One Mindanao - September 1, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

In This Issue...

IN MINDANAO

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

NATIONAL

P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail : r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Skype : hnb_r9pia

• Aquino lays out “4-Rights” principle to encourage more investments from Chinese businessmen • Philippines is now open for business -- Aquino • People’s Republic of China accords Aquino warm welcome on his visit • Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of Memorandum of Under standing between the Department of Foreign Affairs of Phl and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China • Aquino and Hu Jintao witness signing Philippine-China 5-Year Development Program for Economic Cooperation • Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of exchange of letters on technical grant • Aquino, Hu Jintao witness signing Memorandum of Understanding between Presidential Communications Operations Office and State Council Informa tion of China • Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of Memorandum of Unde standing on assignment of Ministry of Commerce Investment Officer to China Desk of Board of Investment • Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of Cooperation Agreement between the People’s Television Network Inc and China Central Television • Aquino, Hu Jintao witness sealing of agreements in Beijing • Palace confident that new tourism chief could steer the industry into a more vibrant and successful sector • Palace says Mindanao peace process to continue despite reported threats from renegade MILF commander • Tourism is the business of the people, says newly appointed Tourism Secre tary Ramon Jimenez

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail : pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail : efelbanbuena@yahoo.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Davao City’s Roxas Avenue as night market site • Davao City’s Barangay TB task forces cited • SSS surpasses six-month target, collects P42.72-B

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail : r12_pia@yahoo.com pia_xii@yahoo.com

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • Leonen nakipag-konsultasyon sa grupong kontra sa MOA-AD • 229 marine turtle hatchlings releases in Sarangani • Kalivungan Festival ng North Cotabato nagtapos ngayong araw • Gov. Pingoy binigyan ng SP ng otoridad na makipagsundo sa DA, SMI • Grievance Redress System (GRS) ng 4Ps sa ARMM umaarangkada

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph

• German Parliament visits Esperanza to learn political, special and economic situation • Hinatuan, a show case municipality in Surigao del Sur – DSWD • PDEA USec Gutierrez set to visit Tandag City • DILG urges Punong Barangays to help identify and locate 17, 000 OFWs in strife-torn Syria • Tagalog News: Panlalawigang tanggapan ng kalusugan, pinagkalooban ng mga parangal

OUR COVER Today’s cover features the

KAGAY-AN FESTIVAL 2011

Cagayan de Oro

ONE MINDANAO

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • Magna Carta for household helpers is PNoy’s priority bill, says Cong. Enrile • ARMM to implement enhanced IDP early recovery plan • ARMM receives Japanese students learning PHL’s peace initiatives

Northern Mindanao • DOST-X laboratories expand services, offer shelf-life testing of food products • 6,498 day care children to benefit from the supplemental feeding program of DSWD • Culture of Peace workshop to highlight role of media in peace building • Solon sponsors 1st BFF Hinterland Basketball League

City

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Aquino lays out “4-Rights” principle to encourage more investments from Chinese businessmen

EIJING, China — In an effort to ‘balance the equation’ in terms of investments between China and the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III today wasted no time in encouraging several Chinese firms to invest more in the country.

BEIJING, China—President Benigno Simeon Aquino III exchanges views with Chinese President Hu Jintao during the bilateral meeting at the East Hall, Great Hall of the People Wednesday afternoon (August 31), in line with his five-day State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. Earlier, President Aquino witnessed the signing of documents on energy and power-related agreement, mining and mineral processing projects, manufacturing-related projects and infrastructure-related undertakings. The visit is expected to boost Philippines-China relationship and showcase the country as an investment haven to Chinese businessmen following major reform measures President Aquino has initiated in the government. (PLDT powered by SMART). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ONE MINDANAO

Aquino lays...from page 3 Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President started his day here with a string of meetings with executives from four Chinese business groups including the State Grid Corporation of China, Energy World Group, China Trend, and LED Chinese Contractors at the China World Hotel, followed by a brief meeting with Vice Premier Wang Qishan. Lacierda said the President basically laid out the “Four Rights” principle of his administration—“right projects, right cost, right quality, and right on time”—in an attempt to attract more investments especially in the tourism, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors. “Basically, he thanked those who have already invested, and asked the companies to invest more in the country. The President was

very appreciative of the investments that they have made over the past several years,” Lacierda told reporters in a chance interview right after the President delivered his speech at the 2011 Philippines-China Economic and Trade Forum. “We have more investments with China than China has with us, so he has come here to try to balance the equation… That’s basically the message that he brought to the Vice Premier and to the various business groups…for them to invest more in thePhilippines,” Lacierda added. Lacierda said the Chinese companies “were very warm with their response” to President Aquino’s invitation. “They’re very eager to invest more, in fact, there is one group I understand that we will be meeting hopefully next week with the econom-

ic managers, the economic team,” he said. No specific figures for investments were given by the companies concerned but Lacierda said, “It’s going to be an exciting prospect for Chinese investors in the Philippines.” Lacierda explained that the President has so far shown his commitment to cut down bureaucratic red tape under his administration as manifested in the government’s swift approval of a project initiated by the Energy World Group within six months after he took office. “He’s going to cut down on red tape and he’s going to hasten the speed of business registrations. He mentioned cutting down on red tape, and emphasized wiping out corruption in investments,” Lacierda stressed. (hdc)

Philippines is now open for business -Aquino Beijing, China: “The Philippines is now open for business.” Thus, said President Benigno S. Aquino III as he called on Chinese business leaders to invest in the Philippines and participate in his administration’s PublicPrivate Partnership development program during his

keynote speech at the Philippines-China Economic and Trade Forum at the China World Hotel here. The Chief Executive said that with the reform measures he has put in place since he assumed of-

fice in June 2010, “the time to put in place strategic investments in tourism, agriculture and infrastructure is now.” “You can seize these various opportunities in the Philippines, including those 5

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Philippines is...from page 4 under our Public Private Partnership program. Also, consider the opportunities in the country’s significant competitive advantages: a highly skillful and well educated workforce, a youthful and large domestic market, and natural endowments for tourism, among others,” the President said. The President told the Chinese businessmen present that their interest in the Philippine economy goes “to show that my people’s newfound optimism spills over to our neighbors here in China, and this has been attested to by two success stories of Chinese investments in the Philippines.” “Let me add that other Chinese businessmen have partnered with our Public Works and Highways Department. The Hebei (HehPay) Road and Bridge Group Company, Limited and the China Henan Shuili (ShwayLi) Yiju (Ichu) company, for example, have partnered with our Public Works and Highways Department in order to upgrade and maintain roads in Mindanao. The President said these projects, worth US$12 and 11 million respectively, are currently being undertaken, adding that both are expected to be completed in 2013. “These projects are only two examples of the

enthusiasm that results from partnerships between our countries. We want even more of our people to work with you towards partnerships that are mutually beneficial,” he stressed adding that by 2015, with the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community, the Philippines will be the northern gateway to the region. In enticing the Chinese businessmen to infuse their capital back home, President Aquino noted that the atmosphere in thePhilippines has not been this conducive in a long time. “Already, the signs are encouraging. Our stock markets have hit all-time highs seven times since my administration took office. My country has received four credit ratings upgrades in a little more than a year —this compared to only one upgrade and six downgrades in the previous nine years,” he said. The President said that his government continues to take steps to facilitate the entry of investments in the country, outlined the priority sectors, and enumerated its efforts to make the process of setting up and doing business in the Philippines easier. “We have made the registration of business names a lot more convenient for businesses,” he said adding

that the Department of Interior and Local Government, together with the Department of Trade and Industry has also been working with Mayors, Governors, and other local government officials to harmonize local statutes with national laws to make it easier for businesses to operate. The President, however, said that among the most important efforts of his government is “instilling a culture of transparency and integrity in government: weeding out corruption, and ensuring that businessmen —whether from within our shores or from foreign enterprises such as yours— are met with a level playing field,” he continued. “What this simply means is that investors will not anymore have to rely on connections in order to set up shop; the rules will not be circumvented and the law will be followed, creating an environment that is stable and predictable — and therefore, one that is conducive to profit,” he said. President Aquino pointed out the biggest change between the Philippines under his helm and under the previous government “is a change in mindset.” “We will not take shortcuts in order to close deals; we will follow the correct procedures. We will always 6

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ONE MINDANAO

Philippines is...from page 5 take the long view in order to achieve lasting progress for our country, he added. The President said that from this strategy, the government takes a holistic approach --- one that anticipates problems and addresses their different aspects. “These initiatives will benefit not just investors like you, but my people as well, through the jobs that we hope to create through your investment. Through

your support, the resulting improvement will be felt not only by the privileged few in our country, but by Filipinos across all strata of society, he said. While the ties between the Philippines and China go back centuries old, the President expressed hope that the continued relationship between the Philippines and China will become stronger than ever. “Together we can

achieve mutual growth and provide benefits to our peoples. China is an economic power. I now invite the Chinese business community to take part in this opportunity to invest in an emerging economic force in South East Asia. I look forward to welcoming your investments into the Philippines, the President concluded. (rsda)

People’s Republic of China accords Aquino warm welcome on his visit BEIJING, China: The government of the People’s Republic of China welcomed Wednesday President Benigno S. Aquino III upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People at the start of his five-day state visit here

BEIJING, China—President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, accompanied by Chinese President Hu Jintao, reviews the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People Wednesday afternoon (August 31) in line with his five-day State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. The visit is expected to boost Philippines-China relationship and showcase the country as an investment haven to Chinese businessmen following major reform measures President Aquino has initiated in the government. Earlier, President Aquino witnessed the signing of documents on energy and power related agreement, mining and mineral processing projects, manufacturing-related projects and infrastructure-related undertakings. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

People’s Republic...from page 6 The President, clad in black suit, was personally received by Chinese President Hu Jintao during the welcome ceremonies befitting a head of state. After shaking hands with President Hu Jintao, the President also extended his hands and greeted other Chinese officials as they were introduced to him by the Chinese protocol officer. On the other hand, the Chinese leader did the same gesture to the Philippine delegation as they were likewise introduced to him by Philippine Chief of Protocol Miguel Perez Rubio. After the introduction ceremonies, President Aquino, accompanied by President Hu Jintao mounted the dais, faced the honor guards and stood at attention as the national anthems of the two countries were played. The first to be played was the national anthem of the Philippines, followed by the national anthem of China. Then the two leaders trooped the line and in-

spected the colors of the two countries. On hand to witness the ceremony were Beijing’s top brass including the members of the Philippine delegation led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Public works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Transportation and Communication Secretary Manuel Roxas, and Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda among others. Also present were representatives of the large business delegation. Following the welcome rites, the two leaders held bilateral talks which, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, would raise the relationship of the two countries to the highest level. The President’s state visit to the PROC is his first

since he assumed office in June 2010. The visit is aimed at further strengthening the centuries-old friendship which is anchored on the theme “people centered partnership” between the Philippines and China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China on June 9, 1975, the bilateral partnership between the two countries has reached unprecedented levels in terms of political, security and regional cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which have benefited the two countries. The Philippines-China economic and trade cooperation continues to serve as the engine that drives the relations between the two countries to greater heights. China is the Philippines’ third largest trading partner and the fastest growing source of tourists. (rsda)

Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Foreign Affairs of Phl and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Hu Jintao witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ONE MINDANAO

Aquino and....from page 7 The two leaders witnessed the signing of the agreement on Wednesday following their bilateral meeting at the China World Hotel here. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario affixed his signature for his department on behalf of the Philippine Government while

a representative from Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foreign Ministry signed for the PROC government. The newly-signed MOU identifies the various areas that, if pursued will enhance cooperation and exchanges between the two ministers. In particular, the MOU defines the following areas

of cooperation: frequent contacts between the Foreign Ministers, regular consultations at various levels, exchange of publications and cooperation on organizing and conducting training programs, and cooperation in consular affairs. (rsda)

Aquino and Hu Jintao witness signing Philippine-China 5-Year Development Program for Economic Cooperation BEIJING, China: The government of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China welcomed Wednesday President Benigno S. Aquino III upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People at the start of his fiveday state visit here Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario signed the agreement for the National Economic Development Authority on behalf of the Philippine government and a representative of the PROC Ministry of Commerce. The Philippine-China Five-Year Development Program and its implementation aim to steer and promote rapid, stable and orderly development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, enlarge the scope and enhance the level of cooperation, achieve balanced trade with mutually beneficial results,

and drive continuous and healthy socio-economic development in both countries. The program aims to further expand and deepen economic and trade ties between China and the Philippines, promote the overall development of friendly cooperation between the two counties, and lay a solid economic foundation for developing Sino-Filipino strategic partnership committed to peace and development. To ensure its successful implementation, the following targets have been set: an annual amount of US$ 60-

ONE MINDANAO

billion bilateral trade (using figures from the General Administration of Customs of China) and at least US$ 1.5-billion cumulative twoway direct investment by the fifth year (2016). The two governments have identified nine key areas for bilateral cooperation in the following five years, namely, agriculture and fishery, infrastructure and public works, mining, energy, information and communications technology, processing and manufacturing, tourism, engineering services, and forestry. (rsda)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of exchange of letters on technical grant BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino and Chinese President Hu Jintao witnessed the signing of the exchange of letters on the technical grant of RMB 20 million in ceremonies at the China World Hotel here.

BEIJING, China—President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Chinese President Hu Jintao witness the signing ceremonies at the Hebei Room, Great Hall of the People Wednesday night (August 31) in line with his five-day State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. The documents include the energy and power related agreement, mining and mineral processing projects, manufacturing related projects and infrastructure related undertakings. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

The two leaders witnessed the formal sealing of the document following their bilateral meeting. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario signed the document on behalf of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) while a representative of

Thursday, September 1, 2011

the Ministry of Commerce signed the document for the PROC government. Under the exchange of letters, China is providing the Philippines with 20 million Renminbi or roughly US$ 300,000 as a technical grant. It also stipulates that

the technical grant will be utilized for projects that will be endorsed by NEDA. According to the document, the Chinese side is considering the utilization of this technical grant for the coco coir project proposed by the Department of Agriculture. (rsda)

ONE MINDANAO

Aquino, Hu Jintao witness signing Memorandum of Understanding between Presidential Communications Operations Office and State Council Information of China BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III and Chinese President Hu Jintao witnessed the signing of the memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) of the Republic of the Philippines and the State Council Information Office (SCIO) of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China (PROC) on Friendly Exchanges and Cooperation. The MOU, designed to further improve the relations between the two governments, was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on behalf of the PCOO for the Philippine government and a representative from the SCIO for the PROC. The MOU upgrades the 2004 Letter of Intent on Friendly Exchanges between the Office of the Press Secretary

and the SCIO and provides the following: -- exchange of visits of related officials and media practitioners, -- active promotion of exchanges and cooperation between the media of both countries, -- encourage more comprehensive and objective media reports on important events and developments,

-- exchange of periodicals, books, electronic audio-visual products and other publications introducing the countries, and -- provide support to business exchanges and cooperation among newspapers, news agencies, radio and TV stations, publishing houses and internet media. (rsda)

Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of Memorandum of Understanding on assignment of Ministry ofCommerce Investment Officer to China Desk of Board of Investment BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III and Chinese President Hu Jintao witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the assignment of a Ministry of Commerce Investment Officer to the China Desk of the Board of Investment (BOI). The Chief Executive and his counterpart witnessed the signing of the agreement on Wednesday at the China World Hotel on Wednesday following their bilateral talks here. The MOU provides for

the assignment of an Investment officer from the Ministry of Commerce to the China Desk of the BOI in order to assist the Board of investments in promoting the Philippines to Chinese investors.

ONE MINDANAO

According to the document, the agreement is patterned after existing arrangements that the BOI has with Japan and Korea. (rsda)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Aquino and President Hu Jintao witness signing of Cooperation Agreement between the People’s Television Network Inc and China Central TeleviBEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III and Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday witnessed the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) and the China Central Television Network (CCTV). Under the agreement, the PTNI and the CCTV committed or agreed to establish a partnership to report Asia from an Asian perspective, deliver and strengthen Asia’s voice in the world.

The networks likewise agreed to show Asia’s improvement and development, and highlight the interaction and coordination between Asian countries and other parts of the world.

The agreement states in particular, PTNI and CCTV to exchange news programs, mutual licensing of news stories copyright, and establishment of a joint news gathering scheme. (rsda)

Aquino, Hu Jintao witness sealing of agreements in Beijing BEIJING, China: In efforts to further boost the friendly, economic and trade relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Hu Jintao witnessed the signing of 7 agreements and two exchange of letters between the two countries. The two leaders witnessed the sealing of the agreements in simple ceremonies on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People here. The seven agreements that were signed are the following: --Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Forein Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines

and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, --Philippines-China Development Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation, --Memorandum of Understanding between the General Administration of Sports of the People’s Republic of China and the Sports Commission of the Republic of the Philippines

on Sports Cooperation, - -I m p l e m e n t a t i o n Program of the MOU on Tourism Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, --Memorandum of Understanding on the assignment of the ministry of Commerce Investment Officer to the China Desk 12

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ONE MINDANAO

Aquino, Hu Jintao....from page 11 of the Board of investment, --Memorandum of Understanding between the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) of the Republic of the Philippines and the State Council Information Office (SCIO) of the Peo-

ple’s Republic of China, and --Cooperation Agreement between the People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI) and the China Central Television (CCTV). The two exchanges of letters are the following:

--Exchange of Letters on the Technical Grant of RMB 20 million, and --Extension of the 14th Executive Program 2009-2011 to implement the PH- China Cultural Agreement - through Exchange of Letters. (rsda)

Palace confident that new tourism chief could steer the industry into a more vibrant and successful sector

alacanang expressed full confidence that the appointment of Secretary Ramon Reyes Jimenez Jr. to the Department of Tourism could steer the country’s tourism industry into a more vibrant and successful sector considering his expertise in the field of marketing communication that could be a big factor in the pursuit of his job. In a statement delivered during a press briefing at the Palace on Thursday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang stressed that the decades-long practice of Secretary Jimenez in advertising could be advantageous in performing his responsibilities as the new tourism chief. “We are confident that with his expertise, Secretary Jimenez will be able to build on the success of our tourism sector

and expand the markets of this country’s tourism hubs,” Carandang said. “He has been in the field of marketing communications for a total of 35 years, and is considered one of the pillars of Philippine advertising,” Carandang added as he welcomed Jimenez to his new official family in the government. “The President, together with the entire Executive branch of government, welcomes Secretary Jimenez to his official family and looks forward to

the growth of his industry and to the improved global profile of many of our country’s tourist destinations,” Carandang noted. Mon Jimenez, as he is known to his peers, the new tourism head has spent most of his professional career as writer, creative director, or executive for the country’s top advertising agencies, even founding and serving as chief executive officer of JimenezBasic. Before his appointment, he was Joint Chief Executive Officer and Se13

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Palace confident....from page 12 nior Consultant at Winning Over Obstacles (WOO) Consultancy, sharing his expertise with a number of successful corporations. Secretary Jimenez has worked as a Journalism and Marketing Com-

munications instructor in some of the country’s most renowned universities, and is a sought-after lecturer for many successful corporations such as the San Miguel Corporation and the Jollibee Group.

He replaces and inherits the good work of Secretary Alberto Lim, who has laid the foundations for the continued growth of our tourism industry. (jcl)

Palace says Mindanao peace process to continue despite reported threats from renegade MILF commander

eace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will continue despite the threat of renegade MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato, Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said. “Both sides, the Philippine government and the MILF, are committed to making this process move forward and we will work together to make sure that attempts to disrupt it will not succeed,” Carandang said in a press conference in Malacanang on Thursday. It was reported recently that Kato threatened to disrupt the ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF. Aside from the peace talks, Kato also warned to attack the ongoing Balikatan exercises between Filipino soldiers and US forces

in Maguindanao. “Ipagpapatuloy natin yan. We will not give in to threats and all the planned exercises will continue,” Carandang said referring to the military exercises, adding that there is no need to augment government forces in Maguindanao in light of Kato’s threat. Carandang said there is sufficient security being provided for the US soldiers participating in the military drills and there is no government plan to change the schedule because of the threat of Kato. With regards to

some lawmakers opposing the current peace talks, Carandang said many of these politicians are not part of the peace process. He made an assurance that the talks will continue. He said that as the peace talks move forward there will be opposition so it’s not a surprise for the Palace. Commenting on some MILF officials making the rounds of diplomatic officials as well as the business community in the past months, Carandang said consultation is necessary to get the support of all stakeholders considering that the talks 14

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ONE MINDANAO

Palace says....from page 13 have been stalled for some time. Both the government and the MILF are aware

that any conclusion of the consultations are imporpeace process must have tant, he added. (as) the support of the majority of the people so doing

Tourism is the business of the people, says newly appointed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez

ewly-appointed Tourism Secretary Ramon Reyes Jimenez, Jr. called on the Filipino people to participate in government efforts to promote the country as one of the top tourist destinations in the world as he shared the idea that “tourism is the business of the people”.

In a press briefing at the Palace on Thursday, Secretary Jimenez stressed the important role of the citizenry in promoting the tourism programs of the government as he expressed gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III for his new role in public service. “It is with great humility that I accept the role of Tourism secretary to President Benigno Aquino III… my thanks for the trust and confidence… in accepting this role, I am

keenly aware that I will succeed only if I begin rallying the DOT team, tourism practitioners, the government bureaucracy and the general public around one very simple idea: tourism is the people’s business,” Jimenez said. He said that as the new tourism chief, his job entails not only increasing the numbers of tourist influx in the country but most importantly, the generation of employment opportunity for the people.

“Ang turismo po ay negosyo ng taumbayan… as such its ultimate goal is not merely to improve statistics on tourist arrivals, its real goal is to generate fulfilling and profitable income and employment for our people in an area of endeavor where Filipinos tend to excel…” Jimenez noted adding that his expertise in marketing communication will help a lot in promoting the Philippines as a tourism hot spot. “I have much to contribute in terms of 15

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Tourism is....from page 14

bringing strategic discipline to the challenge of promoting and developing the Philippines as one of the world’s most exciting destination brands,” Jimenez said. Jimenez vowed to exert all his creative juices in promoting the country to the rest of the world, taking part of the Aquino government’s goal of effecting progress and development to the country. “I will do my best to make tourism a hallmark of President Aquino’s drive to bring our people to the road… to a richer and prouder future,” Jimenez noted. “We are one of the top ten most beautiful countries in the world, there is no reason we can’t succeed,” he added. When asked for a message to the Fili-

Thursday, September 1, 2011

pino people, Jimenez called for the people’s cooperation in pursuing the responsibilities upon his shoulders as the new tourism chief. “turismo ay negosyo ng taumbayan… so if you believe that as I do, help me achieve that,” Jimenez noted. President Aquino confirmed the appointment of Jimenez to the tourism post during his tete-a-tete with Filipino reporters at the China World Hotel, Wednesday night at the sidelines of his State Visit in China. Jimenez is currently the senior consultant and joint chief executive officer of WOO (Winning Over Obstacles) Consultants with his wife Annabelle “Abby” Lee-Jimenez. He helped build JimenezBasic Advertising into the largest creative advertising agency in the coun-

try during his stint as joint CEO from 1989 to 2008. His work at the agency has been closely associated with the rise of Philippine brands such as Jollibee, Selecta Ice Cream, Safeguard, San Miguel, Cebu Pacific and Ivory Soap, among others. Prior to that, he was vice-president and executive creative director at Ace-Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising from 1988 to 1989. Jimenez studied at the University of the Philippines (UP) from elementary school to college. He majored in visual communications at the UP College of Fine Arts. His predecessor, businessman Alberto Lim, resigned as tourism chief last month, citing his need to spend more time with his family. (jc)

ONE MINDANAO

Davao City’s Roxas Avenue as night market site DAVAO CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) — Known as one of the city’s widest thoroughfares, Roxas Avenue will soon be the planned site of a street night market known as “People’s Mart.” “It has already been presented to the City Council by Jason Magnaye (City Investment and Planning Chief and current City Tourism Operations Office head) and had already been approved.” City Planning and Development Officer Robert Alabado said during the I-Speak media forum held last Thursday (Sept.1) at the Davao City Hall The plan presented to the City Council was a request for a one-month extension of the night market to study the viability of such project. Alabado said with

the approved extension they are currently detailing the transfer of the vendors from the peripheries of the City Hall to the site at Roxas Avenue. “This is the start of our plan that the city’s urban infrastructures could be utilized 24 hours.” Alabado said. The City Planner said that during daytime the avenue would serve as a busy thoroughfare for vehicular traffic and during the evenings a portion of the road could become a night market. During the recent Kadayawan Festival, part of the Avenue hosted

ONE MINDANAO

the Hudyakaan a street party event, which featured food and beverage stalls alongside bands playing nightly. Alabado said that based on the crowd turnout, the support of the private sector, positive comments of the people based on the peaceful, orderly holding the event. The oncea-year street festivity could be developed into a regular nightly event. However Alabado added that the avenue will not be totally closed off, as the stalls would just occupy the shoulder of the avenue and one road lane. (PIA 11/RG Alama) Thursday, September 1, 2011

Davao City’s Barangay TB task forces cited by Carina L. Cayon DAVAO CITY, Sept. 01 (PIA) – Several barangay-based task forces working for the reduction of tuberculosis cases in the city were recently cited for their outstanding services and commitment in the fight against the ancient disease. Some eight TB task forces mostly from the urban poor communities and far flung areas in Davao City were awarded Certificates of Excellence particularly for contributing to TB new case findings of smear positive for the period October 2010 to June 2011. The Federation of Davao City TB Task Forces, Inc. bestowed the certificates on the best performers during the Davao City TB Congress on Monday in coordination with the World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., City Health Office and the DOH. The first place went to Barangay Talomo Dugtong Buhay TF which gathered 36 new smear positive in its case findings that followed the guidelines of DOH’s National TB Program (NTP). Barangay Sasa Fight Baga TF got the second place with 24 new smear positive

Thursday, September 1, 2011

cases. For gathering 23 new smear positive cases, there were three awardees for the 3rd place, namely: Barangay Bunawan Sagip Baga, Barangay Tibungco Ingat Baga and District C. The Lusog Baga TB of Barangay Centro Agdao grabbed the 4th place with 21 new findings of smear positive, while the 5thplace went to Barangay 74-A of Matina for collecting 19 new cases. Barangay Calinan TB Task Force landed at the 6th place with 18 new cases. Imelda Ochavillo, World Vision project manager, lauded the awardees and all barangay-based volunteers saying, “I salute to all volunteers because of their great contribution” in the fight against TB through social mobilization and advocacy programs. Mayor Sara Duterte, in her message delivered by Dr.

Ashley Lopez of the City NTP, called on all Dabawenyos to work together as multi-sectoral to combat TB. Duterte further urged not to ignore TB and to make double efforts in preventing the disease, saying “the fight against TB is far from over.” The Federation of Davao City TB Task Forces has 24 cluster barangays and district-based TB task forces from 56 barangays in Davao City, that support the advocacy, communication and social mobilization programs of DOH and the World Vision in the fight against TB. The Federation held the TB Congress anchored on the theme: “On the Move against TB: Transforming the Fight Towards Elimination,” on August 29, at NCCC Mall Matina in celebration of the National Lung Month. (PIA11/Carina L. Cayon)

ONE MINDANAO

SSS surpasses six-month target, collects P42.72-B DAVAO CITY, Sept. 01 - The Social Security System (SSS) collected a total of P42.72 billion contributions during the first six months of this year and surpassed its half-year target by over P1.2 billion, a top official said. SSS president and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said total contributions for the first half of 2011 were ten percent higher then its P39.02billion collection from January to June last year. “Collections from overseas Filipino workers breached the P1-billion mark within six months and grew 18 percent from P929 million in the same period last year. Sectors such as farmers and fishermen, household helpers and voluntary members also posted double-digit collection growths,” he said. Employed members accounted for bulk of contributions amounting to P37.13 billion, up nine percent from last year’s P34 billion. Other self-employed members such as freelance professionals, entrepreneurs and informal sector workers remitted a total of P2.35 billion.

The six-month collections from non-working spouses, who are covered as voluntary members, jumped 73 percent from P482,276 in 2010 to P825,822 this year --- the highest increase among the various type of SSS members. “Part of our strategy to encourage members to contribute regularly and boost collection is expanding their payment options. They can pay electronically or make over-the-counter payments at banks, SSS branches and accredited collection agents,” De Quiros said. He urged members to register at the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph), which has an online inquiry system that allows them to view their contributions, loan payments and other SSS records over the Internet. “Apart from having round-the-clock viewing access to their posted con-

ONE MINDANAO

tributions and other SSS records, members registered at the SSS website can also avail of services such as online filing of salary loan applications and maternity notifications,” he said. The state-run pension fund has 29 million members, with about half based in the National Capital Region. Nearly 70 percent of SSS member are employees and nine million are self-employed and voluntary members. De Quiros made this announcement during a simulcast telecast presscon Wednesday (August 31) at the SSS regional office, Bajada, Davao City also attended by Eddie A. Jara, SVP VisMin Group; Atty. Emmanuel R. Palma, AVP Southern Mindanao; and Jove Colasito, branch head, Davao. (SSS- with reports from R. Palacio/PIA 11)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Leonen nakipag-konsultasyon sa grupong kontra sa MOA-AD KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 1 (PIA) – Sa isang konsultasyon, pinakinggan ni peace panel chair Atty. Marvic Leonen ang panig ng mga grupong kontra sa kontrobersiyal na Memorandum of Agreement-Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), na pinamunuan ni dating Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol. Kasama ni Piñol sa pagpahayag ng kanilang posisyon sina mayor Efren at Lito Piñol ng mga bayan ng Magpet at M’lang, dating Cotabato 1st District Congressman Anthony Dequina, Sarangani governor Migs Dominguez, ilang mga punong barangay, professionals, puno ng mga civic organizations at ilang mga lider ng grupong Ilaga. Ayon kay Piñol, naging maayos naman umano ang kanilang p aki ki p ag - d ayal og o Thursday, September 1, 2011

kay Leonen. Mataas umano ang kanilang kumpiyansa sa pamumuno ni Leonen sa negosasyong para sa kapayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Pinuri din ni Piñol ang katapatan at sinseridad ng Pangulong Benigno Aquino III sa pagtugon sa ilang dekadang problema sa Mindanao. Inirekomenda din ni Piñol sa pamahalaan na ipagsabay ang paki-

kipag-usap para sa kapayapaan at pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga residente, upang mabawasan ang kanilang paghihirap habang nag-uusap pa ang mga negosyador ng dalawang panig. Ani Piñol, kasama niya ang milyon-milyong taga-Mindanao na naghahangad ng mapayapang pamumuhay kahit magka-iba man ang mga relihiyon at paniniwala. (ac agad/ PIA12)

ONE MINDANAO

229 marine turtle hatchlings releases in Sarangani KORONADAL CITY, Sept 1 (PIA) – Some 229 marine turtle hatchlings were recently released in the coastal waters of Glan and Kiamba towns in Sarangani. The release of hatchlings of Hawkbill sea turtle and Olive Ridley sea turtle was spearheaded by the regional office of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR 12) through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) of the two municipalities in an effort to protect and conserve endangered marine species. Sarangani OIC-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Eduardo Saladero said a total of 133 hatchlings of Hawksbill turtle were released last month, specifically at the coastline of Isla Jardin del Mar, Gumasa, Glan. Joining PENRO Saladero were OIC- CENRO Elvira Lumayag and DENRGlan Forester Felix Robles. Other witnesses during

the hatchling release were Brgy Gumasa Chairman Veronico Morales, Municipal ENR Office, Municipal Agriculturist – Fishery Sector, the coastal community, local leaders and resort owners. PENRO Saladero awarded tokens of appreciation to Dave, Arip and Eugene Malangca of Brgy. Gumasa who discovered the nest and notified CENRO officials about the marine turtles in the area. Forester Robles said Glan’s turtle conservation measures have become successful through strong coordination among the various sectors, local government units, and community residents. DENR’s massive information drive in the coastal communities in Sarangani has also helped educate locals of their responsibilities in protecting the

natural resources, including endangered species. Meanwhile, CENRO Wahid Amella of Kiamba reported 96 hatchlings of Olive Ridley turtle have also been released recently at Sitio Bialong, Poblacion, Kiamba. Some 100 eggs were found in a nest in the area by a certain Joel Cado, Jr. Of the number, 97 were hatched, 3 were unfertilized and one hatchling died. CENRO Amella further said that the marine turtles were released to the shore near their nesting area immediately after they were discovered. Sea turtles are known to return to their nesting places when they mature and ready to lay eggs. Long-term collection of eggs and killing of adults are two major causes in the decline of population 21

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

229 marine turtle... from page 20 of sea or marine turtles. Marine turtles are protected by various international treaties and agreement including local

laws such as the Repub- PIA 12/FDRobles/CG lic Act No. 9147 otherwise Valdez/ MC Locsin/ known as the Wildlife Re- DENR12) sources Conservation and Protection Act. (DED/

Kalivungan Festival ng North Cotabato nagtapos ngayong araw KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 1 (PIA) -- Nagtapos ngayong araw, Setyembre 1, ang Kalivungan Festival ng North Cotabato. Tampok sa pagtatapos ng Kalivungan Festival at 97th Foundation Anniversary ng lalawigan ang “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan,” paramotor gliding show, at “Kumbira sa Kapitolyo. Sinimulan ang pagdiriwang kaninang alas-sais ng umaga ang “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan” street dancing competition kung saan tampok ang may sampung grupo na maglalaban-laban para sa premyong P100,000 para sa first place, P70,000 sa second prize, at Thursday, September 1, 2011

P50,000 sa third prize. Ayon kay Joey Recimilla, overall chairman ng pagdiriwang na ang mananalo sa street dancing ang kakatawan sa lalawigan sa Sinulog Festival sa Enero. Nagpakitang -gilas din ang dalawang paramotor gliders na pawang residente ng bayan ng Midsayap na lumipad sakay ng paramotors sa himpapawid malapit sa provincial capitol. Para sa “Kumbira sa Kapitolyo,” dagdag ni Recimilla, naghanda ang pamahalaang

panlalawigan ng may 30,000 packed lunch para sa mga bisita at kalahok sa pagdiriwang. Ang bawat packed lunch ay nagkakahalaga ng P20. Ang kita sa mula sa “Kumbira” ay gagamitin para sa pagpapaayos Good Shepherd Quasi-Parish sa Barangay Amas. Panauhing pandangal ng culmination program si Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

ONE MINDANAO

Gov. Pingoy binigyan ng SP ng otoridad na makipagsundo sa DA, SMI KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 1 (PIA) -- Ibinigay kahapon ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng South Cotabato kay Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. ang otoridad na pumasok sa kasunduan kasama ang Department of Agriculture at ang mining firm na Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI). Inihayag ni Vice Governor Elmo Tolosa na ang otoridad ay ibinigay ng SP hinggil sa kahilingan ni Gov. Pingoy na pumirma sa isang memorandum of agreement sa DA at SMI sa pagpapatupad ng smallscale irrigation projects at mga water impounding projects sa buong lalawigan. Kasama rin sa memorandum of agreement na balak pasukin ng gobernador ang rehabilitasyon ng daan mula sa bayan ng Sto. Nino papuntang Barangay Ned sa bayan ng Lake Sebu kasama naman ang Daguma Agro Minerals Inc. G a y u n m a n , bagamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pumayag ang SP sa hiling ng gober-

nador, siniguro ng mga board member na nakasaad sa resolusyon na wala dapat kapalit na anumang kondisyon partikular na sa pagrerepaso o pagbabago ng Environment Code ng South Cotabato. Ilang mga board member kasi ang nangangambang maaaring gawing rason ng SMI ang mga tulong na ibinibigay sa pamahalaang panlalawigan upang igiit ang mga layunin nito sa pagbabago ng Environment Code upang maging pabor sa kanila. Sa kasalukuyan kasi, nakabinbin pa sa Sanggunian ang ilang petisyon hinggil sa pagrepaso ng Environment Code ng South Cotabato partikular na

ONE MINDANAO

ang open-pit mining na ipinagbabawal ng lalawigan at balak namang ipatupad ng SMI sa pagmimina ng copper at ginto sa bayan ng Tampakan. Sinabi naman ni Board Member Atty. Jose Madanguit, na nakatutulong naman sa publiko ang mga proyektong naipatutupad ng SMI kung kayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sayang din na pagbawal ito na magbigay ng donasyon. Subalit giit ng board member, dapat hayag na walang anumang kapalit ang tulong ng kompanya sa mga taga-South Cotabato. (DEDoguiles/ PIA 12)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Grievance Redress System (GRS) ng 4Ps sa ARMM umaarangkada COTABATO CITY, Setyembre 1 (PIA) - Tuloy-tuloy ang pagtatasa at revalidation ng Departmentof Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) katuwang ang mga pamahalaang lokal sa listahanng mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino program o 4Ps sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) habang umaarangkada ang ginagawang pagpapaliwanag ng grupong bumubuo sa Grievance Redress System o GRS. Ang GRS ay isang sistemang binuo upang resolbahin ang mga problema at isyung ipinaabot sa ahensiya kasabay ng itinatag na grupong naatasang magmonitor sa 4Ps para matiyak na tunay na mga mahihirap ang nakakabenepisyo sa 4Ps. Para kay DSWDARMM regional secretary Pombaen Kader, malaking tulong ang GRS dahil patuloy ang reklamo kaugnay sa pagkakantanggal ng mga pangalan sa listahan na napatunayang hindi nabibilang sa pinakamahirap na pamThursday, September 1, 2011

ilya sa rehiyon. Ayon kay Kader, habang nasa 100,000 mahihirap na pamilya sa buong Maguindanao ang untingunting nakakaahon sa kahirapan dahil sa regular na pagtanggap ng tulong sa ilalim ng 4Ps, aminado itong may mga dapat na ituwid para makamit ang tunay na layunin nitong programa ng gobyerno. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ikinalulugod natin na marami ang nagrereklamo para sila ay magkaroon ng mga kinakailangang impormasyon at pagpapaliwanag kaugnay sa programa kasi ito iyong

tungkulin ng GRS para maresolba iyong mga isyu at reklamo ipinararating sa atin,â&#x20AC;? paliwanag ni Kader. Sa tulong ng GRS, aniya, dahan-dahang natutugunan at nalulutas ang mga isyu at problemangkinakaharap ng ahensiya sa rehiyon sa pagpapatupad ng 4Ps. Ayon sa kalihim, nakatakdang magdadadag ang DSWD ang mahigit 700,000 pamilyang benepisyaryo ng 4Ps sa buong Mindanao sa susunod na taon. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)

ONE MINDANAO

Photo Releases

Waseda University students in Sarangani ALABEL, Sarangani (September 1, 2011) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Governor Migs Dominguez briefs Professor Hidetoshi Taga (right) and law students from Waseda University on their educational field trip Wednesday, August 31, about the comprehensive local peace and development initiatives of Sarangani. (Gandhi Kinjiyo/ KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Souvenir shot with Japanese law students ALABEL, Sarangani (September 1, 2011) - Japanese law students from Waseda University of Tokyo pose for a souvenir shot with Governor Migs Dominguez during their educational field trip in the province Wednesday, August 31, accompanied by National Economic Development Authority regional directors Carmencita Cochingco (center) from CARAGA Region and Teresita Socorro Ramos (6th from left) of Region 12. (Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Governor welcomes Japanese law professor ALABEL, Sarangani (September 1, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez welcomes to his residence Professor Hidetoshi Taga who headed eight law students from Waseda University on their educational field trip in Sarangani Wednesday, August 31. (Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Law students from Japan visit Sarangani ALABEL, Sarangani (September 1, 2011) - Mae Ballena (right), project development officer of Kalinaw Sarangani Unit, orients law students from Waseda University of Tokyo who are conducting their case study on Mindanao peace building initiatives. The National Economic Development Authority recommended Sarangani province to become one of their respondents because it is one of the local government units that has peace and development programs. (Russell Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

ONE MINDANAO

GRP-MILF monitoring team briefing ALABEL, Sarangani (September 1, 2011) - Julian Montemayor (left), chair of the GRP-MILF Local Monitoring Team, briefs visiting Japanese law students from Waseda University of Tokyo Wednesday, August 31, on their educational field trip about the efforts of the LMT in support to the peace process in Mindanao at Kalinaw Sarangani Office. (Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

German Parliament visits Esperanza to learn political, special and economic situation by David M. Suyao AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 1 (PIA) - Six members of the German Bundestag (Parliament) on economic cooperation and development visit the town of Esperanza recently in order to learn more about the political, social and economic situation of the area as well as the on-going efforts of the Philippine-German Development Cooperation. Led by Ms. Dagmar Wohrl, Chairwoman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, the group proceeded to Esperanza and supposedly proceed to Barangay Remedios to visit and evaluate two projects implemented with the support of the German organizations but opted to stay in Esperanza municipal hall and proceeded to the Roman Catholic Church of the same town to have dialogue with Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Thursday, September 1, 2011

Edward Plaza, Esperanza Mayor Nida Manpatilan and the recipients of the projects implemented in Barangay Remedios who are waiting at the Roman Catholic Church. Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza lay down the efforts of the provincial government in the process of titling the ancestral domain claims of the indigenous peoples (IPs) in Esperanza and all over Agusan del Sur with the aim to protect the culture, tradition and the rights of the IPs

over the areas that they dwell since the time of their ancestors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, we have conducted several consultations and meetings in order that the process will be fully understood by our IPs brothers and sisters so that the areas will be fairly identified and delineated and the process will be smooth and legal,â&#x20AC;? Gov. Plaza said. On the other hand, Esperanza Mayor Nida Manpatilan said, the Higaonon tribe of Esperanza have been very

ONE MINDANAO

German Parliament... from page 25 cooperative in processing the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title knowing that the local government have been doing their part in realizing their dreams. “What our people want is the protection of their rights over the area where they live. As natives of the place, they get their food and other needs in their respective areas, while protecting the environment for the future of their younger generations. We, in the municipal government have been closely working with the provincial government because we have the same outlook for the plight of our IPs,”

Mayor Manpatilan said. Gov. Plaza took the advantage of presenting the issues and problems confronting the process of the CADT, hoping the German delegation could extend any assistance for the speedy issuance of the CADT. Later at the Roman Catholic Church, Fr. Carlito Clase, founder of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Foundation presented to the German delegation their partnership with German financing institution called MISERIOR, who provided support of the project dubbed as Poverty Alleviation through Good Governance, live-

lihood, Agroforestry for the Unity of the Marginalized sector, which also stand for the PAGLAUM project. Fr. Clase, with some tribal leaders, presented their accomplishments on food security, land security, health security, education, natural resources, gender and organizational core values. The German delegation left the town of Esperanza around 8:00 in the evening, leaving the people of Esperanza hopeful for more assistance the German government could extend especially to the IPs. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Hinatuan, a show case municipality in Surigao del Sur – DSWD by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Sept. 1 (PIA) – Hinatuan is considered a “show case” municipality of Surigao del Sur where the three core programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was successfully implemented thru the support of the Local Government Unit. 27

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hinatuan, a show.... from page 26 The DSWD field workers revealed during their regular meeting recently held with the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) team and convergence team in one of the local venues of the Cleanest and Greenest municipality of Surigao del Sur - Hinatuan. The project was funded by the national government that technically supported by the local government during its implementation.

According to Gloria Lumanzo, SWAD Team leader, the three core programs of DSWD implemented in Hinatuan that are presently being monitored are: the SelfEmployment AssistanceKaunlaran (SEA-K) Program (formerly 4Ps), and the new term used now is the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT); and the Makamasang Tugon. Meanwhile, Ms Miraflor Cabigon, CCT program Provincial Link revealed

that there are 32,000 CCT/4Ps recipients in Surigao del Sur from 17 municipalities and including Tandag City. It can be recalled that the municipalities of Lingig, Tagbina, Marihatag and San Miguel are the pioneering of the 4Ps/CCT program implementation under phase 1 that was started on 2008 until 2013. (NGBT/PIASurigao del Sur)

PDEA USec Gutierrez set to visit Tandag City by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan TANDAG CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) – Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General USEC Jose Gutierrez, Jr., is set to visit Tandag City to grace the prestigious event as Guest Speaker during the launching of the “JYes Kontra Droga” on Friday, September 2, 2011.

The launching program of a massive campaign on Anti-Illegal Drugs is spearheaded by the provincial government thru the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) chaired by Governor Johnny Pimentel which is aimed at achieving a Drug-Free Thursday, September 1, 2011

province in Surigao del Sur. A thanksgiving Mass at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral will start at 6:00am, followed by a motorcade that will signal the start of the “Big Bang” event of the province with the unveiling of the “JYes Kontra

Droga” or the content of JYes (10) point agenda to the public. Meanwhile, Ms. Alma Concepcion, a beauty queen and actress will also share her testimony message about her experience on illegal drugs.(NGBT/ PIA- Surigao del Sur)

ONE MINDANAO

DILG urges Punong Barangays to help identify and locate 17, 000 OFWs in strife-torn Syria MANILA, Sept. 1 (PIA) – The Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo recently called on the support of all Punong Barangays (village chiefs) to help the government in the identification and search for some 17,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and expatriates in Syria who could be endangered and may want to escape and be repatriated safely from the strifetorn Arab country to the Philippines. The DILG chief issued the call in view of the escalating political unrest and human rights violations that has gripped Syria for the past five months, brought about by fierce infighting between government forces and pro-democracy groups in said country. Robredo said that by seeking out the families and obtaining necessary details like names, contact numbers and exact whereabouts of their loved ones living or working in Syria, Punong Barangays could provide big help in the government’s efforts to hasten their evacuation and repatriation. “We need the help of our Punong Barangays

in identifying and locating the whereabouts of some 17,000 Filipino workers in Syria so that the government can promptly execute its contingency and evacuation plans,” he said. In his directive, Robredo said Punong Barangays should submit the names, contact numbers and whereabouts of the Filipinos in Syria to the concerned DILG city/ municipal field officer, or to the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) not later than September 2, 2011. He also urged the public to text the DILG hotline number 2299 using the following format: Type DILG <name of sender>/<name of

ONE MINDANAO

OFW>/address in Syria/contact number in Syria><additional information> and send to 2299. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised the alert level for the entire country of Syria to 3 which means the voluntary repatriation of all Filipinos and expatriates with the Philippine government providing for the repatriation costs. President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier said the evacuation of Filipinos in Syria was underway but it was unfortunate that only a few responded to the government’s call to leave due to the deteriorating human rights situation in the Middle East29 ern nation.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

DILG urges Punong.. from page 28 Reports said there ots there and 95 percent is an estimated 17,000 of them are domestic OFWs in Syria, 95 per- helpers so the assumpcent of them domestic tion is they don’t posworkers, and a great sess the ability as readily number of whom are as professionals to take undocumented and will- care of themselves,” the ing to take the risks pre- President said. vailing in the strife-torn “Unfortunately, as I uncountry to maintain their derstood it, only a few employment. accepted our offer to re “There are around patriate them from the 17,000 of our compatri- beginning so I assume

that most of them are still there,” he said, adding that the government would take other necessary steps to ensure that Filipinos would be taken care of in Syria. (DILG Public Affairs/PIACaraga)

Tagalog News: Panlalawigang tanggapan ng kalusugan, pinagkalooban ng mga parangal by David M. Suyao

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) - Nakuha ng Agusan del Sur Provincial Health Office (PHO-AdS) ang matataas na mga parangal sa mga naidulot na serbisyong pangkalusugan at tamang pamamahala at ipinamahagi ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga parangal na ito na iginawad ng mga nakakataas na opisyales galing sa regional at national na tanggapan ng Departamento para sa Kalusugan (DOH). Noong Hulyo 28 ng kasalukuyang taon, tinanggap ni Dr. Joel Esparagoza, hepe ng pangkalusugang tanggapan ng lalawigan at ng D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital ang pagkilala sa kan-

Thursday, September 1, 2011

yang tanggapan na siyang may pinakamataas na naabot sa pagbakuna sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga sa Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) para sa taong 2011

na may 98.12 porsyento. Bago ang pagkilalang iyon, ang Caraga Center for Health and Development ay kinilala muna na nangunguna sa buong bansa, at ang Agusan del Sur ay si-

ONE MINDANAO

Tagalog News: Panlalawigang.. from page 29 yang may pinakamataas na naabot sa buong rehiyon. Pero bago nalaman ng lahat, ang PHO-AdS ay kinilala na na siyang may pinakamataas na parangal na iyan mula pa noong taong 2004 sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng serbisyong pangkalusugan. Isa pang parangal na inilahad ng PHO-AdS ay ang plake ng pagkilala ng kanilang mahusay na pamamahala ng pundo na kung tawagin ay revolving trust fund na sinimulan noong taong 2003 na kung tawagin ay local health system development fund o LHSD, na pinundohan ng interlocal health zone, ng Departamento ng Pangkalusugan (DOH) ng sector ng pangkalusugang reporma (HRS) at ng pangkalusugan tanggapan ng lalawigan na pinundohan ng pamahalaang probinsiyal.

Ang LSD ay nabuo sa pamamagitan ng District Health Board Resolution Blg. 01, serye ng 2002, na humiling ng limang miyembrong mga pamahalaang bayan para magbigay ng pundo para sa mga gamot at kagamitan ng mga miyembro ng Philhealth, kasama na ang tinatawag na medicare sa masa na na-hospital sa D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital. Ang naturang seed capital ay umabot sa P1.8 milyones kung saan P205,000 ang inabot ng peran ibinigay ng lokal na mga pamahalaang bayan, P100,000 ang galing sa Center for Health and Development share, P1 milyon ang galing sa HRS) at P500,000 galing sa pamahalaang probinsyal ng Agusan del Sur. Ang P500,000 ay kukunin galing sa kita ng hospital taon-taon pagkatapos magbigay ang

ONE MINDANAO

pamahalaang probinsyal ng seed money. Is pang parangal na natanggap ng PHOAdS ay ang halagang P997,400 na ibinigay kay Dr. Esparagoza galing sa DOH-Caraga at ito ay para sa pagpa miyembro ng 1,629 na mga kapos palad na mga pamilya na kinilala sa pamamagitan ng Community-bawsed Managemnt System (CBMS). Kinilala rin DOH ang PHO-AdS na nangunguna sa Renal Disease implementers kasama ang mga lokal na pamahalaan. Sa kasalukuyan, ang Agusan del Sur ay kinilala na siyang umabot ng universal coverage na kinakailangan ng Philhelath kung saan malaki ang nagawang tulong ng programang Philhealth Sabado. (PIAAgusan del Sur)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Magna Carta for household helpers is PNoy’s priority bill, says Cong. Enrile by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) - - Cagayan Province first district Congressman Juan C. Ponce Enrile Jr. said in a news conference with the local press here yesterday that the proposed Magna Carta for household helpers is one of the priority bills endorsed by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. The bill, which is called “Batas Kasambahay,” seeks to institute policies governing household employment and provide for additional benefits and protection to house helpers. Cong. Enrile authors the house version of “Kasambahay” bill while the Senate version is authored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada. Cong. Enrile came here to primary hold public consultations concerning House Bill (HB) No. 4626 titled “Food for Filipinos First Act.” Enrile pushed for the

development of agriculture to attain steady and sufficient food supply for the country. “Countries giving priority to agriculture have achieved economic growth and development,” he said. He also called on the government to support the farmers by providing them with “the capability to develop their lands” through subsidies in farm inputs such fertilizers, pesticides and others. Aside from ensuring rice supply for the country, Cong. Enrile is also pushing for commercial crops

like pineapple, mango, bananas and even rubber as there are lands not suitable for rice production. “I am for the best use of land,” he stressed. When asked what would happen to the National Food Authority (NFA) once HB 4626 is passed into law, Cong. Enrile said the “NFA will be changed.” Under the proposed bill, conversion of “strategic agricultural lands” as identified by the Department of Agriculture (DA) will not be allowed. (FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)

ARMM to implement enhanced IDP early recovery plan DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) - - Cagayan Province first district Congressman Juan C. Ponce Enrile Jr. said in a news conference with the local press here yesterday that the proposed Magna Carta for household helpers is one of the priority bills endorsed by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ONE MINDANAO

ARMM to. from page 31 Mehrab Bahri of the Bureau of Public Information disclosed that line agencies and units of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be working in full-swing for months with partners from humanitarian agencies in implementing ARMM Early Recovery Plan. After conducting review training on an ERP framework, ARMM officials announced that they will pursue for its implementation alongside the United Nations humanitarian agencies, international and local NGOs in addressing the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in armed conflicts and disasters. Romeo Diocolano, head of the Technical Management Services of the Office of the Regional Governor (TMSORG), said the review tackled and adopted steps to expand the coverage of the recovery and rehabilitation efforts to the 150 other return sites in ARMM that are currently not in the priority list. “The present ARMM administration launched the ERP early last year, which later on generated support from national and foreign humanitarian agencies using a cluster model applied by the UN in a number of other countries fac-

ing social displacement problems,” Diocolano said. The enhanced ERP puts together organizations providing similar interventions in the target area under a single cluster with the assignment of a lead agency coordinating the cluster’s efforts aimed at preventing wastes in resources and time caused by overlapping operations, he added. Diocolano said that R.A. 10121 (Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010), which espouses the four pillars – mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation – in disaster interventions, is one of the working references in the ERP implementation. He said the absence of an Office of Civil Defense (OCD) operation in ARMM at the time of the ERP’s creation prompted the creation of the technical working group (TWG) as an ad hoc body spearheading the ERP implementation. The interim ERP body had successfully reduced the number of IDPs of the 2008 atrocities from 19,000 families to just a little over 1,700 in the first year of operations of the administration of Acting ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong, a TWG report said.

Cognizant of the impending takeover of the ARMM leadership by officersin-charge (OICs) to be installed by President Aquino on October 1, ERP implementing agencies held the three-day review cum training last week to adopt mechanisms ensuring the continuity of rehabilitation efforts for IDPs in the autonomous region, Diocolano said. During the review, Diocolano said representatives of ERP implementing agencies reconciled the provisions of R.A. 10121 and the current thrusts on interventions for IDPs. He said recommendations brought up in the review will be raised in the upcoming meeting of the region’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) in time for it to be included in the transition report of the present ARMM officials. ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo said the Adiong regime would like to ensure that ongoing programs and projects in the region including those in the pipeline will be carried over once the President-appointed OICs assume office this October. (BPI-ARMM/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

ARMM receives Japanese students learning PHL’s peace initiatives ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 1 (PIA) – A delegation of Japanese students interested at the on-going peace initiatives of the government with the Moro groups recently visited the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in Cotabato City.

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ARMM receives.. from page 32 ARMM Information Chief Ali Macabalang reveals that officials of the region have received here another delegation of foreign students interested in studying peace initiatives, this time a delegation of Japanese students whose government has been deeply involved in helping convergent initiatives address the decades-old Moro insurgency in Southern Philippines including ARMM. During a reception meeting at the ARMM’s executive conference hall here Sunday afternoon, officials led by Regional Executive Secretary G. Naguib Sinarimbo briefed nine students from Japan’s Waseda University led by Prof. Hidetochi Taga on the history of Moro rebellion that evolved into the government grant of autonomy bestowed now in the 20-year old autonomous region. Sinarimbo told visitors in a briefing that the ARMM governance has absorbed the remnants of the systems of the two defunct autonomous region created under the Marcos government, which inked in Tripoli the 1976 agreement with the then mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). But he said it was in the advent of the ARMM starting in 1990 that foreign institutions including Japan had joined the provision of various interventions in uplifting the lot of Bangsamoro people in capability-building, socio-economic programs and infrastructure development.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Regional health secretary Jojo Sinolinding, social welfare acting secretary Pombaen K. Kader, education undersecretary Mayana Sinsuat, and ARMM Social Fund Program manager Nasser Sinarimbo also took turns in briefing the visiting academic delegation on their respective services and projects that enjoy various forms of Japanese government’s assistance. Prof. Taga, a lawyer and dean of the Waseda University’s graduate school, and his students manifested elation over the information of the ARMM officials that the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is one of the two biggest foreign institutions assisting ARMM, the other being the World Bank. The Japanese team visited first the CARAGA region where they were hosted by National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Carmencita Conchingco, a long-time friend of Prof. Taga dating back in the conduct of the Philippine-Japan students exchange program in 1988. The nine Japanese students, all junior and senior enrollees in one of the social science subjects handled by Prof. Taga at the Waseda University, wanted to be knowledgeable of foreign histories, especially of countries that passed through various stages of conflict like ARMM, one of the team guides said. Director Conchingco said the Waseda University is

likely expanding the coverage of an academic subject on Japan history to include foreign students, who would want to know the evolution of Japan from the havocs of the World War II. At an open forum after the briefing, one of the visiting students asked about the “confusing” separate peace processes of the Philippine government with the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Sinarimbo, a member of the Philippine government panel in tripartite meetings with the MNLF and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which brokered both the 1976 and 1996 peace pacts with the former secessionist group, said the Aquino administration is likely to adopt a “convergent” approach dealing with concerns espoused by the MNLF and the MILF. The Japanese academic delegation came a week after Japan Ambassador to the Philippines visited this city and turned over the JICA-funded P28.8-million freshly completed “friendship hall” building to the ARMM administration. It was the second foreign group to visit the ARMM governance this year. The first was that of a multi-national delegation of students from the John Hopkins University in the United States which came also with a desire to learn the situation of Moro rebellion and the status of national and foreign institutions’ interventions. (AGM/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

ONE MINDANAO

DOST-X laboratories expand services, offer shelf-life testing of food products by Tess Superioridad-Baluyos CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 1 (PIA) -- Shelf-life testing is now part of the services being offered by the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL) of the Department of Science and Technology, regional 10 (DOST-X). The expanded services is in line with DOST-X’s thrust of serving the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those in the food industry, to improve their products and to respond to the urgent need for food safety assurance. “This will give the MSMEs more confidence in marketing their products,” Regional Director Alfonso Alamban of DOST-X, said. Alamban said this new development is the result of the completion of the project entitled, “Enhancement of the Shelf-life Testing and Upgrading of Nutrition Analysis Capability of DOST-X RSTL” of which the Accelerated Shelf-Life Evaluation Laboratory (ASEL) is part of. The project was spearheaded and maintained by

the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) and implemented by DOST Regions IV, VII, and X. In Region X, the project also involved assistance for the shelf-life testing of 13 banner food products that are representative of liquids and solid, namely: Melon with Milk by 4 C’s Food Industries in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO), Passion Fruit Puree by Malaybalay Organic Farm, Inc., Bukidnon, Mamsie’s Sweet Ham by A&E Enterprises, CDO, and Calamansi Concentrate by Eber Livelihood Association, Lala, Lanao del Norte. Pastel of Panedotte, Tagoloan, Mis. Or., J&A Pastel Buns of Josefa’s, CDO, Fishtail Vinegar by CES Vinegar, Claveria, Mis. Or., Mangoesteen Extract by Nature’s

Gift, Oroquieta City, and Lahoy Oil by RPV and Sons Enterprise, Aloran, Misamis Occidental. Shrimp Paste by Lola Luz’ Uyap, Jimenez, Mis. Occ., Galletas of Ofelieths, Oroquieta City, Coco Sugar by Organic Coco Sugar, Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Barquillos of Engallado’s Food Products, Valencia, Bukidnon. Results of the subsidized shelf-life evaluation of the above products were recently presented to a DOST technical panel composed of representatives from PCIEERD, Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and DOST Regions IV and VII. The technical panel gave their appropriate feedback which are now being 35

ONE MINDANAO

Thursday, September 1, 2011

DOST-X.. from page 34 implemented by RSTL. The technical review was also a venue to recognize the effort of these laboratory staff after they took and passed the written examination as part of their capability-building and training. For 2010, the Accelerated Shelf-Life Evaluation Laboratory (ASEL) of DOST-X has rendered a total of 760 tests and served 67 customers. As of July 31, 2011, it has served 40 customers involving 234 tests. Other accomplish-

ments involved a shelf-life design of six (6) products that included tomato jam, shrimp paste, flavored water, buko pie, ice cream and organic coconut honey. The nutrition facts or computation of labeling information for 16 products and nutrition analysis of 15 products were also conducted. The DOST-X Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories are ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited are equipped with state-of-theart testing equipment and

operated by highly-skilled laboratory analysts. The laboratories offer analytical services with high precision. To maintain a high standard of services, the laboratories are continually upgraded through proficiency tests and its laboratory analysts are being sent to trainings (both local and international). They also take examinations to upgrade their skills and knowledge. (DOST/PIA-10)

6,498 day care children to benefit from the supplemental feeding program of DSWD by Melvin T. Anggot/ Virgilio C. Garcia ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 1 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Some 6,498 day care children in the city are set to benefit from the Supplemental Feeding Program (SFP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This, after Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, personally, received a check worth Php2,034,600 for the SFP from DSWD during the flag raising ceremony at city hall, recently. The money was actually the second release from the DSWD for the SFP for 121 day care centers in the city. The check was hand-

Thursday, September 1, 2011

ed to the Chief Executive by Cheryl Nacano, Focal Person of the Nutrition Program of DSWD for the SFP. It was learned from CSWD Officer Grace Joy Saquilabon that DSWD has allocated Php8 million for the SFP for day care centers in Iligan. Mayor Cruz also thanked Atty. Araceli So-

lamillo, Regional Director of DSWD, region 10, for the assistance given to the people of Iligan, like the Cash for Work (CFW) for farmers worth P11 million, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or Pantawid Pamilya, and other relief assistance for calamities. (CIO/PIA-10)

ONE MINDANAO

Culture of Peace workshop to highlight role of media in peace building by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 1 (PIA) --- The role of the media in peace building will be among the highlights of a peace workshop, to be held at Budgetel, Corrales Extension, here, this coming Saturday, Sept. 3. Dubbed as ‘Culture of Peace Workshop for Media,’ the activity aims to increase understanding and appreciation of the significant bridging role of media in interreligious dialogue and peace building, Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro (CDO), said. He also said the workshop will also highlight the sharing of the best practices, the problems encountered

and lessons learned in the past peace building initiatives. Conducted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue (CBCP-ECID), the workshop also aims to further strengthen the role of media as peace builders. The participants, he further said, will also map the capacity building needs

and opportunities to reinforce the active involvement of media in peace building activities. The CDO Archbishop, also said the peace workshop will push forward the participation of the media in the Mindanao peace process and contribute to the overall call for peace and reconciliation. (PIA-10)

Solon sponsors 1st BFF Hinterland Basketball League by Melvin T. Anggot, Virgilio C. Garcia ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 1 (PIA) -- The first Builders of the Future (BFF) Hinterland Basketball League sponsored by City Councilor Frederick Siao was successfully held at the Barangay Gymnasium of Kabacsanan, recently. The tournament was participated in by six (6) hinterland barangays, namely: Bonbonon, Bunawan, Digkilaan, Hindang, Kabacsanan and Mainit. The sports event aims to discover new talents in basketball in the hinterland barangays aside from providing entertainment

to the basketball enthusiasts and promote camaraderie among the youth in the area. Declared champion in the tournament was the team from Bunawan that got the Php3,000 prize, the second placer was Bonbonon with Php2,000, and the third placer Kabacsanan with Php1,000.

ONE MINDANAO

All three (3) winners received trophies while consolation prizes of Php500 was given to teams in the 4th and 6th places, respectively. The tournament is part of the many programs under the BFF Program in the office of Councilor Siao. (CIO/PIA-10)

Thursday, September 1, 2011