PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) 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
Southern Mindanao (Davao 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
Central Mindanao (SOCSKARGEN)
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor …….........
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Managing Editor …….........
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors …...
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
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
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
Laguindingan Airport
in Misamis Oriental
Photo Credits: http://cagayandeorodev.files.wordpress.com , http://static.panoramio.com
Cover Story :
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Vol. 1, No. 78
LAGUINDINGAN AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (LADP)
By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
NATI O NAL
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Gov’t won’t allow foreign influence in negotiating peace with MILF
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Malacañang says government did not shell out P31-M grant to Alex Boncayao Brigade
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Malacañang appeals to PAL and PAL employees Association to exercise sobriety to prevent violence
WESTERN Mindanao
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Feature: Dipolog’s love for children PDP road map to economic growth and development says NEDA chief DENR-Zambo. Norte urges public offices to support national greening program 2 Zanorte municipalities to benefit from OPAPP’s PAMANA program
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contents
NORTHERN Mindanao
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OCTOBER 31, 2011
Bahay Pag-Asa, a result of “kurambus” efforts
KALAHI-CIDSS paves the way for children’s education FNRI conducts squash techno demo to Iligan women Dying on the Outside but Living in the Inside Pryce Corp. puts up shopping mall inside XU campus
CARAGA Region
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RDC Caraga enhances members’ skills in planning, organizing events BGen Plaza lauds PNoy’s “no to all-out war” policy Paje calls on Filipinos to observe “green undas” LTTMO-Butuan to enforce traffic re-routing scheme on ‘UNDAS’
DA to farmers : Go Organic
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Cover Story LAGUINDINGAN AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (LADP) By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
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he project involves the construction of a new airport of international standard in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental to replace the existing Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City and to procure necessary equipment in order to satisfy operational safety requirements. 4
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partment of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) with contract by Limited International Competitive Bidding , the project will be completed within 48 calendar months or four (4) years, from January 18, 2008 to January 17, 2012. OBJECTIVE The LADP envisages the development of a new major trunkline airport of international standards to establish safe and reliable air transportation facilities, to cater the increasing demand of air passenger and cargo, and to boost the economic activities of the Cagayan-Iligan Corridor (CIC) and the Northern Mindanao Region.
PROJECT COST The total project cost is Php7,853.43 million, of which Php5,016.65 million or 64% is financed by the Export-Import Development Bank of Korea and P2,836.78 million or 36% by the Philippine Government as counterpart . Of this amount, Php5,296.02 M is allocated for Civil Works, Php509.12M for Consultancy Services, Php708.14M for Air Navigation
LOCATION It is located in the coastal Municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, some 30 km. away from Cagayan de Oro City along the CIC, going west to the province of Lanao del Norte in Region 10 and the Zamboanga provinces in Region 9. IMPLEMENTING AGENCY Implemented by the DeMonday, October 31, 2011
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Facilities, Php218.64M for the Access Road and Php348.32M for Land Acquisition and Resettlement, Php101.24M for Project Administration and Php671.95M for Contingencies.
86.67% or a delay of schedule by 6.24%, was registered for two (2) major components of the project, namely: Civil Works and Air Navigation System and Support Facilities has been noted, as of June 30, 2011. The LADP is scheduled to PROGRESS ACCOMPLISH- be completed by January 2012 MENT and expected to be operational An actual accomplishment by the 2ndQuarter, next year. of 80.43%, out of the targeted 6
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Gov’t won’t allow foreign influence in negotiating peace with MILF
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he Aquino administration made an assurance Monday that it won’t allow foreign influence in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) amid fears of some lawmakers that Malaysia might intervene in the talks. 8
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Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said that the peace talks with the MILF should be held in the Philippines and not in Malaysia to avoid foreign intervention. At the same time, former senator Aquilino Pimentel questioned Malaysia’s leadership in the international monitoring team (IMT) while it also functions as facilitator in the talks. “We would like to state as a matter of fact that Malaysia is strictly a facilitator in the government’s peace talks to the MILF at ina-assure natin si Senator Enrile na hindi naman po papayag ang ating government panel na magkaroon ng foreign intervention doon po sa mga substantive issues between the two panels,” Deputy
presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a phone patch interview with Palace reporters in Malacanang on Monday. Valte said the issue on the venue of the talks has already been addressed by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry adding that both parties are yet to discuss the substantive issues on the peace talks. With regards to the proposal of Sen. Gregorio Honasan to convene the Council of State with all the ex-Presidents to provide President Aquino with inputs for talks, Valte said they have yet to raise the issue with the President. “We will really have to discuss it first with the President because this is something that we have not… hindi pa natin
ito napagusapan. From what we know, this idea has not been floated or even mentioned to the President,” Valte said. Valte also made clarifications on some news reports about the peace process, as she reiterated the Aquino administration’s sincerity in negotiating with the MILF to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. While the government talks peace with the Muslim rebels, Valte said military offensive against lawless elements will continue noting that law enforcement is a separate issue from the current peace initiatives. “Yung paghabol po natin sa mga lawless elements is pri-
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marily a law enforcement issue at hiwalay sa usapang pangkapayapaan na matagal na pong nillinaw ng Pangulong Aquino,” Valte said.
Last week, Presidential Peace Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the peace talks between the government and the MILF will continue this November despite the bloody incident in Al-Barka,
Basilan that resulted to the deaths of 19 government soldiers. Deles said informal discussions between the government and the MILF panel may begin in early November in Malaysia. (AS)
Malacañang says government did not shell out P31-M grant to Alex Boncayao Brigade
M
alacañang clarified on Monday that the government did not give P31-million worth of grant to the Alex Boncayao Brigade (ABB), the breakaway urban squad of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). 10
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Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the P31-million which the government would be shelling out as part of the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project is intended for the development of communities in the strife-torn areas in the country. “Walang grant to the ABB. Ang PAMANA po kasi is the program for the development of communiities and alternative livelihood. Hindi po tayo nagtuturnover ng pondo sa kahit anong grupo,” Valte told reporters during a phone patch interview in Malacañang on Monday. The Palace official issued this clarification amid reports quoting Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita
‘Ging’ Quintos-Deles that the government has allotted such fund to support livelihood projects for residents in the communities occupied by the ABB group. Upon confirming it with Secretary Deles, Valte explained that the P31-million fund was not given directly to the ABB group but is being handled by the government to develop projects for the said communities in partnership with the local government units and national agencies. “Ina-identify po natin ‘yung mga communities na nangangailangan po ng development. So ang main partner ng national government dito ay ang mga concerned LGUs and mga national agencies who can implement the program. So wa-
lang grant to the ABB,” Valte said. Valte emphasized that the funds allocated for PAMANA projects are “really for the development of communities” and these are not given to a particular entity. “Sa gobyerno pa rin po iikot ‘yan, so tayo po ‘yung magde-develop ng communities at magbibigay ng alternative livelihood,” she added. PAMANA is the government’s peace and development program and framework which seeks to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities through communitydriven projects that address the people’s needs and, at the same time, promote peace.
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The program is being led by the Of-
fice of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department
of Interior and Local Government, and Department of Agrarian Reform as its partners. (HDC)
Malacañang appeals to PAL and PAL employees Association to exercise sobriety to prevent violence
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he Aquino administration appealed to Philippine Airlines (PAL) and PAL Employees’ Association (PALEA) to exercise sobriety in their dealings with each other to prevent the recurrence of violence that marred the workers’ picket line last October 29, a Palace official said on Monday . 12
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Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has already sent a monitoring team to investigate the reported violent incident at the picket line last October 29 in Pasay City, according to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during a phone-patch interview. “The reported attack that resulted in the injury of seven PALEA members last October 29, was unfortunate and deplorable. While we understand that emotions are running high, we call on both PAL and PALEA to exercise sobriety in their dealings with each other. We continue to monitor the situation via the monitoring team
deployed by Secretary Linda Baldoz, and we expect a fair and thorough investigation on the incident,” Valte said. The PALEA members said several men entered the workers’ camp site at 5:45 a.m. last Oct. 29 and started tearing down their tents. The incident injured PALEA members. Both the PAL management and the PALEA remain firm in their respective positions in the present dispute despite efforts to conciliate to avoid further inconvenience to the riding public. The PALEA continues to assail the legality of the outsourcing, which the Department of La-
bor and Employment (DOLE) has already decided. The DOLE decision was affirmed by the Office of the President, and is now the subject of a petition for certiorari before the Court of Appeals. Pursuant to his mandate, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager B/Gen Angel Honrado, has exercised his authority to maintain security to passengers, cargoes, aircraft, airport equipment, structures, and personnel in the country’s airports; to regulate the entry to, exit from, and movement within airport premises; and maintain peace and order. (JS)
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Bahay Pag-Asa, a result of “kurambus” efforts by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
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he establishment of a temporary haven named “Bahay PagAsa” for disadvantaged children who are in conflict with the law (CICL) in Misamis Oriental is a result of “kurambus” according to Gov. Oscar S. Moreno of Misamis Oriental. “We want to let everybody know that this project was made possible only because of the “bayanihan” or what we commonly call in Cebuano “kurambus” meaning united/concerted efforts of the government and non-government organizations (G0/NGO) concerned with the CICL, such as, the members of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Child Welfare Council,” Moreno said. “And we are doing this, because we want to help these children improve their lives by giving them a chance to grow up and become
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good citizens in the future,” he said. During the ground-breaking/ capsule-laying ceremony, on March 15 Governor thanked Mayor Redentor Salvaleon of Claveria, this province, for donating a lot, 17,839 sq.m., where “Bahay Pag-Asa” will be constructed. Located in Sitio Minlanot, Barangay Patpat, some 1.5 km. from the town proper, the facility will provide a temporary haven and rehabilitation center for disadvantaged children who are in conflict with the law (CICL).
and Development (DSWD) and Aside from a healthy home- for providing Php2.5 million for its life, the facility also provides various establishment and technical assistance services, such as, educational, socio- in setting up the facility. cultural, livelihood, primarily farming, and other basic utilities appropriate On the other hand, Bala, to their needs. Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), commended The Governor also thanked Moreno for pushing with the project, Undersecretary Alicia R. Bala of which she said is the first of its kind in the Department of Social Welfare the country.
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KALAHI-CIDSS paves the way for children’s education by Noemi Marla Cordovez Cinco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- Over the years, the community in Barangay Poblacion, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental has desired to have a safe and comfortable Day Care Center. As much as they wanted to provide a conducive learning environment for their children, numerous constraints hindered them to make this dream possible. The lack of financial resources and the area where to construct the project are among the major problems that the community have to solve. When KALAHI-CIDSS was introduced to the municipality of Bonifacio, it stirred up the hope and the enthusiasm of the people in Barangay Poblacion to fulfill their long time dream.
project the people are the ones who identify the kind of infrastructure project they need. The people are also given capability building seminars to equip them in preparation of the sub-project implementation since they would be the one to manage the funds, procurement of materials and the making of reports.
MSgt. Leopoldo Gilvero (Ret.) a KALAHI-CIDSS volunteer said they have found out that the people and the children in their Barangay needed a safe and comfortable Day Care Center, since their current facility is Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan– made of light materials and is not safe Comprehensive and Integrated for the school children. Delivery of Social Services (KALAHICIDSS) is a community-driven During the barangay assembly development project that aims to they really worked hard to present empower people and alleviate them and defend their chosen sub-project from poverty by giving seed funds in order to get the vote of their fellow for social services such as day care constituents. centers. Since not all proposed sub This is one of the anti-poverty projects are going to be constructed projects brought to the communities because of limited resources, Barangay by the Department of Social Welfare Poblacion is one of the 13 barangays and Development (DSWD) and is prioritized for the KALAHI-CIDSS financially supported by World Bank. project among the 28 barangays in the municipality. Since this is a community-driven 16
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To realize the sub-project, Lucia Digamo a Barangay Kagawad and a KALAHI-CIDSS volunteer offered to donate their inherited land for the Day Care Center.
The sub-project was inaugurated March 8, 2011 and was attended by the Municipal Mayor Samson Dumanjug, Board Member of the Province of Misamis Occidental Edwin Florida, Barangay Captain Felixberto In her testimony she said that, Chatto, KALAHI-CIDSS implementers their family is happy to donate their with Engr. Roel Jumao-as and KALAHI116.7 square meters of land because CIDSS volunteers. they know that a lot of children will benefit and also for the generations At present, more than 30 children to come. have already transferred in the said facility, enjoying its safe space and Through KALAHI-CIDSS and comfort. the people’s will to develop their community and provide a good Indeed, KALAHI-CIDSS did not education to their children, the Day only spark the hope of the people, Care Center of Barangay Poblacion but also encouraged them to help one has now been completed. another in to order fulfill their common dream. (DWSD)
FNRI conducts squash techno demo to Iligan women by Jean Mary Ronquillo
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte – Experts from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) did an actual demonstration on manufacturing sweets out of squash vegetable in the city, recently. Some 100 women from Barangays Abuno and Tipanoy, this city, witnessed how Science Research Specialist Josie Gonzales of FNRI prepared the squash into delicacies like squash flan, “maha” and “ukoy.”
In an interview, Oliver Yap, Iligan City Nutrition Action and Population Program Officer said this training program was aimed at empowering stakeholders of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program in the project sites through nutrition communication and Among the sweets/delicacies in technology transfer, with the FNRI’s the FNRI’s livelihood training program “SIGLANG PINOY” Project. that could be produced out of squash vegetable are kutsinta, suman, and The training will help create halaya, Gonzales introduced. marketing products out of the squash sweets through the assistance of the Monday, October 31, 2011
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City Development Livelihood Office, “This program will also help Yap added. increase consumption of products in line with nutrition program,” expressed He said that the program focuses Narciso. on squash technology because the two (2) barangays are main producers of Narciso stated that in a span of squash in Iligan City. three years, they will put up a Nutrition School On the Air to educate further Various nutrients can also be the people in the area about proper acquired in squash vegetable, Yap nutrition. added. They will also train them on squash These brangays are among the canton production and conduct training targets of training programs supported seminars for mothers on breastfeeding by FNRI for food-poor provinces in the and complimentary feeding promotion. country based on the 2007 malnutrition survey, Yap explained. Likewise, a physical activity for farmers through Farmer’s Institution Zenaida Narcis, FNRI Chief Training Service (FITS) to refrain them Science Research Specialist said that from liquor drinking and smoking. the program aspires to empower the farmers and their wives in terms of “Evaluation on how much they nutrition and technology programs, to learned from the program will be done be able to have a livelihood. yearly, until July 2013,” Narciso added.
Dying on the Outside but Living in the Inside by JO1 JMSC Sanchez
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- Susan Espinosa, left her hometown in Ozamiz City due to dire poverty and found herself working in Cagayan de Oro City as a nanny. After having met a man whom she thought would give her better life, she left her work and lived with the man. But, eventually, she began living a life in the fast lane- drinking, gambling and all the stuffs that comes along with it earning for herself the title “CDO’s Mahjong Queen.” 18
she found herself charged with illegal possession of prohibited drugs and soon was locked- up at the Cagayan de Oro City Jail- Female Dorm last October 23, 2003.
Year in, year out, after more than seven (7) years of being detained, she had realized that her life is slowly As luck (or lack of it) has it for her, getting wasted, her hope beginning Monday, October 31, 2011
to wane and her body starting to presently deemed stable after days deteriorate…literally. spent in the hospital. To top it all, Susan was later Call it coincidence. Call it diagnosed with diabetes. Hers was as providence. Is it that she found God the doctors had it, a hopeless case. or was it God who found her, in a place she least expect it to, the four Half of her left leg is decomposing (4) corners of her prison cell. and its open wound is starting to eat more parts of her body. Susan was able to release her resentments and unburden her loads One Sunday morning after mass through BJMP Chaplaincy’s spiritual was offered, Fr. Angelo Benjamin nourishment program for inmates. Durana, BJMP10 Chaplain visited her bunks and for the first time after 48 It was the first step to her healing, years, she went into confession. physically and psychologically. Her body may be slowly deteriorating but One can only guess if it is her her spirit is well and alive, dying on new found faith that healed her, as the outside but living and kicking on by some stroke of fate, Susan is now the inside.
Pryce Corp. puts up shopping mall inside XU campus by Vanessa M. Gorra
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- Xavier University (XU) and Pryce Corporation unveiled the construction of a student mall inside the XU main campus in the city. Called the XU–Pryce Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), groundbreaking for the project at the lot between the Science Center and Agriculture Buildings was held recently. Expected to be completed in this year, the facility will serve as a laboratory for emerging entrepreneurs.
“It will support the XU’s Student Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) intended to initiate and nurture student-led and operated enterprises,” XU official said. He stressed the importance of having a facility where students can have actual hands-on experience in starting and running a business. “What you learn from your Monday, October 31, 2011
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is very much different from what is out there,” the official said. The XU–PCE will operate like a student business incubator and students are eligible to apply to the SEP. Business ideas that will be accepted for incubation in the XUPCE will be provided with seed capital alongside consultancy and advisory services, marketing assistance, technology development and business linkages. The student business owners will also be taught entrepreneurial values, business ethics, environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility. Meanwhile, XU-PCE will have around 13 shopping stalls where the students can display and market their products, who will also be equipped with a training room for developing entrepreneurship modules and a business center complete with computer units, a telephone line and an internet connection. Students not just from Business courses but also from other fields
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like Engineering and Education have already started submitting proposals for business incubation. “What we are sowing here, the ten talents that we have planted with your generosity will grow ten times more,” an official said on the partnership with Pryce Corporation. Pryce Corp. Chairperson and XU alumnus Salvador Escaño encouraged the students and the management of the center to come up with good business ideas. “A small town is a good breeding ground for entrepreneurs,” he shared. He lauded the contributions of entrepreneurs in generating employment for the community. Through the XU–PCE, “the chances of producing real life entrepreneurs will be much greater,” Escaño said. (XU)
RDC Caraga enhances members’ skills in planning, organizing events by Nora CL Molde
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he Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) will conduct a two-day seminar-workshop on Social Graces and Protocol in one of the local convention centers here.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
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Monday, October 31, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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RDC vice chairperson and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Regional Director Carmencita S. Cochingco said that during the 67th RDC Meeting held in Tandag City, members of the council agreed to conduct the said workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to enhance the skills of the council members in planning and organizing events especially during visits of official dignitaries from foreign countries, as well as to help them adept at official and social functions 22
whether as hosts or as guests during the visit. Cochingco further said that in order to accommodate memberparticipants, the twoday live-in seminar will be divided into two batches. A registration fee of P8,500 per participant will be collected to defray the cost of venue, food and accommodation, seminar kit, board and lodging, honorarium and air fare of resource persons and facilitators from the Foreign Service Institute. The first batch is scheduled on Novem-
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ber 15 to 16, while the second batch is on November 17 to 18 this year, Cochingco added. The RDC is the highest policy-making body in the region and serves as the counterpart of the NEDA Board at the sub-national level. It is a primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region. It also serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities.
BGen Plaza lauds PNoy’s “no to all-out war” policy by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY – Brigadier General Charito B. Plaza of the 7th Air Force Wing Reserve recently lauded President Benigno S. Aquino III for the latter’s declaration of an “all-out justice” instead of an “all-out war,” following the recent atrocities committed by lawless elements in Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Lanao del Norte. The first lady general of the country’s armed forces said President Aquino’s stand to continue the peace talks and no to an “all-out war” policy is laudable. She said Filipinos are inherently peaceloving people being predominantly a Christian nation. Plaza further said that the Islam faith of Filipino Muslims also
observed Allah’s teaching of love and peace. “Hence, not difficult to negotiate by a truly sincere government negotiators,” she added. However, BGen Plaza said the President should maintain the posture of a peaceful means and in healing the wounds of his divided people and in winning the peace. The lady general
from Caraga Region is trained and schooled abroad on specialized studies and training such as the “Anti-Terrorism Training”, “Conflict Resolution and Management”, Weapons of Mass Destruction”, “Natural and Man-made Disaster Management and Operations”, “Psychological Operations” and on the national and international security manage-
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ment. A three doctorate degree holder on Peace and Security Management, Public Administration, and Humanities, BGen Plaza has earned her trainings in the JFK
School of Government in Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA, hence, is equipped with the know how to make her proposed peace and amnesty plan work. She is likewise rec-
ommending the adoption of a new “Aquino Peace and Amnesty Plan” which she crafted which aims to win peace among the Filipinos.
Paje calls on Filipinos to observe “green undas” BUTUAN CITY – Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today called on all Filipinos to observe a “green undas” as most of the nation’s populace once again troop to the cemeteries to pay homage to their departed relatives. “This coming fourday weekend is one opportunity that majority of us will definitely take advantage of to be with our loved ones whether living, departed or both. However we choose to celebrate the long weekend, let us also be mindful of the impact of our activities on our environment,” he said. Noting that the country generates 30,000 tons of trash on a regular day, with 8,000 tons 24
produced in Metro Manila alone, Paje appealed to the public to “also think of the living when we commemorate our dead.” “Perhaps it is no longer necessary to enumerate the adverse impact of garbage not only on our health but also on the environment. The trashslides that occurred in Baguio City and in Payatas should serve as a reminder to all us on why we should
Monday, October 31, 2011
all actively participate in the proper management of our garbage,” he stressed. The DENR chief also reminded cemetery administrators and local government officials to provide waste receptacles that would encourage the public to dispose of and segregate their garbage properly. For the general public, Paje gave the following pointers on ensuring a green celebra-
tion of All Saints and All Souls Days: 1. Practice the three R’s in solid waste management: Reuse, reduce and recycle by using reusable utensils, food containers and bags; 2. Bring only a sufficient amount of food. Take home any leftovers and feed to your pets or use as compost; 3. Place candles in reusable
glass containers. Keep watch of lighted candles to avoid accidental fires; 4. Collect melted candle wax to make new candles or sell to traders; 5. Use fresh flowers without plastic wrapping, or potted plants to help purify the air; 6. Get rid of stagnant water that could be a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes
and other insects. For those making a long drive to their destinations, car owners should ensure that their vehicles are well-maintained. Paje also proposed car pooling or the use of public transport to lessen vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution. (DENR13/PIA-Caraga)
LTTMO-Butuan to enforce traffic re-routing scheme on ‘UNDAS’
BUTUAN CITY – Land Transportation and Traffic Management Office (LTTMO) head Alfredo Radaza of this city said the office is enforcing traffic re-routing scheme in time with the city’s commemoration of All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day on November 1 and 2, 2011. Monday, October 31, 2011
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According to Radaza, LTTMO traffic enforce personnel were already given assignments during the two-day commemoration. He added that traffic enforcers will be distributed to all cemeteries in the city. Radaza added the traffic enforcers are also tasked to coordinate with personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA) to ensure smooth traffic. “Our personnel were also instructed to coordinate
with security personnel like the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police,” he said. Also, Radaza said signages were already prepared and are now ready for installation in different cemeteries especially in the downtown proper to guide the motoring public where to go. “These signages will be installed tomorrow – a day before the activity,” he added. The city’s LTTMO chief further stressed
they have enough number of personnel to be deployed in crowded areas like in cemeteries and churches. With these developments, Radaza asked the public to follow the rerouting scheme that has been implemented by their office for a systematic flow of traffic. Meanwhile, the official said LTTMO assistance center will be established inside the major cemeteries here to uphold peace and security. (Robert E. Roperos)
DA to farmers : Go Organic by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) encouraged farmers in the region to go into organic farming during the 5th “ConsumerNet Meets the Public” forum at the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) Inc., this city. 26
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Anchored on the theme: “Sapat, Ligtas at Abot-kayang Pagkain para sa Lahat”, Rebecca Atega, Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) oriented the participants of the said forum on the Organic Agriculture Program. Atega said that according to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements or IFOAM, organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. The DA official added the organic agriculture relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition,
innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. In organic farming, Atega said plants are not treated with pesticides. “That is why the DA urges the farmers to turn into organic farming because of the harmful effects of chemical-based pesticides. There are mothers whose breast milks are contaminated with DDT, a chemical compound that is present in pesticides which is used in farming. It is hazardous especially in the health of the infants who are breasted by their mothers,” said Atega. Further, Atega encouraged the farmers to convert the farming system from using inorganic pesticides into organic
farming system because of the high cost of chemical based inputs, high resistance of pest and diseases, low farm income, low soil fertility, ground water contamination, and health issues. However, Atega admitted that the region is still in the infancy or emergence stage when it comes to organic agriculture. “But we are open to train and orient those individuals who are interested in organic farming system,” she said.
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Feature: Dipolog’s love for children by Franklin p. Gumapon
I
believe the children are our future…,” so goes the song titled “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston.
That first line of the song has drawn the city government of Dipolog to give premium to the holistic development of 28
children from conception to adolescence, focusing on their four principal rights to survival, protection, development
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and participation. In her State of the Children Report (SOCR) last week, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy enumerated the
things implemented by the city government as well as those pursued by partner-agencies and nongovernment organizations (NGOS) in the promotion of the rights and welfare of children. Some 2,973 pregnant women in 2010 were given free pre-natal checkups at the City Health Office (CHO), and 86 percent of whom were immunized against tetanus. They also received Vitamin A and iron supplements to keep them
and their unborn children healthy. Expectant mothers were also taught proper breastfeeding, which is recommended to be given to the infant aged zero to six months old. CHO records also showed that a total of 3,923 children aged zero to 59 months old have been fully immunized for the period, January 2010 to June 2011. Some 23,073 children aged zero to eight years old were also given sup-
plemental immunization against measles rubella. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), on the other hand, reported that the number of underweight preschool children in the city went down to 1.84 percent from 3.1 percent in 2009. GO-NGO partnership To acquaint the mothers with the right, nutritious and affordable food for their children
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and families, the Department of Heart (DOH) through its “Hearth PDI program” and the “Values School Program” of the Zamboanga del Norte Evangelical Ministerial Association (ZANEMA) have taught the mothers how to prepare affordable and nutritious family meals to prevent and control malnutrition among children. The Nutrition Services Division (NSD) of the Office of the City Mayor (OCM) also helped in training the mothers on proper nutrition through “Mothers’ class” conducted by barangay health midwives and barangay nutrition scholars. Child development program Early childhood development program, which aims to build up the children’s social, physical, emotional, spiritual and mental capacities, has been provided by the city government through the CSWDO. Presently, 30
48 daycare centers are catering to preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years old all over the city. The kids are taught simple lessons in writing, reading and arithmetic in the daycare centers. Reports from the CSWDO said the 48 daycare centers are now serving 2,670 kids who are also beneficiaries of the P5.2 million Healthy Start Feeding Program (HSFP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Support for out-of-school youth Teenagers who quit formal school are given opportunities to make themselves productive. The city government’s Livelihood Skills Development and Enhancement Center (LSDEC) is providing skills training on short-term courses like building wiring installation, shielded metal arc welding, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, heavy equipment operation, bartending, house-
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hold services, food processing, Christmas décor and novelty items making, sewing and quilting crafts. From 2010 until September of this year, LSDEC has already conducted a total of 13 trainings which benefited 681 graduates. These graduates succeeded in landing jobs through the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Scholarship program for poor students Poor but bright students are getting assistance from the city government to pursue their studies. The Alay Lakad Council of Dipolog chaired by the city mayor has been able to send 50 scholars who are presently enrolled in either baccalaureate or vocational-technical courses in the colleges and university in the city. Some of the previous batches Alay Lakad scholars finished their
studies with honors and sions to cover topics on are now gainfully em- leadership skills, values ployed in big cities. formation, self-discovery and others. Other NGOs support- This NGO also exing children tends scholarship grants One active NGO- to some 30 scholars who partner of the city gov- are now enrolled in bacernment is the Center calaureate and vocafor Social Concerns and tional courses in the loDevelopment (CESCOD) cal colleges. under auspices of Mon- It also organizes signor Enrico Montano. tutorial sessions for preCESCOD caters to chil- school children on mathdren aged 15 to 18 years ematics, language and old, preparing them to reading, ports developbecome active citizens ment, cultural activiby giving them person- ties as well as advocacy ality development ses- programs on children’s
rights, waste management, anti-drug campaign, and anti-gambling/vices drive. Another NGO advocating for children’s welfare is the Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents’ Associations (ZNFEPA) of the ChildFund-Philippines. It is giving direct assistance through school supplies to 725 elementary and secondary students and educational support to some 65 college students.
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Children’s welfare code To ensure sustainability of the programs pursued by the city government for the development and protection of children, the city’s legislative branch has enacted City Ordinance No. 10-220, establishing the Dipolog City Children’s Welfare Code in conformity with section 13 of article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This children’s code alongside with the Dipolog City Development Investment Plan for Children will serve as a rudder to guide and steer the city government to the right direction of protecting and empowering the children. City children center A temporary residential facility has been set up to cater to the needs of street children, children in conflict with the law (CICL) and vagrant/mendicant 32
children. The city government purposely established such a facility to protect these children from getting abused, exploited and/or used by unscrupulous individuals and groups.
conducting surveillance and monitoring activities among entertainment houses and establishments in the city to prevent them from taking on minors as workers.
In 2010, 341 children aged seven to 15 years old were admitted to the Dipolog City Children Center. One hundred fourteen of them were brought to the center for curfew violation, 82 CICL, 72 for vagrancy, 47 for mendicancy, 15 for rugby sniffing, six runaways, and five physically abused children.
Children with special needs The city government is also looking after the welfare of the special children. Pupils at the Special Education Center (SPED) have been exposed to learning sessions that would contribute to their wellbeing. Mayor Evely Uy believes the special children can be made productive if they are given a chance to develop their individual talents and skills. As the city government is leaving no stone unturned in working for the protection and welfare of children, it is living up to the second line of the song, “Greatest Love of All,” which goes “Teach them well and let them lead the way.”
Task force against child labor A task force against child labor composed of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), DSWD and other government and nongovernment organizations has been active in
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PDP road map to economic growth and development says NEDA chief by Claro Lanipa
N
ational Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr., in a press conference held recently at the Bay Plaza Hotel, this city emphasized that the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) is the road map for the country’s economic growth and development for our children’s future. Secretary Paderanga said he and his colleagues from the NEDA Central Office came to the city to share the government’s plan for the next six years, and at the same time learn from the locals of the area themselves on how the government can better implement strategies more responsive for the development of the region. He said, the PDP for 2011-2016, aims for an inclusive
growth, a growth that is shared by all and leaves no one behind. This is opposed to the trickle-down, jobless growth that we experienced in the past. As what we have noticed that even though the growth rate was rising, the number of poverty incidence remain constant as reflected in the poverty index. Infact he further disclosed, from 2006-2009 poverty incidence was lessen a little bit.
When we look into it, we found out that it is because of the character of the growth that we have which requires that we expect people to participate in the growth rate to have a certain level of endowment or capital. And some sector in the Philippines will be unable to participate in this growth, Paderanga said. This Plan is anchored on the President’s “Social Contract with the Filipino People” and was offi-
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approved by the Cabinetlevel NEDA Board, which is chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III, on March 28, 2011. He said, the PDP 2011-2016 is the product of several months of consultation from the various stakeholders that included not only government agencies but also the academe, civil society and private sector. In Region IX, a regional stakeholders’ consultation was held in Zamboanga City last January and now in Pagadian City to present the final Plan that incorporates the recommendations that were raised during the
said event. NEDA acts as the secretariat and is the keeper of the Plan, which was written by the regional and national stakeholders themselves, Sec. Paderanga continued. He said, we keep on insisting that this is not our plan, and part of the reason is simply because, we want to tell all the stakeholders that they have committed to his plan. And that NEDA is the Secretariat, we will therefore monitor the implementation of this plan and tell the different stakeholders where we are sleeping as we go along. M o r e o v e r , Secretary Paderanga
said, we in NEDA to include the Pubic-Private Partnership (PPP) consider the community media as a major player in the country’s development process. As the government implements the PPP in the succeeding years we pound on you to monitor and report, not just the pressing issues but also the progress including the successes of the plan’s implementation. With this we can encourage people and to tell them that our efforts are making a difference that we are able to put this country forward, the NEDA chief exhorted. (JPA/CAL/ PIA9/ZamboSur)
DENR-Zambo. Norte urges public offices to support national greening program
P
by Franklin P. Gumapon
rovincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Carlito Tuballa of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Zamboanga del Norte has called on the different national line agencies and local government units in the province to support the National Greening Program (NGP). 34
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Tuballa has also enjoined the public to help in planting trees in order to mitigate the impact of climate change and to preserve the environment. It can be recalled that President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 26 dated February 24, 2011 for the implementation of NGP. The order has spe-
cifically directed the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepED) and DENR to plant and produce seedlings for the tree planting activities. Tuballa is again reminding the public not to cut the natural-grown trees and banned spe-
cies like Molave, Narra, Lawaan and others. In a related development, the provincial officials have been alarmed by indiscriminate cutting of trees for industrial firewood. A coconut oil mill in Roxas town has shifted to firewood for its fuel as this is cheaper than fossil fuel. (JPA/FPG/PIAZambo. Norte)
2 Zanorte municipalities to benefit from OPAPP’s PAMANA program by Alfonso T. Ruda
T
wo municipalities in the 3rd Congressional District of Zamboanga del Norte have been identified as the recipients of the PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or Peaceful and Resilient Com munities) Program that will be implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace in the different parts of the country. In her recent interaction with the local media during her visit in Dipolog City, Melissa Calingo of the OPAPP Media and Public Affairs Ser-
vices have identified the municipalities of Sibuco and Siocon as the beneficiaries of the PAMANA program in Zamboanga del Norte for 2012.
PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development framework for the conflict-affected areas in the country.
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It operates in seven different geographical areas of the country. Each PAMANA area will receive development programs according to the needs of the people living in the region. These are the Cordillera Administrative Region; Quezon, Mindoro Bicol area; Negros Island; Samar; Central Mindanao and ARMM; Compostela Valley; and ZamBasulta area. With these areas, PAMANA emphasizes its efforts to address what a specific community needs to be developing and working on. OPAPP as the Convenor, has the backing with the convergence of 36
the various government agencies for the implementation of the community-identified projects in the conflict-affected areas. The include the (1)Social Cluster composed of the Local Government Units, Department of Social Welfare and De-
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velopment, Dept. of Education, and Dept of Health; (2) Economic Cluster (NEDA, DTI, DOLE, MINDA, DA, DPWH, LGUs); (3) Security Cluster(DILG, DoJ, AFP); (4) Tenure Agencies (DAR, DENR, NCIP, DA); (5) Community-Level