One Mindanao - September 21, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

CONTENTS OUR COVER

NATIONAL • Aquino underscores importance of ‘openness’ in government

SULU

dealings with the people

• Aquino joins 45 other countries in launching Open Government

tops abaca fiber Partnership remains firm on West Philippine Sea stance production in•• Aquino Aquino vows to continue his parent’s fight for democracy region IX• Palace renews its commitment to peace with communist rebels PHOTO CREDITS: panoramio.com abafiberen.onlinefreeonline.com fida.gov.ph glatfelter.com nerbac.org qrbiz.com seeknomore.blogspot.com

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

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

• Malacañang underscores governments policy of upholding

human rights

TALKING POINTS • • • •

DOE backs LPG Safety Bill Oil imports cheaper than locally produced products, says DOE Pres. Aquino orders review of oil deregulation law DOE isusulong ang panukalang LPG Safety Act

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Mayor orders office heads to solve Davao flooding, housing concerns • Davao’s new tag line: “Davao. Life is Here.” • Davao City to focus on agroa-forestry • DENR to embark on PPP with mining firm’s adopt-a-CBFM project • Davao City slates Davao Gulf Week • New Bataan boosts investment promo • DSWD leads family week celebration

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • P52-M vowed for planned public hospital in Surallah • Turnover ng internal security operations sa S. Cotabato iniurong sa Setyembre 30 • DOH-CHD 12 conducts healthy lifestyle campaign • OIC aspirants vow to rid ARMM of graft and corruption

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • A Success Story –Intensified and Sustainable Development of Aquaculture (ISDA) • SP to urge Sen. Guingona for additional P2 million funding • Program to promote gender equality in political participation in Butuan City • DSWD-Caraga prepares reports on social protection and development • PNP-13 initiates Reg’l. Training Center groundbreaking ceremony

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • ZaNorte’s DDPKaRoM a growth corridor weaving for agro-industrial, eco-tourism development • Pagadian City to host 47th NEB Meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines • Hotel and restaurant staff, drivers should treat our guests with courtesy, Mayor Co urges • AusAID cites ARMM performance efficiency, grants P3.5B education fund

Northern Mindanao • • • • •

Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park turns 6, tribes showcase culture DOST’s Search for 2011 “Filipinnovation” Award is on Poster-making contest highlights World Food Day celebration on Oct. 16 4ID Chief pins Wounded Personnel Medal on troops Bukidnon PLEB undergo orientation on RA 6975 & RA 8551

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Cover Story: Sulu tops abaca fiber production in region IX

by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ulu, one of the most fertile lands in the country, but is beset with peace and order problem, is region IXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest loose abaca fiber producer from 2006 to last year, according to data reported by Fiber Industry Development Authority IX (FIDA) Regional Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy. 4 Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Cover Story: Sulu tops .....from page 3

H o l o y o h o y, speaking before participants of the SME (small and medium enterprises) Regional Caravan held in Pagadian City last July 4, said Sulu tops in loose abaca fiber production for the last 5 years. He pointed

that although Sulu, including Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the three island provinces are still under the watch of region IX. Sulu produced 13,524.69 metric

tons of loose fiber in the last five years, but the erratic peace and order situation in the province saw the annual production decline from 2008 to last year. Sulu averages 2,704.94 metric tons of production per year or 92.65% of the region’s total production. Dir. Holoyohoy pointed the vast demand of the Philippine fiber in the world market. “Eighty percent of the world’s natural abaca fiber comes from the Philippines, with Ecuador as the other major source of abaca fiber”, he stressed. According to Holoyohoy, Japan and the United Kingdom are the top two importers 5

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Cover Story: Sulu tops .....from page 4

of our abaca fiber. “Japan is using our abaca fiber for their paper bills. They have increased the fiber content of the Japanese Yen to 60% as it makes counterfeiting very difficult. The new Philippine peso bill, on the other hand, uses 30% abaca fiber content”, he explained. United Kingdom, Wednesday, September 21, 2011

on one hand, uses the abaca fiber for ropes or cordages. FIDA is also looking into one of the biggest potential market of abaca… China. “China, as the leading tea producer and consumer, is a very big market. They use abaca pulp to make tea bags. We’re talking of billions of con-

sumer of tea per day and imagine the huge demand of our abaca in China alone”, Holoyohoy pointed. He said FIDA is now looking for added investment on the abaca industry to further boost exportation of Philippine abaca fiber and other produce derived from abaca. Holoyohoy, in his presentation said there is a need to expand programs on abaca, rehabilitation and maintenance of abaca farms throughout the country, providing facilities to fully utilize the farmers produce, conducting of livelihood trainings, and partnering with private institutions for more investments. (MVC/PIA-Zambo City) 5

Aquino underscores importance of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;opennessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in government dealings with the people

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

resident Benigno S. Aquino III underscored Tuesday the importance of â&#x20AC;&#x153;opennessâ&#x20AC;? on the part of government in order to achieve national solidarity of purpose and action between the people and their leaders. 8

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Aquino underscores .....from page 7

In his speech at a forum leading to the formal launch of the Open Government Partnership held at the Google head office here, the President said that by keeping communication lines open between the people and its leaders will lead to a positive powerful connection between themselves. “Engaging our fellow citizens in dialogue positively reinforces a culture of openness. A continuing conversation between the government and its citizens builds a positive, powerful connection between individual leaders and citizens, fostering the reintegration of government with society as a whole. In other words: openness inspires trust, which is the foundation of a gen-

uine partnership,” the President said. He cited several concrete examples being done in the Philippines to help empower the citizenry and build a genuine partnership with the government. Among these are the “Pera ng Bayan” (People’s Money) website that encourages the public to report cases of corruption, posting of budgetary releases and bids for government contracts online, and the Official Gazette or the government portal “on the principle that legislation and other regulations must be freely accessible to all. The President pointed out that all these are meant to empower the citizenry, which he said, is “the essential aspira-

tion at the heart of the digital revolution sweeping the globe: where technology liberates the individual and renews a sense of solidarity between the public and private sectors.” “As a member of the OGP Steering Committee, we are, therefore, not only excited, but derive strength, from working together to achieve our shared aspirations. By means of National Action Plans informed by the successes and lessons each of us can share with each other, the best practices from our individual national milieus can become a source of collective strength, making a living reality of the Declaration of Principles on Open Government,” the President said. (RCK)

Aquino joins 45 other countries in launching Open Government Partnership

resident Benigno S. Aquino III joined 45 other world leaders in formally launching the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and harness new technologies to strengthen governance in ceremonies held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel here Tuesday. 8

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Aquino joins .....from page 8 The President, together with eight other world leaders that comprise the OGP steering committee chaired by US President Barack Obama and co-chaired by Brazil President Dilma Rousseff, presented the Open Government Declaration that concretizes the group’s commitment to the OGP. The Open Government Partnership aims to: 1) increase the availability of information about the government activities, 2) support civic participation, 3) implement the highest standards of professional integrity throughout the respective administrations of its members; and, 4) increase ac-

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

cess to new technologies for openness and accountability. In his brief remarks, President Aquino told those present that the participation of the Philippines in the OGP is a symbol of his administration’s commitment to honest and effective governance. “It presents clear advantages to the Philippines: we can access and exchange best practices, peer consultation, and technical assistance in implementing our domestic initiatives,” the President said. “The Philippines has always been, and remains committed to, the ideals put forward by the OGP. Being

part of a global community of transparency advocates is more than a source of collective strength for us; it also allows our government to strengthen its efforts and find opportunities for cooperation with its peers,” he added. He expressed confidence that “so long as we stand firmly united in veering away from a jagged path of dishonesty and concealment; and so long as we run governments focused on righting the wrong and staying along the straight path, the coming generations will surely inherit a more peaceful, prosperous, and open world.” (RCK)

Aquino remains firm on West Philippine Sea stance resident Benigno S. Aquino III stood firm on the government’s stance on the West Philippine Sea but maintained that it still wanted to keep “good neighborly relations with China.”

The President reiterated his government’s position on the issue in his speech at the Asia Society here Tuesday. “As for the Philippines, we wish to maintain good neighborly relations with China. In our competing claims in the West Philippine Sea, we have already drawn the line between what is disputed and non-disputed in terms of where we would never relinquish our sovereign rights,” the President said. “We have likewise called for the peaceful and rules-based settle-

ment of disputes. From our vantage point, and as we have heard affirmed in our recent state visit to China, this maritime dispute does not define the multi-layered relations between the Philippines and China,” he added. He also said that the United States of America was the Philippines’ only defense treaty ally who shared the same fundamental values of freedom, democracy and belief in open markets. “Whenever two partners share the same core values, their re-

lationship is bound to endure,” the President said. President Benigno S. Aquino III was invited by the Asia Society to speak about his administration’s domestic and foreign policy thrusts during his official visit to the United States from September 18 to 23. Asia Society was founded by John D. Rockefeller III in 1956 to promote greater knowledge of Asia in the U.S. It is a global institution based in New York with offices throughout the U.S. and Asia. (RCK)

Aquino vows to continue his parent’s fight for democracy

the Philippines. 10

resident Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to continue the fight his parents, former Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. and former President Corazon C. Aquino, started in their quest, as public servants, to bring real and lasting democracy to 11 Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Aquino vows .....from page 10

The President made the promise in his speech at the Asia Society here Tuesday. “In 1981 my father spoke of the redemption of our democracy. In 1986, my mother spoke of the need to preserve democracy. Today, I look forward to continuing our conversation, by means of the open forum following my opening remarks, on the ways we are seeking to vindicate democracy,” the President said. The President said that since he had taken office in July 2010, his administration had taken concrete steps to implement needed reforms to weed out corruption, end hunger and spur economic growth. “Our administration is committed to transformation: from a country where nice guys finish last, to one where those who deviate from the straight and narrow will face punishment for their crimes,” the President said. “Our goal is to empower the citizenry so that, regardless of who is in power, the citizenry

demands the authentic rule of law. The task I have assigned to my colleagues in government is to demonstrate this by means of sustained reforms that foster merit, transparency, and accountability,” he added. Among the reforms began by his administration include the cutting of wasteful government contracts such as rice importation of the National Food Corporation and road bidding projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways. This, the President said, has resulted in the trimming of the NFA’s debt to P153-million from P177-million in the previous administration and savings from the DPWH of some P7-billion which can be utilized for other priority development projects such as the Conditional Cash Transfer program. The President also mentioned the Finance Department’s move to promote fiscal transparency through its website called “Pera ng Bayan” or “the people’s money” that allows the public to

anonymously report tax cheats, smugglers, and crooks. “The government likewise subjects government officials to lifestyle checks and vets their statements of assets and liabilities to find out if what they have acquired is commensurate with their income,” the President said. These campaigns are yielding results as the President said that a total of 67 tax evasion cases and 43 smuggling cases—with claims totaling more than 26 billion pesos and 58.16 billion pesos, respectively— have been filed against certain groups and individuals. The President said that despite all of these achievements, there still remained the need for additional foreign and domestic investments. He lauded the business process outsourcing industry which he said “is now the second largest in the world, next only to India, with revenues of $8.9 billion in 2010. The Philippines also ranks fourth in the world in shipbuilding.” 12

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Aquino vows .....from page 11

He added that infrastructure modernization has been given a boost with the Public-Private Partnership program. “Our mantra here is: the right project, with the right quality, at the right price, run by the right people, and delivered right on time. Given the experience with projects in the past, it is important that the correct and legal processes are followed so that they

can stand up to public scrutiny,” the President said. These reforms, the President said, have resulted in having four different credit rating agencies, namely, Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch and the Japan Credit Ratings Agency, giving the Philippines positive rating actions, all within a span of a year. “The World Eco-

nomic Forum has also ranked us 75th in their latest Global Competitiveness Report: a tenspot jump from last year’s 85th place. This jump is the highest for our country since it entered the survey, and is evidence that the Philippines, which opened for business under new management only a little over a year ago, is faring very well,” the President said. (RCK)

Palace renews its commitment to peace with communist rebels alacanang reiterated its commitment for the peaceful resolution of the decades-long conflict with communist insurgents saying it continues to hope that peace will be achieved in the future.

“We strongly believe in a peaceful resolution so patuloy pa rin kaming umaasa na magkakaroon po ng magandang resulta ang peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peo-

ple’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines),” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press conference on Wednesday in Malacanang. Lacierda was reacting to a reporters’ question on whether

the government expects the leftist insurgents to declare a ceasefire after the Armed Forces of the Philippines suspends military operation in observance of the Peace Month this September. The Armed forc13

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Palace renews....from page 12

es is observing the United Nations (UN) International Day of Peace today and the celebration of Peace Month 2011, while the government declared a one-day unilateral truce with the CPP-NPA-NDFP. The ceasefire declared by the Armed forces only shows the government’s commitment to peace, Lacierda said, adding however that the government can’t dictate on the rebels to do the same. He said the ceasefire would give the rebels an opportunity to visit their families. “But our resolve is that in the long run peace will solve the problem and not violence. However we would continue to defend ourselves even if it’s a one-day ceasefire,” he said. The AFP car-

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

ried out its Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) with the communist left from 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday until 12:00 a.m. the following day. Meanwhile, ceasefire with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), on the other hand, is still holding as the government affirms its commitment to abide by the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities signed by both parties in 1997. In its statement in celebration of the Peace Month, the government peace panel negotiating with the CPP-NPA-NDFP reiterated its commitment to “staying the course of peace” as it prepares for the next round of formal talks with the communist left in October.

The panel urged the people to affirm the primacy of the peace process by compelling the parties to carry on with the negotiations. At the same time it called on all stakeholders to “reclaim peace as our common birthright” as the decades-old armed conflict with the NPA has already caused countless deaths and sufferings. It also said in its statement that “we must honor peace as a wellspring-of our hope, our faith, our aspirations” by anchoring peace on justice and social reforms. The panel likewise pushed for building peace which requires transformation of the minds and actions of both sides--the government and rebel forces. (AS)

Malacañang underscores governments policy of upholding human rights alacañang underscored the government’s strict compliance of upholding human rights as it noted the stern efforts of the Aquino administration in observing due process to bring erring individuals to the law and serve justice to those who have been offended. In a press briefing at the Palace on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the government has made it a policy to uphold the human rights of every individual regardless of belief and political inclination. “The human rights situation, as far as this administration is concerned, we have made it a very strict policy to uphold human rights. In fact, we have extended this even to those who do not agree with this administration,” Lacierda said. Lacierda said that due to the said policy, some groups even resorted to accusing the government of being slow in penalizing those who have committed violations to the people and the country. “In fact, that is the 14

reason why we are being accused… of (seemingly) taking so long in filling cases, it’s because we are strictly observant of human rights. So, we believe in due process and we will continue to uphold due process and human rights in this country,” Lacierda noted. Thirty seven years ago, Proclamation No. 1081 was signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos declaring the country under martial law. Once in effect, it covered the entire republic on September 21, 1972. It was announced to the public two days later. Marcos ruled by military power through martial law, altered the Constitution in the subsequent year, made himself both Head of State as President and Head of Government

as Prime Minister, manipulated elections and the political arena in the Philippines, and had his political party Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) - control the unicameral legislative branch of government called the “Batasang Pambansa.” All these allowed Marcos to remain in power. The proclamation was actually signed on September 17, but was postdated four days later on September 21 because of Marcos’ superstitions and numerology beliefs. Marcos formally announced the proclamation two days after at midnight on September 23, 1972 via live national television broadcast. Martial law was lifted by President Marcos on January 17, 1981. (JCL ) Wednesday, September 21, 2011

DOE backs LPG Safety Bill

he Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) is still pushing for the LPG Safety Act despite resistance from some members of the lower house and the LPG refillers association.

OIMB Director Monsada said during an interview with DZRB and PTV 4’s Talking Points that leaks from LPG tanks are among the most common causes of fires aside from candles and faulty electrical wiring. Thus, the Department of Energy and the OIMB have been pushing for the bill’s approval in order to ensure the safety of LPG tanks. “Isa ang LPG sa dahilan ng mga sunog. Hindi naman necessarily dahil sumabog ang tangke pero may leak,” she explained. House Bill 5052 otherwise known as the LPG Safety Act requires a one-time LPG cylinder

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

exchange, swapping and rehabilitation in order to avoid usage of damaged tanks and to reinforce safety within households and other establishments which utilize LPGs or liquefied petroleum gas for cooking. While there are safety guidelines for handling LPGs, some consumers find it difficult to replace cylinders as they cost more than the fuel itself and just be contented with refilling. If passed, the bill would require consumers to bear additional costs due to the confiscation of LPG tanks. In the meantime, some lower house rep-

resentatives also questioned the quorum during the second reading of the bill where only 73 of the 285 congressmen were present where at least half of members should be present. Despite this, OIMB still stressed the need for a law which obliges the public to adhere to safety measures. “Gusto namin may batas para mas maliwanag siya at hindi kami basta tanungin Supreme Court o sa korte na hahaba pa ang proseso. Talagang dapat ang tangke ay mayroong may-ari at iyon ang brand owner” concluded Monsada. (PND GGPIA-GHQ)

Oil imports cheaper than locally produced products, says DOE

iscussions at the recent DOE circular workshop last September 12 and 13 at the San Miguel Corporation Management Training Center in Cavite revealed that imported oil products are cheaper than locally produced oil products. This was disclosed by Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) Director Zenaida Monsada during today’s Talking Points, a radio program of the Philippine Information Agency and Philippine Broadcasting System heard over DZRB-Radyo ng Bayan. Monsada said imported products are cheap because they are just excess from oil products that other countries have produced. Local products, meanwhile, are expensive because they are produced from scratch, utilizing expensive equipment. The workshop was conducted for DOE aimed at coming up with guidelines on how locally produced oil products compete with imported

ones. It was here that DOE also discovered that prices of gasoline and fuel mixed with bioethanol are almost the same now. The director claimed that the increase in fuel prices may also be attributed to the fact that these producers are using prices as demand management tool, “they want to expand their resources, and at the same time earn more money.” “We are looking for the long term benefit of using bioethanol, even if it is a bit expensive. As they say, the prices of fuel would definitely increase in the future since its supply is already diminishing, which in turn will increase their prices,” Monsada added. According to Di-

rector Monsada, in the 1980’s the country is more than 90 percent dependent on oil but is now down to 30 percent while power generation’s dependence on oil is reduced to just 8 percent. This is due to cheaper production of power from alternative sources such as solar, thermal, wind and coal which are produced on site. The workshop included plenary presentation by the ethanol producers and the Petroleum Institute of the Philippines, and local bioethanol pricing, allocation and importation guidelines for bioethanol by the Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association. (PND/ ARB/VQR PIA-GHQ)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Pres. Aquino orders review of oil deregulation law QUEZON CITY, September 21 (PIA) -- President Aquino ordered the Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC) to review and study the Oil Deregulation Law to determine when the government can step in to address the heated issue on oil prices, at the same time still follow the global thrust on oil deregulation. This was revealed by Director Zenaida Monsada of the Oil Industry Management (OIMB) of the Department of Energy (DOE) during today’s “Talking Points” aired over Radyo ng Bayan. “Though there is deregulation, the government is still doing its job to somehow monitor the oil prices and prevent the price from drastically increasing,” added Dir. Monsada. Dir. Monsada further said “that what the general Wednesday, September 21, 2011

consumers should understand is that oil prices are dictated and influenced by international market prices not by local players since practically all of our oil are imported overseas.” One option being eyed by the government to address this issue on increasing oil prices is for PNOC to buy oil and make an inventory of this purchased oil and become a price stabilizer once the private oil firms simultaneously decide to increase the

prices of petroleum products. President Aquino last Wednesday met the leaders of various transport groups in a dialogue regarding their concerns on the indeterminable oil price hikes. The Oil Deregulation Law was enacted on July 28, 1997 by the Philippine Congress to promote the liberalization of the downstream oil industry as well free competition in the oil sector. (PND/ PAE/ PIA GHQ)

DOE isusulong ang panukalang LPG Safety Act QUEZON CITY, September 21 (PIA)--Isinusulong ng Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB ) ang pagpasa sa panukalang LPG Safety Act sa kabila ng pag-alma ng ilang miyembro ng mababang kapulungan at samahan ng mga negosyante ng LPG o Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refillers’ Association (LPGRA). This was revealed by Director Zenaida Monsada of the Oil Industry Management (OIMB) of the Department of Energy (DOE) during today’s “Talking Points” aired over Radyo ng Bayan. “Though there is deregulation, the government is still doing its job to somehow monitor the oil prices and prevent the price from drastically increasing,” added Dir. Monsada. Dir. Monsada further said “that what the general

products. President Aquino last Wednesday met the leaders of various transport groups in a dialogue regarding their concerns on the indeterminable oil price hikes. The Oil Deregulation Law was enacted on July 28, 1997 by the Philippine Congress to promote the liberalization of the downstream oil industry as well free competition in the oil sector. (PND/PAE/ PIA GHQ)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Mayor orders office heads to solve Davao flooding, housing concerns

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

esides citing significant accomplishments under her present administration, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also expressed her challenge to concerned local offices to solve the flooding problem and housing issue. Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Mayor oders....from page 19

“You should start tagging all our residents needing decent housing and develop the existing resettlement sites, give our relocation sites access to water and electricity,” the mayor said in her State of the City Address Tuesday afternoon. These two issues remain to be the top concerns that Duterte and her team will have to face in the coming months after some parts of the city were wrecked by the killer flashflood in June this year. Duterte also instructed her engineer-

ing team to prioritize the opening of all road networks to two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles. Thirteen percent of next year’s P4.1 billion annual budget will go to infrastructure projects which were unimplemented in the previous years; 25% will be spent for barangay development projects; 16% for investment generation, agriculture, fisheries development, cooperative services and tourism enhancement; while the bulk of the budget is for social development. The mayor bantered about the reduc-

tion of the city’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from last year’s P4.4 billion to a significant 13% low. Brought about by the recent decision of the Supreme Court on the citihood case of ten new cities, the budget for all other cities was downscaled as well. Thus, Duterte’s administration plans to adjust some of the proposed budget in the respective sectors given the loss of about P360 million from the city’s IRA. (PIA-11)

Davao’s new tag line: by Mai Gevera-Macapagat “Davao. Life is Here.” DAVAO CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) – “Davao. Life is here.”This is the new tagline launched earlier by the city government of Davao led by Mayor Sara Duterte with guests from the tourism and business sectors as well as the media. It is part of the new brand divulged to the public as the city government makes a boost in its tourism sector

aiming to receive more tourists and investors in the coming months. Brand expert Rey “Bai” Manginsay pack-

aged the entire branding about life in Davao, the things non-Dabawenyos long for, while some Dabawenyos take for grant21

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Davao’s new....from page 20

ed. From the adventure hike to Mt. Apo, to the heavenly taste of the Durian fruit, to the juicy bite of Davao Pomelo, all these are but some of the reasons why many tourists long to visit the city. “We see these things everyday and sometimes taken for granted but for our market, for those who do not live here, these are the reasons why they come to Davao,” Duterte said. The mayor describes the entire branding as something that each Dabawenyo will take part on, something they will own. The brand maker “Bai” divulged how

it took him ten years to understand Davao life and appreciate it. He chose the Philippine monkey-eating eagle as the brand identifier. “The eagle is a very strong image because it is unique and we own it. Its kingdom is in Mt. Apo, another tourist destination of the city. It symbolizes power and unity,” he said. Mayor Duterte appreciated the use of the eagle as the defining image of the city since the Philippine eagle is uniquely Davao. The image shown in promotional materials is an eagle wearing tribal accessories which depict the multi-cultural set-up in the city.

The city government is yet to release other promotional materials in the coming months. However, ready for publication and for airing are the television commercial, the materials for print ads, the new brochure, and the website. Duterte and her team urged Dabawenyos to embrace this new branding by using the logo in their letterheads, buses, and all other avenues where this may be known and exposed to the public. “With this strategy, we also expect more tourists and investors to come visit our city,” she said. (PIA-11)

Davao City to focus on by Rudolph Ian G. Alama agroa-forestry DAVAO CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) – About 105,000 hectares of nontillage lands in Davao City are being eyed as agro-forestry areas. This as Davao City State-of-the-city ad- rehabilitating the upland Mayor Sara Duterte de- dress about the impor- and agricultural areas of clared in her recent tance of agro-forestry in the city. 22 Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Davao City to focus....from page 21

City agriculturist Leo Avila said that the City has allocated P8million as initial funding for agro-forestry program this 2011. The amount will be spent for seedlings and trainings for farmers. “Agro-forestry addresses the poverty in the uplands, increases the productivity of small farmers and protects our watershed,” Avila

by Carina L. Cayon

said during his guesting at Marco Polo’s Club 888 media forum. He bared that out of the 163,000 hectares classified as agricultural lands in the city, the city has identified 105,000 hectares based on terrain analysis as suitable areas for agro-forestry. Among the preferred trees and crops for the city’s agro-for-

estry program include cacao, coffee, coconut, abaca and rubber. The City has developed a five-hectare central nursery in Malagos district and eight satellite nurseries spread out in the barangays within the five watershed areas of Davao River, Lasang, Talomo, Lipadas and Sibulan. (PIA-11)

DENR to embark on PPP with mining firm’s adopt-a-CBFM project

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Sept. 21 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources here is set to embrace another Public-Private Partnership with a mining firm which signified to adopt an almost 2,000-hectare Community-Based Forestry Management area in two municipalities of Davao del Sur. DENR regional executive director Jim O. Sampulna said that the adoption by the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) of two CBFM areas in Kiblawan and Matanao of said province is a welcome development for

DENR in line with its reforestation program. Sampulna told the Davao media yesterday in an interview that SMI would be like a foster parent to the communities that would not only engage in reforestation

program but should also take care of the well-being and livelihood of the residents. He said that this endeavor would improve President Benigno Aquino’s National Greening Program in the prov23

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

DENR to embark....from page 22 ince. Davao del Sur provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Adonis Rico said that SMI plans to adopt CBFM areas in Barangay Balasiao, in Kiblawan and Barangay Dongan Pekong in Matanao where the mining firm is proposing for infrastructure components for its Tampakan Copper-Gold project in South Cotabato. Rico explained that the three-year (20112014) duration of the adopt-a-CBFM program would take up reforestation, improvement of the communities’ livelihood, environmental protection and effective steward of the environment. The program would be implemented by the peoples’ organizations Balasiao Integrated Social Forestry Association (BALISFA) in Kiblawan and Dongan Pekong Tree Farmers Association, Inc. in Matanao, according to Rico. “We really need the Public-Private-Partner-

ship to roll the seriousness of the program,” he told the stakeholders referring to the NGP during the supposed signing of Memorandum of Agreement involving SMI, DENR and the provincial local government unit. However, the anticipated MOA signing yesterday was deferred due to the refusal of Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas to affix his signature, asserting that he wanted a bigger responsibility for the provincial government to undertake in this partnership. “I don’t want to be a decoration in this agreement,” Cagas said referring to some provisions of the MOA as to the role of the LGU which he told the media in an interview were not yet clear to him. However the governor made it clear during the MOA signingturned review discussion with DENR and SMI officials at the province’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall that he supports the project

only that some hitches in some provisions are needed to be ironed out. Cagas stressed the need of his support and close involvement with the adopt-a-CBFM project, as he raised the call for an intensified reforestation program to address the concern on landslides. He said that Davao del Sur is among the top five landslide prone province in the country, citing the municipalities of Kiblawan, Sulop, Matanao, Don Marcelino, Sta. Maria and Jose Abad Santos as landslide-prone areas. “We need budget for the reforestation of thousands of hectares in the province,” he stated. Cameron Pocknee, SMI’s safety, health and environment manager, said that reforestation is a significant event of SMI citing their stakeholders’ great interest on reforestation. Pocknee said SMI is willing to negotiate and 24

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

DENR to....from page 23 agree on the terms in the MOA with DENR and LGU, adding “Hopefully we could finalize the MOA.” During the discussion, Sampulna suggested that SMI grow robusta coffee plant in the areas which he said is a more lucrative undertaking for the communities. He said the project should be long-term

and sustainable to cover improvement of the economic, social and spiritual aspects in the areas. Sampulna bared that SMI is the first mining firm to engage in the adopt-a-CBFM project in the region. In May this year, the Davao Light and Power Co. and the Therma South, Inc. of the

Davao City slates Davao Gulf Week

AboitizPower forged a MOA with DENR for the adoption of a 500-hectare CBFM area in Upper Kibalang, Marilog, Davao City. The Upper Kibalang Agro-Forestry Farmers Associaiton (UKAFA) is tapped to manage and implement the project for 25 years with option to expand coverage. (PIA-11)

by Albert D. Cahilog

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) – The Davao Gulf Management Council is currently celebrating the 7th Davao Gulf weekwhich started on September 17 and would cap on September 23. DGMC is now on high gear in its preparation for its two major events scheduled on September 22, to include Project LIFE back-to-back with best CRM practices in Davao Gulf. Project LIFE (Learning Independently for Environment) will feature a two-hour session on video showing and discussion on the country’s rich and ma-

rine and coastal resources. There will be a photo exhibit on the images taken on Davao Gulf marine life. Both events will be held at the Activity Center of the Abreeza Ayala Mall, Davao City. On September 23, 2011, Davao City will be holding the Mayor’s Conference with the theme “Climate Change 101 for

Local Executives”. The council has invited Presidential Assistant on Climate Change Secretary Elisea Gozon and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo as speakers of the conference. During the regular flag ceremony on Monday, Davao City Mayor and DGMC chair Sara Z. Du-

25 24

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Davao City slates....from page 24 terte said, “Protecting and managing our waters is easier said than done. But it is a task that this community and this generation must act on today.” This year’s celebra-

tion is focusing on the Gulf’s contribution to the socio-economic development of the provinces, cities, municipalities and communities. The 7th Gulf Week

celebration carries the theme “Gulpo sa Dabaw, Amumahon……Simbolo sa atong Kagikan, Bahandi sa Kinaiyahan.” (PIA-11)

New Bataan boosts investment promo

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) – The local government of New Bataan in Compostela Valley province has taken the lead in promoting the municipality for local and foreign investments. The conduct of its first-ever Investors’ Forum last month, as part of celebrating the town’s 6th Sal’upongan Festival, signified the commitment of local leaders in positioning New Bataan as an investment destination. New Bataan Mayor Lorenzo L. Balbin Jr. said that inviting investors is one of their poverty alleviation strategies, as investments generate employment and income to the municipality. The Local Government Unit (LGU) of New Bataan took the initiative of institutionalizing investment promotion activities by designating an Investment Promotion Officer as well as reviewing and amending their Local In-

vestment Incentives Ordinance. In coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry - Compostela Valley (DTI-ComVal), the conduct of the Investors’ Forum was made to draw interests from both local and international businesses to locate their investments in the municipality. Board of Investments-Davao (BOI-Davao) chief Engr. Gil M. Dureza and DTI-ComVal Project Team Manager Nelly L. Esperanza, together with investors and manpower agencies graced the event. The forum also showcased the investment potentials of New Bataan especially in the mining industry, agriculture and tourism.

To date, New Bataan has attracted business locators in the municipality in the field of agriculture, bio-fuel, hydropower, mining and mineral processing. OZ Wisphil Trading Corporation is partnering with Eagle Fly Corporation in putting up a P25-million coco coir decorticating plant, while Secura International Corp., a company engaged in bio-fuel production, is set to lease at least 2,000 hectares for its Napier grass production and processing plant. Hedcor Philippines is also eyeing a hydropower project while at least 20 firms are already engaged in gold processing plants. Esperanza said that DTI-ComVal teamed up

26 Wednesday, September 21, 2011

New Bataan....from page 25 with BOI-Davao in facilitating more investments to be poured into the area particularly in rubber production and cavendish ba-

nana export as well as on the hydropower project. Esperanza is optimistic that with the full support coming from the LGU,

DSWD leads family week celebration

DTI and BOI more investments will be generated in the coming months. (DTICV/PBE/JMM)

by Albert D. Cahilog

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its partner agencies started commemorating the National Family Week with a one-hour radio feature at DXRA Radyo Arangkada and a motorcade around downtown Davao. DSWD chairs the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on the Filipino Family with partners from local government units, church-based groups, non-government organizations, other government agencies, and the private sector. DSWD focal person on family Susan B. Pascua said, “Our partners have also demonstrated their support by posting advocacy streamers and organizing family fun day in their own offices.” Pascua bared other activities for the week to include the opening salvo at People’s Park, Family Dialog at DSWD Group Home for Girls and Women, and a forum on Purposeful Parenting with family advocate-couple Norman and Sally Molinos as resource speakers. In time for the celebration, SM Foundation, Inc. of the SM Group of

Companies also turned over on Tuesday donated signature jeans to the three DSWD rehabilitation centers and brand new books to 80 day care centers, elementary and high schools, Pascua added. The week-long event is slated on September 19 to 25 and carries the theme “Confronting Poverty and Social Discrimination” based on the United Nations Programme on the Family. The local theme is “Hamon sa Pamilyang Pilipino: Kahirapan ay Tugunan, Pagkakapantay-pantay ay Kamtan.” The theme highlights the strength, unity, and perseverance of the Filipino family in confronting the national social problem of poverty and social discrimination. The Family Week celebration started in 1992 thru

Presidential Proclamation No. 60 signed on September 18, 1992. It seeks to strengthen family unity and relationships through meaningful celebration and promotion of Filipino values. Pascua said several agencies joined the motorcade including SOS Children’s Village, DSWDRRCY, SALORSEDFI, Philippine National Police, Population Commission, City Social Services Development Office, National Commission on Indigenous People, Brgy. Centro-Agdao, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Family Life Phils, Traffic Management Center and the DSWD Regional Office. (DSWD-11/SMS/Carmela Cadigal-Duron) Wednesday, September 21, 2011

P52-M vowed for planned public hospital in Surallah

f commitments were to be counted, the provincial government of South Cotabato has at least P52 M fund for the construction of a public hospital in nearby Surralah town. 28 Wednesday, September 21, 2011

P52-M vowed....from page 27 Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. in a meeting with the press this morning announced that three partners, namely: San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have signified to finance the construction of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) annex in Surallah. Recently, Gov. Pingoy went to Metro Manila to sign a memorandum of understanding with the San Miguel Corporation for a P30million assistance package for the province, including P15 million for the planned hospital. While in Metro Manila, he also met with Health Secretary Enrique Ona regarding possible financial assistance under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program. He said Ona has committed to give the province at least P30 million. The governor

is confident Sec. Ona’s promise will be realized. While serving as the representative of South Cotabato’s Second District, Pingoy was instrumental for the release of of P23 million for the upgrading of several health facilities in the province, including that of Polomolok and Lake Sebu municipalities and SCPH. He also announced that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also committed to pour in P7 for the project. The provincial government in now complying with DILG assistant secretary for plans and programs Eubert Gutierrez’s directive to submit the project’s program plan for possible funding. Meanwhile, a fivehectare lot where the annex hospital will be established has been identified by the local government unit of Surallah. Gov. Pingoy said the provincial government expects Surallah

Mayor Romulo Solivio to hand in the deed of donation anytime soon. He said he has already directed Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office to fast tract the making of the hospitals design. Construction of the hospital is expected to start in the first quarter of 2012 for a target soft opening of the health facility in the second or third quarter. Gov. Pingoy added that this government hospital that will cater to patients in the Upper Valley area, including the municipalities of Surallah, Sto. Nino, Lake Sebu, Norala, T’boli and Banga, the provincial hospital in Koronadal City will surely be decongested. SCPH has a capacity for 220 beds but the number of patients served here reaches as many as 240 to 320. About 24 percent of the patients are from the Upper Valley area. (PIA 12)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Turnover ng internal security operations sa S. Cotabato iniurong sa Setyembre 30 KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 21 (PIA) -- Iniurong sa Setyembre 30 ang seremonyas para sa paglilipat ng internal security operations (ISO) mula sa Philippine Army papunta sa pamahalaang panlalawigan. Nauna sanang nakatakda ang turnover ng ISO sa Setyembre 23, subalit makakasabay nito ang public consultation ng Sagittarius Mines Inc., para sa kanilang environmental impact assessment na parehong ring mahalagang aktibidad kung kayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t inilipat sa ibang petsa ang turnover ceremonies. Ayon kay Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., ang turnover ceremonies ay hudyat na ang pamahalaang panlalawigan na ang mamamahala sa lahat ng inisyatibo na may kinalaman

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

sa seguridad, kapayapaan at katiwasayan sa buong South Cotabato, sa halip na ang mga sundalo, partikular na ang 27th Infantry Battalion ang mangunguna nito. Ayon sa gobernador isang napakahalagang pagkakataon ito para sa lalawigan upang ipakita sa mga residente sa labas ng Mindanao at taga-ibayong dagat na mapayapa ang South Cotabato. Binigyang diin pa ng gobernador na mas pagtutuunan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang pagpapalago sa

kabuhayan sa kanayunan sa halip na gumamit ng armas para makamit ang kapayapaan. Sa buong Mindanao, ikalawa pa lamang ang South Cotabato na mabibigyan ng otoridad na mamamahala ng sariling internal security operations. Kabilang sa mga panauhing pandangal sa inaasahang dadalo sa ISO turnover ceremonies sina Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

DOH-CHD 12 conducts healthy lifestyle campaign GENERAL SANTOS CITY, September 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Health - Center of Health, region 12 (DOH-CHD 12) has embarked into a healthy lifestyle campaign in the region through the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. In a regional multisectoral meeting with stakeholders for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases held at the Tboli Hotel, this city, DOHCHD 12 health educator and promotion officer Jennylyn Ellie Ventura said the people should adopt seven health lifestyle habits. The seven healthy lifestyle habits, according to Ventura, are no smoking, avoid drinking, stay away from illegal drugs, eat low fat, low salt and high fiber diet; prevent hypertension, do physical activity and manage stress. Ventura said 10 Filipinos die by the hour

due to tobacco related diseases. With this, the government is promoting a smoke free environment and stepped up the National Tobacco Control Program, she further said. Alcohol drinking, the DOH_CHD 12 health educator and promotion officer disclosed, is associated with 80 types of diseases and health conditions including mental disorders and several types of disorders and other non communicable diseases such as cirrhosis. On another healthy lifestyle habit, DOHCHD 12 has established a food-based dietary guidelines and healthier

food composition of reducing salt levels, eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids, decreasing saturated fats, limiting free sugars and including more of dietary fiber. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, colon cancer and breast cancer, Ventura said. An equally important healthy lifestyle habit is stress management where an individual has to identify stress triggers, improve time management and extinguish job burn out, she added. (OTSudaria/ PIA 12)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

OIC aspirants vow to rid ARMM of graft and corruption COTABATO CITY, September 21 (PIA) -- All aspirants as officers in charge (OIC) for governor, vice-governor and the regional legislative assembly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao pledged to bring good governance in ARMM and institute vital reforms. This was the consensus among the OIC aspirants during the public forum held on September 12 to 13 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, ARMM compound, Cotabato City. There are seven OIC aspirants for governor and seven for vice governor as well as 24 OIC aspirants for the regional legislative assembly, twelve each for the first and second districts of Maguindanao vying for only three allocated slots for each district or a total of six for the two Maguindanao districts.

The aspirants for governor who were present are Sanchez Ali (Lanao), Mujiv Hataman (Basilan), Macabangkit Lanto (Lanao), Saidamen Pangarungan (Lanao), Dimas Pundato (Lanao) and Norma Shariff (Lanao). Conspicuously absent was Maguindanao governor Esmael Mangudadatu. The applicants for the regional legislative assembly in the first district of Maguindanao are Suharto Abas, Tommy Ala, Datu Habib Ambolodto, Suharto Ibay, Arafat Kusain, Marites Maguindra,

Mimbalawag Mangutara, Ishak Mastura, Deonato Mokudef, Quirino Oranto, Romeo Sema and Azrad Sinsuat. Maguindano second district applicants include Rahima Alba, Ramon Amolan, Abdurahim Bagundang, Abdulbasit Benito, Reynaldo Chio, Mokaledin Kido, Khadafeh Mangudadatu, Maligamama Medtamak, Midpantao Midtimbang, Edzrael Mohammad, Ali Sangki and Datu Bassir Utto. Vice governor applicants are Bobby Datimbang (Maguindanao), Hatimil Has32

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

OIC aspirants......from page 31

san, Mustapha Kabalu (Maguindanao), Bainon Karon (Maguindanao), Macabangkit Lanto (Lanao and also applicant for governor) and Saidamen Pangarungan (Lanao and likewise aspiring for OIC-governor). Listed as vice-governor aspirant but not present during the public forum is ARMM officer in charge Ansaruddin Adiong. Once appointed, the aspirants said they will prioritize the conduct of audit to determine specifics of anomalies committed of past ARMM officials and make the perpetrators answerable to the frauds. They also subscribe to amend Republic Act 9054, the law strengthening and expanding the organic act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao 32

which amended Republic Act 6734, an act which created ARMM. Among the amendments they will propose are the creation of the office of the Commission on Human Rights and the increase of the budget allocation of ARMM. Other amendments include more representations of women, youth and indigenous peoples in the ARMM government. In addition, the aspirants express support to the peace process and the full implementation of the 1966 GRP-MNLF peace accord. The aspirants pledge to implement social, economic and environmental programs that will fast track the development of the region. DILG secretary

Jesse Robredo acknowledged the difficult task that the OICs have to face: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malaki ang gagawin ninyo. Hindi lamang sa kamay nila kung hindi sa kamay nating lahat.â&#x20AC;? (You have a very big responsibility. However,this is not solely their responsibility but likewise of the people.) Fr. Jun Mercado, the public forum convenor said the acid test of the officers in charge is in their performance of their duties and responsibilities. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has temporarily halted the implementation of a law synchronizing the ARMM polls with the 2013 elections which subsequently also halted the appointment of officers in charge. (OTSudaria/PIA 12) Wednesday, September 21, 2011

A Success Story 窶的ntensified and Sustainable Development of Aquaculture (ISDA) by David M. Suyao

long from now,

a model farm and nature park will be one of the destinations in

the

municipality

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, because of the determination of a man like Anthony Marie Amelda.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

A Success Story......from page 33

It all started when Anthony Marie Amelda, 35 years old, in his 2,500 square meters lowlaying area inside his 5 hectares property. With encouragement by his relatives and friends to convert the small area into a fishpond, Amelda visited the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) in Patinay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for some advices and assistance for him to start the fishpond. At the PAO, Amelda explained that the area, measuring 2,500 sq. meters, is stocked with flowing underground spring water that never dry-up even during dry season. Amelda also told the PAO technicians that he was planning to make the area a

trial for fishpond, but he do not have the technology even on how to start and maintain his proposed project, aside from lack of capital. The PAO gave Amelda some reading materials for him to study, and the year 2009, Diomedes Cimagala, a fishpond project in-charge of the PAO, visited his area, and saw the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential for fishpond. With the help extended by relatives and friends, Amelda started leveling the area, and constructed a siphon to facilitate and control the flow of water. Another luck for Amelda came because he was chosen to be one of the recipients of the techno-demo in Tilapia production pond. Being a recipient of the techno-demo

project, Amelda received 32 bags of Tilapia feeds and six bags of fertilizer from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and 4,000 Tilapia fingerlings from the provincial government. With the help of BFAR, PAO and the municipal government of Prosperidad, technical assistance was never a problem. Four months later, Amelda was able to harvest 875 kilos of Tilapia, valued at P60.00 per kilo. With that, Amelda pocketed P52,500, having a net income of P22,500 in a matter of four months. A c c o r d i n g to Amelda, the technology given to him by BFAR and PAO contributed much to his beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. He proudly enumerated the following techniques 35

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

A Success Story......from page 34

he introduced such as: 1. The use of proper quality and quantity of fingerlings to be stocked; 2. The importance of water analysis; 3. Quantity and time of feeding, depending on the age of the fingerlings; 4. Constant consultation with experts like the BFAR, the PAO and the municipal technical staff for

proper guidance. At present, Amelda said, he enjoys two harvests per year. His fishpond has now a 6,000 fingerlings capacity, where few days from now, he will again harvest the fruit of his efforts. Believing and looking into the potential of his venture, Amelda

started developing another 1,000 square meters for expansion. “In this area, a model farm and nature park will soon be established and will someday become a destination in Prosperidad,” Anthony Marie Amelda said. (PIAAgusan del Sur)

SP to urge Sen. Guingona for additional P2 million funding by Eldie N. David BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- The Sanggnuniang Panlungsod here, in its regular session has unanimously approved a resolution requesting Sen. Teofisto TG. Guingona III to allocate P2 million from his priority development assistance fund (PDAF) for the livelihood projects of the different barangays in the city. The resolution, which was authored by Councilor Angelo S. Calo, said the City government of Butuan needs financial support for its livelihood program such as vegetable producWednesday, September 21, 2011

tion. It was revealed that local production of vegetables can supply only 15 percent of the province’s consumption needs. The resolution, which was endorsed by all the members

of the SP, said livelihood projects for the basic means of alleviating poverty given that Caraga Region ranks among the poorest in the country. (PIA-Caraga)

Program to promote gender equality in political participation in Butuan City

by Gloria Theresa R. Cutab

az y Desarrollo (PyD), a Spanish non-government organization supported by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation Development (AECID), together with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), PILIPINA and Miriam College-Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), will be launching its Regional Program to Promote Gender Equality in Political Participation on September 22-23, 2011 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City. 37

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Program to promote....from page 36 This regional program is being implemented in five countries, namely, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, East Timor and Vietnam. Aside from the launching of the Regional Program, the event will also be a venue to consult the target areas of Agusan del Norte (Butuan City

and the Municipalities of Kitcharao, Santiago, Tubay) and Lanao del Sur (Marawi City and the Municipality of Balindong) on the strategies for program implementation. More than 70 participants from the target areas composed of elected local government officials and staff, civil

society organizations, community members composed of women, indigenous peoples and youth as well as line agencies and the academe will be present in this activity. The Caraga State University (CSU) also serves as an implementing partner for this event. (PIACaraga)

DSWD-Caraga prepares reports on social protection and development by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Regional Office has asked for the support of local government units of Caraga and government agencies in data gathering as it prepares the Social Protection and Development Report (SPDR). Mr. Jean Paul Parajes, DSWD-Caraga Planning Officer said that part of DSWD Reform Agenda (RA 1) is engaging and leading the sector on Social Protection (SP). “The SPDR serves as a tool for effective planning and budgeting process as well as for Wednesday, September 21, 2011

policy formulation and program development,” Parajes said. It was also learned that the SPDR contains the General Information such as the Geographical, D d e m o g r a p h i c Characteristics, Poverty Profile, Source of Income, and Welfare Profile; and the Risks and Vulnerability Assessment

through Identification of Risks and Prevalence of Risk, Identification of Vulnerable Groups and Prevalence of Vulnerability, SP Programs/Projects Responding to Risks and Vulnerability, and Gaps on Existing SP Programs/ Projects Responding to Risks/Vulnerability. (PIA-Caraga) 37

PNP-13 initiates Regâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l. Training Center groundbreaking ceremony by SPO1 Arturo S Campania

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New recruits of the Philippine National Police in Caraga Region will now spend their training here instead of going to as far as Lipata in Surigao City, as the president of Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc (PSMBFI) and the Regional Director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) initiated the ground breaking ceremony of the Regional Training Center this morning inside the Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Libertad, this city. Police Chief Supt Reynaldo Rafal, PRO 13 Regional Director is thankful to the staff of PSMBFI headed by its president, Police Director Victor Boco, Jr. and all who helped for the realization of the project. The building will be used for training activities and would also serve as transient quarters for PNP personnel from far flung areas who will visit Regional Headquarters. PSMBFI president Police Director Boco on

the other hand said, PSMBFI is a partner of the PNP in providing more benefits for the welfare of its personnel. Prior to the ceremony, PSMBFI has approved to construct eight two storey buildings in various PNP Regional Offices in the amount of Php 10,395,000.00 per unit earlier this year and PRO 13 is one of their beneficiaries. Before the Ground Breaking Ceremony was held, PSMBFI president was accorded

with an Arrival Honor. Afterwhich, the signing of Memorandum of Agreement of the Regional Training Center was conducted between PRO 13 Regional Director and the PSMBFI president and witnessed by PRO 13 Deputy Regional Director for Operation Police Senior Supt Alexander Ignacio, PRO 13 Regional Chief of the Directorial Staff Police Senior Supt David Ombao and other PNP personnel in the Regional Headquarters. (PNP-Caraga/PIACaraga)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Pagadian City to host 47th NEB Meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines by Claro A. Lanipa

Pagadian City, Sept. 21 (PIA) – Just recently, the city of Pagadian successfully hosted the 20th Mindanao Business Conference with no less than US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr, as the keynote speaker and guest of honor. The event was attended by more or less 350 corporate businessmen, entrepreneurs and the academe from all over Mindanao. This time, the city will again place itself in the limelight as the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) 47th National Executive Board (NEB) meeting will be held here for the first time on September 22-24, 2011 led by National Chairman Mayor Enrico R. Echeverri of Caloocan City along with 41 LCP officers from all over the Philippines. Also invited to attend the big event are national political leaders, city mayors, governors and congressmen from the entire island of Mindanao. The LCP, as they deWednesday, September 21, 2011

liberate the various agenda to be tackled here in Pagadian City hopes to solidify their unity, promote capability-building, strengthen linkages and foremost, boost the strengths of its member-cities. Other top ranking LCP officers expected to attend the conference are: LCP President Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of San Fernando City, Executive Vice President Mayor Evelio Leonardia of Bacolod City, Secretary General Mayor Hernani Braganza of Alaminos City and NEB Vice Chairman Mayor Paulino Salvador

Leachon of Calapan City. Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co is the LCP’s Vice President for Mindanao. Meanwhile, PNP Provincial Director PSSupt Jose Bayani L. Gucela said the entire police force with augmentation forces from the First Infantry “Tabak” Division has intensified its security measures to maintain peace and order and secure the safety of our key officials and visitors. (Engr. Nelly Sisona/ALT/CAL/PIA9/ ZamboSur)

Hotel and restaurant staff, drivers should treat our guests with courtesy, Mayor Co urges by Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, September 21 (PIA) – With the arrival of city mayors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the city today, hotel and restaurant workers and tricycle drivers who are considered as frontliners in the tourism industry are expected to show courtesy and warm hospitality to the guests. Mayor Samuel S. Co, in a press conference at the City Mayor’s office on Tuesday told the members of the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian Press Club, Inc., that it is very necessary for hotel and restaurant workers, and tricycle drivers to show hospitality to the guests who will be attending the 47th National Executive Board (NEB) meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines to be held at the City Commercial Center (C3) on September 21-23. “I am enjoining hotel and restaurant owners thru their crew and staff, as well as the drivers who are our tourism frontliners, to show hospitality and utmost

respect to our guests. In giving service, we have to show them good customer service,” Co said, adding that it is the lifeblood of any business. “Our guests will be staying in hotels, eat in restaurants, and ride tricycles during their brief stay, thus we have to impress them by our commitment to service,” Co said. He said close to 50 city mayors are expected to attend the 3-day activity. Governors and representatives of Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Norte are scheduled to visit the city and participate in the grand affair. On the first day, the guests will be treated to lunch and dinner

with the local officials. A whole day tour will follow on day two in the neighboring cities of Ozamis and Tangub, and in the evening, they will witness the launching of the ‘Dancing Fountain’ as well as cultural and modeling show.On the third day, there will be a tour within the city as well as a courtesy call to Governor Antonio H. Cerilles, and the NEB meeting. Guests will also witness the grand opening of C3, with a fellowship dinner where top artists, singers and international models will provide entertainment to the local chief executives from all over the country. The good mayor said security preparation is already in place say41

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Hotel and restaurant .....from page 40

ing that more than 400 law enforcers from the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army will secure the venue. Meanwhile, Co said during the event, the streets fronting C3 and Robinson’s supermar-

ket such as corners F.S Pajares - Rizal Avenue, Rizal Avenue- Ariosa St., and F.S, Pajares – Jamisola Streets will be temporarily closed to provide ease and comfort to the guests.

He then appealed to the tricycle drivers to bear with the minimal inconvenience due to the temporary rerouting scheme being implemented by law enforcers. (ALT/GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian)

AusAID cites ARMM performance efficiency, grants P3.5B education fund ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept 21 (PIA) – The head of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has lauded the “remarkable” performance of the present administration of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ARMM Information Chief Ali Macabalang said that such citation for AusAID becomes a major reason in the agency’s grant of P3.5-billion fund for a six-year package of assistance for education development in the region. “The ARMM government (officials) now with their short stay (in office) made a remarkable job in

managing the education affairs in the region,” AusAID Minister Counselor to the Philippines Titon Mitra said at a groundbreaking rite in Cotabato last week for a P9.5-million building funded by his agency. The AusAIDARMM partnership has been on for a decade now and it found more enthusiasm in working with incum-

bents led by Acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin Adiong, Mitra said. Mitra alongside ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo and Regional Education Secretary Baratucal Caudang ceremonially laid down the capsule of the two-storey building, which is set for completion in January next year to house the payroll service unit of 42

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

AusAID cites.....from page 41

the ARMM’s Education Department and the office of the AusAID- Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM). On the eve of the ground-breaking rites, Acting Governor Adiong represented by Sinarimbo and Caudang tendered a testimonial dinner in tribute to Mitra’s “monumental” contribution to gray areas in the education system of the autonomous region, which lack ample subsidies from the national government. “We have no enough words to describe our profound gratitude to you and your agency. You’ve been a dependable source of assistance we profusely need to emancipate our region from the quagmire of high illiteracy 42

rate,” Sinarimbo told Mitra at the testimonial dinner. Due to the current “remarkable” efforts to bring about quality education in the region, AusAID Filipina education specialist Tess Felipe said Mr. Mitra “fought hard” for his country to provide P3.5-billion grant for exclusive use in a six-year education program kicking off next year. Felipe said they have noticed “some gaps” in the relationship between the ARMM education department and the national government in terms of funding requirements, a reason she cited as big factor in the intervention of the AusAID. Sec. Caudang pledged to live up to the expectation of the donor agency,

saying: “We’ve proven our worth and we shall struggle hard to sustain your trust in us.” Last Wednesday, Mitra also graced the launching at an elementary school in Maguindanao of the “Fit for School,” a project on enhancing school pupils’ healthy habit of the Germany-based Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenerable (GIZ), an AusAID partner agency. GIZ officials led by Dr. Bella Monce alongside Mitra and ARMM officials distributed packages of fluoride toothpastes, tooth brushes and health soaps to dozens of Moro and lumad pupils of the Tenorio Elementary School in Datu Odin Sinsuat town. (AGM/ ALT/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa) Wednesday, September 21, 2011

photo releases Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co on Tuesday (Sept. 20) answers questions from members of the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc. during the Press Conference held at City Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office.

Mayor Samuel S. Co (2nd ) is flanked by city councilors during the Press Conference held at City Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park turns 6, tribes showcase culture by Peri Madridano

t least two (2) tribal rites performed by the indigenous folks, ceremoniously, opened the 3-day celebration of the 6thAldaw Ta Kalatungan (Kalatungan Day), recently.

45 Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Mt. Kalatungan.....from page 44

These were the “Panampulot,” a traditional rite done on the onset of an activity, which symbolizes peace and unity among neighboring tribes, and “Panampulot,” the partaking of food with the spirits and offering of prayers to ward off untoward incidents during the festivities. Tribal communities, government agencies and other stakeholders converged at Barangay Dagumbaan, Maramag to participate in various activities to celebrate the occasion. These activities were focused on the theme: “Mt. Kalatungan atong Panalipdan para sa Umaabot tang mga Kaliwatan, Pagpakabana mga Kaigsoonan sa Hulga sa Kinaiyahan (Let’s

protect Mt. Kalatungan for future generations and from the threats of nature).” To set the tone of the celebration, the Bantay Lasang Volunteers coming from the 21 barangays, from the towns of Talakag, Pangantucan, Maramag and Valencia City, all of Bukidnon gathered for a discussion on their functions, duties and goals towards Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park. These volunteers play a vital role in the enforcement of rules and regulations of the protected area. The Higaonon, Manobo and Talaandig tribes were given the opportunity to stage their songs and dances along with the Talahari Indigenous Band who shared their composition of

songs and dances. Likewise, Elizabeth Madel from Barangay Dominorog, Talakag, was crowned as Miss Kalatungan or Laga ta Kalatungan 2011, from eight (8) candidates coming from the barangays within the protected area who joined the search. Meanwhile, Regional Technical Director Belen Daba of the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), region 10, said Mt. Kalatungan is still a close canopy range which is a Key Biodiversity Area habitat of rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. During the closing program, RTD 46

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Mt. Kalatungan.....from page 45

Daba emphasized the interrelationship of Mt. Kalatungan to agriculture and its role as one of the critical watersheds in Mindanao. Personalities who were active in the protection of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park were awarded plaques of appreciation to the following: Mayor Alicia Resus of Maramag, Punong Barangay Adriano Balaba,

Punong Barangay CeazarTaluas, and Bantay Lasang Volunteers Antonio Pingol and HerminioGuinto. As part of the closing ceremonies, a Brahminy Kite (Haliasturindus) was released in the wilderness in Barangay Dagumbaan, as a strategy to inform and educate the local residents primarily on wildlife conservation and protection. Mt. Kalatungan

Range Natural Park was declared as a protected area by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 305, on May 5, 2000. DENR Region 10 through PENR Officer Agustilo Obsioma of Bukidnon and Protected Area Superintendent Virgilino Alima, with the full support of the Protected Area Management Board mobilized the 6th “Aldaw Ta Kalatungan” celebration. (RPAO/ PIA-10)

DOST’s Search for 2011 “Filipinnovation” Award is on byTess Superioridad-Baluyos CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 21 (PIA) -Companies with exemplary technology content and market viability, as well, as high potential socio-economic impact will be given recognition by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Regional Director Alfonso Alamban of DOST, region 10, said cash prices of Php100,000, each will be awarded to at least

five (5) national winners which will be given during the 4th Anniversary Celebration of “Filipinnovation” in November 25, this year.

Qualified to be nominated in the award are start-up companies that are operating for less than three (3) years. 47

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DOST’s Search....from page 46

These companies must be in the field of biotechnology, electronics, Information, Communications Technology (ICT), material science/ engineering, nanotechnology, and robotics/ mechatronics. The nominees will be judged on the following criteria: technological content, to include technological innovation and its application, manufacturing/production/service excellence – 50 percent. Market viability to include successful com-

mercialization, global potential, market sustainability – 30 percent. Potential socio-economic impact, to include employment generation, environmental sustainability, and societal impact – 20 percent. Interested to join the search are requested to submit their supporting papers, such as, company logo, products/ services offered, starting date of operation, sales for the last three (3) semesters, business plan and contact details. Alamban said regional

candidates will be evaluated by the regional board of judges in October and the winners will automatically vie for the national level of the search. For more information, please visit the nearest DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in your area, or call the landline phone number (088) 8583931 local 23 or contact Tess Superioridad Baluyos, superioridadtess@yahoo.com. (DOST/PIA-10)

Poster-making contest highlights World Food Day celebration on Oct. 16 by Joanne L. Olson

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 21 (PIA) – A nationwide on-the-spot poster making contest will be conducted by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to mark the annual celebration of the World Food Day on Oct. 16. Anchored on this year’s theme: “Food Prices from Crisis to Stability,” the contest will be held in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Education (DepEd), region 10.

A yearly affair among elementary pupils, the contest aims to heighten their awareness on the significance of food in a diverse, yet limitedly-resourced environment, while also allowing them to expand

their imagination and artistic skills. The regional level contest is set on Sept. 30, at the DA-10 Conference Room, Cagayan de Oro City, wherein Grades IV to VI elementary students enrolled in 48

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Poster-making....from page 47

any public and DepEdaccredited private elementary schools and who have undergone the rigorous contest elimination process at the school and district levels are invited. To single out the victor, contestants are only allowed to use materials, including a 20” x 30” illustration board, any art medium, except for oil and water color, and a combination of agricultural and fishery products such as dried seaweeds, palay grains, sea shells, squash seeds, mongo, corn kernels/ husks, etc. in crafting their poster. Their work will be judged based on the following criteria: originality, 20 percent;, visual

impact, 20, creative use of agricultural and fishery products, 30 percent and relevance to theme, 30 percent. A sole winner at the regional level will be named who will receive a cash prize of Php 3,000 from the FAO and will travel to Manila for the national competition on Oct. 13 at the DAInformation Technology Centre for Agriculture and Fisheries. He/she will also be required to do an entirely new poster, on-thespot, with a completely different design from his/her winning regional master piece. Five (5) of the most exquisite posters will be selected and each will earn a cash prize of

Php 15,000, a trophy and a plaque for the winning school. Also, luminaries will be provided with an all-expense paid educational tour, which will be shouldered by DA’s National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC). Non-winning regional posters, however, will also receive a cash prize of Php 1,000, a certificate of participation and a certificate of appreciation for the school. For further details, you may contact the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) of DA-10 at this number: (088) 856-2753. (DA/PIA10)

4ID Chief pins Wounded Personnel Medal on troops CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Sept. 21 (PIA) - A soldier of the Philippine Army (PA) and two (2) active members of the Civilian Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were recognized for the wounds they received during two (2) different combat engagements that took place last Sept. 3 and Sept. 5. 49 48

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

4ID Chief....from page 48 Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID), PA pinned the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) on Private First Class Jojeron M. Gaming, from the 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC), who has been confined at the Army Hospital, here. Gaming was recognized for the bravery he displayed in the performance of his duties during an encounter against an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels at Sitio Zapanta Valley, Barangay Bangayan, Kicharao, Agusan del Norte, last Sept. 3. Likewise, CAA Simplicio U. Saloda-

ga and CAA Giovane L. Juan, both members of the operating elements of Bravo Company, 8th Infantry Battalion, were wounded during an ambush by an undetermined number of NPA believed to be members of Guerilla Front 6, North Central Mindanao Revolutionary Committee (NCMRC) at Sitio Nursery, Barangay Namnam, San Fernando, Bukidnon, last Sept. 5. The 4ID Commander expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the soldier and CAA’s for their sacrifices and dedication to the service. “The services rendered by our soldiers to protect the s o v e r e i g n t y a n d t e r-

ritorial integrity of C A R A G A a n d Re g i o n X a r e w o r t hy a n d c o m m e n d a b l e ,” Fe l i x said. The WPM is usually given to troops for wounds they receive from the enemies of the nation and this is always accompanied with financial support for medical treatment of wounds. Meanwhile, all three personnel are now recovering and in good condition, Fe l i x s a i d . He also assured that 4ID will continue to support its wounded soldiers and help comfort and support their families during these times of extreme sacrifices. (4CMO/PIA-10)

Bukidnon PLEB undergo orientation on RA 6975 & RA 8551 by Rochelle D. Dagang MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Sept. 21 (PIA) -- Some 96 members of the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) from this province, attended an orientation on the salient points of Republic Act No. 6975 and 8551, recently. 50

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Bukidnon PLEB....from page 49

The orientation was conducted jointly by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), in the region. Regional Director Loreto M. Bhagwani of DILG-10 said PLEB was created as a local community mechanism tasked to investigate and decide on citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complaints against erring members of the Philippine National Police (PNP). It is also a Local Special Body which the local chief executives must organize upon assumption to office based on the Local Government Code. Only, the orientation was delayed because of the busy schedule. It was also observed that the PLEB members experienced several constraints as a police 50

disciplinary body, thus the need to conduct the orientation, Bhagwani said. Initiated by the province of Bukidnon, the orientation was held to instill knowledge to the PLEB members regarding organization and procedure, administrative due process, administrative penalties, appreciation of evidence, decision writing, among others. Bhagwani said by virtue of RA6975 and RA8551, the powers of the PLEB include the following: To conduct hearings, resolve and decide on cases filed against erring officers of the PNP. To establish linkages with other government agencies and initiate contacts will non-governmental organizations (NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) in the community for a wider

network of alliance in the flight to restore order and discipline among the PNP members. To maintain goodwill towards the church and churchoriented groups for moral advantage of the PLEB. To conduct seminars for the PLEB, to assist in improving the professionalism, restore discipline and credibility among the members of the police force, among others. Meanwhile, PLEB is composed of members of the Sanggunians, presidents of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), non-government organizations (NGO),and representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the religious sector, among others. (DILG-10) Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011