CONTENTS OUR COVER Pa`
NATIONAL
• Filipino-Japanese children surprise Aquino with
wish of good health and success Today’s cover • Palace welcomes latest poll indicating Aquino has features the regained ‘very good’ net satisfaction rating
Puerto- Sarye Flyover
in Brgy. Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City
Photo credit:
cagayandeorodev.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 Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
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SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • MARINA Celebrates National Maritime Week • Tagum-made School fixtures donated to Kapalong • BPO company promotes IT to local studes • Davao City sees P20-M savings in garbage-to-power technology • Talaingod IPs benefit from community outreach convergence
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • South Cotabato stays pat on implementation of environment code • DOST 12 inihayag ang pagbubukas ng dalawang scholarship program • Soccsksargen celebrates RDC week
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • GSIS updates members of their benefits • DSWD-Caraga gears up for Elderly Filipino Week celebration • Surigao City celebrates Nat’l Tourism Week, World Tourism Day • Clean Airwaves Committee partners with Butuan media to campaign for ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ program • Revived Surigao media club elects new set officers
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • Dipolog, Dapitan, Zambo. Norte schools divisions ready for NCAE • Maltreated female OFWs get assistance from OWWA • DENR nag-implementar pagpatitulo sa yuta uban sa kaabag sa LGUs • ZNPPO/Roxas MPS mipahigayon ug lecture kabahin sa Crime Prevention
Northern Mindanao • VP Binay to lead Pabahay Caravan in Regions 10 and 13 • Erring employers face charges for violation of the PagIBIG Fund Law • MOSCAT students initiate pick-a-trash program • DOTC mihatag na sa ‘go signal’ aron pagtrabaho sa Laguindingan Airport ipadayon
Monday, September 26, 2011
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Filipino-Japanese
children surprise Aquino with wish of good health and success ilipino-Japanese children wish President Benigno S.
Aquino III good health to enable him to fulfill his goal of achieving a better future for the Filipino citizenry and the entire country as a whole.
Monday, September 26, 2011
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Filipino-Japanese.....from page 3
The children’s wish for the President was just one of many contained in the Box of Tanzaku (meaning wishes and dreams) which they presented to the Chief executive during his attendance at a gathering with the Filipino community on Sunday at the main auditorium of the Japan Education Center here. The President, who arrived here at the start of his fourday official working visit, personally received the Box of Tanzaku from the Filipino-Japanese chil-
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dren represented by three boys and three girls which highlighted the event. Aside from their wish for the Chief Executive, the box also contained the children’s dreams for themselves and the future of the Filipino children. During the program, the FilipinoJapanese children also feted President Aquino with a cultural presentation showcasing their terpsichorean talents to the delight of the President, his official delegation and
over 500 members of the Filipino community who attended the gathering. According to the Philippine Embassy here, there are an estimated 250,000 Filipino overseas workers in various parts of Japan and 30,614 of them are in Tokyo. In his message, the President shared his optimism with the Filipino community in Japan and urged them to represent the Philippines as ambassadors of goodwill to their host country. (RSDA)
Palace welcomes latest poll indicating Aquino has regained ‘very good’ net satisfaction rating he latest survey showing that President Benigno S. Aquino III has regained “very good” net satisfaction rating is an indication that majority of Filipinos are experiencing the positive changes in the country, a Palace official said on Monday. 4
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Palace welcomes.....from page 4
“In the most recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations from September 4 to 7, the President’s net satisfaction rating increased by ten points to +56 from +46 in June, enough for an upgrade in classification from “Good” to “Very Good,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday. According to the survey, 70 percent of respondents are satisfied with the President’s performance as opposed to the 14 percent dissatisMonday, September 26, 2011
fied. Lacierda said, “This is further evidence that the overwhelming majority of Filipinos who choose to keep open minds are clearly getting the President’s message; and that they are experiencing the positive changes in this country.” “We express our gratitude to the Filipino people for treading with us the straight and narrow path, believing and acting upon a singular idea: Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” he said. Malacanang welcomed the favorable re-
sults of the SWS survey, attributing it to the present administration’s continuing efforts to remain focus on the eradication of corruption and the alleviation of poverty, according to Lacierda. He noted, “We are aware that survey numbers have a tendency to vary from quarter to quarter, and assure the Filipinos that while we welcome these favorable results, we remain focused on our duties to our bosses—to alleviate poverty, to eradicate corruption, and to ultimately raise the quality of life of each Filipino.” (JS) 5
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Monday, September 26, 2011
TOKYO, Japan – Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is warmly welcomed upon arrival at the Japan Education Center for a meeting with the Filipino community at the main auditorium Sunday evening (September 25). The President is on a four-day official working visit in Japan. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Malacaùang Photo Bureau). Monday, September 26, 2011
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MARINA Celebrates National Maritime Week
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by Louie Lapat & Edwin Lasquite
he Maritime Industry Authority along with its partners in the government, private and academe celebrates the National Maritime Week adopting the theme “Piracy Orchestrating the Response”
M A R I N A administrator Emerson M. Lorenzo, CESO V in a press statement said that “the theme is both timely and relevant to the Philippines noting
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that the Philippines at this point in time supplies more than a quarter of qualified, competent and certified seafarers for the international seaborne trade.”
He added, that “with this number, Filipino seafarers are among those nationals most vulnerable to piracy attacks.” The Maritime 9 Monday, September 26, 2011
MARINA Celebrates....from page 8 Industry Authority already started expressing its concern over the piracy incidents with Filipinos being held captive by Pirates. Noting that 30% of all seafarers around the world are Filipinos MARINA continues to attach itself to the issue of piracy and armed robbery against ships. MARINA has been supportive to various efforts of the industry, particularly with the holding of a national symposium on Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships whish
spearheaded by the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Institutions Incorporated (PAMTCI) and the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Institutions (PAMI). As host of this year’s national celebration, the Maritime Industry Authority always considered the Filipino seafarers as the country’s sailing ambassadors and important partners for the national growth and development. Remitting a total of US$ 3.8 billion in 2010 to the government coffers,
Tagum-made School fixtures donated to Kapalong
our Filipino seafarers need now an urgent and timely intervention from the global maritime community for the protection of their general well-being. The celebration also includes activities geared towards the promotion of the potentials of other sectors of maritime industry such as: the overseas shipping, domestic shipping, seafarers, ship building, ship repair and ship breaking and the manning agents.
by Louie Lapat
KAPALONG, DAVAO DEL NORTE - At least one hundred twelve (112) pieces of armchairs and one hundred (100) desks fabricated by the Local Government of Tagum from the bulk of confiscated hot logs were officially turned-over September 23, 2011 to a local elementary school here which teachers here believe could help boost the delivery of quality education and improve their students’ performance. 10 Monday, September 26, 2011
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Tagum-made School....from page 9
Big smiles and warm welcome greeted Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy upon his arrival at Sampao Elementary School in Municipality of Kapalong who personally evaluated the condition of the desks and armchairs of the said school prior to the start of the official turn-over ceremony. Mayor Uy expressed the need for a good desks and chairs to fuel the interest of the children to do better in their schooling, a thing which Municipal Mayor Edgardo L. Timbol of Kapalong agreed upon. It only took one text message to Mayor Uy by the school principal, Mr. Justo Villaber to request the delivery of the school fixtures which impressed the latter. “Wala gyud mi
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naglisod ug request, pasalamat mi sa kinasing-kasing na tabang ni Mayor Uy,” (we didn’t have a hard time requesting we thank Mayor Uy’s sincere help) Mr. Villaber stressed. Mayor Uy also brought around forty (40) desks to Tagum Motorpool’s Fabrication from the said school which will need minor repairs. In his talk with the media, Mayor Uy said this is part of Tagum’s “social responsibility” thus the city under his leadership led the massive payback through investing in the education of students in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte through its fabrication of armchairs, desks and tables. Uy said his administration is
targeting to fabricate six thousand to eight thousand armchairs out from the hot logs donated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at the end of 2011 which will help ease the problem of lack of chairs in the schools. “Dako ang atong pasalamat kay Mayor Uy sa iyang gihatag karong buntaga…kini dako gyud ug tabang sa pag-eskwela sa amoang mga bata diri,” (a big thanks to Mayor Uy for what he has given this morning, this is a big help to the schooling of the kids here) Mayor Timbol quipped. This was the third wave of the distribution of school fixtures following Talaingod in Davao del Norte and in Laak in Compostela Valley.
Monday, September 26, 2011
BPO company promotes IT to local studes
by RG Alama
DAVAO CITY --An Information Technology (IT) Caravan is set to be launched with pit stops in selected learning institutions in Davao City. Concentrix Institute (CXI) a subsidiary of Concentrix Corporation, one of the major Business Process Outsourcing companies in Davao City is organizing the said caravan which has visited Ateneo de Davao University (held last Sept. 22) and is scheduled to visit Jose Maria College this October 4 A two-hour lecture will be the main highlight of the visit and will involve the use of routers and internet connections particularly the Cisco Connection
Center (CCC) system. A Cisco systems senior technical trainer from CxI will be among the guest speakers during the caravan. CxI aims to promote knowledge-sharing and raising awareness in IT certification among students, the IT caravan has been an integral part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. CxL is the leading training solutions provider for IT certification courses particularly Cisco Systems Certified
Network Associate Refresher’s Course and Networking Essentials. The CxI is inviting universities, colleges and schools offering IT courses and also IT departments of private companies and government agencies to take part in the IT caravan by signing up and scheduling a visit from the CxI tech squad. For inquiries interested parties may contact Catherine Astudillo at (082) 235-5097 or email her at catherine. astudillo@concentrix. com
Davao City sees P20-M savings in garbage-to-power technology
by Mai Gevera-Macapagat
DAVAO CITY Sept. 26 (PIA) – The city government of Davao could save to more than P20 million a year if it allows a German firm to handle waste products and convert those into energy source. 12 Monday, September 26, 2011
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Davao City sees....from page 11 City Environment anjd Natural Resources Joey Felizarta told the Davao media in Monday’s Kapehan sa SM that the city council has just signed a memorandum of understanding with the private firm to adopt Herhof Technology in the city. “ We are optimistic that this MOU will finally be formalized and signed because the company promises zero waste.� , Felizarta said. The official estimates a savings on the part of the LGU of about P20 million per year if the sanitary landfill will no longer be functioning as dumping site. Aside from that,
the city government will also get a share of 2 percent from the net income after tax of the said company. This is about P100 million a year in taxes. Herhof proposed to build a P1-billion waste-to-energy plant without any financial counterpart from the local government. The city council before passing a resolution authorizing Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio to negotiate with the company, amended some points stated in the MOU. The local government prohibits Herhof to get waste products from neighboring towns and cities as this could turn
Talaingod IPs benefit from community outreach convergence
Davao as a dumping site. The MOU also clearly states that it is not mandatory for the city to come up with 1,000 tons of waste as previously required by the company. Rather, it will have to stick to building just one plant and add another if the waste volume grows in the future. The existing sanitary landfill may still be used but for a different function, could be for composting or an eco-green plant. CENRO still retains its no segregation, no collection policy even if the new technology is implemented.
by Noel Baguio
TALAINGOD DAVAO DEL NORTE- Over a thousand indigenous people in the tribal town of Talaingod received medical care and other basic social services during a civic mission of the Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development. 13 12
Monday, September 26, 2011
Talaingod IPs....from page 12 The community health and social services outreach program held on September 23, 2011 brought essential government services right at the doorstep of the impoverished tribal community, more than 60 kilometers away from the Capital City of Tagum. Doctors, health workers and frontline personnel of the provincial government, as well as, the elements of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and the DavNor Provincial Police Office, worked hand in hand in providing free medical check-up, medicines, dental services, minor surgery, circumcision, among other services. Supplemental feeding, toothbrushes and slippers were given to the tribal children, while a tree planting activity was held at the Cabadiangan Elementary School. The civic mission in Cabadiangan was the fourth leg of a series
Monday, September 26, 2011
of community outreach activities of the convergence initiative, which aims to widen the access of farflung and depressed communities to basic health and social services towards attaining lasting peace and sustainable development. Tribal Leader Datu Ombini Ayumpad expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the provincial government for holding the outreach program, which he said was the first time ever that was held in their highland community. “Daghan kaayong salamat sa dakong hinabang,” the lumad chieftain said, relating how his people badly needed the services. He asked the government to make available some of the services, particularly the medicines to their distant community on a daily basis. Lumad dancers performed the “Bangkakaw” Dance to
welcome the organizers led by Vice Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr., who represented Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario. It was the first time that the governor was not able to attend a convergence outreach activity due to some equally important matters. Also gracing the activity were Mayor Basilio Libayao, 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Lyzander Suerte, 60th IB commander Lt. Col. Greg. Almerol, DNPPO Deputy Chief PSupt. Jessie Estrada and Provincial Board Members Shirley Aala, Dr. Daniel Lu, Antonio Lagunzad and Atty. Joey Millan. OIC Provincial Administrator Norma Lumain further led the Capitol executives in implementing the activity. The crowd were also entertained by the live music and magic tricks performed by the 1003rd Band.
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South Cotabato stays pat on implementation of environment code
by Dani Doguiles
outh Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said his administration will implement the South Cotabato Environment Codethat the previous provincial board passed last year.
“As the governor of this province, I have to implement the ordinance. There will be no open-pit mining operation in the province of South Cotabato unless and until this ordinance will be nullified by the proper court,” Gov. Pingoy declared. Pingoy made the
statement on Friday after the presentation of the Sagittarius Mines Inc.’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the opposing view of the Social Action Center (SAC) of the Diocese of Marbel at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, this city.
The gymnasium was fully packed to its capacity of 7,000. Hundreds more stayed outside the venue and viewed the proceedings via a widescreen. Pingoy said he organized the public forum to provide SMI with the opportunity to informed about the 15
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Monday, September 26, 2011
South Cotabato....from page 14 planned mining activity and its possible effects to be able make an informed decision. He said as the chief executive of the province it is his responsibility to make all materials and correct information as to the results of the multi-billion Tampakan copper-gold project of SMI on the environment and the people available to his constituents. “The unified stand to protect our province is well-grounded because this is our province, our home, and our posterity,” he said. At the public consultation, experts hired by SMI presented their plans open-pit extraction of copper and gold from the Tampakan project site as well as the measures they have planned to mitigate the effects of their operations to land, water, air, human and other resources. They also presented their commitments to protect the environment and the resources
in the area. The EIA is an requirement before SMI can be issued Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With the help of Clive Wicks, co-author of the book “Philippines: Mining or Food” and a consultant of World Bank on mining, the SAC and those opposed to the mining operations presented the possibility of environmental damage in case mitigating measures such as the project’s drainage system facility to be built in Kiblawan town, Davao del Sur will fail. They also pointed out that SMI’s operation could threaten food security in the province. “The project could damage agriculture, the lake downstream...and increase risk to flooding,” Wicks said. In response, Elvie Grace Ganchero, SMI corporate community and sustainability de-
partment manager, assured the public that SMI will employ the highest mitigating standards to prevent catastrophes. She said they are strictly following international standards in every facility that they will build. In an interview with a local radio station, Vice Gov. Elmo Tolosa said several aspects of the project still concerns him. Among these is the fact that the mining site sits along several fault lines that may cause major damage in case an earthquake occurs. He is also concerned with the project’s use of water resources that he said will surely compete with the use by residents in the province and those who utilize the water provided by the watershed. SMI experts confirmed that during operations, SMI will be using 908 liters of water per second. 16
Monday, September 26, 2011
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South Cotabato....from page 15 They said most of the water they will use will be from rainfall and from its water recycling facility. However, those opposed to the project pointed out that no law prohibits the mining firm from unrestricted use of water from sources within their project site once they are give the rights to mine. In June 2010,
South Cotabato’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan under the leadership of then Gov. (now 2nd Districr Representative) Daisy Avance-Fuentes, passed the Provincial Environment Code, which among others prohibits open-pit mining method. SMI, a subsidiary of the Australia-based mining giant Xtrata, plans to start extracting
copper and gold from the Tampakan project site in 2016 by openpit mining method. According to reports, the Tampakan deposit represents the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposit in South East Asia – Western Pacific Region. Estimates say it has 2.4 billion tons of copper and gold deposits.
DOST 12 inihayag ang pagbubukas ng dalawang scholarship program by Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 26 (PIA) – Inaanyayahan ng Department of Science and Technology Region 12 (DOST 12) ang lahat na mga mga mag-aaral sa ika-apat na taon sa high school na samantalahin ang dalawang scholarship program sa kolehiyo na binuksan ng tanggapan. Tinukoy ni DOST 12 regional director Zenaida Laidan ang scholarship programs na ang Merit Scholarship Program at ang S & T Scholarship Program sa ilalim ng Republic Act 7687. Ang mga natur-
ang scholarship program at bukas sa mga graduating students na napapabilang sa top 5 ng kanilang klase at nagnanais kumuha ng kursong may kinalaman sa agham at teknolohiya. Ang S & T Scholar-
ship program ay para lamang sa mga mga anak ng mahihirap samantalang ang Merit program ay bukas sa lahat at hindi kinokonsidera ang katayuan ng pamilya. Ang mga scholars ng DOST sa ilalim ng 17
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Monday, September 26, 2011
DOST 12 inihayag....from page 16 dalawang programa ay makikinabang sa libreng tuition at subsidiya sa iba pang school fees, book allowance, at buwanang allowance. Inaanyayahan ang mga interesadong mag-aaral na makipag-ugnayan lamang sa pinakalamalapit na Provincial S & T Center para sa application form at mga requirements. Ang huling araw ng pagsumite ng application form ay sa ika-21 ng Oktubre, 2011. Sa ika-20 ng Nobyembre naman
ang synchronized nationwide exam. Sa rehiyon Dose, nakatakdang isagawa ang eksamin sa sumusunod na paaralan: University Laboratory School-University of Southern Mindanao sa Kabacan, North Cotabato; Notre Dame University sa Cotabato City; Mindanao State University sa General Santos City; Notre Dame of Marbel University sa Koronadal City; at sa Sultan Kudarat State University sa Tacurong City.
Soccsksargen celebrates RDC week
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon maaari tumawag sa DOST-12 office sa telephone number (064) 421-6908 at (0644212711. Maari ring tumawag sa mga provincial S & T center sa mga susumunod na numbero: (083) 5547997 para sa Sarangani at General Santos; (083) 228-2342 sa South Cotabato; (064) 200-3521 sa Sultan Kudarat; and (064) 248-2112 sa North Cotabato.
by Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen region’s Regional Development Council (RDC) is celebrating RDC Week from September 27 to 29. Information from the office of Economic and Development Authority Regional Director Teresita Socorro Ramos said a tree planting will kick off
the three-day activity tomorrow. This will immediately be followed by a sportsfest to be played by executives led by RDC chair and General Santos City
Mayor Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio. Games include popular childhood plays such tug-ofwar, takyan, holen, trompo, jack’s stone, shatong, and tumba 18
Monday, September 26, 2011
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Soccskasargen celebrates....from page 17
lata. Highlight of the RDC Week celebration is the conduct of a People’s Day on September 28 at the Koronadal City Hall at Brgy Carpenter Hill where several medical , dental, legal and employment services can be availed of. Medical services cover general consultation, referrals, and provision of medicines while dental services include tooth extraction at first-comefirst –served basis, depending on the availability of anaesthesia. Those who are looking for employment may also benefit from a jobs fair which will include recruitment for foreign and local jobs, and attendant services like appli-
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cation for SSS, tax identification number, Philhealth, NBI clearance, and NSO documents. The regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and Department of Agrarian Reforms will also conduct consultations regarding land titling while the Public Attorney’s Office shall also provide legal assistance. Land Transportation Office will also conduct a seminar on driving for driver applicants. A major activity during the People’s Day is the launching of the Soccsksargen region’s Regional Development Plan 2011 – 2016 . Agriculture Sec-
retary Proceso Alcala and Mindanao Development Authority chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino are expected to grace the People’s Day. The RDC week culmination program on September 28 at the South Cotabato Protech Center will also feature a culture and arts showcase to be coordinated by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This year’s celebration theme is “Kilos Abante Rehiyon Dose: Tao Sentro ng Plano.” Soccsksargen region or Region 12 covers the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.
Monday, September 26, 2011
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GSIS updates members of their benefits
by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
he Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) conducted recently a seminar-cum dialogue on the updates on GSIS benefits and programs, and pre-retirement counseling.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
Monday, September 26, 2011
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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GSIS updates...from page 19 GSIS Regional Manager Mamole A. Pangandaman informed the Agency Authorize Officers (AAO) and other participants that GSIS has made ways to make their transactions easier and faster for the convenience of their members such as deployment of additional GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@PS) in all major government offices, city halls, and provincial capitols nationwide.
Aside from installing additional GW@PS Kiosk, GSIS partners with Land Bank of the Philippines(LBP) as an additional servicing bank for its members. GSIS and LBP signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to accommodate services to GSIS pensioners like opening a savings account and providing an automated teller machine (ATM) services to GSIS members. Mamole clarified
that GSIS members do not necessarily need to transfer from Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) to LBP. Having LBP is just an option for the members to choose from the two banks (LBP and Union Bank) that offers services to the pensioners. Those pensioners who keep their existing savings account with the UBP can still use the GSIS eCard to transact business with GSIS.
DSWD-Caraga gears up for Elderly Filipino Week celebration
BUTUAN CITY, Set. 26 (PIA) – In line with Proclamation No. 470 declaring every first week of October as “Lingo ng Nakatatandang Pilipino” or Elderly Filipino Week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga has lined-up activities to see to it that the senior citizens here will enjoy the week-long activity. During the special meeting of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC), Golda V. Pocon, DSWD-Caraga SWO IV/ Head of the Standards Unit said the DSWD to-
gether with its partner agencies will join the Hataw Exercise to be spearheaded by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) as part of the opening ceremony to be conducted at the Bu-
tuan City Hall Grounds. Pocon also said joining with OSCA’s opening ceremony for the Elderly Filipino Week celebration is a way of getting other agencies involved in the celebration. “Why 21
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Monday, September 26, 2011
DSWD-Caraga gears......from page 20
don’t we converge with OSCA’s Hataw? Anyway we are celebrating the same celebration”, said Pocon. Moreover, DSWDCaraga and RIAC-SC members will spearhead an activity called “Da-
lawKalinga and Visit to the Visitorless, Indigent, Sick Older Prisoners (VISO)” on October 5. Pocon said they are going to visit elderlies at Por Cristo Home for the Abandoned Elderly which is situated in Barangay
Surigao City celebrates Nat’l Tourism Week, World Tourism Day
Abilan, Buenavista, Agusandel Norte. This year’s Elderly Filipino Week celebration has a theme: “Nakatatanda: Gabay, Tulay, Kaagapay at BantayTungosaKaunlaran”. (MRA)
by Fryan E. Abkilan
SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) –- After successfully attracting more tourists and visitors to visit Surigao City, the city government celebrates National Tourism Week on Sept. 25-30 and World Tourism Day on Sept. 28, with this year’s theme “Tourism Linking Cultures.” 22 Monday, September 26, 2011
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Surigao City celebrates.....from page 21
This morning, a motorcade in the major thoroughfares of the city marked the beginning of the celebration spearheaded by the City Tourism Office and Surigao City Tourism Council. It was followed by a short presentation of Tourism Excellence Award to several tourism enterprises of the city and the awarding of Special
tions Officer Roselyn Armida Merlin said part of the series of activities is a video showing of city’s tourism attractions to the different schools starting on Sept. 27. On Sept. 28-29, Merlin said a planning workshop will be conducted for the formulaThanks and Recognition tion of the city’s Tourism (STAR) Award to the Bo- Development Plan. nok-Bonok Festival 2011 working committees. The simple ceremony was held in front of the city hall building and was graced by Department of Tourism-13 Regional Director Leticia Tan, City Vice-Mayor Danilo Menor and Councilor Jose Begil, Jr. Sr. Tourism Opera-
Clean Airwaves Committee partners with Butuan media to campaign for ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ program
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) – In line with the implementation of the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program led by the city government headed by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr, the Clean Airwaves Committee chaired by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga Regional Director Abner Caga has partnered with the local tri-media here in the campaign for the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program.
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Monday, September 26, 2011
Clean Airwaves Committee ...from page 22
Said committee proposed to the city government to hold an Orientation/Forum with the local tri-media as participants on the existing laws/ordinances related to Climate Change, environment being the rationale for the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ come October 2011. The forum will serve as a venue for the media to express their commitment of support to the program. The forum will also make them well-versed on laws governing environmenMonday, September 26, 2011
tal protection and solid waste management with speakers coming from this field of expertise. Covenant signing between media and the city government is also part of the committee’s plan after the conduct of said forum with the media is done. Accordingly, this will strengthen more the partnership between the city government and the local tri-media. Also, Dir. Caga expressed that PIA has been supporting and disseminating information on the program
from the very start of its inception in coordination with Ms. Ruth Jugao, City Economic Enterprise and Development Office (CEEDO) Manager and over-all coordinator for the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program. Meanwhile, a luncheon press conference will also be conducted on Wednesday, September 28 at Dottie’s Place Hotel, this city. Chairpersons in the working committees will be presenting their plans and activities in line with the said program. 23
Revived Surigao media club elects new set officers
by Vanessa L. Almeda
SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) - After several years in hiatus, the Surigao Press and Radio Club (SPRC) is back and rearing to go forward.
On Sept. 24, Saturday, veteran broadcasters and journalists in the city gathered to elect the new set of officers for the revival of one of the oldest press clubs in Mindanao at the BG & C coffee shop, a local coffee shop here. The new roster of officers are: President Nathaniel “Natz” C. Corbeta, editor and publisher of Karaga News Central; vice president for Broadcast Mario “Mar” Semorlan; VP for Print Eugenio “Jun” Lira; Secretary Jamar Gavino; Treasurer Cheryl “Pinky” Visenio; Au-
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ditor Joselito “Jun” Ramirez; PIO Vanessa L. Almeda; Board of Directors Rolando “Lando” Sindo, Romy Remion, Carl Lafuente and Prudencio “Boy Power” Portuguese. SPRC President Natz Corbeta said it’s really high time to revitalize the once respected media group in the province. “This is our time to take the cudgel of responsibility as professional journalists in our beloved Surigao. Responsible journalism is a must dictum for all of us practicing media’,” said Corbeta. “We are going to
project and establish a non-partisan, non-political approach in order for us to be more credible in bringing true and unbiased news and information to the Surigaonons and to our country,” Corbeta added. The group has also designated local historian and journalist Fernando A. Almeda Jr., Nonoy Lerio of Goldstar Daily and Rodrigo Catoto of Agusan Surigao Enquirer as its advisers. The Surigao media club is already on its 43rd year having been established on April 1968.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Dipolog, Dapitan, Zambo. Norte schools divisions ready for NCAE
T by Franklin P. Gumapon
he three schools divisions of the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan and the province of Zamboanga del Norte are now ready for the conduct of the National Career Assessment Examinations (NCAE) to all third year high schools in public and private schools on Sept. 28.
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Dipolog, Dapitan...from page 25 “NCAE test questionnaires are now with these schools divisions and are ready for distribution to all public and private secondary schools in the area,” said Education Supervisor Pergentino Yabres of the Dipolog City division in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) recently. It was also learned that starting this school year the Department of Education (DepED) would be giving the NCAE to all third year high school students in both public and secondary schools nationwide. However, any graduating high school student who is applying for scholarship programs offered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) can take the said examination provided that he/ she belongs to the top 10 percent of the graduating class, has a general average grade of at least 80 percent in third year and comes from a family whose gross annual income is not more than P300.000. He/she is also required to submit a letter of intent signed by his/her parents signifying his/her interest in applying for CHED/TESDA scholarship. NCAE is also open to other interested fourth year high school students, out-of-schoolyouth (OSY) and Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) passers. The results of the NCAE will help determine the interest and career inclination of the student whether he/she
would fit in technicalvocational programs, entrepreneurial or a college education course. When asked why the NCAE is now given to third year high school students, DepED Secretary Armin Luistro said: “We deem it better to administer the NCAE to third year high school students to give them sufficient time for comprehensive career guidance before they enter the tertiary level.” Luistro also explained that the result of the NCAE would serve as a guide to the parents and students “on what career track is best to take after high school graduation.” He, however, made it clear that “the NCAE is not mandatory but recommendatory.”
Maltreated female OFWs get assistance from OWWA by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) – Female former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who were maltreated by their employers abroad, are the target beneficiaries of the Balik Pinay Balik Hanap-Buhay program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration now being implemented all over the region. 27 26
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Maltreated Famale....from page 26 OWWA IX Chief Fauzia Amilasan said the program aims to give alternative livelihood to victims of abuse by their employers. She said most of the OFW returnees have no fall back so they need to implement such program. “We’ll teach them how to start their own business, depending on their interests”, Amila-
san said. Amilasan said they will offer various trainings that will suit the needs of the beneficiaries which include handicraft, décor and ornament-making, sewing, and cosmetology among others. The program, according to Amilasan, is in partnership with the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA). She said they have already allocated P300, 000.00 for the implementation of the program. Amilasan pointed that applicants should be female former OFWs who were maltreated, displaced, and are staying in the country for good.
DENR nag-implementar pagpatitulo sa yuta uban sa kaabag sa LGUs by Claro A. Lanipa Pagadian City, Sept. 26 (PIA) – Ang buhatan sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) nakig-alayon sa mga kagamhanang (LGUs) sa pagpahigayon sa pagpatitulo sa yuta sa usa ka lakang aron mapasayon and pagproseso ug paghatag sa mga titulo sa yuta sa gitawag inalienable ug disposal nga yuta.
Matod pa ni DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje ang maong tinguha makahatag usab ug oportunidad sa mga LGUs aron mohimo sa aktibong papel sa mga programa sa ahensiya. “Ang kagamhanang lokal adunay importanteng papel diha sa imple-
mentasyon sa mga nasudnong programa ug proyekto nga gitanyag sa Local Government Code, ug usa niini mao ang pagpatitulo sa mga yuta diin ang ilang tabang gikinahanglan pag-ayo ilabi na diha sa pagsulbat sa mga kalibog sa mga utlanan,” miin-
gon si Paje. Si Paje miingon the LGU-DENR partnership nagkinahanglan sa pagmugna sa gitawag composite land adjudication team nga gilangkoban sa usa ka deputy public land inspector (DPLI) kinsa molihok ubos sa pagsuta sa DENR land 28
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DENR nag-implementar....from page 27
management officer (LMO) nga modestino sa mga kagamhanang lokal. Ang maong team motabang sa DENR sa pagpatitulo sa mga alienable ug disposable nga yuta sa mga siyudad ug munisipyo, dugtong pa ni Paje. Ubos sa DENR Administrative Order No. 2011-06 nga gititulohan “Prescribing the guidelines for the implementation of public land titling,� ang tanan regional executive directors (REDs) sa maong buhatan gitugotan sa pagtudlo sa usa ka permanenteng opisyal sa LGU nga
mo-assign sa programang pagpatitulo isip Deputy Public Land Inspectors (DPLI). Ang nasangpit mando nagtanyag usab sa mosunod nga mga palakat diha sa pagtudlo sa DPLIs: a) ang LGU mosubmitir ug listahan sa mga nominante ug ang ilang nahitakdo nga katakus ngadto sa RED pinaagi sa community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) ug provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO); b) ang CENRO ug PENRO mohimo sa tagsa-tagsa pagsusi sa listahan
sa mga nominante ug mosubmitir sa ilang rekomendasyon sulod sa 15 ka mga adlaw; ug c) sa pagsubmitir sa listahan ug rekomendasyon ngadto sa RED, ang RED usab mohatag ug katungod sa pagpahigayon sa mga gikinahanglan mga pagbansay nga may kalimbigitan sa mga tulumanon, mando, katungod, mga katungdanan ug responsibilidad sa DPLIs. Dugtong ni Paje ang mga responsibilidad ug katungod sa DPLI mahimong gamiton lang sa ilang tagsatagsa nga mga siyudad ug lungsod ubos sa ilang minandoan.
ZNPPO/Roxas MPS mipahigayon ug lecture kabahin sa Crime Prevention by Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA 9)--Ang Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police uban ang pagpakigtambayayong sa Roxas Municipal Police Station nagpahigayon di pa lang dugay ug lecture kabahin sa Crime Prevention didto sa lungsod sa Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. 29 28
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ZNPPO/Roxas....from page 28
Lakip sa mga mitambong sa maong lecture ang mga probationers, parolees; pardonees ug mga Volunteer Probation Aides (VPAs) gikan sa mga munisipalidad sa Sergio OsmeĂąa, Katipunan, Roxas, Manukan, ug Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte. Nag-unang katuyoan sa maong lecture, nga mapaabot ug mapasabot sa mga partisipantes, ilabi na sa mga parolees ug probationers ang “Anatomy of Crimeâ€? ug kon unsaon nga malikayan ug masanta ang usa ka krimen.
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Ang hepe sa Roxas Municipal Police Station, Police Inspector Chammer Lacay, nga usa sa mga lecturer mihagit sa mga partisipantes nga dili imakuli ang paglugway ug tabang sa mga otoridad aron masanta ang usa ka krimen, uban ang pag-ingon nga ang pagsumpo sa krimen dili lamang responsibilidad sa kapulisan kundili hangtud na usab sa tanang membro sa komunidad. Si Lacay nga usa ka Criminologist, migugol ug mas taas nga panahon uban sa mga probationers, parolees ug mga
pardonees niadtong nag-intern pa siya sa Parole and Probation Office sa Zamboanga del Norte samtang nagtungha pa siya sa kolehiyo. Gidasig ni Lacay ang mga partisipantes nga pamatud-an nga duna silay ikatabang ug dili mahimong problema sa komunidad. Sa samang higayon, gitambagan usab sa Chief of Police sa Roxas ang mga partisipantes nga likayan ang kahigayonan nga makahimo ug krimen alang sa pagpuyo sa usa ka malinawong pamilya ug komunidad.
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VP Binay to lead Pabahay Caravan in Regions 10 and 13 by Therese Carmelite M. Abejo
V
ice President Jejomar C. Binay is set to lead the opening of the Region X & XIII Pabahay Caravan, here, at Dynasty Hotel on Sept. 26-27.
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VP Binay.....from page 30
Anchored on the theme, “Strengthening Local Government Units (LGUs) in Housing Delivery and Local Development Planning,” the activity is in line with the thrust of the Vice President to build a stronger partnership with LGU’s, under Republic Act 7279. Otherwise known as the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, RA 7279 mandates the LGUs to deliver quality homes to their constituents. “Being closer to the people, the LGUs should be at the forefront in delivering housing services,” Binay, who is also the Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) said. He said it is the role of the HUDCC to enable them to provide these services
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by orienting them on our housing programs and granting financial support to implement such projects in their areas. The Vice President also said “by making the LGUs aware of our housing programs and services, we will be able to encourage them to work together with the national government in accelerating shelter production and enhancing the delivery of housing services to the people.” During the caravan, heads of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, (NHMFC), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), and Home Development Mutual (PagIBIG) Fund will present their agency’s respective housing
programs and services for LGUs and local communities. Meanwhile, the Vice President will also lead the groundbreaking of PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA) Employees Housing Project located at PHIVIDEC Estate in Sta.Cruz, Tagoloan town either through group Housing Loan Program (HLP) or EndUser Home Financing Program (EUHFP) as may be decided later by the PIA beneficiaries. Likewise, he will lead the distribution of 91 Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) to the beneficiaries of the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), 11 TCTs from the Unified Home Lending Program (UHLP) of NHMFC and 11 TCTs from the NHA Housing Projects.
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Erring employers face charges for violation of the Pag-IBIG Fund Law by Therese Carmelite M. Abejo CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 26 (PIA) -Erring employers in Region 10 are now facing charges for various violations against Republic Act 9679. Otherwise known as “Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009, otherwise known as Pag-IBIG (Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya at Gobyerno) Fund,” RA 9679 mandates the membership of all private and government employers and their respective employee’s in Pag-IBIG Fund, regardless of employment status or nature of employment, effective January 1, 2010. Recently, the PagIBIG Fund, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Branch filed a case, at the City Prosecutors Office in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, against PT Agricultural Resources, Inc. for its failure and refusal to remit monthly contributions due to the latter’s employees. Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation is 32
due at the City Prosecutors Office in Cagayan de Oro, for the case filed against United Valiant Group Security Services, which was charged with the various violations on RA 9679 including the refusal to register new employees, under registration of its actual number of employees and failure to remit Pag-IBIG Fund contributions. The personnel of the Marketing and Enforcement Division of Pag-IBIG, CDO Branch, visited the aforementioned employers, to personally inform them of the mandatory provisions of RA 9679. A series information and enforcement letters were also handdelivered to the erring employers. However, efforts remained futile as the latter remain unperturbed with comply-
ing with the said law. Presently, the branch is preparing to file similar charges against other erring employers in the city and the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. The membership of the mandatorily covered employees should take effect upon the date of employment. However, actual membership in the Fund shall commence only upon remittance of the initial contribution and not at the point of registration. As provided for in RA 9679, 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. Monday, September 26, 2011
MOSCAT students initiate pick-a-trash program by Genesis V. Monterde CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 26 (PIA) – Some 20 students of the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT), recently, initiated a pick-a-trash program and collected about three (3) large bags of garbage. Fructuoso P. Escasinas, a first year B.S. Agriculture student and one of the proponents of the program said it was organized for the public, especially, the students to be reminded on the importance of disposing their garbage properly and be reminded on the condition of our environment not only here, but on the global level, as well. Despite the scorching heat of the sun, students coming from the different institutes of the college enthusiastically joined the activity, which started at around 7:00 a.m.,last Sept. 17, picking trashes, mostly composed of plastics, cellophanes, cigarette butts, candy wrappers and the like. Tired and ex-
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hausted, the students still smiled and happy looking for trash in the campus. “What is good about this is that students were not obliged, it relies on their pure act to serve as volunteers,” Escasinas pointed out. “This is our first try, although we are still students we want to show we can do something for the environment,” he added. For his part, Ryan Gim Bachinela, second year B.S. Computer Engineering student also said, joining in such activities, is part of learning and, on top of all, worth doing. “It may look small but these little steps will surely have
an impact not only for the college but for everybody as well,” he said. The proponents of the program also plan to organize fund raising activities such as, concert for a cause, recycling contest, and other environmental awareness program. They are also seeking the support of the college administration and private agencies to help them with their agenda. For now the volunteers are planning to conduct another round of pick-a-trash, and enjoined the cooperation of the private sector to help them in the campaign by the simple act of donating trash cans or funds to help mobilize their campaign.
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DOTC mihatag na sa ‘go signal’ aron pagtrabaho sa Laguindinby Melvin T. Anggot gan Airport ipadayon CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 26 (PIA) -Malipayong gibutyag ni Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz nga mihatag na ang ‘go signal’ ang pamuno-an sa Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) aron ipadayon ang pagtrabaho sa tanang aspeto sa Laguindingan Airport. Si Cruz kinsa manoy Chairperson sa Regional Development Council (RDC) sa rehiyon 10, miasoy nga resulta kining ang maong kalambo-an sa gihimo niining pagpakigkita kan kang Secretary Mar Roxas ug sa mga Undersecretaries ug technical staff sa DOTC niadtong nakalabay’ng semana. A n g a y ’ n g masayran nga temporaryong gipa-undang sa bag-ong pamuno-an sa DOTC ang tanang proyekto 34
ilalom sa ilang ahensiya ubos sa tinguha nga masusi ang estado sa matag usa niini. Hinoon, sumala pa ni Mayor Cruz, mimando ang DOTC nga hatagan og dakong pagtagad ang pagapaliton nga aviation facilities alang sa kasigurohan o kaluwasan sa katawhan nga moggamit sa bag-ong airport. Tungod niini, gipaningkamutan karon sa RDC 10 nga makasabot ang usa ka supplier
nga makatanyag sa gitawag og proven technology. Giangkon ni Mayor Cruz nga makasinati gayud og unom ngadto sa walo (6 to 8) ka bulan nga pagka-delatar ang pagtibawas sa proyekto gikan sa target completion date niini nga Abril 2012. Sa pagsulat ning balita, nakabot na ang 85% accomplishment diha sa pagtrabaho sa Laguindingan Airport.
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