PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail : r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Skype : hnb_r9pia
NATIONAL • President Aquino delegates power to inspect
accounts of suspected tax cheats to DOF chief
• Aquino declares Sept. 12-17 as Printing Industry Week • Ochoa: Anti-terrorism law needs more teeth • Aquino leads unveiling of historical marker in Aquino house in Tarlac • Malacanang enjoins Filipino people to renew commitment to world peace in remembering 9/11 tragedy
Northern Mindanao
Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail : pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail : efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Northern Mindanao • Puerto Sayre flyover ready for inauguration - DPWH • Mahinog holds public hearing on proposed new revenue code • Bukidnon Certified Masonry Worker bags the 2011 Galing Mason Regional Award • City Dads propose • LGU Kauswagannfra projects
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail : r12_pia@yahoo.com pia_xii@yahoo.com
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Comval, youngest province, among the Top 10 LGUs cited for good governance • COMVAL-2nd Filaria-free Province in Mindanao
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • 5 pampublikong paaralan makatatanggap ng mga computer at speech lab • Tagalog News: Nakumpiskang mga tabla sa N.Cotabato iimbestigahan ng DENR • DA backs local coop with Php10-M construction of FMR next year
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
OUR COVER Today’s cover
features the
THE BONOKBONOK Festival 2011
2
In This Issue...
of Surigao City ONE MINDANAO
• Surigao Sur Gov sees “Dano Abduction” used in peace talks • Butuan dad leads implementation of the “Clean Ground, Zero Waste” Program • BCPO to launch “Basura Ko, Buhat Ko” • Reg’l Cooperative Dev’t Council to celebrate Cooperative Month • Crocodile trappers, mihimo na og bag-ong trap alang sa lain pang buwaya
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • ARMM observes 111th Philippine Civil Service Month • DOLE-9 to intensify drive against Child Labor • Dipolog solid waste board to ban use of plastics, cellophane by market vendors • GSIS beefs up GW@PS kiosk deployment • US envoys’ presence in Pagadian signifies America’s confidence belief of the region’s peace and development
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Cover Story:
by Robert E. Roperos
Surigao City not to join in Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival 2012
S
urigao City Senior Tourism Operations Officer Roselyn Merlin said the famous Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw contingent of the city will not participate in the 2012 Sinulog Festival in Cebu City inspite of the successful staging of this year’s Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival on Friday, Sept. 9 at the Surigao del Norte Provincial Sports Center. 4
Saturday, September 10, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
3
Cover Story: Surigao City will ... from page 3 In an interview at the city hall recently, Merlin said joining in the prestigious Sinulog Festival in Cebu City next year is not practical considering the financial aspect the city and province will incur to organize a contingent. Merlin said it was in 2004 where BonokBonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Contingent from Surigao City was last seen in the Sinulog Festival. It can be recalled that the contingent from the Caraga Region has gain prestigious awards in the history of Sinulog Festival. They became champion for consecutive years in the 1980s and 1990s, thus bringing honor not only to the city but to the region, as well. Merlin said instead of joining in the Sinulog Festival, organizers of the Bonok-Bonok Festival is now focusing on how the Festival will be made bigger as a way of promoting the rich culture of Surigaonons. Meanwhile, in time with the fiesta celebra-
tion of the city, ten contingents coming from the neighboring municipalities and barangays vied for the top prize in the Bonok-Bonok based and Free Interpretation categories. Winner in the Bonok-bonok based category is the R.C. Ouano Memorial Elementary School, also declared Best in Streetdancing and Best Choreographer. In the Free Interpretation Category, all-time favorite and defending Champion Surigao del Norte National High School wowed the judges and the audience in their breath-taking performance. Like the R.C. Ouano Memorial Elementary School, they also won Best in Streetdancing and Best Choreographer. The tourism officer of the city said prizes last year were doubled to invite more contingents. She also said local government units in as far as Visayas were invited to the festival but unfortunately, only the neighboring munici-
palities have confirmed their participation aside from the contingents in the barangays. Prizes for the free interpretation category are as follows: P200,000 plus trophy for the 1st prize; P150,000 plus trophy for the 2nd prize; P100,000 plus trophy for the 3rd prize; and P20,000 each for the consolation prize. Special awards for Best in Street Dancing is P50,000 plus trophy; Best Choreographer is P20,000 plus trophy; and Best in Musicality is P20,000 plus trophy. Winners in the Bonok-Bonok based category received the following prizes: P100,000 plus trophy for the 1st prize; P75,000 plus trophy for the 2nd prize; 5
4
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Cover Story: Surigao City will ... from page 4
P50,000 plus trophy for the 3rd prize; and P20,000 each for the consolation prize. Special awards for Best in Street Dancing is P50,000 plus trophy; Best Choreographer is P20,000 plus trophy; and Best in Costume is P20,000 plus trophy. Moreover, Mr. Richard Amores, Surigao City Tourism Council chairperson and Festival Director said the festival although all participating was very successful and contingents are from the
Saturday, September 10, 2011
province of Surigao del Norte, “this means that Surigaonons have exceptional talent and skills in terms of showcasing the rich culture and tradition of the province. Amores further said, the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival in 2012 promises an event that every Surigaonon and Caraganon will always remember as bigger prizes are at stake. (PIA-Caraga)
ONE MINDANAO
5
President Aquino delegates power to inspect accounts of suspected tax cheats to DOF chief
I
t will now be easier for foreign tax authorities to request information on suspected tax cheats in the country.
Executive Order (EO) No. 56, signed by President Benigno Aquino III on September 6, has delegated the authority to order the opening for inspection of income tax returns of selected taxpayers suspected of tax evasion to the Secretary of the Department of Finance. The directive was issued as part of the country’s commitment to combat international tax avoidance and evasion and to help address tax issues that may affect international trade and investment, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa said on Saturday. “We recognize that tax information is oftentimes necessary
for authorities in other countries to build cases against individuals charged with certain crimes in their jurisdictions. This EO seeks to make it easier to share that information.” Republic Act (RA) No. 10021, or the Exchange of Information on Tax Matters Act of 2009, ensures compliance with the commitments of the Philippine government under existing tax treaties and international conventions and authorizes the BIR to exchange information on tax matters with its foreign counterparts to help combat international tax evasion. Specifically, the law allows a requesting foreign tax authority to
study the income tax returns of taxpayers, upon approval of the President. In EO 56, the Chief Executive delegates this duty to the finance chief, according to Ochoa. EO 56 noted that since RA 10021 does not require the President to personally order the opening of accounts of specific taxpayers subject of a request, such authority may be exercised by his alter ego, in this case the DoF chief. “Whereas, under the doctrine of qualified political agency, except in cases when the President is required by the Constitution or law to act personally or the exigencies of the situation demand 7
6
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
President Aquino... from page 6
that he acts personally, the multifarious executive and administrative functions of the President are performed by and through the executive departments, and the acts of the Secretaries of such departments, performed and promulgated in the regular course of business, are presumptively the acts of the President,” the EO stated. Ochoa added that aside from being the President’s alter ego, the DOF Secretary was in the best position to
review and assess requests from foreign tax authorities since his department oversees the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which is tasked to recommend action on such requests. The President also directed the Secretary of Finance to issue specific rules and regulations that will govern the inspection of income tax returns, upon the recommendation of the BIR Commissioner. The EO warned that any information
received by a foreign tax authority as a result of the opening of the accounts “shall be treated by the authority as absolutely confidential in nature” and “shall be disclosed only to persons or authorities, including courts and administrative bodies, involved in the assessment or collection of, the enforcement or prosecution in respect of, or the determination of appeals in relation to, the taxes covered by such conventions or agreements.”
Aquino declares Sept. 12-17 as Printing Industry Week
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has declared September 12 to 17, 2011 as “Printing Industry Week,” coinciding with the 15th National Printers Convention and Print Philippines 2011.
Proclamation No. 251 was signed on September 7, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. to recognize “the significant role of the printing industry in the economy through the recording, preserving and disseminating of knowledge and information.” The proclamation also aims to promote “an environment conducive to the
growth and competitiveness of private enterprises, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).” The Printing Industries Association of the Philippines Inc. (PIAP) will hold its convention on September 12-13 at the Heritage Hotel, EDSA corner Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. The PIAP will hold the
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Print Philippines 2011 event on Sept. 14 -17 at the World Trade Center on Roxas Blvd. corner Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. in Pasay City. The theme of the events is “Sustaining Growth through Continuous Innovation”. PIAP is one of the biggest associations of graphic art practitioners with some 600 members. (JS)
ONE MINDANAO
7
Ochoa: Anti-terrorism law needs more teeth
M
alacañang is pushing Congress to amend key provisions in the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007 to boost the government’s anti-terrorism initiatives, strengthen prosecution of suspected terrorists and address possible abuse of the law by authorities.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., who also chairs the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), said on Saturday that the changes the Palace is seeking are designed to give more teeth to the law and make the measure consistent with existing international agreements and Philippine laws. “The government recognizes that terrorism is a constant threat that requires us to be vigilant. After reviewing our counter-terrorism initiatives, we decided to focus on strengthening anti-terror legislation to make it more responsive to the threats posed by terrorists,” Ochoa said. A bill proposing amendments to the HSA, which was enacted
in 2007 in response to calls for stronger antiterrorist legislation, is one of the priority legislative measures President Benigno Aquino III has asked congressional leaders to pass. Ochoa said one of the major changes in the law the government wants lawmakers to consider is to further define terrorism as acts punishable under certain provisions of the Revised Penal Code with the intent, by its nature or context, to either sow and create a condition of fear and panic among the populace, or to coerce the government or an institution imbued with public interest to give in to certain demands. Under the law, terrorism is punishable by
40 years imprisonment without the benefit of parole. To strengthen prosecution, Ochoa said there is a need to remove sections of the HSA that require authorities to inform suspected terrorists that they are under surveillance and their bank accounts are subject of investigations, as well as the portion of the law that disallows the application of the law one month before and two months after an election. “These provisions defeat the whole purpose of covert surveillance and investigations by the authorities,” he said. “We want these amended to make our law a more effective tool in our efforts to prevent 9
8
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Ochoa: Anti-terrorism... from page 8 terrorism.” A review of the The Executive Sec- law by the ATC also unretary said Congress derscored the need to should consider modi- strengthen the HSA to fying the HSA provision guarantee the right of that entitles a suspect- a person suspected of ed terrorist acquitted the crime of terrorism by a court or wrongly to counsel at any time detained by authori- of the day, and for forties to claim damages eign nationals, the right of P500,000 per day for to communicate with a every day of detention, representative of his or to P500,000 for the du- her state. ration of the detention. To deter abuse of The proposed mone- of the HSA, the ATC tary penalty is over and proposes that law enabove the amounts pro- forcement agents be vided in any other ex- required to report withisting laws, he added. in 30 days, to the CA
division that authorized their surveillance and bank examinations, the results of their investigations––to allow the said CA division to assess the legitimacy of their operations. “While our goal is to strengthen the law, amendments are also necessary to ensure that the law will not be abused. We believe that ensuring the security of our citizens should not come at the expense of their civil liberties,” Ochoa explained.
Aquino leads unveiling of historical marker in Aquino house in Tarlac
C
ONCEPCION, Tarlac: President Benigno Aquino III led Saturday the unveiling of marker of the Aquino family ancestral house in Concepcion, Tarlac, declared by the National Historical Commission (NHC) as historical site in 1987.
The NHC said the government declared the Aquino ancestral house as a landmark because of its historical significance being the home of wellknown patriots from the Aquino clan. Three generations of
Aquinos lived in the house since it was built in 1939. General Servillano Aquino, the great grandfather of the present President lived in the house. General Aquino was a Katipunero who joined the revolution against the
Spaniards. He also fought the Americans during the Filipino-American war. The President’s grandfather, Benigno Aquino Sr. also lived in the house. Aquino Sr. was the speaker of the national assembly, became a Tarlac 10
Saturday, September 10, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
9
Aquino leads... from page 9 representative, a senator and secretary of agriculture and commerce. Also, Benigno Aquino Jr., the father of the president resided in the ancestral house when he was the mayor of Concepcion town. He then became Tarlac governor and eventually senator. He fought the dictatorial leadership of former President Ferdinand Marcos and was assassinated in August 1983. NHC declared the
Aquino home historical landmark in 1987 based on its board resolution 1 series of 1987. Since its building in 1939 with the help of wood craftsmen from Pampanga, the surviving Aquino family members decided to renovate the house this year so the public could appreciate its historical value. Aside from unveiling of the marker, the President was in Concepcion Saturday to join other
Aquino family members in celebrating the 80th birthday of Maria Aurora Aquino Lichauco, the President’s aunt. AquinoLichauco is the eldest of all the seven Aquino siblings. Among those who joined the occasion were Aquino family members, Rep. Jesli Lapuz (Tarlac District III), Concepcion Mayor Noel Villanueva and Concepcion barangay officials. (AS)
Malacanang enjoins Filipino people to renew commitment to world peace in remembering 9/11 tragedy
T
he Filipino people join the world in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the September 11 (9/11) terror attacks.
“A decade after the terror attacks on New York City and Washington, DC, the world pauses in solemn remembrance of the grievous losses in lives on that day,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement. Valte said, “The Filipino people join the world in commemorating the heroism demonstrated in so many ways on that day, too. Most of all, this is a day for all nations and peoples to reaffirm their commitment to peace
10
and stability built on mutual respect and dialogue between cultures and religions.” The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaida, a militant Islamist group, against targets in New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. The group hijacked four commercial aircraft. They crashed one into each tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York City, causing the twin towers to
ONE MINDANAO
collapse. The third plane crashed into the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters, the Pentagon, in Arlington County, Virginia, just outside the capital, Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought back against the hijackers. The attacks were the most lethal ever by a foreign force on the U.S., and the first upon the mainland since the War of 1812. (JS)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Puerto Sayre flyover ready for inauguration - DPWH by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 10 (PIA) – The 195 lineal-meter flyover at the junction of Sitio Puerto, Barangay Bugo and Sayre highway, towards Bukidnon, here, is now ready for inauguration and turnover. This was announced by Engr. Leonald L. Pecore, Resident Engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in region 10, during a recent media forum at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10. He said construction of the Puerto-Sayre flyover, started last March 28, some five (5) days after its groundbreaking by President Benigno C. Aquino III, when he visited Cagayan de Oro, last March 23. It is expected to be completed, this coming
Sept. 28, yet. However, it was already completed, last August 31. The project, Pecore said, is made of modular superstructure materials with four (4) piers supported on 1.5m diameter bored piles. The flyover, which is expected to ease the traffic congestion in the area during peak hours, is implemented by the DPWH under the President’s Bridge Program Office (PBPO) in coordination with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro. Costing Php362million, the project is funded by the COFACE
Export Credit Guarantee Assistance of the French Government, he added. Pecore also announced that the on-going construction of the Cagayan de Oro City International Trade and Convention Center is already 29.32 percent completed. An ideal place for international and national trade exhibits, seminars and conventions, the center to be constructed has an estimated cost of Php758million and will have seating capacity of approximately 7,700. Meanwhile, DPWH10 Construction Divi12
Saturday, September 10, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
11
Puerto Sayre... from page 11
sion Chief, Engr. Dante G. Caylo, disclosed that their regional office has a total appropriation of Php4.22 billion for a total of 97 projects, this year. He said projects
costing below Php50million and implemented by the respective District Engineering Offices in the region amounted to Php1.438 billion for a total of 76 projects.
Projects worth above Php50-million and implemented by the DPWH Regional Office amounted Php2.783 billion for a total of 21 projects. (PIA-10)
Mahinog holds public hearing on proposed new revenue code by Homer R. Jajalla MAHINOG, Camiguin, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Committee on Ways and Means (CWM) is fast tracking the passage of the proposed Municipal Revenue Code, here, in a bid to update the existing tax code which was last passed in 1992. Thus, a public hearing, attended by more than 200 participants representing various sectors, was held at the municipal gymnasium to gather public inputs on the proposed revenue measure which is needed to spur local growth. Kagawad Jonard B. Labadan, Chairperson, SB WMCommittee, stressed the need to pass a new revenue measure because it has already been almost 20 years already that the
municipality is operating with the old code. “In 1992, we were the first municipality in Camiguin that was able to come up with a model revenue code, and now we are left behind because we are the only municipality in the province to have been unable to update it,” Labadan told participants at the hearing. He added “Mahinognons” are still fortunate because for almost 20 years fees
and charges in Mahinog have remained unchanged and are even considered minimal compared to other local government units (LGU) in the province. At the public hearing, municipal treasurer Judith P. Baita presented the salient provisions of the town’s proposed Revenue Code. Baita said the proposed revision includes ten percent (10%) increase of the rates in the existing 1992 revenue code as allowed 13
12
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Mahinog holds... from page 12
by Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as The Local Government Code of 1991. Under the code, LGU’s are authorized to adjust their tax rates once every five (5) years but such adjustment should not exceed ten percent (10%) of the rates fixed under the code. Baita stressed it has been three (3) times, or more than 15 years, that the LGU chose not to take the
opportunity to adjust its tax rates. “It is high time now ‘to awake from the long sleep’ and pass a new revenue code in order to keep pace with the changing times,” he said. Meanwhile, Dr. Perla J. Garot, a participant from the business sector, said tax amendments are appropriate as long as the money is spent properly and it is also important that during the public hear-
ings taxpayers should be made to understand how tax money is used. Mayor Alex R. Jajalla said the new revenue measures is needed to finance more developmental projects. He also assured that every centavo of the money collected from local taxes will be judiciously used for the purpose it is collected. (MIO/PIA-10)
Bukidnon Certified Masonry Worker bags the 2011 Galing Mason Regional Award by Nazario Villamor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 10 (PIA) – Almer R. Salinday from Bukidnon has been cited the 2011 “Galing Mason” Awards Regional Winner. This, after Almer beat the other 12 contenders from other provinces of the region, during the 2011 “Galing Mason” Regional Skills Competition held, last Sept. 5-6, at the Gawad Kalinga Village, La Paz 1, Lapasan, here. As the Regional Win-
ner, Almer will receive a cash prize and a medal to be given during the National Competition in Manila, this coming Oct. 2125. He will have a chance to compete at the national level where the grand winner will bring home a Php150,000 cash prize.
Director Irene M. Isaac of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), region 10, said the 2-day skills tilt proved the mastery of the masons on concrete hollow block (CHB) laying, plastering, wall smooth finishing, and concrete slab 14
Saturday, September 10, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
13
Bukidnon Certified... from page 13 construction. The criteria for judging include workmanship, technique, speed and work values, as well, as safety practices and housekeeping, Isaac said. The event was sucessfuly conducted in partnership with Holcim, Philippines, Inc., a leading cement manufacturer in the country, Gawad Kalinga (GK)-Lapasan Chapter, Lapasan Barangay Council and TESDA-X. Holcim Phils., Inc.
supplied the cement, competitors and allowances for the jury and other incentives for the competition while TESDA screened the competitors, identified the jury and provided the technical support. The concrete hollowblocks, sand and gravel, steel bars, and other supplies and materials, were supplied by GK- Lapasan while physical arrangement and the security of the contest venue was
handled by the Lapasan Barangay Council. Isaac said TESDA and Holcim have been strong partners for six (6) years in helping train and certify dignified Filipino masons in the country, which to date has recorded 6,000 certified masons under the program. In unison, they have greeted contenders of “Mabuhay ang mga Galing Mason� in Northern Mindanao! (TESDA/ PIA-10)
SP requests NEDA to conduct feasibility study on proposed Iligan Coastal Road by Melvin T. Anggot
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- The members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) of Iligan requested the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, to conduct a feasibility study on the proposed Coastal Road Project of the city. This was done through a resolution endorsed by SP Kagawad Jose Zalsos, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works, recently. Kagawad Zalsos said the plan for the proposed project was discussed in a personal meeting of Mayor
14
Lawrence Ll. Cruz with Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad in Manila. Zalsos said it was Secretary Abad who suggested that we request NEDA to make the feasibility study as basis and a step toward the realization of the project.
ONE MINDANAO
Based on the plans, Phase 1 of the coastal road will go through Bacolod Street to the side of the fence of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the beach of Saray connecting to Emilia Khu Street that comes out towards the national highway. (CIO/PIA-10) Saturday, September 10, 2011
Cebuano News: Celebrasyon sa Iligan Business Month, naka kuha’g suporta gikan sa mga stakeholders by Melvin T. Anggot
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 9 (PIA) – Naka kuha’g suporta gikan sa mga stakeholders ang pagpangandam sa pagsa-ulog sa Business Month sa Iligan karong umaabot nga bulan sa Oktobre. Atol sa meeting nga gipahigayon didto sa Session Hall sa Sangguniang Panglalawigan (SP), bag-ohay pa lamang, ang mga stakeholders mipadayag sa ilang hugot nga pagsuporta sa maong kalihokan. Lakip niini nga mga stakeholders ang nagkalain-laing mga pundok sa mga negosyante, ahensiya sa gobyerno, institusyon ug ubang buhatan sa gilaraw nga mga kalihukan alayon sa maong kasaulogan. Kini gilangkuban sa mga mosunod: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation of Iligan, Iligan Bay Chamber of Industries, Lanao Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, ug Iligan Hotel-Restaurants and Resorts Association, Department of
Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency ug Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), lakip na ang College of Business Administration and Accountancy niini. City Agriculture Office, Iligan Investment Promotions Center, City Information Office, Drugstore Association of the Philippines-Iligan Chapter ug uban pa. Gilauman nga makahatag og dugang kadasig sa patigayon sa siyudad ang paggahin og usa ka bulan matag tuig kanus-a ipahigayon ang mgabusiness fora, conventions, conferences, trade exhibits ug uban pa nga makatutok sa pagpa-uswag sa sektor sa patigayon.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Ang business month o gitawag usab nga Asenso Iliganon mao’y usa sa mga proyekto ni SP LKagawad Frederick Siao ilalom sa iyang gihuptan ngachairmanship sa Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry ug gipaluyohan ni Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz. Tinguha sa kagamhanang lokal nga mamahimo na kining institusyon pinaagi sa pagpasar sa usa ka resolusyon sa konseho nga gipangamahanan ni Siao kauban sila si Kagawad Ruderic Marzo, Michelle Sweet ug Marlene Young. Sunod nga laraw karon ni Kagawad Siao ang pagmugna og usa ka komitiba nga mao’y tugyanan nga modumala sa Business Month Celebration.(CIO/ PIA-10)
ONE MINDANAO
15
Comval, youngest province, among the Top 10 LGUs cited for good governance
C
ompostela Valley is the 78th province among the 86th provinces in the country. Created last March 8, 2008, the province is only 13 years in its existence but had gone so far in terms of governance and administration. Last September 5, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauded the province as one of the top 10 provinces who had initiated and implemented programs designed to improve the lives of its constituents, environmental protection, financial accountability and commitment to transparency. Governor Arturo T. Uy had been sincere in his commitment of elevating and maintaining the highest standards of public service delivery in Compostela Valley. Hence, DILG through the annual Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), an assessment tool that measures LGU performance in key governance areas and provide information on the status of LGU’s in terms of local governance and development, commends the province for its shining examples on its performance on administrative, social
economic, environmental governance and fundamentals of good governance which include transparency, participation and financial accountability. Administrative Governance
rated as “EXCELLENT� in the implementation of R.A. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 with 95.5% excellent descriptive rating. Among the provinces in Davao Region, Compostela Valley is also a consistent top rank performer in revenue collection and generation having sufficient income which comes from the four local sources (business, fees & charges, economic enterprise and real property tax).
Local legislation, development planning, revenue generation, resource allocation and utilization as well as human resource management and development had been properly and justly Social Governance performed. COMVAL is the only local government unit The province had in the whole bureaucracy been very speedy in the 17
16
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Comval, youngest... from page 16 delivery of health services, support to education services, support to housing and basic utilities, peace and security and disaster risk management. A total of 554 scholars is enrolled for school year 2011-2012 under Compostela Valley Scholarship Program (CVSP). Four hundred (400) houses had been built and occupied by the identified poorest of the poor and homeless COMVALEĂ‘OS in the nine municipalities. Series of trainings had been conducted to address quick response during disasters with 23 graduate responders and emergency response vehicle, rubber boat and unified telecommunication system were purchased to fasten emergency services and enhance immediate responses to any form of natural and man made calamities. Combating different kinds of illness either infectious and disabling had been very successful having accorded as a FILIARIASIS FREE province, 2nd in Mindanao and the 7th in the entire country.
Economic Governance Support to agriculture sector, fishery services and enterprise, business and industry promotion becomes the nature of economic activities of the province. Construction of farm to market roads, provision of any form of assistance to fishery sector had been extended including the rehabilitation and construction of fishery related infrastructure (mariculture park, fish port, sea cages). The province is very capable in promoting a business friendly environment and customeroriented civil application is in place. There had been a management authority created to take the lead in promoting the investment potentials of the province. Environmental Governance Forest ecosystem, freshwater ecosystem, coastal marine ecosystem and urban ecosystem management takes the central activity for environment project. Pollution control and
Saturday, September 10, 2011
solid waste management are attended and institutionalized. Long term and short term planning are considered and Solid Waste Management Board is very functional. Mining operations had been regulated and environmental code had been drafted to continuously protect the mother nature. Governor Uy takes cognizance of the progressive performance of the province. “I salute my colleagues in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), for sanding with me and delivering the necessary legislative measures supporting my development endeavors and the entire workforce of the provincial government for a job well done. May we always move forward to gain more accomplishments in the years to come� Uy said. Compostela Valley is still very young and much are still to be done but inspired by the spirit of unity and solidarity, many more can still be accomplished and expected in the coming years. (MGM/PIA/ Rodielyn A. ManugasIDS COMVAL)
ONE MINDANAO
17
COMVAL-2nd Filaria-free Province in Mindanao COMPOSTELA VALLEY On the occasion of the 4th Family Health Fair of the province last September 2-3, 2011 at Maco, Comval Province, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH) declare COMVAL as the 2nd Filaria-free Province in the entire Mindanao and the 7th in the entire country. By virtue of Executive Order No. 0362008, Compostela Valley celebrates Family Health Day through a 2-day Family Health Fair. This year, the 4th FHF is held in Maco. It’s a back to back activity with the launching of the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK)a comprehensive health promotion caravan aiming to bring information and education to families in the remote communities. It is a health program aligned with the Aquino Health Agenda of universal access to quality health care. In 2007, record shows that the province has identified 10 people diagnosed with filariasis. Governor Uy then ordered the Provincial Health Office to strongly support the National Filariasis Program through the Mass Drug Administration in all barangay’s of the 11 municipalities. After the serious implementation of the
18
continuous mass drug administration, DOH undertake Lot Quality Assurance Survey through random blood samples to 3,000 children examined by the health care providers of PHO, DOH and DepEd. Result of the recently conducted evaluation shows that the province is now free of such disease prompting the WHO and DOH to declare Compostela Valley as Filariasis free. In a message delivered by DOH Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Dr. Romulo Busuego, he congratulates all unsung heroes of the province for making a historical equation in fighting filariasis. He said that Filariasis is a disabling sickness, it needs community effort and Compostela Valley achieves a success story in the battle against it. A performance based award was given by the DOH amounting to P1
ONE MINDANAO
million pesos through DOH Assistant Secretary Pauline Jean Obial. The said amount is given to support the continued intervention of different kinds of health problem in the province. Asst. Secretary Obial in her congratulatory message also extends her thanksgiving to the people of Compostela Valley specially Governor Arturo T. Uy for being very supportive and receptive in the program implementation. She added that DOH target is for the country (Philippines) to be filarial-free by year 2015, and for the whole world in 2020. Governor Uy in accepting the performance based award also expresses his sincere thanks to all health care providers and partner stakeholders for the efforts and sincere commitment in addressing health problems and concerns in the province. (MGM/PIA/Rodielyn A. Manugas-IDS COMVAL)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
5 pampublikong paaralan makatatanggap ng mga computer at speech lab by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- Lima pang pampublikong paaralan sa lalawigan ng South Cotabato ang makatatatanggap ng mga computer at speech lab sa mga susumusunod na araw.
Kinumpirma
ni ang proyekto
sa devel- School sa bayan ng Sural-
South Cotabato 2nd Dis- opment funds ng South lah. trict Rep. Daisy Avance- Cotabato. Fuentes
kahapon
na
Siniguro ni Rep. Fu-
Ang mga speech lab entes na mas maraming
nakatanggap na ang kan- packages ay nakalaan sa paaralan at mga magyang tanggapan ng opi- sumusunod na paaralan: aaral ang magkakaroon syal na kalatas mula sa Banga
Annex
National din ng kaparehong pasili-
Department of Education, High School sa bayan ng dad. na nagsasabing handa na Banga, Lake Sebu Nation- ang DepEd na ihatid sa al High School at Upper na mga
paaralan ang mga Maculan
National
Aniya, naghahanap siya
ng
pondo
na
High maaring magamit para sa
speech lab package na School sa bayan ng Lake pagbili ng kagamitan at may kasamang tig-20 na Sebu, Koronadal National pagtatayo ng speech lab computer.
High School Matulas An- para sa iba pang pam-
Ani Fuentes galing nex sa Koronadal City, publikong paaralan sa la-
ang pondo para sa natur- at Libertad National High lawigan. (PIA 12)
Tagalog News: Nakumpiskang mga tabla sa N.Cotabato iimbestigahan ng DENR by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 10 (PIA) -- Isasailalim sa administrative proceedings ng Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) ang may 10,000 board feet na sliced-lumber na nakumpiska ng pulisya kamakailan habang umano’y hinahanda upang ibiyahe papuntang General Santos City. 20
Saturday, September 2011 Saturday, September 10,10, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
19
Tagalog News: Nakumpiskang... from page 19
Ang mga tabla ay tabla noong Lunes sakay Tagum,
kahina-hinala
pag-aaari umano ng isang sa isang prime mover na umano ang mga ito. konsehal mula sa bayan pagmamay-ari ng isang
Aniya, galing sa Pag-
ng Pikit sa North Cotaba- Amina Matua ng Pikit. alungan na parte ng Maguto.
Ayon umano kay Matua, indanao ang permit ng Ayon kay Supt. Alex pang-apat na nilang bi- CENRO habang nakumpis-
Tagum, hepe ng Cotabato yahe
iyon
papuntang ka ang mga tabla sa Pikit
Police Public Safety Of- Gensan at ang may-ari na bahagi ng North Cotafice, nakatanggap na sila ay isa umanong konsehal bato. Wala rin umanong ng kopya ng seizure or- ng Pikit. der receipt mula sa PEN- RO
noong
Agad
permit mula sa North Conaman
um- tabato PENRO ang konse-
Miyerkules, anong nagkakuha ng do- hal.
patunay na binibigay sa kumento mula sa CENRO kanila ang kostudiya ng ng karatig bayan ng Pa- plano mga tabla.
galungan,
Dagdag pa ni Tagum, umanong
ibiyahe
Maguindanao ang nakumpiskang mga
Sinabi ni Tagum na ang inaakusahang kon- tabla noong gabi ng Lunes.
nakumpiska nila ang mga sehal subalit ayon kay (PIA 12)
DA backs local coop with Php10-M construcby CT Apelacio tion of FMR next year
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allocating an additional Php10-M for the construction of farm-to-market road in support of the Asparagus Packing Facility Plant here which the department is also funding.
DA-12 Regional Director Amalia Datukan revealed that Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala himself “committed to allot Php10-M for the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) next year.” Sec. Alcala recently led the groundbreak-
20
ing of the plant’s site at barangay San Jose here, some 40-minute drive from the city proper. He expressed his desire to see the farmers in the area have an improved quality of life in the next years. The Php3.75-M worth facility is expect-
ONE MINDANAO
ed to boost production of asparagus, which is seen to transform SocCSKSarGen (South Cotabato-Cotabato-Sultan Ku d a ra t- S a ra n g a n i General SantosCity) as vital area producer of high value crops. The FMR, according to Datukan will fa21
Saturday, September 10, 2011
DA Backs... from page 20
cilitate the transport of asparagus to the plant thereby increasing the supply besides giving easy access to other high value crops being grown in the region. City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said the good climatic condition of the city and its proximity to the international airport and seaport to include its established image with stakeholders and the international market has made it a viable site for the plant. Currently the city is hailed as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” having been a top supplier of tuna locally and internationally. According to SocSKSarGen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Incorporated (SFFAII), over 60 percent of tuna production is based in Mindanao particularly centering in General Santos City. Agreeing with the mayor, Alcala cited then SocSKSarGen’s pro-
ductive soil and favorable weather condition year-round as suitable enough for the cooperative to venture into planting other crops such as onion and garlic. He also directed Datukan to scout at least 100 hectares of land suitable for planting such crops while instructing DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research to come up with the thorough study as to the processing and canning potential of asparagus “for domestic and export markets.” To boost market potential of the processed asparagus, the DA- National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) will help the cooperative “link directly with institutional buyers” and will look into the “marketing activities” of the cooperative. Meanwhile Datukan said the plant will directly benefit the Greenland Asparagus Producers Multi-pur-
Saturday, September 10, 2011
pose Cooperative (GAPMC) with some active 60 farmer- beneficiaries. The cooperative will be receiving assistance from DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) and NABCOR. Organized in 2008, GAPMC has 15 hectares land fully planted to asparagus and harvesting an average yield of “300 to 400 kilos asparagus shoots daily.” Cooperative chairman Roger Pascual said the construction of the facility will be completed by October this year. He also hopes to increase their production to at least 800 kilos a day with the completion of the facility in the offing. Pascual said the cooperative is currently marketing their produce to “major supermarkets, restaurants and hotels in Metro Manila” aside from having a captured market locally. (CTA/PIAGeneral Santos City)
ONE MINDANAO
21
Surigao Sur Gov sees “Dano Abduction” used in peace talks by Greg Tataro, Jr. TANDAG CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel, chair of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee and Task Force Dano, believes that handlers of Lingig Mayor Henry Dano are using the abduction issue as leverage on peace talks. According to Gov. Pimentel, despite the negotiations made through short messaging systems (SMS) with his contact, whom he referred to as “legitimate emissary”, promises have not been kept. Recently, he said, demands sought are getting harder and harder in exchange for Dano’s safe release citing the
cessation of military operations in Davao Oriental, Compostella Valley province and even up to Bukidnon area, practically in almost half of Mindanao. Earlier, Pimentel disclosed, they gave in to the demand to stop military operations, with the consent of Army 4th Infantry Division Commander Gen. Victor Felix, in the vicin-
ity of Davao Oriental and Caraga where Dano, CPL. Alrey Desamparado, and PFC Rolan Saban where believed to be holed up. It will be recalled that Dano and company were abducted in his residence by about 30 armed NPA men on board three (3) passenger vans on August 6. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Butuan dad leads implementation of the “Clean Ground, Zero Waste” Program by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) – Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. strongly push for a Clean Ground, Zero Waste city through the implementaton of proper Solid Waste Management Program. The city shall impose a “No Segregation, No Collection” policy in barangays to ensure that trash will be segregated at source. 23
22
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Butuan dad... from page 22
According to Mr. Bong Alcala, Technical Consultant/External Resources Technical Working Group of the City Mayor’s Office bared that the volume of waste in Butuan is estimated at 95 tons per day. The highest percentage of this waste is biodegradable. “The financial burden of waste for the city government here is roughly P80 million annually, he said. (This includes) the cost of the construction of the sanitary landfill...the maintenance cost and the annual operations cost of garbage collection (P.37 cents per kilo or P13M per year).” Alcala added that this amount could have been spent on basic social and economic services such as “more health care
providers and medicines, more teachers, more livelihood programs, more welfare assistance, more seedlings and trees, and the like.” The Clean Ground, Zero Waste Program was initiated to: 1) Facilitate social transformation processes among residents to manifest the desired behavior of segregating waste at source, cleaning the surroundings and converting wastes into money; and 2) Massive conversion of waste into organic fertilizers (biodegradables) by the organic fertilizer production facilities and useful materials (non-biodegradables). The program elements elements and approaches include: a) Awarding of Clean Seals as a behavior change strategy to households,
puroks, barangay, classrooms, stall, business establishments; b) Deployment of Eco Marshalls to barangays; c) Mobilization of existing community volunteers and employ CD strategies; d) Waste conversion to organic fertilizers (with national, regional and local policy and financial back-up). Setting up of CB Organic Fertilizer Production Facilities and Faith gardens; e) Convergence and multi-sector mobilization; f) Integration with other community “felt” concerns (dengue, antirabies campaign); and g) Meaningful community participation and massive community actions. With this development, Mayor Amante hoped for the full support and cooperation from the general public. (JPG/PIACaraga)
BCPO to launch “Basura Ko, Buhat Ko” BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) – Living-up to its sworn commitment of protecting the environment as “maka-kalikasan,” the local police office here will launch the “Basura ko, Buhat ko” Project on September 11, 2011. 24
Saturday, September 10, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
23
BCPO to launch... from page 23
The “Basura Ko, Buhat Ko” is a component of the Discipline Zone which emphasizes the enforcement of laws and ordinances in the sidewalks and city streets of Butuan particularly along A.D. Curato Street and JC Aquino Avenue. The project will enforce the anti-littering ordinances of Butuan City to be predominated by massive cleanliness and information drive focusing only on the city streets thru
close coordination with the stakeholders, and with Butuan City Police Office in the lead role. Police Senior Superintendent Jose V. Carillo, City Director of BCPO and an advocate of said project is confident on the success of this endeavor. “As the City Director of Butuan City Police Office, I intend to support all environmental protection initiatives of the national and local government
by way of initiating and implementing a cleanliness drive along the Discipline Zone areas to instill discipline and environmental concern to the people of Butuan the importance of a clean environment and a healthy community and vibrant society,” Carillo stressed. BCPO is calling on to public to participate and help the PNP in this campaign. (BCPO/PIACaraga)
Reg’l Cooperative Dev’t Council to celebrate Coby Jennifer P. Gaitano operative Month BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) – The Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) Caraga chaired by Agusan del Norte Teachers, Retirees, and Employees Cooperative (ANTRECO) Manager Francis Loque with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga Regional Director Manuela Pelaez as secretariat will once again spearhead this year’s Cooperative Month celebration come October 2011. According to Dir. Pelaez, said celebration will kick off on October 1 (Saturday) with a simultaneous Tree Planting activity in the provinces of Caraga targeting 3,333 seedlings
or 666 persons, at least five seedlings per person. On the same date, cooperatives in Surigao del Norte will have their Thanksgiving Mass while cooperatives in San Jose, Dinagat Islands will kick-
off with a Parade and short program and followed with a coastal clean-up. The Thanksgiving Mass by cooperatives in Butuan is set on October 3 at the St. Joseph Cathedral, to be followed 25
24
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Reg’l Cooperative... from page 24
with the Motorcade going to the City Hall, where the program proper will be held with Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. Right after the program, officials of the council will face the media through a Press Conference to give updates, issues and concerns on the cooperatives in Caraga. On October 12, the Provincial Cooperative Summit is set to be conducted by the cooperatives in San Jose,
Dinagat Islands while they will also be conducting the Trade Exhibits in the whole month of October. Also, members of the RCDC in Butuan will also be conducting the educational contest such as Poster-making and Quiz Bee on October 28 with elementary and high school students as participants. This will also serve as culmination activity for cooperatives in Butuan. M e a n w h i l e ,
cooperatives in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur will culminate on October 28 with a short program; cooperatives in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur on October 29; and cooperatives in Trento, Agusan del Sur on October 30. With this, RCDC is encouraging coop members in the provinces of Caraga to witness and participate in the said activities for the monthlong celebration. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)
Crocodile trappers, mihimo na og bag-ong trap alang sa lain pang buwaya BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) - Ukupado karon ang mga crocodile trappers gikan sa Palawan Wildlife Conservation sa paghimo og bag-ong trap alang sa lain pang higanteng buaya samtang nagpahulay pa sila sa pagdakop sa ka-uban ni Lolong sa pagputol sa ulo sa usa ka 2-anyos nga kabaw ning mi-aging buwan. Sigon sa mga trappers, seguraduhon nilang mas lig-on pa sa trap nga gigamit nila kang Lolong ang ilang mahimo aron dili kini maguba kung mas dako pa kang Lolong ang target nilang buwaya. Una nang gipadayag ni Bunawan, Agusan del
Sur Mayor Edwin Elorde nga kinahanglan pa nilang iplastar ang proseso alang sa paghatag og pagtugot sa mga trappers aron mahimong legal ang pagdakop sa buwaya. Samtang si Lolong wala pa mikaon sa manok nga gibutang sa
Saturday, September 10, 2011
iyang holding pin og kini posibleng tungod gihapon sa trauma nga iyang gibati human nadakpan hinungdan nga pursigido ang lokal nga kagamhanan nga ipatuman sa hingpit ang ban sa public viewing kay Lolong. (BR/PIACaraga)
ONE MINDANAO
25
ARMM observes 111th Philippine Civil Service Month ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept 10 (PIA) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) joined in the celebration of the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary with a simple ceremony at the ARMM complex in Cotabato. The Bureau of Public Information said that officials from various agencies under the ARMM including those from Maguindanao province braved the rain and joined in the kick-off ceremony. “Tuloy-tuloy ang paghahatid ng tapat na serbisyo na tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan ng rehiyon ng mga lingkod bayan ng Autonomous Regional
Government,” ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo said. During the program, Regional Director Resurreccion Pueyo of the Civil Service CommissionARMM reminded government workers that the benefits that state workers received should be complemented with responsibility and honest public service. Pueyo added that
several activities are lined up for the observation in the whole month, and this include the on-going search for outstanding officials and employees in the ARMM. The theme of the celebration for this year is “Championing Public Service Excellence at Full Speed.” (DM-PIA9 BaSulTa)
DOLE-9 to intensify drive against Child Labor by Alma L. Timcang
PAGADIAN CITY , September 10 (PIA) – Many children have been reported to be engaged to work, employed or recruited for employment under extremely hazardous and exploitative conditions, including cases of prostitution, bonded child labor and other worst forms of child labor. 27
26
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
DOLE-9 to intensify... from page 26
To help achieve the goal of “child la bor-free” Philippines by 2015, the Depart ment of Labor and Employment is intensi fying its drive against child labor through the institutionalization of several programs and activities, one of which is the reactiva tion and strengthen ing of existing Child Labor structures. DOLE Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom said members of the Provincial/City Child Labor Program Committee will gather for a 2-day re-orientation on the Philippine Program Against Child Labor Strategic Framework 2007-2015 and Child Labor Knowledge Sharing System at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on Sep-
tember 13-14, 2011. RD Ligutom said the activity aims to renew and intensify awareness and understanding of line implementers on the issue of child labor, thereby improving delivery of services to child laborers and their families. Further, it is also seen to help increase the number of convictions using child labor laws and statutes through improved knowledge, skills and attitude of enforcers and partners. Culminating the activity will be the renewal and the signing of program commitment by all line agency partners and stakeholders. This includes the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Provincial Health Office, Department of Education,
Department of the Interior and Local Government, Liga ng mga Barangay, Department of Justice, Philippine Information Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, National Statistics Office, peoples’ organizations and nongovernment organizations. Child labor is defined as the illegal employment of children, where they are not directly under the sole responsibility of their parents or legal guardians or the latter employ other workers, apart from their children, who are not members of their families, or the work of children endangers their life, safety, health and morals or impairs their normal development including schooling. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)
Dipolog solid waste board to ban use of plastics, cellophane by market vendors by Franklin T. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) - The City Solid Management Board (CSWMB) headed by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy is now planning to ban the use of plastics and cellophane by market vendors in packaging their wares. 28 Saturday, September 10, 2011
ONE MINDANAO
27
Dipolog solid waste... from page 27
CSWMB came up with such a plan after the City General Services Office (CGSO) reported that used plastics and cellophanes were clogging the drainage canals, creeks and other waterways resulting in flooding during heavy rains in the city. The board has also been informed that some residents here are not heeding the call of the city government for waste segregation as observed by CGSO’s garbage col-
lectors. It can be recalled that the city government started implementing its solid waste segregation program in poblacion barangays two months ago. This program aims to instill in the people the importance of practicing “reduce, reuse and recycle” of garbage to preserve and protect the environment. Presently, the city government maintains a “controlled dumpsite”
at barangay Sangkol this city and the recyclable materials are now stockpiled at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to be processed into plastic blocks. The board has also urged all machine shop owners not to throw their used oils and lubricants into the drainage canals or creeks so as not to pollute the rivers and streams. (ALT/FPG/ PIA-Zambo. Norte)
GSIS beefs up GW@PS kiosk deployment by Franklin T. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) - - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is now deploying GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@APS) kiosks all over the country more particularly at the provincial capitols, city halls, select municipal halls and other big agencies which do not have such a facility yet. GSIS-Dipolog branch head Willa Guantero-Mangubat informed the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here that the provincial government of Misamis Occidental and the city government of Oroquieta City had each received a GW@ APS kiosk last Aug. 25. The cities of Ozamis and Tan-
gub also got their GW@PS kiosks the following day. The GSIS also gave a desk top to the Department of Education’s (DepED) provincial schools division of Misamis Occidentalm in Oroquieta City. A GW@PS kiosk was also installed this morning in Sindangan, Zamboanga
del Norte to serve the GSIS members and pensioners in that municipality and its neighboring towns. On Sept. 12, GSIS will turn-over three more kiosks to the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte and to the city governments of Dipolog and Dapitan. GW@PS is hailed as 29
28
ONE MINDANAO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
GSIS beefs up... from page 28
the first in the world to combine the most modern technologies to come up with a unique and secure system that can process transactions off-site in a completely paperless environment, us-
ing modern technologies. GSIS has added 500 units to its existing 263 kiosks nationwide to better serve its stakeholders. GSIS-Dipolog cov-
ers the members and pensioners in the municipalities and cities of the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental. (FPG/PIAZamboanga del Norte)
US envoys’ presence in Pagadian signifies America’s confidence belief of the region’s peace and development by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, September 10 (PIA) – Mayor Samuel S. Co on Thursday was very pleased and thankful for the presence of US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. as the keynote speaker of the opening ceremony in the 20th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) held at the newly constructed City Commercial Center here. Co in his message said he was very grateful for the Ambassador’s presence despite the opt-repeated news about the critical peace and order in Mindanao. It can be recalled that in last years’ MimBizCon in Cagayan de Oro City, Ambassador Thomas was not able to attend the event but he sent the embassy’s team to represent him. Co said Ambassador Thomas’ presence boosts the confidence of the businessmen in economic activities in Mindanao, especially in augmenting the administration’s flagship program, Private-Public Partnership. Co said we are fortu-
nate that during his term, three (3) US Ambassadors came over to the city. Co said in 2005, US Ambassador Darryl N. Johnson came to Pagadian for the ‘Dedication Ceremony’ of Lison Valley’s Foot Bridge which was built of the US Armed Force; In 2007, US Ambassador Kristie A. Kenny visited to distribute 500 reference books in science, mathematics and English to Zambaonga del Sur National High School; and this year, US Ambassador Thomas visits to grace the 20th MinBizcon. “Their visit to our city bring a fresh whiff of hope and prospects for develop-
Saturday, September 10, 2011
ment. It certainly signifies America’s belief and commitment to the pursuit of peace and development in our region,” Co said. The chief executive said Mindanao has always been left behind in terms of economic development and we are thankful that this is being effectively addressed now under President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. “Government initiatives in boosting Mindanao’s socio-economic and cultural cultivation are very visible and can be effectively felt,” Co concluded. (JPA/GCC/PIA9Pagadian)
ONE MINDANAO
29