CONTENTS NATIONAL
• Aquino keynotes top-level forum of industry
OUR COVER
Today’s cover features the
Cagayan de Oro’s
Night Cafe
leaders in ASEAN meet
• Aquino challenges ASEAN to keep up region’s
growth
• Aquino underscores importance of dialogue in
addressing disputes
• Aquino confident over impact of government re
forms that have been implemented
• Clear policy directions, close monitoring ensure
Aquino’s directives are followed
Northern Mindanao
• GSIS to establish own call center to further improve services • DSWD-10 to host the 22nd National Statistics Month Celebration in October • Another watch-listed drug personality falls into the hands of PDEA-10 • NPA loses deological compass, resorts to banditry
An Electronic News Magazine
published daily by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Clusters
EDITORIAL STAFF
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Durian Festival goes to the barrios • Urinary screening for schoolchildren pushed • The Asia Foundation gives 6,175 to DavNor schools • Davao del Norte to put up own Provincial Library
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
• Dengue cases in Region 12 at -81% • Philippine mango industry positioning “strongly” in world market • DOST 12 sets up 3 Automated Weather Stations • 1,300 na puno itinanim sa selebrasyon ng 11th Civil Service year • Transport strike sa South Cotabato, hindi naka-apekto sa daloy ng trapiko
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors …...
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
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SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN)
• Crocodile Lolong: ‘Victim’ of illegal fishing in Agusan Marsh • Heads of gov’t agencies to join Moral Recovery Program Congress • DA to spearhead Consumer Welfare Month celebration in Caraga • ACE to discuss plans, commitment for ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program • Surigao Norte PPOC to hold Super Quiz Bee today
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
• BasCOMNET forum tackles dengue, human trafficking • SP- Zambo Sur approves municipal ordinance of Dumingag • 12 more ZamboPen towns to implement KALAHI-CIDSS project -DSWD • Surigao City to craft Tourism Master Plan • P21-M relief assistance alang sa mga biktima sa “Pedring”
Friday, September 30, 2011
Cover Story: Cagayan de Oro’s Night Cafe
by Elaine O. Ratunil
E
ven before Cagayan de Oro became a city in 1950, Kagayanons considered the Divisoria as the trade, recreation and entertainment center, especially during weekends.
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Cover Story:Cagayan de Oro’s......from page 3
The city leaders always saw to it that the Divisoria will always retain its gaiety and vibrant atmosphere. Now known as the Golden Friendship Park, this rectangular-shaped area extends from Magsaysay Park along Corrales Avenue up to the Borja Monument in Capistrano streets. The whole park is actually composed of mini-parks or islands contoured by busy streets. Next to the island hosting the Magsaysay Park are other islands that nestle the Bonifacio Park, the City Kiosk, formerly City Bandstand, Rizal Park, and the Fountain Park which was removed. At the sides
fronting the park are rows of business and commercial establishments. However, with the onset of the mall era in the late ‘80s, the Divisoria slowly lost its magnetism. Kagay-anons became more and more attracted to the sights and sounds of the malls. The city started booming, but Divisoria was dying. Other than serving as a venue for parades, civic observances, community debates and Sunday afternoon concerts during the day, it was an unsafe place at nighttime.
the plan to restore Divisoria’s old glory started and drew warm support, especially from the business sector. The plan, as revealed by Mayor Emano to businessmen in a consultation called for the purpose, was The plan to re-invigorate busi It was during the ness by locating new first term of Mayor Vi- investments in the cente Y. Emano that 5
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Cover Story:Cagayan de Oro’s......from page 4
area. At the same time, it was to redevelop Divisoria into something with small bits of New York, Paris or Vienna where enclosed and open or outdoor cafes abound, well lighted, safe and secured at nighttime. Warm support The gleaming
lights along Roxas Boulevard in Manila inspired city officials to bring them to Cagayan de Oro to light up the entire stretch of the Divisoria area. While the city awaited the arrival of the globe lights ordered from abroad, some businessmen started installing rope lights on the park’s trees, free of charge! As earlier agreed during the consultation, business establishments surrounding the entire park promised to either blockpave their frontage or repaint the facade of their buildings. Following the installation of the imported lights, the Golden Friendship Park ‘Divisoria’ Night
Café Project was ready to take off. San Miguel Corporation was among those who immediately announced their support to the project by offering to install lighted signage to participating businesses. Launching The open-air café project was finally launched before the city fiesta on August 28, 2003. The Kagay-anons received it well. Friends who were there with their families during the opening commented that the place was just perfect and food and drinks were sold at relatively lower prices. All streets crossing the Divisoria were closed to traffic. Alert 6
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Cover Story:Cagayan de Oro’s......from page 5
and well-armed policemen were strategically stationed in the area to keep watch. Presidential Visit On October 25, 2003, Night Café diners were surprised to see President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo smiling and waving at them. She was then accompanied by city officials led by Mayor Emano, Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, Housing Secretary Mike Defensor, Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr. and Secretary Marietta Jimenez of the President’s Projects. Impressed by what she saw, President Arroyo instructed Sec. Gordon to include Cagayan de Oro’s Night Café among the places and events in the country being promoted under WOW Philippines! by the Department of Tourism. The effort to restore Divisoria’s prestige as the city’s first commercial center is underway. Opened to the public Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. the following day, Night Café late additions include night out parties with local bands, dancing, impromptu performances and acrobatic and break-dancing exhibitions, among others. 6
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Aquino keyno industry lead
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otes top-level forum of ders in ASEAN meet resident Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Association of Southeast Asia Nation’s resiliency to withstand the global influx brought about by “political unrest or economic uncertainty including the spring of revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa to the various financial crises engulfing Europe and the United States.
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Aquino keynotes......from page 9
The President made this statement during his speech at the ASEAN 100 Leadership Forum held at the Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City Thursday night. “Understandably, countries all over the world are doing what they can to respond— to adjust accordingly to these rapid changes taking place. So I am glad to see many of our region’s brightest minds gathered here today, ready to share their ideas to push forward our region’s agenda,” the President said. He said that instead of following the global markets’ turmoil, the region has been marked with unprecedented growth as evidenced by the 14.5 percent, 7.8 percent, 7.6 percent and 7.5 percent economic growth of Singapore, Thailand,
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Philippines and Laos, respectively in 2010. “In this period of global flux, it is good to see that the ASEAN region is as strong as ever, standing as a solid pillar of stability and growth,” the President said. This growth has underscored investor interest in our region. Foreign direct investment inflows in Southeast Asia reached more than 70 billion dollars in 2010; and I am sure I speak for everyone here when I say we hope this will rise further this year and in the following years,” he added. The top-level forum of industry leaders belonging to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been meeting for eight consecutive years to dialogue and debate ASEAN’s pave of integration, prospects and discuss challenges.
This year’s ASEAN meet which, just like the previous ones, has been convened around the theme “One ASEAN: How Close Are We?” The ASEAN meet aims to foster highlyinsightful and intelligent discussions on the future of the Southeast Asian region – how the region can emerge as one of the world’s significant economic, social, cultural, technical and administrative bloc with the Philippines assuming its position as an Asian Tiger alongside Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong. Joining the President were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and Presidential Communications and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang. (RCK)
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Aquino challenges ASEAN to keep up region’s growth resident Benigno S. Aquino III challenged the members of the 10-country regional bloc to strengthen cooperation within its fold in order to bring ASEAN to where it deserves to be in the world.
In his speech keynoting the ASEAN 100 Leadership Forum held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel in Makati City Thursday night, the President said that the unprecedented growth experienced by the region despite the global turmoil should not be taken to mean it was time to relax but to push on forward and seize the opportunity to better the lot of their respective peoples. “It is difficult not to be optimistic about the prospects of ASEAN and the Philippines alike; but what I have always emphasized in the wake of such developments is that our
work does not end with the initial wave of positive results,” the President said. “In this sense, we must treat these indicators of our impressive economic performance not as goals already achieved, but as benchmarks—so that our region’s and our countries’ growth can continue; so that we can go from success to success, further cementing our position in the global milieu,” he added. He pointed out that the Philippines has taken steps to build on this economic performance by “advocating and practicing good
governance.” “This concept champions inclusive growth—such that the gains that look so good on paper are truly reflected in the life of each Filipino. This means focusing spending on projects that can equip our people with the jobs, the education, and the health and social services they need to lead dignified, meaningful, and productive lives,” the President said. “And this is what we are doing right now. We have set aside almost a third of next year’s budget just for social service projects, as we do not want the 13
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.Aquino challenges....from page 12
economic benefits of growth to merely trickle down to the last Filipino; we want the benefits to be felt by every last one,” he added. He further pointed out that the government has also taken measures to institute transparency and accountability on the side of business in order to ultimately level the playing field by “making it easier for companies to set up shop here by cutting significant amounts of red tape.” “It is significantly more convenient now, for example, to register a business name. What used to take endless hours, if not days, is now cut down to a mere fifteen minutes. We’re also in the process of streamlining the Business Permits and Licensing Systems in 480 priority areas, and we have made notable
progress in this undertaking. Giving companies the bureaucratic runaround used to be a source of income for some crooked bureaucrats—planting unnecessary inconveniences in the process so they can solicit bribes from businesses; but we’re making sure that those days are over,” the President said. He invited all potential investors and business leaders present to invest in the Philippines saying there are “plenty of opportunities here, especially in the high potential sectors of infrastructure, agribusiness, tourism, and services.” “From the possible establishment of cold chain facilities in agribusiness to the promotion of eco-tourism and medical tourism in this beautiful country, there are plenty of mutually beneficial projects that
can be undertaken, and we hope you consider working with us in the near future,” the President said. He called on ASEAN to maintain peace, stability, and an environment that attracts investments “for us to all grow.” “I am aware that the diversity in the ASEAN sometimes makes it difficult to completely agree with one another on some issues, but this has not stopped us from collaborating well on the economic front. Integration has always helped push our economies, so I am hopeful that we can continue working together and build on our momentum,” the President said. “Let us work to further connect our businessmen and governments so we can avail of opportunities within ASEAN. There 14
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.Aquino challenges....from page 13
are plenty of opportunities for investment within our region — from rice production in Cambodia, infrastructure here in the Philippines, alternative energy in Thailand, to manufacturing in Vietnam. Let us be the first to explore these op-
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portunities,” he added. “As government, it is incumbent upon all of us not merely to do our jobs well, but to cooperate with one another, such that the sustained growth of all our countries is possible. Instability in one country affects
us all, and stability in our countries benefits us all. And so with the good of our people foremost in our minds, may we strengthen our cooperation further, and bring ASEAN to where it deserves to be in the world,” the President said. (RCK)
Aquino underscores importance of dialogue in addressing disputes resident Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing disputes with neighboring countries saying that just by talking, world leaders can thresh out any differences and discover that they have the same focus and advocacy in terms of governing their respective peoples. In his reply during the Q&A portion at the ASEAN 100Leaders Forum held at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel Thursday night, the President said that he and Chinese President Hu Jintao have discussed the issue of the West
Philippine Sea and that they both saw “eye-toeye” on the topic. “The South China Sea or what we call the West Philippine Sea issue, has to be resolved but at the same time, when I talked to your leaders: President Hu
Jintao, Premiere Weng Jiabao and others, we did agree that this is not the sum total of our relationships,” the President said. He said that as neighbors, other issues such as global warming and piracy af15
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Aquino underscores....from page 14
fect the two countries but we have chosen to focus on that which is mutually supportive and beneficial to us. “So in this particular case, we are neighbors. The problems that affect the Philippines also affect China. Global climate change will not be kept by our borders. Piracy is not solely our issue. Trying to uplift the lot of all of our countrymen is also a common concern and in that aspect, there are so many areas where there can be mutually supportive, mutually beneficial activities at both ends
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and I think your country’s leadership is really focused as we are. Why concentrate on the issues that cause disputes between us and neglect those that can really redound to the improvement of our peoples’ lot?” the President said. “So we are concentrating actually on areas where we can cooperate and we do see eye to eye and try to minimize any conflicts that we could possibly have,” he added. The President also pointed out the Luneta hostage crisis last August 2010 as an “exemplar” of what good
dialogue can do to ease tensions between our countries. “The hostage crisis I think is exemplar. We talked with the leadership of China, the (Chinese) embassy here, various leaders in Hong Kong in what could have been transformed into a situation that could have been made worse, but reasonable and good dialogues happened between our respective officials and we have addressed that and minimized the potential tensions between our peoples,” the President said. (RCK)
Aquino confident over impact of government reforms that have been implemented resident Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that the reforms his administration have been implementing, and will continue to implement in the way government is run has had a positive impact on the people’s perception
of the bureaucracy.
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Aquino confident....from page 15
He said that where once people appeared apathetic, jaded and cynical has now been replaced with optimism and cheer that has grown in the fifteen months since he assumed the Presidency. “I think I am happiest by the fact that our people have a new outlook whereas the-we were wondering if most of them were already apathetic, some of them were totally jaded and cynical who could not see any bright prospects in the country from roughly one to fifteen or sixteen months we‘ve been in office,” the President told participants to the ASEAN 100 Leaders Forum held at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel Thursday night. “Now it seems we can do so many things 16
and the transformation is truly night and day. And with that attitude we think there are no objectives that we cannot reach,” he added. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations 100 Leaders Forum brings together the region’s most prominent figures to discuss the future of the Southeast Asian region, its pace of integration, prospects and challenges. Now on its eight year, the forum’s theme is “One ASEAN: How Close Are We?” The Chief Executive pointed out that the Philippines has taken steps to build on the economic performance of his administration by “advocating and practicing good governance.” “This concept
champions inclusive growth—such that the gains that look so good on paper are truly reflected in the life of each Filipino. This means focusing spending on projects that can equip our people with the jobs, the education, and the health and social services they need to lead dignified, meaningful, and productive lives,” the President said. “And this is what we are doing right now. We have set aside almost a third of next year’s budget just for social service projects, as we do not want the economic benefits of growth to merely trickle down to the last Filipino; we want the benefits to be felt by every last one,” he added. (RCK)
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Clear policy directions, close monitoring ensure Aquino’s directives are followed resident Benigno S. Aquino III said Thursday night that by imparting clear policy directions to each of his Cabinet secretaries and closely monitoring their respective performance, he is ensured that his orders are taken seriously and followed to the letter.
He however said that should any of his Cabinet members slip on assigned schedules and tasks, “then I call their attention to it.” The President told participants to the ASEAN 100 Leaders Forum held at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel Thursday night that although he would have wanted to be a “hands-on” leader, supervising 1.3-million bureaucrats would leave him nothing else to do. “So I’ve gotten a
lot of members in the Cabinet in particular who are acknowledged experts in their respective fields, I give them the policy directions and monitor what they are doing and if somebody slips on the assigned schedules and tasks, then I call their attention to it,” the President said. “But at the same time, I do not think I should be crowding anybody once their particular assignments are being done. If I were to do
that, then it would have been better if I’d take over that particular portfolio myself,” he added. “So the best way to do it is to give clear directions, check on them periodically and call the attention of those not meeting the assigned tasks and schedules,” the President said. In his speech keynoting the ASEAN 100 Leadership Forum, the President said that the unprecedented growth experienced by the 18
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Clear policy....from page 17
PHOTO R
region despite the global turmoil should not be taken to mean it was time to relax but to push on forward and seize the opportunity to better the lot of their respective peoples. “It is difficult not to be optimistic about the prospects of ASEAN and the Philippines alike; but what I have always emphasized in the wake of such developments is that our work does not end with the initial wave of positive results,” the President said. “In this sense, we must treat these indicators of our impressive economic performance not as goals already achieved, but as benchmarks—so that our region’s and our countries’ growth can continue; so that we can go from success to success, further cementing our position in the global milieu,” he added. (RCK)
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GSIS to establish own call center to further improve services by Apipa Bagumbaran
he Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will be putting up its own call center to make the agency more responsive to its members.
The full-fledged call center will handle simple queries that will enlighten members on the services that they can avail of or any assistance program that the GSIS has to offer, disclosed Robert Vergara, GSIS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) during the GSIS Stakeholders’ Dialogue held recently at
Mallberry Suites, here. He said the call center, which will operate 24/7, will provide additional avenues for members to reach the agency. Vergara said members can just phone in their questions or seek clarification on their concerns right in the comfort of their own homes.
With this, we hope we will be able to address the simple issues and concerns of our members, he added. Vergara also disclosed they have implemented several changes to improve their accessibility to members. He said one of these changes is the deployment of additional 500 21
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GSIS to establish....from page 20 GSIS Wireless Activated Processing System (GW@PS) kiosks across the country where members can electronically access details of their memberships and apply for usual loans without personally going to the GSIS offices, thus saving them time and money. The CEO also announced that GSIS has expanded its partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to give
its members the choice to receive their benefits through a Landbank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or thru their electronic card or eCard. Vergara said that this renewed partnership with LBP will make it more convenient to members and pensioners, especially in the remote areas, to access their benefits and loans. With close to a thousand ATMs all over
the country operating 24 hours a day, in addition to the Union Bank’s network, Vergara said GSIS stakeholders can now withdraw their loan proceeds and monthly pensions, at no service fee, anytime. With these changes, Vergara is confident that they were able to increase the number of access points in which members can transact with the agency.
DSWD-10 to host the 22nd National Statistics Month Celebration in October by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 29 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will host this year’s celebration of the National Statistics Month in October. One of the major activities of the celebration is the launching of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR ) Data-base, in Pearlmont Inn, Limketkai Drive, here, this coming Oct. 6.
The NHTS-PR aims at promoting the use of the data-base for social protection programs and services, Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, Regional Director of DSWD-10, said. It will also serve as avenue for coopera-
tion with national government agencies, local government units (LGU’s) and other stakeholders, towards a harmonized implementation and quality social protection programs, services and statistics for focused targeting. 22
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DSWD-10 to host....from page 21 Meanwhile, the event is one of the major activities of the celebration of the 22nd National Statistics Month (NSM) of October, this year, which will be hosted by
DSWD-10. Anchored on the theme: “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives,” the launching will
be attended by members of the Regional Statistical Coordination Board, the Planning Officers and Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RCCC) Focal Persons.
Another watch-listed drug personality falls into the hands of PDEA-10 by Juliet Cagaanan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 30 (PIA) – Another Watch-Listed Drug Personality (WLDP) has fallen into the hands of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the province. This, after a buy-bust operation was conducted by the Mis. Or. Provincial Special Enforcement Team (PSET) in Barangay Sinai, Laguindingan, last Sept. 28, at about 4:00 p.m.. Led by Team Leader IA1 Rodolfo S. De La Cerna Jr. with the support of the Laguindingan Municipal Police Station, the operation resulted to the arrest of WLDP Conrado Milo Aba, male, 42 years old, married, jobless, residing at the above-mentioned place. Regional Director Roberto S. Opeña of PDEa-10 said Aba was arrested after
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selling one (1) piece transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu to a PDEA Agent who posed as poseur buyer. Recovered from the suspect’s possession and control were the following items: 240 pieces open plastic sachets, 10 rolls of used aluminum foil, three (3) pieces aluminum foil needle, and two (2) pieces, each of aluminum tooter and aluminum foil strips. One (1) piece, each, of transparent plastic sachet believed to be shabu with an estimated weight of
0.04 grams, used aluminum foil strip with shabu residue, black ANTONOV lighter with inserted aluminum foil needle, light blue RAC lighter, stainless forcep and big plastic cellophane with several plastic cellophane inside. Alleged pusher is now temporarily detained at PDEA-10 office for booking and documentation while drug and non-drug evidences were brought to PNP Crime Laboratory for comprehensive examination. Opeña said charges of violation of RA 9165 is now being readied for filing in court against the suspect.
Friday, September 30, 2011
NPA loses deological compass, resorts to banditry by Maj. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Sept. 30 (PIA) -- Due to declining popular support and losses in armed confrontation with the government troops in the region, the New People’s Army (NPA) has now resorted to banditry where civilians are not spared. This, as six (6) foam peddlers namely: James Mabaylan, Nelson Bagares, Ronald Boiles, Segundino Dailo, Ernesto Callo Jr. and Julieto Sarsaba were abducted on August 10, 2011 at San Fernado Bukidnon, while peddling goods to earn a living to support their children in school in the midst of difficulties and economic crises. NPA spokesman in North Central Mindanao- Bukidnon ALYAS Ka Ariel Inda Magbanwag simply alleged that the peddlers were military agents, was an old fashioned ploy to save their shameless faces to cover up their kidnapping operation to source out resources. For the NPA, it is
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necessary that all their actions will be justified and makes it appear to the eyes of the people that such thing is necessary. Is kidnapping a necessity? The condemnable action purported by the communist NPA clearly manifests their culture of rudeness backed by their ruthlessness, ignorance and deliberately ignoring the respect for human rights and dignity. These bespeaks that this evil organization is a nightmare of the Philippine society. Apparently the NPA is in the state of paranoia not even the foam peddlers in Bukidnon who sells goods were subjected as military spies taking along their sales amounting to
P70,000.00. Undeniably KAMPANYANG AHOS or OPERATION ZOMBIE was implemented in Mindanao in late 1980s that claimed some 1,800 lives of their own comrades because of confusion that all of them were suspected as spies. While the continued decline of seasoned cadres in their ranks who provide ideological motivation loosen its discipline and are now engages in banditry for a desire to obtain money. In the light of the International Peace day celebration the 4ID will exhaust all the means to find the abducted individuals to return to their respective families.
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PHOTO RELEASES
Bukidnon State University President Victor M. Barroso cites civil servants’ contributions to development during the “Parangal at Pasasalamat” in celebration of the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza / PIA-10)
Town Mayor Benjie Y. Baguio, with the Kapatagan Sangguniang Bayan members, takes the 2011 Outstanding Agency award during the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza / PIA-10)
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Durian Festival goes to the barrios by Jeane Duron-Abangan
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ushing the drive to educate the taga-baryos, festivals of Tagum City usually run schedules of events in the barangays.
Among those festivals which have barangay events is the Durian Festival which is being held in September of this year. The durian harvest for this year has occurred quite late unlike in the past years when it came either in July or August,
but the Tagum Tourism Council together with the Tagum City Tourism Office has never missed the scheduled Food Basket in the Barangay. When Durian Festival was opened on September 9, the series of Food Basket in the Barangay was then
held the following day, September 10 and on September 16 to 17. “Every time we have a festival gusto nato nga apil ang barangays nga dili sentro. Kadtong uban nga dili makaanhi diri, ato sila tagaan ug pagtagd. (we want to involve those barangays which 26
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Durian Festival....from page 25 are not in the poblacion area. Those who cannot come, we want to give them attention) ,” Tagum City Tourism Council Chairperson Alma Uy said. The Food Basket in the Barangay is among the food preparation contests featured during the yearly Durian Festival which also stages competitions on mocktail and cocktail; desserts and cakes making; coffeeblending; and waiters’ relay, among others. In all food preparation events, Durian is the featured ingredient. But the Food Basket in the Barangay appears more exciting as residents bring their locally produced vegatables and livestock products to and heap them together at the barangay gym to be cooked by students who are competiting for the event. This year 17 universities, colleges and secondary schools in the Davao Region including those in the
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nearby regions took part in various culinary competitions that were also held at Tagum City’s Rotary Park and at the Trade Center other than those held in the barangays. Together with their coaches, students competing for the Food Basket in the Barangay are not aware what barangay to go so they would have no way of linking with anyone from the barangay just to know what to cook. Empty handed with no food ingredients on hand, they are to decide, on the spot, what dish to cook out of the raw food stuffs that the barangay folks are bringing to their barangay gym where such event is usually held. Uy recalled how locales in the barangay got struck with the event. “’Kuyawa oi! Gigamitan man jud ug guwapong uniporme ang among gulay. (It’s fascinating! Our vegetables are being cooked by somebody in uniform.),’” she said
referring to students who are on cooking uniforms. She viewed such event as a way of promoting Tagum City down to the barangay level. “Tourism man gud ta so dapat ang makita dili lang sa sentro, dapat the whole of Tagum City. (We are in tourism so what should be seen should not only be those in the poblacion but the whole of Tagum City.) she said. Tagum City has 23 barangays and almost all of them except for those located near the poblacion, have experienced hosting the Food Basket in the Barangay. Together with all other menus collected from various culinary competitions conducted during the six years of holding the Durian Festival, menus collected at the barangay level will form part the Durian Recipe Book which Uy hopes to be published as soon as she gets funding from the Department of Agriculture.
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Urinary screening for schoolchildren pushed DAVAO CITY- A Davao City pediatric nephrologist is pushing for kidney screenings in Davao City schools to detect the onset of chronic kidney disease among school children Speaking at the monthly Hermes Club Press Forum at Pearl Farm Marina, Dr. Michael Manalaysay said that in survey conducted in the 1990s by the Department of Health about 2.5 to 3 percent of children were found to have significant urinary findings, either they have blood and pus discharges. He said that most of these findings are often attributed to urinary tract infection but he suspects it otherwise as most of these children might already be suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease. These CKD if not
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manage early could lead to End Stage Renal Disease when these kids become adults. Treatments would include dialysis and ultimately kidney transplant. Manalaysay said that CKD is hard to ascertain among many Filipinos as they do not show any symptoms. He says he had informally disclosed his proposal to have school screenings with Vice-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and is open to the idea. Manalaysay said he is currently preparing to present his plan to the City Government which would include
a budget proposal for the undertaking. The pediatric nephrologist cited Japan where every prefecture has mandatory kidney screenings for schoolchildren. Manalaysay hopes that program can be replicated in Davao City. Aside from s c r e e n i n g s , Manalaysay is advocating the phase out of junk foods and other snacks which are high in sodium which is the main cause of Chronic Kidney Diseases. (RG Alama)
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The Asia Foundation gives by Noel Baguio 6,175 to DavNor schools TAGUM CITY- More school children in Davao del Norte now have access to new books that will inspire them to develop their full potential. The Asia Foundation, through its Books for Asia (BFA) program, donated some 6,175 new books to 132 public and private elementary and high schools, including two colleges, in four municipalities of the province. The recipient towns, which include Kapalong, Asuncion, B.E. Dujali and New Corella, were selected since they are enrolled in the Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) project of the Foundation, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Philippines Books for Asia Director Efren N. Balajadia handed the books over to the school
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administrators, during a turn-over ceremony at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan on September 29, 2011. He said increasing the children’s access to books and reading materials is a good investment in human development benefitting the next generations. The donation of the books, as Balajadia puts it, serves as an invitation for all to work for quality education and eventually towards a promising future for the children of Mindanao. “As we equip our children with these books, we pave our society’s foundation for peace, progress and genuine development,” he said. On behalf of his
people, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Asia Foundation and the USAID for giving the Dabaonons the opportunity to read good books and to learn from it for free. Through his development agenda, known as P.E.O.P.L.E, the governor has been maximizing the use of Capitol’s special education funds to improve classroom facilities and materials for instruction. He said the BFA program generously satisfies the need for quality books to increase the level of education standards among the schools in the province at no cost.
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Davao del Norte to put up own Provincial Library
by Albert D. Cahilog
he Provincial Government of Davao del Norte will put up a Provincial Library in order to encourage more children to love books and cultivate a culture of reading and literature among the Dabaonon people.
Inspired by the donation of new books by The Asia Foundation to schools in the province, Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario told members of the media that he is planning to establish a library to further boost the educational programs of the province. The Asia Foundation, through its Books for Asia (BFA) program, handed over 6,175 new books to over 100 public and private schools in the province, during a turnover ceremony at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan on September 29, 2011. Gov. del Rosario revealed that the proposed provincial library will take over the place of the old Provincial Women Development Center
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(WDC), which is adjacent to the Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) at the National Highway in Tagum City. He said the WDC, together with the juvenile center, will be transferred to the Luntiang Paraiso Regional Rehabilitation Center (LPPRC) in New Corella town, which is now being operated under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). The governor said the location of the library will be more accessible to students, as it is also strategic since it is just a stones throw away from an existing mall, while another one that is being constructed nearby is slated to open late this year. The building, he added, is good enough as
a start up until such time that funds are available for the expansion of the reading center. He bared the Books for Asia (BFA) program is willing to provide books for the proposed library. “According to Philippine BFA Director Efren Balajadia, all we have to do is write them a letter,” del Rosario recalled. He said the province has the upper hand in getting the book support from The Asia Foundation since the recipient municipalities of Kapalong, Asuncion, B.E. Dujali and New Corella are now enrolled with the Foundation’s Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) project, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
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PHOTO RELEASES
Food Basket 1 and 2: HRM and culinary students of various schools in the Davao Region are pitted against one another’s knack in cooking various vegetables and home-grown poultry products of barangay residents in the Food Basket in the Barangay which is one of the culinary events being staged in the yearly month-long Durian Festival in Tagum City. This year, Tagum City holds the Durian Festival in September. (jean duron-abangan)
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Friday, September 30, 2011
Dengue cases in Region 12 at -81%
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by Dani Doguiles
engue cases in Soccsksargen Region as of September 24 remained at 81% lower compared to figures in the same period last year. Friday, September 30, 2011
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Dengue cases....from page 31
This was according to the latest report of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health- 12 (DOH 12). RESU-DOH 12 said that at the 38th week this year, the region 12 had 2,077 dengue cases. At the same period last year, the region had 11,190 cases. Cases of dengue per area are as follows: 187 in Cotabato City, 378 in General Santis City, 575 in North Cotabato, 204 in Sarangani, 512 in South Cotabato, and 212 in Sultan Kudarat. Two more deaths due to the mosquito-borne disease were reported this week, bringing the total death to 18. Of these, 12 were from General Santos City, 3 from Sarangani, 2 from South Cotabato and 1 from North Cotabato. Integrated Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Rogelio Aturdido yesterday clarified that the additional one reported from South Cotabato is not a recent death. He said, a 33-year old man died of dengue in April but was only reported to the IPHO last week. He added the latest casualty due to dengue in the
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province was still in June. In an interview, Jenny Ventura, health education and promotion officer of DOH 12 said the region’s successful fight against dengue was due to combined efforts including massive education campaigns down to the village level, cleanup activities, distribution of treated nets and OL traps, and many others. (PIA 12)
Cases of dengue per area are as follows: 187 in Cotabato City, 378 in General Santis City, 575 in North Cotabato, 204 in Sarangani, 512 in South Cotabato, and 212 in Sultan Kudarat. Friday, September 30, 2011
Philippine mango industry positioning “strongly� in world market
by Beverly Paoyon
GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, Sept 30 (PIA)-- Mango industry players are positioning Philippine mango strongly in the world market by maximizing efficiency in the cost service and logistics areas, an industry officer said. 34 Friday, September 30, 2011
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Philippine mango....from page 33
Virginia de la Fuente, president of the Philippine Mango Industry Foundation, Inc., also urged mango stakeholders – mango growers, contract sprayers/financiers, input suppliers, nursery operators, exporters/ traders, processors and logistics providers to “unite and actively participate in all our advocacies and undertakings for the improvement of, if not to save our mango industry and position our Philippine mango strongly in the world market.” She appealed to the Department of Agriculture to “empower and capacitate the mango industry associations and for any other industry association for that matter by consulting the industry leaders in planning exercises to prioritize and craft programs, providing reasonable
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grants to implement and achieve plans through the national organizations and instituting control mechanism.” De la Fuente said Mindanao has the “potential” for mango production with SOCSARGEN (South CotabatoSarangani-General Santos City) having the largest number of hectarage and production. “Because of this climate change I am now campaigning that mango production will be made here in Mindanao,” de la Fuente told delegates at the 13th National Mango Congress Wednesday (September 28). “Mindanao produces only 35% of the total national production but we have the potential,” she said. Sixty-five percent of the produce is coming from Pangasinan and
the rest of Luzon. In a message to the delegates, Rep. Manny Pacquiao said the mango congress is an indication for a stronger partnership to “heighten commitment to increase the competitiveness of the Philippine mango in world market and develop more production areas in Mindanao.” Pacquiao also asked mango industry players “to maximize the production and export potentials of the Philippine mango industry. We will utilize this mango congress as a dynamic platform to learn as much as we can to ensure the strongest position in the world market.” The three-day mango congress being held at worldclass Isla Jardin del Mar resort in Gumasa ends on September 30. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City/CTA)
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DOST 12 sets up 3 Automated Weather Stations
KORONADAL CITY, Sept 30 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12) has installed automated weather stations (AWS) in three strategic locations in the region as part of the government’s nationwide disaster modernization mitigation program. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, DOST-12 regional director, said the AWS were installed at the General Santos
City airport, at the People’s Palace compound in Cotabato City, and in Barangay Badyangon in the coastal town
of Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat province. “The AWS is a modern weather tracking device that can do 36
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DOST 12 sets....from page 35 remote meteorological measurements and send data on a realtime basis,” she said. Director Laidan said the AWS, which costs P250,000 each, can also be used to issue a tsunami warning so that people in the coastal areas can evacuate before it could strike. She said that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), of the DOST, is presently embarking on the establishment of AWS nationwide in line with its modernization program. The project is in coordination with the DOST’s Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), which developed various instruments such as AWS to assist PAGASA in weather monitoring and forecasting. PAGASA, in addition to the Doppler Radar installation project,
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needs the AWS to automate its ground stations in order to perform faster, more accurate and efficient data system to help in early warning and monitoring of potential disasters. The automation of data acquisition and transmission will decrease operational cost and minimize the possibility of errors brought about by manual instruments. The AWS project hopes to establish and maintain a nationwide environmental monitoring network that will continuously provide warnings for the mitigation of environment-related disasters. Each AWS is equipped with sensors capable of measuring weather parameters, wind speed and direction, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, rain volume, duration and intensity. It will also help
in monitoring flood and typhoon that may affect the locality. There will be a total of 80 AWS stations that will be established in the different parts of the country. The nationwide setting up of AWS is under a special project dubbed “Development of Hybrid Weather Monitoring System and Production of Weather and Rain Automated Stations.” It also seeks to support the disaster preparedness programs of local government units, particularly their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. The AWS also aims to improve the climate change adaptation and disaster risk mitigation programs of the LGUs. To access DOST’s AWS nationwide, one can visit AWS Website: http://202.90.149.66/ predict/stations.php. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/
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1,300 na puno itinanim sa selebrasyon ng 11th Civil Service year
KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 20 (PIA) -- Bilang pagdiriwang ng ika111 anibersaryo ng Philippine Civil Service, nagtanim ng mahigit 1,300 na punong mahogany at assorted fruit trees ang mga empleyado ng kapitolyo ng South Cotabato kahapon. Mismong si Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. and nanguna sa tree planting activity na isinagawa sa dalawang lugar sa Koronadal. Ang unang grupo ay nagtanim ng 700 puno sa UP School of Health Sciences campus sa Barangay Carpenter Hill samantalang nagtanim naman ng 600 na puno sa
golf course sa Barangay Paraiso ang isa pang grupo. Ayon kay Rudy Jimenea, executive assistant ng gobernador, ang gawain ay naaayon na rin sa greening program at reforestation project ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. ‘ Aniya, inuna nilang tinaniman ang UP campus dahil sa kawalan
ng mga punong kahoy sa lugar. Ang mga naturang lupain ay parehong pag-aaari ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. Hindi naman naputol ang serbisyo sa publiko dahil may iilang mga tauhan na naiwan sa mga tanggapan sa loob ng kapitolyo. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
Transport strike sa South Cotabato, hindi naka-apekto sa daloy ng trapiko
KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 20 (PIA) – Walang epekto sa normal na daloy ng trapiko sa Lungsod ng Kornadal ang isinagawang nationwide transport strike. Tuloy pa rin ang pamamasada ng mga tricycles, ang pangunahing sasakyan sa lungsod. Kahit na ang mga malalaking kompanya ng bus at ilang mga pampasaherong mga van ay bumiyahe rin sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng lalawigan ng South Cotabato at karatig-bayan. Ayon sa pulisya, maliban sa bayan ng Polomolok, ang transport
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strike na pinangunahan ng lokal na grupong PISTON (Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide) ay hindi gaanong naramdaman sa ibang bayan ng lalawigan. Ayon kay South Cotabato Provincial Police Office spokesman Supt. Jemuel Siason, sa pangkalahatan, ang transport strike sa buong lalawigan ay hindi nagtagumpay dahil nag-
ing norman naman umano ang daloy ng trapiko. Hindi kagaya ng mga nakalipas na taong transport strike, walang inilagay na mga barikada ang mga nagpo-protesta, kung kayat naging normal ang biyahe ng mga sasakyan at walang mga pasaherong na-stranded sa mga kalsada at terminal (ac agad PIA12)
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Crocodile Lolong: ‘Victim’ of illegal fishing in Agusan Marsh by David M. Suyao iant crocodile Lolong may be a “victim” of illegal fishing in Agusan Marsh, an expert said here during a forum.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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Crocodile Lolong: ‘Victim’ of illega...from page 38 Dr. Rex Linao, Executive Director of Agusan Development Foundation, said one of the reasons why giant crocodiles came out of their hiding areas in the Agusan Marsh was because of illegal fishing. Dr. Linao, who is also co-chairperson of Agusan Marsh and Biodiversity Management Committee, explained that illegal fishing is one of the threats to biodiversity in Agusan Marsh. “We all know that Agusan Marsh is very rich with its flora and fauna. Illegal fishing using electric rod and other methods disturb the living things in the marsh area. Small and big fishes alike are killed. Years ago when people did not yet practice illegal fishing, fresh water fishes-which crocodiles feed on--were abundant in all parts of Agusan Marsh,” Dr. Linao said. “But because of the disturbance and merciless killing of fishes, they became scarce and the
crocodiles had to go to other areas in the marsh to look for food. That is why people can now see them, while some of them have already inflicted harm to people and their farm animals,” he explained. Believed to be the biggest crocodile in captivity, the 20-foot (6.1 metre) long crocodile was caught early September after a threeweek hunt. Prior to Lolong’s capture, a fisherman went missing in July and was feared to have been attacked by a crocodile. His captor, Wildlife official Ronnie Sumiller, found no human remains when he induced Lolong to vomit. Other possibly larger crocodiles are feared to inhabit Agusan Marsh. A multi-sectoral group recently convened a forum to discuss the situation of and prospects for Agusan Marsh, which is tentatively listed as one of the world’s heritage sites by United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and one of the most important wetland in the world. Dr. Linao said that Agusan Marsh need to be given attention because of various threats of destruction that surrounds it. He identified other threats confronting Agusan marsh, to wit: houses along the river banks and inside the marsh area, banks destruction, logging, mining in the upland areas, and the conversion of forest land into alienable and disposable land. “In 1991, the land area of Agusan Marsh as declared by the government was 111,000 hectares, but because of the conversion policy, a bill was passed in 1996, declaring that the protected area of Agusan Marsh is only 19,997 hectares,” Dr. Linao said. Panelists during the forum presented their organizations’ initiatives, funding and activities 40
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Crocodile Lolong:...from page 39 that would contribute to the preservation of Agusan Marsh’s diverse life. Among the panelists were Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, representatives of Congresswomen Maria Valentina Plaza (District I) and Evelyn
Plaza-Mellana, representative from the Protected Area Management Board, representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) and of funding agencies. Also in that forum, the program to inte-
grate Agusan Marsh environmental concerns in the Elementary Science and Health subjects was launched. DepEd will be the main implementer of the said program.
Heads of gov’t agencies to join Moral Recovery Program Congress by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 30 (PIA) -– The 13th National Moral Recovery Program (MRP) Congress is set on November 9-11 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center. As per Civil Service Commission (CSC) Announcement No. 26, series 2011, all heads of constitutional bodies, departments, bureaus, and agencies of the national government, Local Government Units (LGUs), GovernmentOwned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) with original charters, and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are directed attend and take part in the said
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event. In a written statement, MROFI Chairman Job Sar Diasanta said that agency’s representatives, including all Moral Recovery Officers, Moral/Spiritual/Values Advocates/Promoters/ Human Resource Development Officers are also enjoined to participate in the said seminar. Also, a cash registration fee of P3,500 will be charged to each participant to cover the ex-
penses on food starting from dinner on day-0 (Nov. 8) to afternoon snacks on day-3 (Nov. 11), hotel accommodation, kit/handout materials, organized tour in Butuan City, honorarium of resource persons, supplies/materials/transportation of the secretariat. This year’s seminar is anchored on the theme: “Empowering the Filipino people through values”.
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DA to spearhead Consumer Welfare Month celebration in Caraga by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 30 (PIA) –- This year’s celebration of Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) in Caraga will be spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the theme, “Sapat, Ligtas at Abot-Kayang Pagkain Para Sa Lahat”. Department of Trade and Industry Caraga Regional Director Breilgo Pagaran said the theme is anchored on the key policy area of the national government on food security and selfsufficiency. The month-long celebration will be opened with a motorcade on October 4 at 8:00 a.m,
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starting from the D&V Building Grounds to DA Motorpool. DA, together with DOH and DTI, enjoined representatives from business sectors and other government agencies to plan and conduct the activities for this month long celebration. CWM is celebrated every October as man-
dated in the Presidential Proclamation No. 1098 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. It is initiated by the National Consumer Affairs Council (NCAC) to create Republic Act No. 7394 otherwise known as Consumer Act of the Philippines which aims to protect the interests of consumers.
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ACE to discuss plans, commitment for ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program by Jennifer P. Gaitano
Caraga executives will be discussing their plans and commitments for the full implementation of the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program by the city government through the ‘No Segregation, No Collection’ Policy. This set to start on November 11 in all
the barangays of the city. The said program was launched on September 11 in Butuan City during the simultaneous clean-up activity in all the barangays which was participated by the government employees, private stakeholders, youth orga-
nizations, community volunteers, and residents. According to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Director and ACE President Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program is in line with the full implementation of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. “The program aims to strengthen the partnership with all sectors towards the proper management of the city’s solid wastes,” Burdeos said. 43
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ACE to discuss....from page 42
The Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) is an organization of heads of offices from different government agencies in Re-
gion XIII which aims to further professionalize the corps of CESOs and eligibles. ACE members not only provide financial assistance through
the members’ contributions to civic groups’ programs but also undertake outreach programs for the less privileged sector of the society.
Surigao Norte PPOC to hold Super Quiz Bee today by Dandy Lapura SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 30 (PIA) -- Students various secondary schools in the province will vie for this year’s Super Quiz Bee competition around the slogan, “Knock Out Crime!” to be held this afternoon at Gateway Hotel, this city.
The activity, spearheaded by the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Surigao del Norte, is in line with the celebration of the National Crime Prevention Month with this year’s theme: “PiNoy Ako, Crime Prevention Misyon Ko!” Other highlights include Poster Making Contest,
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Essay Writing Contest, the awarding of 2010 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives and 2010 Outstanding Barangay Peace and Order Committee. PPOC Chairperson, Governor Sol F. Matugas is set to give an inspirational talk after the awarding ceremony.
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RELEASES
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BasCOMNET forum tackles dengue, human trafficking by Rene V. Carbayas
ommunicators from government and non-government organizations in Basilan would not keep their guards down even as dengue incidence slows in the country and the awareness of the citizenry on human trafficking
expands.
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.BasCOMNET forum....from page 46 The Basilan Communicators Network (BasCOMNET), a network of government and non-government information and communication officers gathered to tackle the issues of dengue and human trafficking in a forum held at the ISAWAD conference hall in Isabela City on September 21, 2011. Philippine Information Agency-BaSulTa Infocenter Manager Felipo Dave Malcampo emphasized the importance of the forum as an opportunity where communicators and information officers of various institutions in Basilan could share information and tackle issues and gather information that may be detrimental to people’s lives. In the forum, local health officials in Basilan were happy to announce that while dengue incidence is rising in other parts of the country, Basilan maintained low if no
incidence (except for some suspected cases) at all. Health officials agree that this is due to the continuous advocacy campaign that the agencies have been conducting. Violeta H. Ramirez, heath education chief of the Isabela city health office said that the city has been conducting massive information-education drive versus dengue through clean-up in cooperation with the Bureau of Fire and the barangays. She said that these efforts had kept Isabela dengue-free so far. She reported that there is a drastic drop of dengue incidence since 2009. Based on their data, dengue incidence has dropped from 52 cases in 2009 to 46 cases in 2010 and only 2 suspected cases in 2011. Together with the provincial health office, the Child Fund Philippines, and the Department of Interior and Local Government, health
officials have enjoined the communicators to undertake advocacy on health and sanitation for dengue prevention and other mosquitorelated diseases. The city health office also announced that the blood donor program with the Philippine Red Cross is on-going and also encouraged individuals to donate blood. Ramirez particularly encourages women to also donate blood, as donors mostly come from man. She said that aside from saving lives, donors also benefit from donating blood every three months as their blood cells are replenished with new and healthy blood cells that the body produces. During the forum, the participants were also shown a video on the newest technology the Department of Science and Technology proposes to eradicate dengue-carrying mosquitoes. The video ex48
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.BasCOMNET forum....from page 47
plained the Mosquito Ovicidal Larvicidal (OL) Trap that works by attracting dengue-carrying Aedis Aegypti mosquito through the trap’s black color and organic solution, to lay its eggs in the trap. The solution then kills the eggs and the larvae, thus eliminating the next generation of mosquitoes. According to the DOST, the OL Trap is one of its research and development strategies in addressing dengue and is part of the government’s multipronged approach in fighting said fatal disease. Last August, the DOST has distributed 48
this technology to various areas in the country that is identified to be dengue-infested. Some participants from the health department, however, doubts if the technology is effective, since it only kills the “kiti-kiti” (mosquito eggs, larvae), but not the adult female mosquito. Unfortunately, the local DOST did not respond to the invitation of PIA to be the resource person on the said program, thus questions from participants were left unanswered. Meanwhile, ICM Dave Malcampo gave an update on the an-
ti-human trafficking efforts of the government. He lamented that some people do not only trafficked wildlife animals like the Philippine gecko, but they now engage in women and child trafficking. His updates also include significant accomplishments in the arrest and prosecution of human traffickers, the establishment of the 1343 ActionLine Against Human Trafficking, and strengthening partnership with multi-agency collaboration. Data shows that since 2005 to May 2011, 49 counts of conviction with 57 persons convicted were recorded. Administrative cases were also filed against several government officials, including those from the Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration. Some of these officials preventively suspended from the service and relieved of duties. Friday, September 30, 2011
SP- Zambo Sur approves municipal ordinance of Dumingag by Claro A. Lanipa Pagadian City, Sept. 30 (PIA) – On its 58th regular session on Thursday (September 29), the Sagguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Sur has approved the request of the Sagguniang Bayan of Dumingag to review the Municipal Ordinance No. 6, dated May 30, 2011 entitled “An Ordinance Creating Dumingag Institute of Sustainable Organic Agriculture (DISOA) in said town.
Board Member Roger Saniel said after reviewing Municipal Ordinance No. 6, the joint committee made a report on the following observations: 1. This ordinance will create an institute that will promote organic agriculture which is in line with the recommendation of the provincial government to adopt organic farming in the province. As mandated in RA 100681 otherwise known as the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010” which declares that it is the policy of the state to promote, propagate and develop further, implement and practice organic agriculture here in the
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Philippines. And that this will help in the reconditioning of the soil, increase farm produce, decrease pollution and helps protect the environment. 2. The establishment of this institute or school shall provide benefits to the farmers, out-of-school youth, high school graduates and other students who can not afford to enroll in college. 3. It also aims to capacitate the farmers through Sustainable Organic Agriculture Education and Technology Transfer, local technicians will be trained and advocacy on sustainable organic agriculture will
be strengthened. Based on the above mentioned observations, the SP joint committee unanimously recommended that Municipal Order No. 6 of the Sagguninang Bayan of Dumingag was declared as valid and operative. The joint committee is composed of BM Miguelito Ocapan, chairman of SP Committee on Agriculture and Fishery and a member of the SP Committee on Education, Culture and Arts and BM Eriberto Sumalinog, vicechair SP Committee on Education, Culture and Arts and member SP Committee on Agriculre and Fishery with BM Roger Saniel.
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12 more ZamboPen towns to implement KALAHI-CIDSS project -DSWD Pagadian City, Sept. 30 (PIA) – Another twelve municipalities in the Zamboanga Peninsula were identified to implement the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHICIDSS) project, a community-driven development approach to poverty, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-9) reported.
The municipalities identified were Naga, Malangas and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Tukuran, Dumalinao, Tigbao and Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur and Sibuco, Sirawai, Salug, Baliguian, and Manuel Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. These municipalities were chosen for having a high poverty incidence. DSWD-9 Assistant Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said that the municipalities will be engaged formally next year for the project. However, enrolment and other startup procedures will be conducted as soon as the municipalities will have been properly oriented, hopefully this
October. Since 2003, 21 municipalities in the region were or are currently covered by the project and its variation – the Makamasang Tugon. A total of 756 community infrastructure and noninfrastructure development projects were identified, successfully implemented and maintained by program-organized volunteers, with a majority of whom live in hardto-reach areas. The project involves every member of the community in the development framework. Through a process, known as the Community Enhanced Acitivity Cycle
or CEAC, residents are able to identify among themselves problems that exist, and eventually how to address and resolve them. The most persistent problem identified is poverty, which has its roots on social, economic and infrastructure inequities. For example, the lack of water is seen as a cause to poor health, hence community folks’ ability to work regularly is affected. In the KALAHI-CIDSS process, community members outlined these and other problems, and as a result, various infra and non-infra development projects were realized by them. Meanwhile, fund51
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12 more ZamboPen....from page 50
ing comes through a counter-parting scheme from the national government. Local government, communities and other stakeholders. The funds, amounting to hundreds of thousands up to millions, are handled by the communities. The volun-
teers, most of whom have not finished primary education, were capacitated through crash courses. The most common question with regards to project implementation in the communities is sustainability. However, in KALAHICIDSS, sustainability
is virtually a no-issue. This can be attributed to the sense of ownership that the community folks develop – they own the project since it is they who built them, hence they personally take care of the fruits of their labor. (JPA/DSWD-9)
P21-M relief assistance alang sa mga biktima sa “Pedring” by Claro A. Lanipa Manila, 30 Sept. (PIA) – Sukad ning buntag, ang kagamhanan nakapagula na sa kapin sa P21 milyon nga bili sa mga hinabang alang sa mga biktima sa bagyong “Pedring” gikan sa nagkalain-laing tinubdan, sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) mikabat sa P9.5 milyon, hingtungdan kagamhanang lokal (LGUs) P11.5 milyon ug Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) ug ubang mga organisasyon sa kagamhanan P53,387. Sa ingon usab, ang DSWD mipagula sa dugang P3.9 milyon isip standby funds ngadto sa DSWD Regions I (P1.4 milyon), II (P500,000) ug III (P2 milyon) alang kini sa pagpalit ug relief supplies. Sa pagka-karon, mokabat sa P2.7 milyon nga bili sa relief goods ang gipadala sa nagkalain-laing rehiyonal bu-
hatan sa DSWD gikan sa National Resource Operations Center sa Pasig City. Naglangkob kini sa P650,460 nga bili sa relief supplies nga adunay 1,500 family food packs, 1,000 ka buok mga bagong habol ug 1,000 ka buok bag-ong plastic mats alang sa NCR. Laing P2.1 milyon nga bili sa relief goods nga gilangkoban sa 1,000
packs saginamit mga sanina ug 8,000 ka mga family foods packs alang sa Rehiyon III ug 150 family food packs alang sa Rehiyon IV-A. Gipasayon usab sa DSWD ang pagpagula sa 10,000 ka sakong bugas ng adunay bili sa P13.5 milyon gikan sa National Food Authority (NFA) ngadto sa DSDW Field Office V aron sa 52
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P21-M relief....from page 51 pagtubag sa mga kinahanglanon sa apektadong mga pamilya sa Bicol Region. Samtang, si Secretary Dinky Soliman miingon ang joint DSWD-Central Office ug DSWD-NCR rapid assessment team nga anaa sa mga evacu-
ation centers ang gipalihok aron sa pagtantiya sa kahimtang ug pagtubag sa mga hinanaling kinahanglanon sa mga apektadong pamilya. Sa pagka-karon, adunay 439 evacuation centers sa mga rehiyon apektado sa Pedring ug
nagpadayon sa pagsilbi sa 30,752 ka mga pamilya diin 76 anaa sa Natioanl Capital Region, duha sa Rehiyon II, 269 sa Rehiyon III, 30 sa Rehiyon IV-A, napulo sa Rehiyon IV-B, siyam sa Rehiyon V ug upat sa CAR.
PHOTO RELEASES
ICM Dave Malcampo gave an update on the anti-human trafficking efforts of the government. He lamented that some people do not only trafficked wildlife animals like the Philippine gecko, but they now engage in women and child trafficking. (Rene V. Carbayas, PIA9-BST)
Violeta H. Ramirez, heath educatio has been conducting massive infor in cooperation with the Bureau of kept Isabela dengue-free so far. ((R
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Philippine Information Agency-BaSulTa Infocenter Manager Felipo Dave Malcampo emphasized the importance of the forum, an opportunity where communicators and information officers of various institutions in Basilan could share information and tackle issues and gather information that may be detrimental to people’s lives. ((Rene V. Carbayas, PIA9-BST)
on chief of the Isabela city health office said that the city rmation-education drive versus dengue through clean-up Fire and the barangays. She said that these efforts had Rene V. Carbayas, PIA9-BST) Friday, September 30, 2011
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Friday, September 30, 2011
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