU Carage Execs conduct waste management workshop in gov’t agencies Caraga reg’l search committee to evaluate nominees for Outstanding Volunteers Crime incidents decrease in Butuan City NCIP-13 holds Indigenous Peoples Conference
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38 40 41 44 45
38 Gov’t sets up PNP-ARMM SubRegional Office in Sulu Power Plant sees PPP vital in attaining social responsibility WESCOM ensures security for industrial, business sectors 2000 join DOH’s LBK Health Caravan in Gutalac town Power Plant sees PPP vital in attaining social responsibility
Cover Story
Agusan del Norte Prov’l Hospital: 100 years of providing healthcare services to Agusanons by Brian Jay Ceballos
T
he Provincial Hospital in Agusan del Norte recently celebrated its centennial year, marking years of proven and tested medical services especially to the needy. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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The hospital started as Butuan Hospital in 1911 with just six beds. Later, the hospital was transferred to Brgy. Libertad and became a Provincial Hospital with a 100-bed capacity. It now provides services not only to patients from Agusan del Norte but also from other neighboring provinces. The celebration kicked-off with a Fun Run last October 9, 2011 in Butuan City Sports Complex. Runners 7 years old and up from government employees, nurses, hospital staff, families and students from different schools participated in a 2 category race: the 3-kilometer and the 5-kilometer run. Prizes to Early Finishers and Raffle Prizes to Lucky Runners were given. The following day, provincial officials and employees of the hospital held a thanksgiving mass and a
motorcade. Governor Erlpe John M. Amante together with Provincial Health Officer Dr. Elizabeth N. Campado led the ribbon cutting to formally open the celebration. The ribbon cutting was followed by the formal opening of the Health Fair. Health Booths were opened at the Provincial Hospital Grounds which is a 4 day activity of free Diabetic/Hypertension/ Cholesterol Screening, Free Medical- Dental Clinic, Free Medical Consultations and Free Digital Rectal Examinations for male 40 years and above were given. Meanwhile, in the evening, the light up Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital was done which lighted the grounds of the hospital followed by the start of the Barrio Fiesta within its premises.
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Sports tournaments among the hospitals personnel were also conducted to promote camaraderie amongst each other, they were the: Larong Pinoy, Volleyball Tournament, Table Tennis, Chess, Dart and Scrabble Friendship Games were conducted at the hospital grounds; Bowling and Billiards Friendship Game were conducted at Timberlanes Bowling Lounge. Hospital staff nurses and personnel were teamed up in groups to compete for the tournaments.
The last activity of the celebration was the Centennial Night which is a formal party held at Dotties Place Hotel were all the employees enjoyed an evening of bonding time with each other filled with laughter music and dancing. It was a great way to end an exhausting but fulfilling week. Second District Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba and Governor Erlpe John M. Amante was also in attendance and didn’t miss the event. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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Activities
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Aquino joins Asian business leaders in honoring companies with best corporate social responsibility programs
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III joined Asian business leaders in honoring companies within the region who have exhibited and have carefully embedded the core values of being socially responsible corporations into their respective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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The awarding ceremonies were held at the close of the two-day Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) held at the Edsa Shanri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City Wednesday night. The AFCSR, Asia’s foremost conference and expo on corporate social responsibility, is now on its 10th year of developing and enjoining companies to embrace CSR practices as part of its processes and operations. This year’s Asian CSR awards were given to Asian companies for outstanding, innovative and world
class CSR products and programs in five categories namely: Health Enhancement, Environmental Excellence, Education Improvement, Poverty Alleviation, and the Intel-AIM Corporate Responsibility Award (IACRA) that recognizes a company or organization that has made CSR an integral part of the way they do business. This year’s awardees are: Pfizer Thailand, for Health; The Link Management, Ltd., for Environment; Citi Pakistan and Double A (1991) Plc, for Poverty Alleviation; Abbott Singapore, for Education; and Shangrila Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa – IACRA. In his speech, President Aquino noted the absence of
a Filipino company winner but vowed to make sure to have one by the next AFCSR. “I understand that in the previous years there were a lot of Philippine companies recognized. In the first time that I have an occasion to talk before you, not a single Filipino company managed to be awarded,” the President said. “But I will endeavor that next year, I will try to motivate more and more of our companies to excel so that they, in turn can be recognized lest the Philippines be left behind,” he added. This year’s AFCSR theme is: “Strategic CSR: Creating Shared Value.” (RCK)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
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Reason for positive outlook on Asian businesses is corporate social responsibility, says Aquino
A
dhering to and practicing the values of being socially responsible to the people and the environment are the main reasons for the positive outlook people have on corporations in this part of the world, President Benigno S. Aquino III said Wednesday night. In his speech keynoting the 10th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility held at 10
the Edsa ShangriLa Hotel in Mandaluyong City, the President said the latest economic and
Thursday, October 20, 2011
social crisis sweeping the globe is not wreaking havoc in the Asian region precisely because of
corporate social responsibility. “While of course there will always be exceptions, here in our region, corporations —especially the ones more active in their humanitarian endeavors — are generally seen in a positive light,” the President said. This he said, has allowed the people to “recognize the value that business can bring to a nation (and) see the opportunities and the possibilities, and realize that corporations and individuals can empower each other and partner toward the achievement of a just society.” “I believe that this is partly because many Philippine and Asian corporations have been actively engaged in Corporate Social Respon-
sibility activities,” the President said. “Many, if not all of you present here today have made the conscious decision to play a greater role in the communities in which you do business,” he added. “Realizing that you do not live and work in a vacuum, you have done your best to help ensure that the people living in the societies in which you operate are given the chance to live a more dignified life,” he said. He enjoined other corporations to embrace and exert more effort to implementing values of corporate social responsibility in its operations and processes, saying the practice of such programs will “ultimately lead to a more stable business environment.” “It is, at the bottom line, an investment: in an empow-
ered consumer and professional base, in a more equitable world, and in the future of humanity,” the President said. “In fact, corporations can do this simply by being aware—by being observant of what’s going on around them, and by acting promptly on the concerns of the people. Now, more than ever, corporations and governments alike must continue to address the yearnings of the people: social justice, accountability, and inclusive growth,” he added. “We must foster the attitude of giving back, and of always remembering that the growth of companies—that the growth of economies—rely, in essence, on the empowerment of the people. No one must be left behind,” he said. (RCK)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
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Aquino not keen on ‘all-out-war’ against lawless elements of MILF
P
ALO, Leyte: President Benigno S. Aquino III categorically ruled out any possibility of engaging the country’s military in an “allout war” with the lawless members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following their latest clash in Albarka, Basilan on Tuesday that killed 19 Filipino soldiers. Speaking to reporters in a chance interview Thursday after gracing the 67th commemoration of the historic Leyte Gulf Landing, President Aquino admitted that he was “not happy” with this development adding, however, that war is not the solution to address the problem. Explaining his position using the rotten egg analogy and remembering lessons that were 12
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drawn from history, President Aquino said it is better for the government to have the situation investigated first rather than jump into conclusions right away without having the facts established. “Are we advocating a let’sgo all-out-war and that redounds an improvement to the situation? I think if you heard my speech earlier, matuto na-
man tayo. [Sa] giyera, walang nakikinabang… ‘Pag may one rotten egg dapat ba ‘yung buong basket of eggs tukuyin na natin na sila lahat masama? Maganda nga imbestigahan muna natin kung ano ang nangyari,” the President told reporters. In line with this, President Aquino announced that he will hold a command conference in Camp Aguinaldo tomorrow to get the complete details of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) report about the encounter. “’Pag nakuha mo ‘yung lahat ng detalye, ‘yun ang magsasabi sa’yo ng course of action. Pero kung tatalon tayo kaagad na may conclusion, wala namang facts, eh napakairesponsable ‘non,” the President said. President Aquino said he wants to discuss details with the AFP in relation to their operations in Basilan and the death of the 19 soldiers as he remembered a similar incident back in July when seven Marines were brutally killed by the members of the Abu Sayyaf. “Kung maaalala ninyo, nagkaroon ng trahedya sa ating mga Marines sa Sulu at mayroong mga dapat nagawa pagkatapos ‘non para manigurado
na hindi ganito ang mangyayaring trahedya. At nangyari na naman ito, so hindi talaga ako natutuwa at gusto kong malaman ang puno’t dulo ng buong operasyon na ‘to,” the President said. “Dapat talaga masiyasat kung ano ang dahilan na ganito ang naging resulta sa ating Sandatahang Lakas at iwasto. At hihingin ko bukas ang mga detalye ng pagwawasto na kanilang dapat ginawa noon pa lang na may trahedya sa Sulu sa mga Marines,” he added. President Aquino, on the other hand, expressed his deep sympathies to the victims and their respective families as he took note that more measures are needed to further improve the military’s defense capabilities and to ensure that threat groups can no longer prevail over the armed forces. (HDC) Thursday, October 20, 2011
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P-noy Photos
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his message during the 2011 Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) Leadership Conference at the Ricardo and Dr. Rosita Leong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Wednesday October 19, 2011. ASoG started out as a unit under the Graduate School of Business in 1996 and was formally established as an autonomous academic unit in 2001.
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
S
Senior Officials agree to scale up EAGA cooperation with priority projects enior Officials from the Brunei D a r u s s a l a m Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have agreed to step-up their individual and collective actions to effectively address the issues and challenges facing the implementation of priority projects in the sub-region. At the opening of the BIMPEAGA 20th Senior Officials Meeting at Xavier Estates Wednesday, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reported that it has identified 26 projects in the proposed Implementation Blueprint (IB) 2012-2015, and 10 of these are hailed as the priority projects. The ADB currently serves as BIMP-EAGA’s regional cooperation advisor and provides technical and funding assistance in the implementation of several projects to enhance sub-regional integration
and cooperation. The IB is anchored on the three strategic pillars, which are enhanced connectivity, development of BIMPEAGA as food basket, and promotion of BIMP-EAGA as a premier ecotourism destination. These projects are expected to serve as the catalysts for investment growth in the subregion, and benefit the small and medium enterprises, which are considered as the basic production units in BIMP-EAGA. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz, Philippine Senior Official to the BIMP EAGA, commended the progressive formulation of the IB, as this is one of the best instruments for the subregion to be able to translate their strategies into concrete results. She however noted that the proposed implementation blue print would still entail “thinking process” to fine tune the identified projects and their implementation mechanisms. Erick Sidgwick, Principal Economist of ADB said that the IB needs more explicit connection with line ministries to be able to generate more concrete outputs. “One of the corollary issues to be addressed is the accountability and lines of reporting, including participation of the Senior Officials and Ministers to ensure sustainable project development,” said Sidgwick. He also pointed out that the proposed implementation blueprint raised still needs to generate substantive inputs and comments from the respective BIMP-EAGA clusters and working groups. In addition, the Senor Officials have called on all BIMP-EAGA stakeholders especially the private
sector and local government to be more engaged in the formulation of the IB. “This is already a good opportunity for the different clusters and working groups to solicit the needed inputs on the operational mechanisms and for the implementation of candidate projects that have a more direct impact on enhancing trade, tourism, and investment in the sub-region,” said Usec. Cruz. The clusters were also encouraged to come up with more integrated initiatives for sustainable programs and projects such as the current collaboration between the transport and tourism sector to further strengthen the intra-EAGA connectivity. Meanwhile, the Senior Officials also recognized the crucial role of the BIMP-EAGA Media and Communicators Association in terms of extensive information sharing and promotion of BIMP-EAGA activities, and the subregion in general. The results of the Senior Officials Meeting will be reported to the Ministers when the high-level officials convene for their 16th Ministerial Meeting on Friday, October 21. (MinDA)
EAGA local execs push for stronger ties, assert role
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Key local chief executives and statesmen from the focus areas of Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are pushing for stronger ties with their fellow local government officials in a bid to assert their role in facilitating freer movement of people, goods and services within the sub-region. 16
Thursday, October 20, 2011
In a roundtable discussion held here Tuesday, local and state government officials from Mindanao, Brunei Darussalam, North Sulawesi, Sarawak and Sabah remain bullish on business prospects but are constrained by the lack of mechanism for them to fully participate in the economic cooperation. The role of the private sector in BIMP-EAGA is indispensable according to Bitung City Vice Mayor Max Lumban but he added that it is them [the local or state governments] that make things happen. “It is our job as government officials to create the enabling environment for trade and investment,” said Lumban who represented Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte, Confederation of Provincial Governors, City Mayors, and Municipal Mayors League Presidents (Confed-Mindanao) president, then underscored the need for greater participation of the local and state governments especially in enhancing EAGA inter-connectivity, promoting EAGA as premier eco-tourism destination and in establishing the same as the food basket of Asean and the rest of Asia. Right now the local and state governments remain a loose group and they are urging the BIMP-EAGA ministers to institutionalize a separate grouping for them. “We feel that local and state governments play a critical role in deepening the policy influence of BIMPEAGA into our local communities,” said del Rosario.
BIMP-EAGA was created on March 24, 1994 with the goal of accelerating trade, tourism and investments of its focus areas. The sub-regional cooperation covers the entire sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, the Federal States of Sabah and Sarawak, the Federal Territory of Labuan in Malaysia, the entire province of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya, Maluku, Gorontalo, and North Maluku in Indonesia and with Mindanao and Palawan as focus areas of the Philippines. Lumban encourages his fellow local and state government officials to empower their individual communities to work together since majority of these areas are poverty-stricken. “Let us work together for a brighter future”, said Lumban adding that BIMP-EAGA must take pride for its long-standing brotherhood. Dubbed as the largest subregional cooperation, BIMP-EAGA has an estimated population of more than 50 million with historical trade ties that date back to the 17th century. The roundtable discussion is one of the highlights of this year’s 20th BIMPEAGA Senior Officials meeting and 16th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial meeting which are hosted by Cagayan de Oro city. (MinDA)
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BEMCA forge four point action plan By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Zeroing on a four point action plan, the state information officers and private media representatives forge a joint declaration plan presented in Brunei-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippine East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials Meeting and Ministers’ Meeting (SOM/MM) here in the city. The BIMP-EAGA Media and Communicators Association (BEMCA) joint declaration seeks to strengthen its organization by pushing for its institutionalization to improve state and private media collaboration. It further proposes to undertake a review and assessment of the BIMP-EAGA communication strategy previously developed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2007, with an end view of implementing strategies that is seen to work under current conditions in the advent of new media. BEMCA members likewise intends to forge collaboration with the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) SubCommittee on Information as well as seek technical and funding support from the BIMP-EAGA Government, through their National Secretariats, an private sector organizations in the execution of its action plan. Other activities planned include the Development Journalism Awards, 18
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training on economic news reporting for EAGA journalists and creation of the BEMCA homepage and media directory. Romeo M. Montenegro, spokesperson and head of Communication and Media Affairs of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) meanwhile underscored during the media forum the importance of achieving a unilateral and multilateral information exchange across the BIMP EAGA regions. MinDa represents as the country’s secretariat for the BIMPEAGA. Montenegro calls for the development of awareness agents and EAGA champions, to provide on a sustainable basis, the information needed by the media in the execution of specific communication activities. The BEMCA members are expected to speak under one common EAGA voice following three basic key messages on food basket, enhanced connectivity and eco-tourism.
OROBEST 2011 showcases the best tourism, agri-trade in Northern Mindanao By Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental --- The best agricultural, food and tourism businesses in the Northern Mindanao, including those trade covered by the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are showcased in the Oro Business Enterprise Services and Trade (OROBEST) Exposition 2011. Staged by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber), the Expo which is held simultaneously with the BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials and Ministerial Meeting (SOMM) will run from October 19-22, 2011 at the Atrium of SM City, here.
Oro Chamber President Antonio D. Uy said they have been staging the OROBEST Expo to promote trade and commerce in Northern Mindanao considering its vast array of competitive products, abundant natural resources and flourishing tourism which are suitable for promotion and joint ventures with local, national and international entrepreneurs. OROBEST was conceptualised in 2007 to showcase the opportunities and competitive products, place, service package and skills of people of the region. Now on its 5th year, the OROBEST has become a venue for businesses to showcase their products and services, and even do business matching, he further said. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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Meanwhile, Jeffrey T. Ang, OROBEST Expo 2011 chairperson, said the trade exhibit will not only champion the best products, services and places in the region but it will also highlight the best practices of business leaders to provide information on how to start-up and strengthen business ventures. The Expo also provides an avenue to strengthen the bond among its members and give value to their membership, he added. As a side event of the BIMPEAGA Investment Conference (iCon) and highlight of the city’s Business Month celebration, the opening of the four-day trade fair was graced by the senior officials of the BIMPEAGA sub-regional cooperation and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Luwalhati R. Antonino.
Apart from the booth displays, the trade fair will also feature the Northern Mindanao Dairy Forum where the development of the dairy industry in the region will be discussed by dairy stakeholders, as well as, product sampling, investment matching, and different livelihood learning sessions.
Cagayan showcases Oro’s best to BIMP EAGA senior officials, delegates By Jorie C. Valcorza CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- The Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippine East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials and delegates, graced the opening of the OroBest Expo 2011 at SM City. Oro Best Expo was first of opportunities, competitive conceptualized in 2007 by the products, projects, places, service Cagayan de Oro Chamber of package and skills of the people Commerce and Industry to in the city and in the rest of the strengthen the bond among its region. members and since then continues It highlights best practices to draw big number of visitors of business leaders and provides every year with a showcase venue of meeting new business 20
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partners. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Luwalhati R. Antonino commends organizers for the strategic conjunction of Oro Best with the BIMP-EAGA trade fair, noting that, the event allows both investors and market to see trade innovations that can possibly generate not just immediate revenues but also possible long term partnership. She said the initiative helps promote trade and boost linkages as BIMP-EAGA delegates exert efforts to accelerate the utilization of its sub regional cooperation. Antonino explained that the role of the BIMP is to increase investments by substantial adoption of agreement that facilitate faster movements of goods, people and services through transport links and harmonized rules, regulations and procedures in customs,
immigration, quarantine and security. Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director for Northern Mindanao and sub national coordinator of the BIMP EAGA Joint Tourism Development, Catalino E. Chan III, meanwhile expressed his continued commitment to BIMP. “We were the first to produce posters, brochures’ and flyers, that is why, there is no room and reason that we will not pledge our support now, not only for region 10, but for the whole Mindanao,” Chan said. “As president of Mindanao regional directors of the DOT, I say, we will be coming up with brochure not only for Mindanao, but for BIMP. We are proud to pledge not only our support, but our whole hearted support, not only for Mindanao but for BIMP, because we believe that BIMP EAGA is the real equator Asia in the world,” he added. Chan was among the executives who meet the senior officials and delegates during the ceremonial ribbon cutting to open Oro Best Expo. Other local officials present in the opening were director Linda O. Boniao of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); OroChamber President, Antonio D. Uy; OROBEST Expo 2011 Chairman Jeffrey T. Ang; Rodolfo L. Menes, past president of OroChamber; Jaime Rafael U. Paguio immediate past president of OroChamber and Promote CDO Foundation President, Ruben Vegafria. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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From dynamite fishers to sea protectors by Mai Gevera Macapagat
O
hristitu Decena used to be the boat captain of Joraya Fishing Industry, a commercial fishing company that dominated fish catch in the municipal waters surrounding Lupon, Davao Oriental. He earns not less than P30,000 every month with the dynamite-fishing method the company used just to have abundant fish catch. However, every time he comes home and brings enough food for his family he also sees the disheartening 22
Thursday, October 20, 2011
economic situation of his neighbors whose form of living is small-scale fishing. “ Dagku ko ug kita apan nakita usab nako nga makaluluoy gyd ang akong mga siilingan nga mga gagmayng mangingisda. Wala silay nakuhang saktong isda kay nahurot na sa mga dagkung commercial fishing companies.� (I earn big but I could see the pitiful state of my neighbors who are small fishermen, they could not get adequate catch because of the big fishing companies) From the start, he was aware that commercial fishing and the method of fishing used has been killing ordinary fisherfolks and their families. Christitu, no matter how he justified his job, could not sleep at night knowing that he contributes to the death of fishes and the suffering of his co-fishermen. This prompted him to resign as a boat captain and devote most of his time doing volunteer work for
the Lupon Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council. It is the body created by virtue of Executive Order 240 to help the government with its role as recommendatory and co-management body in achieving sustainable use of coastal and marine resources. In 2000, he left Joraya Fishing and decided to work on his own. He then allotted time to join the other council members hold their regular “pulong-pulong� sa barangay where they explained to every fisherman the dangers of dynamite fishing and other illegal methods. Christitu is also among the volunteer encoders and enumera-
tors when the council implemented the Fish Catch Monitoring and Database System. Fishermen in the municipality were asked the volume of their fish catch, the caught
fish species, and its value. The information generated from This server and database system was used as basis for a more responsive policy and fisheries management governance. He is also among those who encouraged students, professionals, and other sectors in the community to be more involved in environmental protection by way of planting mangroves in the identified Mangrove Protection Area of the MFARMC. From P30,000 monthly income, Christitu then supported his family with a meager income from fish catch sales when he left the commercial fishing company. Nevertheless, he also started living guilt-free. He knew that in exchange to that exuberant income from illegal ways is a happier life which he could be proud of to his family.
He was also happy to learn that small-scale fishers then started to improve their income as commercial fishing vessels were prohibited to encroach within the identified area of the municipal waters. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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Other fishermen also stood witness with the changes in marine condition when people started to become aware and practiced good fishing methods. Dolphins were sighted in their municipal waters and such sighting has become a crowd-drawer especially for tourists. MFARMC is one of the highlyrecognized councils in the locality of Lupon, Davao Oriental for
it is the organization that helped the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) catch illegal fishers and do information and education drive to better the knowledge and understanding of fisherfolks in the said town. BFAR recognized the active efforts of this MFARMC and it hopes to replicate such effort to other towns and cities in the region.
Maternal health facility soon to rise in DavSur provincial hospital By Nilda S. AniĂąon/PIO-DavSur
DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – It is all systems go for the realization of a two-storey facility at the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital compound which would house maternal health services and facilities. The first phase of construction
would include rooms for X-ray, ultrasound, emergency, nursery and central supply. 24
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The second floor of the building would accommodate the obstetrics-gynecology wards. The Department of Health central office released the first tranche of the funding that amounted to P60 million through the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP). The remaining P103 million will be released after the first phase project has been completed. This project is hoped to be finished by December next year. Presently, the provincial hospital has a 170 bed-capacity that caters to pregnant women to avail of obstetrical service. It intends to put up 80 additional beds which is hoped to be realized towards the last quarter of 2014 or first quarter of 2015. Aside from this, two OB-Gyne consultants are expected to be hired to ensure better maternal health care and services.
Provincial health officer Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang emphasized that maternal health services should be strengthened to reduce maternal mortality rate. Governor Douglas Cagas has been strongly supporting this cause and is closely working with the Provincial Health Office for the upgrading of hospital facilities in order to provide better services to the constituents of the province. Recently, regional director Dr. Teogenes Baluma of the DOH-Region XI Center for Health Development turned over a check amounting to P44.5 million to the governor for the implementation of hospital infrastructure upgrading project. The amount represented 50 percent of the whole DOH funding of P89 million for Davao del Sur which also covered other hospital recipients such as Gregorio Matas District Hospital, Malita District Hospital, Tomas Lachica District Hospital
and Sarangani Municipal Hospital. Joining in the health force are Rural Health Units and Barangay Health Stations to work hand in hand in the promotion and creation of safe birthing facilities in the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos, Kiblawan, Padada, Magsaysay, Hagonoy and Sarangani. The remaining local government units shall soon be given budget allocation in the coming days. This project is aimed to target the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015. (Nilda S. Ani単on)
Gov. del Rosario rallies LGUs, State Governments for stronger roles in BIMP-EAGA by Romulo Delarmente Tagalo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --- Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario of Davao del Norte rallied yesterday select Local Governments of Mindanao and State Governments of Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Malaysia to assert their concrete role in the BIMP-EAGA. The side meeting is part of the on-going BIMP-EAGA 20th Senior Of-
ficials Meeting and 16th Ministerial Meeting from October 18 to 21, 2011. Thursday, October 20, 2011
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In his opening statement, Gov. del Rosario underscored the need to mainstream LGUs and State Governments into the BIMP-EAGA institutional mechanisms saying that, “investments, to be sustainable and ensured, must adhere to local policies, and should be anchored on local development plans.” The roundtable discussions centered on three strategic pillars aimed at strengthening BIMP-EAGA’s intra-
regional relations, namely, connectivity, eco-tourism, and in making the area “a global food basket”. The Indonesian representatives of North Sulawesi also expressed support to the idea of knitting together the loose relationships of local governments in the area. They specially noted the “14-hour travel time” from their island-state to Cagayan de Oro City, commenting in jest that the two islands are “so close, yet so far”. 26
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Gov. Antonio Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur supported the Indonesian contention, reminding the participants of their common origin as a race. Malaysia’s support is also manifested, albeit laced with circumspection given the standing diplomatic issue of Sabah. Gov. Sahali of Tawi-tawi is interested in forging joint undertakings with the state government of Sandakan for “protection and conservation” of the Turtle Islands that has been the subject of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines and Malaysia in 1996. The representatives of Brunei also pledged to elevate the proposal to their government. Considering the centralized government system of their country, localizing BIMP-EAGA is not that easy to do as in the Philippine set-up where decentralization provides LGUs relative autonomy. At the outset, the LGU-State Governments discussions agreed to propose the inclusion of local governments in the structure of the BIMPEAGA. Governor del Rosario is set to present the output of the talks at the plenary session of 20th Senior Officials Meeting and 16th Ministerial Meeting on October 21st. (DAVNOR PIO)
BFAR 12 celebrates fish conservation week By Jane Christine Balayo KORONADAL CITY, Oct 20 – The regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 12 (BFAR 12) on Monday launched the 48th Fish Conservation Week at the conference hall of the regional office in General Santos City. At the launching, BFAR 12 Assistant Regional Director Ambutong K. Pautong announced that the Bureau is now on its way to implement several conservation measures such as the planting of 300,000 mangrove propagules in Region 12 within a year. He said this is in support to the efforts towards the recovery of vulnerable habitats and livelihood symposium, ecosystems in coastal fishery law enforceareas. ment, and recognition The week-long event, of the contributions of which runs from Octo- some individuals for the ber 16 to 22, highlights development of the fishseries of activities that ery sector. are designed to promote Information dissemicoastal and fishery re- nation geared towards source enhancement eliciting stakeholders’ initiatives. participation to camActivities lined up in- paign for the conserva clude technology and tion and development
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of fisheries and aquatic resources is also ongoing. The launching was participated by students and faculty member of the state-owned Mindanao State University (MSU)-General Santos campus. Mary Lyn Abiera, vice-chancellor for academic affairs of MSUGSC, congratulated BFAR 12 for its continuous efforts to push for people’s awareness in fishery and aquatic resource conservation and development. She assured BFAR 12 that MSU, being
one of the schools in the region that offer fishery-related courses, will always partner with BFAR in all its activities that are contributory to the development of the fisheries sector. Juliet Moquia, a representative from the local government of General Santos City, challenged the participants to help preserve aquatic ecosystems to ensure that these resources will still be available for future generations. She said that fishes play a very vital role and must be conserved especially that these
are safe source of protein particularly for the ordinary people. This year’s Fish Conservation Week revolves around the theme “Karagatan pagyamanin, isda paramihin, buong mundo pasiglahin.” This annual celebration started in 1963 by the virtue of the Presidential Proclamation No. 176 by the late President Diosdado Macapagal assigning third week of October as Fish Conservation Week to accentuate the importance of preserving and developing the fishery resources.
GenSan naglaan ng pondong P52.8 milyon para sa konstruksiyon ng gabion dikes KORONADAL CITY – Naglaan ng pondong P52.8 milyon ang Pamahalaang Panglungsond ng Heneral Santos para sa konstruksiyon ng dagdag na gabion dikes sa mga pampang ng apat na malalaking ilog na dumadaloy sa anim na komunidad na sakop ng lungsod. Ayon kay acting city engineer John Marc Reyes, ang mga bagong dike ay ilalagay sa mga bahagi ng pangpang ng mga ilog ng Silway, 28
Calumpang, Apopong at Sinawal upang mabawasan ang palaging nangyayaring pagbabaha sa mga komunidad lalo na sa panahon ng
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tag-ulan. Ang mga bagong dike umano ay makakatulong din sa pagpapanatili sa lebel nito ng daloy ng tubig sa ilog upang
maprotektahan ang mga komunidad na nasa palibot mula sa pagbaha, ayon kay Reyes. Matatandaang mahigit 61 pamilya ang naging biktima ng pagbaha nitong nakalipas na lingo, ito ay dahil sa pag-apaw ng tubig sa
Ilog ng Silway. Ang Ilog ng Silway na dumadaloy patungo sa Sarangani Bay ay ang pangunahing labasan ng marami pang mga maliliit at nauugnay na ilog mula sa bulubunduking bahagi ng Lalawigan ng South Cotabato.
Isinulong ng pamahalaang lookal ang konstruksiy9on ng mga gabion dikes na tinatayang tatagal ng mula lima hanggang sampung taon, bilang agarang solusyon sa problema sa baha sa ialng mga lugar sa lungsod. (ac agad)
Vocational Skills Development at Entrepreneurship Training itinakda ng TESDA-Maguindanao COTABATO CITY - Magandang balita sa mga magaaral at out-of-school youth particular na sa interesadong na matuto ng iba’t ibang kaalamang pang-bokasyunal at may planong magtayo ng negosyo. Kasalukuyang tumatanggap ng aplikasyon ang Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority sa Maguindan- Vocational Skills at Enao (TESDA-Maguindan- trepreneurship Training. ao) kaugnay sa nakatSinabi ni TESDAakdang pagsasanay sa Maguindanao chief Rashid Mangelen na ang Vocational Skills Development and Entreprenuership Training ay bahagi ng programang ipinatutupad ng ahensiya sa ilalim ng Alternative Learning System upang linangin ang kakayahang bokasyonal para makapagtrabaho o magsimula ng sariling negosyo. Ayon kay Mangelen, ang Vocational Skills Development Training Thursday, October 20, 2011
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ay bukas sa sinumang interesadong indibidual na nakapagtapos ng haiskul, in-school o out-of-school youth na handang sumailalim sa pagsasanay sa loob ng tatlong buwan. Ang graduate ng Vocational Skills Development training ay bibigyan ng Certificate bilang patunay ng taglay na kasanayan at pagkaha-
sa na ginagamit sa local at overseas employment ayon sa TESDA. Samantala,isandaang slots ang inilaan para sa mga nagnanais na lumahok sa Entrepreneurship Skills Training, ayon kay Mangelen. Ang mga matagumpay na magtatapos, ayon sa opisyal, ay pagkakalooban ng ahensiya ng Starter Kit bawat isa
para sa pagsisimula ng napiling negosyong papasukin. Ang mga interesado ay maaaring magsumite ng kanilang application sa tanggapan ng TESDA-Maguindanao dito sa lungsod ng Cotabato at sa Provincial Capitol sa Buluan, Maguindanao at para sa karagdagang impormasyon. (pbchangco)
51 na mining application binasura ng MGB 12 KORONADAL CITY -- Binasura kamakailan ng Mines and Geosciences Bureau sa Rehiyon 12 (MGB 12) ang 51 mining applications ng ilang mining companies na nagnanais na makapagmina sa nasasakupan ng Soccsksargen Region. Ayon kay MGB 12 Regional Director Constancio Paye Jr., ang kanilang ang pagbasura sa mga naturang applikasyon ay sangayon sa kanilang polisiyang “use it or lose it� na naglalayong mapapa-unlad ang industriya ng pagmimina sa rehiyon. Sa ilalim ng naturang polisiya mabibigyan 30
umano ng pagkakataon ang mga may kakayahan at seryosong mamumuhunan na magmina sa mineralized zones ng rehiyon. Paliwanag nito, nabasura ang 51 na mining application dahil hindi nakakapagsumite ng mga kinakailangang dokumento ang mga mamumuhunan. Kabilang sa mga dokumento ang
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Free and Prior Informed Consent na nagpapatunay na pumapayag ang mga tribung nakatira sa lugar na pagmininahang lugar. Kabilang ang 51 mining appli-
cations sa 69 na pinag-aaralan ng MGB sa kasalukuyan. Ani Paye, inindorso na nila sa national office ang 18 mining application. (DEDoguiles)
DOH-CHD turns over birthing home facility to Surigao City LGU by Susil D. Ragas
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he Department of Health (DOH) - Center for Health and Development Caraga Regional Office turned over yesterday the Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) facility to the city government at the City Boulevard, Barangay Taft, this city.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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The BEmONC is a health facility that provides maternity service on pre-natal and post-natal care, normal spontaneous delivery, and care of newborn babies. DOH Asst. Sec. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said this is one of the health reform agenda of the Department of Health under the Millennium Develop32
ment Goals of the Aquino administration. “Its main aim is to rapidly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths,” she said. Ubial also said the birthing home was constructed “to answer the call of our government through DOH to rapidly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by ensuring that all women and newborns have skilled care during pregnancy. Maternal and newborn health care has long been a priority concern of DOH.” “Thus, women are encouraged to give birth in conveniently located fa-
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cilities that are equipped to render basic emergency obstetric and newborn care,” she added. Meanwhile, Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas is elated over the establishment of the birthing home facility as this will help decrease the maternal and infant mortality rate. He is hoping that many mothers would deliver babies in safety at this new and reliable birthing facility. Matugas has urged and called on more partner agencies and private sector support for the sustainability of this birthing home facility.
Carage Execs conduct waste management workshop in gov’t agencies by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY –- To ensure that government employees practise proper solid waste management, respective focal persons from government agencies participated in the orientation-workshop for the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’Program held Wednesday at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Said Orientation es Committee. frontliners in the governWorkshop was spear- Dir.Burdeosstressed ment service, therefore headed by the Associa- the importance of proper we should set example tion of Caraga Executives solid waste management to them in this aim to a (ACE) led by Department especially in the govern- clean ground, zero waste of the Interior and Lo- ment offices, the fact city,” Burdeos said. cal Government (DILG) public service is a public Also, RTD Musa Caraga Regional Director trust. Saruang of DENR-Caraga Atty. Rene Burdeos, who “We, in the gov- emphasized that “Butuat the same time is the ernment service should anons must work togethVice Chairperson for the serve as model to our er in cleaning our city Clean Government Offic- constituents. We are the because nobody else will Thursday, October 20, 2011
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do it for us”. Butuanons must practice proper solid waste management. Meanwhile, Mr. Bong Alcala, Consultant of the Butuan City Mayor’s Office also bared that the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program of the city government led by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr is a Convergence Program among government
agencies, different sectors, and the community which is also called “CONCHABU” (Convergence for Change in Butuan). The following topics were discussed by the respective focal persons: 1) Rationale of Ground Zero Waste; 2) Timetable of set activities; 3) 3Rs and Solid Waste Management; and 4) General
Guidelines for the Recognition Awards for Ecofriendly Offices. In line with this, the Clean Government Offices Committee headed by Vice Mayor Atty. Lawrence Fortun will be assessing the conformance of per agency in the implementation of the proper solid waste management on Dec. 5-15.
Caraga reg’l search committee to evaluate nominees for Outstanding Volunteers by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY -- The Regional Search Committee, composed of different government agencies, is now preparing for the evaluation of nominees of the 2011 Search for Outstanding Volunteers. In a roundtable discussion Wednesday at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Caraga, Venus Derequito of the search committee said the two nominees who will be validated on Mon34
day are from Butuan City and Surigao City. Derequito added after verification and site validation, the committee will convene and decide whether or not the nominees will qualify to be the region’s repre-
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sentative in the national level. In 2003, Ruel Hipulan of Save Mindanao Movement was awarded as one of the Ten National Outstanding Volunteer Award in the Individual Category. His organiza-
tion – the Save Mindanao Movement was also recognized as one of the national winners in the organization category. Three years after, the same feat was achieved by Caraga Region as Fr. Pio Eugenio of Agusan Ecotech Foundation won in the individual category. Meanwhile, in 2007, a Barangay Health
Worker from Surigao del Norte captured the heart of the judges in the national level as Marivic Boholst from Brgy. Rizal won in the individual category. The Search for Outstanding Volunteers aims to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in
building strong communities across the country through volunteerism. The search is open to all individuals of Filipino citizenship and Filipino volunteer organizations or local chapter organizations of foreign volunteer organizations that currently provide volunteer assistance in the Philippines.
Crime incidents decrease in Butuan City by Nora CL Molde
BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) here bared during the regular City Peace and Order Council meeting Wednesday that there are less crime incidents reported this year. BCPO representative PSupt Rolando B Cuya, Jr. cited in his report that crime incidents
during the period of January 1 to September 30 this year decreased by 239 percent compared
to the same period last year. Cuya said their office has recorded a total
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of 1,401 crime incidents from January to September last year against 585 of the same period this year. Also, a significant decrease of 279 percent was reported for index crimes and 144 percent for the non-index crimes. Index crimes include murder, homicide,
physical injuries, rape, crime versus properties, robbery and theft. With this data, Cuya said the city of Butuan is peaceful. He added their office continues to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs, illegal possession of firearms, illegal logging, illegal gambling,
and other campaign against crime. According to him, the presence of lawless elements, who are allegedly lurking within the city were monitored and preemptive measures were undertaken to preempt their hostile plans in disturbing the peace and order situation.
NCIP-13 holds Indigenous Peoples Conference by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY -- In line with the 14th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) conducted an Indigenous Peoples Conference with the theme “Tribuhanong Katilingban ug ang Hagit sa Kasamtangang Panahon ug sa Umaabot�.
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It was held October 18-19 at the Balanghai Hotel, this city. Many tribes convened to participate and convey their requests to the government. Among the tribes are the Manobo, Higaonon, Mandaya, Banwaon and Mamanwa. In the said activity, each tribal leader, or the Datu presented their respective political structure and voiced out their concerns. In summary, the main issues and concerns of the indigenous peoples are as follows: fast tracking of the implementation of the mandatory representation, granting of schol-
arship for the IP youth, employment, more heath funds, AFP’s acceptance of their traditional defense system, housing problems, fast tracking of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), conflicting policies between DENR and NCIP, and external interferences. According to Dominador M. Gomez, acting regional director of NCIP-Caraga, they will make ways to deal with the concerns of the IPs. He said, with regards to their problem about their ancestral domain, the NCIP has made a move for the cancellation of 10 percent payment of the IPs
from their one percent royalty fee that they received. Gomez urged the lumads especially the Datu of the tribes to speak their minds, to secure the safety of their people, to protect them from opportunists and to prohibit any person violating their rights. Moreover, due to issues concerning emerging of so called “Datu” or chieftain, Gomez made it clear to the lumads that the NCIP has no right to proclaim a certain Datu for only the lumads are the rightful people who can proclaim and select who their chieftains are. NCIP will only certify their chosen Datu.
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Gov’t sets up PNP-ARMM Sub-Regional Office in Sulu
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he Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has opened a sub-regional post of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police Regional Office (PRO) in Sulu.
Provincial Information Officer Sonny Abing III said the new post, which will be dubbed as the BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu, Taw-Tawi) PRO, was aimed at catering the needs of the island-provinces of 38
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ARMM, located hundreds of kilometres away from the main police regional office in Maguindanao. Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said the move will hasten the processing of papers in the isolated provinces of ARMM, adding, “It is very hard for us to go to Maguindanao as it needs a lot of money, time and efforts to process some paper works.” “This new extension of the regional police office here will also help a lot in sustaining the peace and order situation here in Sulu,” he added.
For his part, DILG chief Jesse Robredo said the development will give a big advantage to the local government and the people here as more or less 500 policemen were added to the areas’ police forces. “I am very optimistic of this another milestone, and urge our policemen to do their job for the sake of the people here,” Robredo pointed out during the opening of the new police post last Oct. 3. BaSulTa’s sub
regional police post in Sulu will be under the leadership of Police Chief Superintendent Raul Basilio Boac and Police Senior Superintendent Eric Vahn Dela Rama.
Gov. Tan said that this initial phase is a prelude to the establishment of a fully operational Regional Command B. “I am looking forward
to 2012 and the establishment of a regional command centre in Sulu” Tan said. T awi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali was also present in the opening and expressed his full support in having PNP-ARMM sub regional office in the area. The DILG Chief also led in the ground breaking ceremony of the reconstruction of the Jolo Police Station. In his speech, Robredo was apologetic to the people of Jolo for being behind in schedule, and because of this, he is removing the counterpart of the Jolo Municipality and that the DILG will pay for all reconstruction expenses of the Jolo Police station. (JPA/ GCC)
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Power Plant sees PPP vital in attaining social by Jocelyn P. Alvarez responsibility
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ublic Private Partnership plays important role for the San Ramon Power Incorporated (SRPI) in pursuing its responsibilities to the community, specially to the “host” community where the power plant is situated. The SRPI partnered with concerned government agencies for the conduct of its humanitarian mission, to give health assistance to indigent individuals. Together with the medical dental team of the Western Mindanao Command, AFP, Task Force Zamboanga, City Health Office, Ayala Barangay officials, Philippine Red Cross ( P R C ) -Za m b o a n g a Chapter , Zamboanga City Medical Society, Zamboanga Dental Society and the Western Mindanao Power Corporation, recently conducted a health drive serving some 40
800 individuals of far flung communities in the city’s west coast. The beneficiaries took advantage of the free medical/dental assistance and availed themselves of tooth extraction, medical checkup, blood typing, bone scanning, and free medicines. The whole day outreach program benefited the residents of the three neighboring barangays (Talisayan, Pamucutan and Sinubong) where the proposed coal power plant will be constructed. “Hindi lng kami nagtatayo ng planta, isa sa mga social re-
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sponsibilities ng kompanya is to help in the heath aspect especially of the host community,” (we do not just build plants (power plants) , one of the company’s social responsibilities is to help in the health aspect, especially of the host community) said Francis Icao, SRPI Safety and Environment Engineer. He said, this activity would not be possible without the help from the government sector who selflessly served during the medical mission along with the private groups. (JPA/ FPG/ PIA9-Zambo Norte)
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WESCOM ensures security for industrial, business sectors alawan is one of the most peaceful and progressive province of the country and that’s how the Western Command (WESCOM) intends to keep it. After conducting a series of consultations with resort owners and managers all over the province to protect the tourism industry of Palawan, WESCOM followed its efforts through on October 3 with a forum to ensure this time the security and integrity of the industrial and business sector. In a press release, the 6th Civil Relation Group of the AFP said that WESCOM spearheaded the conduct of Security Awareness Validation and Evaluation (SAVE) Industrial Sector forum that aimed to protect the business sector from threats that could affect the interests of the entire province. The forum gathered
representatives from the business industry with establishments located in the southern part of the province. Among the attendees were representatives from mining companies operating in the south of Palawan, local government units and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Major Wilfredo Manalang PN(M), WESCOM ACUCS for Intelligence, reported that Palawan has the best economic performance in the MIMAROPA region, registering an increase in the export industry by 126 percent from 2004 to 2006. This, however, could be threatened by the terrorist activities of lawless
armed group such as the New People’s Army (NPA). Earlier this year, two mining companies in Brooke’s Point were raided by suspected NPA members. The primary objectives of the SAVE Industrial Sector Forum are to prevent the reoccurrence of such incident and avoid its detrimental effects to the economy and the integrity of the province. The best away, according to Major Manalang, is to take proactive actions against possible threats. Though the threat posed by armed rebels in Palawan are very minimal, that it is almost negligible, WESCOM encouraged businesses from the
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southern Palawan to take the security of their establishments seriously. Believing that good communication and working partnerships between the members of the business sectors and law enforcement agencies are key factor in deterring lawless activities of the threat groups, WESCOM created a communication network with the different businesses in the southern Palawan. Through the communication network, the Armed Forces, the Police and the members of the business
industry can easily relay to each other information relevant to security and peace of the province. WESCOM and the PNP provided hotlines that the attendees can call if they have something to report that could affect the security of their businesses or the peace and order of the province. A popular webbased social networking site has also been tapped to serve as a message board exclusive to the group. WESCOM Commander LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP pointed
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out that investors are attracted to Palawan because of its secure environment and that “we should not let a terrorist activity take the province down”. The WESCOM Chief believes that with its strong economy and rich natural resources, Palawan can save the whole country from economic woes. “We can win if we work together. We can maintain peace in the province. We can make Palawan as prosperous as it can be,” LtGen Sabban asserted. (JPA/6CRGAFP/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
Cong. Yu turns over Php1-M to Dumingag for KALAHI-CIDSS implementation amboanga del Sur 1st District Congressman Victor Yu turned over a check worth Php1 Million to Dumingag Mayor Nacianceno Pacalioga to augment funding for the implementation of the KALAHI-CIDSS Makamasang Tugon project in the municipality during a DSWD Convergence Caravan held recently in Molave, this province.
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ZamboSur First District Rep. Victor Yu turns over a check worth Php1-M to Dumingag Mayor Nacianceno Pacalioga to augment the implementation of KALAHI-CIDDS Makamasang Tugon in the said town during the DSWD’s Convergence Caravan held recently in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
The funds were taken from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) lodged through the DSWD. “I am optimistic that the funds will be used wisely by your constituents to build infrastructures,” said Congressman Yu. Dumingag was one of the recipients of the community-driven KALAHI-CIDSS project in 2004-2006. Now, they are once again a recipient of an enhanced modality of the program, the Makamasang Tugon, which enables local government units to adopt the community-driven mechanism. Through
this, participation of the different municipal stakeholders, including the poor residents, are enhanced. Practically everyone in a municipality is engaged in coming up with a more holistic development plan to address prevailing social and economic issues. Although the project funds mostly infrastructures, livelihood-enhancing trainings are also funded. The Project provides Php500,000 per barangay in a municipality for the implementation of sub-projects. In addition, it requires a 30% local counterpart contribution, which may be pooled. The contribu-
tion usually comes from the communities and the municipal LGU. However, other agencies may provide contributions. DSWD Assistant Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said that the counterpart contribution of Congressman Yu is an indication of his support to the program because he sees it to be effective in empowering the poor to become active partners in development in an effort to reduce poverty. KALAHI-CIDSS was recognized as one of the top 5 development interventions in the world by the World Bank. (JPA JPA/DSWD9/PIA9)
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2000 join DOH’s LBK Health Caravan in Gutalac town by Franklin P. Gumapon
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ore than 2,000 people converged at the town plaza today to avail themselves of services brought here by the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK) of the Department of Health (DOH). Indigent individuals from the municipality’s 33 barangays received important health information and services as the government’s festive health promotion caravan arrived here to promote universal access to quality health care. Provincial Governor Rolando E. Yebes expressed his gratitude to DOH for
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choosing his province as one of the destination of the pilot year of the LBK health Caravan. Meanwhile, Gutalac Mayor Mariano Candelaria Jr. also thanked the organizers for bringing the health caravan here as this has greatly helped his poor constituents learn more about the importance of
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pre-natal check up, safe pregnancy and delivery, birth spacing and proper hand washing. LBK carries the message “Walang Iwanan sa Biyaheng kalusugan” to highlight government’s goal of providing all Filipinos access to health. Gutalac is the final leg of this year’s LBK. (JPA/ FPG)