CONTENTS NATIONAL
OUR COVER:
• Biazon vows to carry out changes in BOC • Aquino appoints new Supreme Court Justice • Malacanang says Garcia was arrested after
President Aquino confirmed the sentence on him by military court
IML Ecopark TALKING POINTS Sarangani’s all-adventure resort
PHOTO CREDIT:
Deringhome.blogspots.com Frogstone Sarnganitoday.blogspots.com Travelandmissings.com Cocoy sexcion
• RP is 85 percent rice self-sufficient – NFA • DA develops new variety of hybrid rice • Gov’t to seek extension on Quantitative Restriction of rice – NFA Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
An Electronic News Magazine
published daily by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Clusters
EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor …….........
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Managing Editor …….........
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors …...
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Emmanuel D. Gonzales, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
2
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
• USEP’s Geology course aims to meet growing job demand • Davao City eyes new convention centers • BFAR enhances exportation requirements of fisheries products • POEA opens 4th batch of nurses, caregivers recruitment for Japan • DTI conducts training on record keeping and financial management on Sept 22
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • Alcala hands assistance to local high value crops projects • Kaso ng dengue sa South Cotabato nananatiling mababa • Pamamahagi ng PTAF sa South Cotabato hanggang sa katapusan ng buwan na lamang • Mga sundalo tutulong sa pagpigil sa kriminalidad sa Koronadal • 90 nagtapos sa K-ITO ng IT literacy training ng DOLE sa Sarangani
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • 2011 Surfing Festival opens today in Siargao • 3 birthing homes now operational in Surigao City • ‘Community-based approach in crime prevention works,’ says lady solon • PRC-10 to conduct mobile processing in Surigao City • Reg’l PNP reports a 12% dip in crime rate as ‘crime prevention week’ culminates
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • Investment opportunities float up during Mindanao business confab, says Dipolog chamber • Gov’t IOs, HR officers as breastfeeding advocates in workplace • NFA-Zambo. Norte beefs up palay procurement campaign • WESCOM continues efforts to protect the tourism industry of Palawan • 4Ps successfully implemented in Zamboanga del Sur, says congresswoman Cerilles
Northern Mindanao • DILG Sec. Robredo to launch Project EMPOWERING in Mis. Or., Sept. 19 • Simulation drills/dry run of protocol mark today’s meeting of SOMM working committee members • Sept. 17 is International Coastal Cleanup Day • Audition for of Cag. de Oro’s Singing Ambassador set Sept. 17 • Camiguin’s free spay-neuter for pets benefits 157 pet owners
Friday, September 16, 2011
Cover Story: Experience Sarangani’s all-adventure resort at IML Ecopark
Welcome to IML Ecopark, Sarangani’s all adventure resort! IML, is the province’s newest resort this year that rises at a peak in Lumasal village. IML (shortened for Irineo Miguel Lopez) Ecopark is an old hacienda now owned by former Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. and family.
“I remember as government troops were running after the rebels that day in August 2008, I was busy planting bananas here,” Haydee Lopez said. The former first lady has purchased the old Hacienda Ong for her banana plantation while being assured of her husband’s consent despite the odds. Her husband, the visionary town leader, sees where the municipality is heading. The fact is he was able to instill an excellent leadership among his constituents for simply being a peace advocate. “What is Maasim
Friday, September 16, 2011
yesterday?” Lopez said. “Now we even invested on our own not to take the risk, but to enjoy old age at the resort,” he gushed. “This resort will give new meaning to guns and bullets,” the couple had to say. At the resort, the Lopezes planned to construct 25 rooms from P1,500 airconditioned rooms to economy rooms and a dormitory. These rooms will soon be named with different ammunition accordingly, thereby renaming bullets of death into cozy and convenient rooms to relax and be private.
4 3
Cover story: Experience Sarangani’s.....3
The resort sits in a 100-meter altitude. It started admitting guests since April 9 but will have its grand opening at the town’s Kestebeng Festival and the national shoot fest competition next month. Last May, the resort opened the zip line to the public. At the end of the promo day, it accommodated 120 riders -for free. I M L Ecopark is an all-adventure destination, recreation, and a place for vacation. Seated at the 33-hectare banana plantation is a shooting range at the right, a 580-meter long zip line overlooking two swimming pools, one for adults, the other one for kids, a garden, playground, a conference room and private cottages at the left. There is a restaurant, a display
center and a park that can accommodate 25 vehicles. A bigger conference hall will also be constructed at the back portion for 300 business guests. The parking lot has five open cottages offering a view of the national
highway that strips off the vast coconuts and the seashores. All these are overlooking the Sarangani Bay. Iniong playground, named after the family’s youngest son, Irineo Miguel, gives a wide view of the two pools. Up there, one can feel and see the sea-breeze busying all
day combing the leaves of a vast coconut trees below. The 580-meter zip line crosses the twin pools below, the patterned coconut trees and a pond the Lopezes planned to develop soon for boating and fishing. “I was nervous at first but before reaching the finish line, I’d already recovered and enjoyed the thrill,” Shina Marie Batiancila said in excitement. Shina is Miss Malapatan 2009 and had her life’s first zip line ride here. A view of the zip line from the resort gives a fascinating sight of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape as a background. For walk-in guests, it costs P50 entrance fee to enjoy the exhilarating view and a swim-all-day at the pool. Farther about 5
4
Friday, September 16, 2011
Cover story: Experience Sarangani’s.....4
200 meters from the beach are artificial reefs. Maintenance staff Mansor Masdok named the reefs as Lobo, Supo, Lunay, Taluk, Katubao, and Kulafu reefs. “For a real diving experience instead, you go to Lemlunay Dive Resort,” Lopez said. “All we do here is to compliment our business partner in this side of Sarangani coastline,” the former mayor said. IML Ecopark, with Lemlunay Dive Resort and South Point Divers, are Maasim’s tourist destinations. Maasim as part of the
Maasim-Kiamba-Maitum Industrial Triangle (MAKIMA-IT) is turning to be the province’s investment capital. With polishing and tiling at the pool and the cottages and concreting of the private road yet to be done, the family has already invested P20 million for the resort. At present, there are already six airconditioned rooms good for three persons at P1,500 per room and two P1,000/room good for two. All-Filipino cuisine is offered at the restaurant
-- from quickly served short orders to main menu of sautéed and garnished beef, pork and chicken recipes to desserts and drinks. The restaurant features its Chicken Aloha, a unique chicken adobo bathed in sweet chili sauce and oyster sauce garnished with spring onions and sliced pineapples. But IML Ecopark’s operations manager Bernard Salveron, chef Ariel Perreño and supervisor Arnel Alforque were one in saying their beef, pork, or seafoods sotanghon guisado were 6
Friday, September 16, 2011
5
Cover story: Experience Sarangani’s.....5
still the most requested menu at P150 good for 4 persons. IML Ecopark has one of the best shooting ranges in the country. Actually, the idea to build a resort started from the father-and-son’s shooting hobby. This is why the former father of Maasim wanted to call it “Otoy’s firing range,” an allusion of his namesake and son, former Board Member Aniceto Lopez III. Two Gov. Migs’ steel challenge competitions have already been held at the firing range. IML has 80, 100, 150, 200, 6
300, 400 and 1,500 meter shooting ranges at the back of a hill. “Yol”, as the former mayor is known among Maasimians, bragged the range to have such shooting distance excellent for sniping practice and a natural huge buffer that can even handle explosion tests. No wonder Otoy makes an expert rifle marksman. For her part, Haydee, the resort’s brain and beauty and labor (she being the engineer, the landscaper, the lady mason and the architect of it all) was simply
looking for trucking exit of banana products but found a far better idea. But that’s over a year and a half ago. “I made it my motto in life not to wait for tomorrow what you can do today,” Haydee mused. “I can’t wait. The idea is there and I have to grab it,” she added. IML Ecopark (contact number 09489757710) is 20 kilometers from Maasim Poblacion, which is 45 kilometers from General Santos City. (RGP/PIO Sarangani/ CTA/PIA General Santos City) Friday, September 16, 2011
Biazon vows to carry out changes in BOC
N
ewly-appointed Custom chief Rufino Biazon vowed to initiate changes in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to get rid of graft and corruption in the bureau but at the same time encourage businesses to thrive.
In a press conference in Malacanang after Biazon took his oath of office Friday morning, Biazon said he planned to carry out changes in the bureau particularly
by altering the mindset of the Bureau of Customs employees, which is perceived by the public as tainted. At the same time, Biazon said that while in-
stituting reforms in the bureau, he made an assurance that he would be fair to businesses so that they will not be scared in putting investments in the country.
8 Friday, September 16, 2011
7
.Biazon vows.....from page 7 “I would like to do measures that will assure stability in the conduct of business within the bureau. So ang measures ko…ang iku-consider ko rin ay kung mabubulabog ba ang negosyante. Kasi ang ayaw nating mangyari ay ang negosyante ay mag slow down sa negosyo,” he said when ask about his plans in the coming days. I n the fight against g r a f t and corruption, Biazon stressed that he will plug loopholes in the existing system in the bureau because t h e s e w e a k nesses paved the way to corruption. “Ang commitment ko sa Pangulo ay hanapin yang loopholes na yan at takpan, at ang gumagamit ng loophole na yan hindi lang harangin kundi habulin at ipakulong kung kakailanganin,” he said. It’s basically a review of the system within the bureau for me to do. So it’s more on the willingness to
8
plug the loophole and run after those who use those loopholes,” Biazon added. New technology will be used to track missing shipments or prevent thieves from striking, the Customs chief said, adding that they are also studying imposing duties on imports that are to be re-exported. Biazon also said he would coordinate with the
secretary of finance to go after customs officials who enriched themselves while in service and at the same time review the performance of all collectors in the bureau. He also warned those who want to ask favor through him or his family saying he would not hesitate to send them to jail. “This battle against corruption and smuggling
within the bureau is a people’s battle. Kahit anong klaseng reporma ang gawin namin sa loob ng bureau, kahit ilang tiwaling empleyado ang i-fire namin at kasuhan kung merong negosyante na pupunta sa bureau of customs at aabutan yung empleyado ay talagang mahihirapan tayo sa laban na ito,” he said noting that the enemy is not only corrupt officials but also corrupt businessmen. The President has given him twin targets, Biazon said in order to meet the revenue target and to fight graft and corruption within the agency. “ D a lawang targets yun and the public can expect me to work really hard towards those goals,” he said. According to Biazon, the President’s order is clear: to implement the law, stay in the mandate and follow the chain of command. Biazon also said he’s happy that former general Danilo Lim was appointed as intelligence chief of the bureau given his competence in that field and he vowed to work closely with Lim.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Aquino appoints new Supreme Court Justice
P
resident Bengino S. Aquino III has appointed Estela Perlas-Bernabe as the newest Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Malacañang official said Friday.
“Today the President has announced the appointment of Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe as the new Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told a press conference in Malacañang. Prior to her appointment, Bernabe was Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals since March 9, 2004. She has served the Judiciary as Regional Trial Court Judge of Makati City from January 2000 to March 2004, Metropolitan Trial Court Judge of the same city from March 1996 to January 2000, and as Technical Assistant in the Office of the Court Administrator, Supreme Court of the Philippines from 1977 to 1979. She also worked in various private and government offices, namely, as Legal Assistant, Legal Department
Friday, September 16, 2011
of China Banking Corporation (1979-1980); Senior Manager, Legal Department of Paramount Finance Corp. (1980-1987); Legal Manager and Corporate Secretary/ Legal Consultant of the National Home Mortgage and Finance Corp. (19901993); and Senior Partner of Bernabe Perlas Morte and Associates (1993-1996). In 1999, she received the Best Written Decision Award for the Municipal/ Metropolitan Trial Court Level given by the Philippine Women Judges Association. In October 2001, she represented the Philippine Judiciary as a scholar in the 5th International Workshop on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Seoul, Korea, where she delivered reports on the ‘’Effective Administration of Criminal Justice’’ and ‘’Probation Law in the Philippines’’.
Moreover, in recognition of her exemplary service, Bernabe was given the distinction of ‘’Natatanging Babaeng Hukom’’ by the Municipality of Plaridel, Bulacan on March 3, 2003. Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe completed her Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Banking and Finance magna cum laude at St. Paul College of Manila and earned her law degree from the Ateneo College of Law graduating as Class Salutatorian in 1976. She passed the bar examination in 1977 with a bar rating of 85.156%. Born on May 14, 1952 in Plaridel, Bulacan, Justice PerlasBernabe is married to Atty. Ricardo C. Bernabe, Jr., a lawyer/ businessman from Malolos, Bulacan, with whom she has two (2) children, Ericia and Ricardo III. (RCK) 9
Malacanang says Garcia was arrested after President Aquino confirmed the sentence on him by military court
M
alacanang said retired Major General Carlos Garcia was arrested on Friday morning by personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at his residence in Quezon City after President Benigno S. Aquino III confirmed the sentence rendered by the military court martial on the former military officer for violation of Articles of War, a Palace official said.
Garcia did not resist arrest, according to Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday. Lacierda said Garcia was found guilty by a court martial on December 2, 2005 for violation of Articles of War 96 and 97. Article of War 96 is “conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman for failing to disclose/declare all his existing assets in 2002 and 2003 and for holding the status of an immigrant or permanent resident of the United States thereby causing dishonor to the military profession.” Article of War 97, meanwhile is “conduct prejudicial to good order and military disci-
10
pline for making untruthful statements under oath about his true assets in his 2002 and 2003.” While the military court issued the guilty verdict on Garcia in 2005, Lacierda said former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did not sign the confirmation letter during her term. Lacierda said the confirmation letter was finally signed by President Benigno Aquino III, paving the way for the execution of the sentence. “The decision of the military court martial is recommendatory and becomes effective only upon the confirmation of the President of the Republic as commander in chief,” Lacierda said. He said Garcia
was turned over to the Armed Forces’ Intelligence Service in Camp Aguinaldo following his arrest by AFP operatives along with the Philippine National Police officers. “He was transferred to the National Bilibid Prison,” Lacierda said. Lacierda said Garcia has separate charges before the Sandiganbayan. “The Articles of War are separate and distinct from the plunder case in the Sandiganbayan. In so far as the case in the Sandiganbayan is concerned, it is still being disputed. The new Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales is asking for time to question the compromise agreement between the previous administration and Garcia,” he said. (JS)
Friday, September 16, 2011
RP is 85 percent rice self-sufficient – NFA by Gideon M Gapayao
QUEZON CITY, September 16 (PIA) -- Special Assistant to the Administrator Atty. Gilbert Lauengco of National Food Authority (NFA) said Thursday that the Philippines has already attained 85 to 95 percent rice self-sufficiency to date. During DZRB and PTV 4’s radion program Talking Points Lauengco said that the Department of Agriculture targets to
increase rice production by 10 percent every year until 2013. However, he said this goal of rice selfsufficiency by 2014 may
be affected by various factors such as weather conditions and the lifting of quantitative restriction set by the World 12
Friday, September 16, 2011
11
RP is 85.....from page 11
Trade Organization to its member countries. Lauengco said Typhoon Ondoy which struck the country in 2009 resulted to the loss of 500,000 metric tons of rice. Due to this, an inter-agency committee comprised of the NFA, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) closely monitors weather disturbances which may decrease
the country’s rice yield. In line with this, DA is also developing a new variety of hybrid rice which could withstand constant rains and could increase the farmers’ yield at the same time. Lauengco also clarified that DA does not use GMO rice. Lauengco also said that lifting the quantitative restrictions on rice importation will also affect the country’s drive to reach the self-sufficiency target. The Philippines and South Korea are the only member countries
of the World Trade Organization (WTO) who have not lifted the restriction. He said lifting the quantitative restrictions puts local farmers’ income at risk as imported rice is cheaper than rice produced locally. The restriction of rice importation in the Philippines will be lifted on June 2012. However, the government has already formed a task force to ask members of the WTO for an extension for the implementation of quantitative restriction. (PND GGPIA-GHQ)
DA develops new variety of hybrid rice by Alice V. Sicat QUEZON CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) –- A new variety of hybrid rice that could withstand the changing weather conditions of the country is currently being developed by the Department of Agriculture (DA), said Special Assistant to the Administrator Atty. Gilbert Lauengco of the National Food Authority (NFA) on Thursday. In the program “Talking Points” held at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and aired over DZRB - Radyo ng Bayan, Atty. Lauengco clarified that the hybrid
rice they are developing is not a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). “Ang hybrid rice po ay pinagsasama lang ang binhi at kinukuha ang mga magagandang
aspeto ng mga bigas (Hybrid rice is only the combination of the outstanding qualities of different seed),” he said. Since palay is vulnerable, a new variety of hybrid 13
12
Friday, September 16, 2011
DA develops.....from page 12
rice is being researched and developed as a response to the need of the country to become rice self-sufficient by 2013. If the stalks are too short, it would be easi-
ly submerged into flood waters while if it is too tall, it could be easily destroyed by the wind. Atty. Lauengco also said that there should be an exact time to plant the new variety being devel-
oped since it is sensitive. However, in the long run, this hybrid rice could have a big effect on the country’s rice production because it could double the harvest of the farmers, he said.
Gov’t to seek extension on Quantitative Restriction of rice – NFA by Phres Evardone QUEZON CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) –- Local rice farmers will surely be elated with the Philippine government’s plan to seek for an additional threeyear extension on the quantitative restriction on rice which is set to expire on June 12 next year. The said plan was announced by Atty. Gilbert Lauengco, Special Assistant to the Administrator of the National Food Authority (NFA), during today’s “Talking Points” program aired over Radyo ng Bayan. This means that if the extension will be granted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the volume of imported rice coming to the country will still be subjected to regulation for another three years. As a consequence, our local farmers can still compete in the market and can sell their rice at a competitive
Friday, September 16, 2011
price. Quantitative restriction is a special treatment given by the WTO to its member country to impose restrictions on the importation of a certain agriculture product in exchange for the imposition of lower tariffs on other imported agricultural products. Being the country’s staple food, rice is also produced locally by farmers but the total rice production is still insufficient to meet the demand of rice consumption of the country. To address this issue,
the government, through NFA, resorts to importing rice. Attorney Lauengco added that the government, through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and NFA, is trying to develop schemes and programs that will make the country achieve its goal to be rice self-sufficient by 2013. If this goal will be realized, our government can save funds which are allocated in subsidizing the rice that the country is importing to stabilize the supply of rice nationwide. (PND/PAE/PIA GHQ)
13
USEP’s Geology course aims to meet growing job demand by Rudolph G. Alama
With more geologists being produced, it can supply manpower need particularly from the government which has only one state geologist in the region, Alibin said.
T
he B.S. Geology course of the University of Southeastern Philippine aims to satisfy the growing demand for geologists coming from private mining companies and the government. 15
14
Friday, September 16, 2011
USEP’s Geology.....from page 14
USEP president Dr. Perfect Alibin said that currently there is a low supply for Filipino geologists because of the lack of schools with geology courses. It was in 2007 that USEP first offered the course. In 2011 it produced 15 graduates of which 11 passed the board exams for geologists. Along with USEP, Mapua Institute of Te c h nology, Neg r o s O r i ental State C o l lege in Dumaguete C i t y, Partid o State U n i versity in Goa, Camarines Sur are the only schools offering geology courses. Alibin said that there is so much demand for geologists, citing the first batch of graduates where the 11 board passers are now all employed. Alibin added that two graduates even without taking the board Friday, September 16, 2011
are now working in Australia. He said the university is hiring part-time lecturers with experience. He admits they cannot find geologist to teach full-time because all of them are hired and are working in different companies. There are at least 194 students currently enrolled in the course. About 52 of the students belong to the graduating class. With m o r e geolog i s t s being p r o duced, it can supply m a n power n e e d particularly from the governm e n t which has only one state geologist in the region, Alibin said. The government is currently conducting geo-hazard mapping in critical areas of Region-XI but the project is hampered by the lack of geologists due to intense job demand coming from the private sector. (PIA-11) 15
Davao City eyes new convention centers by Rudolph G. Alama
DAVAO CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) – Several convention center projects are expected to gear up Davao City’s bid to become one of the country’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) destination. Among these projects would include the Davao International Convention and Exhibition Center and the SM City Lanang convention facility. According to City Investments and Promotions Center head Jason Magnaye, the two convention centers would have a capacity of 3,000-4,000 persons each. The two projects are located adjacent to each other in the City’s booming Lanang area. Magnaye said the Davao International Convention and Exhibition Center will be built on a two-hectare land. The project initiated by a group of Filipino-Chinese businessmen is tentatively set to open late next year or early 2013. 16
The SM convention facility which will be located at the SM Davao complex in Lanang is expected to be completed by March 2012. Magnaye hopes the projects will be completed by the time the City will host the MICE convention in March 2013. Also nearing completion is the 8,000seater University of Southeastern Philippines multipurpose Gymnasium, which according to USEP president Dr. Perfecto Alibin could also serve as a major convention center. Magnaye said they will be marketing and promoting all the convention facilities of the City to attract more of the MICE market. At present the big-
gest convention facility in Davao is the Central Bank Convention Hall which can only accommodate around 2,000 people. Magnaye says that for 2011 alone they recorded 40 meetings and conventions held in the City, ten of these are national conventions. The holding of these events in the City, Magnaye said contributed largely to the 370,000 visitor arrivals in the City as of the first quarter of 2011, the count he said is higher than last year’s 1st quarter visitor figures of 335,000. The DCIPC chief and current City Tourism Operations Office head stated he expects the visitor arrival in the City to breach the 700,000 people level. (PIA-11) Friday, September 16, 2011
BFAR enhances exportation requirements of fisheries products by Carina L. Cayon DAVAO CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has enhanced its requirements and documentation of the exportation procedures of fisheries products to meet up the standards of the neighboring countries in Asia. BFAR regional director Fatma Idris said that the agency has started requiring additional pre-requisites and documents from the local and international exporters of products such as eels or elvers to ensure compliance of the standards set by the buying countries. Idris stressed for the strict implementation of the improved policy for BFAR to be efficiently facilitative of its regulatory function on exportation of fisheries products to countries such as China, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. She told the Philippine Information Agency that these countries are catching up with the standards of the European Union.
Admitting though that the countries have varied standards, which would either be strict or lenient, Idris said that Philippine exporters should strictly comply with the requirements set under the Hazard Analytical Control Points. HACP requires exporters to conform by the General Management Practices (GMP) or the standard procedures of meeting up the sanitation requisites in the plant and the processing area, Idris stated. Health certificates are also part of the additional documentation which would ensure that the products have no traces of residues like anti-biotic, she said. According to Idris, BFAR has upgraded its
laboratory technology in matching up with the improved policy, however she said that the available laboratory facilities have limited capacity. “Ilang samples lang ang ma accommodate (in the laboratories). We refer the excess to other BFAR accredited laboratories, either government or private,” she said. Idris bared that BFAR is aiming for an International Standard Operating procedures that would hopefully be employed in the coming years. BFAR regional heads, fish health officers, fish inspectors and exporters from regions IX, X, XI, XII, Caraga and Autonomous 18
Friday, September 16, 2011
17
BFAR enhances.....from page 17
Region in Muslim Mindanao gathered in the city last week for the orientation on the additional requirements and documentation of the
exportation process. Idris said that ARMM is not an exporter region but was included in the orientation activity be-
cause it is a supplier of products such as eel, elvers and crabs to exporters like its neighboring regions IX and XII. (PIA-11)
POEA opens 4th batch of nurses, caregivers recruitment for Japan by Carina L. Cayon
DAVAO CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announces that it is now accepting applicants for the 4th batch of nurses and caregivers for Japan.
According
to
POEA are advised to personally and valid NBI clearance for
Advisory No. 41 Series of submit the required docu2011, qualified nurse appli-
ments
to
POEA
travel abroad.
Regional
Applicants could also
cants must be graduates of Center for Mindanao at the register Bachelor of Science in Nurs-
2nd Floor, AMYA II Bldg., poea.gov.ph
ing with Board License and Quimpo Blvd. corner Tulip at least three years hospital experience, and must be
online
Drive, Ecoland, Davao City. the
www.
eregister.poea.gov.ph.
The POEA advisory re-
minds that registrants with
physically and psychologi-
ments are the following:
complete documents shall
cally fit.
detailed resume with one be given priority.
Caregive
Among
or
www.
require-
at
candidates piece 2x2 picture, college
POEA
collaborates
must be graduates of any diploma (for caregiver ap-
with the Japan International
four-year course and cer-
Corporation of Welfare Ser-
plicant, diploma should be
tified as caregivers by the authenticated, Transcript of vices (JICWELS) for the four Technical
Education
and Records, valid Profession-
Skills Development Authori-
al Regulation Commission ment of nurses and caregiv-
ty or a graduate of Bachelor (PRC) ID, employment cerof Science in Nursing.
batches of Japan recruit-
tificates for nurse applicants,
ers from the Philippines.
According
to
POEA,
Interested and quali-
valid TESDA Certificate on
based on the experience of
fied applicants in Mindanao
Caregiving, valid passport
the previous batches, ma-
19 18
Friday, September 16, 2011
POEA opens.....from page 18 jority of the Japanese institutions prefer candidates
Saturdays and Sundays.
For
qualified
undergo three months Pre-
appli-
paratory
Japanese
Lan-
from age bracket 20 to 35 cants who have registered guage Training (PJLT) which years old. Knowledge of the online and maintained an
is sponsored by the Gov-
Japanese language is also active status through the ernment of Japan and will an advantage.
POEA e-registration system
It says that the insti-
at www.poea.gov.ph shall Taguig City, POEA states.
tutions are strict about the immediately be given prephysical and psychological fitness, advising the qualified ly
applicants observe
to
strict-
be conducted by TESDA in
employment orientation.
For
those
who
It adds that anoth-
er six months of Japanese will
language training will be
pass the interview and are provided for the recruited
training/work successfully matched with nurses and caregivers upon
schedule which may include
a Japanese institution shall entry to Japan. (PIA-11)
DTI conducts training on record keeping and financial management on Sept 22 DAVAO CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry–Davao City Field Office will be conducting a seminar on “Record Keeping and Financial Management Made Simple” on September 22, 2011 (Thursday), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the DTI, 2/F Mintrade Building, Monteverde-Sales Streets. The seminar is specially-designed to empower business owners, managers and employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to take full control of the business by monitoring business transactions the easy way. It covers the recording process, prepa-
Friday, September 16, 2011
ration of the summary of recorded data, financial management and appreciation of financial reports which will give the participants relevant information about the financial condition of the business – that is, how it is doing and where it is at a certain point. A registration fee of
P 250.00 will be collected from each participant to cover the cost of food, training materials and certificate. For reservations, please contact Ivy or Lilia at 224-0511 local 205 or email dti.dcfo@ gmail.com. (DTIDCFO/Jenny M. Mendoza)
19
Alcala hands assistance to local high value crops projects by Danny E. Doguiles
S
everal local government units and peoples organizations in the region received assistance for high value crops development project in the recent visit by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. Alcala, along with DA12 Regional Executive Director Amalia JayagDatukan and South Cotabato 2nd District Congresswoman Daisy Avance Fuentes, handed certificates of turn-over to recipients of the Agri Pinoy High Value Crops Development Program. Kidapawan City LGU received 20,000 tissuecultured lakatan banana plantlets, 15,000 budded rubber seedlings, and 12 kg of assorted vegetable seeds. The Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, Inc. based in the city also received 13,890 20
seedlings of stemclones robusta coffee. Nearby President Roxas town received 13,000 coffee seedlings and 4 knapsack sprayers. Makilala LGU was given 1,667 seedlings of budded rubber and 2 knapsack sprayers along with 20 kg of assorted lowland vegetable seeds. DA also gave one unit of coffee depulper to the local government of Tupi in South Cotabato. Among the recipients of assistance in Sultan Kudarat province were the Sultan Kudarat State University, which received a
hand tractor with totavator as well as 7 kg of lowland indigenous vegetable seeds; the Tri-People’s Organization Against Disaster, Inc, which was granted P306,500 as assistance to farmer beneficiaries; and the Rural Development Institute of Sultan Kudarat, Inc. 15,000 seedlings of budded rubber and 2 kg of assorted lowland vegetable seeds. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/ AALaurilla/DA 12) Friday, September 16, 2011
Kaso ng dengue sa South Cotabato nananatiling mababa KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 16 (PIA) -- Sa kabila ng tuluytuloy na pag-uulan sa South Cotabato nitong mga nakaraang mga araw, nananatiling mababa ang bilang ng nagkakasakit ng dengue sa buong lalawigan, ayon kay Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr, pinuno ng Integrated Provincial Health Office.
Ayon kay Dr. Atur- uro ni Dr. Aturdido na gar.
dido,
mula
Enero walang tigil ang kanil-
hanggang sa linggong ang kasalukuyan mahigit
kampanya laban yang pagpapasalamat
nasa sa naturang sakit.
450 lamang
sa
lubhang
ba
kung ikukumpa- ba na ang bilang ng at bilang
kaparehong
mamamayan ng
Sinabi rin niya na lalawigan sa
na ra sa
maba- sa
Kasabay ng kan-
ngayon, bumaba- ing
pagig-
mapagmatayag pagsasagawa ng
noong nagkakasakit ng den- mga gawain laban sa
panahon gue sa bayan ng Pol- dengue, patuloy na-
ng nagdaang taon na omolok matapos ang mang umaapela si Dr. umabot ng halos da- kanilang isinagawang Aturdido sa kanila na lawang libo.
Aniya,
coordinative dahil
meet- huwag
maging kam-
sa ing kasama ang mga pante at
malawakang informa- punong barangay
at migil sa
huwag
tu-
kampanya
tion drive at pakikila- mga tauhan ng mu- laban sa dengue, parhok ng mga mama- nicipal mayan
kung kaya’t kung saan pinag-usa- sisigurong
napanatiling
pag-
nalilinisan
mababa pan ang lahat na mga ang lahat na lugar na
ang bilang ng nagka- dapat ka-dengue dito.
health office tikular na ang
gawin upang maaring
pangitlugan
mapigilan ang pagda- ng lamok. (DEDogu-
Gayunman, sinig- mi ng dengue sa lu- iles/PIA 12) Friday, September 16, 2011
21
Pamamahagi ng PTAF sa South Cotabato hanggang sa katapusan ng buwan na lamang KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 16 (PIA) – May hanggang katapusan ng buwan ang mga local government units sa buong lalawigan ng South Cotabato para ipamahagi ang ayuda sa mga tricycle driver at operator sa ilalim ng Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAF).
Ayon sa
DILG ang buo sa kanilang na
provincial
office, alokasyon
pinadalhan ang
P28,000 bayan ng
na nila noon pang Hulyo 25.
advisory ang
P66,700; at Sto NiĂąo
na nakapamigay ng
May ilang bayan P27,900 mula sa ka-
mga lokal na pama- na rin umano ang na- nilang PTAF fund na halaan na pagkata- kapagsumite na rin P31,500. pos ng
Setytembre ng
partial
liquida-
Sa kalatas
30, kailangan na nil- tion ng kani-kanilang ipinadala ng ang ibalik sa DILG PTAF funds. ang
pondong hindi mga be- na
nepisyaryo.
Base
ang
pamahalaang
Surallah bayan,
nakapamahagi ng
sa
da- kanilang
pagkatapos
Setyembre 30
alokasyon LGU ng
P115,200;
ang ment
disburseat
liquida-
tanging bayan ng Norala na tion report and PTAF
bayan ng Tan- nakapagmahagi
tangan pa lang ang P49,650 nakapamahagi 22
sa
ng P79,200 mula sa gagawan na ng mga
tos ng DILG-South na Cotabato,
DILG
Cotabato
Kabilang dito ang mga
naipamahagi o hindi bayan ng kinuha ng
South
na
na nilang
sa PTAF
ng funds na ibinaba sa ka- kanila.
(DEDogu-
fund iles/PIA 12) Friday, September 16, 2011
Mga sundalo tutulong sa pagpigil sa kriminalidad sa Koronadal KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 16 (PIA) -- Nangako ang pamunuan ng 27th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army na tutulong sa kapulisan ng lungsod ng Koronadal partikular na sa pagpigil sa kriminalidad na nangyayari dito.
Sa
isang hindi
panayam
sinani at
permanente ilang miyembro ng
palagian,
ni Col. Noel Bravo, papadala commanding ficer ng na sila
of- mga
ng
kas ng
mga
matapos pi-
tutulong nalawak ang
tumu- na sa gabi.
ay
Aminado si Bra- sa
area
sumasakop ilang
na
lugar ng
seguridad vo na naobserbahan karatig lalawigan ng
lungsod
mata- nila na tumaas ang Davao del Sur.
tumaas ang insidente ng krimi-
Nitong
mga
lungsod nakaraang
linggo,
ng nakawan ng mo- matapos tor at akyat-bahay activate ang lungsod
na-de- naging abala Task umano sila
nitong Group Koronadal il- ghahabol ng
mga nakaraang ang linggo.
ibang
tau- siyudad lalung lalo 27th IB na ngayon
bilang ng insidente nalidad sa
sa
sa
magdedeploy na magbabantay sa of responsibility ng
long sa pagpapala-
pos
sila ng inilipat
augmentation lugar
27th IB, troop na
han upang
sa
mag- kanilang tropa ang
il- ang buwan na ang elemento ng nakalipas.
Aniya, bagama’t Friday, September 16, 2011
din
sa pamga New
Peoples’ Army. (DE-
Paliwanag nito, Doguiles/PIA 12) 23
90 nagtapos sa K-ITO ng IT literacy training ng DOLE sa Sarangani KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 16 (PIA) -- Siyamnapung residente karamihan sa kanila mga out-of-school youth – ang kamakailan ay nagtapos sa pagsasanay sa information technology literacy o paggamit ng computer sa mga bayan ng Maasim at Maitum, Sarangani na ipinatupad ng Department of Labor and Employment.
Ayon sa
provincial
alokasyon na
P66,700; at
office, P28,000 noon pang bayan ng
pinadalhan ang
DILG nilang na nila Hulyo 25.
advisory ang
Sto NiĂąo
na nakapamigay ng
May
ilang P27,900
mula
sa
mga lokal na pama- bayan na rin umano kanilang PTAF fund halaan na pagkat- ang
nakapagsum- na P31,500.
apos ng
Setytem- ite na rin ng
bre
kailangan tial
30,
par-
Sa kalatas
liquidation ng ipinadala ng
na DILG
na nilang ibalik sa kani-kanilang PTAF South Cotabato sa DILG ang hindi o
pondong funds.
naipamahagi
hindi Base
sa
pamahalaang
Kabilang dito ang bayan,
kinuha ng bayan ng
mga benepisyaryo.
mga
na
Surallah pos ng
nakapamahagi 30
da- ng P79,200 mula sa mga
pagkataSetyembre
gagawan na ng LGU ng
tos ng DILG-South kanilang alokasyon bursement Cotabato, ing
ang
liq-
tang- na P115,200; ang uidation report and bayan ng bayan
Tantangan pa lang na ang
at
dis-
ng
Norala PTAF funds na ibin-
nakapagmaha- aba sa kanila. (DE-
nakapamahagi gi ng
P49,650
sa Doguiles/PIA 12)
na ang buo sa ka- kanilang PTAF fund 24
Friday, September 16, 2011
T
he Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Region and the local government units of the Province of Surigao del Norte and General Luna, Siargao Island will open today the Surfing Festival 2011.
2011
Surfing Festival opens today in Siargao
According to DOTCaraga, the two-week activity will feature national and international surfers as they will participate in three categories. The 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup, to be participated by surfers in all regions in the country is scheduled to take-off Saturday, Sept. 17 and will run until September 19. This is pre-qualifying rounds for all Filipino surfers
by Robert E. Roperos
26 Friday, September 16, 2011
25
2011 Surfing.....from page 25
to identify the official representative of the country to the Cloud 9 Billabong Pro Junior Asia and the SMART 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup. Among the participants expected to top in the finals are surfers from Baler, Aurora, Camarines, Samar, La Union, General Luna, Lanuza and other parts of the country. Top 12 surfers will be chosen to become the country’s representative to the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup. A total of Php 200,000 is at stake for those who will emerged champions both in the open and junior categories while top Filipino surfers ages 20 and below will officially represent the country in the Billabong Pro Asia championships. The Billabong Pro Junior Asia Surfing Championships, scheduled on September 20 to 28, will be the first
26
ASP event to run in the Philippines and will be held at the world-class break Cloud 9. ASP Australasia General Manager Dane Jordan is excited to make this a landmark event for the region, the ASP and the surfers and show the world what Cloud 9 and the Philippines have to offer. The Billabong Pro Junior Asia is presented by Sony Ericsson with supporting sponsors Air Asia, Nixon, and Von Zipper. The event is endorsed by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and DOT. This year’s champion will be receiving US$ 25,000. Meanwhile the 17th International Surfing Cup, scheduled on September 29 to October 3, 2011 is the biggest surfing event in the country where local and foreign surfers and tube riders will compete for the US$ 20,000 prize money. (PIA-Caraga)
According to DOT-Caraga, the twoweek activity will feature national and international surfers as they will participate in three categories.
Friday, September 16, 2011
3 birthing homes now operational in Surigao City by Dandy Lapura SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) –Three (3) public birthing homes or lying-in clinics are already on its full operation to uplift the maternal and child care services of the city. Medical Officer Dr. Arlene Felizarta informed recently that the said birthing homes can be found in the health districts of Barangays Washington, Luna, and San Juan. Felizarta said the lying-in clinics are equipped with necessary equipment and instruments to facilitate birthing services, “supported by the private firms and local government of Surigao.” Felizarta said Br-
gys. San Juan and Washington birthing homes are operating on 24hour basis while Brgy. Luna operates only during office hours. She, however, clarified that only normal deliveries are accepted with these public birthing homes. “In cases which are not in normal delivery, they are referred directly to a nearby hospital,” she added. Zenda F. Pejan, in-charge of Brgy. San Juan birthing facility
revealed that a total of 227 patients have already availed the free birthing services since it was put up in March 2010. “We have six available beds for patients and two delivery tables with complete facilities, equipment and instruments sponsored by United Nations Population Fund,” she said. “We have also five midwives serving on shifting basis,” Pejan added. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
‘Community-based approach in crime prevention works,’ says lady solon by Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) – Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba of the 2nd congressional district of Agusan del Norte said Monday that involving the whole community in crime prevention and crime solution efforts can achieve better results. 28 Friday, September 16, 2011
27
Community-based approach...from page 27 The Agusan del Norte legislator was the guest of honor and speaker during the culmination rites of the 17th “National Crime Prevention Week” held at the PRO 13 parade grounds, Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City. Attending the closing ceremonies of the week-long celebration were top regional officials and personnel from the national line agencies led by the National Police Commission, the DILG, PDEA, BFP, CHR, CIDG, PNP top regional officials and personnel, among with the representatives from the various sectors of the community. Matba who also led the conferring of awards to this year ’s awardees was as-
28
sisted by DILG Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos, NAPOLCOM Regional Director Remeneo D. Valenzuela and PRO 13 DRDA PSSupt. Isagani F. Genabe, Jr., said during her message that as she witnessed the awardees of the occasion and as a participant herself in the giving of the awards in which the recipients were from the various sectoral representations said that it was “an eye opener for her and really reinforces her belief that all efforts (of crime prevention and solution) will take a whole community to do it.” Matba pointed out that crime prevention cannot be done by the police organization alone. “They needed also the assistance and
the services of the baranggay captains, the village chiefs (datus), the civilian volunteers’ organizations and the rest of others,” she said. According to her that the theme of the celebration “Pinoy Ako, Crime Prevention Misyon Ko,” simply implies that each of us has also our responsibilities to perform. She at the same time admonished the police that in the course of the performance of their duties they also have to consider the rights of the citizenry. “There should always be the balance of things to be considered. In your zeal of performing your respective duties, you also have to consider the respect of the rights of the citizens,” she said. 29 Friday, September 16, 2011
Community-based approach....from page 28 The National Police Commission awardees of the dual celebration of the “National Crime Prevention” and “Family Week” this year includes: Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Director SSupt. Jolito M. Diray, who was commended for motivating the personnel of Lianga Municipal Police Station, which is under his area of responsibility, to repulse the more or less 100 rebel attackers in the morning of April 28 this year. Model police families were also awarded for possessing positive exemplary family values which included: SPO1 Leonides Yaoyao (Agusan del Sur PPO, Regional Level Award), PSupt. Esperlito B. Tolang (Regional Health Service, Pro-
vincial Level Award, Agusan del Norte), SPO4 Benjamin B. Young (Surigao City Police Station, City Level Award, Surigao City), SPO2 Lilibeth L. Plaza (Surigao del Norte PPO, Provincial Level Award, Surigao del Norte), SPO1 Ruben P. Gomez, (Lianga MPS, Municipal Level Award, Lianga, Surigao del Sur), PO3 Elvi A Villason (Cantilan Municipal Police Station, Municipal Level Award, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur) and SPO3 Dante B. Obenza (of Lianga MPS, for Gallantry and Exceptional Courage) for leading the personnel standing his ground in defense of his police station during the height of the attack by more or less 100 well-armed rebel attackers last April 28.
Police Regional Office Awardees included: PSupt. Romaldo G. Bayting (Medalya Ng Kagalingan) for arresting a drug and a loose-firearm suspect at Cabadbaran City, on August 24, this year and PCInsp. Reynante N. Sibayton (Medalya Ng Kagalingan) for the arrest of a Korean national who was wanted in his country on August 28, this year. A recipient of (Medalya Ng Papuri) was PSupt. Ronelo D. Jaurige, for the arrest of two rebels who were allegedly wounded during the Trento Municipal Police Station attack, on July 31 and were confined at Bislig City Hospital. Recipients of the Certificate of Recognition for their significant 30
Friday, September 16, 2011
29
Community-based approach..from page 29
contribution to the crime prevention efforts in the region includes: SPO4 Emmanuel P. Isiang, Hon. Julius Macfie ; Mr. Luciano A. Diva and Mr.
George B. Havana. Recipients of the Plaque of Recognition also include: Datu “Malampuson” Dario E. Otaza, Datu Ronald
Manmahusay, SOCO Team, CIDU 13, RIU 13, RCEO 13 and the Regional Health Service 13. (PIA-Caraga)
PRC-10 to conduct mobile processing in Surigao City by Annette Villaces SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 16 (PIA) - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Region 10 will conduct a one day mobile processing and renewal of licenses in Surigao City on Saturday, September 17 at the City Hall lobby. The activity will promptly start at exactly 8 o’clock in the morning. City Personnel Officer Gloria Gimena said applicants are advised to bring the following requirements: duly accomplished renewal form, two recent passport sized colored pictures with name tag in white background,
30
one photocopy of professional id card and in case of lost PIC, submit a duly notarized affidavit of loss or photocopy of certificate of registration and marriage certificate from the National Statistics Office in security papers for married female who wish to apply for a change of name. For more infor-
mation, Ms. Gimena or Genaro “Palog” Azarcon may be reached at telephone number (086) 8268518 or at the City Personnel Office. The event is proudly supported by the City Government of Surigao headed by City Mayor Ernesto Matugas. (Surigao City PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Reg’l PNP reports a 12% dip in crime rate as ‘crime prevention week’ culminates by Noel B. Najarro BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) – Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) under the stewardship of Caraga PNP chief PCSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal, reported a dip in the crime rate and an increase, both in crime clearance and solution efficiencies as it culminated its celebration of the national crime prevention week, Monday. During the culmination rites of the 17th National crime Prevention Week, held at the parade grounds of Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City attended by the top officials and personnel of some national line agencies led by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), the DILG, CHR, BJMP, PDEA, CIDU,RIU, top regional police officials and personnel and the representative from the various sectors, an announcement baring the accomplishments of PRO 13 (Caraga) during the past year until the early part this year was made. It was said as con-
tained in the report that the regional police had raised the level of police service into a more pro-active stance, in tandem with the community it has sworn to serve and protect. It also said that the implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System resulted to a dip of the crime incidence by 828 or 12.11%. The significant decrease to criminality also resulted to upshot of the crime clearance efficiency from 24.09% to 28.38 % and the crime solution efficiency from 9.6% to 14.84%. In the area of internal security, the regional police accord-
ingly, had conducted 22 combat operations; 3,840 prophylactic patrols, defended Lianga and Trento Municipal Police Stations against the attacks of the CPP/ NPA/NDF(CNN). It also had neutralized CNN personalities to include Pedro Codaste, Secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command. As to addressing public safety and security, the PRO 13 conducted 328, 813 manhours on security operations. It also established tourist assistance desks at the region’s tourist spots. During calamities which recently hit most 32
Friday, September 16, 2011
31
Reg’l PNP reports..from page 31
of the places of the region, the regional police conducted search and rescue operations. It also resolved successfully the hostage crisis in Agusan del Sur. In the implementation of the special laws, 65 positive operations which were conducted on anti-illegal drugs resulted in the apprehension of 77 persons and confiscation of 3,791.4677 grams of dried Marijuana leaves, uprooting and burning of 532 Marijuana plants, crushing of 1,000 Marijuana seedlings and 38.57 grams of shabu all worth P 938, 230.55. In operation against illegal fishing, the regional police conducted 5,496 preventive operations, apprehended 55 persons and confiscated illegal fishing paraphernalia. It also had coordinated with the DENR in conduct32
ing 7,240 operations against illegal logging resulting in the arrest of 29 persons and the confiscation of several lumber and logs worth P 8,413, 148.94. It was also able to dismantle five illegal sawmills. As to its campaign against loose firearms, it accounted 63 high powered and 30 low powered firearms and apprehended 70 persons. The regional police also was able to neutralize five (5) most wanted persons and arrested 426 persons covered with warrants of arrest, to include a Korean national recently, one of Cebu’s most wanted personality. In upgrading its armaments and the procurement of logistical support, PRO 13 was able to purchase 8,356 ammunition for M16, 458 pieces long magazines for M16 and 72 pieces of magazines
forM14. Along with its Integrated Transformation Pogram, the regional police constructed model police stations and facilities and also had initiated the repairs and the maintenance of buildings and quarters such as the: Las Nieves Municipal Police Station Building, Cagdianao Police Station Building, Police Regional Office 13 Hospital, Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office Mini Gymnasium, Dapa Municipal Police Station Building, PRO 13 Day Care Center, RIU Building, Mini Library and Function Hall, Camp Covered Pathway, Repair of the Nurses Quarters and Office Building, Repair of the PRO 13 Conference Room, RD’s Office and Lobby, Repair of DRDA Quarters and of the DRDO’s Quarters. (Najarro/PIA Caraga) Friday, September 16, 2011
Investment opportunities float up during Mindanao business confab, says Dipolog chamber by Franklin P. Gumapon
D
ifferent investment opportunities in Mindanao have been presented in the recently concluded Mindanao Business Conference held by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Pagadian City. 34
Friday, September 16, 2011
33
Investment opportunities...from page 33
Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Executive Officer Judy Caang who participated in said conference told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the participants to this year’s Mindanao Business Conference also tackled the different issues confronting the business environment in the island. T h e business leaders presented to Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino of the Mindanao Development Authority (MDA) the 2011 Mindanao business policy agenda which aim to achieve Mindanao energy sufficiency, sustain growth 34
in crucial sectors in agriculture, support the mining industry, enhance transport connectivity, prepare workforce through education programs, encourage the promotion and growth of barangay micro busi-
ness enterprise, and prioritize the development and implementation of a Tourism Master for Mindanao. US Ambassador to Philippines Harry K. Thomas, who served as the keynote speaker, challenged all the business lead-
ers, government officials and other stakeholders to make the “many positive forces come together” to develop the island, adding that “Mindanao has the people, the leadership, the resources and the desire to reach its full pot e n t i a l .” T h e DCCI officers and members joining the said gathering were Michael Malacca, Atty. Paul Gudmalin, Joell S. Amatong, Robert Reyes, Bobbie Paye and Judy Ca-ang. The recent Mindanao business conference in Pagadian City carried the theme: “One Global Mindanao, Making PrivatePublic Partnerships Work.” (JPA/FPG/ PIA-Zambo. Norte) Friday, September 16, 2011
Gov’t IOs, HR officers as breastfeeding by Jocelyn P. Alvarez advocates in workplace ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) - To orient Public Information Officers (IOs) and Human Resource Officers of the essentials of Exclusive Breastfeeding and be a pool of advocates on breastfeeding, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) conducted today a whole day “Seminar for Breastfeeding Advocates in the Workplace.” NNC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Maria Del Pilar Pamela Tarroza said the seminar hopes to seek the commitment of the participants to help in the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace as breastfeeding practice in the country has deteriorated as shown in the results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Department of Science and TechnologyFood and Nutrition Research Institute (DOSTFNRI). “The National Nutrition survey result revealed that among infants zero to five (0-5)
months old, only 36 out of every 100 were exclusively breastfeed; 37 of every 100 were breastfed and at the same time given complementary food and 27 of every 100 infants were given formula milk and other food,” Tarroza was quoted as saying. The Nutrition Program Coordinator affirmed two common factors as contributory to the cessation of breastfeeding or non-exclusive breastfeeding of mothers which include “mothers’ perception that she has no or inadequate or very little amount of breast milk,” she said. Tarroza added,
“mothers’ returning to work within four to eight weeks after delivery into a work environment that is not conducive to continue breastfeeding or the absence of a lactation room in the workplace” as number two factor why the withdrawal of mothers form breastfeeding their child. Tarroza said “the reason why we are having this seminar is for the participants to help us and be our allies in the promotion of breastfeeding.” “Advocate to women in your workplace especially to those of reproductive age to continue breastfeeding,” Tarroza was quoted as saying. 36
Friday, September 16, 2011
35
Gov.’t IOs..from page 35 The seminar also emphasized on the rationale in establishing “lactation room” in the workplace. “Help us in seeking the support of your agency to provide lactation facility to encourage our mothers in the
workplace to continue breastfeeding,” Tarroza said to the participants. The passage of Republic Act 10028 otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 served to strengthen and support the pro-
motion and protection of breastfeeding in the workplace. Close to 40 participants from government sector and private establishments attended the activity. (JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)
NFA-Zambo. Norte beefs up palay procurement campaign by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) - To ensure a fair return of production cost to every rice farmer, the provincial office of the National Food Authority (NFA) in Zamboanga del Norte is now intensifying its palay procurement program with the rice farmers.
This harvest sea- such as P.30 for every NFA buying stations in
son
commercial
rice kilo as Cooperative De- the province are located
traders are reportedly velopment buying
“palay”
Incentive at the NFA warehouses
from Fee (CDIF), P.20 per in Gulayon, Dipolog City
farmers at P16.00 a kilo as drying fee and and the municipalities kilo only.
another P.20 per kilo of Sindangan, Liloy and
The NFA’s government for delivery fee. support price now is at P17.00 per kilo.
Farmers’
Siocon.
NFA-Zambo. Norte
Sarenas also said
information officer Karen that the NFA rice is being coop- Sarenas said rice farm- sold at P27.00 a kilo in
eratives/organizations ers can sell their produce the market. (JPA/FPG/ selling palay to NFA also to NFA buying stations PIA-Zambo. Norte) get certain incentives nearest them. The four
36
Friday, September 16, 2011
WESCOM continues efforts to protect the tourism industry of Palawan ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The Western Command (WESCOM) continues its effort to protect and strengthen the tourism industry in the entire province by addressing the tourism-related security issues in Palawan. The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP said after conducting a Security Assessment, Validation and Evaluation (SAVE) Tourism forum in El Nido on September 2 and in Narra on September 5, top officials from WESCOM once again gathered resort owners and managers from Puerto Princesa City and the central part of Palawan to discuss ways to strengthen the security of their respective businesses. “Security is the responsibility of everybody. All stakeholders must take part in addressing this issue. We must be proactive and alert. We must not put
our guard down in order to achieve development and peace,” WESCOM Commander LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP said on the importance of conducting the forum. The SAVE Tourism forum aims to help resort and other tourism establishment owners and managers identify problems concerning the security of their businesses and come up with possible solutions to address them. Owners and managers of tourist attractions in the city, as well as the tourism officers of Puerto Princesa and Roxas on September 9 sat down with WESCOM
officials, Philippine National Police (PNP) officers and heads of different agencies concerned with the security of the city to discuss these issues in a forum held at the WESCOM Headquarters. During the forum, WESCOM Chief of Staff CAPT Rosauro Sarmiento PN stressed the importance of tightening the security measures adopted by the numerous resorts and other tourist attractions found in the city to guarantee the safety of the guests and protect the integrity of their establishments. CAPT Sarmiento also reminded the 38
Friday, September 16, 2011
37
WESCOM continues..from page 37
owners and managers of these establishments of their responsibility to the safety of the local and foreign tourists and of the importance of their cooperation to the success of this endeavor. Besides formulating a contingency/ security plan for the resorts, the forum attendees were able to create a communication network that would help them relay information faster and more efficient. Should an incident occur, they can now immediately report to hotlines provided by the military (OU2 Hub# 09175769474; Piltel# 433-7825); Provincial PNP (4334363) and the City PNP (434-9890). They will also utilize the services of social networking sites,
38
such as Facebook, to communicate (Facebook Page Palawan Save (like) with account number youtwowescom@yahoo. com). The participants have also decided to conduct a regular meeting after the forum to ensure the success of the forum’s objectives. City PNP Director P/SSupt Virgilio Parocha also discussed salient points on public safety so that the SAVE Tourism program will have a quick and immediate actions to any incidents. Though Palawan is relatively peaceful, WESCOM initiated the undertaking of SAVE Tourism security forum to avoid the occurrence of a tourism-related incident that could
adversely affect the tourism industry of the province or compromise its security. Among those who attended the forum with owners and managers of beach resorts are: Amanpulo and the Sheridan beach resorts, representatives from security-concerned agencies like the Civil Aviation Authority Office (CAAO), PNP Aviation Security Group, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Puerto Princesa City and Bantay Puerto. Representatives of tourist transportation groups, including the Honda Bay Transportation Association and the AIRTODA Puerto also participated in the security forum. (JPA/6CRGAFP/ RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)
Friday, September 16, 2011
4Ps successfully implemented in Zamboanga del Sur, says congresswoman Cerilles by Gideon C. Corgue PAGADIAN CITY, September 16 (PIA) – “The Pantawid ng Pamilyang Piilipino Program” (4Ps) was successfully implemented in our province.
Thus declared 2nd kita tungod kay dinhi from the 15 municipali-
district representative sa atong lalawigan il- ites have benefitted the Aurora E. Cerilles dur- abi na gyud sa ikadu- program. Indeed, our ing the ‘convergence hang distrito malam- province is very lucky caravan’ conducted by puson napatuman ang to have the program the Department of So- programngnga
4Ps. with us),” Cerilles hap-
cial Welfare and De- Mokabat sa 33,965 na pily reported. velopment
(DSWD), mga benepesyaryo sa
“Tungod ning nin-
regional office at Du- napulo’g lima ka mga dot nga programa sa malinao gym.
Speaking
lungsod sa atong distri- gobyerno nga inyong before to ang nakapahimulos napahimuslan, ayuhon
the local chief execu- ning maong programa. gayud ninyo kini pag tives,
department Suwerte gayud kaayo dala. tungod kay pi-
heads, municipal links ang
atong
probinsya naagi niini nakatabang
, parent leaders and nga
nakabaton
ning kini sa inyong ekono-
4Ps beneficiaries Cer- maong programa (We mikanhong kahimtang illes said “we were very are very happy that in ( In this laudable prograteful that the 4Ps our province particu- gram of the governwas successfully imple- larly in the second dis- ment which you have mented in our province trict, the 4Ps program enjoyed, use it properparticularly in the sec- was ond district.
successfully
im- ly because it helps up-
plemented. There are lift your economic sta-
“Malipayon kaayo 33,965
benifeciaries tus),” Cerilles urged. 40
Friday, September 16, 2011
39
4ps successfully..from page 39 dala. tungod kay pina- nicipalities were add- playing agi niini nakatabang ed from
various farm
the original produce in the 15 mu-
kini sa inyong ekono- 15 thereby increasing nicipalities and mobile mikanhong kahimtang the number of benefi- information
caravan
( In this laudable pro- ciaries to 33,965.
actively
gram of the govern-
An
ment which you have data
which was
additional participated
gathered
by
line
from government agencies
enjoyed, use it prop- DSWD showed that in such as Department erly because it helps the 1st district, there of Education, Departuplift your econom- were 2,196 beneficia- ment of the Interior ic
status),”
Cerilles ries benefited the pro- and Local Government
urged.
gram.
The 4Ps in the
province May
started
2009
, Department of Pub-
Cerilles
thanked lic Works and High-
on President Aquino for ways, Department of
covering continuing
the
pro- Trade
and
Industry,
12 municipalities with gram. “I thanked the PhilHealth, Philippine 29, 865 beneficiaries President for persis- National which
are
Cross.
scattered tently expanding the Social Security Sys-
in two districts but program with his no- tem, following
Red
the
Technical Edu-
order ble intention of help- cation Skills and De-
of President Benigno ing and improving the velopment Authority, Simeon C. Aquino III quality of life of
the etc. where they of-
to expand the program poor people,” Cerilles fered to 2 million for 2011 added. for the whole country,
The
agencies’
respective services to event
in the last quarter of highlighted
with
2009 three (3) mu- booth exhibit,
40
the
was the 4Ps beneficiaries. a (JPA/GCC/PIA9dis- Pagadian)
Friday, September 16, 2011
DILG Sec. Robredo to launch Project EMPOWERING in Mis. Or., Sept. 19
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jessie M. Robredo is set to be in the city on Monday, Sept. 19, for the launching of Project EMPOWERING (Empowering Monitoring System on Poverty Watch for a more Effective and Responsive Approach in Governance), in the province.
SEC. JESSE ROBREDO
42 Friday, September 16, 2011
41
DILG Sec...from page 41 The project takes off from the Community Based Monitoring System or CBMS, one of the introduced tools to the local government units (LGUs) to diagnose the extent and causes of poverty in the area, It aims to help in formulating policies and programs, to aid in identifying target beneficiaries and to facilitate assessment of the impact of those policies and programs. However, only few localities are adopting it because of the voluminous work that needs to undertake in data collection. Among the few that adopted it, most are not capable of converting the data into information, especially, with spatial characteristics or problems in space, that can be used to fight against poverty. In Misamis Oriental, 14 municipalities have started to adopt and implement the CBMS to attain poverty reduction. But these municipalities cannot fully utilize the system due to lack of capacity to validate and process the data into a development planning tool with geographic information system (GIS). Hence, Project EMPOWERING, a public-private partnership (PPP)
42
enterprise, that aims to achieve economic growth in the province by enabling LGU’s to acquire necessary technical skills and know-how in utilizing development tools. With this project, local capacities would allow them to process relevant data that they generated into a useful information system wherein gauging poverty status and concentration in their area can be done, to plan for appropriate actions in addressing underlying causes and to assess the impact of their policies, programs, projects and activities. Project EMPOWERING will focus on updating the database and information system of the Planning Offices of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City. Considering their strategic importance to the industrialization and eco-tourism potential of Northern Mindanao, where the private sector collaboration on poverty reduction initiatives is quite limited, Project Empowering will be piloted in the following areas: Cagayan de Oro City for the GIS upgrading and in six (6) municipalities: Laguindingan, El Salvador, Opol, Tagoloan, Jasaan and Medina for CBMS implementation.
The implementation of the process of Project EMPOWERING includes the following phases and activities: Assessment and validation of the data available in the target municipalities, to include assessment of CBMS Implementation, Data Collection and Determination of the GIS requirements. Converting of the data into tabular forms using the CBMS software, Data encoding and digitizing to include data processing and validation of CBMS results, development and integration of GIS. Passing over of the project to the target municipalities to create sustainability, technical assistance and preparation of case studies. With a cost of € 277,125.32 or approximately PhP 16.9M, the program is expected to run for 18 months, from September 2011 – March 2013 with funds sourced out from donor agencies, such as STEAG State Power Inc. & DEG. Program partners include the DILG CBMS Network Coordinating Team, ASSIST Asia, Xavier University, and the LGUs of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Laguindingan, El Salvador, Opol, Tagoloan, Jasaan and Medina. (PIA-10) Friday, September 16, 2011
Simulation drills/dry run of protocol mark today’s meeting of SOMM working committee members by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The conduct of simulation drills and dry run on protocol was the order of the day for some 70 members of the working committees involved in the 20th Senior Officials’ and 16th Ministerial Meeting (SOMM) of the Brunei- Indonesia -Malaysia and the Philippines, East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) scheduled in the city, Oct. 19-20, this year. A Seminar on Protocol was held for the members of such committees at the VIP Hotel, last Sept. 14, to equip them with knowledge on the proper and most acceptable way of receiving the visitors from the BIM countries who will be here for the event. The activity was part of the preparations lined-up by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in connection with the SOMM, in partnership with the City Government, this year’s SOMM venue host. The drill/dry run gave the seminar participants, the chance to practice what they learned from Ambassa-
dor Fortunato D. Oblena (Ret), formerly of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), who came to the city upon invitation of MinDA. Oblena’s lectures was substantiated by the wealth of experience that spanned from the day he started working with DFA, that included his local and foreign posting, up to the time he bowed out of public service. He said protocol refers to accepted rules governing the conduct of diplomats with the foreign ministry, the officials and the public in the host country, other diplomats and international organizations and
that the rules of protocol include the niceties, courtesies and politeness in oral and written communication. Meanwhile, the simulation/dry run included the travel time calculations, from the airport, where the visiting dignitaries and members of their parties are met up to the hotels, where they are billeted. Particularly, the drill involved the liaison officers, security escorts, chauffeurs, and receptionists, on how to give their salutations, properly and how to answer questions which may be asked of them. Among others, the dry run applications were 44
Friday, September 16, 2011
43
Simulation drills...from page 43 on the following topics: pre-arrival preparations, arrival and departure scenario, visit proper, invitations, speeches, toast and choosing of menu, escorting procedures, protocol of the flag and the different arrangements and requirements for official and social functions. Also included were the topics on conference management, cultural/ artistic events, opening/ closing ceremony, signing ceremony, conduct of press conferences/interviews/ presentation/
exchange of gifts, etc. Participants of the dry run included the representatives from the City Tourism Office (CTO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Engineering Office (CEO), Road and Traffic Administration (RTA). Promote DCO Foundation, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber), Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (FCCCI)- Mis. Or. Chapter,
and Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurants Asso. (COHARA). Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Telecommunications Office (NTC), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), among others. (PIA-10)
Sept. 17 is International Coastal Cleanup Day by Lina Calvez
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 16 (PIA) – This year’s celebration of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day on Sept. 17 will once again gather volunteers from various sectors of society to clean-up the coastlines and waterways in designated areas in Northern Mindanao. Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR 10), the annual celebration, now on its 26th year, is anchored
on the theme “Trash Free Seas.” Regional Executive Director Corazon B. Galinato of DENR-10 is enjoining the public to join the clean-up in their re-
spective communities. She said that cleanup will be undertaken along the river, shoreline and coastal areas in the region. Expected to par45
44
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sept. 17 is....from page 44 ticipate in the coastal cleanup are representatives from the academe, non government organizations, local government units, industries, civic and religious groups, other government agencies and DENR. The clean-up areas in Cagayan de Oro City are Barangays Lapasan, Bulua, Bonbon, Puntod, Macabalan, Bayabas, Kauswagan, Cugman, Tablon, Puerto and Bugo. The DENR offices in the provinces will
spearhead the clean-up in their respective area of jurisdiction. The ICC is a program of Ocean Conservancy designed to keep our ocean and waterways free from trash and safer for people and wildlife. More than 104 countries participate in this annual activity to demonstrate their concern about marine debris problem affecting our environment. It was noted that some 1,910 individuals
joined last year’s celebration which covered about 22.69 kilometers of coastlines. A total of 9,308 kilos of debris was collected, last year, during the ICC Day. In the Philippines, the third Saturday of September of each year is declared as ICC Day, through Presidential Proclamation No. 470 dated Sept. 15, 2003 signed by then President Gloria MacapagalArroyo. (DENR/PIA10)
Audition for of Cag. de Oro’s Singing Ambassador set Sept. 17 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 16 (PIA) -- The audition for the Search for Singing Ambassador of Cagayan de Oro City has been set, tomorrow, Sept. 17, at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the City Tourism Hall. Any college student, between 18 to 25 years old, male or female, is qualified to join. Interested students are required to be ready to sing a Tagalog song during the audition. The Search for Singing Ambassador, Friday, September 16, 2011
an annual event initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT), is a significant part of the Tourism Week observance from Sept. 1927, 2011. All cities in the Philippines are expected to hold such a contest,
Emma Rae Gatusla, City Tourism Officer, said. For more information, please visit the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office at the Ground Floor, City Tourism Hall, City Hall compound, or call 857-3164. 45
Camiguin’s free spay-neuter for pets benefits 157 pet owners by Jorie C. Valcorza CAMIGUIN, Mambajao, Sept. 16 (PIA) – A total 157 pet owners in this island province willingly availed of the spay-neuter service given freely by qualified veterinarians from the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA). “This figure alone cuts a total number of 1,570 possible births, assuming that each animal produces five (5) puppies or kittens twice in a year period,” Dr. Louis S. Bollozos, Chief of the Camiguin Provincial Veterinary Office, said. Held in cooperation with Provincial Government of Camiguin, Humane Society International (HSI), and the Cebu City Veterinary Office, the service was done in a bid to keep up with the island’s rabiesfree status. Bollozos said this is the first spay-neuter service held in the island and a team of 10 veterinarians took on a massive surgical operation for dogs and cats, throughout the province, neutering and spaying pets voluntarily 46
submitted by its owners. Spaying refers to the removal of reproductive organs of female dogs and cats, while neutering is the removal of the testicles in male dogs and cats. Priorities were given to female dogs but so far all animals submitted were served and only a single feline was submitted for spaying The surgeries are always performed while the animal is under anesthesia, Bollozos said “The prevailing rate of the procedure in private veterinary hospitals or clinics costs not less than Php5,0000 and by giving this for free, we can ensure control in the population of animals, especially dogs, and ultimately reduce its bite occurrences in the province,” he ex-
plained. He, likewise, clarified that the procedure is safe, provided that proper handling or after care procedures should also be given to the animals after undergoing the procedure. Doctors had it early this month and split the team into two (2) and served first the towns of Guinsiliban and Mahinog, then the municipalities of Sagay and Catarman on their second day and Mambajao town on the last day. Meanwhile, Bollozos announced that another round of the neutering and spaying activity is tentatively set in November and this time they plan to do it at the barangay level to be able to reach and serve higher number of pet owners. (PIA-10) Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
47
48
Friday, September 16, 2011