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
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 …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
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
2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
Central Mindanao (SOCSKARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com pia_xii@yahoo.com
Executive Editor …….........
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
Features The Manobo Sago palm flour enterprise
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
Photo Credits: SIKAP Inc.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
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Cover Story :
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Manobo lumads launch first Sago palm flour enterprise
by David Suyao
NATI O NAL
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CARAGA Region
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LGU-Butuan prepares for full implementation of waste segregation and collection FSUU debating team triumphs in BCWD’s 2nd Parliamentary Debate DTI Diskwento Caravan set in Surigao City anew
Support your bones with proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle
SOUTHERN Mindanao
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PPP boosts investments in Cagayan de Oro
Tangubanons take pride with its Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe Opol bags back-to-back awards on Health BIMP-EAGA strengthens cooperation with ASEAN
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Higaonons get ancestral domain title
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27 Poverty is not a hindrance to an 11 year old’s dreams
WESTERN Mindanao
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Malacanang vows to expedite prosecution of accused in Maguindanao massacre
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OCTOBER 23, 2011
contents
Aquino to inaugurate Rizal photo exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Manila Aquino orders release of P10billion for AFP modernization program
NORTHERN Mindanao
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Vol. 1, No. 70
WHO introduces indoor residual spraying for dengue control Health research contest launched
Feature: Boulevard of fulfilled dreams Close to 500 beneficiaries availed MEDCAP in SND
Cover Story
Manobo lumads launch first Sago palm flour enterprise
by David Suyao
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group belonging to the Manobo tribe will engage in the first ever commercial production of sago palm flour in the province. Sunday, October 23, 2011
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The Kayumbyahan Sagu Manobo Corporation (KASAMACOR), a business enterprise of the Veruela-Sta. Josefa Ancestral Domain Management Organization (VESTA ADMO), was launched recently in Barangay Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan del Sur. Sago, known as lumbya among Manobos, is a starch extracted in the spongy center or pith, of various tropi-
cal palm such as sago palm (metroxylon sagu), which is found in tropical lowland forest and freshwater swamps across Southeast Asia. (www. wikipedia.com) The said plant naturally grow in more than 700 hectares of land in Veruela and Sta. Josefa, a Manobo ancestral territory. The technology was developed by the Manobo comSunday, October 23, 2011
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munity under the Caraga Indigenous Peoples Development Programme (IPDP-Caraga) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) with support from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). It is being implemented in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Municipal government of Veruela. According to Veruela Mayor Salimar Mondejar, the project is part of the continuing effort of the Manobos themselves with the help
and guidance of LGU Veruela to strengthen their individual and collective capacity for income and self employment generation in the context of the sustainable development and protection of their ancestral domain. “Some say they are afraid that the raw materials may not be enough to supply the demand for production, but I want them to know that the sago palm naturally produce shoots fast, and there is no need to replant them,” Ikel Asuncion, chairman of the board of KASAMACOR said. “The group is also open to Sunday, October 23, 2011
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buying supply of raw materials from the neighboring barangays and municipalities where sago palm are also abundant.” “I am very proud and happy that the lumads (natives) here have this kind of attitude, principles and initiatives to improve their quality of life. I am looking forward that this venture will flourish and become model of other municipalities to follow,” said
Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza. “I am offering an additional P1 million as the provincial government initial financial assistance to this venture and another P1 million if the demand of supply of sago flour will increase,” he added. According to Mayor Mondejar, the sago flour can be made into cookies, bread, noodles, ice cream cone and many others.
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Aquino to inaugurate Rizal photo exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Manila
P
resident Benigno S.Aquino III will inaugurate a photo exhibit organized by Spain to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal that will be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex in Manila on Monday 8
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The exhibit will recreate from a modern perspective, the Spanish phase in the life of Jose Rizal through the works of 15 highly acclaimed contemporary Spanish photographers and from biographical notes and materials on Rizal’s stay in Madrid and Barcelona. To formally launch the exhibit, President Aquino will be presented the first copy of the photography book catalog entitled “Foto a Fota Retrato de España (Litrato sa Litra-
to, Isang Larawan ng España) from Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq. Afterwhich, the President will take a guided tour of the photo exhibit. Joining the President will be Ambassador Domecq, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, Accion Cultural Española president Charo Otegui and Metropolitan Museum vice chairman Cora Avlina.(RCK)
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Aquino orders release of P10billion for AFP modernization program
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the release of P10-billion to fund the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program, a Malaca単ang official said Sunday. 10
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the allotment would be sourced from the 2010 and 2011 appropriations of the National Government. “The President has instructed the Department of Budget and Management to release 10 billion pesos for the AFP modernization program,” Valte said over governmentrun radio station dzRB.
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“It will be charged against 2010 and 2011 appropriations at five billion (pesos) each,” she added. She said the DBM has begun preparing the necessary papers, such as the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO), to facilitate the immediate release of the fund. She added that the fund would be used to purchase the equip-
ment requirements of the three major service commands of the AFP to include armored personnel carriers, communication equipment, sealift vessels, aircrafts and weapons. (RCK)
Malacanang vows to expedite prosecution of accused in Maguindanao massacre alacañang vows to expedite the prosecution of those who are accused of carrying out the infamous Maguindanao massacre, one month before the tragic incident marks its second anniversary. Sought for a statement regarding the occasion, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on
Sunday that the Aquino administration continues to sympathize for the families, friends, and relatives of the victims who were mostly journalists.
“Dumaan na po ang panahon at alam po naming hindi nababawasan ang sakit na naramdaman ng mga naiwan ng mga napaslang at ang iisipin n’yo
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po lagi kaming nandito at nagbabantay sa mga pangyayari,” Valte said. Valte said President Benigno S. Aquino III has already given instructions to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to expedite procedures for the prosecution of those who are accused in the killings and make sure that there will be no more delays in the hearing of the case. She, however, emphasized that seeking justice for the slain victims cannot be done by the Executive branch alone since it is the Judiciary which has the jurisdiction over the court that tries the suspects involved and determines the outcome of the case.
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“We recognize the fact that the case is under process and it’s not something that is entirely under the jurisdiction of the Executive. Nandyan po ang Judiciary natin, nandiyan po ang korte na dumidinig at magiging final arbiter doon sa kalalabasan ng kaso,” Valte said. President Aquino mentioned in a forum with foreign journalists early this month that he would love to talk to the judges involved in the Maguindanao massacre trial but the Constitution does not grant him that authority. “I have been working, however, on the Secretary of Justice, especially the prosecutors under her control to try and ask why we have not been moving faster. So they
Sunday, October 23, 2011
have been exercising all the necessary steps within their purview to be able to expedite the whole process,” the President added. At least 34 journalists were killed on November 23, 2009 when private armed groups reportedly hired by the Ampatuan clan in Maguindanao attacked the convoy of then gubernatorial candidate Esmael Mangudadatu. Various media groups reportedly plan to hold a month-long commemoration on the deaths of their slain colleagues beginning October 23 until November 23, the exact date of the anniversary. The incident has been tagged by the Committee to Protect Journalists as the “single deadliest event for the press since 1992”. (HDC)
P-noy Photos
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line upon arrival for the AFP Command Conference at the AFP Headquarters Conference Room in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday (October 21). (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malaca単ang Photo Bureau).
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LGU-Butuan prepares for full implementation of waste segregation and collection by Malou C. Furia
B
utuan City - 11 Committees of the Clean Ground Zero Waste Program recently presented their specific plans and operations. This was in preparation of the official implementation of “No Segregation, No Collection Policy� of garbage scheduled on November 11, 2011.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Sunday, October 23, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
The city government’s, together with various stakeholders like the academe, offices, transport groups, business establishments, villages, public utilities among others have agreed to reduce the volume of garbage generated at 95 tons daily. Mayor Ferdinand AmanteJr is bent on instituting reforms and
easy-to-follow techniques on waste segregation at source specifically at homes, offices, schools (public/private), business establishments, hospitals (private/public), villages, barangays, and streets among others. Also, to ensure effectiveness of the program, series of seminars were undertaken by the different committees
with one aim: Educate, Inform and Strictly Enforce Clean Ground Zero Waste where a “No Segregation, No Collection Policy” will be imposed by the city government. The Mayor also started with the greening of the city through Grow A Million Tree Project which todate, 300,000 trees are planted in the 86 barangays.
FSUU debating team triumphs in BCWD’s 2nd Parliamentary Debate by Ramil S. Barquin
BUTUAN CITY-- The members of Father SaturninoUrios University (FSUU) debating team out-argued their opponents, emerging triumphant as champion of Butuan City Water District’s (BCWD) 2nd Parliamentary Debate held recently at the BCWD Training Hall. Sunday, October 23, 2011
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-Six teams from four tertiary level schools participated in the said contest. These schools were Balite Institute of Technology (BIT), Caraga State University (CSU), with FSUU and St. Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) sending two teams each to compete. It was a hard fought battle between the Team A of FSUU, consisting of Mr. Edward Chan, Mr. Sean Khe and Mr. Alfonso Manalastas, and Team A of SJIT with members Ms. Angelica I. Daraman, Mr. Jose Nikko M. Mencidor and Mr. Jay-
rold T. Villarta, during the Championship Match discussing with the motion: “This house believes that in the natural resources utilization, the rights of the indigenous peoples should prevail over the interest of the state.” The adjudicators of the said contest were: Mr. Ian G. Miculob, Mr. Bernabe L. Linog and Mr. Henry Jay D. Catarman as the Chief adjudicator. After two days of competition, the winners were: FSUU Team A with members - Edward Chan, Sean Khe, and Alfonso Manalastas
who won Champion with P6,000.00 cash prize, gold medals and Certificate of Commendation. Runner-up is the SJIT Team A with members: Angelica I. Daraman, Jose Nikko M. Mencidor, and Jayrold T. Villarta who got P4,000.00 cash prize, silver medals and Certificate of Commendation. Also, Special Awards of P1,000.00 each and a medal were given to Alfonso Manalastas of FSUU Team A as Tournament Best Speaker; and Finals Best Speaker - Edward Chan of FSUU Team A.
DTI Diskwento Caravan set in Surigao City anew
SURIGAO CITY-- In line with the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte Provincial Office will be conducting once again a “Diskwento Caravan” on October 22-25, 2011 at Barangay Washington Gym, this city. 16
Sunday, October 23, 2011
According to DTI Provincial Director CelestinoNegapatan, the activity will start on October 22 and will end on October 25. “The selling time is from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m daily, product prices offered will be at distributor’s and discounted prices,” Negapatan announced. He said that some products available will be manufactured prod-
ucts from distributors of Procter and Gamble, Unilever, Mega sardines, Sunpride, Holiday, Nissin-Monde and Nestle products; Rumepp assisted products; Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) products like vinegar, banana chips, Gigaquit rum from Gigaquit town and salted fish; OTOP products like corn coffee; Bakery products; Agricultural products, NFA-I Rice;
and Kitchen wares. Negapatan is inviting all Surigaonon consumers to visit the Diskwentro Caravan and avail of the discounted prices of the said activities. The event carries the theme, “Sapat, Ligtas at Abot-KayangPagkainparasaLahatng Pilipino.” (DTI-Surigaodel Norte Provincial Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Higaonons get ancestral domain title by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY-- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) awarded the long-awaited Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title to the Higaonon tribe during the Indigenous Peoples Conference in this city. Sunday, October 23, 2011
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After handing out the certificate, NCIP Secretary ZenaidaPawid said the ownership of the ancestral domain is only being acknowledged by the commission. The lumads are the owners of their native lands, and they can do whatever they want with it, Pawid added. However, Cong. Teddy BrawnerBaguilat advised the natives to be responsible with their ancestral domains. Since their ancestral lands are potential for business, many opportunists dared to 18
swindle the lumads and with that, Baguilat warns the lumads to keep away and be alert with those kind of people. “Payokoposainyonahuwagkayongmagpapagamitkaninuman (My advice to you is that do not let anyone exploit you)”, he said. Meanwhile, Pawid cited that one of the biggest problems in Mindanao is the partition of ancestral lands. She said the lumads must unite and maintain peace within their society.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
“Magtulong-tulongtayonglahat… alamnatingmaramitayongmgaproblemaperonasaatinrinangkasagutansaatingmgaproblema (let us help each other… we all know that we are facing so many problems, but we have the answer to solve our problems), said Pawid.
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Support your bones with proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle by JundRian A. Doringo
he bones move, support and protect various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals, essentially enabling the body to perform and maintain specific duties.
Weakening of the bones results to bone diseases and osteoporosis, affects the daily routine of an individual, which later leads to injuries and fractures. B o n e strength is dependent on bone density and bone quality, such that bones are most likely to deteriorate as an individual ages, making them more brittle and likely to break.
Dr. Alejandro V. Pineda Jr., secretary of the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Foundation, Incorporated,
elaborated risk fac-
osteoporosis and bone fractures like age, sex, family history, personal history, bone structure and body weight, and menopause at the Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN) Sy m p o s i u m on Managing Bone Health in Modern Lifestyle on February 9, 2011 at the Philipt h e pine Women’s University tors of (PWU). Sunday, October 23, 2011
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“There are also modifiable risk factors of osteoporosis”, Pineda said. “such as smoking which is the main cause of lifestyle-related deaths, excessive alcohol intake, sedentary living, inadequate calcium intake, caffeine, medications like steroids, excessive thyroid hormone, anti-
diseases, are preventable. Prevention starts with taking adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, initiating a lifestyle change by quitting smoking and limiting alcoholic beverage intake, committing to regular load-bearing activities ideally four days
sources of calcium in the Filipino diet, while sun exposure from sunrise is the most cost-effective and convenient way of obtaining adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body. The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a team of experts led by the FNRI-
convulsants and antacids, and some predictive factors.” Smoking has been shown to reduce blood supply to the bones, slow the production of bone-forming cells, and impair the absorption of calcium, while excessive alcoholic beverage consumption has been shown to increase bone loss. An estimated 8.1 million Filipinos have osteoporosis and many are unaware of the disease until fractures appear. The good thing is that osteoporosis, as well as other bone-related
a week or more, and taking care not to trip or fall to avoid injuries or fractures. According to the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRIDOST), female and male adults need 750 milligrams of calcium and 5 micrograms of vitamin D everyday. Milk and milk products like cheese and yogurt, green leafy vegetables, anchovies, sardines andtofu are some of the readily-available good
DOST are primary recommendations to achieve good health and proper nutrition of Filipinos. The seventh guideline, “Consume milk, milk products and other calcium-rich foods such as small fish and dark green leafy vegetables everyday”, is fitting for reducing the risk of bonerelated diseases. Moreover, the tenth guideline, “For a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcohol beverages”, focuses on behavior modifications for a healthy lifestyle.
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Sunday, October 23, 2011
tion, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email:mvc@fnri.dost. gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.
This guideline aspires to eases like osteoporosis. prevent high prevalence For more informaof lifestyle-related dis- tion on food and nutri-
com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri. dost.gov.ph.
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Feature: Boulevard of fulfilled dreams by Franklin G. Gumapon
nformal settlers are a common sight in the urban areas, living along the shorelines, under the bridges or near the ports. They may be an eyesore to many, but they are just like everyone else seeking
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A growing city like Dipolog is not spared from the problem of squatters. Since it became a city in 1970, squatters along the shorelines of barangays Central and Miputak also grew in number. Shanties mushroomed all over the place. With the growing number of squatters, sanitation had become a major problem in these barangays. Seawaters became polluted as the settlers just threw away their wastes anywhere. Laboratory results from the sea water samples also showed that the level of coliform bacteria contamination was very high, prompting the city government to ban swimming in the place.
Coliform bacteria are present in human and animal wastes. The settlers were also vulnerable to giant waves during typhoons. Many of them lost their houses when strong winds and big waves beat the place. And this problem keeps recurring year after year. To protect the shoreline and its environs, the city
government thought of a foreshore development project to be put up along the shores of Miputak and Central Barangay. But this met strong opposition from the settlers because they did not want to leave the place. They argued that their livelihoods would be affected should the city government continue with the project. Public consultations as well as negotiations with the affected families were made by the city government headed by former Mayor Roberto Y. Uy to reach a consensus through a win-win solution. There were times that the negotiations were saddled by politics, as some opposition politicians would try to fan the raging flame of resistance from
the Sunday, October 23, 2011
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the squatters. Protest rallies denouncing the sitting officials of the city government were done by the settlers to dramatize their opposition to the project. Like a good father, the city officials also considered the welfare of the settlers by providing them a relocation site complete with an elementary school, a health center, water system facilities and electricity. Phase I of the project started right after the first 183 families were transferred to the relocation site at Barangay Olingan. It cost P66.6 million with 380 meters long. The construction started on September 4, 2003 and completed on December 12, 2004. Funding came from the Local Government of Finance and Development (LOGOFIND) of the Department of Finance (DoF) and the city government’s equity. The construction of phase II of the project began in August 2007 under the newly elected city mayor Evelyn T. Uy, the better half of the 24
former mayor. Prior to its construction, some 223 families were also transferred to the relocation area with no more vehement resistance from them. Phase II consisted of 1,020 meters long with a total budget of P59.7 million sourced from LOGOFIND plus the equity of the city government amounting to P11.9 million. The Dipolog Boulevard, which facing the Sulu Sea, is now 1.4 kilometers. The city leadership is planning to extend it up to 3.5 kilometers. It has become a major tourist attraction, a perfect site for brisk walking, recreational activities and for physical fitness buffs.
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The boulevard also provides livelihood opportunities for street vendors as more people come to the place to unwind and savor the cool sea breeze. Major festivals of Dipolog like the P’gsalabuk and Dahunog are being held there every May and October, respectively. The place also comes alive during Christmastime, anniversaries and other special occasions with food stalls, street bazaars and nightly shows being held there. When asked about her secret to making this project materialize, Mayor Uy succinctly replied: “political will.”
The strong political will of the city leadership has made things happen. Amid resistance and hesitation, the Dipolog Boulevard has been realized to fulfill the goal of protecting
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the shorelines and surroundings from destructive waves during typhoons. Dipolog Boulevard is an epitome of the fulfillment of the informal settlers’ dream to own
their individual homes in a safe community, and the fulfillment of the public’s desire for a clean and safe place for fun and recreation. (JPA/FPG/ PIA-Zambo. Norte)
Close to 500 beneficiaries availed MEDCAP by Gideon C. Corgue in SND ll clad in their battle dress attire, officers and men of the 104th Brigade attended the residents of Pigcalawag, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte in the conduct of Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) at said barangay on Saturday . Brigade commander said barangay have availed niversary of the brigade Colonel Ricardo Visaya MEDCAP services coincid- which carries the theme “ said 489 residents of the ing the 11th Founding An- 104th Brigade : Kaagapay Sunday, October 23, 2011
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ng Sambayanan at Kaunlaran”. Visaya said the 3-day event which officially kicked off on Saturday with the launching of 8-kilometer fun run and MEDCAP will culminate on October 25. 250 were given reading glasses, 102 have availed tooth extraction,haircut– 60, legal counseling service -47, shoe repair-30, all services were offered free. Four (4) boxes of medicines and used clothings were distributed to some, Visaya reported. Visaya said upon the brigade’s transfer from Kalandagan, Tacurong City on June 21 to Pigcalawag, SND, he planned to launch various programs which helps promote Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) by bringing AFP closer to the people. “ This is the first time that the people have seen soldiers doing MEDCAP here,” Visaya said. “Before, the civilians were afraid to see soldiers but now they come to us and actively participated in all our programs because in the past 4 months, they have seen us not only providing them security 26
and protection but also providing them social and health services,” he added. Barangay Kagawad Sittie Tambugao, a recipient of an eyeglass said she admired 104th Brigade for conducting the event. “Nindot kaayo ni nga kalihokan nga gihimo sa mga sundalo tugod kay kami ang natanyagan sa mga libre nga mga serbisyo. Sukad masukad wala gayud mga kalihokan susama niini nga gihimo dinhi sa among barangay sila lamang. Nalipay ko kaayo tungod kay nahatagan ko ug libre nga antipara . Makabasa na gyud ko ug mga libro ug text message sa akong bana ug mga higala (These activities launched by the soldiers were very impressive. Ever since, this kind of activities were never conducted in our barangay, it’s only them who did it. I‘m happy that I was given free eyeglasses. I can now read books and text messages from my husband and friends),” Tambugao happily said. Another resident, Analiza Mellijor said she was also glad that she
Sunday, October 23, 2011
was one of those many who availed legal services saying that her misspelled name in her birth certificate will soon be corrected corrected. “Sa akong birth certificate usa lamang ka letra nga ‘n’ sa akong ngalan nga Anna Liza, lahi ra sa nakatatak sa akong NSO document nga doble ang ‘n’. Tungod niini nakapangayo ko ug ug libre nga joint affidavit dinhi sa maong kalihoklaan (In my birth certificate, there is only one letter ‘n’ in my name Anna Liza but in my NSO document it has two ‘n”. Because of this, I was able to secure free joint affidavit in this activity),” Mellijor eludidated. In a related development, Visaya said a “Bike for Peace’ will be held on Sunday at 6:00 am to be participated by some 300 bikers, who are all peace advocates and are from the AFP, PNP, LGU, academe and civilians. The bikers will have their starting point from SND and will cross Lala, Kapatagan, Tubod and Kolambugan, all of Lanao del Norte, Visaya concluded. (JPA/ GCC/PIA9Pagadian)
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PPP boosts investments in Cagayan de Oro s the glass half-empty or half-full?
Take the case of the city’s flagship infrastructure projects. Only two out of these six major projects were pursued through a bank loan: the P317-million Westbound Integrated Bus and PUJ Terminal and Public Market built through a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, and the P400-million Emmanuel Pelaez Bridge built also through a loan from the LBP.
An optimist, Mayor Vicente Y. Emano of Cagayan de Oro looks at a glass as half-full. He doesn’t stop right there, though. Thinking out of the box, the mayor looks further on for other halffull glasses. Surveying the city’s landscape brimming with readiness for further growth, feeling the heartbeat of Cagayan de Oro’s supportive business community, and acknowledging the limited government funds, the ever optimistic Mayor Emano is successfully blending all these resources to address the city/s development needs.
The West-bound Integrated Bus and PUJ Terminal and Public Market accommodate 30 parking spaces for passenger buses and 47 parking spaces for PUJs. The public market, a one-storey concrete building, has a wet market, eateries, outdoor restaurants and 686 stalls for commercial purposes. It also has offices for market administration, a multi-purpose square, police station, health center, comfort rooms and bathrooms. The operation of the terminal and market has eased traffic volume in the streets around existing markets and the city’s central business district, as well as spurred further growth in the city’s west development area. Sunday, October 23, 2011
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The P12-million East-bound Terminal in Gusa was completed in 2002 with funds from the city’s General Fund. This terminal for public utility vehicles has 76 parking bays that cater to thousands of PUJs with routes bound for the eastern municipalities of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. Its operation has improved traffic in the eastern business district of the city, as well as provided small businesses with more spaces in the Agora Market and Integrated Bus Terminal. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the city’s two markets undertaken through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme with a local business group, the UKC Builders run by Cagayanon couple Uy Yian Ping and Lydia Uy. A sterling showcase of governmentprivate sector partnership, the BOT speaks of the private sector’s confidence in the local government. Under the BOT agreement for the New Carmen Public Market and Commercial Complex, the city will manage the public market on the first floor of the building, which houses the wet market and dry good section. UKC, on the other hand, will manage the commercial spaces. This two-storey, P118-million building was
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inaugurated in December, 2004. The New Cogon Market and Commercial Complex sits on a 12,000square meter area covering the entire the lot of the old market, and an area of 10,000 square meters on each level. The structure has a two-storey public market, which the city operates, and a commercial complex on the third floor, which the UKC Builders runs. Open spaces and a parking facility from an important component of this Complex as these is used for vehicle parking, pedestrian circulation and landscaping. The project costs P252 million. These infrastructure projects are changing the city’s landscape. But over and above the edifices that show progress, changes and developments are happening in places one doesn’t easily see. These are the stronger business-government partnerships established along the way, private sector confidence in the local government, the change in mindsets and approaches in dealing with situations and givens. City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano led these changes when he looked at a glass as half-full, and thought out of the box by tapping other half-full glasses. (CIO)
Poverty is not a hindrance to an 11 year old's dreams by Ruchell L. Mula
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- At a young age, Mae
Rose G. Paculba already has a sense of responsibility. Instead of playing with her classmates after eating her lunch, she reads her books and studies her lessons in advance. Her excellent study habits finally paid off when she placed 9th in her 5th grade.
Now at her last year in elementary, this eleven year old girl did not let her family’s poverty hinder her pursuit to gain knowledge and attain academic excellence. Mae is the daughter of Teresita and Jonie Paculba, both food vendors. She also has an older brother. Their parents work hard to provide the basic
necessities of the family and they can barely support their children's studies. Despite their financial problems, they did not lose hope. They are grateful for their other blessings like good health and a complete family. “Nagpasalamat mi sa Ginoo kay gihatagan mi niya ug maayong lawas adlaw-adlaw (We are thankful to God for He blesses us with good health everyday),” shared Teresita. They used their poverty as a motivation
to work harder and find more ways to earn. Their family is also thankful for the government’s project, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya). May’s teacheradviser, Herdeliza M. Velez, said that May will make it far someday because of her good working habits and her patience and willingness to learn. “May did not fail to meet the conditions of the Pantawid Program because from the start of classes, she has always been present in school,” she added. The whole family regularly attends the Family Development
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Sessions (FDS) where they make new friends and share experiences with other families. Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program is government's poverty reduction program aimed to break the cycle of poverty to extremely
poor households by providing cash grants with conditionalities on health and education. (DSWD)
Tangubanons take pride with its Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental -- Since 1992, the Sinanduloy cultural troupe has regaled the public with their songs, dances and other performances.
It also helped shape the values, character and minds of the youth of Tangub City and have turned them into able and proud ambassadors of goodwill not just in the city but also in Misamis Occidental and in Northern Mindanao as a whole. By winning awards in festivals and competitions all over the country, these young, talented and dedicated artists together with their equally dedicated trainors and advisers have placed Tangub City 30
in the Instrumentalists, the map. Sinanduloy Singers and the Sinanduloy Dancers. S u c h was the The Sinanduloy vision of Instrumentalists was then City the ‘Best In Musicality’ howdyjayr.multiply.com M a y o r in the Sinulog 2005 and Jennifer Wee-Tan and 2011 at Cebu City while now first lady when the Sinanduloy All Star she pulled together Band is recently the the scanty resources official representative of that were available Northern Mindanao for the and launched a youth Department of Tourism’s development oriented WOW Philippines held at program that aimed to Intramuros, Manila. advance the cultural life of the city. They are about to release their first Debut Since then up to Album. now, Sinanduloy has become synonymous Among the with the name of the milestones of the city itself. Sinanduloy Sinanduloy Singers cultural Troupe has are: Regional winner four (4) components, of the National Music the Sinanduloy All Star Competitions for Young Band, the Sinanduloy Artists (NMCYA); First
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Honorable Mention in the National Level; Grand Champion of the Philippine Travel Mart Choral Competition held at SM Mega-Trade Hall, Mandaluyong Manila; and a resident choral performer of the Philippine Travel Mart of the Department of Tourism in Northern Mindanao.
Dance Company of England; Dance Mode Studio of Hongkong; Senju Dance Company of Japan; Aswara Dancers of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; the Dance Academy Kuching of Kuching, Malaysia; the Badan Budaya University among others. The Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, on the other hand, was one of the nominees (top 6) for the Aliw Awards Best Cultural Group in the Philippines for two (2) consecutive years 2008 and 2009.
Further, the Sinanduloy Singers were invited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to perform during the Kalahi Cultural Care-giving on Millennium Development Goals at the Rajah Suliman Theater in Intramuros, Manila. The city takes pride also that all members of the troupe are scholars Meanwhile, the Sinanduloy Dancers of both colleges in Tangub City, is one of the representatives of the Northwestern Mindanao State College country to the First International of Science and Technology (NMSC) Dance Exchange–Workshop and with its former President and now City Festival participated by different dance Mayor Atty. Philip T. Tan and Governor troupe around the world such as the Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC) with Hunan Dance Troupe of China; the its former College President and now Xiamen Xiao Pai Lu of China; the Big a first lady Jennifer W. Tan. (PIO)
Opol bags back-to-back awards on Health OPOL, Misamis Oriental -- Town Mayor Dexter B. Yasay was awarded the Sandugo Award during the 13th National Sandugo Awards. He was the only Local Chief Executive in this province who received such recognition this year. The award was already the third for the town as the former mayor, Dixon Q. Yasay, was also recognized twice. The annual Sandugo Award is given by the Department of Health (DOH) to local chief executives who have shown support and commitment
to the National V o l u n t a r y Blood Services Program. Soon after, Opol was awarded for the third time as the Provincial Outstanding Municipality in the implementation of the Philippine Nutrition Program during the Sunday, October 23, 2011
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culmination of the Nutrition Month at the Provincial Capitol. It received P10, 000 cash award and a plaque of appreciation. The evaluation covered the accomplishments of the municipality in the local plan implementation for the year 2010 as evidenced on the sustained good nutrition picture of the town. In 2009, malnutrition rate was at 3.69 percent and it was further dropped to 2.72 percent in 2010. The town also took pride in
the awards received by its health workers. Edgar Napinas was named as the Most Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Officer for three consecutive years now while Merline Hubalan of Barangay Taboc was chosen as this year’s Most Outstanding BNS, both at the provincial level. With all these accolades, Mayor Dexter B. Yasay emphasized that it is not all about winning, but what is more important is knowing that the LGU is on the right track. (PIO)
BIMP-EAGA strengthens cooperation with ASEAN by Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental --- The Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is strengthening its cooperation and collaboration mechanisms with the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN). During the opening ceremony of the BIMP-EAGA 16th Ministerial Meeting, Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop of Malaysia noted that the BIMP-EAGA is equally contributing to the success of wider regional initiatives.
and Indonesian power utility PT PLN PESERO in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The project which is expected to commence on the first half of 2012 will enable power export and import between Malaysia and Indonesia, he He said the sub-region is no longer said. just a part of ASEAN but a partner to the ASEAN citing the first project The Malaysian Minister also cited the that BIMP-EAGA will initiate under the recently signed ASEAN Infrastructure ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan. Fund (AIF) where ASEAN will itself take the lead in funding BIMP-EAGA The Power Exchange Agreement projects to enhance the sub-region’s (PEA) expanding the electricity strategic role for the wider region. distribution in Sarawak and West Kalimantan was signed on July 18, Meanwhile, the BIMP-EAGA Ministers 2011 between Sarawak Energy Berhad have expressed appreciation to the 32
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ASEAN Secretariat for its increasing Gregory L. Domingo; Mindanao engagement with the sub-region. Development Authority Chairman Lualhati Antonino; Brunei Darussalam In their joint statement, they also Second Minister of Foreign Affairs urged ASEAN Secretariat to strengthen and Trade Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng; its support to the BIMP-EAGA through Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime various meetings and forums to high- Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor profile BIMP-EAGA with the region’s Mohamed Yakcop; and Bapak Raldi dialogue and development partners. H. Koestoer, Senior Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for Economic The Ministers likewise exhorted the Affairs, representing the Signing ASEAN Secretariat to provide advice Minister for Indonesia. and guidance in aligning the BIMP-EAGA development agenda with the ASEAN Other attendees were Datuk Amar Economic Community Initiatives and Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Johari help mobilize knowledge, technical Bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, Minister and financial resources. of Urban Development in Sarawak, Malaysia; Datuk Raymond Tan, Held at the Xavier Estates and Country Minister of Industrial Development in Club, here, the 16th BIMP-EAGA Sabah, Malaysia; and Datuk Yussof Ministerial Meeting was attended by Bin Hj. Member of Parliament, Federal Department of Industry Secretary Territory of Labuan, Malaysia.
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WHO introduces indoor residual spraying for dengue control by Carina Cayon-PIA XI
T
he World Health Organization introduced here an indoor residual spraying, a new method of preventing and controlling the dengue vectors.
WHO together with the Department of Health Region XI recently conducted a skills training on the procedures of residual spraying for about 20 health personnel from the provincial, city and municipal local government units in the region. At the culmination of the threeday training held on October 18-20 at the Garden Oases in Davao City, the participants tried out the application of the spray to 20 houses in Barangay Agdao. Elizabeth Banzon, head of the tropical unit team of the Davao City Health Office (CHO), said that the technique uses the synthetic pyrethroid chemical which is effective for a six-month period. Banzon said the chemical is sprayed on concrete or wooden walls of the house. She added that the chemical is safe but households will be required to stay outside the house
for about an hour or until the substance dries out. She said that the Davao City CHO hopes to employ a house-tohouse indoor residual spraying early next year, prioritizing dengue hot spot
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areas such as Buhangin, Talomo, Baguio, Agdao, Calinan and Toril. Banzon said though that dengue cases in the city are decreasing with 116 cases for the month of September from 170 in July this year, with only two deaths involving four yearold and five year-old kids, respectively from Agdao and Tibungco. She attributed the decline to the dengue control and prevention program such as massive information drive, curtain and mosquito net soaking and fogging. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)
Health research contest launched DAVAO CITY- Researchers and institutions are urged to participate in the health research competition of the Regional Health Research and Development Consortium-XI, which has a deadline set not later than October 30, this year.
The RHRDC-XI opens the contest to three categories – high school research, undergraduate research and graduate research of which researches have focus on health, science and technology. The research entries are also qualified if they are conducted and completed within 2008 to 2011, and have never been presented elsewhere. Creative researches like faculty researches and researches done by students taking up medicine will be included in the graduate category. According to the contest guidelines, there will be no limit on the number of entries which may be certified and endorsed by the sending institution for preliminary screening. A research report or write-up and an abstract of not more than 250 words with keywords must be submitted to the committee for screening. Entries packaged in soft copy (CD) and five hard copies must be sent to RHRDC-XI chair Dr. Warlito C. Vicente at the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology in Bajada, Davao City. The qualifiers will be notified not later than November 10, and the oral presentation will be conducted on November 17-18. There will be three winners to be selected in each category who will be given awards and cash prizes. The best research for high school and undergraduate categories will each receive P5,000; the 2nd place, P3,000; and 3rd place, P1,500. For the graduate category, the best research will be given P7,000; 2nd place, P5,000; and the 3rd place, P3,000. Vicente said that the health research competition will be part of the activities during the 1st Health R&D Expo slated on November 17-19 with a tentative venue at NCCC Mall, Davao City. He said that the expo is aimed at providing opportunity to researches and institutions to showcase their health research results. The activity will also give venue for educating the public on the completed health researches, Vicente said, adding that it would increase “their appreciation on the value and impact of health research to the community.� The other highlights of the event are poster exhibit contest and health product exhibit competition. Registration to the activity is free. For further details, interested individuals and institutions may contact RHRDC office at telephone numbers 221-5971/227-1313 or 227-5672, visit its website at http://region11.healthresearch.ph. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)
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