One Mindanao - September 14, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

OUR COVER:

TUNA FESTIVAL

Exploring new depths and challenges

CONTENTS NATIONAL • • • • • •

Ochoa: Gov’t to monitor mining revenues Campaign against tax evaders and smugglers paying off – Aquino Aquino congratulates Campaigns & Grey in its 25th foundation anniversary Aquino challenges private sector to ‘live up’ to the pledge contained in unified code of conduct signed in the First Integrity Summit Aquino to highlight government and private sector efforts to instill integrity in governance Aquino declares October 23-29, 2011 as National Psoriasis Awareness week Aquino leaves for four-day official visit to U.S. on Sept.18 Aquino to address Asia Society in New York

PHOTO CREDITS:

• •

riajose.com Chris Sulit Yami

CNEX • MMDA forms bayanihan zone alliance to minimize flooding • Attack on MMDA enforcer serves as wake up call • Tagalog News: Balak bigyan ng armas ang mga traffic enforcers – MMDA • Anti-Smoking Ban still in full blast - MMDA • MMDA vows to clean billboardsindustry despite TRO • MMDA mulls arming a special group

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) 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

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OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Dani 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 Emmanuel D. Gonzales, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office

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• Basilan RLA aspirants present plans in public forum • WESCOM spearheads forum to protect Palawan’s tourism industry • ARMM’s public forum on RLA enunciates nominees plans, programs • CHED-IX awards scholarships to college students • Cebuano News: DSWD, DOH nakadawat donasyon sa Vitamin-C alang sa mga biktima sa dengue

Northern Mindanao • NAPC clarifies role in the alleged Bukidnon scam • 252 BJMP inmates, receive free dental services from Good Samaritans • Lanao Norte Muslims receive rice and dates fruit • Waste mess impels city to impound stray dogs • BFAR offers scholarship to fisherfolk children

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • USEP gym now functional • DPWH bares P200M projects completed in DavSur • 4Ps brings my children back to school • Davao Light personnel build 2 houses for GK beneficiaries • DavSur prepares health emergency management system plan

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • Prov’l LGU, charity group holds grand surgical mission for IPs, indigents • Tagalog News: Tatlong mag-aaral ng GSC Sped Integrated School pinarangalan ng RDC 12 • Tagalog News: Bagong police provincial director ng S. Cotabato pormal nang uupo sa puwesto • Tagalog News: Isa pang bomba sumabog sa Cotabato City kaninang umaga • Tagalog News: Mga operator, drayber may hanggang Setyembre 15 para kunin ang fuel subsidy • Tagalog News: Robredo hindi target ng pambomba sa Cotabato City – Khu

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • Sen. Revilla eyes on filming “Panday” in Surigao del Norte to help promote tourism industry • Gov. Pimentel calls CNN for a dialogue • Youth leaders network initiates activities for peace • Surigaonon News: Surigao City Mayor Matugas nagpasalamat sa malamposon nga pagsaulog sa charter day ug fiesta celebration • Cebuano News: Clean Ground, Zero Waste program ni Mayor Amante,nahimong makasaysayanon sa dakbayan sa Butuan

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Cover Story: GenSan Tuna Festival 2011: Exploring new depths and challenges by CT Apelacio

pectators partaking in the celebration of Tuna Festival 2011 crowded the streets here from start to finish.

The Tuna Festival kicked off September 1 with the 13th National Tuna Congress keeping the tradition alive each year since it start-

ed in 1998. The Tuna Festival’s week-long activities were part of the month-long celebration of the 43rd Char-

ter Anniversary of this city which kicked off August 5 with the theme, “Exploring New Depths, Conquering New Challenges.” 4

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Cover Story: Gensan Tuna Festival 2011....from page 3 The anniversary and the Tuna Festival celebration ended September 5, which was also a special non-working holiday in GenSan pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 219. SocSarGen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Incorporated (SFFAII) executive director Rosanna Contreras, said the congress opened mid morning with the trade exhibit and the newly-added feature-- the tuna culinary challenge participated in by different schools here. The exhibit, she added was joined by 50 exhibitors occupying 70 booths showcasing the various products ranging from processed tuna to the latest fishing technologies and the like. Contreras rationalized the staging of the trade exhibit saying GenSan also serves as transshipment point of agricultural products of SocSarGen (South Cotabato-Sa-

rangani-General Santos City) aside from being a major fish landing area in the South. Being situated strategically, GenSan, over the years has established “trade relations with neighboring countries in the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN (Association

of Southeast Asian Nations) Growth Area, Australia and Micronesia,” she said. Meanwhile, Meriam Buguis, department head of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) said the congress discussed and presented notable issues and concerns facing the fishery sector today.

The congress theme anchored on “Caring for the Future: A Shared Commitment.” Congress organizers led by the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the SFFAII said some 300 participants attended this year’s congress. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala was the keynote speaker representing President Benigno Aquino III, who was in China for a state visit. Alcala arrived September 1 to lead alongside City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio the ground breaking of the Php3.75-M worth Asparagus Packing Plant which is expected to boost production of asparagus. The city government headed by Mayor Antonino feted congress participants and guests in a sumptuous farewell dinner at the 18th Hole Driving Range highlighting the “Karagatan Awarding Ceremony” which 5

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Cover Story: Gensan Tuna Festival 2011....from page 4

honored “the unsung heroes of the fishing industry.” The culmination on September 5 was a jampacked of spectacular activities and parties featuring the 7:00 o’clock thanksgiving Mass with the Pamahaw Pasasalamat in front of the city

hall along with the Almusal Alay sa Kapwa at Oval Covered Court. Other activities included the Pasiklaban sa Paaralan Online Quiz Semi Finals at Robinson’s Place; the 7th Mindanao Open Bonsai Competition and Exhibit; the

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Coke Got Talent at Tuna Festival Grand Finals, a Coco-Cola party zone; and the colorful Float Parade at the Oval Plaza Grounds, which won the East Asia Royale Hotel here the first cash prize of Php150,000. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)

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Ochoa: Gov’t to monitor mining revenues

he Aquino administration is taking steps to ensure that profits generated by mining companies translate into state revenues and that mining benefits trickle down to the general public, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday.

In a speech at the Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition held in Pasay City, Ochoa revealed the country’s intention to apply for compliance status with the London-based Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) to help achieve the muchneeded reforms in the mining industry. EITI is a global initiative that requires participating governments to publicly report the revenues they receive from extractive industry companies and for those companies to publicly report the revenues they pay to government. This

mechanism allows more transparency in revenue reporting. “High on our agenda is transparency in revenues derived from mining,” Ochoa said, as he pointed out the need to determine how the mining sector contributes to sustainable development. “Further reforms are therefore needed to ensure that the acceptability of mining is enhanced and its impact as a driver of economic growth is truly felt,” he added. Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources show that mining con-

tributed P110 billion to the gross domestic product and generated P12.5 billion in tax revenues, royalties, and fees for the government last year. Ochoa said the country’s EITI candidacy and subsequent membership is consistent with the “vision of good governance” of the Aquino administration. “It will be a strong manifestation of transparency if the payments and revenues received by the government from the development of the country’s mineral resources and how these are utilized are made public,” Ochoa told the 7

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Ochoa: Gov’t to...from page 6 conference attended mostly by industry players who comprise the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. The Executive Secretary said that while the Mining Act of 1995 has put in place environmental and safety nets to address mining concerns, efforts must be stepped up for awareness and strict compliance of the law. He also underscored the need to strike a balance between mining and protecting the environment and natural resources toward achieving enhanced social acceptability of mining operations. Aware that the Philippine mining industry has been the subject of intense scrutiny by various sectors, Ochoa called on industry players to overcome the negative stigma attached to mining and to continue to work hard to gain public acceptability. “But done in a manner that takes into

consideration the importance of safeguarding the environment, we know that mining can contribute significantly both to sustained economic development and poverty reduction in the countryside,” Ochoa said, citing the case of countries like Canada, Australia and Chile where mining has contributed to economic growth and development. “For mining to be acceptable, it must be guided by the principles of sustainable development, environmental protection, social equity and, of course, good governance,” Ochoa added. “Mining must also be pursued alongside other economic activities that are compatible with it, including agriculture and ecotourism.” Speaking on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III, Ochoa also acknowledged the mining industry’s commitment and participation in the National Greening

Program (NGP), pursuant to Executive Order No. 26 which the Chief Executive signed on February 24. Far from the usual reforestation program, NGP is a government priority program that aims to curb poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. The NGP also seeks to substantially increase the number of trees nationwide to improve water quality in rivers and irrigation for farm lands, reduce the potential for flooding, soak up carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and lay the foundation for an expanded woodproducts economy. “The program specifically seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide in six years, from 2011 to 2016—more than twice the government’s accomplishment for the 8

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Ochoa: Gov’t to...from page 7 past 25 years, which is estimated at 730,000 hectares,” Ochoa said. Ochoa described as a “step in the right direction” and a “clear manifestation of corporate

social responsibility” the announced commitment of the mining industry to reforest 34,000 hectares over the next three years. The figure, he said,

will be “over and above the number of trees to be planted and maintained as part of the mining contractor’s obligation to rehabilitate mining-affected lands.

Campaign against tax evaders and smugglers paying off – Aquino

overnment efforts to run after tax evaders and smugglers are “paying off” after President Benigno S. Aquino III said that revenue collection for the first six months of this year has increased dramatically.

In his speech keynoting the 1st Integrity Summit held at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City Wednesday, President Aquino revealed that the government’s campaign against tax evaders and smugglers had helped in putting in much needed revenues into government coffers by as much as 13.47 percent. “Since we assumed office, we have worked on improving our tax administration efforts and some of the things we have done is run after tax evaders, smugglers and corrupt government officials,” the President

told the gathering of local and global corporate leaders, anti-corruption experts, and senior government officials. He noted that since July 2010 a total of 61 tax evasion cases and 43 smuggling cases have been filed against these groups and individuals “with claims totaling around P26-billion and 54-billion, respectively.” “As we continue to monitor these cases, I am happy to report that our campaign against tax evaders and smugglers is paying off,” the President said. “From January to July this year, revenues

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collected have already increased by 13.47 percent year on year,” he added. He said that these “taxes that could have gone to social services, infrastruchture, debt reduction or national defense” had the previous administration been more alert to the situation. “Imagine how much money has been lost over the years,” the President said. “But as we strive to show that this is no longer the case, I hope we can urge our fellow citizens to pay their share of taxes,” he said. (RCK)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Aquino congratulates Campaigns & Grey in its 25th foundation anniversary

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Campaigns & Grey’s 25th Anniversary at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City Tuesday night (September 13). Founded in 1986, Campaigns & Grey is a full service communications agency with capabilities including strategic planning, advertising, digital marketing, activation, public relations and advocacy communications. Along with Campaigns & Grey, the agency has five other divisions under its umbrella, namely Campaigns PR Inc (CAPRI), Campaigns Social Response, Camp Apple, Bacon and Neuron, to provide a total integrated communications offering to its clients. Campaigns & Grey also works closely with affiliate agencies Campaigns Cebu and Campaigns Davao. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

resident Benigno S. Aquino III congratulated advertising and public relations firm Campaigns & Grey in its 25th year in the industry saying the company has contributed a lot in nation building.

The President said Campaigns and & Grey conceptualized the communication strategies of

his campaign when he both run for senator and president. “I take this time to

thank you personally for all the contributions in my career in public service,” the Chief Execu10

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Aquino congratulates....from page 9 tive said in his message during the anniversary celebration at Rockwell Tent in Makati City on Tuesday evening. According to the President, circumstances forced him to enter both the senatorial race and presidential race at very delayed time. Despite the limited period, he won both races with the help of the advertising and PR firm. His late entry was his major handicap, the President said, adding that he had less money compared to other candidates who prepared to enter the race three years before the election. But with the help of Campaigns & Grey he was able to communicate his message to the people and inspire them towards victory, the President added. He thanked people behind Campaigns & Grey for helping him in his campaign noting their advocacy and dedication to corporate social responsibility are extraordinary.

“The zeal of advocates who are willing to take a stand, willing to put their stake on what they believe was right. This is especially commendable since advertising and marketing communications is an industry that traditionally has shied away from partisanship,” the President said. It is commendable, the President said, because he wasn’t the most lucrative client during the campaign but Campaigns & Grey conceptualized the strategy for him to win for the benefit of the people. Also Campaigns & Grey has advocacies on raising awareness towards acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), environmental issues and politics. Among the campaign slogans the firm conceptualized for President Aquino were “Lagot ka sa Nanay Mo”, “Kung Walang Kurap, Walang Mahirap”, which according to the chief executive remains the driving force of his administra-

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tion. Campaigns & Grey has always been behind him to reach out and send his message to the people, the President said. Founded in 1986 as Campaigns Inc., the agency became one of the Philippine’s top 10 agencies in five years. It built its reputation as a maverick agency that created many challenger brands into market leaders. Campaigns Inc. became a member of the Grey Group in 1994. To d ay Camp a ig ns & Grey h as e vo lve d into a syn e rg is tic networ k of affiliate unit s, each s p e c ia lizing differ en t c o mp o ne nts of communic atio ns . Other government officials who joined the President during the event were Sen. Franklin Drilon, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda and Interior and Local government Secretary Jessie Robredo. (AS)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Aquino challenges private sector to ‘live up’ to the pledge contained in unified code of conduct signed in the First Integrity Summit

resident Benigno S. Aquino III challenged participants who signed the Unified Code of Conduct during the launch of the 1st Integrity Summit on Wednesday to “live up” and take “extremely seriously” the standards contained in the pledge in order to complete a unified government-private sector stance against corruption.

The President, in his keynote speech at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City, said that only by instilling a culture of integrity in the private sector as what is being done in government, can a holistic approach at addressing corruption be achieved. “I am happy to be with all of you today to encourage all of you to participate in the Integrity Initiative. As you know, integrity was one of the battle cries of my campaign; and for the past fifteen months, we have taken that battle cry to heart—working to foster a culture of integrity in `government,” the President said. “We have been able to appoint people of unquestioned ability and integrity to important posts in government—from Leila de Lima as Secretary of Justice, Grace Tan

and Heidi Mendoza to the Commission on Audit, to Conchita Carpio-Morales as our Ombudsman,” he added. He stressed that “Integrity has likewise shaped our budgeting process, which has saved our taxpayers billions of pesos simply by cutting funding for wasteful projects and putting the money to where it will benefit Filipinos the most.” “Efficient spending has allowed us to allocate a larger chunk of the budget to social services and defense—two sectors that have, for so long, lacked sufficient resources,” the President said. He added that government agencies, under his directive, have also pitched in to show to the people that his administration is serious at achieving his campaign promises. He said the Depart-

ments of Budget and Management and Interior and Local Government have taken initiatives in fostering this culture of transparency by mandating all national departments and agencies to publish important budget information and finance and performance indicators, as well as how the funds were spent, in their respective websites. The President said that they have also been trying to enjoin the citizenry to take a more active role in governance as partners in a consultative budget preparation process. “This year, we had six national government agencies and three government corporations start a consultative budget preparation process, allowing us to engage civil society organizations in preparing the 2012 National Budget,” the Presi12

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Aquino challenges....from page 11 dent said. “We also created a layman’s version of the 2011 National Budget so that more people can understand how the government is spending their money. The Department of Finance launched a website called Pera ng Bayan, through which common citizens can file anonymous reports or leads on possible tax evasion, government collusion, or smuggling operations. All of these we have done to promote integrity,” he said. He pointed out however that “instilling a culture of integrity in government is only one aspect of the equation.” “We must also foster the same culture in the private sector, and this is

why what you are doing today is most important,” the President said. He noted that those who chose to join the Integrity Initiative can not only count on rewards in pesos and centavos but “its benefits will eventually redound to everyone.” “For example, it is said that companies who engage in Corporate Social Responsibility, who have track records for integrity and competence, and who abide by the highest standards are valued at a premium in the stock market. Companies who have a reputation for running their businesses in a clean and efficient manner enjoy the confidence of investors, debtors, and other stakeholders as opposed to those who run

questionable operations,” the President said. “To put it simply: by doing your part as responsible corporations, everybody wins—and by everybody I mean not just you as corporate workers, but you as taxpayers, as family men and women, and as citizens of this country,” he added. “All these are contained in your Unified Code of Conduct for Business, which I hope everyone will take extremely seriously,” the President said. “Let me remind you that our collective desire to instill integrity into our respective communities does not end with a pledge of integrity. We are now obliged to live up to this pledge,” he said. (RCK)

Aquino to highlight government and private sector efforts to instill integrity in governance

resident Benigno S. Aquino III will highlight the Philippines’ efforts to instill integrity in governance through the partnership of government and the private sector during his trip to the United States of America from September 18 to 23.

The President made the announcement at the launch of the 1st Integrity Sum-

mit held in Pasay City on Wednesday. The Summit, with the theme “Cultivating

a Culture of Integrity in Business and Beyond,” aims to gather experts and authori13

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Aquino to highlight....from page 12

ties to present ways on how to strengthen ethical business practices and institutionalize them so that “business with ethics” becomes the country’s norm, rather than the exception. The event dovetails with the President’s battle cry – “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” “Next week, I will be in the United States for some very important meetings. I was invited by President Obama, among others, to talk about Open Governance; and I will be proud to tell him, as well as the representatives of several other countries, how in the Philippines, the effort for integrity in governance—the effort for creating a transparent relationship between the people and their government—is one that is shared by the government and the private sector,”

the President said. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the President’s trip to the US hopes to attain five major objectives: Firstly, to enhance Philippines’ strategic profile by underscoring the Aquino government’s demonstrated commitment to its good governance and anti-corruption agenda through the following specific activities: official launch of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and the public lecture during the WB-IMF 2011 Annual meetings on the theme “Citizen Empowerment and Good Governance as Tools for Poverty Reduction.” The second objective of the visit is to enhance awareness about the Aquino administration’s domestic and foreign policy thrusts by speaking before the

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Asia Society. Thirdly, is to highlight the Aquino government’s economic agenda and accomplishments after a year in office through a speech before three business organizations: the US-Asean Business Council, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce, where the President will participate in a roundtable discussion after delivering brief remarks. He has also been invited to speak before the IBM Centennial Forum. The fourth is for the President to meet with present and potential US investors; and lastly, to appraise the Filipino community about the Aquino government’s accomplishments and for him to share with them the latest developments in the motherland. (RCK)

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Aquino declares October 23-29, 2011 as National Psoriasis Awareness week

resident Benigno S. Aquino III has declared October 23 to 29, 2011 and every last week of October thereafter as “National Psoriasis Awareness Week.”

Proclamation No. 179 was signed on May 30, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. to raise public awareness about psoriasis. Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil) has pursued initiatives to give people with psoriasis the attention and consideration they need. “Psoriasis is a serious,

life-long, inflammatory, non-communicable, autoimmune disease / immunemediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin and/ or joints, and carries severe physical, mental and socioeconomic burdens on over 125 million people worldwide, including 1.9 million Filipinos,” the proclamation said.

Psoriasis affects nearly three percent of t h e w o r l d ’s p o p u l a t i o n . It can develop in males or females of any race or age. It often appears between the ages of 15 and 35, although it can strike at any age including infants and the e l d e r l y, a c c o r d i n g t o PsorPhil. (JS)

Aquino leaves for four-day official visit to U.S. on Sept.18

resident Benigno S. Aquino III will leave on Sunday for an official visit to the United States of America upon the invitation of US President Barack Obama from September 18 to 22.

The President has been invited by President Obama and Brazil President Dilma Rousseff, co-chairs of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), to the official launch of the OGP in New York on September 20. “The OGP is a new multilateral initiative to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and harness new technologies to strengthen governance,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Patricia Paez said in a press

briefing in Malacanang. In their joint letter to President Aquino, President Obama and President Rousseff wrote: “We appreciate the active engagement and leadership of your government in developing this effort, and look forward to standing with you as we launch this initiative in September.” The Philippines is one of only two countries from Asia invited to become a member of the International Steering Committee of OGP. Other members of the

Steering Committee are the United States, Brazil, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway and South Africa. According to Paez, the Steering Committee members were selected based on the following criteria: Fiscal Transparency, Access to Information, Disclosures Related to Elected Officials and Citizen Engagement. “The selection of the Philippines as a Steering Committee member is an international acknowledgment of the Aquino government’s 15

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Aquino leaves...from page 14 demonstrated commitment to and innovative practices in open governance and anticorruption,” she said. President Aquino is also set to deliver his keynote remarks at an OGP-related forum entitled “The Power Open: A Global Discussion” in

New York City. The President is the only head of state invited to address the forum. While in New York, the President will attend roundtable meeting with three business organizations “to highlight the government’s economic agenda and ac-

complishments after a year in office.” These three business organizations are the USAsean Business Council, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce. (CO)

Aquino to address Asia Society in New York resident Benigno S. Aquino III has been invited by the Asia Society in New York to speak about his administration’s domestic and foreign policy thrusts during his official visit to the United States from September 18 to 23.

Asia Society was founded by John D. Rockefeller III in 1956 to promote greater knowledge of Asia in the U.S. It is a global institution based in New York with offices throughout the U.S. and Asia. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Patricia Paez said “the Asia Society speaking engagement resonates, both on a personal level for the President and on a historical level for the Filipino people, because it was at a speech in this forum on August 4, 1980, where Sen. Benigno Aquino delivered his famous line “The Filipino is worth dying for.” The President’s mother, former President Cory Aquino, also spoke before the Asia Society in 1986. While in New York, President Aquino will also speak before the IBM Centennial Forum called “THINK: A Forum on the Future of Leadership” on September 20. The forum will be attended by more than 700 leaders from government, business, the academe

and science, and up-and-coming leaders worldwide. President Aquino will likewise be conferred a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by Fordham University in ceremonies to be held at Keating Hall in the university’s Rosa Hill campus in New York. Fordham, an independent university in the Jesuit tradition founded in 1841, had also conferred an honorary degree on President Corazon Aquino in September 1986. As part of the Fordham tradition, the names of over 30 world leaders conferred a degree are carved on the steps of the “Terrace of the Presidents” at Keating Hall. President Aquino’s name will be carved next to that of his mother. While in New York, Paez said the President will also have business meetings with IBM and Convergys, both of which already have a substantial presence in the Philippines. In Washington, D.C., President Aquino is invited by World Bank Group President Robert

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Zoellick to give a public lecture before the World Bank. He will also meet with Senator Daniel Inouye, president pro tempore of the US Senate and chairman of its Appropriations Committee, to thank the senator for his continued support of Philippine causes in the US Congress. Senator Inouye was responsible for the passage of Filipino Veterans Compensation Fund and the primary sponsor of the SAVE Act, which will benefit both the Philippine garment industry and the US textile manufacturers. He will also be meeting with the Filipino community in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia “to appraise them about the government’s accomplishments and share the latest developments in the country.” According to the DFA, it would be the first meeting of President Aquino with the Filipino community in the region, composed approximately of 110,000 Filipinos.(CO)

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MMDA forms bayanihan zone alliance to minimize flooding by Alice V. Sicat QUEZON CITY – Assistant general for planning and spokesperson Christina Velasco of the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) disclosed Tuesday that they have organized a “Flood Control Bayanihan Zone Alliance” in selected barangays as part of their flood mitigating programs in the Metro. In the program “Talking Points” held at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and aired over DZRB - Radio ng Bayan, Velasco informed the public on their current campaign with the assistance of different barangays, community-based institutions and the education sector. “Flood Control Bayanihan Zone Alliance” is tapping community-based organizations because they are in the first line of defense. And therefore, they are

the first stakeholders in that particular area,” spokesperson Velasco said. With the alliance, volunteers of every barangay are given flood posts and make sure that flood control measures are implemented in their areas of responsibility while educating the community with different ways to avoid or to lessen floods, especially in the low-lying areas. This alliance is not only being created between MMDA and the

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barangays or a barangay with another barangay but also with the academe or education sector. They have their own organizational development, elect their own officers and have their own pledge of allegiance. Big universities such as those in the university belt area in Manila, a flood prone district, were tapped and given training to provide immediate measures and response during floods. (PND/AVS PIA-GHQ)

Wednesday, Wednesday, September September 14, 14, 2011 2011

Attack on MMDA enforcer serves as wake up call by Gideon M. Gapayao QUEZON CITY – Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) revealed that the attack on an MMDA enforcer last week was not the first, nor would it be the last. MMDA spokesperson Tina Velasco said during an interview on “Talking Points,” a production of DZRB, the Philippine Information Agency, and PTV 4 that the agency had previous cases of hospitalized enforcers. According to Velasco there had been 36 cases of hospitalizations to date. While majority of these were caused by hypertension and heatstroke while performing their duty, five of these were cases wherein traffic enforcers were mobbed or physically in-

jured in line of duty, the most recent being that of MMDA enforcer Larry Fiala. Fiala was shot four times at pointblank in the abdomen after chasing a traffic violator last week. MMDA also lauded the PNP Highway Patrol Group which was able to immediately locate the suspect’s address and arrest him. Velasco stated that the recent attack has alarmed MMDA due to the lack of respect for enforcers. The agency is particularly thinking of ways to give enforcers

the necessary protection such as providing them with guns, but only to a special group.The MMDA will still be studying on who have been given the authority to carry firearms. MMDA is also currently working on its training regimen in order to fully equip their enforcers. “This is also a wake up call internally. We assure the public that we have the MMDA Traffic Academy and we have the regular training for our enforcers,” said Velasco. (PND/GMGPIA GHQ)

Tagalog News: Balak bigyan ng armas ang mga traffic enforcers – MMDA by Precie Catherine C. Cuarto QUEZON CITY – Matapos ang pagkakabaril ng motoristang si Edward John Gonzales sa MMDA traffic enforcer na si Larry Fiala, dahil sa isang traffic violation, malamang na magpasiya ang Metropolitan Manila Development Authority o MMDA na bigyan ng armas ang kanilang mga traffic enforcers upang siguraduhing hindi na mauulit ang nasabing insidente. 18 Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Tagalog News: Balak bigyan...from page 17 Inihayag ni Tina Velasco, tumatayong spokesperson at general manager for planning ng MMDA sa programang “Talking Points,” na pinag-aaralang mabuti ng kanilang tanggapan kung paano babantayan ang mga karapatan ng kanilang traffic enforcers. Aniya, noong nakaraang linggo ay binanggit ni MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino na ang “pangunahing alalahanin ay kung paano namin (MMDA) ngayon mapro-protektahan ang aming sariling mga enforcers sa mga sitwasyon tulad nito.” Idinagdag pa ni Tolentino, kailangang pag-aralan ang ideya kung paanong ilang mga ahensya,

bagama’t walang police power, ay pinapayagan na magdala ang kani-kanilang enforcers o opisyal ng baril. Mga halimbawa ni Velasco ay ang flying squad ng Land Transportation Office, Customs police, LTFRB Enforcement Division, security guards sa bawat ahensya, at ang Supreme Court security guards, na pinapayagang magbitbit ng baril. Pag-aaralan pa umano ng MMDA kung posibleng mabigyan ng armas ang MMDA traffic enforcers, ngunit hindi nangangahulugang lahat ay bibigyan ng armas. Paglilinaw ni Velasco, maaaring isang special group lang ang mabigyan ng armas.Mahirap kasing

lumabas na walang kalaban laban ang mga taga MMDA na ipinatutupad lamang ang batas. Nabanggit pa niya na ang MMDA ay may talaan ng bilang ng mga enforcers na naospital at nabigyan ng emergency treatment habang nasa life of duty. “Sa ngayon, meron na po tayong 36 na enforcers na nakatala. Ang ilan sa kanila ay tumaas ang presyon (ng dugo), o nastroke, may limang mga kaso na katulad nito, bagaman hindi nakamamatay. Subalit yaong mga nasugatan, binugbog, nasuntok, mayroon ng lima,” sabi ni Velasco. (PND/PCCC-PIA GHQ)

Anti-Smoking Ban still in full blast - MMDA by Phres Evardone QUEZON CITY – Smokers should not be jubilant over the TRO (temporary restraining order) issued by a metro judge stopping Metro Manila Development Authority’s metrowide Anti Smoking Campaign. The 20day TRO issued by a Mandaluyong City court ended Sunday. 19

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Wednesday, Wednesday, September September 14, 14, 2011 2011

Anti-Smoking...from page 18 MMDA spokesperson and assistant general manager Christina Velasco emphasized, during today’s “Talking Points,” over the Radyo ng Bayan, that even with the issuance of the TRO, the agency did not change its operations and, in fact, continued to strengthen the enforcement of its anti-smoking campaign over the metro. The TRO arose as a result of a complaint filed by two smoking violators apprehended by the agency. The complaint basically questioned MMDA’s authority to enforce the smoking ban along sidewalks where they were smoking. Velasco also cited the success of the agency’s campaign. Velasco said that since

its implementation of the ban last July 1, the agency recorded 7,694 apprehensions of smoke violators all across the metro. She also mentioned that 93 percent of those apprehended were males. Violators are fined P500 to P1, 000 for the first offense or an equivalent of eight-hour community service. For second-time offenders, the fine is P1,000 to P5,000 or 16hour community service. Meanwhile for third-time offenders, the fine rises to P5,000 to P10,000. Velasco added that currently, the agency has only 68 enforcers for the said campaign and admitted that this limited manpower is insufficient to cover the whole metro. She also mentioned that

they are coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) to assist them in implementing the ban. Still, she is optimistic in the positive outcome of this campaign because of the many anti-smoking advocates helping them. This campaign of the Metro Manila Development Authority is in compliance with R.A. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 as well as Republic Act No. 8749 or Clean Air Act of 1999 which prohibits smoking in public places. “Talking Points,” is a joint undertaking of the Radyo ng Bayan of the Philippine Broadcasting Service, PTV4, and the Philippine Information Agency. (PND/PE-PIA GHQ)-

MMDA vows to clean billboardsindustry despite TRO by Lanie Bolina-Ronquillo QUEZON CITY – “Hindi po tayo titigil sa paglilinis at pagtataguyod ng safety ng ating mga motorista at lahat ng mamamayan sa Metro Manila (We won’t stop in cleaning and ensuring the safety of all the motorists and citizens of Metro Manila),” said MMDA spokesperson Tina Velasco during the live airing of “Talking Points” this morning over Radyo ng Bayan.

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MMDA vows...from page 19 Velasco declared this in the light of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to cease from dismantling billboards along EDSA. The TRO was filed by the Outdoor Advertisers Association of the Philippines, questioning the authority of MMDA in dismantling the billboards on the basis of “structural integrity and nothing else,” giving the advertisers with enough lead time to take action. Velasco defends the position of the MMDA, saying that since August this year, the MMDA has been deputized to implement the dismantling of illegal billboards, upon the request of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, since their department has many ongoing projects under their wings. “In all of our billboard inspections since May until August, as we speak, we have discovered there’s 70 percent non-compliant, and that includes those with no permits. The building permit is yet another issue. Yes, building permit are issued one time, but every time you do a new execution or a new billboard, there is supposed

to be new permit,” Velasco said. Velasco bared that most of the outdoor advertisers have incomplete documents, even at the local government units level. She cited that Quezon City and Makati have issued a moratorium for the past several years regarding this matter. However, there are new billboard structures that continue to be erected. Velasco echoed MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino’s commitment to correct these irregularities, even if it means being unpopular with the outdoor advertising industry. “For the higher order of public safety, we really have to come in,” Velasco said. She added that MMDA has discovered that there are billboard structures that have been approved with building permits in the beginning, but upon inspection, were found to have not complied with the size specifications. “They have been extended tremendously. What was permitted to have 4x5 in size becomes 4x10 over time, but for the same 4x5 permit,” Velasco illustrated. Velasco affirmed that the inspection was a joint process, as this was not executed by MMDA alone. Accordingly, the inspections

were done by a composite team from the DPWH, LGU, MMDA, and the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines. “That’s when the team realized the magnitude of the problem.” Velasco shared that the MMDA chairman decided to stay on course and made sure to address all the issues and ensure that all matters are dealt with, legally. In the course of the dialogue, Tolentino found out there were illegalities that surfaced in all the inspections, and that was when he declared “This is a different playing field, we need to make sure that we are very, very objective in solving it.” The spokesperson said the MMDA understands the predicament of the billboard industry. “The billboard industry is a P5B industry and many are dependent on it. Many rely on billboard rents. Yet, when they start with illegalities, well, we also want to make sure that the industry is clean,” Velasco said. Velasco said that the MMDA is concerned more with public safety, especially when an earthquake strikes. “Kapag nahulog yan sa EDSA, maraming pwedeng mangyari talaga (When those 21

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Wednesday, Wednesday, September September 14, 14, 2011 2011

MMDA vows...from page 20 things fall on EDSA, anything can happen),” Velasco said. She also revealed the plan of the MMDA to pattern the placement and design of billboards in most of the ideal cities in the world, “ Either there’s none, or there is only one or as a stand-alone, by pole or unipole. Ang ganda ng hitsura pag naayos po natin ito (It will really be beautiful once it’s done). Velascowasquicktoclarify

that Tolentino is not ruining the billboard industry. “He just wants to clean the industry. Let’s make Metro Manila more beautiful, make an effort to improve it,” she clarified. Velasco also revealed that, “One drastic measure that he really wants is the total ban of billboards along Roxas Blvd. and Macapagal Avenue. We want to make sure that the Manila Bay view is not wasted.”

She said that the MMDA chairman foresees that there will be many business establishments along that area, and eventually, it will result to more billboards too. “So even this early, the chairman has ordered the billboard ban because we want Metro Manila to be beautiful all over again,” Velasco said. (PND/LBRPIA GHQ)

MMDA mulls arming a special group by Jerome Carlo R. Paunan During the edition of “Talking Points” held at the Philippine Information Agency, MMDA spokesperson and assistant general manager for planning Tina Velasco said their agency chairman, Francis Tolentino, is currently studying the possibility of only arming a special unit. “We do not intend to arm all our traffic enforcers,” she said, adding that, the move would help safeguard their traffic enforcers who are only doing their duty. But the risks involved in dealing with hotheaded traffic violators had made

the MMDA think twice over an earlier proposal of providing arms to a few MMDA enforcers who will be trained as part of their public safety mandate. It can be recalled that motorist Edward John Gonzales allegedly shot MMDAtrafficenforcerLarry Fiala after being accosted for a traffic violation in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday. Gonzales has been detained after being charged with attempted murder. Velasco said Fiala is currently “fighting for his life” at a nearby hospital after receiving four bullet wounds in the stomach. Despite the incident,

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

however, Velasco said that in order to ensure competency and proper bearing among their men, all their traffic enforcers must undergo comprehensive training at their MMDA Traffic Academy. Likewise, she said that in support of President Aquino’s call for change, MMDA head has been working to reform the agency’s o r g a n i z a t i o n a l culture by instilling a value of respect and high regard for and fair treatment of all stakeholders, including motorists. (RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)

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Basilan RLA aspirants present plans in public forum by Dave G. Malcampo ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 14 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nine aspirants for the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were subjected to a battery of questions coming from the five-member panelist, as they were presented in a public forum Monday at the Basilan State College gymnasium. On the same date, two similar fora were also simultaneously conducted in the island provinces of Sulu and Tawitawi, all of which are organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government. DILG Provincial Director Sahon A. Suaib said the nine aspirants are based from the short list submitted by the screening committee created by Malcanang, from among the 45 applicants and nominees from Basi-

lan. From this short list of aspirants, President Benigno S. Aquino â&#x20AC;&#x201C;III will appoint the would-be three Basilan OIC-assemblymen to the RLA. They shall serve for only 21 months, that is, until the regular 2013 elections. The nine aspirants in the forum were: Nathan Insung, Juni Ilimin, Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, Jubaria Said, Allan Pisignan, Kaiser Totoh, Jara Hamja, Hegem Furigay, and Ra-

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jam Akbar. On the other hand, the panelists were composed of: Miskuddin Tupay, representing the basic sector; Nurkaisa Alidain, of the women sector; Dr. Rima Hassan, business sector; Lamitan City Vice Mayor Arleigh Eisma, LGU; and Fr. Edgar Zamodio, religious sector. The aspiring regional solons were initially given 5 minutes each to present their respective profiles and platform.

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Basilan RLA aspirants...from page 22 This was followed by 3 common questions formulated by the panelists, where they were given 4 minutes each to answer. Finally, each aspirant were on the “hot seat ” for 10 minutes to answer questions from the panelists, including the written questions from the audience, which were read by the forum moderators. The battery of questions touched on various subjects, issues and concerns. These include: on good governance, public service, corruption, budget, funding sources, environmental protection, education, shariah law; women, children, and youth; prohibited drugs, illegal logging, the MNLF, MILF, Bangsa Moro aspirations and peace and order; the MOA-AD and sub-

state issue; tourism promotion, business and industry; and others. Throughout forum, moderators Dave Malcampo, Manager of PIA BaSulTa and Umnicalsum Sali, City Director of DILG-Lamitan, jointly facilitated the drawing of lots to determine the random order of aspirants to answer the common questions and who will be next in the “hot seat.” Malcampo explained that the process was adopted if only to make sure the impartiality on the treatment of the aspirants. “We hope to have a similar forum in the future,” quipped Aynun Juaini, who gave the closing remarks in behalf of Director Suaib. As she thank all stakeholders involved in the conduct of the forum, Juaini pointed out how the

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process and the grilling of the aspirants have given the public a good insight on the personality of each aspiring regional solon. The forum officially started around 9:30 a.m. and winded up at 2:30 p.m. The whole proceedings had only two very short interruptions due to technical problems in the video documentation. In related developments, DILG officials announced that a separate public forum is set to be conducted at the Western Mindanao State University gymnasium in Zamboanga City on Sept. 15. The aspirants for Presidential appointment as OIC regional governor and vice governor in the autonomous region will be grilled in the said forum. (DM/PIA9BST)

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Photo Releases:

Nine aspirants for the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were subjected to a battery of questions coming from the five-member panelist, as they were presented in a public forum Monday at the Basilan State College gymnasium. (Rene V. Carbayas, PIA9-BST)

The panelists were composed of: Miskuddin Tupay, representing the basic sector; Nurkaisa Alidain, of the women sector; Dr. Rima Hassan, business sector; Lamitan City Vice Mayor Arleigh Eisma, LGU; and Fr. Edgar Zamodio, religious sector. (Rene V. Carbayas, PIA9-BST)

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

WESCOM spearheads forum to protect Palawanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism industry ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 14 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SAVE Tourism is the primary subject of a forum organized recently by the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with businessmen in Palawan.

Major Wilfredo Manalang Jr. of the Assistant Chief of the Unified Command Staff (ACUCS) for Intelligence, the main speaker in the SAVE tourism forum, explained that the conduct of the said security forum is important to avoid a recurrence of the kidnapping incident in Dos Palmas Resort in 2001 and the detrimental domino effect of such an incident to the tourism industry, locally and internationally. (6CRGAFP/PIA9-BST)

A press report released by the 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP said that resort owners and managers from Southern Palawan on September 5 gathered to discuss security issues involving tourism-related businesses with officials from the Western Command (WESCOM) with the ultimate purpose of protecting the tourism industry in the province,.

The forum, dubbed Security Assessment, Validation and Evaluation (SAVE) Tourism and initiated by (WESCOM), aimed to identify and address the loopholes in the security of beach resorts and other tourist destinations located in the southern municipalities of the province. Major Wilfredo Manalang Jr. of the Assistant Chief

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

of the Unified Command Staff (ACUCS) for Intelligence, the main speaker in the SAVE tourism forum, explained that the conduct of the said security forum is important to avoid a recurrence of the kidnapping incident in Dos Palmas Resort in 2001 and the detrimental domino effect of such an incident to the tourism industry, locally and internationally. 26

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WESCOM spearheads...from page 25 Maj. Manalang reported that after the kidnapping incident, where two foreign nationals and three Filipinos were taken by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) while on vacation in the province, the number of tourists who visited Palawan dropped by 33.28 percent. This translated to a big loss for the tourism industry of the province. Through the SAVE Tourism forum, WESCOM aims to help beach resort owners and managers improve the security conditions of their businesses so as to assure the safety of their guests as well as the integrity of their establishments. WESCOM focuses more of its efforts at eradicating lawless activities committed by armed groups through preemptive measures and proactive actions.

“We focus more mean we should lowon prevention so er our defenses and that, hopefully, we be complacent,” he do not have to waste stressed. our resources and ef- WESCOM Chief forts reacting and in- of Staff Cpt. Rosatervening to lawless uro Sarmiento PN activities,” WESCOM summed up the esSpokesperson Major sentials of the forum Neil Anthony Estrella in four questions. said. “For you to re WESCOM offi- what we cials who attended member the forum also helped have come up here, the resort owners you only need to and managers come ask yourselves these up with steps they questions: Where are could adopt to deter we now? Where do lawless groups from we want to go? How committing activities do we intend to go that would harm their there? And finally, afbusinesses and, con- ter taking the steps, sequently, the tourare we there yet?” ism industry. Cpt. Sarmiento told Resort owners the participants. and managers were WESCOM has also encouraged to already conducted create a communion September 2 the cation network for a more efficient and same forum in the of El faster relaying of in- municipality formation, especially Nido, gathering resort where security issues owners and managers of different tourare concerned. “This does not ist destinations in the Palawan. mean that we are northern facing an imminent ( J P A / 6 C R G A F P / BaSulthreat,” Maj Estrel- RVC-PIA9 la cleared. “But the Ta) absence of it does Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ONE MINDANAO

Photo Release:

Maj. Manalang reported that after the kidnapping incident, where two foreign nationals and three Filipinos were taken by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) while on vacation in the province, the number of tourists who visited Palawan dropped by 33.28 percent. This translated to a big loss for the tourism industry of the province. (6CRGAFP/PIA9-BST)

Resort owners and managers were encouraged to create a communication network for a more efficient and faster relaying of information, especially where security issues are concerned. (6CRGAFP/PIA9-BST)

SAVE Tourism is the primary subject of a forum organized recently by the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with businessmen in Palawan. (6CRGAFP/PIA9-BST)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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ARMM’s public forum on RLA enunciates nominees plans, programs by Gideon C. Corgue BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, September 14 (PIA) – The public forum on the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) thru the National Screening Committee has offered opportunity for the candidates to present their respective plans, programs and positions to the stakeholders, the ultimate beneficiary of their agenda, as well as to help generate meaningful discussion and possible solutions to different issues and concerns of ARMM, among others. Provincial Director Julgabir I. Sappayan in his message said the forum has provided stakeholders the opportunity to assess strengths and capabilities of RLA’s candidates. Citizens Coalition in ARMM for Electoral Reform (CICARE) provincial coordinator Cynthia Hassan said we were grateful that a public forum like this was conducted for the public to know the best candidates to represent Tawi-Tawi in RLA.” Hassan added. The CICARE, a local organization formed and created in 2005 primarily to monitor the conduct of electoral process

to include election monitoring, voter’s education and meeting with stakeholders in Tawi-Tawi. Youth panelist, Kamila Masahud, a senior student of Mindanao State Unicersity- TawiTawi College of Technology and Oceanography said she praised the nominees for giving their respective agenda and at the same time, giving good answers raised by the panelists and the audience. “We hope that whoever will be appointed to the RLA will fulfill their promise and will represent the voice and true sentiments of the people of Tawi-Tawi,” Masahud

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added. After the eight (8) nominees were given the time to introduce themselves and their platforms as well, they were asked also questions from the panelists to demonstrate their competence and worth as candidates to the RLA. The panelists composed were composed of the following: chairman, Prof. Felimon Romero (academe), Bongao mayor Jasper Que (LGU), Engr. Rolando Lim (business), Babelyn Keno Omar (media), and Kamila Masahud (youth). (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)

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CHED-IX awards scholarships to college students by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) - More than 500 college students in region IX have availed themselves of the scholarship programs extended by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED)-IX for this academic year. This was disclosed by CHED-IX Education Supervisor Teresita Pinili in a phone interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) recently. Pinili said CHEDIX has now 117 scholars under the full-merit scholarship program and another 117 scholars for the half-merit scholarship program. Fullmerit scholars would each receive P15,000 per semester while the half-merit scholars would each get a financial assistance of P7,500 per semester. Full-merit schol-

arship program is for bright Filipino students who got scores in the National Career Assessment Examinations (NCAE) not lower than 90 percent, belonged to the top ten of the high school graduating class and with an annual family income of not more than P300,000. Half-merit scholarship program is also open to poor but deserving students with NCAE results not lower than 85 percent. Other scholarship programs implemented by CHED-IX include “Tulong-Dunong” with

70 recipients, StudyNow-Pay-Later (SNPLP) program with 35 beneficiaries, OneTo w n - O n e - S c h o l a r (OTOS) program with 67 scholars and congressional scholars numbering around 135. Each OTOS recipient is enjoying a financial assistance of P15,000 a semester. For “TulongDunong” program, the financial assistance varies according to certain categories such as study grant program for solo parents and their dependents P6,000 per semester, 30

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CHED-IX awards...from page 29

DND-CHED-PASUC study grant program – P2,500 per semester, and OPAPP-CHED study grant program

for rebel returnees – P5,000 per semester. SNPLP, which is a student loan program, provides

P7,500 per semester to each beneficiary. (JPA/FPG-PIAZambo. Norte)

Cebuano News: DSWD, DOH nakadawat donasyon sa Vitamin-C alang sa mga biktima sa dengue by Claro A. Lanipa

Manila, 14 Sept. (PIA) – Si Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman nakadawat sa usa ka bag puno sa Vitamin C gikan ni Mr. Tommanny Tan, president ug chief operating officer sa Filipino Entrepreneurs and Resources Network (FERN), Inc. atol sa usa ka simpleng ceremonial turn-over nga gipahigayon sa buhatan sa Department of Education sa Ortigas, Pasig City ning bag-o lang. Ang FERN, Inc. mihatag sa DSWD ug DOH sa 800 ka mga karton nga adunay bili sa P600,000 sa nonacidic vitamin C alang sa mga biktima sa dengue, ilabi niadtong sa mga pampublikong ospital ug sa mga kabus nga komunidad diin adunay

taas nga panghitabo sa dengue. Ang maong donasyon gipasayon sa National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). Matod pa ni Sec. Soliman ang pagapod-apod niining mga donasyon hiniusang pagahimoon sa FERN, DSWD ug DOH sa mga gipunt-

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ing mga dapit. Sa pagkakaron, mikabat na sa 54,659 ka mga kaso sa dengue ang natala sa DOH sa milabay’ng walo ka bulan. Kasagaran kanila mga kabataan 1-10 ang pang-edaron. ( J P A / D S W D / PIA9/CAL/Zambo Sur)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

NAPC clarifies role in the alleged Bukidnon scam by Marc Siapno MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Sept. 14 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; It has recently come to the attention of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) that it has been misrepresented by members of a specific organization in Bukidnon. In this context, the stress that no individual following definite criteria Commission would like to or organization has re- and procedures. NAPC is clarify its association with ceived an appointment to not in the position to inparties and organizations represent the Commis- fluence SEA-K processthat seek to represent sion or its partner agen- es. the sectors. cies in this regard. In order to prevent Certain individu- The agency is cur- the perpetration of any als and organizations in rently in the process such fraudulent schemes, Maramag, Bukidnon have of preparing for the please refrain from transbeen claiming an affilia- National Sectoral As- acting with individuals or tion with the Office of the sembly and the list of parties posing as personPresident through NAPC. organizations to be in- nel of NAPC or any gov The organization vited has yet to be fi- ernment agency, parKapisanan ng Magsa- nalized. ticularly those asking for saka, Mangingisda at More importantly, money in exchange for Manggagawa ng Pilipinas the SEA-K program is a the immediate release (KAMMMPI) appears to capacity-building pro- of funds, approval of any be distributing member- gram of the Department documents or facilitation ship application forms of Social Welfare and De- of processes for governin batches of 30 to form velopment (DSWD) done ment projects. clusters. in coordination with local NAPC encourages In exchange, the government units. the public to report simiclusters are then prom- The organization lar instances to the naised Php150,000 or of potential recipients, tional or regional offices Php5,000/member, from known as SEA-K Asso- of the concerned agencies the Self-Employment ciations, is managed by to confirm the credibilAssistance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kaunlaran respective DSWD offices ity of such organizations (SEA-K) program. stationed in different re- and their specific claims. NAPC would like to gions across the country, (NAPC/PIA-10) Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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252 BJMP inmates, receive free dental services from Good Samaritans by JO1 Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 14 (PIA) - A total of 252 inmates from the City Jail in Barangay Lumbia, here, received free dental services from the “Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD)” Covenant Community Mission Stewards. The BLD mission stewards, together with some dentists from the Philippines Air Force, region 10, had been tapped by the former Community Relations Service Officer (CRSO) of Jail Chief Insp. Angelo Benjamin Durana of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) region 10.

After the conduct of tooth extraction, complimentary medicines have also been distributed, together with grooming items, ice cream and clothing for inmates. “The inmates, need to feel, from time to time, that the community still looks after their welfare even while they

are in prison,” Durana explained. “It may come as a surprise for some, but the more an inmate feels his importance to the people around him, the more open he will be to other aspects of human growth and development” he added. (BJMP/PIA-10)

Lanao Norte Muslims receive rice and dates fruit by Vincent N. Labial TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 14 (PIA) – In support of the holy month of Ramadhan celebrated by the more than 170 thousand Muslims in this fast-rising province, the provincial government distributed rice and fruit dates in the different towns of Lanao del Norte.

More than 2,300 sacks of rice were distributed through the 634 local mosques since August 16, 2011. During the distribution, each Muslim (Follower of Islam) received 2.5 kilos of rice. “For years now, our Muslim brothers and sisters have benefitted

from this kind of support from the provincial government and the Dimaporo Family. This assistance is a great help to us especially the needy,” expressed Hadji Ali Ansao, owner of a mosque in Malingao, here. Spearheading the activity is the Provincial

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Community Affairs Office (PCAO) which was tasked to identify the beneficiaries of the Ramadhan program. According to PCAO Coordinator Allan Datusapalao, “In total, 2,332 sacks, each containing 18 packs of rice and 600 packs of date fruits were delivered 33

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Lanaa Norte...from page 32

to different mosques for distribution to the Jama’ah (group of Muslim believers).” The rice distri-

bution activity during the Islamic month of fasting has enjoyed continued support from the leaders

of the province and has received positive feedback from the local Muslim communities. (PIO/PIA-10)

Waste mess impels city to impound stray dogs by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Sept. 14 (PIA) – City officials, here, introduced the strict new rules to tackle stray dogs’ foul and garbage mess left across the city, every day. Mayor Ignacio Zubiri said this endeavor would help address problems on starving dogs that prowl the city scavenging through the trash early morning or late at night. “Stray dogs are a problem, not because they will attack you or chase you through the city streets, but is mostly an image problem for a clean and green city, like Malaybalay,” the Mayor said. Dr. Mary Ann Valdez, Chief, Animal Health and Production Division, City Veterinary Office (CVO), likewise, said the new rules would control the street-dog population

and prevent lethal rabies infection. As stipulated in City Ordinance No. 668, each of the city’s eleven (11) urban barangay has a team of dogcatchers registered under the Barangay Rabies Prevention and Control Committee (BRPCC). Stray dogs caught will be housed in the dog pound for a period of 3-5 days under the BRPCC’s care, and shall be released to its owner only upon payment of Php300 as poundage fee. If no person shall claim ownership within a period of 15 days, it shall be sold to public auction through the

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City Treasurer’s Office. In case the impounded dog is not disposed during the auction sale, the ownerless dogs will typically be put to sleep or euthanized. “Ultimately, this is also a wake up call to some people not fit to look after their pet dogs,” Dr. Valdez said. “The CVO, meanwhile, is pushing for the neuter or castration of the stray dogs in year 2012, which is the most humane way of controlling their population, in support of Republic Act 9482 otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act,” she added. (PIA10)

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BFAR offers scholarship to fisherfolk children by Noel Saldajeno CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 14 (PIA) – At least 10 scholarship slots will be offered to children of small-scale fisher folk by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in region 10.

Particularly, the scholarships are offered to those who are interested to pursue a 4-year B.S. Fisheries Course, Visa Tan-Dimerin, Regional Director of BFAR-10, said. She said the other BFAR regions are also offering 10 scholarship slots, each to children of the fisherfolk. To qualify, interested applicants must be a high school graduate with a weighted average of not lower than 80 percent, not more than 20 years old and is not presently enrolled in any course. He/she must be a resident of the municipality for at least four (4) years as attested by the school records and certified by the Barangay

Chairman or the Municipal Mayor. The family’s annual gross income should not be more that Php25,000 and his/her parents must be members of a fishing association/ cooperative, duly attested by the chairperson and secretary of the association. Applicants in region 10 will take the examination, this coming Sept. 16, at BFAR-10, Macaban, this city, Dimeren, also said. Only the top three (3) highest scores can avail of the scholarship effective on the second semester of school year 2011-2012. Qualified applicants will enjoy free matriculation and will receive a monthly stipend of

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Php2,500, semestral book allowance of Php2,000, thesis support of Php3,000 and graduation support of Php500 and other fees. Application forms are available in all Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO), Provincial Fishery Offices (PPFO) and BFAR -10 Office. For more information, please call the following contact numbers of the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO): Misamis Oriental,(088) 8585003, Misamis Occidental, (088) 5210822. Lanao del Norte – (0919) 834-9075, Bukidnon, (088) 228-3771, Camiguin, (088) 3874029 and BFAR-10, (088)8569593 or 8565657. (PIA-10)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

USEP gym now functional by Rudolph Ian G. Alama

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sans the basketball court which is still to be completed, Davao Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest gymnasium is now considered functional. University of Southeastern Philippine president Perfecto Alibin Ph.D. said that the gym is ready for turn-over to the University, the acceptance he said will be within a few weeks. The 7,000-seater gymnasium is located in the 3,500 square meter lot which used to be the site of the old Davao Trade School (Davao School of Arts and Trade) the precursor of the present state university. Alibin said that power and water utilities are in place, making the facility already useable. However, the basketball court and the exterior finishing touches are still to be completed pending a P10-million pledge from Davao City first dis-

trict Representative Karlo Nograles. The gymnasium was done in phases, the first phase involves the gymnasiums substructure and superstructure, phase 2 put in placed the walls, flooring, roofing and bleachers while the third phase dwelt on the provision of airconditioning, lighting, electrical and water systems. The P120-million used for the facility was sourced from the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) initiative from then House Speaker Prospero Nograles and the budgetary allocations from the General Appropriations Act. The fourth phase will include the installation of a modern basketball court

similar to the ones used by professional leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). It will also include the finishing touches to complete the gym. With its completion the gym can host PBA games which are currently being held in the smaller cities of Digos and Panabo which have bigger and better sports facilities than Davao. It can also hold large-scale conventions as the City also do not have large convention centers. Alibin said that he will be creating a management group to exclusively manage the gym which will be an added revenue earner for the university. Currently being studied is a public-private partnership (PPP) set-up for the 36

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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USEP gym....from page 35 gym. A proposal is being explored for a naming right of a telecoms firm in

exchange for a fee similar to what is done in North American cities where big companies entered into

“naming rights deal” with stadiums and coliseums. (PIA-11/Rudolph Ian G. Alama)

DPWH bares P200M projects completed in DavSur by Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways here reported that various infrastructure projects worth over P200 million in the second district of Davao del Sur have been completed and validated. DPWH regional director Sinaloan T. Macarambon bared the completion of the projects implemented by the 2nd District Engineering Office in Malita, Davao del Sur for the period 2008-2010 in the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos, Don Marcelino, Sulop and Sta. Maria. Based on the validation made on September 6 this year, the construction and concreting project of a 1,710-meter road along National Road, TabayonCayaponga section at Jose Abad Santos was completed on June 30, 2010 with contract amount of around P47.7 million. Said project funded by the regular infrastructure program, included drainage structures. Another road con-

struction and concreting project including drainage structures along the National Road, Meybio-Kitali section of JAS also has a funding from the regular infrastructure program, costing more than P47.7 million. The project was done on June 30, 2010. Macarambon said that JAS was also a recipient of three bridge projects funded by the Austrian government which were all completed, refuting a national television report that the Austrian-assisted projects in the second district of Davao del Sur were not progressing. Among the Austrian-funded bridge projects was the construction of the 338-linear meter bridge approaches with grouted riprap slope protection in

Barangay Meybio which was completed on June 18, 2010 with contract amount of about P15.129 million which is now serviceable to the riding public. In Barangay Marabatuan of JAS, the Austrian-assisted bridge project with a length of 214 linear meters and costing around P36 million was finalized on January 31 this year. The third bridge project in JAS funded by the Austrian government was located in Barangay Culaman, with a length of 488.36 linear meters and amounted to more than P47 million. The project done on March 24 this year, also included drainage and slope protection structures. In Don Marcelino, a 37

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

DPWH bares....from page 36 multi-purpose building at Barangay Calian was completely done on April 7, 2010 with an appropriation of P600,000 from the Lower House. Another multi-purpose building was established at Barangay Mamacao in Sta. Maria, with a project cost of P500,000 funded by the Lower House and under the regular in-

frastructure program. The construction was completed on February 4 last year. In Sulop, a covered court project located at Barangay Kiblagon was partially built with an initial release of funds from the Lower House amounting to P500,000. Macarambon said that DPWH is strictly fol-

lowing a department policy for a prompt delivery and no-delay project implementation. Following this policy, she said she has immediately ordered all district engineers in Davao Region to ensure that the projects set last year would all be completed by June 30 this year. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

4Ps brings my children back to school by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Salome Fuertes, 44, a mother of six children, was among those who trouped to the University of Immaculate Conception Auditorium for the public forum initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Salome shared how 4Ps changed her life and her family. 4Ps or better known as CCT is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14. In 2007, two of her children stopped school-

ing since the income of her husband was not sufficient to send all their five children to school. Learning about the 4Ps in 2008, Salome grabbed the opportunity and enrolled back her children at the Davao City National High School. In exchange for the cash grant from the government, Salome committed to avail pre and post natal care and be attended by a

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

trained health professional during child birth. Together with her husband, she also allotted time to attend the regular Family Development Session where they learned proper ways in bringing up a family. Their children were also sent for a regular health check-up and vaccines as well as strict monitoring of their attendance in school.

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4Ps brings....from page 37 Salome could not believe that her eldest son is now a college graduate and has started working to assist in the finances of the family. “Daku akong pasalamat sa gobyerno ilabina sa programang 4Ps kay diri nakat-on mi nga maningkamot aron mapadayun ang pageskwela sa among mga anak. (I am so thankful to the government especially to the 4Ps program because in here we were pushed to strive hard just

to continue the studies of our children.),” she shared. Salome was one of the few beneficiaries who shared their stories during the forum. In the 4Ps program, aach household gets P6,000 a year or P500 per month for the health and nutrition expenses of the family. Another P3,000 is given for one school year or 10 months or P300/ month per child for educational expenses. A maximum of three children per

household is allowed. A household with three qualified children receives a subsidy of P1,400/ month during the school year or P15,000 annually as long as they comply with the conditionalities. Salome still has two years more to benefit from this program. Her family will graduate from 4Ps in 2013 but what will remain is their appreciation on the power of education, health, and strong family bond. (PIA-11)

Davao Light personnel build 2 houses for GK beneficiaries DAVAO CITY, Sept. 14 – Over 20 employees of Davao Light & Power Co. representing at least two tribes of its CFO (Creating Future Organizations) groups are now building two Gawad Kalinga houses at the GK Village in Upper Kibalang, Barangay Marilog, Marilog District, Davao City. The initial build was started last September 3 and will continue over several Saturdays following until the houses are completed. The employee volunteers led by Davao Light executive vicepresident and chief operating officer Art Milan,

were members of CFO tribes Agila and Kampilan. Members of Tribu Agila were Edgardo Abad, Regelio Adlawan, Leo Claros, Fermin Edillon, Teddy Hernandez, Noel Magallon, Mario Abenojar, Severino Ando Jr., Sonny Co and Nelson

Gumba Tribu Kampilan comprised of Lito Juni, Rey Zapanta, Jesse Talavera, Allan Jaca, and Diosdado Gonzales. Four other employees who were not members of any of the two CFO tribes also joined the build, namely Wil39

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Davao Light.....from page 38 fredo Pacatang, Edelito Fernandez, Herbert Lariego and Vic Sumalinog. The volunteer workers did actual gravel sorting, cement and sand mixing, manual hollow blocks hauling, piling, putting the sucalo, rebars, etc. Earlier on, the vol-

unteers committed to provide the manpower requirement in building two individual detached houses. The units are semi-concrete with galvanized roofing. When completed, two families who were earlier identified and chosen by the Gawad

Kalinga are expected to become the house beneficiaries. The Davao Light employees hope to complete the two houses in two or three monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time with the support from other GK volunteer builders. (DLPC)

DavSur prepares health emergency management system plan DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Sept. 14 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The provincial government here is set of finalizing its Health and Emergency Management System (HEMS) plan after completing a recently conducted training aimed at capacitating health managers to respond to disasters. Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang, who attended the HEMS training in Manila last week, said she will finalize the provincial HEMS plan for approval of Governor Douglas Cagas. In an interview over Charm Radio in Digos City, Dayanghirang said the HEMS plan was the product of the training intended to provide technical assistance to local government units in

developing or enhancing their capacities to directly deal with both natural and man-made disasters in their respective areas. Selected provincial and city health officers from all over the country engaged in a series of lectures and workshops during the 11th National Public Health and Emergency Management in Asia and the Pacific (PHEMAP). The lectures and workshops were designed

to fully equip, enhance and develop competencies among participants, preparing them to institutionalize the HEMS in their respective LGUs as a tool to prevent, if not minimize the loss of lives and illnesses during emergencies and disasters. Dayanghirang bared that once the HEMS plan is approved by the governor, it will be submitted to DOH-HEMS for appropriate funding designed 40

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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DavSur prepares....from page 39 for trainings, radio communication system and television monitors. DOH and the University of the PhilippinesCollege of Public Health jointly sponsored the national PHEMAP training where Dayanghirang was cited as the Best Presenter of the HEMS plan due

to its detailed presentation and the manner it was presented. Meanwhile, DOHHEMS director Carmencita Banatin has expressed willingness to help Davao del Sur in its undertakings, Dayanghirang said. According to her, Banatin was elated upon knowing that the prov-

ince has allotted an office space for the HEMS program at the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital. Said office was part of the three buildings constructed and inaugurated last June 29, 2011 through the initiative of Congressman Marc Cagas. (PIO-DavSur/Nilda S. Ani単on)

Photo Release:

Dr. Perfecto Alibin (left person raising hand) is sworn in for his 2nd term as the University of Southeastern Mindanao president

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Prov’l LGU, charity group holds grand surgical mission for IPs, indigents

KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- Hundred of indigents, indigenous peoples, and retirees who need surgical procedures but are unable to avail of medical services for reasons of financial incapacity and lack of services can avail of free surgical services in a five-day surgical mission here starting September 25.

“The

Maharlika gium),

Charity Foundation

stradismus

or activity.

Inc., cross-eyes, goiter, hernia

Dr. Rizal Aportadera,

(MCFI) together with pro- among children five years president of MCFI, vincial

government of old or younger, and minor the medical mission in Ko-

South Cotabato

and the cysts. Dental services will ronadal will be their 49th

the Koronadal Lodge 209 also be available. of Free and Accepted Ma- sons

said

mission in Mindanao and

“This is the

first their first in South Cota-

will conduct a sur- major surgical mission in bato.

gical mission at the South South Cotabato under the

“We are

giving sur-

Cotabato Gymnasium and management of Gov. Ar- gical services exclusively Cultural Center from Sep- thur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr.” for indigents who cannot tember

25 to 29,” board he said.

member Dr. Ervin Luntao announced yesterday.

conditions

afford surgical operations

Yesterday,

officials and

indigenous

peoples

of the Integrated Provin- who lack opportunities to

said among the cial Health Office, provin- avail of costly procedures,” that will be cial government, masons Dr. Aportadera said.

operated free of charge and

the charity founda-

“We are also giving

during the medical mis- tion met at the Sangguni- the same services to resion

include cleft palate, ang Panlalawigan building tirees in government and

cataract (including ptery- to finalize

plans for the private sectors.” 43

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Prov’l LGU....from page 42

MCFI was created in

“Our objective is to are served in dental ser-

1973 to give free medical give specialized and re- vices. treatment for the

poor. habilitative

operations,”

Its office is located at J.P he added. MCFI started

very glad

“Specialized that the Maharlika Chari-

Cabaguio Avenue, Davao because the City.

“We are

doctors we ty Foundation has chosen

con- bring in the medical mis- Cotabato for their surgical

ducting medical missions sions are all specialists and mission,” Vice Gov. Elmo in 2000.

rehabilitative

because Tolosa said.

He said that they the patients’ defects and

have

brought

and

Gov.

Tolosa’s

surgical deformities are corrected office is among the offices

missions to the provinces and they given because

Vice

opportu- listing names of possible

many indigents nities to be restore their patients who will undergo

indigenous peoples confidence

lack the

and

become surgical procedures.

opportunity to productive citizens.”

undergo surgeries either

For

the

Other offices where

medical interested individuals can

because of finances, lack mission in South Cotaba- go to be listed are Office of information regarding to, MCFI will be bringing of the Governor, Office of where

services

can

be at least 35

specialists, Board

Member

Luntao,

availed,

or being disre- including

eye doctors, South Cotabato Provincial

garded

by doctors also plastic surgeons, anaes- Hospital, Radio Mindanao

for reasons of incapacity thesiologists, and general Network and Bombo Rato pay.

surgeons along with other dyo Koronadal.

“We are

very glad medical staff including as

Listing of

patients

that through the medical nurses, medical technolo- in these offices is still onmissions

that we

con- gists and others.

ducted all over Mindanao we

have already

free surgical

going.

He said, on regular

given medical

missions

Candidates for sur-

they gery will be gathered by

services to serve at least 60 to 100 the provincial government

more than 8,000 poor pa- surgical patients each for for a briefing on Septemtients suffering from eye eye operations, cleft pal- ber 20. defects, facial

deformi- ate correction, and minor

ties, and others,” he said.

surgeries.

advance

team

More patients of the MCFI will conduct 44

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Prov’l LGU....from page 43 initial screening and lab- necessary to provide max- also be provided oratory

free.

examinations on imum safety for all proce- Patients who will devel-

September 25. Actual op- dures, especially

among op complications

after

erations will start at Sep- children and the elderlies,” the operation are also tember 26.

Aportadera said.

“Screening

and

assured

continuous

Medicines for post- medical care from MCFI

candidates lab tests are operation treatment will doctors. (PIA 12)

Tagalog News: Tatlong mag-aaral ng GSC Sped Integrated School pinarangalan ng RDC 12 KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 14 (PIA) – Kasabay ng isinagawang 35th Regular Meeting ng Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 dito sa lungsod kahapon, pinarangalan ang tatlong (3) mag-aaral ng General Santos City Sped Integrated School na nauna ng itinanghal na National Makabagong Rizal Awardees ng taong 2011.

Kasama ang kanil- kanilang mga kakayahan, Committee sa PCGEI.

ang Principal na si Ms. interes at talento. Rizza

Robin

Valdez

Ang

tatlong

Ang patimpalak ay

mag- naging highlight ng pagdi-

teacher-coach na si Ani- aaral na kumatawan sa riwang ng ika-150 taong ta Morimonte, tinanggap Rehiyon Dose sa patimpa- kapanganakan nina Romeo Dequito Jr., lak na pinangunahan ng Pambansang John

Elmer

Loretizo

ating

Bayani

at Philippine Center for Gift- si Dr. Jose P. Rizal noong

Isam Benedict Blen Di- ed Education Inc.(PCGEI), ika-19 ng Hunyo ngayong macutac ang plake mula National Historical Com- taon. sa RDC 12. Ang parangal mission of the Philippines

Magkatuwang

ay kumikilala sa kanilang (NHCP), National Commis- pagbigay pagiging modelo sa mga sion on Culture and the mga

plake

Makabagong

Rizal

panuntunan at prinsipyo Arts (NCCA) ay dumaan Awardees sina governor ni Dr. Jose Rizal gaya ng sa

masusing

evaluation Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. ng

pagmamahal sa Diyos at at screening noong unang South Cotabato at Migs bayan, integridad, kagit- bahagi ng taon bago ito in- Dominguez ng Sarangani. ingan at kagalingan sa indorso ng RDC 12 Search (AC AGAD/PIA12)

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Tagalog News: Bagong police provincial director ng S. Cotabato pormal nang uupo sa puwesto by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 14 (PIA) -- Pormal nang uupo ngayong araw si P/SSupt. Randolf Delfin bilang director ng Police Provincial Office ng South Cotabato. Nakatakda ngayong umaga ang pagturnover ng paalis na police provincial director P/SSupt. Nilo Wong ng pamunuan kay incoming director P/ SSupt. Delfin sa isang simpleng seremonyas na pangungunahan ni Police Regional Director CSupt. Benjarde Mantele. Sa Setyembre 26 nakatakdang magretiro sa serbisyo si Wong. Pagkatapos na ser-

emonyas, pinakaunang opisyal na gawain ng bagong police provincial director ang pagdalo sa provincial peace and order council meeting na ipinatawag ni Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. Matatandaang si Gov. Pingoy mismo ang pumili kay Delfin bilang kapalit ni Wong dahil kilala umano itong mahigpit sa pagpapatupad ng batas batay na rin mga sinasabi ng kanyang

nakausap na mga opisyal at tauhan ng pulisya na nakakakila sa police official. Inaasahan din ni Gov. Pingoy na sa pag-upo ng bagong police provincial director agad na mailalatag ang mga hakbang at tuluyang malulutas ang mga kaso ng pagnanakaw ng mga motorsiklo na may kasamang homicide na laganap sa Koronadal City at mga karatig bayan(PIA 12)

Tagalog News: Isa pang bomba sumabog sa by Dani Doguiles Cotabato City kaninang umaga

KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 14 (PIA) -- Isa pang improvised explosive device (IED) ang pumutok malapit sa Shariff Kabunsuan Complex sa Cotabato City kaninang umaga. Pumutok ang isang pasado alas singko ng ng ARMM compound. EID na gawa sa hini- umaga sa may Gutierr- Inilagay ang naturhinalang 81mm mortar ez Ave., malapit sa gate ang bomba sa harapang 46

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Tagalog News: Isa pang....from page 45 bahagi ng isang pampasaherong sasakyan na may plate number MVG 679 na pinarada sa naturang lugar. Isa pang bomba na hindi sumabog ang nakuha ng mga pulis sakay pa rin ng naturang sasakyan. Gawa ito sa isang 8mm mortar at may cellphone na detonating device na agad namang na-neutralize ng explosive and ord-

nance team ng kapulisan at mga sundalo. Kahapon ng tanghali isang bomba na gawa rin sa 81 mm mortar ang sumabog sa tabing daan malapit sa Cotabato Regional Medical Center na sinundan naman ng isa pang pagsabog ng isa pang IED sa di kalayuang ng pinagtaniman ng naunang bomba. Naniniwala si Fe-

licisimo Khu, hepe ng Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Western Mindanao na ang pagpapasabog ay nagnanais makapaghatid ng takot at manabotahe sa isinasagawang public forum ng mga niominado at aplikante para maging mga OIC ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). (PIA 12)

Tagalog News: Mga operator, drayber may hanggang Setyembre 15 para kunin ang fuel subsidy by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 14 (PIA 12) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May hanggang bukas, Setyembre 15, ang mga lehitimong transport operators at drayber ng tricycle sa lungsod ng Koronadal na kunin ang kanilang subsidiya sa langis sa ilalim ng programang Pantawid Pasada ng panahalaan. Ayon kay Koronadal City OIC treasurer Marloun Gumbao, pinal na ang deadline bukas dahil nakatanggap na sila ng notisya mula sa tanggapan ng Department of the Interior

and Local Government (DILG) na nag-uutos na pagsumite na sila ng liquidation report. Sa katunayan umano ngayong araw sana hinihingi ng DILG 12 ang liquidation re-

port pero hindi nila ito magagawa kung kayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t itinakda nila ang pamamahagi ng P150 na fuel subsidy sa mga lehitimong mga tricycle operator at drayber sa lungsod. 47

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Tagalog News: Mga operator....from page 46 Ani Gumbao, sa kabuuang bilang na mahigit 4,000 na benepisyaryo ng programa, halos kalahati pa lang ang nakakuha ng

ipinamudmod na ayuda ng pamahalaan. G a y u n m a n , nanawagan pa rin si Gumbao sa mga benepisyaryo na tumun-

go sa kanilang tanggapan sa bagong city hall sa Carpenter Hill at kunin ang kanilang fuel subsidy. (PIA 12)

Tagalog News: Robredo hindi target ng pambomba sa Cotabato City – Khu KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 14 (PIA) -- Mas malamang na hindi si Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo ang target ng dalawang pinaputok na improvised explosive device (IED) kahapon sa Cotabato City.

Inihayag

Felicisimo Khu,

CSupt. cal Center; sinundan ito ng sumabog na sa North Cohepe ng pagsabog ng isa pang bom- tabato samantalang

tatlo

Directorate for Integrated ba ilang metro lang ang layo ang narekober ng mga otoPolice Operations (DIPO)– sa unang bomba. Western Mindanao na base

ridad, at dalawa nga ang

Ayon kay Khu, base sumabog kahapon.

sa kanilang

natanggap na sa mga narekober na mga

intelligence

report

inten- shrapnel sa

Kaugnay rito,

patu-

pinagyarihan loy na nakaalerto ang ka-

syon ng mga naturang EID ang mga naturang bomba pulisan at sundalo sa iba’t ang pagsabotahe sa isina- ay gawa sa 81 mm mor- ibang lugar sa rehiyon. Mas sagawang public forum ng tar. mga nominado at aplikante

pinaigting

na rin ang mga

Naniniwala rin si Khu checkpoints sa mga pangu-

para maging mga OIC sa na ang naturang mga EID nahing daan at pagbabanAutonomous Region in Mus- ay bahagi pa rin ng sam- tay sa mga matataong mga lim Mindanao sa Shariff Ka- pung

bomba na

ginawa lugar sa buong rehiyon.

bunsuan Cultural Complex ng grupo ni Basit Usman sa lungsod.

Pumutok ang

Muli ring pinaalalah-

na sinanay ng Jemaah Is- an ang publiko na magunang lamiyah para ikalat sa iba’t ing mapagmatyag sa mga

bomba 12:10 ng tanghali ibang

lugar sa

Central kahina-hinalang mga per-

sa Sinsuat Avenue malapit Mindanao. Dalawa na sa sonalidad at mga iniiwang sa Cotabato Regional Medi- mga naturang bomba ang bagay. (PIA 12)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Sen. Revilla eyes on filming “Panday” in Surigao del Norte to help promote tourism industry by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) – The next “Panday” movie of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. might be filmed in Surigao del Norte.

In his send-off press conference held recently at the VIP Lounge of Surigao City Airport, Revilla said he is eyeing to film the movie sequel in the

province after seeing its unique tourist destinations. Revilla added this is one way of thanking the Surigaonons for their unending support not

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only to his political journey but also to his movie career. “In my own way, I can help promote the tourist destinations here in your province,” Revilla said. 49

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Sen. Revilla eyes...from page 48

With this, local officials of Surigao del Norte considered this as one way of promoting the tourism industry of the province, touted as the “Island Adventures” of the Philippines. Revilla further promised to bring his family in the world famous Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao Island to experience surfing in one of the world’s best beaches with perfect waves for surfers. The actorturned politician also vowed to help in everything he can to promote the tourist destinations of the province. He even said, he is willing to serve as an image model to promote the Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao Island,

known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Sen. Revilla donated some Php500,000 to Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City as part of his advocacy to improve public health nationwide, through the “Kap Medical Assistance Program,” providing help to the indigent patients of Surigao del Norte through his Kalusugan Ating Pangalagaan (KAP) medical assistance program, in a ceremony held Friday, in time with the “Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw” Festival of the city of Surigao, where he was invited as Guest of Honor. From his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), Sen.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Revilla allocated Php500,000 as medical assistance fund for the needy patients in the province. The granting of medical aid was formalized through a M e m o r a n d u m of Agreement signed between the senator and D r. Ponciano Limcangco, medical director of the Caraga Regional Hospital. The MOA signing was witnessed by Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco Matugas, 2nd District Representative Guillermo Romarate, Surigao del Norte Govern o r S o l F. M a t u gas and Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas. (PIA-Caraga)

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Gov. Pimentel calls CNN for a dialogue by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Johnny Pimentel today called on members of the communist rebels to dialogue with provincial officials to resolve insurgency issues. In an interview with a local radio station here this morning, Gov. Pimentel said the recent burning of equipment of construction companies--allegedly by members of the Communist Part of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front--in the area will greatly affect the economy of the province as investors and soon to be entrepreneurs are threatened. The province’s chief executive added it’s sad to note that this happened at a time when more companies are already putting in their investments and others are still coming in. “With the prevailing issue on the threat of peace and security, these inves-

tors might withdraw really the reason bethe investments that hind these inhumane they are putting up, acts of these lawless that may really affect groups,” Pimentel the economic aspect said in Cebuano diaof the province,” Pi- lect. mentel said. It can be recalled Aside from this, that as per report of Pimentel added if PNP Provincial Office such incidents will in Surigao del Sur, continue to happen, 13 heavy equipment it is difficult to invite were burned by the potential entrepre- group in less than neurs to put up in- two weeks. vestments in Surigao On Septemdel Sur. ber 5, five units of The governor dumptrucks and 3 also said the tourism Saddam Hauler trucks industry is also doing owned by Bislig Venwell in the province tures, Inc. were also but with what hap- burned. pened, he is afraid Earlier on Authat this will also be gust 25, three units affected. of backhoes, one unit When asked of bulldozer and one about possible motive unit of boom truck for attacks, Pimen- were also torched tel said contractors down at the Dole told him that they Philippine Compound were not able to re- in Brgy. Batunan, ceive demand letters Tagbina, Surigao del from the rebels, “so Sur. (PIA-Caraga) I don’ t know what is Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ONE MINDANAO

Youth leaders network initiates activities for peace by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) - The Caraga Youth Leaders’ Network is now initiating activities in support of the celebration of the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Peace on September 21, 2011.

Dubbed “Kalinaw Alang sa Tanan” (Peace for All), the initiative supports the worldwide call for a sustainable peace and development. It also seeks to inculcate the essence of peace and the true meaning of a shared community. It is a synchronize celebration for peace by youth organizations, government offices, NGOs, sectoral groups and the academe to show support for peace in the region. In a memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)Caraga Regional Of-

fice here, all Chief Executives are encouraged to conduct the activity which is composed of three peace activities. The “Singko Minutos na Pag-ampo Alang sa Kalinaw” is a five-minute moment of prayer for peace from 8:00 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. on September 21 to be conducted by the Sangguniang Kabataan, NGOs, youth organizaitons, government offices and others. This activity enjoins all concerned to gather together in a candle lighting mode and say the prayer for peace. “Pirma Alang s a Ka l i n a w ” i s a

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petition declaring for a lasting peace in the region and the whole world to achieve human development and sec u r i t y. T h i s a c t i v i t y can be facilitated by the Sangguniang Ka b a t a a n . T h e “ Pe a c e E d u c a t i o n Sy m p o s i u m is an activity aims to intensify the peace education campaign among the people i n t h e c o m m u n i t y. CYLN is a regional m u l t i - s e c t o ra l and non-government organization (NGO) that focuses o n a d va n c i n g t h e C a ra g a n o n youth development affairs o f C a ra g a Re g i o n . (PIA-Caraga)

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Surigaonon News: Surigao City Mayor Matugas nagpasalamat sa malamposon nga pagsaulog sa charter day ug fiesta celebration SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- Si Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas mingpa-abot sa iyang dakong pasalamat sa tanan mingsuporta sa malamposon nga pagsaulog sa 12 day- celebration nan syudad sugod sa 41st Charter Day Celebration hangtud na sa paghuman sa Fiesta kagahapong adlawa atol sa gipahigayon nga Monday Flag Raising Ceremony atubangan sa Surigao City Hall.

Una nga mingpa-abot sa iyang pasalamat si Mayor Nitoy Matugas kang Congressman Lalo Matugas sa unang distrito Congressman Guillermo Romarate nan segundo distrito lakip usab kang Governor Sol F. Matugas sa ilang suporta pinansyal nga maoy gigamit pa-premyo sa mga partisipante sa Bonok-Bonok Festival. Dugang pasalamat usab ni Mayor Nitoy Matugas sa mga kumpan-

ya, mga opisyales, amigo ug mga kaela lakip usab sa mga paningkamot sa nag-organisar sa Bonok-Bonok Festival nga mao gyud ang mihimo ug mga pa-agi aron makab-ot ang kalamposan ug kahapsay sa maong selebrasyon. Siya nagmalipayon usab tungod kay daghan ang mingsanong ug mingduyog sa kapistahan nan syudad diin masaksihan gayud ang paglambo nan

syudad tungod sa pagtaas sa ihap sa mga bakasyunista, turista, lakip na sa mga surigaonon nga nagsuroy-suroy libot sa dakbayan. Sa maong panhitabo nahimong hapsay ug walay gubot nga nahitabo sa mga kadalanan lakip pa sa wala nay problema nga nadawat ang syudad gikan sa mga intrante nga naggikan sa laing munisipyo. Tugod niini si Mayor Ernesto Matugas nagpasal 53

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Surigaonon News: Surigao City ...from page 52

amat ug daku sa tanan mga Surigaonon nga minghimo usab sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga responsibilidad aron mamahimong malinawon

ug malamposon ang pagselebrar nan kapistahan. Siya nanghinaut nga sa mosunod pa nga mga kapistahan mas daghan pa ang moduyog ug mas

magmalamposon pa gayud ang maong selebrasyon. (Annette Villaces, Surigao City PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Cebuano News: Clean Ground, Zero Waste program ni Mayor Amante, nahimong makasaysayanon sa dakbayan sa Butuan by Ronuel A. Quinto

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- Nahimong makasaysayanon ang programang Clean Ground, Zero Waste nga gilusad sa lokal nga panggamhanan niâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ng dakbayan dili pa lang dugay ubos sa liderato ni Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr..

Nagtambayayong ang tanan sa paglimyo sa syudad uban sa tibuok puwersa sa tanang empleyado sa lokal ug national nga panggamhanan, mga ka-estudyantehan mga magtutudlo sa pribado ug pampublikong tulunghaan, mga private sectors ug ang mga lumulupyo sa syudad. Ang maong programa usa sa konsepto aron nga mapa-abot sa matag-usa ang ka-im-

portante sa kalimpyo sa syudad ug sa gitawag nga Social Transformation ang pag-usab sa kinaiya sa tawo diha sa kalimpyo. Kahinumduman nga dugay nang problema sa syudad ang basura, gani paman isa kini sa hinungdan sa pagbaha. Sa pamahayag ni Mayor Amante gipasabot niini nga gawas nga malimpyohan ang syudad malikayan usab ang

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kalamidad nga posibling mo dangat. Gipasabot usab niini nga diha sa basura adunay dugang kakitaan sa katawhan. Nanawagan usab ang maong opisyal ngadto sa tanang myembro sa media nga tabangan kini pinaagi sa pag-educar sa katawhan, diha sa kahanginan, sa saktong paglabog sa basura arun mamintinar ang kalimpyo sa dakbayan. (Butuan City PIO/ PIA-Caraga)

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