One Mindanao - September 28, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

CONTENTS NATIONAL

• Aquino and Prime Minister Noda underscore importance of

OUR COVER

Pa`

Today’s cover features

improving business environment and promoting investment between Japan and PHL • President Aquino invites Their Majesties Emperor and Empress

of Japan as well as Prime Minister Noda to visit PHL • Aquino urges Japanese investors to look at investment

prospects in the Philippines Diyandi Festival • Aquino welcomes Japanese electronics firm to the Philippines of Iligan City • Aquino witnesses signing of business agreements with Japanese corporations

Photo credits:

• Aquino sums up four-day working visit to Japan as

“very successful”

Arthur L. Sabilla Alfritz G. Ermac

CNEX • DA targets staple food self-sufficiency • Avail of govt. crop insurance, farmers urged

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

• PNoy asks Dept. of Agriculture to boost coco farming

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • A model farm prospers in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur • The search is on for Miss Siargao 2011 • ALS program of HMC-TNP, DepEd fulfills aspiration of the mining communities in Surigao Norte • BayanTel reg’l marketing caravan hits Mindanao to explore new opportunities, reaffirm leadership position • Itemize lumpsum entry in Educ budget - Chiz

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • Dipolog embarks on massive tree planting • Strategic planning for “Kurambos” project of La Libertad set in Dapitan City Sept. 28-29 • DOST-IX announces conduct of undergraduate scholarship exams • Alternative Learning System’s A & E Test moved to Nov. 6 • Maguindanao floods draw 24-hour clearing operation

Northern Mindanao • XU-Ateneo de Cagayan campus to go green • GSIS, NSO ink MOA for implementation of ARAS • Mis. Or. housing project beneficiaries express gratitude to govt’s key shelter agencies • 10th Pabahay Caravan opens in Cag. de Oro • Another buy-bust operation in Mis. Occ. leads to arrest of suspect

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • • • •

Davao City Chamber eyes creative industries GSIS expands ties with Land Bank DavNor Capitol treats employees to free med services Laak Kahimunan Festival cum Fruit Festival a success

•Davao Light, Aboitiz Foundation turn over 6 Day Care classrooms

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

• Programang 4Ps nagtatagumpay sa bayan ng Upi, Maguindanao, ayon kay Maguindanao 1st Rep Sema • AFP to turn over internal security operations to provincial government • Bagong PNP chief pinayuhan ang mga batang pulis sa North Cotabato

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

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Cover Story: Lorry V. Gabule

Iligan - Northern Mindanaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s street dancing hub

n an age when culture and tradition are battered by the incursions of modernity, the significance of undertaking an event as a completion of traditional art forms cannot be belittled.

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Cover Story: Iligan-Northern Mindanaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.......from page 3

Iligan City is known not only for its rich natural resources, but also for the wealth of

culture that abounds in the area. The native Iliganon is descended from two (2)

tribes: the Maranao and the Higao-non, whose dance forms remain a strong influence upon a unique religious ritual in the Iligan Community, called the Diyandi. The Diyandi (ritual dance) is performed only during the feast of Iligan Patron Saint Senior San Miguel (Feast Day on September 29). Other curious dance-forms, also performed during the San Miguel Fiesta, include the Eskrima (fencing), a dance simulating a fight between San Miguel and his enemies, and the Yawa-yawa (literally, devil-devil), a dance form depicting the celestial battle between the forces of good and evil as impersonated by St. Michael, the Archangel, representing the good and Lucifer, the devil. 5

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Cover Story: Iligan-Northern Mindanaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.......from page 4

Sometime in 1986, it was somehow felt by the local fiesta committee that there was a need to further popularize the folk-dance forms of the Iliganon. Thus, an idea was born: the concept of a Street-dancing Festival that will not only preserve certain traditional art forms but promote them, as well.

Owing to the success of the proper management of the Diyandi Competition, as the project was initially called in 1986, the Iligan City Government, through the annual Tourism and Fiesta Week Celebration Steering Committee and the Iligan Community at large, always looked forward to September and the Diyandi Com-

petition which was, by then associated with the Iligan Jaycees, Inc. and made synonymous with a successful project management. Having it done every 27th of September, this is the time when practically the major streets of Iligan are jampacked with people who wanted to celebrate fiesta and enjoy the 6

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Cover Story: Iligan-Northern Mindanao’s.......from page 5

Kasadya (merrymaking). It is to be noted that the San Miguel Fiesta focused on KASADYA was acclaimed by the BBC Holidays (a monthly consumer magazine published in the United Kingdom and the only publication officially endorsed by the prestigious British Broadcasting Corporation) as a tourist destination. It cited the tribal pageantry mixed with Christian piety famous with bright-

ly costumed participants miming a fight with unseen adversaries to cries of “Viva Senior San Miguel”. Other participants, dressed as warrior angels, march solemnly. It added that it is very unique because of the miracle play called the “Yawa-yawa,” performed in vernacular dialogue and depicting Lucifer’s unsuccessful revolt against God and the good angels. Other national and local publications also

cited KASADYA as a tourist attraction in Iligan. Since then, for more than 25 years now, subsequently, planning sessions of the Iligan Jaycees Board of Directors have always provided for the annual undertaking of the dance competition which blossomed into a fullscale festival that features not only the local dance forms but also other Mindanao Tribal dance-forms, including even more modern showcases. Thus, KASADYA has the following features: It was started as a form of local entertainment has become a major tourist attraction of Iligan drawing crowds to about 30,000 people both local and tourist alike. It is considered as a non-income generating project hav7

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Cover Story: Iligan-Northern Mindanao’s.......from page 6

ing the most number of spectators both in the streets and in the showdown venue proper as compared to other tourism related activities. For 25 years now, Kasadya has evolved into a full blown festival needing more support both in budgetary and management terms. It might, as well, be mentioned here that civic consciousness among the youth of St. Louis, Missouri, USA, was aroused by the Jaycees founder HENRY GEISSENBIER with his founding of the HERCULANEUM DANCE CLUB whose main objective was the preservation of American Traditional Dance-Forms in the community. During the 1992 Convention of the Philippine Jaycees held in Bacolod City, Project KASADYA ‘92 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

was adjudged as the “Outstanding Cultural Project in the Philippines.” It also bagged the same award during the 1994 Junior Chamber of the Philippines National Convention held in Naga City, in the 1995 JCP National Convention held in Cebu City and in the 1996 JCP National Convention held in Davao City. The year after, Project KASADYA ‘97 was acclaimed as the HALL OF FAME AWARDEE being the MOST O U T S TA N D ING CULTURAL PROJECT OF THE PHILIPPINES for three (3) consecutive years. In 1998 World Con-

gress of Jaycees held at Manila, the project KASADYA, together with the Grand Centennial Parade, was adjudged as the Best Cultural Project of the World (the highest recognition bestowed on a single category and competing with the best international project entries.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Aquino and Prime Minister Noda underscore importance of improving business environment and promoting investment between Japan and PHL 10

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

P (Kantei) here.

resident Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday held a productive first Summit Meeting in a cordial-forward looking and constructive atmosphere at the Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office

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Aquino and Prime Minister......from page 11

In their Joint Statement following their meeting, the two leaders confirmed the importance of improving the business environment and further promoting investments between Japan and the Philippines. President Aquino affirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting good and accountable governance and the improvement of the business environment, including continually enhancing administrative transparency and predictability. During their meeting, Prime Minister Noda expressed his “high appreciation for the efforts of President Aquino.” According to the Joint State-

ment, the President had requested Japan’s support for his administration’s Public-Private Partnership program, which prioritizes infrastructure and development projects, in furtherance of the Philippine Development Plan 20112016. In his response, Prime Minister Noda said that Japan will support the improvement of the investment environment through active utilization of the Office Development Assistance (ODA), and thereby promote private investment and contribute to the development of the Philippines. In this regard, Prime Minister Noda announced that Japan will dispatch a

public-private mission to the Philippines by March 2012 and hold a seminar in Manila which will contribute to the improvement and development of infrastructure in the country. The two leaders also stressed the importance of the exchange and cooperation between business groups such as the Japan-Philippines Economic-Joint Committee in advancing infrastructure development to encourage investments. They likewise confirmed the importance of the timely conclusion of the Philippines’ ongoing process with regard to the Japanese terrestrial digital TV broadcasting system. (RSDA)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

President Aquino invites Their Majesties Emperor and Empress of Japan as well as Prime Minister Noda to visit PHL resident Benigno S. Aquino III has conveyed his invitation for Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and other members of the Imperial Family of Japan to visit the Philippines.

In a Joint Statement issued by the President and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda following their Bilateral Summit Meeting at the Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office (Kantei) here, the Chief Executive invited the Imperial Family at a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mutually convenient opportunity.â&#x20AC;? His Imperial Maj-

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

esty Emperor Akihito is the eldest son and the fifth child of Emperor Hirohito (the Showa Emperor) and Empress Kojun. Expressing his profound gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded him and his delegation by the Government of Japan during his four-day official

working visit to Japan, President Aquino also invited Prime Minister Noda to visit the Philippines in 2012 at an opportunity convenient to both sides. For his part, Prime Minister Noda expressed his gratitude for the invitation. (RSDA)

Aquino urges Japanese investors to look at investment prospects in the Philippines resident Benigno S. Aquino III urged the business leaders of Japan to see for themselves what the Philippines can offer them in terms of investments as he underscored the various corrective measures that his administration have already taken that would erase doubts among some who are exploring the idea of investing in the Philippines. “We are undertaking these measures to create a more equitable business environment, where each project represents the Five “R’s” we are espousing: Right Project, Right Cost, Right Quality, Right People and Right on Time,” the President said in his speech on Tuesday at the luncheon hosted by the Japan and Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Japan Economic Cooperation Committee at the Tokyo Kaikan here. “This is the only way to ensure that “your projects are beyond question by the public, or by succeeding administrations,” the President stressed. According to the President, his visit to Japan and his attendance to all his business meet-

ings was “to share with them the bright prospects for the future of our partnership.” “I was elected into office with a clear mandate and it is my obligation to make the promises I made to my people real and felt by all,” he said. It is in this connection, the President said, that since he assumed Office in June 2010, his administration has been working round-the-clock to ensure that the reforms he had already put in place would improve the ability of Filipino citizens to put food on the table. “First on our agenda was to eliminate certain roadblocks that turn away businessmen from investing in our country, in matters big and

small,” he added. He noted that from “reducing red tape, simplifying the number of forms, and speeding up the time it takes to register a business, in small ways we can, and are, making a large improvement to the processes required for investments.” The President also said that his government is undertaking innovations, such as the Electronic Payment System for the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) applicable to four out of five selected transactions of PEZA enterprises. “Local governments have begun to follow suit; as 79 local government Units have already streamlined their business permits and licensing system. 15

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Aquino urges.....from page 14

The President also told the business leaders present that his administration has vowed to follow formal processes for getting deals approved, such as proper and transparent bidding, to help eliminate the preponderance of under-the-table transactions with bloated commissions secretly pocketed by corrupt officials. “All our efforts are governed by an overarching principle: an end to corruption means an end to poverty. This was our rallying cry during the campaign, and this is what will carry us through until the end of my administration in Wednesday, September 28, 2011

2016, “ he said. Because of all these, President Aquino said, the results are encouraging. “Our stock markets shave hit alltime highs seven times since my administration took office. My country has received four positive rating actions from credit rating agencies in over a little more than a year,” he said. “We were able to fund even more projects without raising taxes in the past year and are also on target with our social service commitments,” the President said. He expressed confidence that the posi-

tive trend will endure and strengthen further through Public-Private Partnership Programs and increase in foreign direct investments that the government hope to achieve. “This is a good time to invest in the Philippines, because this culture of transparency we are cultivating will lead to a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved,” the President said adding that he will continue to invest in infrastructure to make the Philippines attractive to those who want to establish their business in the country. (RSDA)

Aquino welcomes Japanese electronics firm to the Philippines apanese electronics components firm, Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., introduced a new generation of technology in chips manufacturing which it plans to bring to the Philippines by establishing a power chip capacitor plant in the first Philippine Industrial Park in Laguna. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr. relayed this information Tuesday following the business meeting of President Aquino with Murata officials at the Imperial Hotel. Flashing a sample of a so-called “monolithic ceramic microchip capacitor” to the members of the Philippine media delegation, Coloma said the product would hit the Philippine electronics industry by October 2012 as Murata targets to complete its 23-hectare power chip capacitor plant in the country by then. “You will see how microscopic the chips are—very small… This 16

is the new generation of technology in chips manufacturing and Murata is establishing the plant in the Philippines,” Coloma told reporters during a press briefing at Tokyo Kaikan. Coloma described Murata company as “one of the world’s largest makers of electronic components used in many devices such as computers, mobile phones, automotive navigation, airbag systems and medical equipment.” Originally based in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, Murata was started by its honorary chairman, Akira Murata, as a personal venture in October 1994. At present,

it is considered as the leading company in manufacturing ceramic passive electronic components, primarily capacitors, and it has an overwhelming share worldwide in ceramic filters, high frequency parts, and sensors. Murata Manufacturing reportedly has 23 subsidiaries in Japan and 31 overseas, including those in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Finland, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea and China. (HDC) Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Aquino witnesses signing of business agreements with Japanese corporations resident Benigno S. Aquino witnessed the signing of four business agreements designed to help improve the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic progress and development.

The four agreements, which were signed on Tuesday at the Imperial Hotel, follows: -Partnership

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Agreement between the Federal Land and the Orix Corporation on their Grand Hyatt Project with Francisco Sebastian, chair-

man of the Federal Land Inc. and Yoshihiko Miyauchi, chairman and chief executive officer of Orix Corporation signing 18 17

Aquino witnesses.....from page 17

the agreement. -Memorandum of Agreement between First Metro Investment Corporation and Mitsui and Co. Ltd. with Federal Land, Inc. chairman Sebastian signing the agreement on behalf of his company while managing officer and chief operating officer Tatsuo Nakayama inking the agreement on behalf of the Motor Vehicles and Construction Machinery 18

Business Unit, Mitsui and Co. Ltd. -Reservation Agreement and Term Sheet of INGASCO and other Clark Development Corporation with Lawyer Felipe Antonio Remolio, president and chief executive officer of Clark Development Corporation and Masahiko Kitabatake, president of INGASCO, Inc. sealing the agreement. -- Memorandum

of Understanding between Transnational Diversified Group and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line with Xavier Delgado, director of Transnational Diversified Group and Naoya Tazawa, representative director and senior managing corporate director of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line signing the agreement. (RSDA) Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Aquino sums up four-day working visit to Japan as “very successful” resident Benigno S. Aquino III expressed an overwhelming gratitude to the people of Japan and its government for their hospitality as he prepared to wrap up his very successful four-day official working visit here.

During his traditional late evening engagement with the members of the Philippine media delegation, President Aquino said he was very heartened by the fact that Japan decided to sustain its 9.2 billion yen official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines notwithstanding the earthquake and tsu-

nami that swallowed its Tohoku region only last March. “So there’s a commitment na ime-maintain ‘yung ODA assistance sa atin eh. So in spite of their difficulties, handa pa rin silang tumulong sa atin, paano naman hindi ikagagalak ng kalooban mo ‘yon, ‘di ba?” the President told reporters, Tuesday evening. President Aquino also mentioned

that all the business leaders he met the entire Tuesday manifested keen interest to expand their existing investments in the Philippines especially those that are involved in the energy sector. Most, if not all, of the companies producing power in Japan had to voluntarily reduce their energy consumption following the Great East Japan Earthquake, there20

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Aquino sums up.....from page 19

by prompting their owners to review their policy and consider transferring some of their operations to other locations overseas. President Aquino also mentioned that Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to continue assisting the Philippines in its ongoing peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a member of the International Monitoring Team. He said Japan shall keep its projects under the Japan Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development Program. The Japanese government further committed aid to strengthen the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard—both in

terms of manpower and equipment—in its protection of the West Philippine Sea in keeping with its bid for freedom of navigation. President Aquino said freedom of navigation is very important for the Japanese since all their oil exports pass through the West Philippine Sea. He underscored that Japan has been very supportive of the Philippines’ position to settle the dispute among claimant countries before the international law. The President, moreover, said Japan through Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda also expressed commitment to look into the Philippines’ problem with respect to the low passing rate of nurses in the

country during the annual licensure exams. President Aquino said Prime Minister Noda was “quite positive” when he mentioned about the problem of nurses in the Philippines and the Japanese leader promised him that they will “review the procedures and see if it is too stringent”. “Pero, syempre, I don’t think he [Noda] is in a position to commit right now that we’ll have 3,000 by next year, 5,000 by the other,” the President clarified. He, however, mentioned that there was an offer to invite 400 Filipino nursing students to study in Japan as part of the people exchange program. (HDC)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

PHOTO RELEASES Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malaca単ang Photo Bureau

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

PHOTO

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda during the signing ceremony of the E (September 27). (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Jay Morales/ Malaca単ang Photo Bureau).

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

RELEASE

Exchange of Notes of Foreign Ministers Koichiro Gemba and Albert del Rosario at the Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office on Tuesday Wednesday, September 28, 2011

DA targets staple food self-sufficiency

by Andrea Renevera-Bancud

epartment of Agriculture (DA) Sec. Proceso Alcala said in the recent Communication and News Exchange Forum (CNEX) of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that they are targeting staple food self-

sufficiency on top of rice self-sufficiency.

During his trip to different parts of the country, he discovered that in some regions, rice is not their staple food. Alcala said that in Zamboanga, their staple food is cassava while in Batanes, they eat different varieties of root crops. Meanwhile, 14 regions consume corn. Part of the staple food sufficiency program is to

ease the pressure on rice. “May road map na rin para sa rice sufficiency para sa pangarap nating maging rice selfsufficient by 2013,” (aside from this, there is already a road map for the targeted rice self sufficiency by 2013) the secretary added. Alcala went to Iloilo last week and

he found out that Region 6 was able to improve their palay production by 60 percent during this quarter, compared to the same quarter last year. He said citizens of Iloilo credit this to the government’s assistance in teaching them how to farm properly and in giving them access to high quality seeds.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Avail of govt. crop insurance, farmers urged by Jerome Carlo R. Paunan

he Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday urged farmers to avail of government’s crop insurance program that would shield them from agriculture-related risks and cover their loses.

During the Communications and News Exchange (CNEX) Forum held at the Philippine Information Agency, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said farmers need only go to their nearest local government unit or to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), an attached corporation of the DA, in order to avail of the safety net for crop growers. Although he did not say how many farmers have already availed of the crop insurance policy, he

said, “the figure involving farmers getting crop insurance has increased tremendously” as they, agri-based cooperatives and local officials are beginning to realize the value of the program in line with the Aquino administration’s thrust of rice self-sufficiency by 2013. Alcala said farmers would find crop insurance very useful as this would allow them to recoup their loses and pay for immediate replanting in case certain calamities affect their farm

lands. Aside from natural calamities, he said the insurance program will cover risks due to pests and plant diseases. Alcala said the DA and PCIC have been coordinating with LGUs to effectively set up variable insurance policies for crops that are well suited to a particular province or area. The DA chief said the provinces of Negros Occidental and Cebu are just some of the areas that have successfully put up their crop insurance 26

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Avail of govt......from page 25

programs that benefit thousands of their local farmers. A recent partnership with the Negros LGU has allowed it to launch a P180 million insurance program, dubbed the Negros Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program (NFUCIP), that benefited over

10,000 rice farmers. The provincial LGU shouldered 60percent or P500 of the insurance premium worth P840 per hectare per cropping while the balance was paid for by the farmer. The policy, meanwhile, gave each farmer a maximum of

P17,680 per hectare in insurance payouts should the insured crop be destroyed or lost. For special cases, however, like that of Cebu, the provincial government has agreed to shoulder the entire crop insurance premium.

PNoy asks Dept. of Agriculture to boost coco farming by Phres A. Evardone

nergy drinks used to be the “in” thing; now it’s coconut water, locally known as “buko juice.” Who would have thought that this lowly coconut product would be such a hit among foreigners? Well, if you have pop icons like Madonna and Rihanna as

endorsers then certainly it will induce interest among consumers.

Coconut water has become a hit among foreigners especially Americans because of its natural and health benefits. Nutrition-

ists also favored coconut water over carbonated and energy-boosting beverages. Upon his arrival from his official

trip to the United States, PNoy announced that Pepsi Company and Vita Coco were interested in investing in the country’s co27 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

PNoy asks.....from page 26

conut industry to meet the increasing international demand for coconut water. Being the second largest exporter of coconut products in the world, this industry provides livelihood to one-third of the country’s population. And since many Filipinos are actually dependent on copra farming, this continuing trend on coconut water consumption overseas will certainly benefit our local farmers. In view of this, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Department of Agriculture said during today’s Communication and News Exchange Forum held at Philippine Information Agen-

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

cy, that President Aquino instructed the agency to conduct further studies on coconut farming to assist copra farmers across the country increase their yields. The Secretary added that the Philippine Coconut Authority (PHILCOA) was allocated P692,757,000 in 2012, its biggest budget yet. It may also receive a supplementary budget of about Php 500,000,000 which is still pending for approval. The budget for this year as per DBM records was P539,915,000. With the said budget, funds will be allocated to increase coconut production. The Department of Agriculture together

with the Philippine Coconut Authority will provide technical assistance to copra farmers on how to engage in massive fertilization and replanting. The Secretary also added that they will also provide assistance by giving medium scale machineries to farmers to bring about an increase in processing coconut products. Besides the juice, a coconut tree--aptly called “Tree of Life”--produces many other products such as oil from coconut meat, wood from coconut trunks, brooms and hats from its leaves, rugs from its husks and charcoal from its shells.

A model farm prospers in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur by David M. Suyao

nthony Marie Amelda, 35 and a farmer in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur has dreams of having a model farm and a nature park inside his 5-hectare property.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

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

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A model farm...from page 28 “Nangandoy gyud ko nga sa umaabot nga panahon dinhi sa akong area, usa ka model farm ug nature park mamahimong usa ka destinasyon dinhi sa Prosperidad,” Amelda smiled. Amelda’s dreams slowly came into place as relatives and friends encourage him to convert a 2,500 sq.m area into a fish pond. He visited the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) in his town to seek advice and technical assistance for his ‘fish pond’ project. He explained to the PAO technicians that the specific spot where he wants the pond constructed, he beleives has an underground spring water that never dries up. “I plan to make the area a trial for fish pond but I do not have the ‘know-how’, the technology and the capital to start and maintainan the proposed project,” Amelda told the PAO.

What followed was a series of tests, trials and study. According to Amelda, the agriculture office gave him reading materials to whet his appetite for his ‘dream’ project. It was in 2009 that Diomedes Cimagala, PAO’s fishpond project incharge visited Amelda, eyeballed his property and saw the vast potential for a fishpond farming in the area. Luck smiled at Amelda. Friends and relatives extended all kinds of assistance. He started leveling the area and constructed a siphon to facilitate and control the spring water flow. As the saying goes, “when it rains, it pours,” this was true to Amelda because according to him, in due time, PAO chose him as one of the beneficiaries of its technodemo in Tilapia production pond. As a recipient of the techno-demo proj-

ect, Amelda received 32 bags of Tilapia feeds and six bags of fertilizer from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and 4,000 Tilapia fingerlings from the provincial government of Agusan del Sur. With the help and close mentoring from the BFAR, PAO and the Prosperidad LGU, technical assistance keeps coming. It was only a matter of time that Amelda’s ‘fishes’ will be on his table and in the market. Four months later, Amelda harvested some 875 kilos of Tilapia at P60 per kilo. He earned about P52,500 gross and after deducting his production expenses, he netted some P22,500. “Not bad at all for a 4-month income!” Amelda beamed with satisfaction. Amelda profusely counted the assistance and technology transfer from government agencies such as the BFAR and PAO to his 30

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A model farm...from page 29 success. He proudly narrated the technics he learned from them that included the use of proper quality and quantity of fingerlings for stocking. “Stocking of quality fingerlings and the quantity determine the proper growth of the Tilapia. Kanang dili sila maghuot,” Amelda added. The imporatnce of water analysis; quantity and time of feeding, depending on the age of the fingerlings are also vital in the man-

agement of the pond. “Kinahanglan, ‘handson’ gyud ta aron matan-aw nato ang tubo sa mga isda,” Amelda stated. “For proper guidance, constant consultation with the experts is also very necessary,” he said. Presently, Amelda enjoys Tilapia harvests twice a year. His fishpond stock capacity now is at 6,000 fingerlings and still counting. What started as a ‘dream’ and beleiv-

ing at the huge potential of his venture, he is starting to develop another 1,000sq.m area for his fishpond expansion. This time Amelda’s vision extends to meandering under manmade forests; patches of purely organic veggies and herbs; a livestock barnyard and hopefully in the near future, a nature’s park that will become one of the tourists’ destinations in Agusan del Sur.

The search is on for Miss Siargao 2011

by Dandy Lapura

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 28 (PIA) – To conclude the very successful 2nd Siargao Surfing Festival, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte in cooperation with the First Congressional District of Surigao del Norte will launch the Miss Siargao 2011 in General Luna, this province. Some lovely ladies representing the different localities of the municipalities in Siargao Island will vie for the crown in this year’s

beauty pageant. The prestigious pageant is preparing with a huge sum of money to the major awardee candidate.

Ms. Siargao 2011 will receive P30,000 with Sash and Trophy plus round trip to Hong Kong; Ms Siargao Tourism 2011 will receive 31

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The search...from page 30

P20,000 with Sash and Trophy plus round trip to Boracay; Ms. Siargao Environment 2011 will receive P10,000 with Sash and Trophy plus round trip to Boracay and P5,000 worth of consolation prizes for the non-winning candidate. Also, Special Awards will be given to the candidates, Best in Ethnic Fantasy Costume will receive P2,000 w/ Sash and Trophy; Best in Swimsuit will receive P2,000 w/ Sash and Trophy; Best in Evening Gown

will receive P2,000 w/ Sash and Trophy; Best in Talent will receive P2,000 w/ Sash and Trophy; Miss Friendship will receive P2,000 w/ Sash and Trophy; Most Photogenic will receive P2,000 w/ Sash and

Trophy. The coronation night will be on October 2, 2011 in General Luna, Siargao Island during the closing ceremonies of the 17th Siargao International Surfing Competition.

ALS program of HMC-TNP, DepEd fulfills aspiration of the mining communities in Surigao Norte SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 28 (PIA) - The Alternative Learning System Accreditation & Equivalency (ALS A&E) System is one of the banner programs of the Department of Education aimed at reaching to the poorest of the poor and even to those who thought that time and age have grabbed them the opportunity to attend formal schooling. This is open to all Filipino youths and adults who dropped out of elementary and high school. 32 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

ASL program of....from page 31

This is also seen by the government as the means to respond to the increasing problem of out-of-school-youth (OSY). Although there have been several factors which contributed to the increasing number of OSY, the high cost of education and inaccessibility of the formal education were hindrance to achieving elementary and high education especially in poverty-stricken areas. Combining nonformal and formal sources of knowledge and skills, the ALS was an alternative to the formal schooling being offered to graduate in high school. Handled by trained facilitators, the students learning system are module based and are being assessed through test to determine learning. After several months, the students will take the Accreditation and Equivalen-

cy Test (AET). If they pass the test, they will be given a high school diploma and can now enroll in college. But the ALS program itself of the Department of Education also requires a huge budget for its implementation in order for this program to spread to several areas of the country. Confronted with a limited funding for this program, ALS could not be realized in areas which is found to be geographically remote and accessibility difficult as in the case of the mining communities of Hinatuan Mining Corporation-Taganaan Nickel Project (HMCTNP) -- the Barangay Talavera and 2 Sitios, Sitio Campandan and Sitio Bagong Silang in Taganaan, Surigao del Norte. Barangay Talavera can be reached from Surigao City through an almost 2-hour ride of a motorized ban-

ca and an additional forty-five minutes going to Sitio Campandan and Bagong Silang from Barangay Talavera .Travel at sea going to these areas are convenient during summer but the rough seas make accessibility tough most of the time. A National High School was established in the year 2010 with the help of HMC-TNP. Buildings and teachers were assisted by the company under their Social Development and Management Program. Since high school was offered in the Barangay only last year, not many of the residents were able to finish high-school and the high school diploma is the proof of the residents so they can take advantage of the employment opportunities being offered by HMC-TNP which is operating adjacent to their barangay. 33

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ASL program of....from page 32

Hinatuan Mining Corporation â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Taganaan Nickel Project needed skilled manpower to boost their operation and to beef-up employees, skills training that will equip the residents with the necessary skills needed by the company were conducted in partnership with TESDA. Minimum requirement to avail of the trainings should be a high school graduate. The ALS program bridged the gap between demand and supply of workers in the mining communities. Residents who for lack of money, time and access to high school education can have the chance to graduate in high school and pursue their aspirations in life. Under the Social and Development and Management Program of the company, the implementation of the ALS A&E system for the mining commu-

nities will be a yearly project of HMC-TNP in partnership with the DepEd. May Ann Laranjan, 30 years of age is a plain housewife with 6 kids, stopped schooling after second year high school and is proud to be back in school. She hoped to proceed to college and become a policewoman. Helen Ejandra, 35 years old and finished 3rd year high school. She enrolled in the ALS program so she can make her kids proud of her. She finds the English subject as difficult. Sheila Dublusi 34, 6-months pregnant hopes to graduate and avail of the TESDA program after high school so she and her husband can find better jobs. Her husband who works with HMCTNP as checker is also enrolled with the ALS A&E System who has high hopes of becom-

ing a heavy equipment operator. This October 2011, the enrollees of the ALS A&E in the HMC-TNP mining communities are set to take the national ALS A&E test. The passers of either the Elementary or Secondary Level will receive a certificate from the Secretary of the Department of Education and allows the passer to mainstream in the educational system of the country. It offers them a wide opportunities to enroll in postsecondary courses like technical, vocational, two to five-year course and TESDA skills training programs and can join the government service if they pass the Civil Service eligibility for government employment. The opportunities are unlimited for the ALS A&E learners. It would be up for them to pursue that desire to 34

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

ASL program of....from page 33

change their quality of life. The HMC-TNP and DepEd through the ALS A&E system could only

be a vehicle for them to reach the potential they hope to achieve in their personal and family life.

This rare opportunity should not be wasted but grabbed for a good future. (MGB-13)

BayanTel reg’l marketing caravan hits Mindanao to explore new opportunities, reaffirm leadership position BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) – In keeping with its corporate mission of making a difference by bringing out the best in the lives of Filipinos, and in support of the government’s vision for Mindanao, Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (Bayan) is taking its marketing caravan program to Northern Mindanao to explore new opportunities for growth as well as strengthening its market leadership postion in the region, as its contribution in hastening the economic development of the region. Top management of Bayan headed by Chief Operating Officer Rafael T. Aguado have flown in to the regional center of Caraga (Region XIII) for the company’s marketing campaign dubbed “Bida ka sa Bayan,” a caravan program participated in by customers, employees and LGU partners, which aims to showcase the company’s commitment to the local market it serves through a series of marketing and promotional activities like

a motorcade around the city, a customer fun fair promo and recognition program, a sales team and employee awards night, as well as a courtesy visit to local city officials and LGU partners, among other activities. Bayan for Mindanao’s development The Northern Mindanao is an important market for Bayan where it currently holds the leadership position in the landline service. In

the areas of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and data services for both residential and business customers, the company is eyeing to increase its footprint in this segment in view of the vast potential market opportunities in the region. Part of the “Bida Ka sa Bayan,” caravan program was the site inspection for potential expansion and exploration of new market opportunities in the areas of Cagayan de Oro, Gin35

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

BayanTel reg’l....from page 34 goog City, and nearby areas. The National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) in its Mindanao Strategic Development Framework 2010-2020 (MSDF) report has identified the need to increase the access to telecommunications facilities to cover the entire island, as one of key challenge to its vision for Mindanao’s development, adding that efforts should focus on improving uninterrupted signal along arterial road networks in Mindanao. NEDA said that the telecommunication infrastructure highway will have to be strengthened by improving the regulatory framework toward promoting efficiency and leveling the playing field to ensure fair competition in the delivery of telecommunications services in Mindanao. Reforms to streamline procedures and incentives, according to the MSDF report, will have to be introduced and promoted among the

LGUs. The LGUs, it said, can offer incentives, enter into joint venture agreements and/or undertake public-private partnerships that will be mutually beneficial for the public and private sectors. Bayan-Butuan

part-

nership Bayan established its operations in Mindandao in 1986 after it bought the franchise from Butuan Telephone Co. to operate telecommunications services to Butuan City residents and in the nearby areas. To date, Bayan operates in the North Mindanao area serving

the following locations: Butuan City; the municipalities of Nasipit, Buenavista, Carmen, Remedios T. Romualdez, Magallanes, and the city of Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte province; the city of Bayugan and the municipalities of San Francisco and Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur province; and the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Ozamis, Pagadian as well as the province of Bukidnon. Mr. Aguado said Bayan believes in the economic potential of theregion, and expressed his commitment to fully support the city governmetn’s vision to accelerate the progress and development of Butuan through the various initiatives that the company and the city have partnered to work on. “In his very recent Report to the City, Mayor Jun Amante has announced that the city government of Butuan, together with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Butuan 36

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

BayanTel reg’l....from page 35 City Chamber of Commerce, will be working together to attract more investors by promoting investment packages in the Regional Center in Tiniwisan for more revenue and more economic activity for Butuanons,” Aguado said. In support of this, he said Bayan has invested close to a million pesos worth of cabling infrastructure capacity expansion to service the Butuan City Regional Center in order to help the city attract investors and locators to the facility.

“This is our way of supporting the city’s plan of establishing the facility to become a call center/IT hub in Caraga and help in the jobs generation program of the city government,” said Aguado. Moreover, Bayan has also provided the Butuan city government with an entrance cable facility worth of 50 lines to exclusively provide the telecommunications service needs of the people working in the city hall. The Bayan management team will be paying Mayor Amante a

schedule courtesy visit to the city hall to tomorrow to highlight the company’s commitment to the city’s development programs. “Bayan is privileged to be working with the city government of Butuan in our collective effort to help bring out economic prosperity and sustainable growth that conforms with national development goals and objectives, and further emphasize Mindanao’s contribution to the country’s overall growth”. (BayanTel/PIA-Caraga)

Itemize lumpsum entry in Educ budget - Chiz

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should itemize the lump sum entry in the 2012 budget for state universities and colleges (SUCs) to allay fears and doubts against the slash in funding, Senator Chiz Escudero said.

Last week, the country protested students and the cutback by P146 teachers across million in proposed 37 36

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Itemize lumpsum....from page 36

spending plan of SUCs for next year. DBM Secretary Florencio Abad Jr., however, said that contrary to the protesters’ claim, SUC funding had been increased to P26.1 billion from this year’s P23.7 billion. The proposed SUC budget for next year, Abad said, is broken down as follows: P23.6 billion for the automatic appropriation for SUCs; P2 billion to fill up vacancies lumped under the Miscellaneous and Personnel Benefit Funds (MPBF); and P500 million under the Committee on Higher education for SUC Development. Escudero said the lump sum entry of MPBF should be disaggregated to Wednesday, September 28, 2011

show the real budget for each agency. “ Tra n s p a r e n c y demands nothing less and lump sum allocation is the exact opposite of transparency. If DBM is able to explain how the University of the Philippines budget is itemized, it should also be able to show aggregates of other SUC budgets to prevent the protest and to actually show what and how much exactly goes to where,” Escudero pointed out. The senator said whether contingent or not, the MPBF should be itemized, and not lumped to see what each school is getting. “It is sad that we have to argue about these things— budget for state uni-

versities. Why let our students fight for each and every peso in the education allocation when government should freely give it?” he added. Protesters are calling for a P45million budget for each SUC next year, an amount which the proposed budget cannot meet. “The conditional cash transfer or CCT program is investing an additional P16 billion on our greatest resource: our people. We should also invest the same in human capital by filling the gaps and keeping up with common education standards and mechanisms as a matter of state policy,” Escudero said. 37

Dipolog embarks on massive tree planting

by Franklin P. Gumapon

ttuning to the tempo of the national governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call to adopt measures to mitigate the impact of global warming, the city government here headed by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy is now embarking on a massive tree planting at government reservation lots in the city.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Dipolog embarks...from page 38 This coming Sept. 30 the city government employees are slated to hold a tree planting activity at Barangay Cogon, targeting to plant 2,000 mahogany tree seedlings. City Environment and Natural Resources

Officer Wilson Mabilog disclosed that after the tree planting activity, his office will also spearhead a cleanup drive along the city’s coastal areas with the help of ROTC students. Mabilog further said the cleanup drive shall

coincide with the seventh “Dahunog sa Dipolog” festival, which is celebrated every first week of October each year. This year’s “Dahunog” festival carries the theme: “Save Your Life, Save the Environment.”

Strategic planning for “Kurambos” project of La Libertad set in Dapitan City Sept. 28-29 DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- Participating agencies in the “Kurambos” project of La Libertad town will hold a two-day planning workshop starting tomorrow in Dapitan City to come up with a strategic plan for this undertaking. Dr. Evelyn R. Campiseño, Vice President for Research, Extension and Development of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) will serve as the main facilitator of the workshop which will be attended by the heads/ representatives from partner-agencies composed of national government agencies (NGAs), the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte and the congressional office of Representative Seth Frederic Pal Jalos-

jos of the first district of Zamboanga del Norte. NGAs supporting the “Kurambos” project include the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agrarian Reform

(DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepED), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). The “Kurambos” project is a community 40

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Strategic planning....from page 39 employment and livelihood initiative of the municipality of La Libertad aimed at alleviating the plight of the poor through pooling of resources and convergence of services

among government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) to provide employment opportunities to the people in the area. La Libertad is one of

the poorest towns in Zamboanga del Norte as it is 97.8 percent dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the national government. (JPA/ FPG)

DOST-IX announces conduct of undergraduate scholarship exams

DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- Acceptance of application for the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) undergraduate scholarships is now open to graduating high school students. This was the announcement issued recently by DOST-IX regional office headed by Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano. It was also learned that DOST-SEI offers two scholarship programs, the Merit Scholarship Program for mentally gifted students regardless of economic standing and the RA 7687 Scholarship Program which is open to poor, talented and deserving students. The awardees shall be selected on the basis of their performance in the S&T scholarship ex-

amination which will be simultaneously conducted in the different test centers nationwide on November 20, 2011. Applicants to the scholarship program must be high school seniors belonging to the upper 5 percent of the graduating class and natural-born Filipino citizens of good moral character and must not be applying for resident or immigration status in a foreign country. Those who have already earned units in any post-secondary/undergraduate course or have taken any DOST-SEI Un-

dergraduate Scholarship Examinations are disqualified from applying. Applicants for the S&T Scholarship under RA 7687, on the other hand, must be residents of their respective towns for the last four years as attested by their barangay and school records. The deadline set for the submission of application to the nearest DOST regional and provincial offices will be on October 21, 2011. Scholarship awardees are to enroll in any of the colleges/universities identified by DOST-SEI. Aside from maintaining 41

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

DOST-IX announces.....from page 40 the grade requirements, the scholars should comply with the terms of the scholarship agreement that includes, among others, serving in the country on full-time basis along field training for a minimum period equivalent to the length of time the scholarship was enjoyed upon completion of the course. Among the privileges that DOST scholars will be receiving are free tuition and school fees subsidy up to P6,000 per semester, textbooks and school supplies allowance, physical education uniform allowance, free

transportation for one economy-class round trip fare between permanent residence and the place of study on reimbursement basis (for those studying outside their place of permanent residence), monthly living allowance, group health and accident insurance, additional privileges during summer, if required by the curriculum, and post-graduation clothing allowance. The test centers in region IX are WMSU-ILS Social Hall at Normal rd., Balisawan, Zamboanga City for applicants from Zamboanga City and Sulu,

Zamboanga del Norte National High School-Main for applicants from the municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, Pagadian City Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center for applicants from the municipalities Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City, and Claret School of Isabela for applicants from Basilan Province and its two cities of Isabel and Lamitan. Applicants from Zamboanga Sibugay may apply and take the test either in Zamboanga City or Pagadian City. (JPA/FPG)

Alternative Learning Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A & E Test moved to Nov. 6 by Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) --- The Dipolog City Schools DivisionAlternative Learning System(DCSD-ALS) of the Department of Education has announced that the Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A & E Test) scheduled to be conducted on October 2, 2011 has been moved to November 6, 2011. Ms. Catalina S. Bar- 562 qualified A & E Test and adults and 70 ininaga, DCSD-ALS Su- registrants composed of mates from the Dipolog pervisor said a total of 492 out-of-school youths City Rehabilitation and 42 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Alternative Learning....from page 41

Si Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, mikutlo sa taho gikan sa National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) ug sa mga buhatan rehiyonal sa maong departamento, miingon 83 porsiento kon suma total sa 36,527 sa 43,279 ka mga LGUs sa nasud ang nakaorganisar o nag-organisar pag-usab sa ilang konseho alang sa mga kabataan sukad miaging tuig, samtang 512 ang wala motuman niini. Sa pikas nga bahin, 20 ka mga probinsiya, 17 ka mga siyudad, 174 ka mga lungsod ug 3,876 ka mga barangay ang wala mosubmitir sa ilang taho. Sa 36,527 LCPCs, 55 anaa sa provincial level, 114 sa city level, 1,195 sa mu-

nicipalities ug 35,163 sa mga barangayas, miingon si Robredo. Apan, si Robredo mipasabot, nga ang pag-organisar sa LCPCs wala nagpasabot nga sa diha-diha molihok gilayon ang maong konseho. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The departamento motantiya sa lihok niining mga konseho base sa ilang performance sa mosunod: organization, meetings, policies, plans and budget accomplishments sa mga programa, proyekto ug mga kalihukan nga may kalimbigitan sa kaayohan ug pagpanalipod sa mga kabataan,â&#x20AC;? miingon si Robredo. Ang mga LCPCs pagatawgon isip ideal kon maangkon kini sa rating 80 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 100% pinaagi sa pagtuman sa mga kinahanglanon sa tanang indicators;

Mature kon makakuha kini sa rating 5179% sa pagtuman sa mga kinahanglanon sa organisasyon ug meetings ug ubang mga sub-indicators; Progressive kon ang rating 21-50% kon nakatuman sa mga kinahanglanon alang sa organisasyon, meetings ug pipila sa mga sub-indicators; ang Basic kon rating sa 20% pa ubos alang sa mga konseho nga nakahimo sa mga kinahanglanon alang sa organisasyon o kaha meetings lang. Base sa maong taho, si Robredo miingon nga ang suma total sa 37,193 ka mga PCPCs nga gitantiya sa tibuok nasud, 5,581 (ideal); 14,018 (mature); 11,547 (progressive); ug 6,047 (Basic). 43

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Alternative Learning....from page 42 Reformatory Center are slated to take the said examination. Of the 492 Out-ofschool youths and adult examinees who will take the A & E Test , 429 will take the secondary level while 63 will take the elementary level. On the other hand, of the 70 qualified inmates, 13 will take the elementary level while 57 others will try their luck in the secondary level.

The examination for the out-of school youths and adults will be held at the Zamboanga del Norte National High School-Main Campus, Rizal Avenue, Estaka, Dipolog City, while the examination for the inmates will be held inside the BJMP Complex in Lower Dicayas, Dipolog City. Barinaga said qualified to take the elementary level are those who

will be aging 11 years old during the date of the examination while those who will take the secondary level are those who will be 15 years old during the date of the examination. Lucky elementary level examinees will be eligible to enroll in high school while passers of the secondary level will be eligible to enroll in college.

Maguindanao floods draw 24-hour clearing operation

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept 28 (PIA) – Racing against time amid expected heavier rains spawned partly by tropical storm “Pedring” (internationally known as “Nesat”), some 600 volunteers have shifted to a 24-hour operation clearing carpets of water hyacinths that clogged rivers and bridges, and forced flood waters to flood low-lying towns in Maguindanao and villages in Cotabato city. Information chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Ali G. Macabalang reveals in a statement that the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) is on the round-the-

clock convergent operations with 350 civilians and 250 soldiers starting Sunday with the arrival of a water master and the establishment of a command center on the water lilies-clogged

Taviran Bridge in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao. “We have to go on 24-hour clearing operations since Sunday because of more water hyacinths expected to drift down streams in 44

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Maguindanao floods....from page 43

ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo and OCD-ARMM Director Loreto Rirao view the flooded vicinity of the new town hall edifice of Kabuntalan currently occupied by soldiers pending suspension of construction works amid the inundation, during their ocular inspection last Saturday. (BPI-ARMM/PIA9-BST) the coming downpours triggered by (typhoon) Pedring,” said Loreto Rirao, OCD-ARMM director, who coordinated the enhanced convergent works Sunday night. Ridao admitted while flooding cannot be prevented in Maguindanao because by its name the province means “flooded plains,” cohesive interventions can help minimize the

ill-effects of flooding on the lives and properties in affected areas. As of Monday, he said, floods have already affected 115 barangays in 13 towns in Maguindanao and some low-lying villages in this city, displacing close to 160,000 residents. Two minors have been confirmed drowned last week in Pagalungan town, he added.

Workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in ARMM and Region 12 have coordinated local government units in designating evacuations centers alongside their distributions of food packages and other relief goods, disaster management officials said. Classes in more than 50 public schools 45

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Maguindanao floods....from page 44 no, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), on the initial dispatch Sunday by Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson of a water master to help clear water hyacinths off the Taviran Bridge in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao. Sinarimbo and Maguindanao Rep. Sandra Sema, who visited Flood water also inundates the whole compounded ground of the Dadtimeg Elementary Saturday some flooded School in Kabuntalan town comprising seven academic edifices. Ostensibly written on the concrete fence is a slogan “edukasyon ang solusyon,” which visitors jestingly associated places including the town with a phrase “baha ang problema.” (AGM/PIA9-BST) hall and police station in clouded Maguindanao Council (RDRRMC) said. and schools in Kabuntowns have been sus- ARMM Executive talan, have separately pended in last seven Secretary Naguib Si- requested for more indays, the ARMM’s Re- narimbo has asked for terventions from the government. gional Disaster Risk Re- assistance from Secre- national duction Management tary Luwalhati Antoni- (AGM/RVC)

Still rising flood water forces abandonment of the police station and old town hall buildings in Kabuntalan. Photo taken during the ocular visit of an ARMM team led by Executive Secretary Sinarimbo and OCD-ARMM Director Loreto Rirao last Saturday. (BPIARMM/PIA9-BST)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

XU-Ateneo de Cagayan campus to go green

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

avier University-Ateneo de Cagayan will explore the frontiers on the care for the environment through greater social engagement.

47 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

XU-Ateneo de Cagayan....from page 46 This was revealed by Fr. Robert Yap, the newly installed President of XU, who said making the campus green will be one of his environmental stewardship projects, along with adapting to climate change. “We need to take care of creation so that creation can take care of us and caring for the environment is certainly one of the most crucial and most challenging to do in restoring the right relationships with creation,” he said. Thus, XU will pursue the mandate given by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Asia Pacific to be-

come a prototype green campus for the other Jesuit schools in the region, he said. He also said XU will implement the plans formulated under the guidance of Fr. Pedro Walpole of Environmental Science for Social Change and use environment-friendly cleaning agents. Among others, XU will promote a styrofoam-free campus, will operate a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and will reduce the waste volume that it dumps at the city landfill. It will also manage its many beautiful trees by pruning, landscaping and treating tree dis-

eases, will practice composting of its yard and fruit wastes, will set up a rainwater catchment system and will regularly do an energy audit and improve its energy efficiency. All of these will involve awareness and training programs so that the whole university community is mobilized to maintain a green campus, Fr. Yap said. “Ateneo de Cagayan will be a green campus … but … with a blue heart … a heart that appreciates the goodness of creation and discerns the active presence of God within creation,” Fr. Yap added.

GSIS, NSO ink MOA for implementation of ARAS by Wilmer M. Carabanes

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 28 (PIA) – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Statistics Office (NSO) to address the problems of pensioners in the Annual Renewal of Active Status (ARAS) implementation. 48 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

GSIS, NSO ink ....from page 47 During the recent Stakeholders’ Dialogue held in the city, Robert Vergara, GSIS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said the partnership will require NSO to provide the GSIS with a monthly report/information and data on the death and marriage of pensioners. This data can be used by GSIS to determine a match and counterchecks with the roster of pensioners and beneficiaries. Vergara said that with this data from NSO, pensioners are no longer required to submit an affidavit related to survivorship pension benefit, every year, ex-

cept upon application for the said benefit. Meanwhile, he said the NSO report will include, among others, a remark on whether the record has a perfect match or similar/sounds like/partial matched records. For similar/sounds like/partial matched records of deceased pensioners, the GSIS will inform the pensioner through a written registered notice and require them within two (2) months from receipt, thereof, to undertake any of the following: Report to any nearest GSIS office, send picture holding the newspaper of the dy showing visibly the

current date, undergo the GSIS Voice Activated Processing System (G-VAPS) and request GSIS for home visitation. For reported remarried pensioners, the GSIS will inform the pensioner through a written registered notice and require the latter within two (2) months from receipt, thereof, to submit a Certificate of No Marriage (Cenomar) from NSO. Failure to comply with any of the above provisions, within the said 2-month grace period, shall result in the immediate suspension of his monthly pension, Vergara added.

Mis. Or. housing project beneficiaries express gratitude to govt’s key shelter agencies

by Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis O¬¬riental, Sept. 28 (PIA) --- Employees of the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA) in Tagoloan, this province, have expressed their gratitude to the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and its attached agencies for undertaking a housing project for them. 49 48

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Mis. Or. housing.....from page 48 Elvira Garcia, president of PIA Employees Union, said the housing project is a realization of their dreams to own a house, thus, it is an invaluable legacy of the key shelter agencies and the PIA board to their employees. In its 37 years of existence, this is the first time that the PIA will undertake a housing project for its employees, she said, during the groundbreaking ceremonies of the PIA Employees Housing Project, yesterday. She said some of the PIA employees have already retired without houses that they can call their own, while some are still dwellers renting inside the PIA

compound. Dubbed as the PIA Employees Village, the housing project is a joint venture of PIA with the National Housing Authority (NHA) which will be providing technical assistance on site development and the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) which will be providing loan facilities for house construction. It will be built at the 2.9-hectare PIA property and is envisioned to generate 125 housing units at 120 sq. M. per lot. The housing project will have three (3) housing models with corresponding costs that are payable in 30 years, the 32 sq.m., single model

at Php312,000, the 42 sq.m., single detached at Php348,000, and the 73 sq.m., 2-storey house at Php516,000. Led by Vice President and HUDCC Chair Jejomar C. Binay, the groundbreaking ceremony of the PIA Employees Village was held at the PHIVIDEC Estate in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tagoloan town, this province. Also, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between PIA General Manager Leo Tereso Magno, NHA General Manager Chito M. Cruz and Pag-IBIG Chief Executive Officer Darlene Berberabe was signed during the ceremonies in the presence of Vice President Binay.

10th Pabahay Caravan opens in Cag. de Oro CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 28 (PIA) --- In an effort to build stronger partnership with local government units (LGUs) in delivering quality homes to their constituents, the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and its attached agencies have organized a 2-day housing caravan for Northern and Eastern Mindanao. 50 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

10th Pabahay Caravan....from page 49 The housing caravan, held Sept. 26-27, at the Dynasty Court Hotel, here, was actively participated in by local chief executives in Regions 10 and 13, as well, as their respective local planning officials and technical staff involved in housing concerns. Anchored on the theme “Strengthening Local Government Units (LGU) in Housing Delivery and Local Development Planning,” the opening of the Pabahay Caravan was spearheaded by no less than Vice President and HUDCC Chair Jejomar C. Binay. The caravan is the 10th of the series of housing events aimed at reorienting and updating LGU’s on the various housing programs

available, as well, as the roles LGU’s play in the delivery of housing services to their constituents. 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, Binay said. Heads of the government shelter agencies such as the National Housing Authority (NHA), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), and National Home Mortgage Finance Cor-

poration (NHMFC) presented their respective housing programs and services during the twoday housing caravan. Among the topics discussed were the role of LGUs in housing and urban development, as well, as specific housing programs for LGUs, including HDMF’s Group Housing Loan Program, SHFC’s localized community mortgage program, and NHA’s resettlement program. The HLURB also briefed the participants on Comprehensive Land Use Planning (CLUP) and how it can help LGU’s in ensuring rational, ecologically balanced and sustainable development of resources and growth of human settlements. (Apipa Bagumbaran)

Another buy-bust operation in Mis. Occ. leads to arrest of suspect by Juliet Cagaanan OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Sept. 28 (PIA) – Another Watch Listed Drug Personality (WLDP), fell into the hands of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), after a buybust operation, here. 51 50

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Another buy-bust...from page 50

Regional Director, Roberto S. Opeña identified the suspect as Jayson Ortaniza Lagahid, also known as, BAKYOT, male, 36 years old, single, jobless and a resident of the city. Listed in the Order of Battle (OB) of PDEA-10, Lagahid was covered under Operational Plan “Oroquieta.” He was caught during a buy-bust operation at Purok 2, Barangay Talic, on or about 5:30 p.m., last Sept. 21, by the operatives of Misamis Occidental Provincial Special Enforcement Team of PDEA-10. Bought from the suspect by

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the PDEA undercover agent were two (2) pieces small size heatsealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. Also recovered from his possession and control were the following: four (4) pieces small size heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets believed to be shabu with an estimated total weight of 0.06 grams. T w e n t y four (24) pieces rolled aluminum foils and one (1) piece, each, of improvised tooter, brown leather coin purse with attached keys,

Nokia 2323C cell phone and a black Honda wave motorcycle without a plate number. Opeňa said the seized drug and non-drug evidences were brought to PNP Crime Laboratory for qualitative and quantitative examination. Meantime, the arrested suspect is now temporarily detained at Oroquita City Police Station Detention Cell for booking and documentation. Appropriate charges for violation of RA 9165 is now being readied for filing against the suspect in court, the PDEA10 Director added.

Davao City Chamber eyes creative industries

by RG Alama

he Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries is looking at improving the creative industries such as filmmaking and animation in Davao City.

Gracing the recent Club 888 Media Forum at Marco Polo Davao, Marilou Monterverde M.D. chairperson of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries Incorporated said that the board has discussed and approved

the creation of a creative industries committee in the chamber. Monteverde said that Davao City already has talented filmmakers and animation artists seeing the potential growth of this industry and also creative

industries can help bring more positive image for Davao complementing its new branding campaign. Currently the City Chamber is partnering with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) 53

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Davao City......from page 52 in coming up with the planned Davao City Film Festival which is eyed to be held in the second or third quarter of next year. Peter Lat, FDCP coordinator in Davao City said that FDCP’s goal is to regionalize the film industry across the country. He said that filmmaking is becoming popular in Davao with

the people becoming more aware and creative in this field. Lat cited that favored Filipino films in the European festivals included films made in Davao and Mindanao. M e a n w h i l e Monteverde said that the planned Davao City Film Festival is aimed as a multi-sectoral effort particularly in

GSIS expands ties with Land Bank

the engagement of the academe. She said the academe has requested that the film festival be held during school season. The FDCP is also exploring in bringing free workshops on filmmaking ( c i n e m a t o g r a p h y, editing, screenwriting) and animation in the schools.

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is expanding its partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines to allow not only pensioners but also its 1.4 million members to benefit from LANDBANK’s network of 927 ATMs nationwide. LANDBANK, with more than 900 ATMs nationwide, also has the widest branch network in the banking industry with branches in all of the country’s 80 provinces. Beginning this year, GSIS members can now receive loan proceeds and

other benefits such as cash dividends through a LANDBANK-issued UMID e-Card instead of getting the same through your U N I O N B A N K- i s s u e d UMID e-Card. LANDBANK allows for no maintaining balance required for

the member’s savings account. There’s also no service fee on withdrawal and balance inquiry from any of LANDBANK’s more than 900 ATMs nationwide. The LANDBANKissued UMID e-Card also 54

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GSIS expands....from page 53 functions as a debit card in more than 20,000 accredited merchants nationwide. It is also a discount card for selected Pfizer medicines and when enrolling your children/relatives in any

STI campus nationwide. A member may transfer account from UNIONBANK to LANDBANK, just email name, date of birth, UMID Common Reference Number or CRN, and

preferred LANDBANK branch to eservices@ gsis.gov.ph or visit the GSIS website www. gsis.gov.ph, and log on to the e-Card member transaction page by typing your GSIS ID No.

DavNor Capitol treats employees to free med services

by Noel Baguio

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public servantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; turn to receive wellness services.

Hundreds of Capitol executives and employees took a break from the taxing pressures of serving the public by taking advantage of the health care services liberally provided by the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte. In between holding medical outreaches in far-flung and depressed communities, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) organized the health and wellness program exclusively for the provincial employees and retirees on September 27, 2001.

The workers were given free checkup and medicines, dental services, minor surgery, cardio vascular screening, eye consultation, sugar screening, cancer screening, therapeutic massage, pap smear, and laboratory examinations, among other health services. Dozens of employees also participated in the bloodletting activity. The therapeutic massage service was provided in coordination with the Ventura College

and the International Spiritual and Material Therapeutic Massage Tagum City, Inc. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Agapito Hornido said the health and wellness program, which is now on its second year, was organized in line with the celebration of the 111th year of the Philippine Civil Service. He said the event intended to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases among the Capitol workers, and to motivate them to increase performance. Amid the myriad 55

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DavNor Capitol....from page 54 of challenges and crucial responsibilities facing public servants today, Hornido said it is important to reduce the workers’ risk of developing chronic health conditions and to control the rising health care costs through the wellness program. “We must keep our employees healthy to enable them to serve the interest of the public better,” he said. Other activities slated in celebration of

the civil service month, which also seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Capitol workers, include seminars on stress management, communication skills and personality development; launch of the Pinoy Biggest Loser Capitol Edition; DDN Capitolympics 2011 and Capitol DavNor Got Talent 2011. The month-long celebration will be capped by the recognition/

awarding rites for deserving provincial officials and employees on September 29, 2011. “I hope these activities will inspire everyone to even more make good in the discharge of your duties towards Championing RACE: Public Services Excellence at Full Speed.” Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario said, alluding to this year’s theme of the Civil Service Month celebration.

Laak Kahimunan Festival cum Fruit Festival a success

by Noel Baguio

Laak, Compostela Valley Province, (Sept. 23, 2011) – The Local Government Unit of Laak through the leadership of Mayor Reynaldo B. Navarro successfully celebrated its first Kahimunan Festival cum Fruit Festival last September 21, 2011. Kahimunan is a Dibabawon term for unity amidst cultural diversity. As diverse and exotic as their culture are, the Dibabawons, Muslims, Mandaya and other minority groups in the

Municipality even the Visayan flocked to the Municipal Hall Ground of Laak to showcase not only their cultural practices, customs and traditions but also the available products and on season fruits of their

respective barangay. Highlights of the said festivity were the Grand Parade which was attended by the Municipal Officials headed by Mayor Reynaldo B. Navarro, the 10th ID Band, 56

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Laak Kahimunan....from page 55 Municipal Employees and all sectors and various stakeholders of the municipality including the entry for the best dressed horse competition in the morning followed by the blessing and inauguration of the Municipal Tribal Hall at Poblacion Laak, this municipality which is the biggest Tribal Hall in the Province of Compostela Valley. Program proper was held at the Laak Municipal Hall Ground which was attended by Congressman Rommel C. Amatong, SP Member Ruben R. Flores, 60IB Battalion Commander LTC Greg T. Almerol, LNMB ComVal Chapter Pesident Felisa A. Navarro, IP Representative Augusto S. Blanco, Montevista Mayor Teopista T. Jauod, Mabini Mayor Amir B. MuĂąoz, COA Supervising Auditor

Dina T. Novelero and others. Mayor Reynaldo B. Navarro in his message during the celebration said that the celebration is a way of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest that the LaakeĂąos received from the Almighty. It is also a way of thanking and recognizing the indigenous people who made a great part in shaping the cultural influences that made Laak what it is today. Still part of the festival was the Fun Games and Competition such as durian eating contest, marang eating contest, banana eating contest and linutlot cooking contest. The twenty (20) clustered barangays on the other hand participated in the Booth Contest and Fruit Display where in they vie for best dressed booth, best in cultural design, best product displayed (handicraft

category) and most number of displayed fruits. C l u s t e r e d Barangays Kapatagan and Il Papa bagged the best dressed booth and best in cultural design while clustered Barangays Pob. Laak and Datu Ampunan, clustered Barangays Mabuhay and Bagong Silang bagged the best product displayed (handicraft category) and most number of displayed fruits, respectively. In the afternoon were the tribal games and other competition such as spear throwing, bow and arrow, native wrestling (layug), native song contest and native dance contest. Mayor Reynaldo B. Navarro attributed the success of the festival to the support of the different stakeholders of the municipality. (Janice C. Ollave â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IO Laak)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Davao Light, Aboitiz Foundation turn over 6 Day Care classrooms avao Light & Power Co., a member of the Aboitiz Group, turned over last week three (3) Day Care Centers with a total of six (6) classrooms in support to the national government’s newly launched K + 12 education program.

Davao Light which distributes power in the cities of Davao and Panabo, and in the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte built the centers for the Aklat Gabay at Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pangarap (AGAPP), a foundation headed by Presidential sister Pinky Aquino Abellada. The three centers are located inside the campuses of Maa Elementary School in the city’s 1st district; Lt. C. Villafuerte Sr. Elementary School in Calinan of the 3rd district; and Mudiang Elementary School in the city’s second district. Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.(AFI), the social development arm of Davao Light and all the companies under the Aboitiz conglomerate, funded the construction. Augusto P.I. Carpio III, Exec. Vice President and Managing Trustee of AFI, and Davao Light’s EVP and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Art M. Milan,

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led the turn-over from the benefactors’ side, while Jocy T. Ledesma, represented Presidential sister Abellada of AGAPP. Davao City Division Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ines Asuncion and Principal Mrs. Ferna G. Porras received the new kinder class facility. Dr. Antonia Diaz, Asst. Division Superintendent for Administration, and Principals Mr. Leonardo Mateo and Riza Joy Sarile, led DepEd officials in accepting the new day care centers at Villafuerte Elementary and Mudiang Elementary Schools, respectively. AGAPP’s mobilization of Day Care building donors came about to backstop the Department of Education’s integration of the Kindergarten education under its umbrella. This after the DepEd launched the K-12 expanded elementary and secondary curriculum. Each of the 2-classroom AGAPP Day Care Center costs about a

P1 million, the whole Aboitiz Group has committed to build for AGAPP and donate to the DepEd 50 units of Day Care Centers for the period 2011 – 2012. Davao Light is assigned to construct for the Foundation 6 of the 50 Day Care centers of AGAPP dubbed as “Silid Pangarap”. Meanwhile, two other Aboitiz companies under the Power Generation Group also constructed for AFI one Day Care Center each in their respective area of operation. Therma Mobile 1 in Maco turned over its completed Kinder classrooms lastSeptember 20 to Maco Central Elementary School in Maco, Compostela Valley Province. Therma Mobile 2 which operates a 100 megawatt power barge in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, is set to turn over its completed building for AGAPP to Sta. Ana Elementary School on September 28, 2011.

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Programang 4Ps nagtatagumpay sa bayan ng Upi, Maguindanao, ayon kay Maguindanao 1st Rep Sema ni PBChangco

apansinpansin ang makikitang untiunting pagbabago sa kabuhayan ng mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program o 4Ps sa bayan ng Upi, Maguindanao, ayon kay Maguindanao 1st district/Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema. 60 Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Programang 4Ps....from page 59

Binisita ng kongresista ang nasabing bayan kamakailan upang personal na makita at malaman ang kalagayan ng mga mamamayan at alamin ang mga pangangailangan na karapat-dapat na mapagkalooban ng tulong at suporta. Ayon kay Sema, kanyang napagalaman sa ilang mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps at mga lokal na opisyal ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga magaaral sa bayan sa tulong ng 4Ps at maayos na pamamalakad ng pamahalaang lokal sa iialim ng pamumuno ni Mayor Ramon Piang, Sr. Sinabi ni Sema na nais nitong makabahagi sa pagsisikap ng gobyerno na iangat ng 60

antas ng kabuhayan ng maraming mahihirap na pamilya at mapabuti ang ekonomiya ng Maguindanao. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Napagalaman natin na marami ang mga kabataan ang nagaaral, at base sa report tumaas ang literacy rate at bumaba ang school dropout sa Upi sa tulong ng 4Ps,â&#x20AC;? ani Sema. Bunsod nito, nangako ang kongresista ang pagpapatuloy ang pamamahagi ng kanyang tanggapan ng bag, lapis at papel sa mga batang mage-enrol sa Grade 1, pagbibigay ng scholarship sa limampung estudyante ng Upi Agricultural College sa susunod na pasukan at tulong para sa

malawakang pagtatanim ng mga highend na mga gulay. Kumbinsido ang kongresista sa potensyal ng Upi upang maging â&#x20AC;&#x153;salad bowlâ&#x20AC;? ng rehiyon dahil sa malamig na klima, matabang lupa at ang ipinamamalas na kasipagan at tiyaga ng mga residente sa lugar. Bilang suporta sa mabuting pamumuno ni Mayor Piang, nangako si Sema ng halagang limang daan libong piso (P500,000) pondo na gagamitin sa pagsasaayos ng sirang Upi gymnasium kung saan idinaraos ang mga mahahalagang okasyon. (PIA Cotabato City)

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AFP to turn over internal security operations to provincial government by Dani Doguiles

Bravo said they have already dismantled the NPA Fronts 76 and 73 operating in the province, particularly in the area around Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu.

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ll is set for the ceremonies that will signify the turnover of lead role in the management of the internal security operations (ISO) to the provincial government of South Cotabato. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr, representing the provincial government of South Cotabato and Maj. Gen. Jorge Segovia, repre-

senting the 10th Infantry Division, will be signing a memorandum of agreement on Friday to officially effect the transfer of lead-

Bagong PNP PNP chief chief pinayuhan pinayuhan Bagong ang mga mga batang batang pulis pulis sa sa North North ang by PBChangco Cotabato Cotabato

PNP Dir. Gen. Nicanor Bartolome Binisita ni Bartolome ang mga opisyal ng lalawigan na pinagunahan ni North Cotabato governor Emmylou TalI単o-Mendoza kasabay ng paginspeksiyon sa mga tropa ng kapulisan sa lalawigan. Sa simpleng programa na dinaluhan

ainit ang naging pagtanggap ng mga opisyal at mamamayan ng North Cotabato kay bagong hepe ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na si DirectorGeneral Nicanor Bartolome na dumalaw sa nasabing lugar kamakailan ilang araw matapos itinalaga ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III sa kanyang bagong pwesto.

ng mga opisyal ng prubinsiya, pamahalaang bayan, military, pulisya, civil society organization at maging mga retiradong pulis, kinilala ng opisyal ang katapatan at maayos na pagganap ng katungkulan ng mga dating kasamah-

an at tauhan na ayon sa kanya ay nagsilbing gabay at inspirasyon. Sa kanyang mensahe, binigyan-diin ni Bartolome ang mga mahalagang hakbang na puspusang ipinatutupad kabilang ang transformation program sa layuning lalong 63

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Bagong PNP chief....from page 62 mapabuti ang serbisyo ng kapulisan upang iangat ang imahe at tiwala ng taumbayan. Pinayuhan ng opisyal ang batang miyembro ng North Cotabato PNP na laging himingi ng payo sa mga kasamahang mas nauna at malapit nang magretiro upang sila ay magabayan sa tama at maayos na pagtupad sa kanilang tungkulin

bilang tagapagpatupad ng batas para pananatili ng kaayusan at kapayapaan sa lugar. Ayon kay Bartolome, kanya ring inatasan ang highway patrol group na palakasin ang kampanya sa paggamit ng helmet para matiyak ang proteksiyon ng mga motorist sa harap ng tumataas na kaso ng aksidente sa mga daan at lansangan.

Kaugnay dito, tiniyak ni Gov. Mendoza ang suporta ng pamahalaang panlalagiwan sa militar at pulisya kasabay ng pahayag ng kasiyahan sa maayos at masigasig na pagtutulungan at koordinasyon sa kampanya kontra karahasan at terorismo sa lalawigan. (pbchangco/ PIA Cotabato City)

PHOTO RELEASES: The Philippine Information Agency 12 (PIA 12) in partnership with Gensan College of Technology conducted a bloodletting activity on September 19, 2011 in collaboration with the Philippine Red CrossGensan Chapter collected some 6, 750 ml of blood. Fourteen (14) students from the school and Dani Doguiles, information officer IV of PIA 12 donated blood. (RTL/PIA)

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