One Mindanao - September 23, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

CONTENTS OUR COVER UWARBMPC:

NATIONAL

• Aquino announces P9-billion budget surplus • Malacañang set to help transport industry convert vehicles to

LPG Finding solutions to problems of the country ‘easy’ with will of country side the people – President Aquino • Aquino appoints Villa as acting member of the LWUA board of development trustees • Coloma joins ‘Pilipinas Natin’ launch in CamSur

dedication to •

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An Electronic News Magazine

published daily by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Clusters

EDITORIAL STAFF

TALKING POINTS • Aquino govt. places safety nets on oil industry - energy official • Pakikipagpulong ng Pangulo, pinahina ang transport strike--DOE • De-gasolinang PUJs isasama na sa Pantawid Pasada program

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • Butuan City elderly gears up for Senior Citizens’ Week • Surigao del Sur Gov. still hopeful abductors to release Lingig Mayor, 2 others • National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center-Caraga conducts Special Wellness Session • 2nd Surigao City Mayor’s Cup pagasugdan karong adlawa • ‘Dinner for a Cause’ ipahigayon sa Habitat for Humanity

Executive Editor …….........

EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

Managing Editor …….........

ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region

• DENR-IX celebrates Lands Charter Day, CSC Anniv, National Clean up month • DENR-IX Conducts School Visit in Pagadian City • DOLE-IX conducts briefing on anti-child labor program briefing • Pagadian’s ‘musical and dancing fountain’ provides awesome entertainment • DOH Public-Private Partnership Management Office nakakuha tag-as nga pasidungog

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

Northern Mindanao • Cong. Rodriguez thanks Pres. Aquino for completion of Puerto-Sayre Flyover • Pag-IBIG Fund charges erring employer for violation of RA 9679 • Lanao Norte youth leaders undergo camp to promote positive values • ICWS ug PIU, andam nga mosanong sa mando ni Mayor Cruz nga mapakusgan ang agas sa tubig sa siyudad sa dili pa ang kapistahan • SP mosusi sa mga paningkamot sa City Veterinarian ug City Agriculture Office batok ‘botcha’ ug dinamitahang isda

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • • • • • •

DSWD assures CCT beneficiaries for on time cash release 61 families affected in Dav Or flood Piracy tackled in Maritime Week Fishing industry on the rebound - BFAR DavSur guv enjoins city, town mayors in coastal cleanup drive Energy tops Mindanao business sector’s policy agenda

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency

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

• NBI 12 cites role in anti - human trafficking • Police director aims at operations readiness of forces, vows to enforce discipline • LGU North Cotabato sets new direction in engineering services • OWWA invites OFWs to avail of livelihood assistance

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Cover Story: by Rene V. Carbayas

UWARBMPC: dedication to countryside development

hen we stumble and fall, there is no other recourse but to get up and continue with the journey. This proves, however, that courage, sacrifices, cooperation, and determination are vital elements to a rebirth 4 Friday, September 23, 2011

UWARBMPC: dedication to .....from page 3

In an agricultural industry, the unpredictable economic dynamics and climate changes dictate the flow of income and profit that may affect operation and management. The story of a cooperative in Basilan gives us a glimpse that success is indeed measured by dedication and determination. The United Workers Agrarian Reform

Beneficiaries MultiPurpose Cooperative (UWARBMPC) is an agricultural cooperative organized to take

on the ownership, operation and management of the former Menzi Agricultural Plantation located in Isabela City, Basilan Province. It started its business operations on April, 1993 with only P1,112.500.00 as capital, shelled out from the separation pay of 246 members out of the 366 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB). From this capital, the cooperative engaged in the production, processing and marketing of rubber, coffee and

5 4

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UWARBMPC: dedication to .....from page 4

black pepper—with rubber being its major product. Since the start, UWARBMPC is performing well on its operations. Recognized as a potential growth center, it was launched as an Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in 1994 by the government. In 1996, it was a recipient of the “Pangalawang Pinakatanging Kooperatiba sa Pilipinas” award given by the Landbank of

other cooperatives, UWARBMPC has also its woes. It started when in 1997 the country was hit by financial crisis and the El Niño phenomenon, factors that are beyond the control of the cooperative. Skyrocketing prices of agricultural inputs, low market the Philippines (LBP) price of rubber, coffee and black pepGawad Pitak. per products coupled with low productivity The Challenges due to long dry spell However, like brought about by El

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UWARBMPC: dedication to .....from page 5

Niño, the cooperative suffered heavy losses in operations. With no resources at hand, UWARBMPC decided to stop operations in March 2000. However, pushed by dedication, it resumed operation in July 2000, but with management and workers sacrifice on salaries, wages and benefits from top to bottom. The struggling cooperative then established soft credit lines with suppliers and forged an agreement with the government in fulfilling financial obligations and technical assistance.

Bouncing back

UWARBMPC recovered slowly from its crippling losses by 2003, it has restored salaries and wages, and benefits of its 6

workers back to normal levels, started fulfilling obligations with the government and started replenishing its financial reserves. In 2005, UWARBMPC was a national contender in Outstanding ARB Cooperative award category of LBP Gawad Pitak and took the honor.

In 2006, UWARBMPC was again a national contender in Class A Agri-based Category” award of LBP Gawad Pitak and garnered 5th place. It was on this occasion that the cooperative was dubbed as the “Come backing Cooperative” by LBP Gawad Pitak that raised praise from other coopera-

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UWARBMPC: dedication to .....from page 6

tives. The year 2006 was even more fruitful for UWARBMPC. It had a remarkable net surplus of P14,326,792.71. The outstanding performance of UWARBMPC only affirms the validity of its philosophy that unity, handwork and sacrifice would propel cooperatives to success and even m o r e . These can be a potent force in transforming cooperatives into self-reliant and effecting countryside development.

agement style that is participative, which resulted to workers productivity. It can also be distributed to the coordinative and complimentary efforts of the directors, management and staff. As a gesture of appreciation for the

workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard work, loyalty and dedication to work and to the organization, UWARBMPC released cash gifts in DecemSound participative ber 2006 in time for management the holiday season. The econom U W A R B M P C ic crisis that hit the takes pride of its man- country starting 1997

has brought lessons to the cooperative on how it can survive the financial crunch and remain viable. In the agrarian sector, particularly large cooperative plantations the most affected group are those plantations who were solely engaged in sing l e c r o p cultivation. It was o b served t h a t coope r a tives who are involved in the production of several high value perennial crops have good chances of surviving the crisis. With this in mind, UWARBMPC adopted a rubber-based farming systems where in the distance of plant8

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UWARBMPC: dedication to .....from page 7

ing of rubber was modified in order to create a permanent area for intercropping without diminishing the economic stand of rubber per hectare. The implementation was started in 2005, with durian as the intercrop. The cooperative is also considering other high value crops like lanzones, rambutan and citrus. With the system, the cooperative aimed to strengthen crop diversification as strategy for maximizing utilization of the land and stabilizing future farm income. The cooperative, however, believes that agricultural development is not enough to ensure a strong viable and self-reliant cooperative. It has to embark on other income generating businesses.

In 2004, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Belgian Integrated Agrarian Support Program (BIARSP) initiated and assisted UWARBMPC in establishing Members Savings Operation (MSO) project. With a start-up capital of P89,300.00 and 230 members, it has now a total resource of P 3,896,695.31 with 560 members. Management is now contemplating to enter into Micro financing. Other non-agri projects like establishment of resort, trading other products like medicines, motorcycles, computers and others are being pursued by UWARBMPC. UWARBMPC maintains a yearly rubber replanting program to replace

old and unproductive trees. It adopted a rubber-based farming system as mentioned earlier. Some of these intercropping areas were provided to interested beneficiaries for vegetable production as a farm of livelihood. There are two (2) Barangay situated in the ARC namely Menzi and Cabunbata. UWARBMPC has provided areas for the establishment of elementary school, barangay hall, multipurpose hall and health center in Cabunbata Barangay. While developing Basilanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural lands and its people, the cooperative is also challenged by the perennial peace and order situation. As the area is also affected by any conflict in Basilan, the coopera9

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UWARBMPC: dedication to .....from page 8

tive made it as part of its policy and engagement to be supportive of the peace and development efforts of the government in Basilan. Foremost, the provision of strategic area (some 4.0 hectares) for the establishment of a military camp and processing of raw rubber products brought by

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small planters (rebel returnees) to the plantation were established. With determined spirit, dedication and commitment among its members and officers, UWARBMPC is on its way in fulfilling its dream. The numerous awards and citations received from Land-

bank of the Philippines and other award-giving bodies proved that UWARBMPC is already reaping the fruits of its labor and sacrifices. And that the expansion of its programs and projects is a commitment to its dedication to further countryside development.

Aquino announces P9-billion budget surplus

residentBenignoS.AquinoIIIannounced on Wednesday that the Philippines had a budget surplus of P9-billion for the month of August.

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Aquino announces.....from page 10

The President made the announcement in his speech at a meeting with the Filipino community held at the Fairfax Hotel here. “And the good news is for the month of August, we have a budget surplus of 9 billion pesos,” the President said. He, however, said that the reason for the surplus was because the government was underspending. “The downside is we are very far from the program budget deficit which means that there are certain quarters in our country that say we are underspending. Okay ho ba yun? Kulang ang ginagastos nyo,” the President said.

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“Kailangan gumastos tayo dahil maiipit yung paglago ng ekonomiya kung hindi natin gagastusan. Mas maganda na ho yatang problema yun,” he added. In a separate interview, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said that increased revenue collections were also behind the budget surplus. “Kasi ang spending natin from January to August 2011 is bigger than the same period in 2010. So, we are continually spending well but in this instance the increase in revenues is greater than the decrease in the improvements in spending,” Abad said. (RCK)

Malacañang set to help transport industry convert vehicles to LPG n line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s initiative to help public utility drivers to raise their income, Malacanang announced on Thursday that it is pushing for a program that would help them finance the shift or conversion of their jeepney engines from diesel-run to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-powered at the soonest possible time. The President assured the transport groups that the national government would do its best to help them by coming out with a commercial solution – the conversion of their passenger jeepney engines - through a loan package, according to Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during a news briefing held in Malacanang. The objective of the project is to help jeepney drivers cope with the impact of the rising oil prices in the global market. Lacierda said that the Department of Trans-

portation and Communications (DOTC) started its study to ensure that LPGrun engines have safety features and in accordance to the Clean Air Act. He said the LPGpowered jeeps must be environment-friendly and economical, promote and protect the environment against air pollution. Most importantly, Lacierda said the LPG-powered vehicles must increase the income of PUJ operators and drivers. Lacierda noted that part of the DOTC study is the cost of the conversion as the government plans

to come out with a scheme so the jeepney drivers can avail of the loan packages. . Lacierda also revealed that the DOTC and Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to hold dialogues with the transport sector. President Aquino had met with the transport groups last week and immediately addressed several of their concerns, including the kotong (extortion) issue, the appeal for implementation of the single ticketing and the review of the Oil Deregulation Law. (JS)

Finding solutions to problems of the country ‘easy’ with will of the people – President Aquino resident Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that finding the solutions to the numerous problems he has encountered in his first year in office was not as impossible as once was thought of especially since the backing and will of the people have been beside him from the start.

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Finding solutions.....from page 12

In his speech keynoting his meeting with the Filipino community held at the Fairfax hotel here, the President enjoined all others to join him and his government in effecting permanent changes for the good of the country. “And in the first year that we are in office, what is really surprising is that there are so many problems that were left to us.

But what is even more surprising is the fact that each problem does present a lot of opportunities, the solutions were not as impossible as once was thought. And all it takes really is the will of the people to make sure that the changes we are now making on our country become permanent changes for the better,” the President said. “I will be the first to

admit i cannot do it alone. My cabinet will join me in saying we cannot do it alone. But if all of us are focused in just one sentence, we are not accepting the status quo. We will transform our country...and we are changing our country. Then it’s all a question of time as to when you see the Philippines, we look at it in a very different light,” he added. (RCK)

Aquino stresses good governance is good economics in his return from succesful working visit to the US

resident Benigno S. Aquino III returns home from a successful fiveday official working visit to the United States with a considerable set of new investments as a result of the Aquino administration’s policies on good governance.

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Finding solutions.....from page 13

The President, together with his delegation, disembarked from Philippine Airlines flight PR 105 from San Francisco, USA that touched down at 2:45 Friday morning at the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 2 in Pasay City. In his message following their arrival, President Aquino said more investors will put their money in the country after showing renewed trust and confidence in doing business here. “Ang sabi ko nga po sa mga dayuhan na nakadaupang-palad natin: Good governance is good economics… nakikita na po natin ang resulta ng mabuting pamamahala, kinikilala na po tayo ng buong mundo, hindi lang po ng mga negosyante kundi pati na ng mga gobyerno. Nakikita nila kung paano natin pinapatag ang sistema, “ the President said. “Ang bunga: tiwala at kumpyansa, na sanhi ng pagpasok ng mas maraming negosyante at makabuluhang mga proyekto. Sa huli, trabahong may pakinabang sa Pilipino, at paglago ng ekonomya na sinisiguro namin ay aabot sa nakararami nating kababayan,” he added. The Chief Executive

noted that unlike in the past, many countries now look up to the Philippines and listen to its leaders for best practices on good governance. “Napakalaki na po talaga ng nagbago. Isipin po ninyo, kung dati ang ine-export natin ay mga horror story tungkol sa kalagayan ng ating bansa, ngayon, kabi-kabila ang paanyaya sa ating magbahagi ng best practices dito sa Pilipinas. Kung dati ang liit ng tingin natin sa ating sarili, ngayon, mga mauunlad na bansa na po ang tumitingala sa atin. Kung dati, kahit anong hiyaw natin ay iilan lang ang nakikinig, ngayon po, taimtim nang pinakikinggan ang tinig ng Pilipino,” the President said. He also met with the US-ASEAN Business Council composed of big companies that include Coca-cola, GE, Pfizer and Citigroup, among others and many of its members expressed interest in investing in the Philippines so it can reach its potential. Apart from these, two American companies also expressed interest on investing in the Philippines to meet the growing demand for coconut water that the country could

supply, opening new job opportunities especially for Filipinos in the countryside. “Sa totoo nga lang po, mas angkop nang sabihin na ang mga banyagang kumpanya na ang pumipila upang makaangkas sa pag-angat ng ating ekonomya… halimbawa na nga po ang dalawang kumpanyang Amerikano na gustong magbuhos ng puhunan sa ating coconut industry,” President Aquino said. “Nauuso po kasi sa Amerika ngayon ang paginom ng tinatawag nilang coco-water, na dito po sa atin ay buko juice kung tawagin… para pong nagiging bagong natural sports drink ito sa Amerika, na ngayon pa lang po ay daang-milyong industriya na.” he noted. He presented samples of the Philippinemade, branded coco water products such as O.N.E. coconut water and Vita Coco 100% coconut water, which he brought in from the US. Present during the arrival ceremonies to receive the President and his delegation were members of the cabinet led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Presidential

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Finding solutions.....from page 14

Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr., Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Commission on Higher Education Secretary Patricia Licuanan, Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares. During the working visit, President Aquino joined 45

other world leaders in formally launching the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in New York. He was invited by US President Barrack Obama who chairs the OGP steering committee along with President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil. The OGP is 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.” 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 access to new technologies for openness and accountability. (JCL)

Aquino appoints Villa as acting member of the LWUA board of trustees resident Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Rene C. Villa as acting member of the board of trustees of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), a Palace official said.

The Chief Executive signed the appointment of Villa last August 24, 2011, according to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday. Valte said the board will hold an election to elect the chairman of LWUA, a Government-

Friday, September 23, 2011

Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC), to replace Prospero Pichay Jr. Last July, Malacanang ordered the implementation of the dismissal of Pichay on grounds of grave misconduct and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for

Public Officials and Employees. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. ordered Health Secretary Enrique Ona to implement the dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman. Villa was Agrarian Reform Secretary from August 2004 to July 2005. (JS)

Coloma joins ‘Pilipinas Natin’ launch in CamSur ILI, CAMARINES SUR: Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma joined the launching of “Pilipinas Natin” in this province relaying the message of support of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the people of the province after arriving from a successful trip to the United States. Coloma, who was one of the Palace officials who welcomed the President at the airport Friday morning, said President Aquino extends his support for the launching of the volunteer program in Camarines Sur. Coloma, together with Camarines Sur Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte, visited a school construction project in Himaao, Pili in this province being constructed by volunteers from the military, local government unit and the youth sector. Pilipinas Natin is a non-partisan organization aimed at building the nation through volunteerism. The school construction is just one of several projects in Camarines Sur. In his message before the students and parents in Himaao elementary school, Coloma echoed the President’s vision of prioritizing education in his Philippine Development Plan so the country could attain progress.

“Doon po sa Philippine Development Plan ang number one program po ay ang para sa edukasyon. Ang para sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan na tulad ninyo. Sapagkat sa mga darating na panahon kayo po ang magiging barangay captain, kayo ang magiging alkalde at mayor, kayo din ang magiging governor. Kayo ang mamumuno sa inyong lalawigan ng CamSur,” Coloma told the students of Himaao Elementary school. Coloma thanked the local leaders, parents and teachers in Camarines Sur for their support for the launching of the Pilipinas Natin program. According to the Himaao Elementary school principal, the construction of the school building through “bayanihan” will be a great help for the students, particularly after Typhoon Ondoy destroyed many of their classrooms. Four classrooms are already dilapidated and

teachers are just employing stop-gap measures to make them usable, she said, adding she hopes that more help will be given to the school in the coming days. President Aquino launched the “Pilipinas Natin” program at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City on June 30, marking his first year in office as president. The program revisited President Aquino’s vision and renewed his commitment to the social contract he made with the Filipino people calling for renewed volunteerism and active participation on the way to sustainable stability. The campaign is also “in response to the people’s call for change, harnessing the sentiments of People Power, empowering a nation that imbibes and cultivates the innate Filipino culture of bayanihan. “ (AS)

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Aquino govt. places safety nets on oil industry - energy official by Jerome Carlo R. Paunan

A prices.

ranking energy official on Tuesday said the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III has started placing safety nets on the oil industry to protect the public from the effects of volatile oil

During the program Talking Points held at the Philippine Information Agency, Director Zenaida Monsada of the Oil Industry Management Bureau of the Department of Energy said that aside from the members of the transport sector, ordinary people also stand to benefit from the measures. Among these measures, Monsada said, involves a directive from the President to study the technical and financial aspect of using al-

ternative fuels. She said that the government eyes alternative fuels--such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), CNG (compressed natural gas) and bio-fuels from sugarcane, and other sources in the near future that would effectively cushion the impact of oil price hikes. Monsada also hinted that government would finance additional research efforts for alternative power sources such geo-thermal, solar, coal and even wind.

She said inter-linkages by various government agencies has allowed for closer and more realistic monitoring of local oil prices in relation to global prices. Likewise, the official said President Aquino has tasked all concerned government agencies to review and study the revision of the Oil Deregulation Law as this would make room for more competition and allow for more oil players to come to the country thereby leading 18

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Aquino govt. places... from page 17

to lower prices of fuel. for a provision in the law overpricing their prod On top of that, she that would make it eas- ucts. (RJB/JCP-PIA said the DOE is pushing ier to penalize oil firms NCR)

Pakikipagpulong ng Pangulo, pinahina ang transport strike--DOE by Mishella Cruz LUNGSOD NG QUEZON, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- Kinumpirma ng isang opisyal ng Department of Energy (DOE) na nakatulong ang pakikipagpulong na ginawa ng Pangulong Aquino sa iba’t-ibang transport groups noong nakaraang linggo upang hindi maging ganap ang transport strike na nangyari kahapon. Sa programang Talking Points ng PCOO, PIA, NBN 4 at Radyo ng Bayan, sinabi ni DOE Director Zenaida Y. Monsada na malaking tulong ang nasabing pagpupulong kung saan naipaliwanag na may hakbang na handang gawin ang gobyerno para dinggin ang panawagan ng mga transport groups para repasuhin ang “Oil Deregulation Law”. Bagamat naramdaman sa ibang panig ng bansa ang nasabing transport strike, mala-

ki ang pasasalamat ng direktora at hindi nakilahok dito ang ilang transport group tulad ng Pasang-Masda at iba pang malalaking grupo. Isa sa napagusapan sa nasabing pagpupulong ay ang pagtatalaga ng Pangulo ng mga ahensyang mag-iimbestiga at tatalakay sa “Oil Deregulation Law” na sa sa tingin ng direktora ay nakapagpalamig sa ulo ng ilang galit na transport groups. “Klaro na may

ahensya na mag-aaddress sa mga isyu, di nga lang agad nung araw na yun,” aniya. Binanggit ni Monsada na ang mga ahensyang itinalaga ng Pangulo na magsasagawa ng malalim na talakayan sa usaping “deregulasyon” ay ang BIR, BOC, DOJ, NEDA, DOTC, DOE,at DILG. Sa ngayon, napagpasyahan na irebyu ang nasabing batas sa kongreso at senado. (RJB/MC/ PIA-NCR)

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De-gasolinang PUJs isasama na sa Pantawid Pasada program by Domingo B. Natividad V QUEZON CITY, Setyembre 20 (PIA) -– Tumugon ang Department of Energy sa hinaing ng mga Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers sa mga probinsiya na kumakarga ng gasolina na maisama sila sa listahan ng mga benipisyaryo ng Pantawid Pasada program ng pamahalaan. Ayon kay Oil and Industry Management Bureau Director Zenaida Monsada ang kasalukuyang listahan ng mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pasada cards ay mga PUJs sa buong bansa na pinapatakbo ng diesel. Ngunit, “umangal yung mga tagaprobinsiya… marami kasi mga jeepney sa probinsiya, gasolina ang ginagamit.” Bunsod nito, sinabi ni Monsada na “isasama sila sa listahan.” Ibinalita rin ni Monsada na magkakaroon ng panibagong pagbibigay ng ayuda sa mga PUJ drivers sa gitna ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo. Paliwanag niya, marami-rami pa ang hindi nakakakuha ng kanilang Pantawid Pasada cards. Target noon ng DOE na magbigyan ng financial assistance ang 220,000 franchised jeep-

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neys sa buong bansa, ngunit “kalahati palang” ang nakakuha ng kanilang card. “Iyong iba hindi kumuha kasi walang maipakitang dokumento, gaya ng rehistro,” ani Monsada. Ang bayad kasi sa rehistro ay mahigit isang libo, at ang makukuhang ayuda sa Pantawid Pasada card ay P1,050 lamang. Ang kaigihan naman nito, punto niya, “nasasala iyong mga hindi lehitimo” na mga pampasaherong dyip. Dahil dito, kuwento niya, “may sobra sa budget” na nakalaan sa 220,000 franchised PUJs. Imbes na ibalik sa national treasury ng pamahalaan, nagkaroon ng desisyon ang Inter-Agency Energy Contingency Committee na siyang namamahala sa Pantawid Pasada program, na ma-

glunsad ng panibagong ayuda sa mga nakakuha na ng card. “Kung kailan at magkano, titignan pa depende sa progreso ng pag-uusap,” paglilinaw ni Monsada. Sabi pa niya, pag natapos na ang pagdaragdag ng PUJs na gumagamit ng gasolina sa listahan, saka lang “malalaman natin kung magkano ang sobra.” Kamakailan lang ay inanunsiyo ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte na kinukonsidera ng gubyernong Aquino na magbigay muli ng sabsidiya sa mga tsuper sa pamamagitan ng Pantawid Pasada card. Ito ay para maibsan ang bigat ng epekto ng pagtaas ng petrolyo sa pandaigdigang merkado. (PIANCR, rjb, domingo b. natividad v)

Butuan City elderly gears up for Senior Citizens’ by Nora CL Molde Week

he city’s senior citizens are now ready for the celebration of the Senior Citizens’ week on October 3 – 9.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates

piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph

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Butuan City elderly ...from page 20

The Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) here through its OSCA Head Imelda B. Mupas-Nonan said in a statement that weeklong activities have been lined-up in order to have a more meaningful and memorable celebration. These include: Hataw (low grade exercise), jog for health, and medical check-up and test on the first day, October 3. The opening ceremony will also be held at the city hall grounds to be participated by the senior citizens from the 86 barangays of the city. On October 4, a cultural contest in the morning and the Search for King and Queen Se-

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nior Citizens 2011 in the afternoon will be conducted at the city hall lobby. In the afternoon October 5, there will be a Food Presentation and Table Setting competition at the city hall lobby. Aside from the

medical services and competitions during the celebration, a whole-day â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pabiboâ&#x20AC;? for the elderly will also be held in the OSCA building on the 4th day of the celebration Each barangay senior citizen chapters are encouraged to join and have an entry in all the activities. The celebration is in line with Proclamation No. 470, declaring the first week of October as Linggo ng Katandaang Pilipino or Elderly Filipino Week.

Surigao del Sur Gov. still hopeful abductors to release by Robert E. Roperos Lingig Mayor, 2 others BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- Gov. Johnny Pimentel remains optimistic that abducted Mayor Henry Dano of Lingig, Surigao del Sur and his two military escorts will be released before the end of the month.

During an interview this morning in one of the local radio stations here, Gov. Pi-

mentel said that the abductors have yet to contact him. However, he said, during their

last phone conversation with Dano, he was told that they are in good condition and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing to worry about them. When asked what is the situation in the municipality of Lingig after Danoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abduction, Pimentel said that when the official was abducted together with his two military escorts on August 6, 2011, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum on August 9, 2011 directing Vice-Mayor Roberto Luna to act as the chief executive while the first Sangguniang Bayan Member will serve as 23

Friday, September 23, 2011

Surigao del Sur Gov....from page 22

Vice-Mayor. “With this, everything in the municipality were taken cared of and placed in order,” Pimentel said. Pimentel further admitted he has no idea on the style or strategy to be implemented by the abductors as to how, when and where the victims will be re-

leased. He said, when Vice-Mayor Luna was abducted in 2010, he also acted as chairman of the local crisis committee and was able to negotiate with the abductors for the safe release of the victim. However, he added the group who abducted Dano is not the same group who kidnapped Luna. “Thus, I cannot really tell what process they

(abductors) will be implementing this time for the safe release of Mayor Dano,” he said. Furthermore, Pimentel said he is still optimistic that the victims will be released because they may bring additional burden to the group in as far as conducting their revolutionary activities.

National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center-Caraga conducts Special Wellness Session by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- The National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) Caraga and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is conducting today the Special Wellness Session for all NERBAC Technical Working Group (TWG) members from 2:00-5:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the DTI-Caraga Conference Room, this city. According to DTICaraga Regional Director Breilgo Pagaran, the session will have a session on “Lifestyle Enhancement thru Weight Management: Obesity and Diabetes” to be led by Dr. Hildegardes C. Friday, September 23, 2011

Dineros, President of the Philippine Society for Metabolic and Batriatic Surgery. “Dr. Dineros is actually into the ‘green advocacy’ and other community projects through his foundation,” Paragan

said. Meanwhile, participating members of the NERBAC TWG paid the registration fee of P200 to defray the cost of snacks and other materials needed for the said activity. 23

ni Annette Villaces

2nd Surigao City Mayor’s Cup pagasugdan karong adlawa

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- Pagasugdan na karong adlawa, Biyernes, ika-23 nan Septyembre, ang 2nd Mayor Ernesto “Nitoy” T. Matugas Inter-School Basketball Tournament and City Division Meet. Ang maong kalihokan pagasugdan sa usa ka parade nga magsugod diha sa atubangan sa City Hall alas 7:00 sa buntag, diin magsubay sa Rizal Street, Narciso, Espina, sa Borromeo ug deretso dayun sa City Gymnasium. Dugang pa nga sa Part-1 sa maong programa mamahimu ang paghatag ug mensahe sa amahan sa syudad nga si Mayor Nitoy Matugas lakip na sa pagdeklara nga opisyal na nga pagasugdan ang maong torneyo. Samtang, mukabat sa

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

93 ka mga partisipante nga nagagikan sa nagkalaen-laeng eskwelahan, barangay, kaislahan ug uban pa nga sektor ang musalmot sa nasangpit nga programa. Matod pa, igo gyud ang gihimu nga pagpangandam sa 2nd

Mayor’s Cup sa pagpangulo sa City Sports Office bisan paman sa kakulangun sa pondo pinansyal, gihimu lamang nga simple ang mga aktibidadis apan ilang gisiguro ang mas bibo ug safety alang sa tanan.

‘Dinner for a Cause’ ipahigayon sa Habitat for Humanity

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- Subay sa ipahigayong ‘Dinner for a Cause’ sa Butuan Habitat for Humanity karong adlawa, Setyembre 23, si Ms. Lolita Carbon, singer sa bandang ASIN ug Nene Band (pinoy folk and rock band) mao’y dinapit nga bisita nga mudalit sa iyang mga awit nga ipahigayon sa Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, alas siete sa gabie, ni’ng dakbayan. 25 24

Friday, September 23, 2011

‘Dinner for a Cause’....from page 24

CONCERT for a Cause Miabot si Ms. Carbon dinhi sa Butuan Huwebes, Setyembre 22 ug gisugat kini didto sa airport sa mga opisyales ni’ng dakbayan nga gipangunahan ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. kauban si Vice-Mayor Atty. Lawrence Fortun ug mga konsehal. Sigun ni Ms. Agnes Carlos, Community Affairs Officer IV sa City Mayor’s Office nga nagpahigayon kagahapon ug usa ka Press Conference si Mayor Amante kauban si Ms. Carbon ug uban pang opisyales

Friday, September 23, 2011

didto sa Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center. Human ang press conference, mipahigayon usab og motorcade ang ASIN band ug mideretso sa Agusan National High School (ANHS) aron muhatag ug kalingawan o Musical Jam alang sa mga estudyante ug magtutudlo. Sa laing bahin, ang ipahigayong ‘Dinner for a Cause’ namugna sa Butuan Habitat for Humanity aron kini makakolekta og pundo alang sa pagtukod og dugang pang mga kabalayan

para sa kabus. Ang mga interesadong musoporta niining kalihukan, muhatag lamang og Php1,000.00 ug kini magsilbi’ng donasyon. Ang Habitat for Humanity padayon nga nagtabang sa mga kabus pinaagi na usab sa walay pu-as nga pagtinabangay sa mga miyembro nga maka-tigom ug pundo aron mahitabo ug matuman ang mga damgo sa mga kabus nga makabaton og ilang kaogalingon nga puluyanan.

DENR-IX celebrates Lands Charter Day, CSC Anniv, National Clean up month

by Nitz Ascura

ENR – IX employees converged at their regional office in Pagadian City last September 5, 2011 at 8 o’clock in the morning to attend a special program for the 110th Lands Day and the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. The said occasion coincided also with the kick-off program in observance of the National Clean-up Month with a taheme “Clean Coastal Areas and Trash-Free Seas.”

27 Friday, September 23, 2011

DENR-IX celebrates...from page 26 In his inspirational message, Regional Executive Director Arleigh J. Adorable greeted all DENR employees “Happy Charter Day” referring to the 110th Lands Anniversary. He mentioned the two major programs that the DENR will be implementing for the next two years under the term of President Benigno C. Aquino. One is the National Greening Program (NGP) and the other one is the completion of all the Cadastral Survey in the country. He urged his men to prepare today in meeting the insurmountable challenges next year. NGP is a government’s priority program which seeks to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares for a period of six (6) years from 20112016 in lands of the public domain while the Cadastral Survey (in the Philippines) is a survey made of extensive areas

covering an entire municipality or consisting of several or many parcels of land undertaken for the purpose of title clearance, land registration to support taxation. In his message focusing on this year’s theme “Completion of the Cadastral Survey and Computerization of Records for Efficient Land Management towards Economic Activity”, RTD Moises H. Butic briefly traced the development of Land Management Bureau (LMB) when it was organized on September 2, 1901 under Act 298 as the Insular Bureau of Public Lands (IBPL) with the mandate of supervising the survey and distribution of public lands in the country. In order to expedite public land distribution, then Director of Lands Chas H. Sleeper introduced cadastral surveying, a public land survey that covers an extensive

area, usually an entire municipality, subdividing the same into parcels for purposes of public land distribution. This first cadastral survey project (Cadastral Project No.1) was conducted in Pilar, Bataan in November 1908. In 1953, the Bureau of Lands (BL) entered an era of modernization with the introduction of IBM and Remington Rand, produced computing machines capable of handling bulk computations. The Bureau became the most advanced government agency in the Philippines in terms of electronic computing. This effort was made in order to respond to the need to speed up the distribution of public agricultural lands in the rural area due to the agrarian unrest in the countryside and to reconstruct records damaged from the war. From 1950-1960, 1.4 million 28

Friday, September 23, 2011

DENR-IX celebrates...from page 27 hectares of agricultural lands were distributed by the bureau which double that of the 19301940 period. In 1972, Republic Act No. 6516 was enacted authorizing the District Land Officers (DLOs) in every province to sign patents not exceeding five (5) hectares thereby fully devolving the functions to the district officers. Because of the devolution, more than two (2) million hectares of agricultural land was distributed by the BL from 1970 to 1980. Executive Order No. 192 organized the DENR in June 1987. The new organizational set up integrated the BL’s District Land Offices to the field offices of the DENR and transferred the Bureau’s Central Office to the Land Management Bureau. Under this setup LMB become a staff bureau For more than a century,

the Bureau is in the forefront of the effort of the government to promote social equity by distributing public agricultural lands to the rural masses. From 2001 to 2010, the Land Administration and Management Program (LAMP Phase 1&2) was implemented. It is a long term commitment of the Philippine Government which aims to alleviate poverty and enhanced economic growth by improving the security of land tenure and fostering efficient land market in rural and urban areas. Also in a bid to eradicate the proliferation of duplicate and spurious titles and other issues on land records management, the DENR is adopting an integrated computerized information system to improve land related services. “Isang nagbabagong LMS patungo sa matuwid na daan” RTD

Butic ended. Administrative Division Chief, Benjamin Rubia delivered his message with emphasis on the theme of 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary “Championing R.A.C.E.: Public Service Excellence at Full Speed. “What did the Philippine Civil Service done within the 111 years of public service? Have we complied with the mandates of our people to serve them? The theme is about championing R.A.C.E., public service excellence at full speed. R – responsive, A – accessible, C – courteous and E – effective. So we can reckon this race. How will we hire in the government service? Hiring on the government service is through merit and fitness. If you are qualified, then you can do RACE. You can provide public services at full speed because 29

Friday, September 23, 2011

DENR-IX celebrates...from page 28 you have the capacity to serve. Entering to public service means in competitive basis. We need to pass the battery of examination. Are you accessible to the public? Do you smile to your clientele? Are you courteous? Do you produce result at the

end of the day? These are the essence of public service. Hopefully, we met all these things. Then we can say that we are proud to be a public servant. Therefore, if you are proud to be public servant then we are ready to be accountable to the people which we serve because pub-

lic service means public trust. Hopefully we can meet the theme today and we will exercise it in our day to day work in the office. Let us make this part of our shared values in the office. We need to internalize the paragon of virtues as a public servant.â&#x20AC;? Rubia said.(DENR-IX)

DENR-IX Conducts School Visit in Pagadian City by Nitz Ascura

PAGADIAN CITY, Sept 23 (PIA) -- In seeking partnership with the academic community for environmental protection and natural resources conservation, the information arm of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region IX visited recently eight (8) schools in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. The schools visited by DENRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) were Western Mindanao State UniversityExternal Studies Unit, Saint Columban College, Southern Mindanao Colleges, Medina School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mendero College, Pa-

gadian Capitol College, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial High School and Holy Child Academy totaling to 520, mostly student leaders and few faculty members in attendance. They were given lectures and shown campaign videos on Cli-

mate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, National Greening Program (NGP), and inclusion of Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in Palawan as among the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Teachers were also given campaign materials on the above topics 30

Friday, September 23, 2011

DENR-IX Conducts...from page 29 for further information dissemination. NGP is a government priority program being implemented by DENR pursuant to Executive Order No. 26 signed by President Benigno C. Aquino, III which targets to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of land of the public domain from 2011 to 2016 through social mobilization. All students identified by DepED and CHED and all government employees shall be individually required to plant a minimum of ten (10) seedlings per year. People’s Organizations shall be given the primary responsibility of maintaining and protecting the established plantations with appropriate assistance from the government and private sector, among other strategies. Meanwhile, the promotion campaign for the PPUR is pursuant to Presidential Proclama-

tion No. 182 aimed to vigorously promote and push for the proclamation of PPUR as among the New 7Wonders of Nature. The PPUR’s video highlights its features, including its complex and valuable karst ecosystem, estuaries, unique formations, and a recently-uncovered Sirenia or sea cow fossil estimated to be 20 million years old. Students and teachers were encouraged to submit more votes through the internet or short messaging service (SMS) or texting. Voting online, which is allowed only once for each email address, can be done until November 11, 2011 at www.new7wonders.com. Meanwhile, cell phone users of all local networks have until September 25, 2011 to vote by texting PPUR, PPUR7 or PPUR15 to 2861.

According to DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje who is also the PPUR national campaign manager for the public sector, the declaration of the PPUR as a wonder of nature would highlight the “great economic potentials” of the country’s ecotourism destinations, as well as call global attention to its high level of biodiversity which are extremely vulnerable to climate change. Before the end of lectures and film showing, the school representative was requested to give commitments to support any DENR programs, projects and activities. To date, four (4) schools have already conducted their respective environmental activities, in coordination with local DENR office while the rest are still in planning stage to realize their continuing commitments for Earth Care. (DENR-IX)

Friday, September 23, 2011

DOLE-IX conducts briefing on antichild labor program briefing by Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) - - Around 30 heads of offices and representatives from the different national and local government agencies as well as non-government organizations participated in yesterday’s orientation on the Philippine Program Against Child (PPACL) held here by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-IX. In his opening statement before the participants, DOLE-IX Regional Director Ponsiano Magsayo Ligutom said the activity aimed to reactivate the Provincial Child Labor Program Committee (PCLPC) in collaboration with the Council for Protection of Children (CPC) of each city/municipality. Ligutom also explained that PPACL has been “geared toward

achieving quality of life among the people especially the children.” He, however, admitted that the child labor problem is also rooted in the political-economic-socialcultural problems of the country. To address the problem, the DOLE-IX chief said “we need good political leaders who can address poverty, which is the root cause of all these problems.

The participants have also come up with their action plans to be implemented starting next month until December 2012 focusing on the prevention, protection and prosecution of child labor. They also committed themselves to pursue the campaign against child labor by signing the manifesto of support to the program.

Pagadian’s ‘musical and dancing fountain’ provides awesome entertainment by Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, September 23 (PIA) – Thousands of joyous Pagadianon’s converged at the 2 hectare expanse Pagadian City Plaza fronting Rizal monument and braved the rain to watch the official launching of the P10-M worth of world-class attraction-- the “Musical and Dancing Fountain” on Thursday night. 32 Friday, September 23, 2011

Pagadian’s ‘musical...from page 31 The rain did not show any mercy as showers that began at around 2:00 pm and continued through the 45-minute celebration that started at 8:00 pm and came to close at 9:45 pm when Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jessie M. Robredo concluded his very brief speech. The rain soaked the crowd but it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm of watching the fireworks display, musical and dancing fountain and the fire dance number from eight sexy and young ladies, and listening to the singing talent of Pilipinas Got Talent season 3 Geo Ed Rebucas. The audience stood up and cheered enthusiastically as the bombs burst in air and fireworks lit up in bril-

liant red, green, blue and white colors and followed by the unveiling of the fabulous dancing musical and dancing fountain, whose dazzling dancing waters and lights greatly entertained the spectators. Robredo in his message said he congratulated Co for successfully launching the project which provided the people an awesome entertainment. San Fernando mayor Oscar Rodriguez, League of Cities of the Philippines president praised Co and gave him a salute for his performance and being a good leader. “Gusto ko lang ipabatid sa inyo na saludo kami sa inyong mayor. Isa siyang tunay na lider, forwardlooking, may vision at may political will at tunay na nagmamahal sa

inyo ( I just would like to inform you that we gave our salute to your mayor. He is a true and forward-looking leader, with vision and political will that loves you),” Rodriguez said. Mayor Samuel S. Co in his message said the ‘musical and dancing fountain’, the Pagadian’s pride which he envisioned during his first term of office was successfully completed. He attributed the success of the project to the hard work and support of the city officials and employees and to the people. As a gesture of appreciation for the support of the people to the realization of the project, Co declared to offer to the audience the ‘musical and dancing fountain’ as free starting September 28 from 6:00 o’clock in the evening.

Friday, September 23, 2011

DOH Public-Private Partnership Management Office nakakuha tag-as nga pasidungog by Claro A. Lanipa Manila, 23 Sept. (PIA) – Ang Departamento sa Panglawas (DOH), pinaagi sa Public-Private Partnership Management Office (PPPMO) niini, bag-o lang nakadaog sa unang ganti sa Business Case Development Fundamentals and Workshop nga gipahigayon sa PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Advisors Inc. Gawas sa maong pasidungog, ang talay sa mga maghuhukom gilangkoban sa mga tag-as nga opisyales sa PPP Center of the Philippines and PrivatewaterhouseCoopers mikonsiderar sa pasundayag sa DOH PPPMO isip ang pinaka komprehensibo taliwala sa hamubong panahon. Kining importanteng kahitaboan sa PPPMO migula pagkahuman sa malampusong pasundayag sa Research Institute of Tropical Medicine’s Vaccine Self-sufficient Program II (VSSP) ngadto sa Economic Development Cabinet cluster ug ang sangputanan niini mao ang pag-aprobar ni Presidente Benigno S.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Aquino III. Kining mga kalamboan usa ka timailhan sa kapasidad sa DOH sa pagpatuman sa mga proyekto sa PublicPrivate Partnership alang sa panglawas. Ang grupo sa DOH, gipangulohan sa consultant niini nga si Gilda Resurreccion, maoy nagpasundayag sa business case sa Philippine Orthopedic Cneter (POC) Modernization project. Ang maong ganti maoy timailhan nga ang PPPMO, pinaagi sa business case development sa POC Modernization project, mipakita sa pagkakugihan sa tanang aspetong pinansyal ug segurohon sa walay sayop ug kompleto ang mga kasayuran pinansyal, dili

lang sa paglikay sa kagamhanan nga mobayad sa sobra apan mohatag ug garantiya nga ang tuyo ug tumong sa pangagamhanan ug risgo sa pagdumala makab-ot. Si Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa, DOH’s PPP focal person, mipasabot nga kini sa maayong timaan alang sa public-private partnerships sa sekta sa panglawas. Nagpakita kini nga ang DOH, pinaagi sa PPPMO, andam na karon motabang sa mga balay tambalanan sa DOH ug ubang pasilidades sa panglawas sa kagamhanan aron segurohon ang pagkasihag ug pagkamasangputon ang implementasyon sa ilang mga inisyatibo sa PPP. 33

Cong. Rodriguez thanks Aquino for completion of Puerto-Sayre Flyover

by Rutc

Friday, September 23, 2011

Pres. f

chie Cabahug-Aguhob

ongressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District thanked President Benigno S. Aquino III, for the completion of the Puerto-Sayre Flyover in Sitio Puerto, Barangay Bugo, of his district. “The President could have been here with me, in time for today’s inauguration, just like the groundbreaking, last March 23. But since he is in the United States, he wanted me to convey to you his felicitations for the completion of this flyover,” he said, addressing the local officials of Bugo led by Punong Barangay Claro Derecho. Rodriquez also thanked Secretary Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), who represented the President and commended his personnel, led by Engr. Norma Gironella, Regional Director of DPWH, region 10, for completing the project, within five (5) months, from March 28 to April 27, as planned. Constructed at a cost Php363 million, un36

Friday, September 23, 2011

Congressman Rufus...from page 35

der the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project (MBURDP) of DPWH, it was funded by the COFACE Export Credit Guarantee Assistance of the French Government. The first ever, in the region, the PuertoSayre flyover, is situated along the IliganCagayan–Butuan Road (ICBR), crossing over the intersection with Sayre Highway, which links the west and east regional centers, cities and municipalities down to the southern part of Mindanao. According to the census done in 2007, the figures of population in these areas registered at 555,966. Records, also show that since 1990, there has been an almost steady increase 36

in population based on the number of births plus deaths plus net migration. The present condition of traffic in the intersection is heavy and vehicles are moving at creeping speed or at stop and go situation during peak-hour periods. The ICBR is the main route of passenger jeepneys and buses whose franchises travel fixed-route congestion in the area. The Puerto-Sayre Flyover is expected to lessen traffic congestion by about 30 minutes with an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 27.53 percent. Meanwhile, Rodriguez said he has asked DPWH for another flyover projects in the Lapasan- Agora Market

intersection. He also said he has secured a Php150 million funding for the completion of the convention center that was started by the Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel. “With another Senator Pimentel, I am very opitimistic, the project will see finality,” he said. Likewise, the Congressman said he was given the go signal for the release of Php200 million from DPWH, this year and another Php200 million, next year for the coastal road of the city. “We will, also, coordinate with the City Government for a drainage project that DPWH has agreed to fund,” Cong. Rodriquez concluded. Friday, September 23, 2011

Pag-IBIG Fund charges erring employer for violation of RA 9679

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 23 (PIA) – The Pag-IBIG Fund, Cagayan de Oro Branch, has filed a case against an erring employer in region 10, for violation of Republic Act 9679, at the Office of the City Prosecutor, recently. Otherwise known as “Pag-IBIG or Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya at Gobyerno” Fund, RA 9679 is the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009. It has charged the Valiant Security Agency, here, with the various violations, including the refusal to register new employees, under registration of its actual number of employees and failure to remit Pag-IBIG Fund contributions. In spite of the series of information and enforcement letters Friday, September 23, 2011

served by the personnel of the PAG-IBIG Marketing and Enforcement Division against the said employer, the latter remain undaunted in complying with the aforementioned law. Membership of all private and government employers and their respective employees in Pag-IBIG Fund is mandated by RA 9679, regardless of their employment status or nature of employment, effective January 1, 2010. As provided by RA9679, the membership of the mandato-

rily covered employees should take effect upon the date of employment. However, actual membership in the Pag-IBIG Fund shall commence only upon remittance of the initial contribution and not at the point of registration. Employers are, further, mandated to deduct the monthly membership contributions from their employee’s salary and remit the same to the Fund, together with the employer counterpart, starting on the said date.

Lanao Norte youth leaders undergo camp to promote by Vincent N. Labial positive values TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 23 (PIA) – More than 80 youth leaders from the province participated in the 2-day InterMunicipal Youth Camp held at the provincial capitol grounds, here, last Sept. 17-18. The participants were members and officers of the Youth for Development (Y4D) group, an organization supported by the provincial government to help promote positive values among the youth of the province. “We are thankful to Gov. Khalid Dimaporo for recognizing the youth of Lanao del Norte as his partner in bringing positive change and development to the province,” Y4D President Richard Reyes expressed. On the first day, the campers were taught basic life skills, responsible sexuality, confronting threats, environmental protection, and living effectively with parents and pre-marital sex. Based on a study made by the UP Population Institute, one out 38

of four (4) Filipinos aged 15-24 are engaging in premarital sex. The young participants were urged to practice abstinence and to encourage also their peers to do the same to curb unwanted teenage pregnancy cases. On the evening of Day 1, a community bonfire was held with a local band providing entertainment for the celebration of the camp’s solidarity night. “This is the second year that we’re having this youth camp. Through this activity, we hope to unite the youth leaders of the province promote teamwork among the participants and enhance their leadership skills,” Population Officer Ananette Daniel

said. The campers came from the towns of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Kolambugan, Tangcal, Nunungan, Kapatagan, Baroy, Maigo, Tubod, Bacolod, Linamon, Salvador, and Tagoloan. The second day was highlighted by a tree planting activity and a clean-up drive dubbed as ‘Youth Brigade Pahina.’ Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion (35IB) also lent their support by leading the Taebo morning exercises. The provincial government has identified a new office for Y4D within the capitol grounds as it continue to support activities that empower the youth sector of Lanao del Norte. Friday, September 23, 2011

ICWS ug PIU, andam nga mosanong sa mando ni Mayor Cruz nga mapakusgan ang agas sa tubig sa siyudad sa dili pa by Melvin T. Anggot ang kapistahan ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 23 (PIA)--Andam ang Iligan City Waterworks Systems Office (ICWS) ug Project Implementation Unit (PIU) nga mosanong sa mando ni Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz ug sa awhag ni Kagawad Moises Dalisay, Jr. nga mas mapakusgan ang agas sa tubig sa siyudad sa dili pa ang adlaw sa Pista sa Iligan.

Atol sa iyang pagatubang sa regular session sa Sangguniang Panglungsod, bag-ohay pa lamang, mibutyag si Engr. Merlito Catolico, Manager sa PIU, nga ipatuman nila karong semanaha ang inisyal nga

pag inter-connect sa bag-o ug usa ka bahin sa karaang linya. Kumpiyansa si Catolico nga masinati gayud ang usbaw sa supply sa tubig kung itandi sa miaging mga adlaw human unya sa inter-connec-

tion.

Hinoon, gitin-aw ni Engr. Christine Milagros Orbe, ICWS Manager, nga dili pa nila mapatuman ang kinatibuk-ang gikusgon sa agas aron paglikay nga mangbuto ang karaang linya.

SP mosusi sa mga paningkamot sa City Veterinarian ug City Agriculture Office batok ‘botcha’ ug dinamitahang isda by Boy Decena ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- Nakigtagbo si Kagawad Chonilo Ruiz sa mga kadagko-an sa City Veterinarian’s Office aron mapangayo-an sa ilang plano batok sa “botcha” kon mga “hot meat” nga mga karneng baboy ug manok nga posibleng mabaligya sa atong kamerkaduhan. Lakip nga gipangayo sa Chairman sa Committee on Health and Sanitation sa konseho ang mga gihan-aynga estratihiya sa maong departamento batok sa ilegal nga pagpangihaw sa mga hayupan sa bisan asa nga barangay sakop ning dakbayan. Buot masiguro ni Konsehal Ruiz nga luwas gikan sa bisan unsang sakit ang mga nagkalainFriday, September 23, 2011

laing karne nga mapalit sa mga konsumante sa siyudad. Giduaw usab sa magbabalaod ang City Agriculture Office aron masusi ang lakang nga gihimo sa maong buhatan batok sa mga gidinamitahang isda nga ibaligya sa merkado. Sumala pa ni Ruiz, kabahin kini nga paningkamot sa iyang pandayon nga Health and Sanitation

Code sa Iligan. Sa susamang hisgutanan, mipahayag si Kagawad Simplicio Larrazabal III, Chairman sa Committee on Agriculture and Food, nga gikinahanglan gayud ang hugot nga mga paningkamot aron dili malutsan sa mga “botcha” ang kagamhanan sa siyudad, ilabi na ning nagsingabot ang kapistahan. 39

DSWD assures CCT beneficiaries for on time cash release by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

dmitting delays in the previous cash release to the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) now known as CCT or Conditional Cash Transfer, the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) now claims better servicing with the creation of the Regional Action Center.

41 Friday, September 23, 2011

DSWD assures...from page 40 This speeds up the process of releasing cash grants to the beneficiaries to be used for the education and health needs of the recipients. “We won’t deny that there was really a delay in the previous releases. Beneficiaries received the grant as a lump sum for one year. But this time, beneficiaries will be getting it on time.” said DWSD regional director Ester Versoza. Landbank vice president and regional head Camilo Leyba explained that a mechanism is put into place for better servicing

to the clients. LBP, as the official depository and disbursing bank of the program, now allows for cash withdrawal through LBP cash cards. “ Before, cash cards are only used in Manila but this has been allowed for use in regional and provincial sites.” said Leyba. Recipients may withdraw their cash grant from LBP ATM machines and other CCT conduits like rural or cooperative banks, and telecommunication companies. This way, beneficiaries coming from distant barangays

need not wait for too long. LBP just asked for a week or a two after the money was transferred from the DSWD for accurate processing in their system. Leyba also assured the recipients that the cash card has no maintaining balance, unlike the regular ATM cards of the bank. The card is also not made for savings account, but rather intended for the CCT cash release. When one withdraws cash from any LBP ATM machine, no fee is charged for the service, Leyba clarified.

61 families affected in Dav Or flood

DAVCAO CITY Sept. 23 (PIA)-Sixty-one families in three barangays of Mati City , Province of Davao Oriental evacuated Thursday late afternoon due to flashflood brought by heavy rain. 42 Friday, September 23, 2011

61 families affected...from page 41

City Mayor Michelle Rabat immediately instructed for the evacuation of about 141 persons, settlers of Riverside Sudlon, Tambiling, and Bilawan. Six Houses built on stilts were totally

damaged while the rest are yet to be assessed and validated. Response teams like DREAMS, the City Engineers Office in coordination with other offices of the local government immediately

Piracy tackled in Maritime Week

extended assistance like transportation for the flashflood victims. Rabat ordered for the temporary evacuation of the victims at the City Cultural Center and also in the Sudlon Chapel. Food provisions were given out as immediate response and assistance of the local government to the victims. Mayor Rabat said she already ordered for the dispatch of the validation team ( DSWD and the City Engineering Office) for ocular inspection of the affected families and estimates to the damage to properties. (Mai Gevera-Macapagat)

by RG Alama

DAVAO CITY Sept. 23 (PIA)--The threat of piracy as a global menace will be tackled in the coming celebration of the 2011 National Maritime Week this coming September 24-30. Virgilio Armonia Sr. officer-in-charge of the Maritime Industry Authority or MARINA

said that piracy in Indian Ocean and Gulf Aden perpetrated by Somali pirates pose the greatest

risks to maritime shipping much particularly to Filipino seafarers which constitute 30% of the 43

Friday, September 23, 2011

Piracy tackled....from page 42 total seafaring labor force in the world. According to data, there 130 Filipino seafarers still held captive by Somali pirates after their ships were hijack by these pirates. Zenobia Caro, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief in Mindanao said that they have recorded at least one Filipino seaman from Region XI who was held captive by pirates but he has already been released. Caro bared additional data that as of September 5, 2011 there are 10,611 seafarers from the region of which 10,029 are male and 582 female. Captain Reynold Barber of the AgroIndustrial Foundation

Colleges of the Philippines said that despite threats of piracy, the numbers of Filipino seafarers are on the rise particularly students taking seamanrelated courses. He said that financial benefits of overseas seafaring far outweigh the costs of the dangers. An average Filipino seaman receives an average monthly salary of $1,500 while a ship captain has an average monthly compensation of $7,000 to $8,000 a month. For 2011 Filipino seafarers have contributed $3.8 billion to the Philippine economy through direct remittances. He said that safety training courses which addresssecuritysituations

Fishing industry on the rebound - BFAR

on ships are now being taught to seaman. Armonia said that the Philippines being a small country has contributed naval officers to the multi-nation antipiracy force led by the United States whose headquarters is based in Bahrain. The sending of these naval officers who can be tapped for their expertise is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contributions in the fight against piracy. M e a n w h i l e , Police Inspector Hazel Bacsarpa, administrative officer of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group says that the region has not recorded any piracy attacks. However the unit has provided sea marshalling to ships who had detected piracy threats in the region.

by Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; From the -2.8 percent drop of fish production in the country since the start of this year, the fishing industry is slowly bouncing back registering +4% towards the end of the year, an official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said. 44 Friday, September 23, 2011

Fishing industry....from page 43 BFAR assistant director for technical services Gil Adora said the apparent depletion of tuna catches in General Santos City due to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loss from the bilateral agreement with Indonesia to fish in Sulu Sea, has contributed to the decrease of fish production. Adora told the Philippine Information Agency that the reduction of fish catch was also due to the restrictions of fishing operations in two fish production areas in the Northern Pacific Ocean which close for three months every year. He also attributed the decrease to the damage caused by the typhoons to some of the aquaculture areas which are not yet fully rehabilitated. However, Adora claimed that the fishing industry is improving at a rate of +4%, owing to the government endeavors citing the seaweed

expansion in Mindanao and development of mariculture. He said that BFAR is investing much on providing assistance to seaweed productions in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Jolo, Zamboanga and Basilan. The agency is also cultivating expansion areas in non-traditional seaweed part of the country such as in Bicol Region, Northern Luzon and Visayas areas. For the improvement of mariculture products, BFAR has recently forged partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines which aims to optimize utilization of mariculture parks and promoting it as alternative livelihood for the fisherfolks in the countryside. Adora also noted a surplus in the production of bangus fish or milk fish which he considered as substitute to tuna for domestic consumption.

However, he bared that the country has opened new fishing areas being developed as tuna landing such as in Palawan, Mindoro, Surigao and Samar where tuna catches are increasing. From the private sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts, the BFAR official stated that tuna fishing companies are diversifying into aquaculture and mariculture production, citing products such as lapu-lapu, seaweeds, lobsters and crabs. He explained that mariculture is the exclusive production of marine products, while aquaculture involves production of both land and marine products. For the exportation of fishery products, Adora stated that they could only determine the state towards December yet. He said though that as of now the country maintains the international market of most fish catches.

Friday, September 23, 2011

DavSur guv enjoins city, town mayors in coastal cleanup drive DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Sept. 22 (PIA) – Si Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas nagmando sa tanang mga Mayor kansang lungsod ang adunay mga kabaybayunan lakip na ang syudad sa Digos sa pagsuporta ug pagtamod sa Global Coastal Cleanup Movement. Cagas issued Memorandum Circular No. 03-2011 on September 14 directing the concerned mayors to organize coastal clean-up activities in their respective areas this month in time for the observance of the National Clean Month. According to provincial information officer Nilda S. Aniñon, the governor has also urged in all sectors in the communities to participate in and support the clean-up undertakings of their respective local officials. Aside from Digos City, ten municipalities

are set at the coastal area of the province to include Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Sulop, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani Island. There are 14 municipalities in Davao del Sur. Aniñon said the governor has further instructed the mayors to comply with the Coordinator Report Form of 2011 International Cleanup as a requirement for every Local Government Unit to submit to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources

Office (PENRO-LGU) by end of this month. PENRO-LGU will send a consolidated report to the International Coastal Cleanup Philippine Coordinator in Quezon City, she stated. The month of September has been declared the National Cleanup Month under Presidential Proclamation No. 244, carrying this year’s theme “Trash-Free Seas.” The Global Coastal Cleanup Movement, meanwhile, was issued under Presidential Proclamation No. 470. (Carina L. Cayon)

Energy tops Mindanao business sector’s policy agenda nsuring dependable power generation capacity emerges as among the top priorities the Mindanao business community wanted addressed in the coming years to keep up with the surging demand and prevent supply shortfall.

Friday, September 23, 2011

46 45

Energy tops ....from page 45

The consensus was contained in the policy agenda that came out as the Mindanao business sector’s policy recommendations at the recently concluded 20thMindanao Business Conference in Pagadian City . The policy agenda was presented to Mindanao D e v e l o p m e n t Authority (MinDA) chair Luwalhati Antonino, who represented President Aquino at the largest annual gathering of business and industry leaders in Mindanao . The business sector has strongly pointed out the need for a concrete energy plan for Mindanao , in light of the increasing demand and the projected energy supply shortfall if power generation capacities are not sufficiently readied. In its earlier economic report, MinDA has noted that 46

power generation was among the top investments in Mindanao last year but the expected power generation capacities need to be scaled up to keep pace with the island’s required capacity. Mindanao ’s power generation has been steadily increasing at an average annual growth rate of 4.7% from 2002-2009. But in the second quarter of 2010, the average and peaking capabilities of Mindanao ’s main source, the hydropower plants dropped to 771 MW and 860 MW, respectively, resulting to 4-6 hours daily brownouts. The average capability was at its lowest during the height of summer months last year when it dropped by about 90%. The huge dependence of Mindanao to its hydropower sources

has rendered it vulnerable to power shortages during dry seasons. The Department of Energy projected that demand would increase by an average of 4.6% annually, topping 2.2 GWH in 2020 and 3.5 GWH in 2030. To meet and sustain this demand, at least 1,000MW new capacities must be installed in the next 10 years and still another 1,500MW from 2021-2030. “Given the challenges we face with the current generation capacity, we need to embrace diversification of our power sources but geared towards the use of clean, renewable and indigenous sources of power to minimize costs attendant to importation, foreign exchange risks, and environmental impacts,” the MinDA statements read. (MinDA)

Friday, September 23, 2011

NBI 12 cites role in anti - human trafficking

by OTSudaria

he National Bureau of Investigation, region 12 (NBI 12) disclosed its breakthrough in combating human trafficking in the region as the lead government entity in the Regional Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (RIACAT). In his presentation during the Philippine Information Agency - led Forum on Anti-Drug Courier and Anti-Human Trafficking held at the Central Mindanao Colleges, this city, on September 22, NBI 12 supervising agent Timotheo Rejano said he lectured to five would-be victims of human trafficking who were applying for clearances about second week of September of this year. Rejano further said the five Maguindanaoan minors were seeking overseas employment jobs as domestic helpers in a middle eastern country. He pointed out that NBI 12 is trying its best in protecting women and children from becoming human trafficking victims. 48 Friday, September 23, 2011

NBI XII ....from page 47 He also revealed that on September 5, a registered nurse from Koronadal City filed a complaint with their office against a POEA licensed Online Hiring Agency for changing her employment from a private nurse to domestic helper. According to Rejano, she escaped from a safe house in the Davao City where other 30 people were staying under inhuman condition In addition, Rejano related another incident on July 21, 2011 at NBI 12 where 44 women mostly minors from Pagalungan, Maguindanao were carrying questionable birth certificates. The women who were promised work in Kuwait as domestic helpers, according to Rejano, were accompanied by one Norudin Kusain who confessed to be a police civilian agent. He said Kusain carried a .380 pistol and one caliber .45 pistol which had papers issued by local po48

lice but had no permit to carry them outside his residence The NBI supervising agent said Kusain was charged of illegal recruitment, anti-human trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. The women were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, region 12, he declared. Rejano noted that one violator ot the antitrafficking law was convicted in Sultan Kudarat on December 28, 2010 where the perpetrator was sentenced for qualified trafficking with the penalty of life imprsonment and Php 2 million fines. In the same forum, Rhodelia Mandolado of the Commission on Human Rights, region 12, Koronadal City, explained the salient features of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. which institutes government policies to eliminate trafficking in

person especially women and children. The law, she said, establishes the necessary mechanisms to protect and support trafficked persons, and provides penalties for violators. Mandolado pointed out that the elements of anti-trafficking in persons act of 2003 involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, or harboring or receipt of persons; done with or without the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consent or knowledge and done within or across national boundaries. It is committed by means of threat or use of force, or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of a person having actual control over another person, she continued. Mandolado added that it is done for the purpose of exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery, and removal or sale of organs or other similar acts. Friday, September 23, 2011

Police director aims at operations readiness of forces, vows to enforce discipline by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, Sept 23 (PIA) -- Police senior superintendent Randolph Delfin, the new police provincial director of South Cotabato assured the public that his administration is on the right track in ensuring security of the entire province. In a recent meeting with the press at the provincial capitol, Delfin announced that he is now focusing on strengthening the operational readiness and restoring discipline among members of the police force under his leadership. “As I promised during the meeting with the POC, I will give priority to security concerns,” he said. “So, almost every night I’ve been conducting inspections of our police stations to check on the operational readiness of our policemen.” On Wednesday, Delfin started his unannounced visits and inspections at the municipal police station of Sto.Niño at 1:00 a.m. Sto.Niño town is about 30 kilometers from the provincial headquarters in Koronadal City. He then proceeded

Friday, September 23, 2011

to police stations in Norala, Surallah, and Banga municipalities. At about 4:30 a.m., he arrived at Koronadal City to check on his men at the city police station. He said he has already covered all the entire province in his first six days in office as police director. One of his first order is to increase police visibility, especially at night time “to eliminate carnapping and to allay public apprehensions that South Cotabato is not safe.” Aside from ensuring security of the province, Delfin said, he is also give importance to resolving problems regarding loose firearms and youth offenders. “We will also give emphasis to our Pamilya Laban sa Droga program and strengthen coordina-

tion with communities for our objective to control the presence of drug,” he added. During the meeting, Delfin confirmed that the is strict and a disciplinarian but pointed out that he disciplines his men by example. “Showing your people that you can do what you ask them to do is of primary importance,” he said. “No official has the right to caution and order his men if he himself cannot do what he asked them to do.” Just recently, he placed a policeman under investigation for not wearing uniform while on duty. Delfin said his men cannot complain of him giving so much responsibilities because he himself will be actively participate in every activity.

LGU North Cotabato sets new direction in engineering services

by OTSudaria

AMAS, Kidapawan City, September 23 (PIA) -- The local government unit of North Cotabato has adopted what it considers an efficient – based mode of maximizing equipment and manpower in the repair and maintenance of roads especially in the hinterlands of the province. This move came after North Cotabato governor Emmylou Talino – Mendoza ordered the thorough inspection and inventory of all the engineering equipment of the provincial government and thereof decided to create three engineering fleets to cover three engineering districts. A maximized output is an expected outcome from the move which will also conserve on fuel cost, provincial engineer Antonio Debelos said. Debelos disclosed that the first 50

of the three engineering districts covers the municipalities of Pigcawan, Libungan, Midsayap, Alamada, Aleosan and Pikit; the second comprises of Makilala, Kidapawan City, Magpet, Pres. Roxas, Antipas and Arakan while the third includes Banisilan, Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, Mlang and Tulunan. On the other hand, asphalting and concreting which is scheduled till the end of 2011 will be covered by another fleet, Debelos added. Meanwhile, Governor Talino-Mendo-

za ordered the strict implementation of provincial ordinance No. 410, article E – the imposition of tax on sand, gravel, and other quarry resources. She demanded the collection of tax from mineral or sand based on the program of works from the Department of Public Works and Highways, National Irrigation Administration and the provincial government. The governor said she will not hesitate to impose the necessary sanctions to violators. Friday, September 23, 2011

OWWA invites OFWs to avail of livelihood assistance

by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA 12) is inviting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to avail of its livelihood assistance. OWWA 12 Regional Director Abdulgani Umag said the Balik-Pinay Balik Hanap-buhay program, which it implements with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is open to former and returning OFWs who wish to develop income generating projects as option to working abroad. Umag said program is an offering of the Philippine government to encourage OFWs to return

Friday, September 23, 2011

and stay in the country for good. He added, any OFW whether document, illegal, or repatriated may avail of assistance amounting to as much as P10,000. Being a member of OWWA is not a requirement. Aside from financial assistance, OWWA and DOLE also help the recipients with equipment requirements and training on managing their businesses. Initially the pro-

gram was offered to distressed female OFWs but its coverage has been expanded to include male OFWs. Those who would like to avail of Balik-Pinay BalikHanap-buhay assistance may enrol at the public employment desk in their municipality or city. Umag reported that they have already extended livelihood assistance to at least 20 women OFWs in Soccsksargen region.

Friday, September 23, 2011