PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
EDITORIAL BOARD
P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Skype: hnb_r9pia
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
Central Mindanao (SOCSKARGEN)
Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
Managing Editor …….........
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com pia_xii@yahoo.com
Executive Editor …….........
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
features
Lakewood’s Alindahaw
Photo Credits: journeysandtravels.com alindahaw lake view resort
Cover Story :
4
Vol. 1, No. 71
Lakewood’s Alindahaw attracts more tourists
By Noemi B. Edaga
NATI O NAL
8 8 10
Vietnamese President arrives Wednesday for 3-day state visit President Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to unveil Ho Chi Minh bust at ASEAN Park in Intramuros
SOUTHERN Mindanao
24 25 26 27
Davao’s tourism industry seeks air links with neighbors Mindanao youth for peace movement organized Davao cites Gains in DOT-led Mission to Japan Floods did not affect tourismDOT-XI
contents
WESTERN Mindanao
NORTHERN Mindanao
12
12 14 16 17
War is Not the Path to Peace NFA-Zambo. Norte to conduct food fortification seminar Dipolog City PNP prepares security plans for All Saint’s Day, All Soul’s Day FTA seminar slated in Dipolog on Oct. 25 BIR pursues collection campaign to meet P3.3B target
CENTRAL Mindanao
29 31 32 33
Giving honor to the slain soliers Glan Vice Mayor is this year’s GAWAD awardee
GenSan, next stop of 35th National Milo Marathon 300 na tunnel sa T’boli nakatakdang ipasara
29 24
OCTOBER 24, 2011
18 19 21 22 23
18
BIMP-EAGA blueprint to focus on connectivity, food basket and tourism
BIMP-EAGA strengthens cooperation with ASEAN BIMP-EAGA scales-up connectivity across the sub-region BIMP-EAGA to integrate LGUs in its framework Forum on Rio+20 set Oct. 25 in Cag. de Oro
CARAGA Region
34 37 38 39 40
JPENHS and TMENHS: Victors of 3rd SQS Division Championship Mindanao alliance to launch “Nurture A Tree, Save a Planet Earth Campaign” Surigao City to commemorate “Battle of Surigao Strait” on Tuesday BGen Plaza defends Lt Col Pacquiao’s promotion Feature: Infants inappropriately fed – FNRI-DOST
34
Cover Story Lakewood’s Alindahaw attracts more tourists by Noemi B. Edaga
T
he sun rises oozing with heat at temperatures between 32 degrees C and 36 degrees C. People living in nonair conditioned houses and those working in non-air conditioned environment sweat it out the whole day. Young and old both long to have some deep plunge to cool themselves. Indeed it’s too hot to stay indoors and utterly refreshing to take a swim . Monday, October 24, 2011
4
People with lots of money to spend go to new found nook and crannies, beautiful beaches and resorts with the family, friends, and officemates for bonding time. But locals in the Zamboanga Peninsula need not go far. Thanks to Mother Nature for giving us Lakewood. Lakewood Where? Lakewood is a 4th class municipality in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 16,317 people in 3,122 households. Lakewood was named after Lake Wood, a large lake intersecting the town. The most popular species of fish in the province can only be caught in the lake: the `carpa and porang.
49’ 60” north and 123
degrees, 9’ 0” south. From Pagadian, vans leave every hour for Lakewood. While public buses pass through the Lakewood junction along the National Highway, the Alindahaw Lakeview Resort and the town proper are still several kilometers inside. It’s best to take vans or hire a habal-habal How To Go About when you get off at the junction. Or bet Lakewood is about 42 kilome- ter yet, hire a private. ters away from Pagadian City along the Zamboanga City - Pagadian City highway. Geographically, it is 7 degrees,
Monday, October 24, 2011
5
Melengas Wow Guests The Subanen tribe is the major ethnic group living around Lakewood. They cultivate vegetables and corn for their own use. Subanens have their own dialect, but they also speak Cebuano as a common dialect for conversation. They take pride in their rich heritage which they preserve and promote trough the Melengas Dance Ensemble, that gracefully presents graceful subanen and moro dances. Upon arrangement with Alindahaw Resort management, they do a cultural presentation to wow guests. A few years back, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) medical mission headed by then NKTI Executive Director Enrique T. Ona were treated by then Governor Aurora E. Cerilles and Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles. They were overwhelmed when they saw the pristine beauty of the lake. “I must admit that I am from this province but this is the first time that I have ever come to this place. And I am very happy and very pleased to see the province have developed under the leadership of Auring and Tony Cerilles,” Ona said. Ona hails from Pagadian City. They were all in awe as they viewed the wondrous beauty of the lake upon arrival at the Alindahaw Lakeview Resort in Biswangan, Lakewood, this province after the hard days work for the NKTI medical mission.It was the Provincial Government’s way of expressing gratitude to the NKTI team for the big help they had extended to sick people in
Zamboanga del Sur; having operated 27 major cases, 6 medium and 2 minor operation, served and treated 600 out-patients for free at the Za m b o a n g a del Sur Medical Center.
Alindahaw Resort
Alindahaw’s main attraction is the amazing stillness of the mystic 800hectare of water named Lake Wood. Sometimes it is referred to as Lake Lakewood. The best place to enjoy the view of Lake Wood is at the Alindahaw Lakeview Resort in Brgy. Biswangan. Travel Mistress posted in Multiply some photos she had from Alindahaw Lakewood Resort. She said she had a quick visit to check it out and found out “it surprisingly had some modern facade with clean and pristine lake.” Lakewood is being enjoyed most by locals here, it being near to Zamboanga del Sur compared to other provinces in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Thursday, October 20, 2011
6
Monday, October 24, 2011
7
Vietnamese President arrives Wednesday for 3-day state visit
V
ietnamese President Truong Tan Sang is set to arrive in Manila on Wednesday afternoon for a three-day state visit to the Philippines highlighted by an expanded bilateral meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III which is aimed at strengthening further the diplomatic ties between the two countries. 8
Monday, October 24, 2011
The 62-year old President Sang, who will be planed in Manila via a chartered Vietnam Airlines flight, becomes the first head of state to visit the country under President Aquino’s administration. Welcoming President Sang upon his arrival at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Assistant Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jeril Santos and Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Angel Honrado. President Sang will be billeted at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza and will then proceed to Malacañang where arrival honors await him at 3:00 p.m. He is expected to sign the guestbook
later on and have a courtesy call on President Aquinothe Palace. Thereafter, President Aquino and President Sang will be engaged in an expanded bilateral meeting to be held at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room. Both leaders will sign bilateral agreements afterwards and are expected to issue a joint statement at the President’s Hall before the Philippine and Vietnamese media. President Aquino once mentioned in a forum with foreign media groups early this month that he the matter of resolving the disputes in the West Philippine Sea will be among the issues he will discuss with his Vietnamese counterpart. Wrapping up
President Sang’s list of activities for his first day of visit in Manila is a traditional state dinner to be hosted by President Aquino in his honor inside Malacañang’s Rizal Hall. On Thursday, President Sang will begin his activities by laying a wreath at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park. Afterwards, he will lead the ceremony for the unveiling of the bust of one of his predecessors, President Ho Chi Minh at the ASEAN Park in Intramuros, Manila. President Sang
Monday, October 24, 2011
9
will then have a short visit to the International Rice Research Institute in Los Ba単os, Laguna at 10:30 in the morning and will go back to Manila by 12:30 to attend a Vietnam-Philippines Business Luncheon. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Asian Development Bank president
P
Haruhiko Kuroda will each pay a courtesy call to the Vietnamese President by Thursday afternoon. President Sang will host a private dinner in honor of his oldtime Filipino friends at Casa Roces inside Malaca単ang complex to cap his second day of visit here. A light schedule awaits President Sang on Friday as he meets with the Vietnam Embassy personnel and the Vietnamese community to conclude his three-day
state visit here before boarding a chartered return flight via Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi just before lunch at the Villamor Airbase. Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Philippines date back since July 12, 1976 and from then on, the two countries have established good relations in the areas of politics, economics, trade investments, security and defense, and agriculture among others. (HDC)
President Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to unveil Ho Chi Minh bust at ASEAN Park in Intramuros
resident Truong Tan Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam will lead the unveiling of the bust of Vietnamese Socialist Republic founder, President Ho Chi Minh during his three-day State Visit to the Philippines from October 26-28 this year on the occasion of the 35th anniversary celebration of the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries. 10
Monday, October 24, 2011
The unveiling ceremony, which will be held at the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Park located in Intramuros Manila, symbolizes the ever-growing friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries. President Sang is scheduled to meet with President Benigno S. Aquino III on October 26 in Malacanang shortly after his arrival in Manila to further cement the friendly, economic, trade and bilateral relations between the Philippines and Vietnam. This will be the first meeting of the two leaders since President Sang was elected by the Vietnamese National Assembly in July this year.
It can be recalled that during his first state visit to Vietnam last year, President Aquino paid his respects to Vietnam’s famous leader Ho Chi Minh and martyrs with wreath laying ceremonies at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Vietnam War Memorial. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a large memorial to the former Vietnamese leader. It is located at the center of Ba Dinh Square where he read the Declaration of Independence on September 22, 1945. Ho Chi Minh’s body, preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, with a military honor guard, lies in a glass case with dim lights.
On the other hand, the Hanoi War Memorial is a monument which commemorates the sacrifice of courageous men and women who served the country in a time of great danger. The Memorial’sdesign is an impressive combination of modern architecture and traditional Vietnamese elements. It is located next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square. Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam started to blossom on July 12, 1976. The two countries are enjoying good relations in areas of politics, economics, trade and investments, security and defense, as well as agriculture. (RSDA)
Monday, October 24, 2011
11
War is Not the Path to Peace
T
he slaying of 19 soldiers by alleged rebel troops in Basilan is an outrage which should be met with unreserved condemnation.
This most recent encounter is among the most deadly between lawless elements and the military in a war that has already left more than 150,000 people dead in the last four decades. 12
Pangalian M. Balindong said in a statement. Calls have since mounted for the government to launch an all-out war in Mindanao. “We must reject these calls and remain vigilant against anyone or any group who would take ad“I deeply sympathize vantage of the situawith the families of tion to sow more fear our fallen men in uni- and disorder,” Balinform. Their sacri- dong added. fice should give us all “We must supgreater strength to port pursuit operacontinue on the path tions against lawless to peace,” Lanao del elements, but not Sur Representative against the MILF,” he
Monday, October 24, 2011
said, adding that the just response to aggression must be discriminate; it must be directed only against unjust aggressors, not against innocent people caught up in a war not of their making. We must say no to total war in Mindanao. To wage ‘total’ war is by definition to take huge numbers of innocent lives--- and perpetuate the cycle of senseless violence, death, and destruction. The primacy of the peace talks must be upheld. After all, there is no military solution to what is, at heart, a political and humanitarian problem. War cannot repair or repay decades of poverty and bad policy. We commend the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) for remaining keen on pursuing peace talks. We laud Former President F i d e l Ramos who has said that an all-out w a r i n
Mindanao could lead to massive internal displacement among non-combatants in the South. We salute the astuteness and leadership of His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for upholding the peace talks in the midst
of grief and anger. An allout-war will not improve the situation. His rational and long-term strategic thinking is what we need to set us on a path of enduring peace, stability and genuine progress. This is a time for maturity, a time for responsibility, a time for reason. It is my prayer that we can all come together in respectful dialogue as Filipino citizens to forge peace, no matter how difficult, complex, and trying this may be. The future of our nation and our people depends on our l ead ers having the courage to say “no to war.” We believe that peace in Mindanao is possible. We must all seize the current opportunity to walk on the path of peace. The alternative path is too horrible to comprehend. (JPA/OPAPP/RVCPIA9 ZamBaSulTa)
Monday, October 24, 2011
13
I
NFA-Zambo. Norte to conduct food fortification seminar by Franklin P. Gumapon n keeping with the government’s thrust of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in the country, the provincial office of the National Food Authority (NFA) here is going to conduct a seminar on food fortification come Oct. 26. Invited to attend the said activity, are representatives from the different national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), schools, civic and religious groups and non-government organizations (NGOs). NFA provincial manager Julakmad
J. Lawama disclosed that the topics to be tackled during the oneday seminar include the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000, NFA’s in food fortification and the rice fortification technology. Under Republic Act (RA) 8976, or the Philippine Food Fortification Act of
2,000, the fortification of staple foods is made mandatory especially in rice, wheat, refined sugar and cooking oil. Rice and wheat flour must be fortified with iron while refined sugar and cooking oil are to be fortified with vitamins A. (JPA/FPG/PIAZambo. Norte)
Dipolog City PNP prepares security plans for All Saint’s Day, All Soul’s Day by Alfonso T. Ruda
T
he Philippine National Police is now preparing its security plans for the upcoming All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day celebration on November 1 and 2, 2011.
Supt. Kenneth said, among the police command, Mission, Dipolog City security measures include the rerouting Police Station Chief undertaken the local of traffic to avoid 14
Monday, October 24, 2011
traffic congestion along the road going the Ramon Catholic Cemetery and Public Cemetery which are located inside the city proper. Mission advised the public not bring valuable items like cellphones and ipods; not to wear valuable jewelries and not to bring big amount of cash inside the cemetery. He also reminded them to be vigilant and extra-careful against snatchers as they are also expected to mingle with the crowd inside the cemetery. Mission likewise cautioned everybody not leave their house un-attended, but
if ever everybody decides to all go out during All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day, request their neighbor to look after their house, and also leave their cellphone number for easy contact in case emergency arises. “We will also prohibit bladed weapons, firearms, liquor, playing cards inside the cemetery, as well as any instrument that may disturb those who will
offer prayer to their loved ones like guitar, radio and videoke machine,” Mission said. Mission likewise appeal to the public to immediately report any monitored suspicious-looking persons inside the cemetery to the police personnel deployed in and around the cemetery to monitor the possible presence of unwanted visitors in the area. (JPA/ ATR/PIA9-Zambo
Monday, October 24, 2011
15
FTA seminar slated in Dipolog on Oct. 25 by Franklin P. Gumapon
T
o drum up public awareness on the salient features of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is slated to hold a one-day seminar here tomorrow, Oct. 25. Dubbed “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas,� the seminar also aims to highlight the benefits the businessmen may derive from FTA. It has been observed that most businessmen have not been able to take full advantage of FTAs. Ms. Estrella M. Roda, DTI-Zambo. Norte information officer-designate, said the seminar would cover discussions on market opportunities focusing on products with zero or reduced tariffs under existing FTAs. Businessmen who have availed themselves of FTA incentives will also share their experiences with seminar participants. Specific topics to be discussed during 16
the seminar include the overview on Philippine Trade Agreements and the Philippine Export Development Plan by Assistant Director Jason T. Lao, ASEAN FTA
by Ms. Suraida Guro, ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA by Dr. Jocelyn Cruz, Commercial Law Department Chair, De Las Salle University, ASEAN Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement by Ms. Agnes Legaspi, OIC, Trade Information Assistance
Monday, October 24, 2011
Group, Bureau of Export Trade Promotion, ASEAN China FTA by Mr. Benjie Celedio, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, ASEAN Korea FTA by Ms. Rafaelita C. Castro, Assistant Division Chief, Japan/Australia Division, Bureau of Export Trade Promotion, and ASEAN India FTA by Ms. Ester Rosario, Senior Trade and Development Specialist, Bureau of Export Trade Promotion. The conduct of FTA seminar has been supported by the Bureau of Customs (BoC), the Tariff Commission (TC), the Export Development Council (EDC), Philexport, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)
BIR pursues collection campaign to meet by Jocelyn P. Alvarez P3.3B target
T
he Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here is strictly implementing it’s “Oplan Kandado” as it pursues collection campaign to meet its 2011 collection target of P3.3 billion. BIR Regional Director Albert B. Alocilja said the bureau has collected a total of P2.3 billion for the first nine months and he is optimistic that the P 1 billion collection balance will be “in” at the end of the year. “I am confident that the P1 billion balance which is about P333 million a month and P10.7 million a day will be met in the next three months,” Alocilja was quoted as saying. BIR here is strictly implementing its” Oplan kandado,” a campaign to close down business establishments who failed to pay their tax dues to the government. “The implementation of Oplan Kandado
has improved our tax collection,” the internal revenue chief said. It can be recalled, business giants- shoppers chain of stores like Shoppers’ Plaza, Shoppers’ Emporium, Shoppers’ Central, Shoppers’ Square, Shoppers’ Center(gateway) were recently padlocked/ closed by BIR for failure to pay their more than P50 million tax dues to the government. Alocilja admitted, the temporary closure of these stores on September 8 has helped the bureau’s collection for the month of September. The BIR director said he has given orders to the bureau’s district offices to fo-
cus their collection on the top 200 taxpayers who contributed 60% of their tax to the government. Alocilja appealed to the tax payers to promptly and religiously pay their taxes as these will redound to the benefit of the public in the form of infrastructure development like roads, bridges and other projects geared towards development. The BIR chief confirmed, the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other businessmen and establishments have expressed willingness to pay their tax dues religiously. (JPA/PIA9Zambo City)
Monday, October 24, 2011
17
BIMP-EAGA blueprint to focus on connectivity, food basket and tourism by Jorie C. Valcorza
T
he 16th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASIAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) ministerial meeting approved a joint statement endorsing its Implementation Blueprint for 2012-2016. It reaffirms connectivity as the key in translating all its visions - connectivity in terms of air, sea, and land transport. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary, Gregory L. Domingo in a press conference said, all ministers also agreed to include in the 2012-2016 blueprint, efforts geared towards maximizing Information and Communications (ICT) connectivity. 18
Monday, October 24, 2011
BIMP-EAGA needs to aggressively improve connectivity within its sub-regions in order to achieve both food basket and ecotourism vision. The possible impact of unprecedented and continuing hike of world prices of essential food commodities on the regional food security likewise concerns the ministers and called on its senior fishery officials to
exert effort to complete the action and investment plans under the BIMP-EAGA food basket policy framework. Fishery officials were directed to review resource requirements and investment plans and endeavor to allocate
adequate resources that would ensure effective implementation of the projects in order to create viable impacts on the food basket strategy and assure food security not only in the BIMP-EAGA region but for the entire ASEAN region. Domingo noted it is high time for the sub-region to make a mark and achieve a breakthrough in pushing for various initiatives and prospects. “A big push is on, to translate all these plans into action, as part of that effort we are doing a strategic collaboration and partnership with the national government agencies (NGAs) and their equivalent in those countries, to provide assistance in the implementation and to integrate the local government units (LGUs) into the mains sections as well as in the sectoral/ economic ministers,� Sec. Domingo said.
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.
just a part of ASEAN but a partner to the ASEAN citing the first project that BIMP-EAGA will initiate under the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan.
The Power Exchange Agreement (PEA) expanding the electricity distribution He said the sub-region is no longer in Sarawak and West Kalimantan was Monday, October 24, 2011
19
signed on July 18, 2011 between Sarawak Energy Berhad 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 said.
Department of Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo; Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Lualhati Antonino; Brunei Darussalam Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng; Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop; and Bapak Raldi H. Koestoer, Senior Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, representing the Signing Minister for Indonesia.
The Malaysian Minister also cited the recently signed ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) where ASEAN will itself take the lead in funding BIMP-EAGA projects Other attendees were Datuk Amar to enhance the sub-region’s strategic role Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Johari Bin Tun for the wider region. Abang Haji Openg, Minister of Urban Development in Sarawak, Malaysia; Meanwhile, the BIMP-EAGA Ministers Datuk Raymond Tan, Minister of Industrial have expressed appreciation to the ASEAN Development in Sabah, Malaysia; and Secretariat for its increasing engagement Datuk Yussof Bin Hj. Member of Parliament, with the sub-region. Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia In their joint statement, they also urged ASEAN Secretariat to strengthen its support to the BIMP-EAGA through various meetings and forums to highprofile BIMP-EAGA with the region’s dialogue and development partners. The Ministers likewise exhorted the ASEAN Secretariat to provide advice and guidance in aligning the BIMP-EAGA development agenda with the ASEAN Economic Community Initiatives and help mobilize knowledge, technical and financial resources. Held at the Xavier Estates and Country Club, here, the 16th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting was attended by 20
Monday, October 24, 2011
BIMP-EAGA scales-up connectivity across the sub-region By Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental --- The Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) will improve the connectivity within the sub-region in order to realize its strategic vision of becoming the food basket and premier ecotourism destination of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the This was one of the agreements reached by the BIMP-EAGA Ministers during the 16th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting held recently at the Xavier Estates and Country Club, here.
of the value chain in trade of goods and services, as well as, in generating more business and economic activities within the sub-region. He also disclosed the Pandaruan Bridge Construction connecting Limbang in Sarawak, Malaysia and Temburong in Negara, Brunei Darussalam as one landmark achieved in pursuing connectivity within the BIMP-EAGA.
Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, who chaired the meeting, said the Ministers have agreed that connectivity, in terms of ICT, air, sea, and land transport, is the key to all the integration that are being done in the sub-region. He said the MoU on the construction of the bridge had been signed on Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop September 12, 2011 at Bandar Seri of Malaysia added that the initiatives on Begawan in Brunei Darussalam with the the integration of transport services or construction to start in April 2012. connectivity within the sub-region has been pursued noting the signing of Meanwhile, the Ministers welcomed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) the collaboration between the transport on the Expansion of Air Linkages, Cross- and tourism sector in promoting Border Movement of Commercial Buses sustainability of intra-EAGA connectivity. and Coaches, as well as, Establishing and Promoting Efficient Integrated Sea In their joint statement, they Linkages. encouraged more collaborative efforts between and among clusters to ensure He said these will provide the that programs and projects are supportive required accessibility and enabling part of each other. Monday, October 24, 2011
21
The Ministers also concurred to prioritize and implement trade facilitation and transport infrastructure projects that support the establishment of food production hubs and enhance intra-andextra EAGA travel and tourism. Likewise, they commended the BIMPEAGA Business Council (BEBC) for the implementation of private-sector led projects to enhance inter-connectivity within the sub-region, particularly, the Intelligent Clearance Identity (iCLID) System project. The project aims to ease and facilitate cross-border movement of vehicles, people, and trade.
BIMP-EAGA to integrate LGUs in its framework by Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental --- Ministers of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have accepted the proposal to include local government units (LGUs) in the BIMP-EAGA framework. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario of We are here to support but we are not Davao del Norte disclosed this during the part of the structure, he told the members BIMP-EAGA Press Conference held at the of media, stressing the status of the LGUs Xavier Estates and Country Club, here. as a loose mechanism. Del Rosario, who is also the President of the Confederation of Provincial Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayors League Presidents, said they tried to get the nod of the Ministers to consider LGUs as part of the formal mechanism of the BIMP-EAGA framework. 22
Monday, October 24, 2011
Once they are part of the formal framework, he said they can actively participate in trying to push the projects that will be brought to their respective areas.
Meanwhile, Trade and Industry
Secretary Gregory Domingo said there is now an effort to integrate the LGUs into the main sessions as well as the Sectoral Ministers. He said the BIMP-EAGA Ministers also welcomed the conduct of the Local Government Forum and their role to effectively contribute to the realization of
the social and economic development goals of the sub-regional cooperation. The Ministers also encouraged the LGUs and the private sector to enhance their coordination and cooperation to ensure a more conducive environment for business growth and development.
Forum on Rio+20 set Oct. 25 in Cag. de Oro by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – A regional consultation on the subject “The Philippines’ Countdown to Rio+20: Region 10 Consultation for the Preparation and Participation to United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development” or Rio+20 Conference will be held in the city, this coming Oct. 25. Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, said the consultation will be participated in by representatives from regional offices of national government agencies, provincial and city governments, civil society, business and labor sectors. He said through its General Assembly Resolution 64/236, the United Nations decided to organize Rio+20 Conference in Rio Janiero, Brazil on June 4-6, next year, with the following major themes: “Green economy within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication” and “institutional framework for sustainable development.” Marking the 20th year of the Rio Summit in 1992 and Agenda 21, the Rio+20 Conference, aims to secure renewed political commitment to sustainable development, assess progress and gaps in implementation of agreed
commitments and address new and emerging challenges. Dacanay said as part of the preparations for the Philippines’ meaningful participation in the Rio+20 Conference, the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) will conduct an assessment of the implementation of Philippine Agenda 21. It will also look into the green economy prospects of the country and how it can be a means to achieve sustainable development and poverty eradication, as well, as the priorities for strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable development at the local, national and international levels. Activities to be conducted to produce an assessment report and strategy papers for the Rio+20 Conference themes will include of a series of policy fora, round table discussions and consultations, Dacanay added. Monday, October 24, 2011
23
Davao’s tourism industry seeks air links by Mai Gevera-Macapagat with neighbors
T
he tourism sector here is eyeing to connect Davao City to countries like Malaysia and Indonesia following the renewed enthusiasm of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASIAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Tourism regional director for Region XI Art Boncato bared plans of taking advantage of the repackaging of BIMP-EAGA as it being packaged as an entire growth area to other potential markets like Japan, Australia and the United States . Recently, BIMP-EAGA senior officials released a joint statement endorsing an Implementation Blueprint for 2012-2016 that strengthens its vision of connectivity in terms of air, sea, and land trans
24
Monday, October 24, 2011
port. Boncato stressed that Davao could finally be connected to other member countries of BIMP-EAGA as this is greatly aligned to the vision being pursued by the group. “ We are working to connect Davao , Mindanao, and Palawan to other parts of the EAGA. We could possibly establish a direct flight from Davao to Manadoor Davao to Kota Kinabalu.” he said. It’s been years that the tourism sector tried to connect Davao to foreign destinations like Malaysia and Indonesia . However, the city will have to prove sustainability of this air connectivity. Recent developments rather showed positivity of this goal especially that Tiger Airlines, will start flying passengers direct from Davao to Singapore and vice-versa. The Davao City Chamber of Commerce is also set to seal a deal with the Clark International Airport which would bring passengers from Davao to Clark. This positions Davao City as a second international hub next to Clark . (PIA)
Mindanao youth for peace movement organized DAVAO CITY--Young women leaders from diversified cultures and religions in Mindanao recently formed here the Mindanao Youth for Peace Movement aiming to lead an action program for the youth sector.
The women leaders representing the youth sector from the Muslim, Christian and indigenous people’s communities from all over Mindanao, chose from among themselves their officers to create the movement’s core group. The formation of the MYPM was an offshoot to the Mindanao Young Women Leaders Congress held in the city last week which gathered about a hundred young women leaders from the 21 peace circle areas of the Mindanao Commission on Women. Dyamyla D. Millona, program assistant of Davao City’s Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, shared that she joined the movement in her personal capacity to take part in the action program and to improve her leadership skills. Twenty-year old Millona from the Maguindanao and B’Laan tribes said she has interest in listening to ideas and stories from her peers, as well as in sharing her own stories and views on peace and development. Victoria Cajandig, a Subanen, imparted that her participation to the movement would provide a venue to
bring up her group’s concerns and to strengthen the advocacy of protecting their ancestral lands and the environment. Cajandig leads as executive officer the Pikhumpongan Dlibon Subanen, Inc., a Pagadian City-based non-government organization representing the Subanen women. MCW chair emerita and chief executive officer Irene M. Santiago said that the MYPM will implement the action program decided at the Congress which aimed at developing new generation of “innovative and ethical” young women leaders to become “change makers.” Santiago said that as part of the preparation for the realization of the MYPM program, the women leaders will undertake skills training on how to handle and resolve any kind of conflict or dispute in their respective communities. She cited peer-to-peer counseling and mediation to be part of the training. She added that members of MCW’s grassroots-base Mothers for Peace Movement have already taken the capability training on conflict handling. Santiago urged the women leaders “to claim being third siders of Mindanao – the side of the “peacemaker, the peacekeeper and the peace builder.” “You will claim it as a new breed Monday, October 24, 2011
25
of leaders: innovative, bold, creative, but more importantly, ethical,” she stated, saying that “This is what we expect you to be.” MCW chair Margie Moran said that “This program can support their leadership abilities and civic engagement that will define the role of the youth – to make another Mindanao possible.” “It is our hope that this conference will bring a lasting connection with the youth where women like us
can mentor to enhance their competence and connection with the bigger network of women leaders,” Moran conveyed to the youth leaders at the Congress. MCW organized the Congress on October 20-22 at the Garden Oases in Davao City. MCW is an NGO that aims to “influence public policy and public opinion by incorporating the women’s perspective in peace and development.” (Carina L. Cayon)
Davao cites Gains in DOT-led Mission to Japan
Tokyo, Japan- Davao sees new windows of growth in the Japanese markets from Department of Tourism (DOT)-led Philippine Business Mission to East and West Japan and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Travel Showcase in September and October.
DOT Davao Regional Director, Art Boncato, Jr. and deluxe property Marco Polo Davao represented the city in a road show in Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo with promising results. “We are pleased to know that Philippine Airlines in Nagoya will soon 26
Monday, October 24, 2011
begin promotions for Davao via their direct flights to Manila and in our initial meetings we agreed to focus on the golf market for starters.” Boncato said. “We are also gearing up through our Philippine Retirement Authority office in Davao to entice the increasing number of retirees in Japan to choose Davao as their second home. Our tourism office in Tokyo has recorded an increase in inquiries about retiring in the Philippines.” Boncato added. Japan is the second biggest foreign market of Davao with at least 12,000 arrivals in 2010 based on 43% of total number of hotels reporting data to the DOT. The Philippine Business Mission is an annual marketing program of the DOT that gives updates on Philippine tourism to travel agents & tour operators as well as media in a semi-
nar. A travel mart and an evening reception provided business interaction. This year, DOT Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. led the delegation. Other government and private sector stakeholders came from Manila, Cebu, Bohol & Palawan. Meanwhile, at the JATA Travel Showcase, Asia’s largest tourism exhibition held in Tokyo, the DOT hosted 29 tourism-related establishments in the Philippine Pavilion branded as Premium Resort Islands Philippines.
A total of around 38,000 travel trade players & press as well as 80,000 consumers visited the showcase from September 30 to October 02. The Philippine Pavilion featured Japanese convenience store, MiniStop that gave away Davao Cavendish bananas in a successful campaign for visitors to visit the Philippine Pavilion. A Cavendish banana in Japan is sold at Y100 or around Php 50 per piece. (DOT pr)
Floods did not affect tourism-DOT-XI
DAVAO CITY-The spate of floodings which has hit the city in previous weeks and months hasnot affected tourism says Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato.
Gracing the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at Café Rhysus in SM City Davao. Boncato said that despite the floods tourists are still arriving in the city proof of that is the 10% increase in tourist arrivals in the period January-August of this year compared to the same period last year.
“I think the situation is not exclusive to Davao City.” Boncato said. He added that flooding is part of a bigger picture and is not a localized problem. The tourism director cited the recent floods hitting parts of Southeast Asia. But he said that though some tourists have noticed the flooding particularly in the downtown areas, this will not deter visitors from coming in, through Boncato hopes flooding would be mitigated. According to date from DOT XI about 490,000 visitors visited the region from January to August of 2011. Majority of these are domestic tourists. Visitors from the United States mostly balikbayans, Japan and South Korea are among the top foreign tourists in 2011. Boncato said that they also recorded a spike of foreign tourists coming from China. Meanwhile Danny Dayanghi Monday, October 24, 2011
27
rang, consultant of the City Mayor on special concerns said that the City Government is doing its best to curb flooding in the City. Dayanghirang agrees with Boncato that floods don’t deter tourists but he recalled one isolated incident when severe flooding in La Verna Hills prevented travelers from going to the airport and as a
result many tourists missed their flights. However engineering solutions undertaken by the City Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways has eradicated the problem in that area which was caused by a basketball court built over a canal that has impeded drainage flow. (PIA/RG Alama)
LANDMARKS
Oboza House in Rizal Street Davao City. Built in 1929, the house built by the first municipal mayor of Davao Engineer Alfonso Oboza. it used to host visits of past Philippine Presidents from Manuel Quezon to Manuel Roxas (who used the house to hide from the Japanese during World War II). It is now leased to a French-Filipino couple who have preserved the old structure and turned it into an elegant dining restaurant.
28
Monday, October 24, 2011
Giving honor to the slain soliers
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Comrades give full military honors to Philippine Army soldiers PFC Gary Magno of Tupi, South Cotabato and Sgt. Ronald Sta. Rita of Kiamba, Sarangani as their remains arrive at General Santos City International Airport Sunday afternoon, October 23. PFC. Magno and Sgt. Sta. Rita were among 19 soldiers killed in Basilan last week in one of the worst clashes in recent years with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño) Monday, October 24, 2011
29
Mindanao Development Authority chair Luwalhati Antonino (in dark blouse) salutes as the remains of Sgt. Ronald Sta. Rita of Kiamba, Sarangani and PFC Gary Magno of Tupi, South Cotabato pass by upon arrival at the General Santos City International Airport Sunday, October 23. With Antonino for the heroes’ welcome were (from left) City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and family and friends of the slain soldiers. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiùo)
Sarangani Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon condoles with Rosalie Sta. Rita (left), widow of Sgt. Ronald Sta. Rita who was one of the 19 soldiers killed in Basilan last week in one of the worst clashes in recent years with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Sgt. Sta. Rita of Kiamba, Sarangani was team sergeant of a special team in Basilan and had served as peace keeper in East Timor. 30
Monday, October 24, 2011
Glan Vice Mayor is this year’s GAWAD awardee by GLAN Info and News Service GLAN, Sarangani — A national awards-giving body has chosen Dr. Vivien B. Yap as this year’s Best Municipal Vice Mayor of the Philippines. Yap was cited by the Gawad League of Vice Mayors Information and Research Services for her exemplary achievements in the pursuit of her chosen career both in politics and in the field of medicine, where she demonstrated exceptional quality of leadership, imbued with lofty idealism, courage and impeccable record in public service, thereby contributing much to the socioeconomic development of Glan and the uplift of the living condition of her constituents. The awarding ceremony for this year’s Gawad LVM awards was held at the Manila Hotel last September 17, but due to unavoidable circumstances, Yap was unable to attend and receive the Plaque of Recognition in person. Nonetheless, Yap expressed appreciation for the award, although, in
her typical nonchalant and unassuming ways, she would prefer to go about her job as efficiently and as unobtrusively as she could, award or no award. “I’m not really at ease being put on the spot, in the limelight, just because I am doing what I am supposed to do, in the first place,” she said. But because of her pedigree, stature and achievements, people could not help but take notice of her and her fine track record, especially now that she is the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan. After all, she is the daughter of the late Atty. Enrique D. Yap, Sr., one of the longest-serving municipal mayors in the country; and the late Esther Barera Yap, former DepEd district supervisor of Glan. Vice Mayor Yap is the author of a special or-
dinance declaring every April of the year as Mahin Festival Month in Glan, adding a new dimension to the beach festival craze now spreading all over the region. She also helped craft, among other major ordinances and resolutions, the new Local Tax Code, which substantially cut down business and license fees but at the same time expanded the town’s tax base with more investments and businesses opening up because of the lower taxes. She had been a barangay captain and an exofficio provincial board member, aside from being a practicing physician doing mostly charitable work, before she was elected as the town’s second highest official in the May 2010 elections. (GLAN Info and News Service/ PIA General Santos City)
Monday, October 24, 2011
31
GenSan, next stop of 35th National Milo Marathon GENERAL SANTOS CITY --The 35th National Milo Marathon next stop will be here, according to race organizer Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez said the race will be on Sunday, October 30, 2011, which will include the 3-K Kiddie Run (Boys and Girls Divisions), 5-K Fun Run (Men and Women’s Divisions), 10-K Run (Men and Women’s Divisions) and 21-K Elimination Run (Men and Women’s Divisions). Cash prizes and trophies await winners, he said. Gonzalez met with different committee heads Tuesday and discussed how the event would run for this leg. Among those discussed were the race routes highlighting the “start and finish lines,” including security measure. The race will start at 5 o’clock in the morning, Sunday. Gonzalez added that after the race, a cheerdance competition will 32
ensue at the oval plaza where schools will compete and perform their best in cheerdancing. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police here also expressed its support ensuring police visibility to oversee people’s safety and security during the conduct of the event. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Dept. of Education (DepEd), and some key offices of the city government
Monday, October 24, 2011
such as the City Health, City Public Information, the General Services, Youth Affairs Development, Sports, Motorcycle clubs, Traffic Enforcers, Kabalikat, among others were also mobilized to actively participate in the event. Event Organizers have also partnered with Ace Promotions to ensure massive people’s participation come October 30. (JP Aponesto/CPIO/ CTApelacio/PIA
General
300 na tunnel sa T’boli nakatakdang ipasara KORONADAL CITY -- Humigit-kumulang 300 tunnel sa Barangay Kematu, South Cotabato ang nakatakdang ipasara ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa susunod na mga araw. Sa isang panayam, inihayag ni Engr. Seigfred Flaviano, acting provincial environment and management officer (PEMO) ng South Cotabato, ito ay alinsunod sa inilabas na kautusan ni Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., na pagpapasara sa mga naturang tunnel hangga’t hindi pa sila nabibigyan ng permit na makapagmina. Ayon kay Flaviano, matagal nang epektibo ang stoppage order subalit ilang beses ng napagpaliban ang pagpapatupad dahil sa paulit-ulit na paghingi ng extension ng mga kinauukulan. Paliwanag ni Flaviano hindi nabibigyan ng permit ang mga naturang minahan dahil hindi pa nareresolba ang isyu sa pagitan ng Maguan Clan at Tribal Mining Corporation (TMC) na may kaugnayan sa pagbibigay ng mga
lumad ng permiso para makapagmina sa kanilang lugar ang TMC. Handa na umano ang closure order notice para ibigay sa mga operator ng mga naturang tunnel. Aniya, matapos nilang maisilbi ang notice sa mga kinauukulan, bibigyan nila ang mga ito ng limang araw para maibaba ang kanilang stock bago i-padlock ang mga tunnel. Ayon kay Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., tatalakayin din sa pagpupulong ng Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) bukas (Oct 25) ang mga hakbang na maaring magawa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan para matulungan ang mga partido na magkasundo upang mabigyan na sila ang permit na makakapagpatuloy sa pagmimina. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
Monday, October 24, 2011
33
JPENHS and TMENHS: Victors of 3rd SQS Division Championship by Ruel L. Dres
J
acinto P Elpa National High School-Learning Resource Center (JPENHS-LRC) won the Championship in the 3rd Statistics Quiz Show (SQS) - Surigao del Sur Division held recently at the JPENHS Computer Laboratory Room, Tandag City, this province.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
34
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Monday, October 24, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
The JPENHS team was composed of Kristine Mae M. Pazo and Mae L. Cabadonga with Coach Analyn L. Avila. JPENHS accumulated a total of 14 out of 25 points and was declared as the Division champion. Second placers in the Quiz who garnered a total of nine points, were the teams coming from Tandag National Science High School and Tagbina National High School. The third placer was Matho
National High SchoolAnnex. Other competing schools were Gamut National High School, Madrid National High School, Solomon P. Lozada National High School, Sto Nino National High School, Tagsaka National high School and Unidad National High School. The announcement of the winners was made by Ms Edna E. Trinidad, the Mathematics Supervisor for Secondary schools, who chaired the
three-member Board of Judges. The Provincial Statistics Officer of NSOSurigao del Sur, Mr. Ruel Dres together with Ms Trinidad presented the cash prizes, trophies and certificates to the top three division winners. Non-winning teams and all the coaches were given certificates and consolation prizes. Bislig City Division For Bislig City Division, Tabo M. Estrella National
Monday, October 24, 2011
35
High School (TMENHS) succeeded as the champion I 3rd Statistics Quiz Show held at Mangagoy Central Elementary School Computer Laboratory Room, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on October 19. TMENHS was composed of Emmanuel R. Escala and Mac Andrian D. Abadies with Coach Rhodora C. Luga. TMENHS accumulated the highest score of 16 points thus giving them the trophy for the division champion. The second placer was Mangagoy National High School with a total of 11 points. Bislig City National High School (BCNHS) and Tumanan National High School tied in third place slot after the final round. However, after the sudden death rules were applied, BCNHS emerged as the third placer. Other competing school in Bislig City Division was Sikahoy National High School. The proclamation of winners was made by Dr. Teresa DumaranBuray, the Mathematics Supervisor for Second36
ary Schools, who chaired the three-member Board of Judges. The Provincial Statistics Officer of NSOSurigao del Sur, Mr. Ruel Dres together with Ms Buray presented the cash prizes, trophies and certificates to the top three division winners. After the awarding, the assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Bislig City Division, Dr. Imelda N. Sabornido imparted inspirational message and at the same time closing remarks. She encouraged the contestants to pursue in the field of Statistics and to make use of the modern technology. The 3rd Division SQS The 3rd Division SQS is undertaken as part of the 22nd National Statistics Month this October 2011. The leading agency for this year is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the theme: “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting” Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives.” NSO I coordination
Monday, October 24, 2011
with the Department of Education thru their respective Schools Division Superintendents, namely, Dr. Teofila G. Cabatuan (Surigao del Sur) and Dr. Lucia S. Castro, CESO V (Bislig City), conducted this 3rd SQS to all the National Secondary Schools to assess the competency and skills of students in statistics and to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics specifically in the field of education. Through this activity, high school graduating students is encouraged to take up statistics courses for their tertiary education. This year’s contest is a collaborative effort of sponsors and partners. The sole sponsor for the two divisions will contend in the SQS Regional Championship this coming October 25 at Butuan City. SQS is the brainchild of Caraga Region. Up to the present, Caraga is the only region that conducts the contest annually.
Mindanao alliance to launch “Nurture A Tree, Save a Planet Earth Campaign” BUTUAN CITY – Mindanao Alliance Self-Help Societies – Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC), a federation of primary cooperatives around Mindanao will be launching its synchronized environmental consciousness campaign dubbed as “Nurture A Tree, Save a Planet Earth Campaign” on October 29, 2011.
The one-day activity shall be conducted in a synchronized manner around the different regions in Mindanao. This initiative of MASS-SPECC is part of its thrust to implement cooperative social services to the communities where its member cooperatives are located. The objective of the
activity is to promote awareness among the member cooperatives on its contribution in achieving the Millennium Development Goals of ensuring environmental sustainability. Over the years, cooperatives have implemented social service programs on an individual basis. But the impact of disparate efforts have been minimal. Thus, cooperatives have decided to collaborate to achieve substantial impact and wider involvement of the coop community. Apart from the financial services offered by the cooperatives to its members, provision of social services that are responsive to the needs of the members and the communities remain an
important thrust of the movement. The synchronized tree planting activity is a unified initiative of the different primary cooperatives under MASS SPECC to culminate the celebration the month of October as Cooperative Month. All Co-operators are enjoined to participate in this synchronized tree planting activity on October 30, 2011 (Saturday) in their respective localities. (MASSSPECC)
Monday, October 24, 2011
37
Surigao City to commemorate “Battle of Surigao Strait” on Tuesday SURIGAO CITY-- The city government of Surigao will commemorate once again the historic “Battle of Surigao Strait” on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Surigaonons and invited guests from America, Australia and Japan will converge to remember the day when the Japanese Imperial nation bowed down to the American and Australian Navies during one of the greatest battles in history on Oct. 25, 1944. The 67th year com38
memoration ceremony will be held at the Lipata Ferry Terminal complex where the site of the famous naval battle was held. City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Gov. Sol Matugas and 2nd district Rep. Guillermo Romarate will lead the memorial service which will begin at 4:30 a.m. with a wreath
Monday, October 24, 2011
laying, lighting of the memorial flame by participating American, Australian and Japanese embassy representatives and lighting of sky lantern by the city and provincial officials and employees, veterans, members of Surigaonon Heritage Foundation, national line agencies, tourism council members and students. Other commemorative activities during the one-day celebration include, wreath-laying at the Japanese Crematorium Marker in Surigao del Norte National High School-the former site of the Japanese encampment during World War II, the “3rd Bugsay Race” at the Surigao City Boulevard, film showing of the accounts of the Battle of Surigao Strait, and 4th monthly finals of Surigaonon Singing Star. (Surigao City Tourism Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
BGen Plaza defends Lt Col Pacquiao’s promotion BUTUAN CITY -- “Lt Col Manny Pacquiao is worth more than a Thousand Soldiers, and is very qualified for his promotion and appointment.”
This was the statement made by Brigadier General Charito B. Plaza, AFP Reserve Force’ first woman General, from Mindanao and the threetermer representative of the First District of Agusan del Norte. The Republic Act 7077 or the AFP Reservist Law, provides, the organization, training, development of the
citizens to compose the AFP Reserve Force, as a component of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The reserve force shall also be a source of expansion of the regulars troops in times of war and national emergencies. Thus, Plaza said, this qualified the boxing champ when he enlisted himself to join the Philippine Army Reservists in 2006, prior to his being elected as Representative of the Province of Saranggani in Mindanao. Pacquiao then held the rank as Senior Master Sergeant, the head of all the enlisted personnel. The GHQ AFP Circular No. 4, dated July 5, 2010, standardized the concept, policies and procedures governing the commission of officers in the Reserve
Force and the different sources of the Reserve Force Officers to include the elected and appointed government officials, graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines, graduates of a baccalaureate degree or honorary degree, except for deserving enlisted personnel under RA 718. Pacquiao was elected Congressman of the Province of Sarangani in 2010, hence, qualified for his appointment to the LT Col rank. Further, he was conferred , the honorary degree as a Doctor in Humanities, by the South Western University in Cebu City in 2009, for his extraordinary service as a public servant/Representative, and the honors he brought for the Philippines as the world boxing champ, said Plaza.
Monday, October 24, 2011
39
Feature: Infants inappropriately fed – FNRI-DOST by Jund Rian A. Doringo
T
he latest results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 provided evidence on the poor and deteriorating nutritional status of infants 0-23 months and children 2-5 years old in the country. “Based on the World Health Organization/National Center for Health Statistics (WHO/NCHS) standard, the prevalence rates of underweight at 26.2 percent and stunting at 27.9 percent among the 0-5 years old are high and moderately severe, respectively, and are higher than the 2005 prevalence rate,” said Dr. Mario V. Capanza, director of the FNRI-DOST. He also said the anemia prevalence among the youngest group of infants in 2008 at 55.7 percent remains a significant public health problem, while an improvement was noted among the older groups of infants and children. At the regional lev40
el, Region IX had the greatest number of underweight, under height and thin 0 to 5-year-old children among the other regions. On the other hand, Region IV-B and Region VI had the highest number of underweight and under height 6 to 10year-old children, respectively. “Overall, the percentage of infants 0-23 months old ever-breastfed was 89.6 percent although this proportion was same as in 2003, the percentage given colostrum declined from 91.5 percent to 89.4 percent,” Capanzana said. Colostrum, a thick yellowish fluid, is the first milk secreted by the
Monday, October 24, 2011
breasts within the first three to four days after the baby is born. Colostrum contains antibodies which make the newborn especially resistant to intestinal disorders and respiratory diseases, and has a slightly laxative effect which clears the newborn’s bowel of the dark green or black matter. According to the
WHO, the transition from exclusive breastfeeding to family foods, referred to as complementary feeding, should typically cover the period from 6 to 18-24 months of age, and is a very vulnerable period. The survey also revealed that among the 0-5-month-old infants, only 35.9 percent were exclusively breastfed and 36.8 percent were already exposed to complementary food. The NNS results serve as inputs to national plans and programs of the country and basis of the national and regional menu calculations, among others. Conducted every five years by the FNRIDOST, the NNS aims to update the official statistics on the Philippine food, nutrition and health situation. The NNS encompasses survey components such as anthropometry, biochemical, clinical, dietary, economics, food insecurity,
government health and nutrition program participation, and health. According to the current recommendations of the WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the introduction of complementary food must be at 6 months of age because starting it earlier than 6 months offers no growth advantage, displaces energy intake from breastmilk and results in greater morbidity. Dr. Jossie Rogacion, associate professor of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, said that improving the quality of infant and young feeding practices has been shown to be a cost-effective strategy to reduce morbidity and improve child survival. “The challenge of achieving optimal feeding for young children is often related to ignorance about feeding and food choices rather than availability of food,” Rogacion said.
In this very crucial stage of development, a parent would only want the best for the children. It is everyone’s responsibility to take part in promoting adequate food and nutrient intake especially for infants and children. Nutrition education and behavioral modifications should also be included in the interventions through local health providers and care-givers to achieve improvement in infant growth. For more information on food and nutrition, 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.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www. fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRIDOST)
Monday, October 24, 2011
41