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
ZAMPEN’S
Economic Activities and Development despite atrocities.
Photo Credit: skyscrapercity.com
Cover Story :
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Vol. 1, No. 74
ZamPen economic activities and development to go on as usual despite atrocities
By Claro A. Lanipa
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Soccsksargen Region to hold first coffee congress
Tax collection in Soccsksargen up by 16.46%
Mobile hospital ng ARMM sumabak na sa biyahe
2 judge sa South Cotabato binigyan ng sasakyan ng LGU
Gov. Pingoy nagpaabot ng pakikiramay sa pamilya ni PFC Colonia
CARAGA Region
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Butuan City gov’t gears up for ‘UNDAS’
Butuan dad urges investments on new regional business center Chiz chides GRP negotiators’ stance on killing of 19 soldiers More Pinoys at greater risk of heart attack
News Feature: Butuan businessman calls support to PNoy’s Plant a Billion Trees
Aquino hopes for stronger Philippine-Vietnam relations
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PHL, Vietnam governments to address unregulated fishing by Vietnamese fishermen in Philippine shores Vietnamese President Sang leads unveiling of Ho Chi Minh bust at Asean Park in Intramuros
WESTERN Mindanao
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contents
CENTRAL Mindanao
NATI O NAL
OCTOBER 27, 2011
Military intensifies offensive vs erring MILF rebels, but ‘no all-out war’ City stands on “no curfew” implementation in Zambo Dipolog pushes for 4As in health services Determination, perseverance , prayer: formula for success of CSC topnotcher
NORTHERN Mindanao
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DSWD, RDC 11 forge partnership on use of Poverty Targeting Data Day of Prayer and Peace in Davao set Media gets free med services, massage on Wellness Day DavNor health, social outreaches benefit over 8,000 indigents
Economy expands despite challenging external environmentBSP
300MW Pulangi V HEP Project gets RDC-X nod Ozamiz exec cites PNoy for participatory planning in dev’t RH bill to benefit poor families - POPCOM 10 chief GSIS members in NorMin can now use the LBP-issued UMID ecard
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Cover Story ZamPen economic activities and development to go on as usual despite atrocities by Claro A. Lanipa
D
espite the present volatile peace and order situation in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) region, as a result of the bloody encounter between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Al-Barka, Basilan, and the triple ambush incidents in three separate towns in Zamboanga Sibugay, where 23 soldiers and 3 policemen were killed and several other wounded, economic activities and development must go on as usual. Thursday, October 27, 2011
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Despite the recent clashes between lawless groups and government forces, kidnapping incidents and extortion activities which posed various threats to the province, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos strongly stated that Sibugay will always be in safe hands and he assured his constituents that he will do everything to restore and maintain peace and order in the province. Gov. Jalosjos made this statement during the recent emergency meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC). Meanwhile, Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Akbar renewed her call for authorities and the civil society as well to cooperate in stabilizing the peace and security in her city. During the recent City Peace and Order Council meeting the lady mayor ordered the military and police to intensify and sustain security measures versus threats of killings and terrorism. Similarly in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan
Mayor Tong Istarul said that it appears that while at the higher level the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front talk ‘peace’, at the ground level, they are shooting at each other. Istarul said he supports an independent investigation of the Tuesday’s (October 18) bloody incident in AlBarka “Kawawa kami mga civilians pag mag retaliate sila”, Istarul exhorted. On the other hand, MGen. Noel Coballes, Division Commander of the First Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army said his division is continuously supporting the PNP in the law enforcement following the recent bloody encounter with members of the MILF and the military and the ambush incidents perpetrated by lawless elements. He said the military and police is on top of the situation and assured the public that peace and order will prevail in the province particularly in the divisions’ area of responsibility. President Benigno S. Aquino III
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with his final decision has declared the “we will not pursue all-out-war; we will instead pursue all-out justice.” He made this decision amid calls made by lawmakers and politicians to launch an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “There have been calls to wage an “all-out war” against the MILF. While it is tempting for government to join the chorus in calling for blood, we believe that such a course of action is not appropriate at this point. We are not interested in knee-jerk reactions that will jeopardize our efforts to address the roots of conflict in the region,” he stated in a press briefing held in Malacanang recently. President Aquino said that choosing war over peace talks will result to further problems. “It is so easy, out of frustration, to close the door on negotiations at this time. If we go down this path, more innocent civilians will be put in harm’s way. The difficult peace process cannot be enhanced by shed-
ding more blood and generating more ill will. We have to exhaust all possibilities for attaining peace through dialogues.” The chief executive urged all sectors to cooperate in this endeavor. “This is not a purely military or police effort. Our local government and community leaders must assist in our efforts to achieve a holistic solution to the problems of the region,” he said, stressing that the government will always be mindful of the safety and needs of the people.
Aquino hopes for stronger Philippine-Vietnam relations
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III expressed hope that the visit of President Truong Tan Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Philippines will help deepen the friendly, economic, trade and bilateral relations between the Philippines and Vietnam. Thursday, October 27, 2011
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In a message during the State Dinner he hosted in honor of the visiting Vietnamese leader, President Aquino said President Sang’s presence in the Philippines proves a positive growth in the relationship between
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the two countries. Despite maintaining different alignments with superpowers during the Cold War, the President said things have changed after 35 years with the Philippines and Vietnam having strong bilateral relations. “Today we find ourselves allies with strengthened political, economic and security ties forged in a common in-
Thursday, October 27, 2011
terest with peace and prosperity,” the President said. The Philippine is proud to stand besides Vietnam in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the President said adding that the strengthening of ties between the two countries have been a source of great satisfaction. “Together we have embarked in
developing a shared approach to addressing the many challenges that confront our respective nations. The future can only see us grow even closer,” he said. With the growing ASEAN as a regional block, the President said, he hopes that the ASEAN member countries enjoy peace and prosperity and cooperation
between them. “And with the deepening friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Vietnam may we continue to stand together out of our shared commitment for our respective national sovereignties and to the mutual respect and concern that is the firmest foundation of the bright future for which we all
aspire,” he said. Also on Wednesday, the Philippines and Vietnam signed four bilateral agreements aimed at further enhancing cooperation in naval, coast guard and tourism as well as an agreement on a collaborative blueprint of specific bilateral projects to be undertaken until 2016. (AS)
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PHL, Vietnam governments to address unregulated fishing by Vietnamese fishermen in Philippine shores
T
T
he governments of Vietnam and the Philippines have expressed willingness to address the recurring problem of unregulated fishing by Vietnamese fishermen in Philippine waters based on existing Fisheries Law in the country, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Wednesday. he governments of Vietnam and the Philippines have expressed willingness to address the recurring problem of unregulated fishing by Vietnamese fishermen in Philippine waters based on existing Fisheries Law in the country, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Wednesday. Del Rosario made of 120 Vietnamese Philippine authorithe statement as he fishermen who were ties. confirmed the release caught poaching by He also said that 10
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the release by the government of seven fishing vessels that were engaged in the same unregulated activity were in accordance with the willingness of President Benigno S. Aquino III to resolve the issue, “as a manifestation of goodwill” with the government of Vietnam. “We did say that we need to address the fact that we do have a fisheries law and that…there’s a legal process that we must observe if similar incidents are ex-
perienced by us in the future,” Del Rosario told reporters in a chance interview at Malacañang’s Reception Hall. Responding to the Philippines government’s stand on the issue, Del Rosario said Vietnam was “acquiesced to the fact that…we are governed by laws and maybe in the future this unregulated fishing will have to be reviewed…by both countries”. Del Rosario cited President Aquino’s position that despite
the generosity extended by the Philippine government to the fishermen of Vietnam, their poaching activities on Philippine waters cannot go on. “I think that was implied when he said that we need to take a good look at this because this unregulated fishing is really subjected to a legal process that we need to inject in future incidents,” Del Rosario said. (HDC)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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Vietnamese President Sang leads unveiling of Ho Chi Minh bust at Asean Park in Intramuros
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ietnamese President Truong Tan Sang joined by his official delegation and several members of the Aquino government, led the unveiling ceremony of the bust of the late Vietnamese President and National Hero Ho Chi Minh at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Park in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday.
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Upon his arrival, President Sang was welcomed by Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. The Vietnamese leader was accompanied by other members of his official delegation which include Foreign Affairs Minister Pham Binh Minh, Culture - Sports and Tourism Minister Hoang Tuan Anh, Trade Minister Vu Huy Hoang, Defense Minister Nguyen Van Hien, Agriculture and Rural Development Vice Minister Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu, Foreign Ministry Press and Information officer Tuy Yen and Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Nguyen Vu Tu. Also in atten-
dance were other government officials led by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Intramuros Administration Administrator Jose Capistrano, Ludovico Badoy of the National Historical Commission, Professor Felipe de Leon Jr. of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and several members of the House of Representatives and members of the diplomatic corps, among others. During the event, Mayor Lim presented President Sang a symbolic key to the City of Manila as an expression of the warm welcome to the city and the country and the strengthened relations between the two countries. Mayor Lim also gave the Vietnamese leader a tobacco which was grown in the country. In his message,
Lim h i gh lighted Ho Chi Minh’s love for his country that serves as his legacy to the Vietnamese people. The ceremony was highlighted by the rendition of songs that includes “Praising Ho Chi Minh” and “You’re the victory faith” sang by Vietnamese artists Anh Bang and Thanh Tuy. The Vietnamese government through Ambassador Vu Tu expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Philippine government for the warm hospitality accorded them especially for the realization of the project honoring their national hero. Born in Nguyen Sinh Cung on May 1890, Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese Marxist-Leninist revolutionary leader
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who was prime minister (1945–1955) and president (1945– 1969) of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). He was a key figure in the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945, as well as the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and the Vietcong during
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the Vietnam War until his death in 1969. He led the Viet Minh independence movement from 1941 onward, establishing the communist-governed Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and defeating the French Union in 1954. Earlier, President Sang also paid respect to Filipino National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal at his monument in Rizal Park,
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Manila. The Vietnamese leader was joined by his fellow officials and members of the Vietnamese media delegation in offering flowers to the Filipino national hero. During the wreath-laying ceremonies, President Sang was welcomed by Mayor Lim and Presidential Protocol Chief Ambassador Miguel Perez-Rubio (JCL)
P-noy Photos
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency President Truong Tan Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam issues Joint Press Statement on Wednesday (October 26) at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace. The Vietnamese leader arrived in the country for a 3-day State Visit. Both governments consider the visit as a high point in marking 35 years of growing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Vietnam. It is also the first meeting between President Aquino and President Sang, who was elected by the Vietnamese National Assembly only in July this year. President Sang is the first head of state to visit the country under President Aquino’s administration. 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. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
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Soccsksargen Region to hold first coffee congress Poised to claim the tag “Coffee Capital of the Philippines,” Sultan Kudarat province is staging the 1st Region 12 Coffee Congress on November 1719, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol in Isulan. Sultan Kudarat is currently the country’s biggest producer of all varieties of coffee recorded by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics at 23% of the national total. In terms of Coffee Arabica, Sultan Kudarat remain the number one producer contributing 52% to the national total, trailed way behind by Davao del Sur with 7%, Iloilo and Sulu with 5% each and South Cotabato with 4%. Sultan Kudarat is also the number one producer of Coffee Robusta with about 18% of the the Philippines’ total attributed to the province. Compostela Valley follows closely with 15%, Cavite with 10%, Bukidnon with 7% and Kalinga with 5%. For Coffee Excelsa, top 16
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are Sulu (20%), Davao del Sur (12%), North Cotabato (8%), Davao City (7%) and Compostela Valley (5%). While such is the situation, the yield is not as high as that of Cavite. Average yield in a hectare of coffee plantation in Sultan Kudarat is only 400 kg while that in Cavite was registered at an average of one ton per hectare. This is one major reason for the conduct of the Congress, organizer said, citing the need to rejuvenate or rehabilitate the existing coffee farms. The congress shall tackle ways to improve
agricultural and cultural practices, coffee quality profile, coffee for climate change, market requirements, coffee processing, and coffee shop business. There shall also be side events like Agri, Trade & Techno Fair on Coffee, Barista Exhibition, Market Matching with Nestle and Manila-based coffee shops, Investment Matching, Coffee Value Chain Tour and Coffee Cupping. No less than Department of Agriculture Secretary is expected to grace the Opening Program, as the agency has now included coffee as a priority high value crop.
The local office of the Department of Trade & Industry has set as sales target of P2.0 M for the Market Matching; P5.0 M for new investments and improvement of productivity by 80% in the coming three (3) years. The country is both an exporter and importer of coffee. In 2009, the Philippines exported coffee to Canada, Japan, South Korea and the USA. However it is also importing more coffee along with EU, USA, Japan, Canada and Switzerland. Currently the country supplies only 30,000 metric tons or less than half of the 65,000 metric tons domestic demand. The domestic demand for coffee is currently pegged at 65,000 MT while country only supplies 30,000 MT posting a deficit of 35,000 MT. The shortfall approximately amounting to Php0.3.6 Billion will be imported from other coffee producing countries. A Roadmap to ad-
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the coffee stakeholders have also been drafted by the DA, DTI, DOST, TESDA, LGUs and the coffee players themselves to ensure that they are on the right track. Provincial and Municipal Coffee Industry Development Councils have also been organized in the coffee growing municipalities to monitor the devel-
opment of the industry. Inquiries or reservation to the 1st Region 12 Coffee Congress can be directed to the Secretariat: DTI – Sultan Kudarat at telephone number (064) 2003166; or Nelly Nita N. Dillera, Provincial Director DTI – Sultan Kudarat (nelly.dillera@dti12. org; 0920-932-7074). (DTI-SK/PIA12-aca)
Tax collection in Soccsksargen up by 16.46% By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- Revenue Region No. 18 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR, which covers the area of Soccsksargen Region (Region 12) generated P3,282,341,839.18 in taxes for the government from January to September this year.
BIR-RR 18 Director Atty. Rozil R. Lozares said, the amount is 16.46 percent higher compared to their collection in the first nine months last year. Data from its Collection Division showed that from January to September 2010, BIRRR 18 generated only P2,818,309,503.42. The same report noted that the cumu18
lative collection in the first nine months of 2011 exceeds the target collection by P209,894,839.18 or 6.83 percent of their goal of P3,072,447,000. In September alone, BIR RR 18 collected P407,748,103.49, which is 44.61 percent higher than their September collection goal of P281,958,000. All five revenue
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district offices (RDOs) in Soccsksargen Region also surpassed their September target tax collection. Koronadal City/ South Cotabato district’s (RDO 111) collection amounted to P117,744,059.84, which is 116.28 percent higher that its goal of P54,440,000 in September. Cotabato City/
Maguindanao district (RDO 107) collected P96,465,894.87 against its goal of P72,094,000 thereby exceeding target by 33.81%. General Santos/ Saranagani district (RDO 110) collected P110,135,734.55, which was 30.26 percent higher that its goal of P84,548,000. Kidapawan City/ North Cotabato district (RDO 108) surpassed target by 20.68 percent with a collection of P41,232,612.54 against its goal of P 34,166,000.00. Tacurong City/ Sultan Kudarat district (RDO 109) generated P42,232,612.54 against its goal of P 36,710,000.00, exceeding it by 14.87 percent. “Our collection performance continues to improve” Atty. Lozares said. “This puts our collection target well within our reach and hopefully we could fully achieve it by the month of November.” Lozares congratulated all the RDOs and
the personnel for the splendid collection performance and emphasized the importance on human capital. “If employees are happy with their jobs, they will deliver the goods, so movement of employees will be acted only upon due consultation,” he said.
For the current year, BIR in Soccsksargen Region’s target is to generate P 4,166,853,000 in taxes. For the remaining three months of 2011, it only needs to collect P 884,211,160.82 to hit its collection target. (BIR-RR 18/PIA 12)
Photo shows (R-L) Dir. Rozil R. Lozares awarding the Certificate of Recognition to RDO Bagro S. Saransamun of RDO 111, Koronadal City as Top Collection Performer for the month of September, 2011, assisted by the Officer-In-Charge of Collection Division, Ms. Lilia T. Basa Thursday, October 27, 2011
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Mobile hospital ng ARMM sumabak na sa biyahe COTABATO CITY - Sumabak na sa unang pagkakataon ng convergence activities sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ang bagong mobile mini- hospital ng rehiyon. Sinabi ni ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib G. Sinarimbo na gagamitin ang nasabing pasilidad sa gagawing convergence activity na kinabibilangan ng medical at dental mission sa bayan ng Pagalungan, Maguindanao ngayong araw ng Huwebes, Oktubre 27. Maliban sa medical at dental mission, magsasagawa din ng brigada eskwela, distribution ng mga palay seeds, mga school supplies at tsinelas para sa mga mag-aaral at supplemental feeding at magsasagawa din ng relief distribution para sa mga biktima ng kaguluhan at ng pabalik- balik na pagbaha sa bayan. Ani Sinarimbo simula noong araw ng Lunes, Oktubre 24, nagsasagawa na ang Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) ng convergence sa mga bayan na sakop ng Maguindanao. Kasama sa gagaw20
ing convergence ay ang mga ahensya mula sa ARMM, ang DSWD, DOH at iba pang mga partners. Nong araw ng Lunes,nagsagawa ng distribusyon sa Dungguan, Montawal kung saan nakatanggap ang may mahigit tatlong daang preschoolers ng mga bags na may lamang school supplies at mga tsinelas. Nakatanggap din ang mga mangingisda ng mga gamit- pangisda o fishing nets at namigay din ng mga water purifier para sa malinis nilang tubig inumin. Noong Martes, nakatanggap din ang mga mag-aaral ng Tanuel Elementary School sa Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao ng mga school supplies, tsinelas at water purifiers. Gagawin ang kahintulad na convergence hanggang sa araw ng Linggo sa mga bayan ng Gandungan, Parang;
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Maguindanao at sa tatlong barangay ng Mother Kabuntalan at barangay Sandakan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Sinabi ni Sinarimbo na tuloy-tuloy na ang paghahatid ng serbisyo ng ARMM hanggang sa huling minuto ng kasalukuyang pamunuan. Matatandaang naglabas noong nakaraang linggo ang Supreme Court (SC) ng resolusyon na nagsasabing legal ang Republic Act 10153 o mas kilala bilang ARMM Synchronization Law, kaya maaaring makapagtalaga na ng OIC ang Malacanang sa ARMM. Noong nakaraang linggo namahagi ang ORG ng 30 bags ng palay seeds para sa bayan ng Rajah Buayan at mahigit dalawang daang pares ng tsinelas sa mga mag-aaral ng Datu Botocan Abas Primary School sa Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. (MCDPIA Cotabato City/BPIARMM)
2 judge sa South Cotabato binigyan ng sasakyan ng LGU KORONADAL CITY-- Binigyan kamakailan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng South Cotabato ng sasakyan ang dalawang huwes na nakatalaga sa lalawigan. Itinurn-over kamakailan ni South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. ang dalawang bagong Toyota Avanza kina Regional Trial Court Branch 26 Judge Roberto Ayco at Regional Trial Court Branch 24 Judge Jordan Reyes. Humingi pa si Gov. Pingoy ng paumanhin sa naturang mga judge na maliit na sasakyan ang naibigay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa kanila. Gayunman, umaasa ang gobernador na makatutulong ang sasakyan sa pagpapatupad ng huli ang kanilang mga tungkulin. Umaasa rin ang gobernador na mas mapabibilis ng dalawang huwes ang pagaasikaso sa mga kaso na dinidinig sa kanilang mga sala. Dagdag pa ni Gov. Pingoy, ngayong taon
sa ilalim na pamumuno nina Judge Ayco at Judge Reyes malaki ang ibinilis ng sistema ng pagbibigay hustisya sa mga kasong dininig sa South Cotabato dahil sa sipag ng dalawang huwes. Matatandaang hiniram lang ng lalawigan si Judge Jordan Reyes mula sa Mati, Davao Oriental kung saan siya ang
presiding judge. Sa loob ng isang buwan dalawang linggo siyang nagsisilbi sa Davao Oriental at dalawang linggo din sa South Cotabato. Habang nasa South Cotabato at nagsisilbing acting presiding judge sa RTC Branch 24, dumidinig din siya ng mga kaso sa Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
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Gov. Pingoy nagpaabot ng pakikiramay sa pamilya ni PFC Colonia KORONADAL CITY -- Nagpaabot si Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. ng pakikiramay sa pamilya na naiwan ni Private First Class Gary Colonia na kabilang sa 19 na sundalong nasawi sa bakbakan sa pagitan ng mga militar at grupo ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at Abu Sayyaf sa Al-Barka, Basilan noong ika-18 ng Oktubre.
Si PFC Colonio ay residente ng Tupi, South Cotabato. Ayon kay Gov. Pingoy nakalulungkot isipin na isang miyembro ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas na taga-South Cotabato ay kasamang nasawi sa naturang kaguluhan. 22
Kahanga-hanga umano ang pakikipaglaban at sakripisyong pagbuwis ng buhay ng mga nasawing sundalo para maisakatuparan ang tawag ng tungkulin. Bayani ang mga mga sundalong katulad ni PFC Colonia, ayon kay Gov. Pingoy. Umaasa si gov.
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Pingoy na hindi na mauulit ang katulad na pangyayari. Nakatakdang ihatid ka kanyang huling himlayan si PFC Colonia sa linggo, Oktubre 30. Ililibing siya sa pampublikong sementeryo ng Tupi. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
Butuan City gov’t gears up for ‘UNDAS’ by Robert E. Roperos
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ice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun on Wednesday said the city government is now preparing for the forthcoming All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day celebration.
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In an interview with a local radio station here, the official who is the acting mayor of the city said the city government has already coordinated with the local Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure peace and security among the Butuanons during the two-day celebration. Fortun added during the recent City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting, the local PNP here has been instructed to be alert at all times especially that during the past days, the city has been experiencing crimes which is still unresolved as of press
time. The official said the local PNP has already prepared a security plan and assured that they will intensify the implementation of the said plan in the light of the crimes that have been happening in the city. Fortun further said personnel of PNP will be deployed in crowded areas like the public and private cemeteries, as well as churches just to ensure that the public will be safe as they visit the tomb of their loved ones. Furthermore, Fortun said, the city government will tap the services
of the force multipliers such as the barangay intelligence network and barangay tanods to compensate the number of police officers during those days. Also, the official said personnel of the Land Transportation and Traffic Management Office were already instructed to finalize the re-routing scheme to include traffic scheme especially in roads going to cemeteries. “After finalizing, they must present it first to the local officials for further deliberation and approval,� Fortun added.
Butuan dad urges investments on new regional business center by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY – City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. called investors to pour business in the new Regional Business Center (RBC) located at Barangay Tiniwisan, this city. 24
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Phase 1, Regional Government Center, Tiniwisan, Butuan City with Ryan B. Culima as An Open House the Committee ChairProgram was conducted man of Peace and Order, recently at the estab- and City Administrator lishment in Tiniwisan Leah Mendoza. for the showcasing of Setting up a busithe new RBC, attended ness in the said estabby the chief executives lishment is no longer a of the different depart- hassle since power and ments in the City Hall, water supplies are ready Department of Trade and to be installed and the Industry (DTI) together roadway is already con-
creted. Moreover, the new RBC is located at the heart of the city, Amante said. Amante said interested investors may visit the said place anytime. And, the local government, in cooperation with DTI, is ready to receive the investors’ support for the said project. The said establishment is open for all individuals who want to pour their business at the RBC. The local government encourages the investors to settle businesses at RBC, to make use and utilize the location. In this manner, the local government of Butuan hopes for progress and development.
Chiz chides GRP negotiators’ stance on killing of 19 soldiers BUTUAN CITY – The bloodshed in Basilan that claimed the lives of 19 government troops and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should not get in the way of the ongoing peace negotiations, Senator Chiz Escudero said. Escudero, however, said that while he shared the determination of the government peace negotiators to pursue
talks with the MILF, the peace panel should not gloss over the incident. “I don’t agree with the nonchalant man-
ner our own negotiators dismissed the incident as simply ‘isolated.’ Nineteen of our soldiers were killed. That’s 19
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25
widows and countless children who will grow up without their fathers who were out there to serve the country and our people,” Escudero said. Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government peace panel, said in a statement that, “We are certain that this is an isolated incident. This armed confrontation was not intended by both government and MILF.” Government representatives to the peace negotiations are preparing to meet their MILF counterpart next month. 26
At the very least, Escudero said, government negotiators should come out strongly against these killings. “It is imperative for our negotiators to pursue efforts to finally find peace in Mindanao. But they should also give equal importance to the lost lives of our soldiers who were vital instruments in protecting our people from rogue elements,” he pointed out. As this developed, Escudero is calling for a review of the Armed Forces of the Philippines protocols, tactics and standard operating procedures because “as of
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late, they are suffering from too many casualties.” He added that if government troops are protecting the citizens and the community, there must be systems, institutions and people who should protect them in return. “I commend our soldiers for their gallantry and bravery and for fighting for our freedom. I want to know if our soldiers were killed in a legitimate encounter or were they again butchered like pigs like what happened with our five marines,” Escudero said.
More Pinoys at greater risk of heart attack by: Eva Abille-Goyena
C
oronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when blood flow to the heart is restricted due to hardened or narrowed arteries, is considered as one of the deadliest illnesses in the Philippines.
The narrowing of the arteries may be due to plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances found in the blood. When the plaque builds-up, the process is called atherosclerosis. The narrowed arteries constrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and if left untreated, CAD may lead to angina or worse, heart attack. Symptoms of angina include chest pain or discomfort and feeling of tight-
ness or heaviness in the chest. Pain may also occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, and may even feel like indigestion. Heart attack occurs when the heart muscles are deprived of oxygen and become damaged, which can lead to serious problems and even death. The National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Depart-
ment of Science and Technology (FNRIDOST) in cooperation with 14 medical societies and the Department of Health, reported that 22.5 percent or two in ten Filipino adults 20 years old and over showed a higher risk of CAD based on the anginal symptoms of chest pain, heaviness and tightness. The results further revealed that angina based on symptoms was common among females and among those liv-
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27
ing in rural areas. The prevalence of CAD based on history of previous diagnosis by a doctor or nurse was 1.3 percent, indicating that only a small proportion of adults were diagnosed with CAD. This alarming problem which affects about 11,000 Filipino adults needs to be urgently addressed by government and planning bodies to prevent and control fatal heart disease among Filipino adults, according to Ms. Charmaine A. Duante, Senior Science Research Spe28
cialist of the FNRIDOST. Another type of atherosclerotic-related disease which was included in the said survey was the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke. PAD is also caused by atherosclerosis where a person may have a higher risk to heart attack, stroke and ischemic heart disease. PAD was determined based on symptoms of calf pain with a prevalence of 4.2 percent, while stroke was based on previous history with
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a prevalence of 1.2 percent. The proportions of adults aged 20 years old and over who had angina based on symptoms have almost doubled from 12.5 percent in 2003 to 22.5 percent in 2008. This alarming trend is a wake-up call, given the widely-recognized body of evidence on the prevalence of these diseases, Ms. Duante further said. 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. Email: mcv@fnri.dost. gov.ph or mar_v_c@ yahoo.com Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri. dost.gov.ph.
News Feature: Butuan businessman calls support to PNoy’s Plant a Billion Trees
A by Cecil Ybañez
self-confessed environmentalist expressed his full support to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino II’s Plant a Billion Trees program.
With his passion on environmental concern, Engr. Serge C. Pascual, a successful businessman/ contractor, encourages everyone to share his advocacy to protect the environment by planting trees. Pascual said that just like a child who needs special care and attention to have a healthy body, trees must also be taken
cared of, not only during occasions for publicity but even after these trees are planted. “There are several occasions and tree-planting activities of the LGUs where many seedlings are wasted because these officials are only good for “photo ops.” They (LGU officials) are most concerned over the publicity they will get out of their funded activities rath-
er than the outcome of their projects/programs,” Pascual said in interview. He said consistency in the proper handling of growing trees must be practiced to have a successful implementation of government programs in fighting climate change. Pascual owns a panoramic vast tract of land at the Upper Malalag in Barangay Libertad and Bon-bon. One could view from the top of the 150 meters above sea level the entire City of Butuan and the shoreline municipalities of the province of Agusan del Norte. Personally funding the development of the entire area, Pascual plans to have a road network with planted pine trees at both
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sides. Exotic fruit bearing trees, such as Durian, Rambutan, Mangosteen to name a few, are now starting to grow in the are. A huge portion of the land will also be planted with coffee. Nestle’ will provide the seedlings and the technical assistance. Pascual envisions to develop a place, fully planted with trees and coffee, that will eventually become one of the tourists destinations of the city. Pascual is also the 30
President of the the Caraga Indigenous Peoples Management and Development Corp. (CIPMAD). The organization fully supports all programs beneficial to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Pascual said he prioritizes the realization of the planned programs aimed to uplift the lives of these IPs. Recently, an IP Congress sponsored by GIZ and ILO with NCIP (National Commission for Indigenous People) was held to gather all tribal
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leaders all over the Caraga region. On the same day, and the IP Summit organized by DatuBonanat was also held in a separate venue. Pascual observed that despite the numerous gatherings and presentations of programs for the IPs, many of the beneficiaries still do not receive the privileges promoted by the NCIP and other lined agencies. In his personal commitment to help the Mamanwa tribes in Claver, Surigao del Norte under CADT 48, Pascual maintained that cooperation and understanding among tribal leaders must be given great consideration and attention by the NCIP.
Military intensifies offensive vs erring MILF rebels, but ‘no all-out war’
T
he military is presently conducting intensified offensives against erring MILF rebels responsible for the series of attacks in Mindanao that resulted to several casualties in the government side. In a press statement, Lt Colonel Gamal S Hayudini, group commander of the 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines said that despite several casualties suffered on the side of the enemy an all-out-war against the MILF is not the answer to the present situation because it will result to more casualties on both sides to include civilians
and more people will be displaced. As a result of the offensive government forces have cornered hundreds of suspected MILF rebels who were engaged in criminal activities and responsible for the series of attacks in the town of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. The group blamed on last week’s attacks is headed by MILF Commander Waning Abdulsalam. The Military,
Hayudini added is hurt but not revengeful for the loss of our comrades, but has to conduct punitive action against MILF perpetrators for justice to prevail and stop their heinous killings. These punitive actions are necessary to prevent innocent civilians to fall into the bloody hands of these rogue criminal MILF rebels. The military however is still hopeful
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the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF to continue, but will not lower its guard to ensure safety of the civilians.
D
The military assures the people that despite of the recent attacks that somehow affects peace and order, the military forces are still very much in
control of the situation and is ready to face any eventualities of all sorts,” Hayudini said. (JPA/4CRGAFP/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
City stands on “no curfew” implementation by Jocelyn P. Alvarez in Zambo espite the recent encounter between the government troopers and lawless elements in barangay Taluksangay and the explosion of improvised explosive devise last night (Oct. 26) that resulted to the killing of one (1) and the wounding of eight (8) others, the city government stands firm on the “no curfew” implementation in the city. It can be recalled, City Mayor Celso Lobregat clarified on Tuesday that there is no curfew in the city as he bellied text messages circulating around on the imposition of curfew hours. In yesterday’s Press conference regarding peace and security, held at the City Hall Conference room, called for by 32
the mayor , Lobregat reiterated the city’s stand on “no curfew” imposition in Zamboanga though the entire area is on heightened alert. The mayor however urges public to be extra vigilant. “There is no curfew in Zamboanga City. The text messages are not true,” Mayor Lobregat declared,
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Lobregat explained that the curfew was imposed only in Zamboanga Sibugay province, not the entire Zamboanga Peninsula. “It is always better to be safe than sorry. We have to be very vigilant but at the same time sober. We have to be very active but let us not be over reactive. We have to be very
but at the same time calm,” that is my message to all barangay officials, police, military and the people of Zamboanga City. The mayor was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, in the same press conference, Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) Chief Col. Buenaventura Pascual said they are standing by President Aquino’s order against all-
out-war saying there are only few bad elements in some parts of Mindanao and that launching allout-war will endanger many civilians. (JPA/PIA9-Zambo City)
Dipolog pushes for 4As in health services
A
by Franklin P. Gumapon
ttuning to the tempo of accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability in the provision of health services to public, the city government here has started building its own hospital. Named as Corazon C. Aquino City Hospital, this health facility will serve to complement the services of existing hospitals and cater to those who will be accommodated by them, or who cannot afford their services. The project cost is P200 million with P150 million to come from President Beni-
gno Simeon C. Aquino and P50 million as city government’s counterpart. According to City Planning and Development Coordinator Albert Alimpulos, this two-storey hospital project “is a progressive type with an initial bed capacity of 50.” Its amenities include an administrative office, pharmacy,
operating room, outpatient department, emergency room, delivery room, labor room, recovery room, nursery, laboratory, canteen, kitchen, coffee shop, chapel, 11 suite/private rooms, an isolation room and 16 charity rooms. The project is expected to be completed in 2012. (JPA/FPG/ PIA-Zambo. Norte)
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Determination, perseverance , prayer: formula for success of CSC topnotcher
M
ixed feeling of joy and excitement was felt by Kelvin Jasper S. Go for graduating as topnotcher in the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) class ‘Kalasag’ 266-2011 on Monday at the Tabak Division Grand Stand, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
Kelvin Jasper, 19 years old, and second of the 5 siblings of T/ Sgt. and Mrs. Hereberto Go of Labangan was deeply proud and grateful for graduating the 5-month long and painstaking course in the Philippine Army. Interviewed by the Tabak Defense 34
Press Corps, Go fully clad in a battle dress attire, said he was very grateful to God for giving him strength and wisdom in completing the course. “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoon na binigyan niya ako ng sapat na lakas at kaalaman upang mat-
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apos ko ang kurso na ito ( I thanked God for giving me enough strength and wisdom to finish the course),” Go said. Go emerged as topnotcher in the class by obtaining a general average (GA) of 91.69% and topped in the physical fitness with a GA of 91. 77% where he received certificates of merit from no less than the 1st Infantry Tabak Dvision commander MajGen. Noel Coballes. Candidate Soldiers Joemar S, Montero who garnered GA of 90.34% and Darrel A. Geonego, with a GA of
90.33% were awarded second and third, respectively. “Ang sarap maglingkod sa bayan at ang sarap paglingkuran ang kapwa mo ng buong puso (It’s a great feeling of serving your country and your fellowmen wholeheartedly),” Go proudly said with his sweat shed on his face and his eyes and cheeks smiling. Asked on what was his secret formula to his success, Go said grit, determination and perseverance and coupled with prayer are his secret formula in excelling the class. “Magkakaroon ka ng direksyon sa iyong buhay , maging positibo na makamit ang iyong pangarap at sabayan ng isang taimtim na panalangin sa Poong Maykapal (You must have a direction in your life and be optimistic to achieve your goal and coupled with sincere prayers to
God),” Go narrated. “Makatulong na rin ako sa aking mga magulang at makapagpaaral sa aking mga kapatid. Ang aking pamilya ay naging inspirasyon sa aking pagkasundalo (I can now help my parents and send my younger brothers and sisters in school. They are my inspiration of becoming a soldier),” Go’s mother Rolinda, who was carrying her youngest child and one of the hundreds of proud parents seated at the Tabak divison’ bleachers were also excited and actively participated part of the program. Rolinda said she was very happy that his son survived the training and emerged topnotcher of the class. “ Garbo kaayo namo nga adunay anak nga usa ka sundalo. Natuman na gyud ang damgo sukad sa iyang pagkabata nga maa-
mahimong sundalo (We are very proud to have a son who is a soldier. He finally achieved his childhood dream of becoming a soldier),” Rolinda said. Kelvin Japser’s father is also a soldier and now assigned at G6, 1st Infantry Tabak Division Headquarters. Meanwhile, Tabak Division commander MajGen. Noel A. Coballes in an interview said the 100 newly graduates will not be sent to Basilan. “They will have to go to a process,” Coballes assurd. Coballes said they will help maintain peace and order in the divisions’ area of responsibility saying that the AFP is now on heightened alert due to series of attacks in the provinces of Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay which killed more than a dozen of soldiers. (JPA/GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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T
Economy expands despite challenging external environment- BSP he Philippine economy continues to show resilience amidst challenging global environment with a gross domestic product (GDP) growing by 3.4 percent in the second quarter of 2011, averaging four (4) percent in the first semester of the year.
This was announced by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Director Antonio Cintura, during the mid-year economic briefing domestic roadshow held yesterday at the Platinum Ballroom of Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, here. “The country is entering into the global economic and financial crisis from a position of strength with a healthy, sustained, and inclusive economic growth to which the BSP has contributed considerably,” he said The pre-emptive steps that BSP has taken enabled us to continue to support growth while keeping the inflation within the targeted range of three to five (3-5) percent for the year, he cited. Cintura, further, cited that growth has also been sustained due to the healthy 36
Thursday, October 27, 2011
banking system where banks were able to facilitate the smooth flow of credit channeling funds to their borrowers and ensuring confidence to their lenders. He said the healthy state of the banking system, characterized by solid asset growth and improved loan and asset quality, was the result of sustained implementation of key financial reforms and improved bank risk management. Likewise, he noted the strong external position which continues to support the economy. “Our prudent external sector policies allow us to post US$9.0 billion balance of payments (BOP) while gross international reserves (GIR) grew around US$76 billion for the first nine (9) months of 2011, much higher than the country’s external debt of US$61 billion,” Cintura disclosed. He emphasized that the buildup reserves give the country a buffer to withstand external shocks brought forth by the uncertainties in the global economy. “The country’s ever strengthening
macroeconomic fundamentals and stronger fiscal position place it in a good position to deal with both natural calamities and economic and financial volatilities,” he further emphasized. Cintura said the healthy economic position has been the constant source of strength underscoring its resilience that resulted in a string of positive rating actions from credit rating agencies. He said the credit assessment
upgrades is an acknowledgement of the good prospects of the Philippine economy stressing that the investment grade rating is within the reach of the country. The strong macro-economic fundamentals coupled with the Aquino administration’s solid commitment on good governance should push the country’s economic performance to a new and higher economic path, Cintura added.
300MW Pulangi V HEP Project gets RDC-X nod by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – The Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) has endorsed the 300 MW Pulangi V Hydroelectric Power (HEP) Project during its 89th Full Council Meeting, recently. In her presentation to the members, Ozamiz City Mayor, Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez, Chairperson of the RDC-X Infrastructure and Development Committees said the project is supportive of the national and regional government agenda of energy independence and of the Philippine Renewable Energy Act of 2008. “It will also help address the growing demand for electricity from the Mindanao Grid and supportive of the development strategies of the region in promoting investments, by ensuring the availability of sufficient, reliable, affordable and accessible power supply,” she said.
the key strategies that shall be pursued along infrastructure development is to improve the power generation system.
This will be done through private sector investments, including renewable energy projects, and power transmission and distribution system to ensure stable In asserting the role of Northern and quality supply of energy to drive Mindanao as the gateway and industrial dynamic and sustainable development. core and trade center in the south, one of Thursday, October 27, 2011
37
The project was initially proposed in 1991, by the National Power Corporation (NPC), the original project proponent, which spearheaded the preparation of its feasibility study (FS) but deferred its implementation due to the 1991 power crisis.
with a plant capacity of 300 MW divided in three (3) units involving the construction of river diversion facilities, dams, embankment and reservoir filling and commissioning, among others.
The project facilities shall be completed by a double circuit 138KV The FS was revalidated in 1997 but transmission line (20 km.) to be the project implementation was again connected to the existing main substation deferred due to the ASEAN financial at Kibawe. crisis. Estimated to be completed in 6 Based on the 1997 version of the years, the revised project cost based project FS, the total cost was estimated on the current estimate of the project at US$348 million or Php9.396 billion at proponent is Php33 billion, thus, GDC Php27 per US$. is looking for strategic partners to finance the project with the following However, the passage of the EPIRA breakdown: Law in 2001, rendered NPC unable to engage in building power generation Total civil works, plants. PHhp22.869.34billion consisting of clearing, diversion tunnels, roads In 2009, the Greenergy Development construction, landscaping, cofferdam, Corp. (GDC), initiated the revalidation of dam foundation, dam embankment, the FS with priority on the Hydrology and spillway, penstock, powerhouse, tailrace, Water Flow tests in coordination with the switch yards, etc., hydro mechanical National Water Resources Board (NWRB) equipment, Php4,809.86billion and the National Irrigation Administration and electrical equipment, (NIA). Php5,261.96billion. Echavez said the GDC is engaged All that is needed is an updated FS in energy and power sector consultancy to incorporate the revised financial and services, FS preparations and environment economic analysis of the project and impact assessment, among others. endorsements from the local government units (LGU) of Bukidnon, North Cotabato, Meanwhile, Echavez said the Kibawe and Barangays Sanipon and project shall be located in the southern Pinamula of the same town, Echavez part of Bukidnon, covering four (4) said. towns: Kiataotao, Dangcagan, Kibawe Likewise, all necessary clearances and Damulog which is about 40 km. had to be secured by GDC from the downstream of the existing Pulangui IV National Commission of Indigenous People HEP Plant power house. (NCIP), Department of Environment and The dam site shall be located in Natural Resources (DENR), Environment the town of Pres. Roxas, North Cotabato Management Bureau (EMB) and NWRB. 38
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ozamiz exec cites PNoy for participatory planning in dev’t by Elaine O. Ratunil
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental—Ozamiz City Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez hinted that participatory and consultative democracy in planning is a key towards rightful governance as envisioned by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.
The lady executive expressed this during the 89th Full Council Meeting of the Regional Development Council in Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) held in Ozamiz City, recently, as she underscored the importance of planning in the process of development. “Ozamiznons are very proud to host the RDC-X 89th Full Council Meeting for the first time in this area,” she said. This undertaking has belied the accusations that the PNoy Administration has not prioritized planning as part of the National Policy, Echavez, who is also the RDC-X Chairperson for Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee,
said. “Our presence today is the living testimony that even at the Regional and SubRegional levels, planning especially, participatory planning, is part of the conditions necessary for development,” Echavez said. In fact it has been said that the evolution of a carefully processed plan makes the bottle for the development half won, the Mayor added. She also said this activity has put together the best people and the right competencies to put in place the development road map that will realize the vision of the region and with optimism we are proud to be part of. Meanwhile, Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 3 directs the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to coordinate the preparation of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP) for 2010-2016. Thursday, October 27, 2011
39
This is to be jointly formulated by the executive and legislative branches of the government in a participative process involving the other sectors of the Philippine society – the marginalized sectors and communities, and private organizations. The said MC is specifically issued
to translate the “Social Contract with the Filipino people’ into consistent policies and programs, and considering the need to specify the resource allocation of the national government to ensure efficiency in public spending and implement effective government policies, programs and project.
RH bill to benefit poor families - POPCOM 10 chief By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental– Poor people faces the most risk- poor women/families and the regions, mostly, have the least access to services and information. This was emphasized by Psyche P. Paler, Regional Director of the Commission on Population (POPCOM) for Northern Mindanao who pointed out the importance why the public should support the “National Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive, and Population and Development Policy” or House Bill 4244, during a media forum, Oct. 25. “Many are not aware what the bill really contains and what it intends to do. It is too important to be misunderstood,” she said. The first time it was passed in the 11th congress until now, considerable amendments and revisions were undertaken based on public consultations, hearings and series of talks. 40
Paler noted that the bill is actually Thursday, October 27, 2011
dedicated to the poor. If approved, it carries a number of health programs and services that would be very beneficial, especially to poor.
To date, 11 mothers are dying
every day or 162 mothers, annually, per 100,000 births, while 74 percent of the childbirths recorded among poorest women were delivered without skilled birth attendants.
Other interventions proposed in the Bill is to bring in more midwives to ensure skilled birth attendance, provision of emergency obstetric care, access to full range of FP methods, The 2008 National Demographic provision of maximum benefits under and Health Survey (NHDS) reveals the PhilHealth program. that Filipino women have one (1) child more than what they actually It also include all serious and wanted and 22 percent of them have life threatening reproductive health unmet need for family planning with condition, such as, HIV and AIDS, the highest proportion from among breast and reproductive tract cancers the poor women. and obstetric complications, mobile health care service in every district With this, the latest RH Bill and the age appropriate sexuality proposes the establishment of a education from Grade 6 to high comprehensive Responsible Health school. (RH) Care Program to include elements, such as: When asked on the issue of sexuality education, Paler explained Family planning information and that this is not something to be services, maternal, infant and child alarmed of, as it only teaches the health nutrition, prevention of abortion youth to become responsible adults and management of its complication, and pointed that such issue will still adolescent and youth reproductive boil down to one’s values. health, prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, Meanwhile, she said the RH bill do elimination of violence against not promote abortion. On the contrary, women and children, education and it will help couples to achieve fertility counseling on sexuality, treatment of intention and not solely in reducing breast cancers and other gynecological population. diseases.
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GSIS members in NorMin can now use the LBP-issued UMID ecard By: Wilmer M. Carabanes
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in region 10, who wish to use the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) as their servicing bank, can now do so. This advice came from Maria Luz Ilano-Briones, Regional Manager of Details of this GSIS-LBP GSIS Northern Mindanao, who said partnership, however, will be “by choosing LandBank as servicing discussed during a consultative bank, GSIS members meeting of the would be able to heads of offices, benefit from its wide their respective network Administrative covering 327 Officers, plus branches a n d one (1) more than 9 0 0 Agencyautomated t e l l e r machines ( A T M ) , nationwide.” S h e said GSIS members may already c h o o s e to have their loan Authorized proceeds and Officer on other benefits credited to a Unified Nov. 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the MultiMulti-Purpose Identification (UMID) Purpose Hall, 3rd Floor, GSIS eCard issued by LBP. Cagayan de Oro Regional Office
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Bldg., in Carmen, this city.
Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Invited to the meeting are all heads of departments, constitutional bodies, bureaus and agencies of the national government, local government units, government owned-and-controlled corporations and State Universities and Colleges under the operational jurisdiction of GSIS Cagayan de Oro Regional Office to include the following:
National Statistics Office (NSO), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Commission on Filipino Muslims (NCFM), Parole and Probation Administration of the Department of Justice (PPA-DOJ) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). Philippine Charity Services Office (PCSO), Provincial Government Office (PGO) of Misamis Oriental, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Commission on Population (PopCom) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Home Development Mutual Fund, Cag. de Oro Office (HDMUCDO), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD). Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), Mindanao Land Transportation University of Science and Technology Franchising and Regulatory Board (MUST), Social Security System (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (SSS), Telecommunications Office (LTO), Maritime Industry Authority (TelOf) and Technical Education (MARINA), Misamis Oriental and Skills Development Authority General Comprehensive High (TESDA). School (MOGCHS), and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Dairy Authority (NDA), National Food Authority (NFA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Housing Authority (NHA) and National Thursday, October 27, 2011
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DSWD, RDC 11 forge partnership on use of Poverty Targeting Data
P
rofiles of Davao Region’s poor households may now be accessed by local government units, line agencies and private sector members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 after the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Council and the Department of Social Welfare and Development on the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) last week at the Grand Regal Hotel here. Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera of DSWD and RDC 11 Chair and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte led the ceremonial MOA signing together with Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy, Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas, Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon and Davao del Norte Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr., while heads of regional line agencies and majority of the region’s city and municipal mayors witnessed the event. “Statistics play a vital
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role in implementing effective and efficient social protection services,” said ASec Cabrera in her keynote speech. “With quality social protection targeting system, government can now focus its programs on those who are really poor, thereby improving outcomes, changing lives.” RDC 11 Chair Duterte lauded DSWD for conceptualizing and sharing the NHTS-PR project. “Our task for the poor is truly overwhelming and this MOA signals the start of a more effective execution of Davao Region’s poverty alleviation programs,” she said. Duterte added that the system shall be very helpful as the region needs to intensify its efforts with
only five years remaining before the 2015 target date on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The NHTS-PR is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. This breakthrough project makes available to public and private social protection stakeholders a socio-economic database of poor households to guide them in identifying qualified beneficiaries for their programs. As of July 2011, DSWD has identified some 272,933 poor households in Davao Region under the system. By way of Executive Order 867 signed on March 9, 2010, all government agencies are directed to use the NHTS-PR as mechanism in identifying the poorest population for poverty reduction programs. It is through this order that DSWD
is able to share the data through MOAs with Philhealth and the Department of Health, for their programs such as the awarding of Philhealth cards to indigents and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. NEDA 11 Director Maria Lourdes Lim had earlier disclosed that Davao Region’s scheme of access to the NHTS-PR is quite unique as the region’s LGUs and line agencies no longer have to forge individual MOAs with DSWD given that RDC 11 encompasses all its members. The MOA signing event highlights the celebration of the 22nd National Statistics Month, which banners the theme “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives”. (PR)
Day of Prayer and Peace in Davao set
coincide with the Worldwide Day of Prayer held on the same day.
Proclamation no. 23 as signed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has declared October 29 as Day for Prayer in Davao City. The local executive proclamation issues a call to all Dabawenyos to participate in the activities concerning peace, which included praying for the city and the surrounding areas of Mindanao. Various faiths and religions will be participating in the activities of
DAVAO CITY- A Day of Prayer and Peace in Davao City will be held this October 29 (Saturday) to
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the Day of Prayer. The Archdiocese of Davao and the Moslem community will be among those who will participate in the activity. “We strongly believe that prayer is an invisible force that can transform lives no matter what denomination or religion a person belongs to.” the Mayor said in the declaration. The event will be held at the Peoples Park where a foot parade to Roxas Avenue (Freedom Park) will follow. At the Freedom Park the prayer statements will be released by the groups participating in the event. An estimated 1,000 plus people is expected to participate in the event. The public is exhorted to join
the event. The worldwide Prayer for Peace will be held in the same day in the City of Assisi in Italy and will be participated by the leaders of the world. The Day of Prayer and Peace bears much meaning to current developments in Mindanao, with renewed calls for all out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front after recent attacks on military forces which has claimed the lives of more than 30 soldiers in Basilan and Zamboanga-Sibugay. President Benigno Aquino III has reiterated the government’s stand on pursuing all-out peace despite the breakout of renewed hostilities. (PIA/RG Alama)
Media gets free med services, massage on Wellness Day TAGUM CITY--Free medical services and therapeutic massage greeted members of the press on Media Wellness Day.
tered celebration of the Press Freedom month with the theme, “The Quest for Healthy and Productive Media Industry in Davao del Norte.” Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Pursuant to the declaration of Hemoglobin, Dietary Counseling, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario in 2008 Prostatic Examination, Medical and making October the Press Freedom Dental Consultation were among the Month, the Provincial Government services offered for free in partnerthrough the Provincial Information ship with the Provincial Health Office. Office (PIO) held Monday, Oct. 24 Therapeutic massage completed the the Media Wellness Day in recognition of the significant contributions of first part of the celebration through the student-massage therapists of the media to development. Ventura College , Tagum City . Station managers, newspaper A media forum was organized in publishers, journalists, broadcasters, and their crew flocked in the Govern- the afternoon facilitating a discussion on the paper of Dr. Ed Araral, pubment Center , Capitol, Tagum City to experience the first wellness-cen- lisher of a local paper MediaNet 46
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Balita , entitled “The Media Should Demand its Own Budget.” The PIO invited as reactors Atty. Jesus Dureza, Trustee for Mindanao of the Philippine Press Institute; Efren Elbanbuena, PIA Regional Director; Norma Pereyras, Business Sector Representative of the Regional Peace and Order Council; and Nelson Cañete, DXGM, RGMA Net-
work Station Manager. Providing the synthesis of the discussion was Amalia Bandiola, Managing Editor of the Mindanao Times. Culminating the celebration was a fellowship dinner having Gov. del Rosario and Board Member Jan Rey Gavina as guests.By Mera Grace E. Apuya/DavNor PIO
DavNor health, social outreaches benefit over 8,000 indigents
TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTEMore than 8,000 indigents in far-flung and depressed areas of Davao del Norte have so far benefitted from the health and social services provided by the provincial government, in coordination with the army and the police. During the sixth stop of the Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development initiative on October 21, 2011 in Patrocenio, New Corella town, frontline personnel of the province once more brought es
sential government services right at the center of the needy community. Thousands flocked to the Barangay Site of the mountainous village, more than 40 kilometers from the capital City of Tagum, in order to avail of free health and social services. Recipients of the program also include residents from the neighboring barangays of Sta. Fe, San Jose, Mambing, and El Salvador, all in the municipality of New Corella. Through the convergence initiative, the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte directly brought essential government services to the disadvantaged communities, with the help of the army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade, the provincial police office, other government agencies and some private institutions. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Agapito Hornido bared the first five outreaches of the convergence program have served some 7,103 poor recipients in the component of health Thursday, October 27, 2011
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and social services alone. Dr. Hornido said the free health services include medical consultation, dental services, minor surgery, urinalysis, blood typing, hemoglobin count, nutrition services/milk feeding, distribution of PhilHealth insurance cards, distribution of sanitary toilet bowls, malaria control program, mass blood survey, pregnancy package kit, leprosy control program. Hundreds of recipients more have benefitted from the agriculture and veterinary services, vegetable seeds, seedlings, and, distribution of relief goods, toys, slippers and used clothing, The program was launched on August 9, 2011 in the tribal barangay of Gupitan, Kapalong municipality. It was subsequently held in New Cortez, New Corella in August 26, 2011; Binancian, Asuncion – September 9, 2011; Cabidianan, Talaingod – September 23, 2011; and, Datu Balong, San Isidro – October 7,
2011.
Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario said the program, which has the theme: “Katawhan nga Nagkahiusa Kusog sa Probinsya (One People, Mighty Strength of the Province)”, aims to widen the access of depressed, disadvantaged and underserved communities to basic health, social and other basic services. He added the primary objective of the program is to attain lasting peace and sustainable development in the deprived areas of the province.(Noel Baguio, DavNor PIO)
did you know that... That the world’s largest flower the Rafflesia can be found in the forests of Compostela Valley Province. The parasitic plant abounds in the mountains of Maragusan, where trails lead visitors to species and if lucky they can witness the flower abloom. (the flower blooms only once a year)
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