CONTENTS NATIONAL
• Aquino receives new German envoy in
Malacañang
OUR COVER
Today’s cover features Davao Oriental the land of coconut
• Aquino to visit Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac
Wednesday
• Palace condemns attacks by rebels in Surigao
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • ARMM taps NGOs for P74-M rehab projects in 12 villages • DA to distribute cassava grater and presser to BaSulTa • Robredo to mayors: Review all ordinances imposing fees and charges • DA mihatag kaseguruhan sa paigo nga supply sa humay
Northern Mindanao An Electronic News Magazine
published daily by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Clusters
EDITORIAL STAFF 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
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
• OWWA -10 names 2011 Model OFW Families of the Year in NorMin • DSWD-10 to launch database of poor households • Aquino gusto nga panghingusgan ang pagpatuman sa ‘forced evacuation’ sa mga apektadong lugar panahon sa kalamidad • Aquino gustong mahatagan ug kasamtangang hinabang ang mga mangingisda atol sa kuyaw nga kondisyon sa panahon sa kadagatan
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • • • • •
Mindanao Trade Expo in Manila’s World Trade Center NGO warns growth of sex trade on tourism influx BJMP chief hopes GPH to issue SOMO, SOPO BJMP takes charge of DavNor jail City agriculturist looks for farm investors to develop idle lands
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN)
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
• Sec Alcala siniguro ang suporta sa industriya ng mangga • UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: Higit na atensiyon at pagtutok sa climate change • Global demand sa fresh fruits, inaasahang magpapalakas sa industriya ng mangga • DSWD-ARMM ipinagkalooban ng bagong sasakyan, iba pang mga gamit • Ibayong pagpapalakas ng internal security operations (ISO) sa Cotabato City iniutos
Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
Regional Desk Editors …...
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
Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
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SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
• DA-Caraga ensures sufficient, safe, quality and affordable foods to consumers • PAO bares third quarter status on rice production in Agusan del Sur • Rebels raid mining companies in Surigao Norte • Reg’l Council for Disability Affairs to conduct accessibility audit in Agusan del Sur Prov’l Capitol • Elderly Filipino Week celebration kicks-off in Butuan
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Cover Story:
Davao Oriental – the land of coconut by Mai Gevera-Macapagat
W
ith President Benigno Aquino III bringing home the news of potential foreign investments on Philippines’ coconut water, the coco haven in the South is again on aggressive mood.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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Cover Story:Davao Orriental......from page 3
Producing the most number of coconuts nationwide with one billion nuts annually from its vast crop area of 156,837 hectares, Davao Oriental is now back to capture foreign markets as the world starts to value the health and economic benefits of coconut.
With more than 100,000 coconut farmers, in the province alone, to benefit from this global trend, Davao Oriental sees a new hope to what most have mistakenly thought of as a dead industry. Though a bit young in maximizing the full potentials of
this product, investors whether local or foreign are starting to eye the wealth of this province. There are now geo-textile producers, virgin coco oil producers, coco lumber dealers, fresh coco traders, and food processors maintaining their investments. Davao Oriental has not just confined its capacity as exporter of crude oil and copra pellets, rather the province made use of technology and started producing virgin coco oil, coco coir, peat, and other items made from coconut. Records showed export reached 816,863 metric tons of crude oil and pellets from 1997 to 2001 valued at $185.7 million. 5
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Cover Story:Davao Orriental......from page 4
The world thirsts for coco water The vastness of coco’s potentials continuously proves boundless for even now, another use of coco product has gained the interest of the world market making use of coconut water as energy drink. With this trend, Department of Trade and Industry Davao Oriental office shared that some business-
men have started inquiring for suppliers of coconut water. DTI Provincial Director Ma. Belinda Ambi said an investor is interested to get supplies of organic coco water. At the moment, there is already an existing Chinese investor that gets coco water and coco meat supplies from the province and exports it abroad. “ The good news for our farmers is that the demand is not just for coco water from young coconut but they even look for those from matured coconut.�, she said. Philippine Coconut Authority Region XI director Lornito Orillaneda said the region has so much
matured coconut water which is usually wasted. Instead of throwing it away, we are now teaching the farmers on how to process this coco water. Thirty percent of the coconut content is water, thus, PCA constantly tells the farmers to make use of this part of the coconut. Buko juice is the coco water sourced from a young coconut. However, bulk of the coconut supply is matured coconut. This gave hope to coco farmers as they could now also make money out of the matured nuts. PCA shares that a simple process of pasteurization is required to remove the 6
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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Cover Story:Davao Orriental......from page 5
oily portion of the matured coco water and turn it just like the popular “buko juice” or the coco water from the young nut. Studies showed that coco water is actually more nutritious than whole milk because it has less fat and doesn’t contain cholesterol. The coco water is also better than processed baby milk since it contains Lauric Acid which is present in mother’s milk. It contains natural sugar, salt, and vitamins. Coco Coir as
another by-product of coconut Another useful part of a coconut is its coco fiber made into geonet or coco coir. It is known to be a good material to prevent soil erosion and slope stabilization. The DTI announced that additional investments on the coco coir industry in Davao Oriental was noted following the launching of the coco coir industry last March. The technical working group formalized from its launching
has focused financial assistance to seven regions identified to be coco-producing areas. This includes Davao Oriental targeted to benefit from this assistance. Ambi divulged many coco coir companies in the province have expanded operations as the demand increases and the local production consistently falls short. This signals a brighter business potential for the province in selling DavOr’s coconut product. The coco coir industry in the province now focuses production for its local market as the Department of Public Works and Highways posted a huge demand for coco peat or coir and coconut fiber mate7
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Cover Story:Davao Orriental......from page 6
rials for soil conditioning and erosion control for the infrastructure projects. There are a hundred more ways to maximize the use of Tuesday, October 4, 2011
coconut. Scientists and inventors continue to explore the power that this “tree of life” brings. As long as there is that bear-
ing tree, the province of Davao Oriental – the land of coco, will continue to make a mark in both export and domestic market. 7
Aquino receives new German envoy in Malaca単ang
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III received the credentials of His Excellency Joachim Heidorn as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Philippines in a ceremony at the Music Room of Malacanang Palace on Tuesday.
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Aquino receives......from page 8
The new German Ambassador and his party were welcomed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio. Ambassador Heidorn was accompanied by the Charge de Affaires Ralph Timmerman; First Secretary and head of the administration, Ute Greul; administration attachĂŠ, Renate HaqueBernutz, and press officer Carmina Barcelon,. In presenting his credentials, Ambassador Heidorn wished President Aquino well and happiness and thanked him for welcoming him to the country. After the ceremony, the President
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
ushered Ambassador Heidorn to the adjoining Music Conference Room for a closed-door meeting. Ambassador Heidorn took over the post vacated by his predecessor Ambassador Webber Lortsch. In 2005, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of the Philippines celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. On April 25, 1955 a trade agreement was signed, which led to a dynamic commercial cooperation between the two countries. Soon after, diplomatic missions were opened in Ma-
nila and Bonn. The year 1961 marked both the beginning of the official development cooperation, which has proven a remarkable impact on people’s lives in the Philippines, and the opening of the Goethe-Institut Manila (German Cultural Center). Numerous academic linkages and the German School in Manila (founded in 1980) contribute to an intensive cultural exchange. In 2008, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) was established further promoting and strengthening ties between the two countries. (JCL)
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P
Aquino to visit Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac Wednesday resident Benigno S. Aquino III will visit several areas in Northern Luzon that were severely hit by the recent typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” on Wednesday to extend the necessary assistance to the victims and assess the situation including the extent of damage in the said areas. In a press briefing at Malacanang on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the President will be visiting the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac where he will be briefed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on the effects of the calamity and meet with ctims of the typhoons. “The President is going to visit Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac…as he would like to see for himself the
effects of the typhoon to the infrastructure in the affected communities, so ongoing na po ang ating pagbibigay ng relief assistance doon... and he will also be briefed by the PDRRMC. He will also meet with some local officials and leaders of local communities,” Lacierda said. Lacierda said that even before President Aquino’s visit to the said areas, the government has been continuously providing assistance to the victims and the Chief Executive has already directed
the concerned government agencies to come up with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to restore the affected areas. These concerned government agencies include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Energy (DOE). “Let me emphasize that we are providing continues relief efforts and the President 11
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
DA assures.....from page 10
also mentioned yesterday that he has tasked some Cabinet officials to come up with a rehabilitation plan… this will involve the DSWD, DPWH, DILG, DOTC and DOE as well,” Lacierda noted. He further said that each concerned government agency in the rehabilitation efforts is assessing the amount of damage
caused by the two typhoons based on their respective concerns. “Each agency has its own computation… for instance, the DPWH are looking at roads and Secretary Singson mentioned that the roads leading to the bridges that are under water will have to be studied. As for the concerns of the DOE on power, they have their own esti-
M
mates,” Lacierda said. Typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” hit the country the past weeks leaving massive destructions in properties, agriculture and infrastructure amounting to billions of pesos in the affected areas. The devastation left several towns in Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac under flood waters. (JCL)
Palace condemns attacks by rebels in Surigao alacañang condemned on Tuesday the attacks by suspected members of the New People’s Army on mining firms in Surigao del Norte vowing to use the full force of the law in prosecuting and bringing to justice those who perpetrated the crime. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, however that the government
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
would remain on track in its pursuit of peace with the rebel groups. “We condemn the atrocities. We condemn the violence. But peace
is a better alternative to war that is why we are committed to the peace process,” Lacierda said. “We will continue our efforts to pursue 12 11
Palace condemns.....from page 11
the peace negotiations because that is, we believe, the better option,” he added. Lacierda said that upon learning of the incident at around noon on Monday, the President immediately convened a meeting with the Cabinet cluster concerned with security. He said the President ordered Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to conduct a threat assessment as well as a review on operational procedures “in order to identify vulnerable targets…by the CPP-NPANDF.” “So that is one way of making sure that we are in touch with the community and we’ll be able to identify the different threat assessments. Nonetheless, having the threat assessment, we are going to make sure that will provide security to the vulnerable areas,” Lacierda said. He called on the leadership of the NPA to “exercise restraint” and work with government in order
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to attain peace. “So this is the firm commitment of our government, of our administration: we will defend our people and they can be certain that will not stop at prosecuting and going after the rebels,” Lacierda said. “We call on the CPPNDF-NPA leadership to exercise restraint and to call on their troops to exercise restraint as part of confidence-building measures towards the peace process,” he said. Suspected members of the NPA attacked three mining firms: Nickel Asia Corporation, Platinum Metals Group and THPAL Mining Company; all located in Claver, Surigao del Norte. According to reports, the rebels, numbering some 200, burned down a total of 10 dump trucks, eight backhoes, two barges and a guesthouse. They also seized several guns from private security guards and smashed computers in site offices. (RCK)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
PHOTO RELEASE
President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of His Excellency Joachim Heidorn as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Philippines during the presentation of credentials on Tuesday (October 04) at the Malacanang's Music Room. (Photo by: Valerie Jude Escalera / Malaca単ang Photo Bureau).
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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ARMM taps NGOs for P74-M rehab projects in 12 villages
T
he Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao leadership has linked up with non-government organizations (NGOs) in carrying out P74-million worth of projects in 12 war-affected villages in Maguindanao under the Aquino administration’s Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Program for Central Mindanao (ERRPCM) 15 14
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
ARMM taps....from page 14 In a press release, the ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information said that per records reveal that the European Union has allocated P66.6-million for the ERRPCM’s rehabilitation projects while local stakeholders put up P7.4-million counterpart fund for works starting last month until the second week of June next year. ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo, representing Acting Regional Governor Hooky A. Adiong signed a partnership agreement with 11 NGOs actively involved in humanitarian works on Sept. 28 in ceremonies at the regional executive building here. “We value the document more than the amount involved,” Sinarimbo told reporters after the signing rites, saying it marked a new dawn of intensified partnership with NGOs in ARMM. Sinarimbo likened the just-forged partnership to an adage: “No one will learn how to swim until
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
he jumps off the water.” Documents reveal the rehabilitation projects include the construction of core shelters, health centers, establishment of botika ng barangay, water systems, and school facilities, provision of quick impact livelihood assistance and enterprise supports, and conduct of psychosocial and trauma-healing sessions for conflict-affected villagers. The 12 projects-recipient villages are Maitong and Poblacion in Kabuntalan, Guiawa in Northern Kabuntalan, Alonganen in Datu Piang, Sampao in Guindolongan, North Binagga in Talayan, Liab and Pimbalakan in Mamasapano, Kitango and Gawang in Datu Saudi, Lepok in Shariff Aguak, and Manggay in Talitay, all in Maguindanao. All the recipientvillages are among areas harshly devastated by the fierce fighting between government forces and then Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerillas led by
defiant commander Ameril Umbra Kato. Facilitators said the multi-faceted rehabilitation projects are designed “to have their (internally displaced persons’) lives rebuilt” from the havocs of the skirmishes purportedly triggered by the Supreme Court’s stoppage of a state’s ancestral domain deal with the MILF in August 2008 that displaced 124,795 families or 600,135 persons in seven provinces in Central Mindanao. The NGOs involved in just-forged partnership venture are the Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Mindanao Tulong Bakwet, Muslim Youth Religious Organization, Moro Women and Cultural Center, United Youth for Peace and Development, CEMILARDEF, SEEDTECH Foundation, Central Mindanao Youth Center, and Bangsamoro Women Foundation for Peace and Development. (BPI-ARMM)
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DA to distribute cassava grater and by Vic Larato presser to BaSulTa ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) -- Some 46 units cassava grater and presser will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field 9, Zamboanga Peninsula, to the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa), before the year ends, as part of the commitment of DA Secretary Processo J. Alcala when he first visited Sulu early this year. Cassava or pangi in the Muslim dialect is being eaten by most of the resident of the three provinces. It is abundant and available as most of the farmers are engaged in planting and selling cassava as their main livelihood. The distribution of cassava grater and presser can boost cassava production and help the cassava farmers in increasing their income. Aside from being used as food and feed ingredients, cassava is also used in the manufacture of industrial products. It is used as
a raw material in the production of ethanol. Moreover, cassava can be processed into different food products with higher economic value. Edgardo Tabal, DA operations chief said cassava is included as the country’s major crops under the corn program. “It is also identified under the Department’s Food Staple and Stability Program (FSSP) as an alternative to rice, to minimize rice importation,” Tabal said who represented Regional Executive Director Carlos B. Mendo-
za during the recently concluded Technology Training and Program Orientation on Cassava For Food Project held in Zamboanga City. Resource speakers were Dr. Candido Damo, national cassava project leader and Dr. Algerico Mariscal, professor, Philrootcrops, Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte. Topics discussed were the national cassava roadmap; regional interventions for cassava; and updates on the distribution of cassava planting materials; recommended cassava varieties for 17
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
DA to distribute....from page 16
food; rapid propagation of cassava its nursery management; cassava cropping system; cultural management; postharvest practices; and cassava food preparations. DR. Damo in his lecture said the DA has set a separate funding support to promote cassava and other root crops as major products. A combined team of root crops experts from DA, academe, state colleges and universities is preparing root crops program to be included in the Philippine Industry Development Roadmap that will serve as the guideline in the massive productions of root crops nationwide. He admitted that the country at present lagged behind other countries in Asia especially Thailand in the production of root crops. However, with
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
the importance given to this commodity now, the country can be competitive in the years to come as far as production is concerned. On the other hand, Dr.Algerico Meniscal said that based on the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Office (BAS), the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the biggest consumption of cassava in the country, followed by Region 9, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Sorsogon, and the National Capital Region,(NCR)as the lowest consumer. He said with the focus now on cassava production, the consumption of cassava in the country can be increased especially at the NCR by increasing awareness on its consumption, preparation, and other important uses. The Philippine Industry Development
Roadmap includes the issues and concern in the production of root crops in the country such as low of production; inadequate credit; low adoption of recommended cassava production technology; limited planting materials of quality and high yielding varieties; high cost of transportation; low cassava per capita consumption; low quality of primary products; and lack of location specific cassava production technology. The training culminated the region’s commitment to spearhead massive root crops productions by conducting series of trainings, propagation of cassava seedlings and expansion of areas to be planted with cassava and other root crops that can maximize its production all over the Zamboanga Peninsula.
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Robredo to mayors: Review all ordinances imposing fees and charges by Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY, OCT. 4 (PIA)—Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has reiterated his appeal to all Local Chief Executives throughout the country to review all existing fees and charges passed and imposed by the barangays. Robredo said he issued the directive to ensure that all fees and charges imposed by the barangays are fair, and only implemented after consultation with the people in the barangay. Robredo issued the directives following the reports received by the DILG that some barangays are imposing excessive fees and charges, especially on the issuance of a Barangay Clearance. “While Local Government Units have the power to create their own sources of revenues as provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, such power is not absolute as the Code itself has also provided certain limitations,” Robredo said. The DILG Secretary said that mayors should ensure that all fees imposed by the
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barangays such as Barangay taxes, fees, charges and other obligations should be based on their constituents’ capability to pay. Robredo emphasized that those fees will be collected only for public purposes and not contrary to law, public policy, or in the restraint of trade, as provided under Section 130 of the Local Government Code. Under the Code, barangays may impose taxes on stores, or retailers, with fixed business establishments with gross sales/receipts of P50,000.00 or less for cities and P30,000.00 or less for the municipalities, at a rate not exceeding one percent on such sales. Barangays are also allowed to levy fees or charges for services rendered in connection with the regulation or use of the barangay-
owned properties or service facilities; for the issuance of barangay clearance; on commercial breeding of fighting cocks, cockfights and cockpits; on places of recreation with admission fees; and the billboards, signboards, neon signs and outdoor advertisements. However, Robredo pointed out that LGUs have been given a certain degree of leeway to determine other possible sources of income aside from those enumerated in the Code. “Any barangay may conceptualize other forms of income-generating sources, for as long as the restrictions and limitations are observed and the procedures surrounding the enactment of the revenue-raising barangay ordinances are complied,” Robredo said.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
DA mihatag kaseguruhan sa paigo nga supply sa humay ni Gideon C. Corgue MANILA, Oct. 4 -- Ang Department of Agriculture (DA) ning nakalabay nga Domingo mihatag kaseguruhan sa humay ug uban nga mga produkto sa agrikultura bisan pa nga nagusbat ang kaumahan sa Northern ug Central Luzon gumikan sa duha ka mga bagyo nga miagi sa nakalabay nga semana.
Sa taho ngadto sa Presidente sa gipahigayon nga panagitum sa National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council sa Camp Aguinaldo (NDRRMC), si Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala nagkaTuesday, October 4, 2011
nayon nga ang humay magagikansaMindanao. “Dili angay nga mabalaka ang atong mga kaigsoon tungod kay aduna kitay paigo nga abisyo sa humay. Maayo ang harvest nato sa sa Mind-
anao,”matudpaniAlcala. Dugtong pa niya nga ang iyang ahensya anaa karon sa proseso pagbana-bana sa kadaut nga gidulot sa mga bagyong “Pedring” ug “Quiel” sa agricultural sector sa nasud ug gipanghinaut nga makuha niya ang gibanabanbilisakadaut. Dugtong pa niya nga ang DA andam na nga mohatag ug hinabang sa mga mag-uuma ug sa ilang mga pamilya kansang mga plantasyon naapketuhan sa mga bagyo. 19
OWWA -10 names 2011 Model OFW Families of the Year in NorMin
T
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
wo (2) OFW families in Northern Mindanao were cited in yesterday’s 2011 Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) ceremony, held at the Grand Caprice, Lim Ket Kai Complex, this city. They event was highlighted by the “Filipiniana” attire of all the nominees’ families and personnel of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), region 10. “This is our way of paying tribute to all the OFW’s, whom we consider as modern day heroes for helping out in the economy of the country by sending their money
back home to their families,” Regional Director Petrona M. Bergado of OWWA-10, said. Meanwhile, the awardees were among the eight (8) families from the region who have been nominated to this year’s MOFYA: Mauro G. Pandero & Family from Poblacion 2, Villanueva town, this province, who won in the landbased category
and Capt. Ereberto C. Caberte & Family, from Doña Juana Subdivision, Palao, Iligan City, who won in the sea-based category. The youngest of a poor family, who sold banana leaves just to have money to buy rice, when he was young, Pandero started as janitor of CDCP in the Philippines, who became a clerk when the company 21
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OWWA-10 names 2011....from page 20 got a contract with Saudi Arabia in 1982 and has been working there for the past 29 years. His wife Erelita is a member of the Lupong Tagapamayapa in their barangay and very active in the church organizations and they have three (3) children: Erma, the eldest, who is a registered nurse and is working at the Health Center in Villanueva. Lerma, the second, is a Special Education (SPED) Teacher, while Erdman, the youngest, who graduated Magna Cum Laude, both in his Bachelor of Arts at Xavier University and in his Sacred Theology Course at St John Vianey Theological Seminary, is a priest. They have bought a piece of land which they have planted with rubber. Erelita is a government pensioner while Mauro will have his own pension when he decides to go home for good. On the other hand, Caberte was a son of a farmer and a housewife in Aloran, Misamis Occidental, who once worked as a mess boy in one of the ships of Wil-
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
liam Lines, until he was convinced by a certain Capt. Palmero to pursue a course in Marine Transportation. He is married to Elna de Calzada and they have two (2) children who are both registered nurses: Kevin, who is currently working at the Mercy Community Hospital Inc., in Iligan City, while Kareen is awaiting employment. The Caberte’s are active in Church, having donated a portion of his inherited land for a chapel at their hometown while Elna is an active member of the Star of the Sea-Iligan, an association of seamen’s wives. Ereberto is now onboard as “Captain” under the Technomarine Crew Management Corp., while his wife manages their mango orchard and other investments in Iligan. An annual event of OWWA, the MOFYA is aimed at giving recognition to OFW’s and their families who have demonstrated steady and enduring family ties, outstanding community service and financial
stability. Criteria for judging was based on the family’s wholesomeness of the family, 50%, civic community/religious involvement, 20%, success of OFW and/or family member/s education or profession, 20% and success in managing finances, 10%. Bergado, who is the Vice-Chairperson and Secretariat of the search said the Board of Judges was composed of Asst. Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Chairperson and the following members: Engr. Oscar D. Baldoman, Lapasan De Oro Technological Institute, Landbased Sector, Capt. Naome A. Madriaga, Southern de Oro Philippine College, Seabased Sector. Sr. Alice P. Arreglo, Church and Religious Sector, Dean Fidela B. Ansale, Capitol University, Academe Sector and Flordeliz Jaro, Banco de Oro, SM Branch, Cagayan de Oro and Mila M. Pace, Globe Telecom, as Institutional Partners.
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DSWD-10 to launch database of poor households by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Oct. 4 (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in region 10, is set to launch the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) database of poor households on Thursday, October 6. The NHTS-PR is a data bank and an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are in the country. Lawyer Araceli F. Solamillo, Regional Director of DSWD, region 10, said the launching is aimed at promoting the use of the database for social protection programs of the government. The NHTS-PR database will also serve as a guide to national government agencies, local government units,
and other stakeholders in identifying qualified beneficiaries of their social protection programs towards a more harmonized and focused implementation of social protection programs and services. She said the launching is one of the major activities in line with the 22nd National Statistics Month celebration which is anchored on the theme “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives.”
Members of the Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RSCC) focal persons and regional planning officers are expected to attend in the activity which will be held in Pearlmont Inn and Restaurant, here. As part of the sustained advocacy campaign to promote the use of the NHTS-PR, the DSWD-10 will also hold a press conference on Thursday to discuss with the members of the media the salient features of the database.
Aquino gusto nga panghingusgan ang pagpatuman sa ‘forced evacuation’ sa mga apektadong lugar panahon sa kalamidad by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, October 4 (PIA) – Aron nga mapa-ubos ang panghitabo nga kalisod sa mga apektadong lugar panahon sa kalamidad, si President Benigno S. Aquino III miingon nga gusto niya ang istrikto nga pagpatuman sa mga awtoridad sa ‘forced evacuation’ kon pinugos nga pagpagbakwit o paghawa sa mga katawhan diha sa mga apektadong lugar. 23 22
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Aquino gusto nga....from page 22 Sa usa ka pakighinabi, si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda miingon nga gusto sa Presidente nga ipatuman ang balaod aron masalbar ang kinabuhi sa mga ‘evacuees’. “Gusto sa Presidente ang mas hugot nga pagpatuman niini tungod kay dunay mga residente nga nagpadayon sa pagdumili sa pag bakwit,” matud ni Lacierda. “Gusto usab sa Presidente nga istrikto kini nga ipatuman sa Philippine National Police (PNP) alang
ra gihapon sa pagluwas sa mga kinabuhi ug alang usab sa seguridad sa mga nagbakwit,” dugang niya. Si Lacierda miingon usab nga aron kampante ug dili mabalaka sa ilang mga propedad ang mga nagbakwit, ang Presidente nagmando sa PNP nga mag poste ug mga ‘PNP personnel’ aron nga mabantayan ang mga nabiya-an nga mga kabtangan diha sa mga apektadong lugar. “Aron usab nga maprotektahan ang mga kabtangan atol sa ‘forced evacuation order,’ gitahasan
sa Presidente ang PNP nga kinahanglan naa na daan ang mga pulis sa dihang kamulo na ang paghawa sa mga residente sa ilang mga lugar nga apektado sa kalamidad,” matud ni Lacierda. “Busa naa nay duha ka maayong pamaagi aron nga ang mga katawhan mahimutang na sa ilang temporaryong gibalhinan ug aron malikayan usab ang ilang pagbalik-balik sa ilang gibiyaan nga lugar samtang kamulo pa ang mga pagbaha,” siya midugang pag-ingon.
Aquino gustong mahatagan ug kasamtangang hinabang ang mga mangingisda atol sa kuyaw nga kondisyon sa panahon sa kadagatan by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Oct. 4 (PIA) – Si President Benigno S. Aquino III mimando sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa pagpangita ug pamaagi nga mahatagan ug kasamtangang hinabang ang mga mangingisda nga dili makapadayon sa ilang pagpanagat kung dautan ang panahon sa lawod. Ang Presidente mihatag sa iyang direktiba kang DSWD Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman atol sa usa ‘briefing’ kabahin sa mga kadaut ug epekto sa bagyong ‘Pedring’ ug ‘Quiel’ diin gipahigayon sa National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) sa Camp Aguinaldo bag-ohay pa lang. “ Mahimo ba nga Tuesday, October 4, 2011
estudyohan sa DSWD --kon ang mga gagmayng mangingisda did-an sa pagpanagat—mahatagan ba nato sila ug gamayng hinabang atol sa mga adlaw nga kuyaw ang kadagatan?” nangutana ang Presidente, dugang sa pagsuta kon madeterminar ba ang mga pamaagi ug kon duna bay magamit nga pundo alang niini. Ang Presidente
mipahayag sa iyang kabalaka sa mga mananagat nga bisan pa ug unsaon pag pahimangno sa mga awtoridad atol sa kuyaw nga panahon sa pagpanagat, pili-on lang gihapon ang pagpadayon sa pagpangisda sa lawod aron lang gyod makapangita ug makapadayon sa panginabuhi. (Leonora R. Balistoy)
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Mindanao Trade Expo in Manila’s World Trade Center by Mai Gevera-Macapagat
lbeit costly and ambitious, Mindanao’s 18 year-old trade expo is finally set to conquer Manila with the Mindanao One, A showcase of the island’s abundance to run from October 14 to 17 at the World Trade Center , Manila .
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Mindanao trade expo....from page 24 Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. President Ann Pamintuan believes it’s about time that Mindanao and its abundance in agriculture, aquaculture, trade, tourism, and so many other areas should find the exact market where the action really is. “ We want to launch an image of Mindanao that is not about conflict but focuses on its business potential, from small and medium entrepreneurs to its biggest companies.”, she said. Conference Director Lizabel Holganza stressed that if Mindanao has long suffered from the bad image it gets out of the peace conflict that isolated ar-
eas actually experience resulting to hesitant investors to visit the island, as a response they are bringing Mindanao to the target market. Organizers expect to double its generated sales from last year’s P66 million in the MTE held here in Davao . Pamintuan projects at least P100 million to be generated through on the spot business matching and under negotiation deals. MTEFI admitted difficulty in pushing for this project, but the project is finally pushed with the help of partners which committed support like the PhilExport XI-Davao, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), the Export Development
Council, DA, DILG, DOST, DTI, Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program. Highlighted in the four-day event is the exhibition of Mindanao products which so deserve to be promoted to potential local and foreign investors. Some 300 exhibitors from Mindanao, Palawan and the Bruenei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMPEAGA) are expected to participate in the exhibit. While an estimated 300 participants are expected to attend the Forum at Mindanao One. This is another highlight of the event which will feature sessions on various investment opportunities in Mindanao .
NGO warns growth of sex trade on tourism influx by RG Alama
DAVAO CITY Oct. 4 (PIA)-- The Non-Government Organization Talikala has voiced concern on the effects of tourism growth in Davao Region and in the increasing magnitude of prostitution 26 Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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NGO warns....from page 25 Jeannette Ampog, executive director of Talikala, an organization that deals with exploited women and children said that the tourism industry must be ready for the negative impact of its growth. She bared that they had monitored an increasing number of prostitutes going to the Island Garden City of Samal, a known tourist attraction in the region. She said these prostitutes are to be found plying their trade in small videoke huts called warik-warik scattered across the island. Ampog says that tourism stakeholders take into consideration the social impacts of tourism in their future discussions of the industry. Currently the region has 1,099 documented sex workers in the region and an esti-
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mated 2,000 free lance prostitutes who are mostly undocumented. “The number of prostitutes is increasing, their age getting younger.” Ampog said. She worries that more tourism would also equate to increase trafficking of exploited women and children. She said when the group was able to talk and air their concern to the Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato they appreciated his openness in tackling the issue. For his part regional tourism head Art Boncato said that he agrees with Talikala that this is one of the issues they will be facing with the growth of the tourism industry. In fact they had recognized this problem when they crafted the National Tourism Development Plan.
“This is something we will not be doing and something we are very against.” Boncato said in regards to the so-called sex tourism. Boncato added that the DOT is packaging the region to the M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibits) market which brings much positive and wholesome value to the destination. Last month United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas in a controversial statement said that 40% of the male foreign tourists who come to the Philippines come for sex tourism. According to data from the National Economic Development Authority in the first three quarters of 2010 there were an estimated 671,303 tourists coming to the region.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
BJMP chief hopes GPH to issue SOMO, SOPO by Jean Duron-Abangan
DAVAO DEL NORTE, Oct. 04 (PIA)---Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief Jail Director Rosendo Dial was hopeful that the Philippine government would somehow issue an order of suspension of military and police operation to pave way for the release of the four jail personnel who are still in the hands of the New People’s Army (NPA) Dial expressed his hopes based on the willingness of the National Democratic Front (NDF) leadership to release the four BJMP personnel who were taken hostages by members of the New People’s Army while escorting prisoners to Davao Prisons and Penal Farm (formerly Davao Penal Colony) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. “Nagdeklara na ang NDF, sana magdeklara na rin sila,” he said in an interview after the turnover ceremony of Davao Del Norte Rehabilitation Center last Monday. In a video conferencing in Davao City last week with members of the International Humanitarian Mission
and with a non-government organization (NGO) Sowing of Seeds for Peace, NDF leader Luis Jalandoni reportedly expressed the willingness of NDF through the New People’s Army custodial unit, to release the jail personnel, but he was pushing for the suspension of military operation (SOMO) and the suspension of police operation (SOPO). Dial revealed that he also got information of NDF’s intention to release the BJMP personnel and its demand for SOMO and SOPO from the Philippine government in the website. Reports said that BJMP personnel— Ozamiz City Jail War-
den Inspector Erico Llamazares, Cagayan de Oro City Jail chief escort Inspector Murphy Tujog, Jail Officer 2 Rogelio Beguntes and Jail officer 1 Roland Bajuyo—were part of a 10-man team transporting eight convicted prisoners to the Davao Prisons and Penal Farm (formerly Davao Penal Colony) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. One of the convicted prisoners was an NPA leader, Dennis Rodenas. While on their way from Ozamis City on board a BJMP vehicle, they were flagged down by NPAs at Kitaotao, Bukidnon at about 3:30 Thursday morning on July 21, 2011, reports said. 28
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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BJMP chief....from page 27
The NPA freed Rodenas and took Llamazares, Tujog, Beguntes and Bajuyo while letting the rest on their way to the Penal Farm. Dial had high hopes that his men would finally be turned over by the NPA within the month. However, BJMP personnel who were taken hostages will not be placed back to their original assignment once released. They would have to undergo stress debriefing first, and medical check-up, before they be assigned to other posts. Meanwhile, Davao del Norte Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario yesterday revealed that he had referred to Inte-
rior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo an emailed letter of NDF leader Luis Jalandoni expressing the latter’s demand for SOMO and SOPO as requisite to the release of the BJMP personnel. Del Rosario bared of having forwarded the email to Robredo Friday last week, “he being the chair of the National Peace and Order Council.” Del Rosario said that Robredo “will be working on it.” “Sort of looking into which area will be subject to SOMO and SOPO,” del Rosario said. He viewed such demand of the NDF as “critical” as the military and the police are on
operation against insurgents, and that “they cannot stop without an order from the higher up.” “The NDF cannot dictate them,” del Rosario said referring to the military and the police. Del Rosario has yet to get the feedback from Robredo as of press time. He, however, made it clear that he is working on the resolution of the hostage-taking incident on behalf of the wives of the victims. He said the wives of the victims are seeking his assistance “in securing the okey of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) in so far as to agreeing the SOMO and SOPO.”
BJMP takes charge of DavNor jail by Mera Grace E. Apuya
Davao del Norte (DavNor), October 04—The Davao del Norte Provincial Rehabilitation Center (DNPRC) is the 12th provincial jail in the country that is now under the supervision of the BJMP. Through a Mem- nor Rodolfo del Ro- nology (BJMP) Jail Diorandum of Agree- sario and the Chief rector Rosendo Dial, ment (MOA) signed of the Bureau of Jail the Provincial Govyesterday by Gover- Management and Pe- ernment turned over 29 28
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
BJMP takes....from page 28
the management of the DNPRC to BJMP in a ceremony held in Capitol, Tagum City. “We are glad that the Bureau has expressed willingness to absorb a critical task maintained by the provincial LGU,” said del Rosario. Under RA 6975 or the “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,” only city, municipal and district jails fall within the jurisdiction of the BJMP exempting provincial jails which remain under the supervision and control of provincial governments. But by virtue of Section 25 of the
Local Government Code of 1991, upon the request of the local government unit (LGU), any national agency may extend any assistance to the LGU as directed by the President. Del Rosario took notice of the capacity of BJMP to effectively manage the provincial jail in view of the increasing number of detention prisoners. “The requirement for a more systematic and professional correction administration is something that only BJMP can aptly meet.” In his message, Dial said that while the province is assured of having well-trained
BJMP personnel supervising the provincial jail, its services shall extend from providing maximum security to skills development opportunities on the part of the detention prisoners. “BJMP is providing adequate training not only for its personnel but also for the inmates,” said Dial. Witnessing the MOA signing are ViceGovernor Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr. and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, who passed a resolution making the said turn-over possible. Court officials were also present and other provincial officials.
City agriculturist looks for farm investors to develop idle lands by Carina L. Cayon
DAVAO CITY, Oct. 04 (PIA) – The City Agriculturist here saw the upcoming agri-trade exposition event as an avenue to invite investors to develop idle agricultural lands in the city. 30 Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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City agriculturist....from page 29
City Agriculturist Leonardo Avila bared that more than 90,000 hectares or about 60 percent of the 163,000-hectare agricultural lands in the city are underutilized, however nothing that these are ready for use. The former City Councilor told the media during Monday’s Kapihan sa Dabaw that since he assumed office in June last year, around 72,000 hectares of the lands are productive. Avila considered the 2011 Davao Trade Expo (DATE) to be held at NCCC Mall in Davao City on October 20-22 as opportunity to look for investors to explore on improving idle lands by engaging them into Private-Public-Partnership undertaking. He revealed that many underutilized 30
lands in the city have high potentials to become productive, citing more than 5,000 hectares are potential for rice production if irrigation systems are available. According to Avila , the areas in Barangays Gumitan and Suawan in Marilog District are available for rice farming, having about 1,000 hectares and 600 hectares, respectively. He said there are only 2,000 hectares of rice lands in Davao City . Avila said the biggest land area potential for the city is the agroforestry with a vast area of 105,000 hectares. According to the Wikipedia, agroforestry is an integrated approach of using the interactive benefits from combining trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock.
The CAO head also considered crop areas that need to be developed such as banana, durian, other fruits and vegetables. Avila stressed the focus of this year’s DATE event on high valued crops such as fruits and vegetables, saying that said crops are the center of the urban gardening program that CAO is pushing towards the end of this year until the start of 2012. During the DATE activity, CAO will conduct a one-stop-shop “Do-it-Yourself Farm Land Development” where small-scale farmers and interested individuals with two to three-hectare farms lands will be taught of the basics of making their lands productive. Tuesday, October 4, 2011
PHOTO RELEASES
MOA signing: Davao del Norte Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario (3rd from left) signs MOA on the management turn-over of the Davao del Norte Provincial Rehabilitation Center (PRC) or provincial jail to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). He signs the MOA with BJMP chief, Jail Director Rosendo M. Dial (2nd from left) and Vice Governor Victorio R. Suaybaguio, (4th from left). The signing is witnessed by Jail Chief Supt. Norvel M. Mingoa, BJMP regional director and Provincial Director Alex Roldan of DILG. Members of Davao del Provincial Board (at the back row) were also invited to witness the MOA signing with Atty. Jenny Namoc, provincial legal officer (in pink suit). (PIA-11/ jean duron-abangan)
Davao del Norte Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario passes the flag of Davao del Norte Provincial Rehabilitation Center to BJMP Jail Director Rosendo M. Dial in a ceremony marking the formal turn-over of management of the provincial jail from the provincial government to BJMP. (PIA-11/ jean duron-abangan) Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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Sec Alcala siniguro ang suporta sa industriya ng mangga by Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, Okt 4 (PIA) -- May nakahandang tulong ang Department of Agriculture sa industriya ng mangga sa bansa. Ito ang siniguro ni Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala sa kanyang pagdalo sa 13th National Mango Congress na ginanap sa Glan, Sarangani nitong nakalipas na linggo. Kabilang umano sa tulong na maaasahan ng mga magsasaka at iba pang stakeholders sa industriya ang patuloy na ayuda ng pamahalaan sa pagtatayo ng mga nursery at foundation scion grove, tulong sa vil-
lage-level processing at crop improvement. Aniya, sa nakalipas na taon umabot sa 20,155 tons o US$15,2 tons ang na-export ng bansa na fresh mango. Umabot naman ng 9,328 tons ang processed mango ex-
port at 3,600 tons ang dried mango products. Binigyang-diin ng kalihim na malaki pa rin ang kakulangan sa supply ng mangga sa buong mundo kung kaya’t hinihikayat niya ang mga magsasaka na palawakin pa ang pag33
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sec Alcala...from page 32
tatanim ng mangga habang ginagawa ng DA ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa naturang sector sa pagpapa-unlad ng han-
dling at transport system para sa produkto. Kung matutugunan ng industriya ang mga kailangang gawin
hinggil dito patuloy na tatangkilikin ng ibang bansa and produktong mangga ng Pilipinas, ayon kay Sec. Alcala.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: Higit na atensiyon at pagtutok sa climate change by ac agad
KORONADAL CITY, Okt 4 (PIA) – Sa kanyang mensahe, kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng World Habitat Day ngayong araw, Oktubre a-3, 2011, nanawagan si United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon para sa mas pinaigting na atensiyon sa pagtutok sa problema sa climate change sa mga malalaking lungsod sa buong mundo. Sa isang kalatas na inilabas ng UN Information Center (UNIC), sinabi ni Ban Ki-moon na ang pagdiriwang ngayong taon ng World Habitat Day ay nagkataong tumama sa buwan na ang mga demographers ay mayroong prediksiyon na isisilang ang ika-pitong bilyong nilalang. Ang kinabukasan umano ng batang ito at ang henerasyon na kanilang mamanahin ay nakasalalay umano sa kung paano tinutugunan ng sangkatauhan at ng mga Tuesday, October 4, 2011
kasalukuyang pamahalaan ang mga naglalabanang na dala ng tumataas na bilang ng populasyon, urbanization at climate change. Ayon pa kay Ban Ki-moon, ang tumataas na sea levels ay mga mahahalagang batayan ng epekto ng climate change na nangangailangan ng agarang pagtutok, dahil, mahigit 60 milyon umano ng populasyon ang nakatira sa mga lugar na itinuturing na nasa 1-metro ng sea levels. Ang mga komuni-
dad umano na ito ay nahaharap sa mga pagbabanta ng storm surges, gaya ng pinakahuling nangyari sa lugar sa paligid ng Manila Bay. Kung kayat sa araw ng pag-obserba ng World Habitat Day, hinamon ng UN Secretary General ang lahat na maging bahagi ng pagbuo ng landas upang magkaroon ng isang sustainable future, habang tinututukan ang problema sa climate change sa iba’t-ibang mga coastal cities sa buong mundo. 33
Global demand sa fresh fruits, inaasahang magpapalakas sa industriya ng mangga KORONADAL CITY, Okt 4 (PIA) – Inaasahan ng mga eksperto ang patuloy na paglago ng industriya ng mangga sa Pilipinas dahil sa lumalakas na kamalayan ng mundo sa healthy diet.
Ito ang pahayag ni Ross Wherry, chief of party of ng United States Agency for International Development - Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program (USAIDGEM) sa katatapos lang ng 13th National Mango Congress sa Glan, Sarangani. Kailangan umano itong samantala34
hin ng mga kalahok sa industriya ng mangga sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng matibay na partnership at epektibong pakikilahok ng iba’ibang stakeholder sa industriya ng prutas. Malaki aniya ang bentahe ng mga taga-Mindanao na isulong ang industriya ng prutas, kabilang na ang mangga, sa pandaigdigang pamilihan dahil sa magandang
klima at matabang lupain ng isla. Sa ngayon umano isa ang industriya ng mangga sa nagpapalago sa ekonomiya ng Mindanao at nagbibigay ng trabaho at pagkakakitaan ng libu-libong tao. Inihayag pa ni Wherry na tumutulong ang USAID sa mga fruit growers at processors na mas mapalago ang presensya sa pandaigdigang pamilihan partikular na sa China, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, United States, at Europa. (DEDoguiles) Tuesday, October 4, 2011
DSWD-ARMM ipinagkalooban ng bagong sasakyan, iba pang mga gamit by pbchangco
COTABATO CITY, Okt 4 (PIA) - Bilang pasasalamat sa maayos at dibdibang pakikipagtulungan sa implementasyon ng imga proyekto sa iba’t ibang lugar sa limang prubinsiya ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ipinagkalooban ng ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) ang Department of Social Welfare and Development sa autonomous region (DSWD) ng isang bagong sasakyan, computer at digital camera.
Ipinagkaloob ni ASFP Project Manager Engr, Nasser Sinarimbo ang nasabing sasakyan at iba pang gamit kay DSWD-ARMM acting secretary Pombaen Kader na nagpahayag ng kanyang labis na pasasalamat sa suporta sabay pagtiyak ng patuloy sa tapat na serbisyo sa mga mamamayan. Aminado si Sinarimbo na malaki at mahalaga ang tulong ng DSWD bilang ka-partner ng Tuesday, October 4, 2011
ASFP sa maayos na pagsasaktuparan ng mga proyekto sa nakalipas na ilang taon. Kasama ang DSWD sa pagaa-assess at validate ng mga community-based project ilan dito ang potable water, multi-purpose building/pavement, livelihood at iba pa na pinondohan ng World Bank (WB). Ayon kay Sinarimbo, sa pinakahuling assessment, binigyan ng WB ang ASFP ng “satisfactory rating” at kaak-
ibat nito ang demand para sa mas maayos at magandang performance. Sa karagdagang financing ng WB sa ASFP, kinakailangan ang sasakyan para mabilis ang assessment at validation ng mga panukalang proyekto sa malalayong komunidad gayundin ang inpelsiyon ng mga i s i n a s a k a t u p a ra n o ongoing project para matiyak na nasusunod ang target ng ahensiya, ayon kay Sinarimbo. 35
Ibayong pagpapalakas ng internal security operations (ISO) sa Cotabato City iniutos
COTABATO CITY, Okt 4 (PIA) - Bilang pagtalima sa kautusan ni PNP chief director-general Nicanor Bartolome, Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) lalong pinalalakas ang internal security operations bunsod ng banta ng pambomba at kidnapping. Ayon kay CCPO chief P/SSupt Roberto Badian ilan sa mga kautusan ni Gen. Bartolome ang puspusang pagsasakatuparan ng internal security operations sa pamamagitan ng pinalakas na inteliigence gathering, pagtatalaga ng pulis bawat barangay, ang regular na dayalogo at koordinasyon sa mga lokal na opisyal sa mga barangay at ang pag-serve ng mga naka-pending na warrant of arrest. Sinabi ni Badian na mahigpit ang tagubilin ng hepe ng PNP na tutukan ang pagserve sa mga nakabinbing warrant of arrest na umaabot 36
na sa mahigit isandaan bilang bahagi ng pinaigting na kampanya laban sa kriminalidad. Lalong pinatitibay ng CCPO ang pakikipagugnayan sa mga opisyal ng barangay upang makakuha ng impormasyon sa kinaroonan ng mga lumabag sa batas na may nakapending na awrrant of arrest, ayon kay Badian. “May mga subject ng warrant of arrest na di matukoy o nonexistent ang address kaya hindi nai-serve at sa impormasyon ating makukuha ay maipapadala ang warrant sa kinakuukulang tanggapan ng pulisya saan
mang sulok ng bansa,� ayon kay Badian. Samantala, dahil sa kakalungan ng tauhan, magtatalaga naman ng isang pulis sa ika-cluster na mga barangay katuwang ang barangay tanod at mga security guard sa mga pampublikong tanggapan at pribadong establishiyimiento, ayon sa opisyal. Ayon kay Badian, patuloy ang pagsasailalim sa pagsasanay ng kapuiisan ang 800 security guard tuwing Sabado at Linggo upang maging kaagapay at katuwang sa pagseseguro ng seguridad sa lungsod. (pbchangcoy)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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DA-Caraga ensures sufficient, safe, quality and affordable foods to consumers
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
s the lead agency in the celebration of this year’s Consumer Welfare Month, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Regional office aims to ensure sufficient, safe, quality and affordable foods for all consumers.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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DA-Caraga ensures...from page 37 According to DSWDCaraga Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat, the RCDA is tasked to lead the preparation of the Caraga region’s report on the implementation of the United Nations – Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD). “In order to come
up with a report reflective of the real status of implementation of the Convention in the region, the Regional Committee will conduct an access audit on the implementation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (Accessibility Law) of City Halls and Provincial Capitols in the Region,” said Jabagat.
Accessibility of government buildings and other facilities is one of priority areas of the convention. It was also learned that the findings and recommendations of the said activity will be the basis for RCDA eventual intervention and possible policy formulation.
PAO bares third quarter status on rice production in Agusan del Sur by David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Agusan del Sur Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is now almost hitting the annual target as presented in their middle of the third quarter report ending August of this year, 2011. On rice, the PAO targeted 96,825 hectares of area to be planted with rice, where 4,239 hectares are irrigated and to be planted with hybrid rice, while 41,790 hectares are irrigated
and to be planted with inbred rice. For rain-fed/ low-land, PAO targeted 50,698 hectares and another 98 hectares for upland rice. Compared to target, as of August 31,
physical area planted already reached 89,905 with a difference of only 6,920 hectares against annual target. Some 2,759 has. irrigated areas are already planted with hybrid rice, with a 39
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PAO bares...from page 38 difference of 1,480 hectares against target of 4,239 hectares. For irrigated inbred rice, planted area now reached up to 37,220 hectares against 41,790 hectares targeted with a difference of only 4,570 to be accomplished for the next four months. For rain-fed/ low-land, planted areas now reached 49,523 hectares with a difference of 1,175 hectares against target. Upland areas already exceeded against target with 403 hectares planted where the target is only 98 hectares. During the mid year harvest season, with the targeted area of 96,825 hectares, only 46,013 were harvested with a difference of 50,812 hectares. This is because of the floods that hit Agusan del Sur early this year. The harvested areas were broken down
as follows: For irrigated hybrid rice, only 1,851 hectares were harvested with a difference of 2,388 hectares; irrigated inbred rice, only 18,710 hectares were harvested with a difference of 23,080 and for the rainfed/ lowland areas, only 25,304 were harvested with a difference of 25,394, while planted upland areas with planted area of 148 hectares, only 50 hectares were harvested. According to provincial agriculturist Armando Lagumbay, farmers are optimistic that they can cope up with the target on rice production, with the province having normal weather condition since the start of the third quarter. “With the help extended to us by the Department of Agriculture thru Sec. Proceso Alca-
la when he visited the province after the floods, and with the blessings of good weather condition that we have, we are optimistic that we will hit the target in this year’s rice production,” Lagumbay said. On record, Agusan del Sur exceeds in its rice production against its requirements, since the Boosted Utilization of Grains in Agusan del Sur (BUGAS) program was implemented. But due to uncontrolled trading of rice, Agusan del Sur sometimes import rice from other places to cope up with the requirements, especially during the rice crises some years ago. Because of this, the provincial government plans to pass a law that will control the trading of rice outside Agusan del Sur.
Rebels raid mining companies in Surigao Norte by Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – Some 300 communist rebels raided three mining companies in Surigao del Norte Monday morning, burned heavy equipment, service vehicles, buses and buildings, disarming guards and briefly holding several people. 40 Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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Rebels raid.....from page 39
The Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army-national Democratic Front (CNN) rebels led by Ka Edron attacked the compound of Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) under the Nickel Asia Group. Simultaneously they also raided the adjacent still-under construction Taganito High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) of Sumitomo in Claver, Surigao del Norte and Platinum Group Metaks Corporation (PGMC). The employees of TMC were later released by the rebels but they asked Resident Mine Manager Engr. Jose Anievas, Group Manager Rogel Cabauatan and Chief Security Rene Ferenal to accompany them 40
for further negotiation, said a report from the Crisis Management Committee (CMC). It was learned that they burned down at least 70% of TMC’s equipment (dump trucks, bach hoe) two barges and the company’s assay laboratory, warehouse, mechanical, admin building. Damaged to THPAL plants also cost about billions of pesos. Sumitomo wharf was also blasted, said a report. Formal negotiations with the members of the Crisis Management Committee were made in the afternoon after Gov. Sol Matugas called a special meeting with the members of the Peace and Order Council. Ka Edron then requested Gov. Sol Matugas to stop the military
operations to avoid further collateral damage among the people, the latter also requested not to harm the three (3) top officials of the company. Likewise, the three key personnel of the company personally asked the governor to halt the military operations. Gov. Matugas then sent a letter to the concerned officials to stop all military operations while the negotiations are still going-on. It was around past 3pm, when the CPP/ NPA left the compound and eventually released the three top officials of TMC near Barangay Cabugo still in Claver town. As of press time, a total value of loss and damage has not yet finalized. Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Reg’l Council for Disability Affairs to conduct accessibility audit in Agusan del Sur Prov’l Capitol BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga will be conducting the one-day accessibility audit in the Provincial Capitol Building of Agusan del Sur and the Municipal Hall of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on October 5, 2011. According to DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat, the RCDA is
up with a report reflective of the real status of implementation of the Convention in the
Accessibility of government buildings and other facilities is one of priority areas of
tasked to lead the preparation of the Caraga region’s report on the implementation of the United Nations – Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD). “In order to come
region, the Regional Committee will conduct an access audit on the implementation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (Accessibility Law) of City Halls and Provincial Capitols in the Region,” said Jabagat.
the convention. It was also learned that the findings and recommendations of the said activity will be the basis for RCDA eventual intervention and possible policy formulation. (JPG)
Elderly Filipino Week celebration kicks-off in Butuan
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Elderly Filipino Week celebration with this year’s theme: “Nakakatanda: Gabay, Tulay, Kaagapay, at Bantay Tungo sa Kaunlaran” kicks-off Monday (Oct. 3) with a short program and press conference held at the city hall lobby here. 42 Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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Elderly Filipino....from page 41 According to Office dubbed as “Pabibo” are all of Senior Citizens Affairs set for the senior citizens (OSCA) Head Ms. Imelda week,” Nonan said. Nonan, the city govern- Also, Mr. Ramon ment led by Mayor Ferdi- Carlota, President of the nand Amante Jr. together Regional Federation of Sewith OSCA and other con- nior Citizens Association cerned agencies have line of the Philippines (RESup activities for this week- CAP) stressed that senior long celebration. citizens should really be “Activities like informed of their rights ‘Hataw’ exercise, Fun and privileges/benefits so Walk, Medical and Dental they continue to enjoy the Check-up, Cultural Con- life they have. test, Search for King Lolo “From the 18,000 and Queen Lola 2011, senior citizens members Food presentation and here, 12,000 are the only Table Setting Competi- active members. That is tion, and entertainment why I personally would
like to appeal to other senior citizens to take part and become active members by participating in its activities and availing all the benefits that the government has provided,” Carlota added. Meanwhile, Focal Person for Elderly Sector Ms. Wilma Geralla of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) highlighted the efforts of the senior citizens in nation-building. Geralla also recalled that the “Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010,” 43
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Elderly Filipino....from page 42 signed into law by former es of goods and services President Gloria M. Arroyo which are entitled to the is granting senior citizens 20% senior citizens disthe exemption from pay- count and VAT exemption, ment of VAT (input VAT) to include the following: on their purchases of qual- Purchase of medicines, ified goods and services, including influenza and thus, enabling them to pneumococcal vaccines enjoy fully the 20% dis- and other essential medicount on their purchases. cal supplies, accessories This means that sale of and equipment; and Acqualified goods and ser- tual fare for land travel vices to senior citizens in public utility jeepneys, shall be considered VAT- taxis, Asian utility vehicles exempt since no VAT can and shuttle services. be passed on or shifted to Also, Consumer senior citizens. Welfare Division Chief Ms. In addition, RA 9994 Billy General of the Dealso expanded the cover- partment of Trade and age of the list of purchas- Industry (DTI) emphaTuesday, October 4, 2011
sized that for the complaints from the senior citizens on the refusal of any establishment to give the 20% discount for the basic commodities may report to their office and for the medicine-related complaints at the Department of Health (DOH) for appropriate action. With this development, the city government together with the OSCA and partner agencies aimed to provide the senior citizens a much better service for their welfare. (JPG)
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