One Mindanao - October 5, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

CONTENTS NATIONAL

• Aquino government remains committed to raising

the quality of education

OUR COVER

Today’s cover features the Bagobo-Tagabawa way at the foot of

• Aquino vows ‘full support’ for Pampanga flood

control projects

• Aquino commiserates with typhoon victims in

Tarlac, assures them of government support

MT. Apo Northern Mindanao

Photo credit: Julius Paner

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

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

• DepEd-NorMin celebrates World Teachers Day with BAMBOO- 3E tree growing • Camiguin gets above standard rating in water quality • Groundwater mining in Mindanao needs attention - MinDA • BIMP-EAGA 20th SO/16th MM working committees to conduct dry run • mikondena sa pag-atake sa mga rebelde sa Surigao

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • PARCCOM to assist DAR chart its 2014 road map • Safety course set for Min-Vis ports • Don’t just rely on copra, farmers told • Comval receives 8,705 books from The Asia Foundation and USAID • Sto. Tomas grabs 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping • Lady solon bats for bills declaring October 5 as National Teachers Day

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • DENR 12 trains MILF members on bamboo plantation establishment • Kahalagahan ng niyog tampok sa pagdiriwang sa Glan, Sarangani • NHTS-PR solves problem on “political indigents” -- Philhealth official

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • SENA done through Skype in CARAGA • Surigao Norte PNP chief, two others sacked; former police chief returns • Rebels claim responsibility of mining attack in Surigao Norte • Caraga Reg’l Science High School stude wins ] Super Quiz Bee • Surigao Norte PNP chief, two others sacked; former police chief returns

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • PPA holds GST for Northern Cluster VPAs and personnel in Dipolog • GSIS implements initiatives to improve service • DTI-Zambo. Norte to tap PIA, LTO, DepED on helmet law dissemination • Breastfeeding room set up at CHO

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Cover Story:

Experience the Bagobo-Tagabawa ways at the foot of Mt. Apo by Carina L. Cayon

N JUST AN HOUR ride in a private vehicle or in a rented van or in a single motorcycle from the center of Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur province or about 50 kilometers south of Davao City, one could reach and relish the experience of the majestic Mt. Apo while immersing with the life and culture of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe. Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Cover Story:Experience the Bagobo.....from page 3

Set in a two-hectare part of a claimed ancestral domain at the slopes of the Mt. Apo Natural Park lies the Tibolo Cultural Village that offers a wide range of understanding and encounters with the culture, lifestyle and livelihood activities of the Bagobo-Tagabawas. This culture-development center envisioned to become a landmark of living indigenous cultural traditions, provides the authenticity of the tribes’ ethnicity that the 2,000 members of these indigenous peoples who reside in this highland barangay of Tibolo in Sta. Cruz, are striving to uphold and preserve. The showcase of culture and tradi-

tion begins upon the arrival of visitors to include local and foreign tourists who will be welcomed by villagers with a bang of the agong instrument that signals the start of tribal dances performed by women clad in their customary dresses and accessories, while the agong and other tribal instruments continue to play the tribe’s music. Then, the visitors would be ushered in to a big nipa-hut hall or the long house where cups of hot brew of native coffee await to treat the visitors and to soothe the cold climate of the highland village which is located 2,000 meters above sea level. At lunch time,

the guests will have a taste of the tribe’s authentic food as they will be feted to a menu of “linutlot”, native chicken cooked in bamboo vessels, and the “ludang”, a stew of selected vegetables with coconut milk. The village features an IP kitchen for the tribal women belonging to the Tibolo Women Tribal Organization to educate the tourists/visitors on the native culinary using bamboo tubes. 5

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Cover Story:Experience the Bagobo.....from page 4

The tourists could also indulge in another delicacy called “renopas,” also a stew of corn mixed with other vegetables. The tribe’s snack delicacy is called “dinugdog,” made up mainly of pounded cooked banana with grated coconut meat. Tibolo Women Tribal Organization president Esther Lanzo said that the viands are being offered and

sold at P180 per order to visitors of the cultural village. The women also take pride in their handicraft products ranging from beadjewelry to baskets, and abaca cloth which are being crafted in the village’s School of Living Traditions where Masters and craftsmen demonstrate their traditional arts and crafts while transferring their skills to their younger generation. The products are also being sold at the Tibolo Cultural Village that the local government of Sta. Cruz and Department of Tourism promote as one of the town’s attractions and leisure havens for local and foreign tour-

ists. The tribal women’s business on bead works of necklaces and bracelets patronized by local and foreign visitors at the village where the women make and display their products, are beginning to gain demands from customers. Lanzo said they were honed in bead works skills in training conducted February this year, this in addition to their ability on basketry, abaca weaving, and cooking. The local government of Sta. Cruz extended loan assistance in March this year to the women’s group to support and sustain their business venture. A bead-necklace

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Cover Story:Experience the Bagobo.....from page 5

is sold at P125 and a bead-bracelet is priced at P30, while the abaca cloth is bought at P500 per meter. While the women take care of the livelihood aspect, the Ta g a b a w a - B a g o b o Tribal Council is the overall manager and operator of the village. At the center of the cultural village stands a big nipa hut or the long house that

hosts the yearly festival and monthly meetings of tribal leaders from various tribes, and accommodates tourists/visitors. At the sides of the village are cottages designed for overnight stay, and other amenities such as communal restrooms and bathrooms. Aside from tourists, the village also caters to Mt. Apo climbers and trekkers

who make the village as a stop-over station. The tribal women also keep a vegetable garden area where visitors could enjoy vegetablepicking and pay the every crop picked as a way of patronizing the produce of the women. The LGU of Sta. Cruz has packaged all these cultural experiences and immersion in a Volun-Tourism 7

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Cover Story:Experience the Bagobo.....from page 6

Cultural Tour program which espouses on environmental protection and preservation of the indigenous people’s culture. Sangguniang Bayan member, Lolita Legaspi, said the Volun-Tourism Cultural Tour promotes a spirit of volunteerism among residents and both local and international visitors of Sta. Cruz, by holding their vacation or leisure time at the Tibolo Cultural Village. The Tibolo Cultural Village is a joint project of LGU Sta. Cruz and Davao del Sur province, DOT, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Ta g a b a w a - B a g o b o tribal community. The project mainly wants to “rec-

ognize the IPs rights and reward them of their efforts towards conserving the environment, re-invigorating their cultural watersheds, promoting sustainable tourism and in building a culture of peace.” According to LGU Sta. Cruz planning and information officer Julius Paner, the concept of a cultural village came into being from the priority concern on the preservation of cultural practices as stipulated on the tribe’s Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan. He said the project underwent a series of consultations with the elders, key leaders, tribal council, barangay council and the community, which

resulted to a PublicPrivate Partnership strategy among Tribal Leader Datu Ruben Ayoc, for the usufruct right over the 1.5 hectares, the LGU Sta. Cruz and the Tibolo Tribal Council for co-management of the project. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Indigenous People, Municipal Tribal Council and Kapiid Ka Banua are tasked to monitor the project, while the Barangay Council of Tibolo takes care for the overall provision of safety and security of guests. Paner explained that Kapiid Ka Banua is the association of all Bagobo-Tagabawa residing from SibulanDavao City side down to Makilala, North 8

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Cover Story:Experience the Bagobo.....from page 7

Cotabato who can also benefit from the share of the income at the Tibolo Cultural Village. This tourism project is aimed to be very environment friendly and non-pollutant, as it encourages protection of the environment and offers a non-destructive livelihood for the community, Paner shared. He said tourists are encouraged to plant a tree as part of their activities and social responsibility in erasing carbon imprints. For interested tourists in a group of 15 who want to experience the Bagobo-Tagabawa culture and ways may visit Sta. Cruz town hall, or may inquire at telephone number (082) 272-0361.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Aquino government remains committed to raising the quality of education

arking this year’s celebration of the World Teachers’ Day, Malacañang on Wednesday renewed its commitment to raise the quality of education in the Philippines as it honored thousands of men and women who belong to the teaching profession.

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Aquino government......from page 10

In a statement issued by the office of Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, the Aquino administration maintained its commitment to elevating the quality of the country’s educational system and uplifting the noble vocation of teaching. “Our administration is one with the Filipino people in celebrating World Teachers’ Day. We honor the thousands of men and women who have made it their life’s work to educate our children, youth, and

adults—sharpening their minds, shaping their values, and encouraging them to become dynamic and productive members of society,” the statement said. Improving the country’s education system is one of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s top priorities. Proof of which was his decision to include the K-plus 12 program of the Department of Education or an Act Enhancing the Curriculum and Increasing the Number of Years for Ba-

sic Education among his list of priority bills during a Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council meeting held last February. President Aquino also mentioned during a roundtable meeting with business leaders in his recently concluded visit to Japan that his administration plans to build 10,000 school buildings as part of the first four priority infrastructure projects under the government’s PublicPrivate Partnership program. (HDC)

Aquino vows ‘full support’ for Pampanga flood control projects AN FERNANDO, Pampanga: Flooding in this province may soon be a thing of the past after President Benigno S. Aquino III pledged the administration’s “full support” for the local government’s plans to finally control the unpredictable rise of floodwaters that has plagued the people for a long time.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

12 11

Aquino vows.....from page 11

The President told Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, during a briefing on the status of the third phase of the Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Mitigation Project here, that he has instructed Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson to carefully study the cause of flooding in the region and to come up with clear, feasible solutions to such. In an interview, Pineda said the President pledged to augment the calamity fund of the province in order to provide the basic needs to its constituents. “The President told me that once the calamity fund of the province of Pampanga is used up, we

should submit the pertinent documents and he will augment the fund by providing additional funding for our use,” Pineda said. “Ang sabi niya (President Aquino) tutulong ang National Government na hindi na kaya ng local government,” she added. The President assured Pineda and the people of Pampanga that they have the full support of the National Government. “Aayusin natin yan. Basta tapusin muna ang mga study (on the causes of flooding) para hindi pa-chamba-chamba,” the President said. Pineda said the main cause of the un-

predictable rise of floodwaters that has affected six towns and displaced 35,0000 families in the province was the inability of the Pampanga Bay to transport floodwaters away from the province effectively. “Kaya si Secretary Singson, may team na siya na pupunta sa Pampanga Bay para sukatan ang tubig at tingnan yung flow ng tubig para malaman kung bakit napakabagal,” Pineda said. She said an initial study conducted by the province suggests that there are blockages in the tributaries of Pampanga Bay that lead overflowing water to Manila Bay. (RCK)

Aquino commiserates with typhoon victims in Tarlac, assures them of government support A PAZ, Tarlac : President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed sincere concern to the victims of the recent typhoons as he assured them of full support from the government not only in their present needs but also in restoring what has been destroyed by calamities the past weeks.

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Aquino commiserates....from page 12

Speaking before some 500 people during his informal interaction with the flood victims at the La Paz Plazuela (Evacuation Center) in front of the La Paz Municipal Hall here, Wednesday, President Aquino urged the people to live by the spirit of “Bayanihan,” especially now that they have been severely affected by the recent typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel”. “Ang gobyerno po ninyo nandito para paglingkuran kayo, di kayo pababayaan… magdamayan lang po tayo dito at alagaan natin ang ating mga kalusugan at dadamay po ang gobyerno ninyo sa lahat ng sandali,” President Aquino said. He asked the victims regarding their concerns and encouraged them to inform their local officials for immedi-

ate action. He also urged them to keep on praying and ask for Divine Intervention considering the possibilities of more typhoons hitting the country. “Mayroon pa po tayong dalawang bagyo pa na binabantayan parating, huwag natin tigilan ang pagdadasal po, importante po yan… si Governor Yap kasama po natin, ang inyong buthing mayor nandito rin po, si Congressman Bong Lapuz nandito rin… kung ano pa po ang kailangan sana iparating ninyo sa kanila para malaman ko at maaksyunan natin kaagad,” the President noted. The Chief Executive said that Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who is the concurrent chairman of the National

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), are set to finish their studies on the present situation in the area to mitigate, if not totally address, the problem of flash floods. “Ang imprastraktura diyan nire-review na po ngayon ng DPWH kung tama o di tama ang mga disenyong ito at kung nakatutulong o nakapeperwisyo. Kapag natapos na po ang pagaaral nila, iaayos na po natin iyan para po naman di na maulit itong pagbabaha,” he added. He also bared the rehabilitation and reconstruction plan of concerned government agencies that include silting and dredging of the water tributaries adding that the needed equipment will be available soon. “Pabababain po muna ang tubig para 14

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Aquino commiserates....from page 13

matrabaho iyan, pero ipadadala na po natin ang mga equipment na kakailanganin para maumpisahan na ang proseso. Asahan po ninyo, yung dredging muna ang una nating gagawin,â&#x20AC;? the President said. Following his visit to Tarlac, the President proceeded to the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, which were also affected by the typhoons, to assess the situation. Before the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival, the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed 128 family packs in La Paz Plazuela. Each pack amounting to 250 pesos contains three kilos of rice, six canned goods, six packs of noodles and six sachets of coffee. Also distributed were 59 pieces of blankets and 59 pieces of mats. Apart from the his visit in the evacuation center, President Aquino also inspected the Rio Chico Bridge in Barangay San Roque, which connects Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, where he was briefed by Secretary Singson and La Paz Mayor Michael Manuel. The President and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. were received by local officials led by Governor Victor Yap and Tarlac District Three Representative Jeci Lapuz. The Rio Chico Bridge was constructed in 1992, which has 19 spans and length totaling to 246 meters. It was not damaged but due to the heavy rains, the Rio Chico River overflowed and caused flooding in La Paz that damaged the access road to the bridge. (JCL)

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

HOTO RELEASE

President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to Philippine Ambassadors to Kingdom of Belgium Victoria Bataclan, to Republic of South Africa Constancio Vingno, Jr., to Lao People’s Democratic Republic Maria Lumen Isleta and to Republic of Lebanon Leah Ruiz in a ceremony at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 3). (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

DepEd-NorMin celebrates World Teachers Day with BAMBOO-3E tree growing

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

midst chants of jubilation for “My Teacher, My Hero,” theme of the World Teachers Day, students of Bulua National High School started today’s celebration with a tree growing activity along the Bulua River Bank, here. The area has been planted with bamboo by Task Force “Best Action for Mobilizing Barangay Organizations for Opportunities in Education, Environment and Entrepreneurship (BAMBO3E).” A flagship project of DepEd, region 10, BAMBOO 3E, is a multi-

sectoral approach to enhance environmental education and entrepreneurship formation among children. “This is the 5th area being planted with bamboo by the task force, adding to the previous ones: Mambuaya, Gusa, Cugman and Iponan River Banks,” Regional

Director Luz Almeda of DepEd-10, said. A year-long activity, BAMBOO-3E commits and supports bamboo growing and caring along riverbanks, not only because its potential for preventing soil erosion, but also because of its entrepreneurial value. Almeda, who is the 17

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Deped-NorMin celebrates....from page 16 Chairperson of the TF BAMBOO-3E, said the project also aims to address the concern on climate change by the schools. She also said the task force has chosen to plant bamboo trees because of its many uses: when they become matured, they can be harvested and processed into desks, chairs, tables, cabinets, blackboards, book shelves, book stands, book ends, etc., and be utilized in schools, thus creating jobs for the community, especially, the parents of the school children. “We want to teach the students how to

take care of the environment by educating them how to plant trees, grow them and then develop their entrepreneurial skills using the bamboo as a means to sustain their lives. “In fact, we have arranged the tree growing activities along river banks near a school to ensure that they are cared for by the students, their parents, their teachers, and the community,” as well. Helping out in the tree-planting/treegrowing activity by preparing the seedlings and other planting materials, tree guards, etc. to ensure the growth of the

bamboos and protect them from destructive animals were the following: Parent-Teachers’ Association, the Purok/ Zone leaders, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the Barangay Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Tourism (DOT).

Camiguin gets above standard rating in by Jorie C. Valcorza water quality MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Oct. 5 (PIA) – Tourist-frequented Mantigue and White Islands, here, get the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) above standard rating for water quality. This came out after the agency’s Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) team conducted their latest test during the extension period of the Camiguin Coastal

Resource Management Project (CCRMP) Phase I. The team had a monthly physical and chemical analysis on the areas from October to

December, last year, as a heed to the request of the CCRMP Project Technical Working Group (PTWG) and the local government units. The analysis re18

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Camiguin gets....from page 17 sults will serve as their valuable parameter necessary in planning and management. The EMB presented its findings to the Project Steering Committee (PSC), last February 22 and found out that it goes above the standards for Class SB water set by the DENR Administrative Order (DAO)

34, Series of 1990. Class SB coastal and marine waters means water is suitable for tourist zones or marine reserves. It further certifies the area as a “Recreational Water Class I” and “Fishery Class I for milkfish. Amida Diwata M. Jasma, CCRMP Phase I

Project Officer, said this will help maintain and ensure the ecotourism attraction of White Island in the town of Mambajao and Mantigue Island in the municipality of Mahinog. Other LGU’s in the province are also lobbying for its inclusion in the priority areas of the EMB.

Groundwater mining in Mindanao needs attention - MinDA CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Oct. 5 (PIA) – Groundwater mining in Mindanao must be managed very well, as its excessive extraction and poor management can lead to land subsidence and saltwater intrusion. This was raised by Cecilia D. Triño, Presidential Staff Officer VI of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) during a meeting with the Provincial Planning Officers of the region held, here, yesterday, Oct. 4. Triño said the groundwater mining in the island certainly needs attention, as groundwater withdrawal is primarily influenced by growth in population. The national strategy to designate mining of minerals as one of major development sectors has

substantially increased exploration and mining activities, especially, in Northern and Eastern Mindanao where most mineralized areas may be found. “The level of on-going and prospective mining activities, no matter how responsible, would certainly worsen the situation,” she said. Thus, there is need to determine the remaining carrying capacity of Mindanao ecosystems and balance this with the level and kind of development that must be pursued with the

security and safety of the people and the environment in mind. Meanwhile, she said the ground water stock is greatly affected by the rate of groundwater withdrawal of extraction and aquifer recharge, which is primarily influenced by growth in population, subsequently driven by economic demand and growth. On the other hand, the Mindanao aquifer recharge is dependent on watershed status and characteristics and land use, even as it is characterized as highly to

19 18

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Groundwater mining....from page 18 moderate productive with moderate to low potential recharge. Water degradation has been a major threat to sustainability, as have depletion of fisheries and adverse environmental impacts of mining activities,

like toxic chemical runoff and biodiversity threats. The other challenges that confronted our river basins and watersheds include unsustainable agriculture practices and the lack of an integrated and coordinated approach in

river basis management. The above deteriorating condition of Mindanao’s river basins and watersheds are further aggravated by the effects of climate change phenomenon, Triño, further said. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob)

BIMP-EAGA 20th SO/16th MM working committees to conduct dry run by Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Oct. 5 (PIA) – The assigned Liaison Officers, Airport Welcome Receptions, Baggage Handlers, Hotel Receptionist, Venue Ushers and Usherettes and Registration Secretariat are enjoined to attend the dry run, tomorrow, Oct. 6 at the Mandala Hall, 4th Floor, VIP Hotel, here. The activity is in preparation for the hosting of the 20th Senior Officials’ and 16th Ministerial Meeting (SOMM) of the Brunei- Indonesia -Malaysia and the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) scheduled at Xavier Estates Sports and Country Club (XESCC), here, this coming Oct. 19-20. However, the activities will actually begin

when the guests and delegates will start arriving on Oct. 17, Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), who is the Chairperson of the Programs and Events Committee, said. Meanwhile, opening of the 2011 BIMP-EAGA Investment Conference (BIMP I-Con) cum BIMPEAGA Local Government

Unit (LGU) Bilateral Discussion have been scheduled at Pryce Plaza Hotel, on Oct. 18. Organized by the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC), through the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), the BIMP I-Con aims to generate viable joint venture projects involving local businessmen and with the support of their Local Chief Executives.

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BIMP-EAGA 20th....from page It will be done, in close collaboration with the Cagayan de Oro City Government, in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Foundation, Inc., (OroChamber). Another activity on Oct. 18 is the BIMP-EAGA Media Forum at XESCC to be participated in by journalists, communicators and government information officers from across the four (4) EAGA countries, to discuss

19 and forge collaborative efforts of communicating the gains and initiatives of the sub-regional cooperation. Scheduled on the same day is the meeting of the heads of the Bureau of Customs of the BIMP-EAGA countries for the purpose of discussing priority programs and projects of the CIQS Task Force, particularly on matters pertaining to the customs sector and other bilateral CIQS arrangements at ports

within the sub-region. Meanwhile, “Oro Best,” a Northern Mindanao Agro-Industrial Trade, Tourism Fair and Exhibit to feature the best of the local products, as well, as business facilities of the region, will be held the next day, Oct. 19, at the Activity Center of SM Cagayan de Oro. Other activities during the day include the city tour and site visits and the fellowship night, Pabillore said.

Palasyo mikondena sa pag-atake sa mga rebelde sa Surigao by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, October 5 (PIA) – Ang Malacañang mikondena sa gihimo nga pag-atake sa mga suspetsadong miyembro sa New People’s Army sa kompaniya sa minahan sa Surigao del Norte.

Kini usab giubanan saa pag deklara nga gamiton ang kinatibuk-ang kusog sa balaod aron nga

masilotan ug madala sa hustisya ang mga nagpasiugda sa naasoy nga krimen. Si Presidential

Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda mitaho sa mga reporters sa Malacañang nga ang gobyerno mag21

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mikondena sa pag-atake....from page 20

padayon sa tinguha niini alang sa kalinaw tali sa mga rebeldeng grupo. “Atong gikondena ang brutal ug bayolente nga gihimo sa rebeldeng grupo. Apan ang kalinaw maoy mas maayo nga alternatibo sa giyera, busa naningkamot kita sa proseso alang sa kalinaw,” matud ni Lacierda. “Atong padayunon ang atong paningkamot nga makab-ot ang negosasyon alang sa kalinaw tungod kay nagatu-o kita nga mao kana ang mas maayo nga pamaagi,” dugang sulti niya. Miingon si Lacierda nga pagkahibalo niya sa insidente niadtong Lunes sa hapon, ang Presidente mipatawag diha-diha ug ‘Cabinet cluster meeting’ nga nagtutok sa seguridad. Miingon siya nga gimando-an sa Presidente si Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Wednesday, October 5, 2011

alang sa pagpahigayon ug ‘threat assessment’ ug pag ‘review’ sa ‘operational procedures’ aron nga mahibaw-an kinsa kadtong mga ‘vulnerable targets’ sa mga CCP-NPA-NDF. “Usa kana sa mga paagi aron kanunay kita nga makig-alayon sa komunidad ug aron usab atong mahibaw-an daan ang mga nagkalain-laing pagsuta sa mga pagpanghulga,” matud ni Lacierda. Iyang gipanawagan ang liderato sa NPA nga magkalma ug makigsabot sa kagamhanan aron makab-ot ang tinguha nga kalinaw. “Mao kini ang hugot nga ‘commitment’ sa atong gobyerno o administrasyon: Atong depensahan ang atong katawhan ug ilang maseguro nga dili kita muhunong diha lamang sa pag-gukod sa mga rebelled,” matud ni Lacierda. “ A t o n g

gipanawagan ang liderato sa CPP-NPANDF nga unta magmakalma sila ug isugyot nila sa ilang mga tropa isip kalabot kini sa pagmugna sa pagsalig sa kagamhanan alang sa kalinaw,” dugang sulti niya. Ang mga suspetsadong miyembro sa NPA mi-atake sa tulo (3) ka mga ginganlan nga kompaniya sa minahan: Nickel Asia Corporation, Platinum Metals Group ug THPAL Mining Company; tanan anaa nahimutang sa Claver, Surigao del Norte. Sumala sa mga reports, mikabat sa 200 ka mga rebelde ang nagsunog sa napulo (10) ka mga dump trucks, walo (8) ka mga backhoes, duha (2) ka mga lantsa ug usa ka guesthouse. Ila usab gipangilog ang mga armas sa mga private security guards ug gipang dugmok ang mga ‘computers’ sa opisina sa maong ‘mining site’ . 21

PARCCOM to assist DAR chart its 2014 road map by Manny Agapay

he Department of Agrarian Reform has plenty of time to sustain the gains of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Extension and Reform (CARPER) but more can be achieved in 2014 due to the assistance the Provincial Agrarian Reform Committees (PARCCOM). 22

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PARCCOM to assit....from page 22 DAR Undersecretary for policy and planning Gerundio Madueño bared this during his inspirational message at Region XI PARCCOM convention held in this city recently. Madueño said PARCCOM can do a lot in charting DAR’s 2014 road map, especially in the completion of asset reforms and helping eradicate poverty in the countryside. He added that in its asset reform target, DAR has programmed to distribute 1,093,241 hectares of agricultural lands. With the assistance of PARCCOM, DAR can secure the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the CARPawarded lands by stabilizing ownership through the transfer of Certificate of Land Ownership Award

(CLOAs) and ensure the amortization payments for the said lands. In its poverty eradication program, PARCCOM can facilitate in improving and expanding program beneficiaries development in order to increase farmers income and in the process make our ARBs ‘assets’ in contributing to the food security program of our government, Madueño stated. Moreover, PARCCOM can assist DAR in the information and education campaign to ensure the success of the implementation of our social entrepreneurship programs by expanding agrarian reform communities (ARCs) to achieve economies of scale. “We should not just focus on a few communities but to cre-

ate a big impact, we should expand this to a greater sector of our communities,” he said. The convention was attended by the PARCCOM officers from the five provinces of the region headed by the chairpersons, namely: Edgardo G. Española of Compostela Valley, Rudy Villanueva of Davao Norte, Ramon Teodolfo Barrido of Davao Sur, provincial agrarian reform officer Venchito Mandap of Davao Oriental and PARO Ernesto Tan of Davao City. The group has pledged their commitment in facilitating the achievement of the DAR’s road map 2014 in the presence of Madueño, DAR-XI assistant regional directors Juldastan Rasul and Pete Gumbao.

Safety course set for Min-Vis ports DAVAO CITY, Oct. 05 (PIA) – As the need for greater vigilance on public and workplace safety escalates, Philippine Ports Authority Training Center (PPATC) conducted the Port Safety Course (PSC) with 59 participants here from the Mindanao and Visayas port communities. 24 Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Safety course....from page 23 Safety, a very vital cornerstone in management remains to be a priority thrust of the PPA as the premier agency regulating the port system of the country, hence, the continuous upgrading on the awareness, skills and knowledge of safety and operations officers and staff involved in sea transport. The observance of safe practices at work cannot be undermined. It is beneficial in maintaining accident-free workplaces, thereby increasing efficiency, reducing operational costs, improving workers’ morale, enhancing cooperation and raising loyalty to organizations. Both public and private sectors sent delegates to the three-day training held at the Port District Office-Southern Mindanao (PDO-SoMin) Multipurpose Hall-cumTraining Center (TC) on September 14-16, 2011. There were 39 various organizations represented made up of operations/safety staff from private ports, Lo-

cal Government Units (mostly for devolved ports), cargo handling operators, Port Management Offices (PMO) and the PDO-SoMin. PPATC’s PSC mainly tackled five modules on safety particularly touching on the following essential topics: 1) The Port Situation; 2) Dockwork Safety and Health Standards; 3) Operational Safety Practices; 4) Handling Dangerous Goods and; 5) Safety Inspection and Accident Investigation. A special session of the PSC also delved into the practice of the Five (5) S: Sort, Systematize/Straighten, Shine, Standardize and Sustain from the Japanese 5S of Good Housekeeping (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke) in the workplaces to achieve an environment of effectiveness, efficiency and economy. Resource speakers included Dr. Madeline Abada, Dr. Marjorie Rola, Mr. Arvin Dadulo of the PPATC and Mr. Dante Aguila of PMO-Davao.

“This year’s PSC is a very rare opportunity to be able to bond with counterparts in the private sector and exchange learnings on best practices on safety,” Maria Sharina Gepanao, Clerk Processor and Safety, Environment and Health Committee (SEHC) member of the PDO-SoMin expressed. Gepanao hopes that the renewed commitment to safety standards through this kind of training will ensure the success of the Zero-Accident Program (ZAP) campaign in all workplaces and continually build up publicprivate partnerships on implementing uniform safety and health standards in actual practice. PPATC last facilitated a safety-related course held in the PDOSoMin TC for Basic Occupational Safety and Health Standards on June 25-29, 2007 which was also organized for port users nationwide. To complete the requirements for the PSC, participants were 25

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Safety course....from page 24 required to join a port tour at the Sasa Wharf, the baseport of PMODavao and take down notes on safe and un-

safe practices observed. Said tour-cumworkshop served as a gauge of the trainees’ grasp of concepts and ap-

plications of modules on the conduct of periodic, intermittent, continuous and special safety inspections of port operational areas.

Don’t just rely on copra, farmers told DAVAO CITY, Oct. 05 (PIA) – Farmers who rely on copra alone for their main source of livelihood earn less compared to those who have found other uses for the socalled tree of life. This was the observation made by Undersecretary for policy and planning Gerundio Madueño of the Department of Agrarian Reform during the Provincial Agrarian Reform Committee (PARCCOM) convention held in Davao City recently. Madueño said copra farmers earn their cash every two or three months depending on the maturity of their coconuts. “But during off seasons where do these farmers get their income?” he stated. He said that copra is just one of the Wednesday, October 5, 2011

bounties that this tree can offer. On the other hand, the lowly coconut husk is one byproduct that shows bright export potential as this could be made into coco coir net that is priced by environmentalist for its soil erosion control use. There are plenty of coco products which could be a potential source of income for the farmers and that credit assistance for these ventures are always available for coconut farmers who solely

rely only on copra as their main source of income, Madueño said. Along this line, he emphasized the role of PARCCOM in the information and education campaign within their areas of concern. The PARCCOM officers from the different provinces and its Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers (PAROs) came in full force as a manifestation of support to the completion of the DAR’s road map 2014 during the convention. (Manny Agapay)

Comval receives 8,705 books from The Asia Foundation and USAID by Rodielyn A. Manugas

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, Oct. 05 (PIA) – A total of 143 private and public schools received 8,705 books from The Asia Foundation through its program Books for Asia and the United Nation Agenda for International Development (USAID). Director Efren Balajadia of TAF-Books for Asia emphasized during the turn-over rites on September 30, that giving of books is their modest contribution towards advancing the quality education and providing brighter future to the children in Mindanao. Compostela Valley was among Davao Region’s provinces that have been chosen as one of the recipients TAF’s books distribution. TAF provided a total of 26,495 books to the 516 private and public schools in the region. TAF’s program complements with Governor Arturo Uy’s educational agenda - that of giving high regard and significance to education. TAF Books for Asia program has distributed 26

over 13 million books and journals to public and private institutions across the Philippines since 1954. Books for Asia donates books to all three of the island groups - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao - addressing the resource needs in 14 of the 17 regions of the country. Under this program, one million brandnew books are put into the hands of students, educators, and local and national leaders in 18 countries annually. TAF recognizes that books change lives and help shape young people’s imaginations, critical thinking skills, and their understanding of the world. Therefore, they are recognized as powerful tools to combat poverty and inspire posi-

tive, long-lasting change. The main objective of the program is to provide access to information through reading materials, and cultivating a culture of reading and literature and linking people together in today’s world. Under TAF, resources are made available for the people to enhance their mastery of English language; sharpen vocational and research skills, build knowledge in the business, legal and sciences professions. This enables people regardless of their age, to equip themselves with more knowledge and skills through reading. This project also seeks to infuse children with an early love for reading, which is critical in increasing literacy rates.

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Sto. Tomas grabs 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping by Dorina F. Ararao STO. TOMAS, Davao del Norte, Oct. 05 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The local government here was conferred of the 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping in the 2nd round of awarding given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government this year. As SGH awardee, LGU Sto. Tomas will be entitled to a Performance Challenge Fund of P1 million as an incentive. Under the leadership of Mayor Maximo M. Estela, M.D., Sto. Tomas town has been a recipient of a number of foreign assisted projects such as school buildings, farm to market roads, multi-purpose buildings, water system facilities among others that helped uplift the way of living of the people especially in the far flung barangays. All of the 19 barangays in the municipality are energized and constructed with multi-purpose buildings, current-

ly only four barangays are left to be installed with water system facility and one barangay to be constructed with a barangay health center. The municipality of Sto. Tomas has also been put in the international scene with its successful implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management. The Japanese government recognized this effort and awarded the town for its exemplary achievement of proper waste management in the household level. Estela was very pleased to once again make the people of Sto. Tomas proud of its hometown as having people in

the government service exemplifying transparency and quality public service since the focus of the evaluation for becoming a recipient of a the Seal is on the Sound Fiscal Management. The Sound Fiscal Management program of the LGU particularly resulted to the absence of adverse COA Opinion on LGU financial statements. Another criteria was on Transparent and Accountable Governance putting value on the Full Disclosure Policy. As the local officials would still yet make assessments as to what projects they will propose to the DILG using 28

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Sto. Tomas grabs...from page 27 the PCF, the people of Sto. Tomas are assured that the projects will be beneficial to the majority. Estela favourite slogan states, “Maximazing resources for the equitable development of Sto. Tomas and her people.” The SGH is a core program of DILG by which qualified LGU-recipients are given a financial incentive through the PCF to jumpstart local development initiatives that are aligned with the national government’s programs for the attainment of the Millennium Devel-

opment Goals (MDGs), tourism and local economic development, disaster risk reduction and management and solid waste management. The SGH is line with the Department’s commitment to aggressively scale up interventions to elevate the practice of governance that values transparency, accountability, participation and performance into an institutionalized status. In 2010 during its pilot implementation, the search coverage was only among the 4th-

6th class municipalities wherein the municipality of Braulio E. Dujali in Davao del Norte was a recipient from Region XI. This year, the coverage was extended to 4th- 5th class cities during the 1st round. The municipality of San Isidro and the Island Garden City of Samal became the recipients of the Seal for this awarding. Recently, the coverage was extended to all municipalities, cities and provinces wherein the Sto. Tomas was among those awarded.

Lady solon bats for bills declaring October 5 as National Teachers Day by Dorina F. Ararao NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, Oct. 05 (PIA) – Representative Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay recently manifested her co-authorship of House Bill Nos. 3409 and 4097 seeking to declare October 5 of every year as “National Teachers’ Day.” 29 28

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Lady solon bats...from page 28

House Bill No. 3409 is principally authored by Representatives Rufus B. Rodriguez (2ndDistrict, Cagayan de Oro City) and Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. (Abante Mindanao Partylist), while House Bill No. 4097’s main proponent is Rep. Antonio L. Tinio (ACT Teachers Party-list). These bills were approved by the House Committee on Basic Education during its September 26, 2011 meeting. “It is no secret that teachers in the Philippines are the most affected by the economic hardship. We all know that they are not only overworked, they are also underpaid. They risk life and limb just to teach de-

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serving students in far-flung areas, and even serve selflessly during census duties and elections—despite meager benefits, difficult working conditions and minimal protection,” the ComVal lawmaker said in a statement. “I should know— my mother is not only my first mentor. She was also a public school teacher who only recently retired after a long and fruitful stint as a molder of minds young and old alike,” Apsay said. The proposed measures aim to synchronize the various dates commemorating the event in different parts of the country, and will allow the educators to celebrate as one. This will also coincide

with the observance of World Teachers’ Day which was first inaugurated by the UNESCO in 1994. “During the State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III last July, I distinctly remember that he exhorted everyone to extend our sincere ‘Thank You’ to those who have been diligently performing their duties despite the material and financial difficulties of being a public servant,” Apsay said. “Our teachers are on top of that list. We owe everything to their skillful guidance and valuable lessons. They deserve our lifelong respect and admiration and our heartfelt gratitude,” she added.

PHOTO

Selected designers from different parts of Mindanao are ready to show designs and products in the coming Mindanao ONE, an expo aimed at showing the abundance of the island on October 14 to 17 at the World Trade Center, Manila. (PIA/Mai GeveraMacapagat)

Stakeholders in the Minda the coming event to the D (PIA XI/Mai Gevera-Mac

Colorful bags created and designed by a Mindanawon are but some of the wide array of uniquely Mindanao products to be showcased in Mindanao ONE on October 14 to 17 at the World Trade Center, Manila. (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

RELEASES

anao ONE trade exhibit and forum launched Davao press Tuesday at the Apo View Hotel. capagat)

DENR 12 trains MILF members on bamboo plantation establishment by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) – Some 200 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are here today to learn how to establish bamboo plantations. The training is in consonance of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12’s (DENR 12) approval of the request of Gen. Rodrigo “Daud” A. Fabillon, chief of staff of the General Military Mobilization for Peace and the commanding general of MNLF – Special Forces of the National Command, MINSUPALA for the training of their

members on the cultural management of bamboos. In his letter to DENR 12 Regional Executive Director Alfredo Pascual, Fabillon said the project is a means to alleviate poverty among members of his group and is in accordance with realizing “true peace and development.” Bamboos are also effective in preventing soil erosion and mitigating cli-

mate change, he added. DENR 12’s Senior Science Research Specialist Helen Villame manages the training of the MILF members. Participants came from the provinces in Mindanao, including Sulu and Palawan. The training conducted at the MNLF’s MINSUPALA National Command headquarters in Koronadal City.

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Kahalagahan ng niyog tampok sa pagdiriwang sa Glan, Sarangani KORONADAL CITY, Okt. 5 (PIA) -- Muling bibigyang pugay ng mga taga- Glan, Sarangani ang niyog sa kanilang Lubi-Lubi Festival sa Linggo, Oktubre 8. Kasabay ito sa ika97 na anibersarsyo ng pagdating ni Colony Superintendent Tranquilino Ruiz Sr. at mga kasama nito mula sa Cebu, sa baybayin ng isang lugar sa Sarangani na ngayon ay tinatawag ng bayan ng Glan. Pinakatampok sa pagdiriwang ang kilala nang Lubi-lubi Festival street dancing competition na magsisimula ng ala-una ng hapon. Ngayong taon, anim na grupo ang magpapakitang gilas sa street dancing suot

ang mga makukulay na costume na gawa sa mga parte ng niyog tulad ng dahon, tingting, bao, bunot at iba pa. Ayon kay Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. malaki ang naging kontribusyon ng niyog sa pagbabago ng bayan ng Glan mula sa pagiging masukal na lugar hanggang sa pagiging isa sa pinakaprogresibong bayan ng Sarangani. Aniya hindi na mabibilang ang mga residente ng Glan na naging doctor, en-

hinyero, guro, nurse, at propesyunal sa iba’t ibang larangan dahil sa produkto ng niyog, lalung lalo na ang kopra. Base sa datos ng Philipppine Coconut Authority at Provincial Agriculturist’s Office sa kabuuang 69,820 na ektaryang lawak ng Glan, mahigit kalahati ang tinaniman ng niyog na may total nut production na 195.6 milyon bawat taon. Sa ngayon, may halos 3.6 milyong puno ng niyog sa buong Glan. (DEDoguiles)

NHTS-PR solves problem on “political indigents” -- Philhealth official

KORONADAL CITY, Oct 5 (PIA) – An official of the Philhealth believes the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) database is an effective tool to prevent social protection benefits from going to the beneficiaries who are not poor. 34 Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Kahalagahan ng niyog...from page 33

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gone are the political indigents,â&#x20AC;? Philhealth 12 Regional Vice President Ramon Aristoza said during the launching of NHTSPR database in Soccsksagen region on at the Protech Center here. The activity was a highlight of the opening ceremonies of the 22nd Statistics Month celebration. By political indigents, Aristoza was referring to alleged beneficiaries of pro-poor programs of the government that were only included because theyr are either related or close to officials identifying list of recipients. He said, Philhealth, being one of being one

of the databaseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stakeholders commends the project and encourages the strengthening of its review process in coordination with other partner agencies to avoid duplication and validate true recipients like the Pantawid Pamilya Program and Sponsored Program of PHilhealth NHTS-PR, a nationwide project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are aimed for the government and civil society to establish objective targeting system and helps reduce in-

clusion of non poor in social protection. It is a system that uses a statistical model that estimates income of households using the proxy variables that includes family composition, education of household members, housing conditions and access to basic services. In March last year, President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order 867 directed all national government agencies to use the NHTS-PR as basis in identifying beneficiaries of social protection programs and services. Jackiya Lao, NHTS-PR focal person ng NHTS-PR DSWD 12, in an ear-

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Kahalagahan ng niyog...from page 34

lier interview said with the NHTS-PR database social protection programs and projects are downloaded to the implementing agencies with a list of specific recipients. Aristoza said NHTS-PR is the best statistical tool the national government should pursue in attaining the theme of the 22nd National Statistics Month celebration, “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives. ” “As professionals in the social protection sector, we have long been in the business of help-

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ing the poor and the disadvantaged. As to what extent we have served, we can give you numbers of people served and how much was spent. But as to how much, have made into their lives, we cannot give you quantifiable figures,” DSWD XII Regional Director Bai Zorahayda T. Taha said. She added the public is assured that the database can be corrected over time to ensure that those listed as poor households are in reality indigents. Possible errors in data gathering may happen but the project has instituted a validation mechanism to address the

problem, she said. “Since our core social protection programs utilize this database the DSWD in collaboration with other agencies, we can work together to create synergetic efforts towards social protection for the poor,” Taha said. According to the NHTS database Region 12 has 129,043 indigent households. Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of Sarangani,South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. (Philhealth 12)

SENA done through Skype in CARAGA

ecently, SEADO of the Department of Labor and Employment Surigao del Norte Field Office resolved the case against Surigao Marine Products Incorporated (SUMAPI) filed by 13 workers through a Skype conference. Thirteen workers were paid a total of P1.3 million for a single case conference. This settlement has been the highest in the history of case disposition through SENA in the province of

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Surigao del Norte, involving only one company. Joselito P. Macabuhay and 12 others went to Surigao del Norte Field Office in Surigao City to get advice on how

to claim their separation pay and other benefits from Surigao Marine Products (SUMAPI) which closed operation in July 2011. They were first advised to send a letter 37

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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph

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SENA done...from page 36 to the management but the latter took no action on it so the complainants went back to DOLE and formally filed a complaint. During the hearing on August 1, requesting parties contested that their case will not prosper under the representation of SUMAPI branch manager, Ms. Perlita R. Damacino as she could not decide or make decisions for and in behalf of the responding party without first consulting the top management at the head office. Ms. Damacino explained that she too is a party-in-fact claiming

the same benefits the 13 workers are trying to work out. They insisted the presence of the Vice President and SUMAPI Controller, Atty. Zosimo L. Padro, Jr., the right person who can decide and satisfy certain issues they want to clarify. Right there and then, they tried to contact Atty. Padro and learned that he was in Manila. Realizing that available technology could possibly aid the negotiation, Mr. Verlan Diaz, the SEADO requested Atty. Padroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skype account and arranged through Ms. Damacino a live online conference to avoid

resetting the hearing. Employing such, the parties were able to exchanged views and openly laid their respective concerns. At last, the parties surprisingly arrived at terms and agreement, including a constructive scheduling of payments of benefits. The P1,347,022.74 was given in two installments, the first half on August 15 and the full payment on September 15. The DOLE SDN FO witnessed the payment and attested to the correctness of the amounts received by each worker. (DOLECaraga)

Surigao Norte PNP chief, two others sacked; former police chief returns by FEAbkilan SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Oct. 5 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A former police director of the province now returns from his post following the relief order of the police director and two other senior officials in connection with the recent attack of the three mining companies in Claver. Police Regional Information Officer PSupt. Martin Gamba confirmed the return of PS/Supt. David Ombao, a former

police provincial director of the province replacing PS/Supt. Emmanuel Talento. Ombao assumed

the post yesterday. Also relieved were Provincial Public Safety Company Commander PCInsp. Rudy Cuyop and 38

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Surigao Norte PNP...from page 37 Claver police chief PSInsp. Diomedes Cuadra. Gamba said it was Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome who ordered the relief Monday night following their

alleged failure to conduct intelligence gathering that led to the successful attack of members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), Taganito HPAL Corporation and Platinum

Group Metals Corporation based in Claver town. Gamba said Cuyop will replaced by his deputy, PCInsp. Joram Jumalon while Cuadra will be replaced by PSInsp. Zosimo Torrecampo.

Rebels claim responsibility of mining attack in Surigao Norte by Dandy Lapura SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Oct. 5 (PIA) – Communist rebels claimed on Tuesday responsibility for the attacks on three mining firms in Claver, and demanded that environmental issues be resolved.

According to a letter from Ka Maria Malaya, spokesperson of CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN), that Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), since its operation, greater destruction were caused in the environment and that they failed to pay millions worth of taxes, suppressed their work-

ers’ rights and indigenous people’s rights. She also said that the Platinum Gold Metal Corporation (PGMC), a giant mining firm, also operating in the province, were already exporting millions of tons of nickel ore to its foreign buyers however, most of their employees are

still in contractual basis. “This company caused damage in the environment,” she added. Meantime, Malaya claimed that TMC’s partner Taganito High-Pressure Acid Leaching Plant (THPAL) also caused environmental destruction. On Monday, around 39

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Rebels raid.....from page 38 300 CNN rebels, disguised as military officer swooped in TMC’s compound burning heavy equipment, service vehicles, buses and buildings and briefly holding several people. Another group of rebels simultaneously attacked the nearby Platinum Metals

Group Corporation and Taganito HPAL with the firms’ guards also disarmed. DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said that damaged to heavy equipment and properties of the two mining firms (PGMC and TMC) now estimated to P3Billion.

Earlier, Malacanang assured the public that perpetrators in the recent attack will be brought to justice. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, in a statement, said the government is taking the attacks “seriously and are continuously monitoring the situation in Claver.”

Caraga Reg’l Science High School stude wins Super Quiz Bee SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) – A student from Caraga Regional Science High School (CRHS) adjudged as the winner in the recently concluded Super Quiz Bee competition with the slogan, “Knock Out Crime!” The event was spearheaded by Surigao del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council held recently at Philippine Gateway Hotel, Surigao City in line with the celebration of the National Crime Prevention Month. Clarisses H. Dacer of CRHS, outwits other 12 participants from different secondary schools both public and private. Second place went to Jeselle Apolo of Dapa National High School, Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Dapa and third place was awarded to Prelyn C. Mola of Magpayang National High School, Mainit. Other highlights of the activity include the announcement of winners in Poster Making Contest and Essay Writing Contest. The winners in Poster Making Contest are the following, 1st-Donald Putor of Toledo S. Pantillo Sr. Memorial National High School; 2nd-Danessa E.

Gumapac of Saint Paul University, Surigao City; 3rd-Stephanie L. Luna of Tubod National High School, Tubod. For the Essay Writing Contest, the winners are: 1st-Maribeth M. Dominais of Bunyasan National High School, Malimono; 2nd-Shaquel D. Nasayao of Claver National High School, Claver; 3rd-Ramil S. Espera, Jr., Ipil National High School, Surigao City. (Dandy Lapura) 39

Surigao Norte PNP chief, two others sacked; former police chief returns SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Oct. 5 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A former police director of the province now returns from his post following the relief order of the police director and two other senior officials in connection with the recent attack of the three mining companies in Claver. Police Regional Information Officer PSupt. Martin Gamba confirmed the return of PS/ Supt. David Ombao, a former police provincial director of the province replacing PS/Supt. Emmanuel Talento. Ombao assumed the post yesterday. Also relieved were Provincial Public Safety Company Commander

PCInsp. Rudy Cuyop and Claver police chief PSInsp. Diomedes Cuadra. Gamba said it was Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome who ordered the relief Monday night following their alleged failure to conduct intelligence gathering that led to the successful attack of members of New Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army

(NPA) in Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), Taganito HPAL Corporation and Platinum Group Metals Corporation based in Claver town. Gamba said Cuyop will replaced by his deputy, PCInsp. Joram Jumalon while Cuadra will be replaced by PSInsp. Zosimo Torrecampo. (FEAbkilan)

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

PPA holds GST for Northern Cluster VPAs and personnel in Dipolog

by Alma L. Tingcang

he Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) recently held the Gender Sensitivity Training for Northern Cluster Volunteer Probation Aides (VPA) and personnel at Mibangs Hotel in Dipolog City on September 27-28, 2011.

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42 41

PPA holds GST....from page 41

Thirty (30) participants attended the training which was facilitated by resource persons headed by PPA Regional Director Rosa H. Lacanglacang, ARD Tarcisia A. Tampos, CPPOs Ma. Jeanette F. Requina, Jose Allan B. Santillana, Marcela T. Busico, OIC Josilyn S. Bael, PPOII Charito E. Cinco and Atty. Jerry Mayormita of the Civil Service Commission for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and women’s leave privileges. RD Lacanglacang said Gender and Development is a perspective that recognizes the unequal status

and situation of women and men in society. The GST was intended to instill awareness among our VPAs and personnel in order to make them become gender sensitive for himself, for his family, for their clients and for the community. The training likewise enabled them to have a paradigm shift as they are made aware of the problems and concerns brought by the unequal status of women and men in our society because of our different characteristics, roles and expectations. She said getting rid of our own biases

and prejudices in order to protect and fulfill women’s human rights, promote women’s empowerment and gender-responsive governance that will truly result to a society that recognizes gender equality can only be achieved if we all become gender-sensitive. Gender Equality is part and parcel of the President Benigno Aquino III’s 16-point Agenda which is advocated by the Civil Service Commission and all stakeholders in accordance with EO No. 273 and the Millenium Development Goals of the Philippines.

GSIS implements initiatives to improve service by Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, Oct.5 (PIA)---“The new Government Service Insurance System(GSIS) is now more consultative, transparent and service-focused,” says a GSIS official. 43 42

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GSIS implements...from page 42

Mr. Robert Vergara, GSIS President and General Manager said the current Board and Management has implemented various initiatives to provide responsive service to its 1.4 million members throughout the country. These initiatives include increasing access of members and pensioners through its partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines as additional service bank and deployment of an additional 500 GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System(GWAPS) kiosks across the country; cancellation of the Annual Renewal of Active Status (ARAS) for pensioners for their greater convenience; revised survivorship policy which now allows survivors to receive their pension even if they are

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

receiving income or pension from other institutions; adoption of the Choice of Loans Amortization Schedule for Pensioners (CLASP)which give retirees the freedom to choose the settlement mode for their loan obligations; and continued cleansing of members’ records to reduce the massive volume of inaccurate statements. The state pension fund chief admitted “we have more to do, but we vow we will not stop until the last policy is changed, the last process is improved and the last system is revisited.” Vergara added that in the next six months, the new GSIS leadership will design a new insurance policy with bigger savings, review the PremiumBased Policy which works under the principle of “what you

pay is what you get”, review the educational and funeral preneed plans, establish a 50-seater and 24/7 call center by December and adopt a one-stop-shop setup in field office s. Vergara and GSIS Chairman Daniel Lacson have been in Mindanao lately and conducted dialogues in the cities of Davao, General Santos and Cagayan de Oro. GSIS is also planning to hold a monthly dialogue with its stakeholders nationwide to keep them updated of any development in the state pension fund. “We need to listen and hear the concerns of our members because their comments will serve as valuable inputs in our continuing review of our policies and benefit programs,” Vergara said.

DTI-Zambo. Norte to tap PIA, LTO, DepED on helmet law dissemination by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) - - The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zamboanga del Norte is now asking the support of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Education (DepED) to help in the information campaign on Republic Act No. 10054 otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

Consumer’s Welfare Division Chief Julius C. Salaveria said his office has already issued press releases about the standard motorcycle helmet as prescribed by the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the helmet law. However, Salaveria disclosed that DTI provincial offices are still awaiting the list of motorcycle helmet manufacturers and importers includ-

ing the brands which have passed the standards of the Bureau of Products Standards (BPS). As soon as his office gets the list, Salaveria said he would seek the help of the PIA, LTO and DepED in undertaking massive information campaign on the helmet law. To determine whether the motorcycle helmet is standard or not is through the Import Commodity Clearance

(ICC) and/or Product Standard (PS) markings on the helmet. Presently, the prices of standard motorcycle helmets range from P2,700 to P3,700 each. “Since motorcycle helmet is not a basic necessity or a prime commodity, its price is not monitored and controlled by DTI. Only market forces can dictate the price,” Salaveria stressed.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Breastfeeding room set up at CHO

DIPOLOG CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) - - The City Health Office (CHO) here has now a breastfeeding room for working mothers with breastfed babies, according to family planning coordinator Rhodora M. Yrañela. Yrañela said the breastfeeding room would be used by female employees with breastfed infants/children. “Breastfeeding mothers who would come for checkup/consultation at the CHO could also use it to breastfeed their chil-

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

dren. “The establishment of a breastfeeding room at the CHO was in compliance with Republic Act No. 10028, which requires government offices to set up such a facility to encourage breastfeeding among mothers,” Yra-

ñela stressed. It can be recalled that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) have launched an intensified campaign on breastfeeding, as the mother’s milk is still the best for babies. (FPG)

Wednesday, October 5, 2011