One Mindanao - September 29, 2011 by PIA Mindanao

CONTENTS NATIONAL

• Aquino secures $1.4B-investment commitments

from Japan

OUR COVER

• Aquino commends gov’t agencies for good

disaster response

• Malacañang assures commitment to improve

Today’s cover business and economic climate in PHL features the • Aquino to approve measures addressing global Press Freedom economic slowdown

Monument

in honor of Filipino journalists slain for the past three (3) decades

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

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

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • 160,000 displaced, 2 dead in Maguindanao floods • CATV operators play vital role in propagating government programs, says NTC-9 chief • Conflict-affected barangays in KALAHI-CIDSS towns to get P300-T each for peace projects • “Kurambos” project planning workshop held in Dapitan • SUCs makaangkon ug 10.1% budget hike sa proposed 2012 national budget

Northern Mindanao • PDEA-10 seizes more than half a Php1.0M worth of shabu • HDMF (Pag-Ibig) reiterates mandatory membership of all employees • Kapatagan, Lanao Norte is best-managed town in Region 10 • BJM-10 intensifies its “Tulong sa Komunidad” Project

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • NEDA cites Davao del Norte’s excellent dev’t plans • Zero work fatalities as DOLE-XI monitors construction sites • PCA sees promise in coco-water • Naval Eastern Mindanao Command Activates Five Coast Watch Center • Davao Norte farmers profit from growing cassava

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • USM pinangunahan ang pag-obserba ng World Rabies Day sa Bayan ng Kabacan • Surgical mission in South Cotabato extends beyond Sept. 29 • DENR 12 has new RTD for Land Management Service • Mahigit 50,000 pamilya apektado ng pagbaha sa lalawigan ng Maguindanao

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

• • • • •

22nd Nat’l Stat month celebration set in Butuan Caraga coops readies Cooperative Month celebration PCA Caraga on war against Brontispa Surigao City to craft Tourism Master Plan DENR apprehends P1.2 million worth of illegal logs

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Cover Story:

Misamis Oriental honors Filipino Journalists

Elaine O. Ratunil

he province of Misamis Oriental constructed a Press Freedom Monument in honor of Filipino journalists slain for the past three (3) decades.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

4 3

Cover Story:Misamis Orriental honors.......from page 3

The monument, located at the Vicente de Lara Park near the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) building and a radio station, was commissioned by Governor Oscar S. Moreno and done by prominent Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo. Moreno said the monument is a modest contribution of his administration to press freedom and democracy and is a part of some Php25-million heritage project that would convert the De Lara Park, which is in front of the provincial capitol, into a heritage park. The only one in the entire country, the monument is in the form of a tableau made up of three bronze-cast figures which pays tribute to the members of the Fourth Estate, most of them based in the provinces, who mostly lost their lives in the line of duty. Thus, the figures depict various aspects of a journalistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job including radio broadcasting, reporting and photojournalism. Placed at the left side of the figures is a wall that holds more than 100 bronze plates, each containing the names of slain media practitioners, their news clubs and date of their death.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Aquino secures $1.4B-investment commitments from Japan 6

Thursday, September 29, 2011

resident Benigno S. Aquino III reported securing $1.4 billion investment pledges following his four-day visit in Japan.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

8 7

Aquino secures......from page 7

In his arrival statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal 2 Wednesday evvening the president said his official visit to Japan was aimed at building stronger “strategic partnership” with that country. “Wala pong duda sa tagumpay ng ating biyahe: sa loob lamang ng apat na araw dumalo po tayo sa tatlumpu’t anim na meeting at iba’t-ibang engagement, kung saan may $1.4 billion na halaga ng bagong mga negosyo’t mamumuhunan ang tiyak na papasok mula sa Japan, ito po ay sa mga sektor ng enerhiya, manufacturing, at mga serbisyo,” the president said in his speech. Through the trip, the President said he was able to reintro-

duce the country as a place ready for business where investors can expect to be treated with with fairness and transparency. The President also thanked Japanese Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda for their warm welcome and continuing support for the Philippines despite the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. “Habang nakatutok sila sa recovery at reconstruction ng kanilang bansa, mananatili sila sa pagbigay ng Official Development Assistance sa Pilipinas, bilang suporta sa ating Philippine Development Plan at sa PublicPrivate Partnership program. Nakakagalak ng kalooban ang ganitong uri ng

malasakit mula sa bansang Hapon,” the president said. After a meeting with Noda the president said the Philippines could expect improved mechanism for the entry of Filipino nurses and caregivers in Japan. At the same time, both countries have forged better cooperation for enhanced disaster prevention and management as well as climate change response, the President said. He and Noda also singed a Forestland Management Project. The Philippines also got the support of Japan in maintaining peace in the disputed West Philippine Sea, President Aquino said. “Pareho naming kinikilala na magandang hakbang ang pagtanggap sa Guide9

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Aquino secures......from page 8

lines for the Implementation on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” he said. Aside from economic issues, President Aquino and Prime Minister Noda also discussed tourism and information technology and the need for the Philippines to strengthen its coast guard. The President

said his recent visits in the US and Japan have brought back the trust and confidence of the international community for the Philippines. “Sa naging sunod-sunod po nating pagbisita sa ibang bansa, lalo pong naging malinaw at nanunumbalik na ang tiwala at kumpiyansa ng mundo sa Pilipinas,” the president

said. “At iyan naman po ang mithiin natin: na kapag narinig ang pangalan ng ating bansa, hindi kurapsyon at utak wang-wang ang tatatak sa kanila; sa halip, isang bansang marangal at maunlad, isang bansa kung saan nangingibabaw ang kultura ng mabuting pamamahala at pakikipag-kapwa,” he added. (AS)

Aquino commends gov’t agencies for good disaster response resident Benigno S. Aquino III praised government agencies that responded well to the devastation brought by Typhoon Pedring while he was on an official working visit to Japan.

The President, who arrived from Japan Wednesday evening, expressed sadness over the devastation by Typhoon Pedring. While in Japan,

Thursday, September 29, 2011

the President said he remained in close contact with the members of his cabinet, particularly Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Defense Secretary Vol-

taire Gazmin, and Social Welafre Secretary Dinky Soliman to know the situation in the country. “Talaga naman pong napakalakas ng 10 9

Aquino commends.....from page 9

hagupit ni Pedring., ngunit gaya po ng ating pinatunayan nitong mga nagdaang mga bagyo:, kahandaan, disiplina, mabilis na pagresponde at pagtutulungan ang susi upang malampasan ang unos na ito, at mailayo sa kapahamakan ang buhay at kabuhayan ng marami nating kababayan,” he said. “Saludo ako sa PAGASA sa pagbibigay ng tama at napapanahong impormasyon: sa NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction

Management Council), sa DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), maging sa AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at PNP (Philippine National Police), at sa iba pang katuwang na ahensya ng gobyerno, at sa mga lokal na pamahalaan sa kanilang ipinamalas na malasakit at pagbabayanihan.” The Chief Executive said he hopes that these agencies will continue to work well to prevent loss of lives and to protect prop-

erties during typhoon seasons. “Umaasa akong lalo pang umigting ang ganitong uri ng kahandaan at aktibong balikatan upang masiguro na anumang banta o sakuna ang dumating, matagumpay muli natin itong malalampasan,” he said. Based on latest reports, the death toll from Typhoon Pedring climbed to 35, while 45 were reported missing on Thursday as floods submerged thousands of homes in the country. (AS)

Malacañang assures commitment to improve business and economic climate in PHL alacanang made it clear that the decline of the country’s ranking in an annual survey on the world’s economic freedom was based during the incumbency of the past administration as it assured that efforts are underway to ensure the Aquino government’s commitment to improve the business and economic climate in the country. In a statement person Edwin Lacierda Economic Freedom of released on Thursday, noted that the result the World Report was Presidential Spokes- of the 2011 Annual based on 2009 reports

11 Thursday, September 29, 2011

Malacañang assures.....from page 10

under the incumbency of the past administration. The parameters used include size of government, legal structure and security of property rights, access to sound money, freedom to trade internationally and regulation of credit, labor and business. In his statement, Lacierda also said that the Aquino administration has taken steps, among others, to streamline the bureaucracy, level the business playing field, improve the business registration system and institute zerobased budgeting – all were part of the government’s efforts in effecting reforms and improve the economic climate in the country. With these efforts in place, Lacierda expressed high hopes that the country will improve its ranking in the next research to be

Thursday, September 29, 2011

released. “We can reasonably expect that the efforts of the Aquino administration woul be factored in the next report, and the Philippines will rank higher,” Lacierda said. Both the Fraser Institute and the Heritage Foundation have indexes to measure and track economic freedom in the world. The Fraser Institute’s annual report, The Economic Freedom of the World Index, is produced in partnership with the Florida State University and the Southern Methodist University, and it analyzes five subcomponents to measure a country’s level of economic freedom. These subcomponents include the size of government based on expenditures and taxes; the legal structure and its protection of property rights; access to sound money; freedom to

trade internationally; and regulation of credit, labor, and business. The Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Wall Street Journal, publishes the Index of Economic Freedom, which evaluates various subcomponents of economic freedom, including levels of business, trade, fiscal, monetary, and labor freedom; government spending; and property rights. Economic freedom affects every aspect of an individual’s life. Living in a society with high levels of economic freedom leads to higher incomes, lower poverty, less unemployment, longer life expectancies, and cleaner environments, among a host of other benefits. More economic freedom improves well-being and leads to a higher quality of life. (JCL) 11

Aquino to approve measures addressing global economic slowdown resident Benigno S. Aquino III will soon approve several economic proposals aimed at boosting government spending in the next three months to shield the country’s vulnerable sectors from the impact of the global

economic downturn.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad was asked by reporters about government’s response on the impact of economic slowdowns in the US and Europe particularly on the vulnerable sectors in the Philippines. “Whether you call it stimulus or additional expenditure programs what we have set out to do… and in fact the president is going to call a meeting soon to approve a number of proposals both coming from the Department of Finance and Department of Budget and Management and from the infrastructure departments. These

proposals is expected to further boost the spending over the next three months,” Abad told Palace reporters on Thursday. At the same time, the budget chief allayed public fears on the major effects of the global slowdown on the economy saying the country is more resilient than other countries because of its active domestic economic activity. The Philippines is stronger compared to other countries which are more exposed to the global market’s financial instability like the US and Europe, Abad said. Those countries

are more vulnerable because their economies are directed outward. But in the case of the Philippines it is less vulnerable because it’s not an export-oriented economy. The Philippine for the most part is dealing with its internal domestic economic requirement like problems in governance, poverty reduction, and accelerating the domestic economy creating much local activity, he added. The country has a lot of movement within the economy enabling it to generate a lot of growth and social services to the people, Abad said. 13

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Aquino to approves.....from page 12

“And so we do not have that challenge of having to rebalance the economy unlike other countries which are really exposed externally so much more than us.” However, Abad acknowledged the weaknesses of some sectors, particularly those exporting their products like semiconductors and the electronics industries. He said overseas Filipino workers may also be affected if the dollar contin-

ues to weaken against the peso as a result of the global slowdown. This time however, OFW remittances remain robust and the country must recognize the adaptability of the Filipino manpower that significantly supports the country’s economy, he said. “But of course there are other upsides in the economy. We still have to see because the situation out there is volatile. We are hoping that the

European Union takes a more decisive action with respect to Greece as well as other countries like Italy, Portugal and Spain,” he noted. “In the case of the US it’s not so much as they are not making the right economic move as they are applying partisan political decisions to purely economic problems, and therefore there are some mismatches in the options they are facing,” he said. (AS)

PHOTO RELEASE Thursday, September 29, 2011

TOKYO, Japan –President Benigno S. Aquino III greets His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito during the State Call at the Audience Room, Imperial Palace in line with his official working visit to Japan on Wednesday (September 28). Emperor Akihito is the 125th emperor of his line according to Japan’s traditional order of succession. He acceded to the throne in 1989, the year the Chief Executive’s mother, the late President Corazon Aquino was invited to witnessed the emperor’s accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

PHOTO

Thursday, September 29, 2011

RELEASE

Thursday, September 29, 2011

160,000 displaced, 2 dead in Maguindanao floods lose to 35,000 families involving some 160,000 individuals fled homes and in 13 other adjacent towns of Maguindanao amid rising flood waters spawned by heavy rains and aggravated by huge chunks of water lilies clogging rivers crisscrossing this province, relief and disaster management officials reported Sunday. 16

17 Thursday, September 29, 2011

160,000 displaced...from page 16 ARMM Information Chief Ali Macabalang disclosed that two children identified as Mujahad Dalagan, 13, and Cecil Mebpandi, 8, were confirmed dead of drowning in two of inundated barangays in Pagalungan town as reported by Loreto Rirao, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Chunks of water hyacinths spanning more than 300 hectares in the 220,000-hectare Ligawasan Marsh drifted along tributary rivers amid continuous rains that began six days ago and spawned floods in 14 towns of this province and parts of North Cotabato. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division sent in Saturday 100 more soldiers to complement troops and civilian volunteers converging since Wednesday to clear some 10-hectare size water lilies that clogged the passageway of Taviran Bridge along Butilen river and forced water to

Thursday, September 29, 2011

spill over to most of villages. The four-day clearing works of dozens of volunteers had splintered a dismal portion of water lilies clogging the bridge, prompting ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo to call on Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Luwalhati Antonino to lend giant water masters, which were due to arrive Sunday. Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, 6th Infantry Division commander, also on request of the ARMM executive, ordered the establishment of a command center on the clogged riverbank to harmonize anew the seemingly disorganized clearing operations. “We need to clear the bridge of the water lilies before more rains come and push down larger chunks of hyacinths to the structure,” Sinarimbo told supervising military officials, even as he expressed fear of a possible collapse of the bridge under heavier pressure. Guided by Kabun-

talan-based military contingents, Sinarimbo, Director Rirao and ARMM relief officials witnessed the condition of the inundated town hall, police station and all schools in this town. In an earlier report, ARMM’s Social Welfare head Pombaen Karon-Kader said several schools have also been submerged in the towns of Northern Kabuntalan, Pagalungan, Montawal, Buluan, S. K. Pendatun, Sultan-saBarongis, Paglat, Datu Salibo and Datu Piang. Kader said her agency has been distributing relief goods to the 154,750 displaced villagers, even as she expressed fear their supply would not suffice for a longer period especially when more villagers flee homes amid signs of continuous rains. Assistance from the outside is needed, she said. Sinarimbo said he had asked officials of some United Nations’ humanitarian agencies to send in relief assistance. (AGM/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

CATV operators play vital role in propagating government programs, says NTC-9 chief by Gideon C. Corgue PAGADIAN CITY, September 29 (PIA) – “Cable television play an important role in the timely and relevant dissemination of government’s programs, projects, and policies.” This was disclosed on Tuesday by National Telecommunications Commission (NTC-9) Regional Director Edgardo Celorico, Jr. during the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on public-private partnership (PPP) between the NTC, PIA, and cable television (CATV) operators in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur at “10” Disco here. Speaking before CATV operators and members of the Zamboanga del Sur – Pagadian City Press Club, Inc., Celorico said important events such as the aftermath of worst natural disasters that are happening today not only in our country but throughout the world can be seen thru television. Celorico said television can impart news of impending disaster, convey the effects of events that have taken place and

public service announcements for relief that need government’s immediate action. “Nakikita nating lahat ang mga nangyayari sa Metro Manila lalong-lalo na sa mga kalamidad, at kung ano ang ginawa sa gobyerno para matulungan ang mga tao (We have seen the events that are happening in Metro Manila and the action/response of the government in helping the people),” Celorico said. Halos lahat sa atin ay tumitingin sa gobyerno. Inaasahan natin ang tulong nito panahon sa matinding kalamidad at emergency kaya kailangan natin ang medium ng komunikasyon para mapaabot sa mga tao ang ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa kanila. (Almost all of us depend on the government. We expect government’s help during calamities and emergen-

cies, thus we need a medium of communication to inform the people on the government’s action),” Celorico opined. “A timely and relevant information dissemination would help mitigate the effects of disaster in the community,” Celorico added. The NTC chief said “with the strong support and commitment of the ten (10) CATV operators in the province, I am confident that the public will be fully aware on the vital issues, programs, projects and policies of the government.” Celorico said the MOA signing which is the beginning of partnership between the above-mentioned parties will soon be replicated in the cities and provinces of region 9 to promote the government’s policy—the PPP espoused by President Benigno Aquino III.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Conflict-affected barangays in KALAHI-CIDSS towns to get P300-T each for peace projects

Pagadian City, Sept 29 (PIA) -- Conflict-affected barangays (CABs) in KALAHICIDSS municipalities in Western Mindanao will be receiving a P300,000 grant for infrastructure and other development projects promoting peace through the “Pamana” project.

Ms. Connie Acosta, KALAHI-CIDSS monitoring and technical assistance officer for the Mindanao cluster said that the P300,000 funds for CABs in the municipalities of Payao, Tungawan and Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay are an augmentation of funds for these communities to enable them to implement peace-promoting projects. Pamana was tied up with DSWD’s community-driven KALAHI-CIDSS project since the two practically have the same objectives: to empower communities, enhance governance, and reduce poverty – this time with special emphasis on barangays affected by conflict and violence. The KALAHI-CIThursday, September 29, 2011

DSS project, in dividing a municipal grant allocation (P500,000 x number of barangays in a municipality), uses participatory prioritization mechanism – it is basically a criteria-based votecasting by community representatives to decide which communities receive funds for developmental projects. In this manner, some barangays may not be prioritized due to the limited funds. Pamana ensures that all conflict-affected barangays would have development projects, with or without prioritization in KALAHI-CIDSS. “In Pamana, we are giving focus to conflict-affected barangays since devel-

opment is slower in these areas. Through this program, we hope that the people will have more initiative to participate in KALAHICIDSS activities that promote peace and development,” said DSWD assistant regional director Zenaida Arevalo. Community projects for Pamana may be infrastructure, livelihood trainings, and other peace-promoting activities such as dialogues. The program is jointly implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace process (OPAPP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is being implemented nationwide. (DSWD-9/ALT) 19

“Kurambos” project planning workshop held in Dapitan by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA) - - Some 65 participants coming from the different offices of the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte, the municipal government of La Libertad and the national government agencies (NGAs) based in the province turned up yesterday for the strategic planning workshop in Dapitan City on the “Kurambos” project.

“Kurambos” project, which is a community employment and livelihood program adopted by the municipality of La Libertad, has been supported by the provincial government and the 21 NGAs such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 20

(BFAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Dipolog School of Fisheries (DSF), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Health (DOH), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepED), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Through the help of DOLE the municipal leadership of La Libertad headed by Mayor Anjanette H. Sulit came up with the said project to provide em-

ployment opportunities to its people. It was learned during the workshop that La Libertad has the potential to become one of the tourist destinations in the province as it has caves, waterfalls and most especially a big, rapid-flowing river suitable for white water rafting ventures. Aside from its natural attractions, the municipality abounds with exotic fruits like lanzones, marang, rambutan and many others. Canopy rides in between clefts and mountains can also be put up in the municipality, which is just a 30-minute ride from the shrine city of Dapitan, the tourism hub of Zamboanga del Norte. Thursday, September 29, 2011

SUCs makaangkon ug 10.1% budget hike sa proposed 2012 national budget by Alma L. Tingcang MANILA , September 29 (PIA) –Si Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad misupak sa mga alegasyon nga ang budget alang sa state colleges and universities (SUCs) gikunhoran ubos sa proposed 2012 national budget, hinuon, nadugangan pa ang ilang budget ug 10.1 porsiyento. Matod pa ni Abad, ang proposed budget sa SUCs sa tuig 2012 anaa sa P26.1 bilyon, mas taas kaysa budget ning tuig nga P23.7 bilyon. Ubos sa maong proposed SUC budget sunod tuig, ang P23.6 bilyon maglangkob sa automatic appropriations nga gi-itemize kada SUC; P2 bilyon alang sa Miscellaneous and Personal Benefits Funds (MPBF) alang sa unfilled positions sa SUCs; ug additional P500 milyon nga ihatag diha sa Commission on Higher Education (CHED) alang sa SUC development. “Mao kana ang tinuod. Walay giingon nga budget cut. Kung gipatin-aw nila nga ang budget cut mao ang diperensiya tali sa ilang gipropose ug ang giapil sa proposed budget, nan, ang tibuok kagamhanan

Thursday, September 29, 2011

nakaangkon ug budget cut,” si Abad nagkanayon. Kung gituman sa kagamhanan ang budget proposal sa tanang ahensiya, ang mahitabo mao nga modako pagayo ang 2012 proposed national budget ngadto sa P2.034 trilyon – mas dako ug P218 bilyon kaysa proposed nga P1.816 trilyon, pamahayag ni Abad. “Apan ang mas mahinungdanon, ang proposed budget nagsuporta sa pagpalambo sa SUCs nga motubag sa 5 priority areas sa kagamhanan alang sa paglambo ug panarbaho, diha sa agrikultura, fisheries, turismo, general infrastructure, semiconductor and electronics, ug business process outsourcing,” dugang pahayag ni Abad. Sumala pa kang

Abad, ang dugang P500 milyon ubos sa CHED –tag P250M matag usa alang sa maintenance ug operating expenditures, ingon man alang sa capital outlays, ihatag sa mga SUCs isip additional funding sa mga kalihokan nga nagsuporta niining nasangpit nga priority areas alang sa pag-uswag. Siya miingon nga “ang administrasyong Aquino andam sa paghatag ug dugang puhunan aron pagpalambo sa tertiary education gawas niining proposed P500 milyon ubos sa 2012 budget.” “Gimandoan sa presidente ang mga ahensiya sa kagamhanan nga makig-partner sa private sector aron pagpalambo sa gikinahanglan nga human resources niining priority areas,” siya miingon.

PDEA-10 seizes more than half a Php1.0M worth of shabu

by Juliet Cagaanan

ore than half a Php1.0M worth of shabu were confiscated in three (3) consecutive buy-bust operations in the provinces of Bukidnnon and Lanao del Norte, conducted last Sept. 26-27.

23 Thursday, September 29, 2011

PDEA-10 seizes....from page 22 Regional Director Roberto S. Opeña of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, (PDEA), region 10, said the operations was simultaneously conducted with the serving of search warrants by the Provincial Special Enforcement Teams (PSET) of both provinces. He said last Sept. 26, about 8:00 a.m., the Bukidnon PSET conducted a buy-bust operation, at the same time, serving Search Warrant Number 10-11 led by IO1 Randy T. Pulmano at Sitio San Miguel Barangay Lumbo, Valencia City, Bukidnon. The warrant was issued by Judge Mirabeaus A. Undalok of RTC Branch 8, Malaybalay City, against the following arrested suspects, who were all are residing at the afore-mentioned place: Monaraga Madali, who is listed as Priority #7 Drug Personality in Bukidnon and Target Drug Personality of Operational Plan “DOS”), female, married, 33

years old. Naeim Yusop Namyama, Madali’s livein partner, male, 28 years old, single and brother Kairama Yusop, male, 18 years old. Confiscated from the suspects were two (2) pcs. of large and one (1) piece medium-sized heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu weighing more or less 60 grams amounting to more than Php 600,000, and one (1) piece, each of round black plastic container, blue sling bag and small pocket-sized weighing scale. Another buy-bust operation conducted on or about 2:45 p.m. last Sept. 27, in Purok 3, Saray, Iligan City by the Lanao del Norte PSET led by IA3 Rey D. Pavillar which resulted to the arrests of Jennifer Aguilar Alperito, a.k.a EPE, female, 35 years old, single, and Lucita Aguilar Alperito, Epe’s mother, a.k.a. Cita, female, 56

years old, widow, both residing at the abovementioned place. Bought from the suspects by the PDEA Agent was one (1) pc. Small size heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing shabu. Also recovered from their possession and control were: four (4) pcs., small, one (1) pc. medium and two (2) pcs. big sizes heatsealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu weighing more or less 12 grams amounting to Php84,000, one (1) pc. pair of scissors, two (2) pcs. Forceps, one (1) pc. lighter and multiple pieces of small size open plastic sachets. Likewise, a followup operation conducted by same Lanao del Norte PDEA agents in Bacayo Mercy Celdran, Iligan City on or about 10:45 p.m. of Sept. 27, resulted to the arrest of Anisah Magandia Macadato, the shabu supplier of Epe and Cita Alperito, 24

Thursday, September 29, 2011

PDEA-10 seizes....from page 23 female, 27 years old, married, jobless and residing at the aforesaid place. Macadato was arrested after delivering two (2) pcs. medium size heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu weighing more or

less 10 grams of shabu with an estimated value of Php70,000 to PDEA agent who posed as buyer. Also recovered from her possession is one (1) unit Nokia 1280 cell phone. All these drug and non-drug evidences were brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory for qualitative and quanti-

tative examination while the arrested suspects are now temporarily detained at Iligan City Police Station and PDEA-10 Detention Cell for booking and documentation. Ope単a said charges for violation of RA 9165 is now being readied for filing in the proper court against the suspects.

HDMF (Pag-Ibig) reiterates mandatory membership of all employees by Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 29 (PIA) --- The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), commonly known as Pag-IBIG, mandates the government and private employers to have their workers registered as HDMF members. This was reiterated by HDMF President Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, who said that the membership to the fund was made mandatory with the signing of Republic Act 9679. Otherwise known as the Home Development Mutual Fund Law

of 2009, RA 9679 mandates the membership of all private and government employers and their respective employees in the HDMF, regardless of employment status or nature of employment, effective January 1, 2010. She said member-

ship to the Fund shall be mandatory for all employees, workers, professionals, officers and companies who are compulsorily covered by the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). She, further, said 25

Thursday, September 29, 2011

HDMF (Pag-Ibig)....from page 24

that uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are also covered by the new law. Likewise, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipinos employed by foreign employers, whether deployed locally or abroad, are required to register as HDMF members. Meanwhile, Berberabe said the HDMF has tied-up its database with Thursday, September 29, 2011

that of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), among others, to enforce strict implementation of the RA 9679. She said they will be running after those erring employers who will be violating the HDMF Law. Here in the city, a preliminary investigation is due at the City Prosecutors Office for the

case filed against a security services company charged with various violations of the HDMF Law including the refusal to register new employees, under registration of its actual number of employees, and failure to remit contributions to the Fund. Also, the HDMF Cagayan de Oro Branch has filed another case at the Malaybalay City Prosecutors Office in Bukidnon against a company for its failure and refusal to remit monthly contributions. 25

Kapatagan, Lanao Norte is bestmanaged town in Region 10 by Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 29 (PIA) – In celebration of the 111th anniversary of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the municipality of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte was adjudged as outstanding agency based on its Pagasa Award.

The Pagasa Award is part of the annual Honor Awards program of the Civil Service Commission that recognizes government officials and employees who have displayed outstanding work performance. The conferment of honor awards aims to motivate or inspire government employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service. This year’s search culminated with the recognition and conferment of awards to winning public servants during the celebration of the anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service on Sept. 28, 2011 at the SM City Atrium, this city. 26

Mayor Benjie Baguio of Kapatagan was also declared as Outstanding Head of Agency/Local Chief Executive while the municipality was included in the Honor Roll on Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Implementation by CSC Region 10. Last June 7, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), region 10, also chose the coastal town of Kapatagan as its pilot municipality for the implementation of the convergence program. The said program provides the three factors necessary to address extreme poverty: Social programs (supplied by 4Ps); Infrastructure projects

(supported by KALAHI-CIDSS); and livelihood support (granted by SEA-K). “We are thankful for this recognition. This will inspire us more to continually give the best public service to our people,” Mayor Baguio said. Several barangay officials from Kapatagan were also on hand to witness the awarding ceremony and show their support to Mayor Baguio. Meanwhile, Governor Khalid Dimaporo and Congresswoman Fatima Aliah Dimaporo of the 2nd District of Lanao del Norte also extended their congratulations to Baguio and his town officials on their latest feat in government service. Thursday, September 29, 2011

BJM-10 intensifies its “Tulong sa Komunidad” Project by JOI Jesa Mae Sarah Sanchez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 29 (PIA) - In line with its “Tulong sa Komunidad” Project, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), region 10, has once again intensified its effort in reaching out to communities, here in the region.

Responding to the appalling increase in the demand for blood due to the rising cases of dengue in the country, , Jail Sr. Supt. Abraham Pil Lintao, Regional Director of BJMP-10, directed his personnel to participate in the Bloodletting Activity of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), last Sept. 8.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Just recently also, the BJMP-10, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), region 10, heeded the call to undertake the “TrashFree Seas.” No less than the BJMP-10 Regional Director, himself, headed the more than 20 BJMP personnel who did the Coastal Clean-up

Drive at Lapasan, Cagayan Oro City. “True, our agency is facing an unprecedented crisis right now with four (4) of our comrades still facing uncertainties in the hands of their captors, but this will not in anyway make us lose sight of the real essence of our duties and responsibilities as public servants,” Lintao said.

PHOTO R

Home Development Mutual Fund/Pag-Ibig Chief Executive Officer Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe bares new housing loan program for LGUs during the Pabahay Caravan held in Cagayan de Oro. (Exuperio S. Zagado Jr / PIA-10)

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay turns-over a for the Cagayan de Oro City Housing project (Exuperio S. Zagado / PIA-10)

Various stakeholders in Cagayan de Oro City join in the floral offering in remembering the souls of seafarers in the country during the celebration of National Maritime Week. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza PIA / 10)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

RELEASES

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority Employees village in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. (Exuperio S. Zagado / PIA-10)

a symbolic check to Mayor Vicente Y. Emano during the Pabahay Caravan held in the city.

Major Noli P. Kanashiro, deputy spokesperson of armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th Infantry Division, presents to the media a landmines victim, Debeth A. Calinawan of sitio Mahaba, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Sur, who is now under treatment in Camp Evangelista hospital in Patag, Cagayan de Oro. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza / PIA-10)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

NEDA cites Davao del Norteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent devâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plans by Noel Baguio

he National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) recognized the excellent performance of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte in the implementation of the Provincial/Local Planning and Expenditure Management (P/LPEM) project. The P/LPEM was a technical assistance project assisted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and implemented by the NEDA. The significant outputs of the project include the Provincial

Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) 2008-2022, the Provincial Development Investment Program (PDIP) 2011-2016 and the Feasibility Study on the Establishment of Davao del Norte Inter-

LGU Sanitary Landfill for Sustainable Solid Waste Management. NEDA-XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said her office was impressed by the conscientious effort and excellent performance of 31

Thursday, September 29, 2011

NEDA cites.....from page 30 the province in producing the documents. She revealed the project outputs earned outstanding reviews from the ADB Project Consultants and from the NEDA Central and Regional Office XI. The documents were also acknowledged by the Regional Development Council (RDC)-XI as one of Davao del Norte’s major contributions to the growth and progress of the Davao Region. “We are proud to say that Davao del Norte completed all deliverables, not only in a timely manner, but also producing high-quality outputs,” Dir. Lim said, during the project turnover on September 28, 2011 at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan in Mankilam,

Tagum City. According to her, ADB Project Consultants Dr. Art Corpuz, who reviewed the PDPFP, and Dr. Norman Ramos, who reviewed both the PDIP and the feasibility study, “attested to the outstanding quality of the outputs.” Davao del Norte is among the pilot provinces that were selected for the implementation of the P/ LPEM project nationwide, which commenced in 2008. It can be recalled that the province was cited as a model in implementing the project, as it earned the recognition of being the first province in the country to complete and submit its PDPFP to the national government. The NEDA

acknowledged the excellent leadership of Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario for the timely completion of the output documents. The governor thanked the ADB for its assistance, and the NEDA “for believing in our ability to deliver by making us one of the pilot provinces.” The plans, he said, allow the province to move closer to the realization of its vision, by providing the needed thrust to his development agenda known as P.E.O.P.L.E. “We are now in a better position to pursue better governance, he said, declaring that the Dabaonon people shall soon experience a more economically viable Davao del Norte.

Zero work fatalities as DOLE-XI monitors construction sites DAVAO CITY Sept. 29 (PIA)- There were no recorded workrelated fatalities as the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI (DOLE-XI) has intensified its occupational safety and health monitoring of various workplaces and construction sites in the region. 32 Thursday, September 29, 2011

Zero work....from page 31 According to Att. Joffrey Suyao, OIC regional director DOLE-X I the DOLE has monitored 86 construction sites and inspected 60 of these sites (as of August 2011). It has inspected 83 constructors and covered a total of 3,000 workers. Suyao said common violations found included no designated safety committee, no monthly report on illness and injury, no safety signages and no Red Cross trained first aider. The regional director said that they are mandating these project owners and contractor to comply with the OSH requirements.

Also starting May, the DOLE along with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Trade and Industry has partnered in a joint administrative owner which mandates applicants for building and construction permits to have their construction safety plan approved by the DOLE as pre-requisite for these construction permits. Also the DOLE has decentralized of the review and approval of construction safety plan in response to the complaints of contractors and project owners of

PCA sees promise in coco-water

the unnecessary delay in the approval of the safety plans as it is centralized in the Bureau of Worker’s Condition based in Manila. In the old system, all safety plans will have to be reviewed and approved by a single agency based in Manila. But starting July, the DOLE regional offices will have the power to review and approve these plans. Suyao says that it will shave off 30 days from the usual application and approval process as the DOLE-XI is required to review and approve the said plan 5 days after DOLE-XI receives the document. (PIA/ RG Alama)

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

DAVAO CITY September 29, (PIA) –The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region XI sees high potential of coconut water from matured nuts to reach the export market. PCA director Orillaneda

regional good news of President investment potential Lornito Benigno Aquino on “buko juice” that took the about the $15 million foreign markets are 33

Thursday, September 29, 2011

PCA sees....from page 32 eyeing to import from the Philippines. “ We have so much matured coconut water which is usually wasted. Instead of throwing it away, we are now teaching the farmers on how to process this coco water.” Orillaneda said. Thirty percent of the coconut content is water, thus, PCA constantly tells the farmers to make use of this part of the coconut. Buko juice is the coco water sourced from a young coconut. However, bulk of the coconut supply is

matured coconut. This gave hope to coco farmers as they could now also make money out of the matured nuts. PCA shares that a simple process of pasteurization is required to remove the oily portion of the matured coco water and turn it just like the popular “buko juice” or the coco water from the young nut. Studies showed that coco water is actually more nutritious than whole milk because it has less fat and doesn’t contain cholesterol. The coco

water is also better than processed baby milk since it contains Lauric Acid which is present in mother’s milk. It contains natural sugar, salt, and vitamins. O r i l l a n e d a thanked the investment opportunity brought by President Aquino as this would further encourage coco farmers not just to rely on copra product but also take advantage of the many uses of the coconut. “ The coconut is indeed the tree of life for nothing of its part is wasted.”, he said.

Naval Eastern Mindanao Command Activates Five Coast Watch Center

by Albert D. Cahilog

DAVAO CITY- Five newly activated coast watch centers of the Naval Forces are now ready to serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the vast maritime waters of Eastern Mindanao to mitigate illegal activities in this part of the country. 34 Thursday, September 29, 2011

Naval Eastern....from page 33 The five coast watch centers namely: Coast Watch Station Kalamansig, Coast Watch Station Maitum, Coast Watch Station Maasim, Coast Watch Station Balut and Coast Watch Station Cape San Agustin were position in a strategic location equipped with highly sophisticated surveillance equipment to monitor water vessels believed to be involved in a maritime crime. C o m m o d o r e Philip L Cacayan AFP, Commander Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao said “the timing of this activity could not have been better as just recently, last September 6, his Excellency President Benigno C. Aquino III signed the Executive Order No. 57 which created the National Coast Watch System. With the newly installed coast watch station, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao could

now effectively employ its surface vessels, air assets, and special operation units to intercept, board and search, and apprehend any spotted suspicious watercraft within our territorial waters. Commo Cacayan AFP, further shared the statement of the Sec. Paquito Ochoa Jr, that the coast watch system will serve as the “Central Inter-Agency Mechanism for a more coordinated approach on maritime issues and maritime security operations to enhance governance of the country’s maritime domain.” The major government agency stakeholders in this endeavor includes the Philippine Coast Guard, National Police-Maritime Group, National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration,

NBI Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime. The establishment and completion of the five Coast Watch Centers is funded by the government of the United States of America to include technical expertise and its modern surveillance equipment. The coast watch station is activated through General Order No. 366 and will be manned by eight able and competent personnel. “I can only fully agree with the vision of our national leadership that an inter-government agency cooperation through the national Coast Watch System is a very viable solution in attaining a secured maritime environment that is vital in the economic prosperity of our nation.” Commo Cacayan further added.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Davao Norte farmers profit from growing cassava armers here are gaining from cassava both as an alternative staple and viable source of income.

Alfredo Sumatra, member of Mamacao Rural Livelihood Association (MRLA) said cassava helped sustain his family overcome hunger as they had been consuming the crop as their alternative staple. “There were times when we can hardly afford to buy even a kilo of rice, my family resorted to cassava as our substitute staple,” Sumatra said. Aside from being an alternative staple, cassava can offer better incomes for smallholders considering the growing demand of this crop as raw materials for feeds, beverage, and biofuel. “When we were given the opportunity to qualify and access funds from MRDP [Mindanao Rural Development Program], we proposed to venture into cassava production,” said MRLA chairman Benito Banquil. MRDP is a longterm poverty alleviation project of the Department of Agriculture (DA) aimed to improve rural incomes

Thursday, September 29, 2011

through infrastructure and livelihood support. Through the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD), MRDP’s livelihood component, the association was able to access P250, 000 which were used to purchase quality planting materials and farm inputs. Marciano Balmes, one of the beneficiaries that availed himself of the planting materials and inputs had already earned at least P180, 000 in just one cropping season. “I planted the cassava seedlings I received as an intercrop to a five-hectare rubber farm. While waiting for my young rubber trees to be productive, I was surprised that was able to earn that much from cassava,” Balmes said. “Out of my income, I was able to acquire a twohectare farm which now serves as an expansion for our cassava production. I also bought a multipurpose cab which now serves as our family vehicle,” he said.

Balmes said growing cassava over other crops has a lot of advantages which include minimal financing; not labor intensive, giving him enough time to venture in other economic activities; and there is a ready market for his produce. “Marketing of cassava is not a problem as traders which supply the country’s leading beverage company regularly come to our area to buy our produce,” Banquil said. DA director for Davao region Oscar Parawan in a recent cassava stakeholders’ forum said increasing demand for cassava requires to increase production from 9.52 MT per hectare to 21 MT ton per hectare in 2014. “We want our small holder farmers to seize this opportunity of which the Mamacao farmers in Kapalong have already an edge considering their successful experience in growing this cassava,” Parawan said. (Noel T. Provido/DA-MRDP)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

USM pinangunahan ang pag-obserba ng World Rabies Day sa Bayan ng Kabacan

akiisa ang Bayan ng Kabacan sa Lalawigan ng Cotabato sa pagobserba ng World Rabies Day noong Setyembre a-28, ngayong taon. 38 Thursday, September 29, 2011

USM pinangunahan....from page 37

Ang mga aktibidad ay pinangunahan ng University of Southern Mindanao (USM) na nasa bayan, partikular na ng College of Veterinary Medicine. Nagsagawa ng anti-rabies vaccination sa loob ng campus ang Society for the Advancement of Veterinary Education and Research ng USM. Namahagi din ang mga estudyante ng College ng Veterinary Medicine ng USM ng bitamina para sa mga aso. Isinasagawa ang pag-obserba ng World Rabies Day sa buong mundo kada Setyembre a-28 ng

bawat taon. Ito ay naglalayong maiangat ang kaalaman ng sangkatauhan sa epekto ng rabies sa tao at mga hayop, makapagbigay ng impormasyon at mga payo kung paano maiwasan ang rabies at makatulong kung paano ito tuluyang mawala. Ang rabies ay itinuturing na isa sa pangunahing problema sa kalusugan sa buong mundo. Ayon sa mga eksperto, mahigit 99% ng sanhi ng pagkamatay ng tao sa Africa at Asya ay sanhi ng impeksiyon mula sa kagat ng aso na mayroong rabies. (ac agad PIA12)

Ang mga aktibidad ay pinangunahan ng University of Southern Mindanao (USM) na nasa bayan, partikular na ng College of Veterinary Medicine.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Surgical mission in South Cotabato extends beyond Sept. 29 by Dani Doguiles

“Doctors needed to rectify five nerves of one patient which took longer than expected,” he said. Operation for the remaining six strabismus cases supposedly slated yesterday was moved today.

lthough its surgical mission here ends today, September 29, Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc.’s (MCFI) will still be extending free surgical service to indigent residents of South Cotabato next week. Officials of the MCFI yesterday decided to bring to Davao City at least 17 patients with strabismus (cross-eyed) on October 5 to 8 for

the procedures. This, according to Board Member Dr. Ervin Luntao, is in line with the charity foundation’s principle to leave 40

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Surgical mission....from page 39

no one unserved. Luntao explained that two volunteer eye surgeons of MCFI started operations to correct strabismus yesterday. They were supposed to complete operations for at least 11 patients. However, at around 5 p.m. only five were completed. “Doctors needed to rectify five nerves of one patient which took longer than expected,” he said. Operation for the remaining six strabismus cases supposedly slated yesterday was moved today. Since the surgical mission ends today, MCFI decided to move the procedures for 17 patients with

stradismus who were scheduled today to October 6 and 7. Operation will be done at the main office of MCFI in Davao City. Luntao said the charity foundation will shoulder the transportation of the patients and their chaperons to Davao on October 5 and back to Koronadal City on October 8. MCFI will also provide shelter during their stay in Davao for the operation. “In order that the provincial government can help, I will suggest that provincial LGU will provide allowance for the food of the patients,” he said. Although during the interview he has not yet consulted with

Luntao said the charity foundation will shoulder the transportation of the patients and their chaperons to Davao on October 5 and back to Koronadal City on October 8. MCFI will also provide shelter during their stay in Davao for the operation. 41

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Surgical mission....from page 40

Besides the patients with strabismus who will be served next week, MCFI is also slated to provide free operations for South Cotabato residents suffering from goiter next year.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., Dr Luntao said he is confident that the governor will approve of his proposal. Besides the patients with strabismus who will be served next week, MCFI is also slated to provide free operations for South Cotabato residents suffering from goiter next year. During the listing of possible candidates for this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surgical mission, the offices of Board Member Luntao, Gov. Pingoy and Vice Gov. Elmo Tolosa also registered candidates for goiter operations, for consideration in the surgical mission that MCFI will hold in Davao city tenta-

tively scheduled in the first quarter of 2012. MCFIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surgical mission in South Cotabato started on Sunday. Several rooms inside the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center were turned into makeshift operating rooms where indigenous peoples, indigent residents, and retirees were given free operation for cases of cataract, ptyregium, cleft lip/palate, strabismus, hernia (for children 5 years and below), and minor cyst. About 600 residents of South Cotabato and nearby Sultan Kudarat province have benefited from free surgery. (PIA 12)

DENR 12 has new RTD for Land Management Service

he regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR – 12) has new regional technical director (RTD) for Land Management Services (LMS). RTD for Lands Geronimo L. Sequito in a turnover ceremony at the function hall of DENR 12 on Tuesday handed over to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Morakie P. Domanday the leadership of the LMS. During his acceptance speech, Domanday said that the new post has effectively transformed him from being a generalist to being a specialist. “I intend to run the LMS like Gerry (referring to Sequito), except when there is still room for

improvement,” he said. Domanday is a career service office officer. After thanking DENR 12 Regional Executive Director (RED) Alfredo S. Pascual for the trust and confidence by giving the RTD post for 9 months and his subordinates for the support, Sequito urged the LMS personnel to give the same level of support to the new RTD for lands. During his stint as RTD for lands, DENR 12 topped all 15 regional offices of the department in terms of accomplishing most goals. After the ceremo-

nies at the regional office, DENR officials and employees proceeded to the DENR provincial office in Barangay Montilla, Tacurong City for another turnover ceremony, this time Domanday handing over to Sequito the leadership of DENR Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office. Both Domanday and Sequito were designate to their previous posts on officer-in-charge status. On both occasions, RED Pascual emphasized that the latest change in leadership is part of organizational development 43

Thursday, September 29, 2011

DENR 12 has new...from page 42 of the Department and that nobody did wrong. Pascual likewise urged DENR personnel to follow the command of the two officials.

The reshuffle was implemented by virtue of DENR Special Order No. 2011 – 689 issued on September 19 by the DENR Undersecre-

tary for Field Operations, Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr. (DEDoguiles/ PIA 12/MCalungsodLocsin/DENR 12).

Mahigit 50,000 pamilya apektado ng pagbaha sa lalawigan ng Maguindanao

mabot na sa mahigit 50,285 na pamilya ang lumikas sa kanilang mga tahanan sa dahil sa pagbaha sa iba’tibang mga bayang sakop ng Lalawigan ng Maguindanao. Ayon kay Maguindanao governor Esmael ‘’Toto’’ Mangundadatu, nais niya umanong bumili na lamang ng dredger upang magamit sa dredging operation sa Liguasan Marsh at Rio Grande De Mindanao. Ayon sa kanya, kahit naalis na ang sampung ektaryang water hyacinths o waterlily na bumara sa Ta-

Thursday, September 29, 2011

viran Bridge sa Barangay Taviran, ng Bayan ng Mother Kabuntalan, ay mataas pa rin umano ang lebel ng tubig baha sa ilang mga binahang komunidad. Katulad ng mga kalapit na komunidad marami na ring nagsilikas na mga residente sa mga mababang lugar sa Lungsod ng Cotabato dahil sa nararanasang pag-

taas ng tubig baha. Umaabot na sa labing anim na bayan sa Maguindanao ang apektado ng pagbaha, kung kaya’t hiniling na ni Governor Toto Mangundadatu sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan na magpalabas ng resolusyon na nagde-deklara ng state of calamity sa Lalawigan ng Maguindanao. (ac agad PIA12)

22nd Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Stat month celebration set in Butuan by Jennifer P. Gaitano

he Regional Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga region will be spearheading the 22nd National Statistics Month (NSM) on October 2011 as the agency plays host in the celebration.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com

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

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

Thursday, September 29, 2011

22nd Nat’l Stat...from page 44 National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Regional Director and Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RSCC) Chairperson Carmencita Cochingco said the theme for this year’s celebration is “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives.” The activity will kick-off with a Mass on October 5, 2011, 6:15a.m. at Saint Joseph Cathedral here. A

motorcade will then follow and all government agencies and local government units in the region will be hanging their streamers in their respective vehicles as support to the celebration. Also, in the afternoon of the same date, the RSCC will be holding the 5th Caraga Inter-Agency/Local Government Unit quiz bowl. The Caraga quiz bowl is a battle among the regional line agencies and the 10 LGUs of the re-

gion. According to Dir. Cochingco, the quiz bowl will challenge each participating offices/LGUs’ knowledge of the region’s general statistics and economic data. Said Quizbowl is to be held at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort here while government agencies are encouraged to send two representatives to participate in the battle of the brains’ competition.

Caraga coops readies Cooperative Month celebration BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA) – The Cooperative Month is once again celebrated by the cooperative sector, partner national government line agencies, local government units and stakeholders all over the Philippines during the whole month of October this year. According to Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga Regional Director Manuela Pelaez, said celebration will kick-off on October 1, 2011 with

a tree planting activity that aims to plant 3,333 seedlings (666 persons will plant at least five seedlings per person). “Its objectives are to raise the level of pub-

lic awareness on the importance of cooperativism and improve our environmental integrity and climatic condition,” Pelaez stressed. On the same date, 46

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Caraga coops....from page 45 cooperatives in Surigao del Norte will also have their Thanksgiving Mass while cooperatives in San Jose, Dinagat Islands will kick-off with a parade and short program and followed with a coastal clean-up. The thanksgiving mass by cooperatives in Butuan is set on October 3 at the St. Joseph Cathedral, to be followed with the Motorcade going to the City Hall, where the program proper will be held with Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. Butuan City’s activ-

ities for this celebration includes the Coop Monitoring and Evaluation on Oct. 4 to the barangay cooperatives; Coop Sports Fest on Oct. 5 at the Timberlane; Coop Mobilization and Inspection on Oct. 10-13 to barangay coops; Coop Managers and Treasurers Training Seminars on Oct. 11 at the Imadejas Convention Hall; and Trade Exhibits for the whole month of October. CDA with the Regional Cooperative Development Council

(RCDC) are encouraging coop members in the provinces of Caraga to witness and participate in the said activities for the month-long celebration. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Transformative Cooperatives: Advancing People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace” with a subtheme “Kalinga ng Kooperatiba sa Kalikasan”. The theme and subtheme are anchored on the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2012 program thrust. (JPG)

PCA Caraga on war against Brontispa by Aurell P. Arais BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA) – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Caraga Regional office is on war against the deadly coconut leaf beetle scientifically known as Brontispa longissima, an invasive pest infesting coconut resulting to a significant loss of income of the coco farmers in the country. According to Technical Staff Lourdito Sabanpan of PCA 13, Caraga Region is not spared from the virulent attack of Brontispa, affecting several coconut trees in Agusan del Sur, Surigao

del Sur and Agusan del Norte. No report yet of the infestation in Surigao del Norte and island municipalities such as in Siargao and Dinagat Islands.

In an interview with AgriPinoy Caraga, a radio program of the Department of Agriculture aired over DXMK FM Butuan, Sabanpan revealed that currently there are 2,205 non 47

Thursday, September 29, 2011

PCA Caraga....from page 46 bearing and 894 bearing coconut trees infested with Bronstispa, or a total of 3,099 coco trees infested in the whole region. Caraga Region has a total of 28,057,605 standing coconut trees as of latest data. Brontispa is a flat and slender beetle. Its color is generally black except for the yelloworange to red color of the neck and the basal portion of wing and generally measures one centimeter long. It feeds on the soft tissues of coconut fronds enough to kill the coconut and is rapidly spreading in the country. Sabanpan said that Brontispa got an entry in the Philippines, presumably, in early 2004 via importation of ornamental palms. Meanwhile, Eduardo Bamba, a laboratory technician said coconut infested with Brontispa, its young leaves appear

Thursday, September 29, 2011

burned or scorched resulting from the feeding damage of the coconut leaf beetle. He said it causes great damage to seedlings and mature coconut trees and ornamental palms thereby killing

the young spears and if left unchecked the whole tree will die in a span of more or less a year. According to Sabanpan, there are three ways to control the pest. The infestation might be controlled through the mechanical means such

as pruning, clean culture and proper disposal of infested coco trees or parts or by chemical means through the use of insecticide. However, he said that PCA is advocating the use of biological control through parasitoid called earwig, a local natural predator of Brontispa that eats its larvae. Bamba said that farmers need not to worry since the regional office of PCA has its laboratory, mass producing the said natural predator against Brontispa. PCA is appealing to the public to support the war against Brontispa by being an informer or a spy through reporting to the nearest PCA office or the local government unit of any sighting of Brontispa-infested coconut tree so they can unleash the earwig, known as the Brontispa terminator as soon as possible.

Surigao City to craft Tourism Master Plan

by NT Corbeta

SURIGAO CITY, September 29 (PIA) – Following the observance of the National Tourism Week and the celebration of World Tourism Day, the city government here is set to formulate the City’s Tourism Development Plan. City Tourism Officer Roslyn Merlin said the crafting of tourism master plan is a mandatory requirement under the Republic Act 9593 also known as the Tourism Act of 2009 which stipulated under section 37 sub-chapter 2 in that same law, requires every local government unit to formulate its own tourism plan as a guideline to all tourism related activities and projects. “This is really mandatory and so we have come up with this idea and jive with the celebration so we can move forward to formally de-

sign our own tourism plans with our priorities on its pipeline,” Merlin said. Just recently, City Mayor Ernesto Matugas issued an Executive Order No. 20 series of 2011 mandating the formulation of the said plan to visualize and set its goals and objectives for a sustainable development of tourism industry in Surigao and to identify the necessary programs and activities under its priorities. Merlin said various stakeholders will participate the said formulation together with the tourism experts to

come up with a perfect masterpiece. The City of Surigao has offered various tourism potentials like beaches, caves, natural sceneries and other natural potentials which would attract tourist arrivals. Being branded as the ‘City of Island Adventures,’ the crafting of the tourism master plan enables them to cater additional tourist visitors and tourism investors that will soon provide additional tourism investments that will generate more livelihood opportunities for the Surigaonons.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

DENR apprehends P1.2 million worth of illegal logs

by Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA) – Some P 1.2 million worth of illegal logs and a truck, allegedly owned by some politicians in Davao Oriental were apprehended on Tuesday by the operatives of the DENR AntiIllegal Task Force at a quarry site in Manay town, Davao Oriental in a continuing “search and apprehend” operation carried through Executive Order No. 23 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 1, 2011. EO 23 is a declaration of a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest and creating the anti-illegal logging task force. The order also prohibits the DENR from issuing logging contracts/agreements in all natural and residual forest such as Integrated Forest Management Agreements (IFMA), Socialized Integrated Forest Management Agreement ( SIFMA), CommunityBased Forest Management (CBFMA) and other agreements/ contracts with logging components in natural and residual forest. Reports said the

Thursday, September 29, 2011

task force has apprehended a total of 82 pieces of illegal round lauan logs with a volume of 128.38 cubic meters that were stockpiled at the Sta. Maria Quarry in Barangay Central, Manay, Davao Oriental. The task force also seized a 10-wheeler truck loaded with undocumented logs at the quarry site. Initial investigation also revealed that the illegal logs were allegedly cut or gathered within the Asian Evergreen Integrated Forest Management Authority at Logdeck,Caraga, Davao Oriental. The task force are also verifying reports that Asian Evergreen IFMA

was registered to a congressman and several local officials in that area. According to the residents in the area, the hauling of illegal logs usually takes place during the night to conceal their operation. The discovery of the illegal logging operation in that area followed after a surveillance operations was made by the task force for several days. The raiding team was composed of the membersof the 67th Philippine Army Batallion under Col. Reuben S. Basiao and some personnel of the CENRO in Manay, Davao Oriental.

Thursday, September 29, 2011