PIA REGIONAL OFFICES
In This Issue...
IN MINDANAO
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail : r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Skype : hnb_r9pia
• Substantive portion of ASEAN China fund for Ph evidence China trip a success – President Aquino • Aquino embarks on a spiritual visit as he retraces roots in Hongjian village • Aquino declares Sept. 5 – Oct 5 every year as ‘National Teachers’ Month’ • Aquino arrives in Xiamen
Northern Mindanao
Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail : pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail : efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
• DOH strengthens Universal Health Care approach • Bislig City to celebrate its 11th Charter Day; opens photo contest • Beneficiaries say Pantawid Pamilya helps strengthen family relationship • DSWD-Caraga workers attend roll-out training on Social Marketing • DTI-Caraga bares accomplishments for the 1st semester
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail : r12_pia@yahoo.com pia_xii@yahoo.com
• PH’s poorest town hosts 137th ZamPen RDC meeting • 2,147 families delisted from Pantawid, says Asec. Gudmalin • Poverty alleviation is PNoy’s focus in his governance, says DOLE official
Northern Mindanao • NEDA-10 promotes HRD scholarship in Japan • Crime volume in Northern Mindanao drops in 2011 • OWWA-10 conducts skills training for “Star of the Sea-Iligan” OFW’s • BJMP-10 institutes the DARE program in schools • Timely info from community people led 4ID troops to capture high- powered firearms of NPA
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
• • • •
OUR COVER Today’s cover features the
CAMIGUIN ISLAND 2
NATIONAL
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COMVAL on the go for Bayan Anihan Implementation MAPEH teachers in Comval improve dancing skills ComVal sets activities for the Civil Service Month Celebration Soldier Sent to Jail for Illegal Discharge of Firearm
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • Security tightened in Tacurong, other areas • Proposed new revenue code of Tacurong gets positive review from taxpayers • GenSan 2011 Tuna Festival opens with the 13th National Tuna Congress • “Sisterhood ties” ng mga Lungsod ng Koronadal at Valenzuela, inaayos • Mga kinatawan mula US Agric. Dept at mga opisyal ng DAF- ARMM nagpulong
PHOTO CREDITS evisorya.blogspot.com pinoyfestival.com tengturista.blogspot.com lenelovelife.blogspot.com
travelismyobession.blogspot.com parasbeachresort.com antibiotyx.multiply.com thedormboy.com
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Substantive portion of ASEAN China fund for Ph evidence China trip a success – President Aquino
S
HANGHAI,China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday that his trip to the People’s Republic of China has been very successful and has exceeded his expectations as evidenced by the substantive portion of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) China Fund that has been set aside for the Philippines.
XIAMEN, China—President Benigno Simeon Aquino III welcomes Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Provincial Committee and Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress Sun Chunlan during the courtesy call at the Yeohwa Hotel Saturday (September 03), the last day of his five-day State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. The visit is expected to boost Philippines-China relations and showcase the country as an investment haven to Chinese businessmen following major reform measures President Aquino has initiated in the government. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau). 4
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Substantive portion... from page 3
The ASEAN China Investment Fund is a private equity fund that provides capital for small and medium sized enterprises located within ASEAN and the People’s Republic of China. The Swiss Government, the Asian Development Bank and United Overseas Bank are among the sponsors/investors of this fund. “Yung Asean-China Fund for example, nakakagulat na napakalaki ‘nung nilalaan nila,
itinatabi para sa Pilipinas. Medyo significant portion of that fund ito,” the President said. He surmised that the keepers of the fund had found favorable the various programs the government has been implementing with the help of the local and international community to uplift the lives of Filipinos. “Syempre, kung mapakita nating worthwhile ‘yung investment nilang ginawa, palagay ko ‘yung susunod dada-
gdagan pa nila ‘yung endowment doon. So kung maganda ‘yung resulta doon…at parang naka-concentrate sa atin, palagay ko mamemaintain natin ‘yung share doon sa fund na ‘yon,” the President said. He refrained to give an estimate of how much the ASEAN China Fund would give to the Philippines but said it would more than 10 percent of the fund which has already reached $1-billion. (RCK)
Aquino embarks on a spiritual visit as he retraces roots in Hongjian village XIAMEN, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III will have the opportunity to reconnect with his roots when he arrives here on Saturday (September 2). The President, who is expected to arrive at the Gaoqi Airport on board a Philippine Airlines Commercial Flight PR 001 here from Shanghai, is expected to visit the hometown of his ancestors in Honjian village, located in the township of Jiaomel,
Longhai City, Zhangzhou municipality, Fujian province. The President’s late mother, former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino is a fourth-generation Filipino-Chinese descended from Co Yu Hwan, a Chinese immigrant from Hongjian vil-
lage who settled in the Philippines in 1861. According to a fact sheet released by the Philippine Embassy here, Co (the Chinese character for his surname is read as “Xu” in the national language Mandarin, while “Co” or “Kho” is the way the same 5
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
Aquino embarks... from page 4
character is pronounced in the southern Fujian dialect or Minnan Hua also known as Hokkien) converted to Roman Catholicism in the Philippines and was then baptized as Jose Cojuangco, the surname Cojuangco being an amalgamation of his Chinese Hokien name, Co Yu Hwan. It added that Jose’s son Melecio Cojuangco (born in 1871) married another Filipino-Chinese named Tiakla Chico in 1894 and among their children was Jose Cojuangco, Jr., father to the late former President Corazon C. Aquino, who is the mother of now President Benigno S. Aquino III. Hongjian is a
sleepy village and home to about 1,700 residents with the surname Xu or Co. It is less than half an hour’s drive from the bustling metropolis of the island of Xiamen. During his visit to the village President Aquino, together with the members of the official delegation, is expected to lead the lighting of incense at the ancestral temple of the Xu (Co) clan. He is likewise expected to view the photo exhibit of his late mother’s visit to Hongjian village and view the araucaria tree planted by President Cory Aquino in 1988. It can be recalled that in 1988 when Presi-
dent Cory Aquino visited the Hongjian village, she planted an araucaria tree (a genus of coniferous evergreen) to commemorate her historical visit there. She also lighted incense at the altar of the Ancestral Temple of the Xu (Co) clan. Before the President leaves the Hongjian village for Manila he is also expected to plant a tree about 50 meters away from the spot where President Cory planted the araucaria tree. After the tree planting activity, the President will deliver his message. From here, President Aquino will fly back to Manila. (RSDA)
Aquino declares Sept. 5 – Oct 5 every year as ‘National Teachers’ Month’ President Benigno S. Aquino III declared the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Month. P r o c l a m a t i o n by Executive Secre- image of teaching as No. 242 was signed tary Paquito N. Ochoa a vocation by increason August 24, 2011 Jr. “to revitalize the ing public awareness 6
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Aquino declares... from page 5
on the value of teachers in Philippine society and national development.” The President noted that, “the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated October 5 of every year as World Teachers’ Day, which is a day to celebrate the central role that teachers play in guiding the children, youth and adults through the life-long learning process.” President Aquino underscored the need to generate widespread awareness and support for World Teachers’ Day here in the Philippines. He said the occasion can be used to celebrate the unique role and service that teachers play in guiding families, strengthening communities, and building the nation.
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“To contribute to the growth and development of the teaching profession in the country as well as to publicly express appreciation to teachers, both active and retired, a Teachers’ Month Campaign (TMC) was conceived in July 2008 by the Metrobank Foundation,Inc. (MBFI), De la Salle Philippines (DSLP), Philippine Business for Education(PBEd), and Campaigns Social Response (CSR), with the special participation of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the support of key business institutions,” the President said. The President said the campaign has generated more support from government, private companies, and major organizations in 2009 and 2010. He issued on October 1, 2010
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Presidential Proclamation No. 41 declaring the first Friday of September to October 5, 2010as National Teachers’ Month. With thesigning of Proclamation 242, the country will now observe the NationalTeachers’ Month every year. The President also enjoined all concerned departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, various local government units, private sector and the public to actively participate and support activities and programs for the celebration of the occasion. Upon recommendation by the TMC Steering Committee, the President also endorsed the recitation of the National Prayer for Teachers during the National Teachers’ Month. (JS) Saturday, September 3, 2011
Aquino arrives in Xiamen XIAMEN, China --- President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived here Saturday on board the Philippine Airlines Special Commercial Flight PR 001 on the final leg of his five-day state visit, three city swing to the People’s Republic of China. The Chief Executive, accompanied by some of his Cabinet members together with a powerhouse Philippine business delegation, planed in at exactly 10:00 am at the Xiamen GAOQI Airport from Shanghai. As soon as the President disembarked from the plane, he was welcomed by Chinese officials led by Jie Xu, vice Governor of the Fujian province; Liu Ke Qing, mayor of Xiamen City; Wu hong Qin, mayor of Zhangzhou City; Hong Cheng Zong, director general of the Xiamen City Foreign Affairs Office; and Lin Xiu Zhen, director general of the Zhangzhou City Foreign Affairs Office. A;so on hand to welcome the President were Philippine Embassy officiales in Xiamen headed by Saturday, September 3, 2011
Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz and Consul Ambrosio Brian Enciso III. The President and his delegation proceeded to the Yeohwa Hotel where he stayed for the duration of his visit here. At the hotel, the President was received by its General Manager and Philippine consulate officials. During his visit, President Aquino. met with the officials of Fujian and Xiamen who will call on him at the hotel’s Ling Yun Pavilion, International Conference Room. After the courtesy call, the President addressed the PhilippineFujian Economic Forum and attended the luncheon banquet hosted by the leaders of the Fujian province.
Prior to his departure for Manila, President Aquino visited the Hongjian village located in the township of Jiaomei, Longhai City Zhangzhou municipality in Fujian province. After the welcome ceremonies shortly after his arrival in the area, the President and his delegation watched a cultural presentation. While in the Hongjian village, the President viewed a photo exhibit of his late mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino’s visit to Hongjian village. He went to view the araucaria tree which was planted by President Cory Aquino. Before his speech .President Aquino plant a tree 50 meters away from President Cory’s araucaria tree. (RSDA)
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DOH strengthens Universal Health Care approach by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Regional Office headed by Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon bared that DOH is strengthening its Universal Health Care approach for all Filipinos especially in Caraga. This was learned during the recently held Regional Development Council – Social Development Committee (RDCSDC) Meeting chaired by Dir. Gorgolon, where focal persons from the government agencies and representatives from the local government units attended. According to Dr. Ceasar Cassion of DOH, the Universal Health Care is an approach that aims to address inequities in health outcomes by ensuring that all Filipinos, especially those
belonging to the lowest two income quintiles have equitable access to quality health care. With this approach, DOH looks into the six instruments which needs to be monitored – Health Financing; Policy Standards and Regulation; Health Information; Service Delivery; Health Human Resource; and Governance for Health. “In Universal Health Care, DOH implements the three strategic thrusts: Improve financial risk protection through improvements
in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) benefit delivery; Achieve health-related Millennium Development Goal – Max (MDG-Max) targets; and Improve access to quality health care facilities,” Cassion said. Said thrusts are based on President Benigno Aquino III’s Health Agenda (Achieving Health Care for All Filipinos or Kalusugan Pangkalahatan): Rapid Expansion in NHIP enrollment and benefit delivery using national 9
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DOH strengthens... from page 8 subsidies for the poorest families; Improved access to quality hospitals and health care facilities through accelerated upgrading of public health facilities; and Attainment of health related MDGs by applying all effort and resources in localities with high concentration of families unable to receive critical public health services (GIDA). Cassion also said DOH is undergoing the following financial risk protection strategies:
Increasing resources for health; sustaining membership in social health insurance for all Filipinos; A l l o c a ting resources according to most appropriate financing agent; Shifting to new provider payment mechanisms; and Securing fiscal autonomy of health facilities. “To achieve the MDGmax, DOH is deploying Community Health Teams; Utilizing the life course approach in providing needed services to family planning,
ante-natal care, delivery in health facilities, essential newborn and immediate postpartum care, and Garantisadong Pambata package for children 0-14 years of age,” emphasized Cassion. With this, DOH targets to achieve an improved overall health status of Filipinos, reduced out of pocket expenditures, and an improved client satisfaction and responsiveness of the health system. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Bislig City to celebrate its 11th Charter Day; opens photo contest by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) –- The city government of Bislig, Surigao del Sur led Mayor Librado Navarro will be celebrating its 11th Charter Day come September 14-15, 2011 and will be launching its 1st LIB’s Photo Contest. According to Bislig City Information Officer Carlito Abar, the competition on photography welcomes professional photographers all over the Philippines. All photos
must be of Bislig City’s tourist destinations identified by the organizers during the said dates. On Sept. 14, participants of the photo contest will be taking
pictures at the Tinuy-an Falls, Hinayacan Cave, and Baywalk while on Sept. 15, they are scheduled to take pictures at the Hagonoy Island. “The interest of this 10
Saturday, September 3, 2011
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Bislig City... from page 9 contest focuses on images that showcase Bislig City’s one (1) major tourist spot and three (3) minor tourist destinations. We are inviting photography enthusiasts to join our “Photo Contest for Bislig City, a rich city in ecological treasures… Come now and explore the beauty and wonder of Bislig City,” Abar said. The contest is open to Filipino professional photographers, 18 years and above. While the contest is not limited to the number of participants, however, only the 1st Ten (10) participants, who are non Bislig residents who register first can avail of the “early birds” freebies of two (2) days free accommodation. Abar also bared that interested participants are required to come and register on Sept. 14, 8:00am at the 3/F Kamayo Hall, Bislig City. Participants shall provide for their own equip-
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ment like camera, USB, CD, Laptop, and others. The organizer shall provide the transportation from Bislig City Hall to site/areas for pictorial as scheduled. An Info Tech Personnel shall be assigned to gather and process the photo entries. The guidelines of the photo contest are: 1) Photos must be taken by the participants from the natural landscape of identified tourist destination areas during the scheduled on-site pictorial only; 2) Only one picture entry per sight in each identified tourist destination areas/natural landscape shall be submitted by the participants every after pictorial session; 3) Only raw images are considered valid entry; 4) All photos should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared; 5) Post processing is strictly not allowed, adjustment of picture color alteration and sharpen-
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ing through adobe photoshop or other photography enhancement software will automatically disqualify the entry; 6) Images that do not meet the requirements or deviates from the entry rules may or may not be judged at the judging panel’s sole dicretion; 7) Official entry must have a 300dpi/large format image size, no film-base camera; 8) Identifying marks, signs and address or other marking such as date or time stamps on the photo is not allowed; 9) No collages of photos; 10) The decision of the Board of Judges is final and irrevocable; and 11) All official entries (winning and non-winning) shall become the exclusive property of the organizer. Criteria for judging are as follows: Originality – 10%; Photo Composition – 40%; Technical Excellence – 30%; Artistic Merit – 10%; and Overall Impact – 10%, a 11
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Bislig City... from page 10 total of 100%. First prize winner will receive Php 8,000.00; 2nd prize – Php 5,000.00; 3rd prize – Php 3,000.00 while consolation prizes will
be given to seven winners amounting to Php 500.00 each. All winners will also receive certificates of recognition. For more details or inquiries on the said
event, interested party may contact Ms. Laine S. Elechicon, Admin. Officer of Bislig City Information Office at cellphone No. 0949-1989277. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)
Beneficiaries say Pantawid Pamilya helps strengthen family relationship by Stella Maris V. Barcelon
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) – Beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya of this city speak in a radio guesting at a local radio station here, recently.
In two separate oc- because we have this FDS addressing and clarifying
casions, the beneficiaries where we learn how to be- issues and concerns from proudly shared what they come a more responsible the listeners through calls have learned during their parents to our children),” and texts. Family Development Ses- Remely Salazar said. sions. “Dako og tabang
Another
Queries about inclu-
beneficia- sion and exclusion, varied
ang programa sa amo, dili ry, Rose Gregay also ex- amount received and othlang sa pinansyal nga ba- pressed that the grants er issues were answered hin kay aduna man kami they get from the program by the Regional Program FDS o Family Development help their children get ba- Coordinator Alma Patron; Sessions,
diha
among sic education.
mas nakat-unan unsaon
Other
Regional Information Ofbeneficiaries ficer Leah T. Quintana;
nga mahimo kaming mas who also shared the same Information Officer Stella maayo nga ginikanan sa experiences with Remely Maris V. Barcelon; Social among mga anak ug uns- and Rose were Francisca Welfare Officer III for Aguaon ang sakto nga pagdala Carbonila,
Papias
Josol, san del Norte Hazel Cas-
sa pamilya (The program and Ligaya Casindac. is a big help to us, not
tillo; and City Link Officer
The radio guesting Leila Perez. (DSWD-13/
only in the financial aspect also became a venue in PIA-Caraga)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
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DSWD-Caraga workers attend roll-out training on Social Marketing by Stella Maris V. Barcelon BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) – The Pantawid Pamilya Municipal Link Officers (MLOs), SEA-K Project Development Officers (PDOs), and Convergence PDOs assigned in Agusan provinces attended the 3-day roll-out training on social case management held recently at Balanghai Hotel, this city.
interventions and help clients
derwent the same training at
plementation of the Pantawid
function effectively.
Almont Beach Resort Hotel in
Pamilyang
Part of the training was
Surigao City. In her message,
where the improvement of the
the participants’ exposure to
Director Mercedita P. Jabagat
living conditions of the benefi-
the field to administer SWI in
emphasized that all workers
ciaries are slowly seen, there
barangays Obrero and Doon-
must be knowledgeable about
really is the need to have a
gan in Butuan City.
all the systems employed by
thorough case management.
“The activity is very
the Pantawid Pamilyang Pili-
The said activity was
significant to us; it help us
pino Program – Beneficiary
done in order for the field
understand the interviewing
Update
workers to familiarize about
process and shows us the dif-
Redress System, and Compli-
the Social Welfare Indicator
ferent techniques to effec-
ance Verification System.
(SWI), a tool that will help
tively conduct the SWI.” says
them identify their client’s
Jay Tejada, Pantawid Pamilya
encouraged the workers to
needs, which will be the basis
MLO of San Luis, Agusan del
be committed and competent
for intervention planning. The
Sur. A total number of 123
in carrying out their respon-
activity also trained the field
participants attended the ac-
sibilities to be able to serve
workers as case managers on
tivity.
the people efficiently and ef-
how to establish relationships,
Earlier, the workers as-
fectively. (Social Marketing
assess
problems,
signed in Surigao provinces
Unit, DSWD-13/PIA-Cara-
problem-solving
and Dinagat Islands also un-
ga)
and
In the light of the imPilipino
complex
select
Program
System,
Grievance
Director Jabagat also
DTI-Caraga bares accomplishments for the 1st semester by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) – With the intention to be transparent, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Caraga Regional Office has called a media briefing recently and bared their accomplishments for the first semester of this year. 13
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
DTI-Caraga... from page 12
DTI-Caraga
Regional
Director Brielgo Pagaran, re-
100% of their target goal of
regardless on where the BN
accomplishment in creating was processed.
ported the accomplishments business name (BN) (only
and highlights of their agen-
76%) and in gathering do-
aims to grow bigger and
cy for the as well as the up-
mestic sales which amount-
faster, Caraga will join “Min-
coming events.
ed to P160.47M (only 93%). danao One”. Mindanao One
In line with the accomhappily
DTI-Caraga
Failing to meet the is a four-day trade and in-
plishments of DTI-Caraga, 100% goal, Pagaran calls Pagaran
Because
vestment exhibit at theWorld
reported the attention of businessmen Trade Center in Manila from
that the region has improved who do not have business
Oct. 14-17, 2011.
in terms of economic growth
names yet saying that “pro-
Said activity aims to
and said that, “the three cessing of business name showcase the island’s rich percent (3%) growth target has been made easier, faster, resources both nature and was met and I hope that we and convenient. Now, in our
human. Caraga’s participa-
will grow faster”.
region, the processing has tion is headed by Phil-Export-
been segmented into baran-
Caraga in collaboration with
to meet and even surpassed gay, city or municipality, re-
DTI, Department of Tourism
DTI-Caraga was able
their
target
accomplish-
gional, and national. You can (DOT), all the Chambers of
ments. They have reached a file for a business name in
Commerce in Caraga, Car-
total of US$4.25M of Export your own barangay for your
aga Regional Association of
sales, amounted to 2 billion
convenience. The processing
Traders & Entrepreneurs in
pesos of investments, creat-
time for Business Name has Food, Inc. (CReATE FOOD,
ed 14,175 jobs, and assisted
been made faster; it will only
3,434 small and medium en-
take you 15-30 minutes to niture Makers Association.
Inc.) and the United Fur-
terprises. On the other hand, process”. He also added that Inc. DTI-Caraga failed to meet
Saturday, September 3, 2011
BN process fee is only P200
(UFMA).(MRA/DTI/
PIA-Caraga)
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PH’s poorest town hosts 137th ZamPen RDC meeting by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- In order to get firsthand information on the needs of the people of the country’s poorest town, the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Council (RDC) presently chaired by Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy held its 137th meeting in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte recently. Twenty eight regular members coming from the national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) and the private sectors came and participated in the meeting which tackled the different issues and concerns involving infrastructure project implementation, agriculture and fisheries, social services, peace and order, mining and many others.
Siayan Mayor Flora Villarosa presented the efforts initiated by the municipal government in addressing the plight of the people in the area in partnership with the NGAs and non-government organizations (NGOs). Villarosa, a neophyte mayor, said she aimed to alleviate poverty and suffering of her constituents by “freeing them from the shackles of ignorance, in-
justice and hunger.” With this, the mayor hoped that the RDC could help “perfect that edifice of change” in her municipality. The mayor also reported that four of the town’s 22 barangays are not yet energized. Siayan is an interior town of Zamboanga del Norte, primarily agricultural and home to Subanen people. (FPG/PIAZambo. Norte)
2,147 families delisted from Pantawid, says Asec. Gudmalin DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- Assistant Secretary Camilo Gudmalin of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reported during the Regional Development Council (RDC)-IX meeting held recently in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte that a total of 2,147 beneficiaries have delisted from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P). This was the result by DSWD personnel follow- fixed income earners who of the validation conducted ing reports that there were became 4P beneficiaries. 15
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
2,147 families... from page 14 Some families were also delisted because they no longer have children aged 14 years old and below. After Asec. Gudmalin’s presentation, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles pointed out that the 4P, which is patterned after that of Brazil and other Latin American countries, would only make the poor more dependent on the government. “The Brazilian government wanted the program stopped but the people will hold ral-
lies against ending the program,” Cerilles said. Cerilles also said that the Pantawid program has violated the provisions of the local government code in that social services have already been devolved to the local government units (LGUs). He suggested that the funds for the conditional cash transfer or “Pantawid” be handled by the LGUs. Gudmalin, however, emphasized that the 4P “is not a dole-out but an investment” as it is a social
protection program consistent with the mandate of the state to protect the vulnerable sector. Pantawid is a conditional cash transfer program aimed at helping out the poor families in the community. Each family-beneficiary will receive a monthly allocation of P300 for each child aged not more than 14 years old and P500 for health needs. However, the coverage is only limited to three children. (FPG/PIAZambo. Norte)
Poverty alleviation is PNoy’s focus in his governance, says DOLE official DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- Undersecretary Lourdes Melicor-Trasmonte of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has urged the government officials, the business groups and other stakeholders to help in “uplifting the living condition of our people especially the marginalized sectors.” This was the gist of her message before the participants to yesterday’s business forum here emphasizing that poverty alleviation is President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III’s focus under his good governance. Usec. Trasmonte served as the guest speaker in said gathering which was attended by businessmen, academe, representatives from the employees’ groups, heads of the
Saturday, September 3, 2011
different line agencies and civic organizations. Trasmonte also appealed to the employers to consider their workers as their business partners for without them, their establishments cannot stand. “There should be mutual respect and understanding between the employers and employees,” she said. The DOLE official was happy to note that in Zamboanga Peninsula
particularly in Zamboanga del Norte, no major labor problems have occurred for the past few years. Trasmonte, who was the former DOLE-IX regional director and now serves as undersecretary for labor standards and social protection, is hoping that labor strikes and lockouts, and accidents in the construction sites will not happen in the region. (FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)
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NEDA-10 promotes HRD scholarship in Japan by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 3 (PIA) –The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, will be conducting a promotion seminar for the 10th batch of the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) covering the academic year, 2012-2014. The activity will be held in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), this coming Sept. 7, at the NEDA-10 Main Conference Room, Capistano-Echem Sts., this city. “The seminar intends to promote the JDS project and discuss the field of study, guidelines, and application procedures for the programs,” Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA10), said. It also aims to support human resources development in the country by targeting young government offi-
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cials, who are expected to be the country’s leaders, and engage them in formulating and implementing social and economic development policies after they returned. Participants of the JDS project, Dacanay he said, shall contribute to an expanded and enhanced foundation for bilateral relations with Japan as persons having well-rounded knowledge of Japan. Dacanay said the JDS project framework consists of ‘sub-program’ and ‘component’ which correspond and deal with the selected target priority areas and development issues of the country. The participants
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are selected from ‘target organizations’ whose mission is closely related to the ‘sub-program’ and ‘component,’ he added. The degree to be obtained is a two-year master’s degree course in the following fields: Public Management, Public Administration, Political Sciences, International Studies, and International Cooperation Policy. International Development. International Relations, International Development, Public Economics, Peace Studies, Global and Cultural Analysis, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, and Environmental Engineering. (PIA10)
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Crime volume in Northern Mindanao drops in 2011 by Elaine O. Ratunil CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 3 (PIA) -Crime volume in Northern Mindanao plunged 8.98 percent for the first six (6) months of the year compared to the same period in 2010. This was reported by P/Supt. Robert Rodelas Baesa of the Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCRD), region 10, during the opening of the 17th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) celebration, in the region, last Sept. 1. Anchored on this year’s theme of “Pinoy Ako, Crime Prevention Misyon Ko,” complemented by the proactive slogan, “Knock Out Crime,” the week-long celebration primarily aims to promote community involvement and participation in crime prevention. Baesa said a total of 8,574 crimes was recorded from January to July, this year, down by 846 cases compared to 9,420 crimes during the same period last year. Saturday, September 3, 2011
Of this figure, 6,420 cases or 74.88% were classified as index crimes while 2,154 cases or 25.12% were non-index. Likewise, of the index crimes, 1,847 cases or 28.77% were crimes against persons while the othero 4,573 cases or 71.23% were crimes against property. Compared to the 6,856 index crimes in the same period last year, a decrease of 436 cases or 6.36% was recorded. Again, among the index crimes, theft had the highest frequency with 3,066 cases or 47.76% of the total index crimes, followed by physical injury with 1,358 cases or 21.15%. The other index crimes posted the fol-
lowing frequencies: Robbery, 1,126 cases or 17.54%, murder, 299 cases or 4.66%, rape, 111 cases or 1.73% and homicide, the lowest frequency with 79 cases or 1.23%. For non-index crimes, the 2,154 cases recorded for the period showed a decrease of 410 cases or 15.99% compared to 2,564, in the same period, last year. Cagayan de Oro registered the highest non-index crime with 660 cases, followed by Misamis Oriental with 442 cases. Next was Bukidnon with 367 cases, Misamis Occidental, 286 cases, Iligan City, 235 cases, Lanao del Norte ,109 cases and Camiguin, the lowest non-index crime with 55 cases. (PIA-10)
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OWWA-10 conducts skills training for “Star of the Sea-Iligan” OFW’s by Nestor B. Flores, Jr.
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 3 (PIA) – At least 28 members of the Star of the Sea, an organization of seafarers and their dependents in Iligan City, attended the Livelihood Skills Training Seminar (LSTS) on Fish Processing, recently. Sponsored by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), region 10, the training was held last August 2526, at Raquel Bakeshop Function Hall, Barangay Camague, this city. It was conducted with the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), region 10, through Leah Lastima Bucog, Post Harvest Technical Staff. Topics of the training included Bottling of Sardines, “Rellenong Bangus” Preparation and “Bangus” Deboning. The “Star of
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the Sea-Iligan,” is a church-based civic organization of seamen’s wives, mothers and legal dependents of Filipino Seafarers and Overseas Filipino Workers of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. Headed by Marisa Doromal, the organization’s President, it aims to build and maintain mutual cooperation and support among its members in building and sustaining a strong family. Meanwhile, Regional Director Petrona M. Bergado of OWWA-10 said the LSTS is one of the reintegration programs of OWWA intended
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to bring about an improved economic well being of returning OFWs and their dependents. One way of availing the LSTS is by forming an organization of OFW’s and their dependents, such as, the “Star of the SeaIligan,” she said. During their graduation, the 28 participants received certificates of attendance which were personally handed to them by the OWWA Regional Director and Remegio Cabañog Provincial Head, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Lanao del Norte. (OWWA10/PIA-10) Saturday, September 3, 2011
BJMP-10 institutes the DARE program in schools by JO1 Jeza Mae Sarah Sanchez EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 3 (PIA) The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), here, has instituted the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) in El Salvador Central School.
The move is in response to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call for a “DRUG FREE PHILIPPINES 2015.” “Originating from the United States, the DARE program is now being widely used in the Philippines in order to help students recognize and resist peer pressure which is seen to lead them to try alcohol and drugs,” said SJO3 Orson Garcia, City Jail Warden and organizer of DARE Saturday, September 3, 2011
in the city. Likewise, recognizing the need for parental involvement in the said program, a Responsible Parenthood Seminar was subsequently held wherein parents of Grade 5 and 6 students, together with the school principal and teachers, actively participated. “It is very important for parents to realize that alcohol and drug abuse prevention is not just a concern of the gov-
ernment. Everyone must share his part in making Philippines drug free by the year 2015,” Garcia said. Meanwhile, BJMP10 Regional Director Jail/Sr. Supt. Abraham Pil Lintao said “As of the moment, roughly 77% of inmates confined in BJMP facilities in region 10 have been in prison due to alleged involvement in drug cases,” said. (BJMP/ PIA-10)
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Timely info from community people led 4ID troops to capture high-powered firearms of NPA CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Sept. 3 (PIA) – Maj. Gen. Victor A Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, commended the troops from 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade for demonstrating their expertise in combat. This, after the troops encountered more or less 15 New People’s Army (NPA) under unknown leader of Guerilla Front 21 of the Northern Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC), at Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte, yesterday, Sept. 2, at around 3:00 p.m. A running gun battle lasted for about an hour which resulted to the capture of four (4) high powered firearms including four (4) M16-Armalite rifles,
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an AK-47 (Kalashnikov) rifle, personal belongings, subversive documents and an enemy dead body, whose identity is not yet known. Meanwhile, this is a big blow to the NPA in the 3rd quarter, this year, the 4ID Commander said. “The success in the conduct of the said security operation may not be possible without the timely information provided by the people in the community, discipline and tactical skills demonstrated by our soldiers,” he added.
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He also assured that the operation will go after the rebels and eventually find and fix them. For his part, Maj. Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, 4ID Spokesperson and Commanding Officer of 4th Civil Military Operations Battalion said “the success of our operation lies with the information provided by the people who hated the series of atrocities committed by the NPA rebels in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Sur.” (4CMO/PIA-10) Saturday, September 3, 2011
COMVAL on the go for Bayan Anihan Implementation Compostela Valley – A two-day Bayan-Anihan Planning and Workshop was held on September 1-2 at Mabini as preparation for its full implementation in the province. Participated by the Municipal Gawad Kalinga (GK) Coordinators, Municipal Council of Women Presidents and Coordinators, Municipal Local Government Operation Officers, Municipal Agriculturist Office Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers, ABC Presidents of the eleven municipalities, the two-day planning and workshop was jointly facilitated by Provincial Agriculturist Office, Women Development Program of the Special Programs Unit of Governor Uy and GK COMVAL Chapter.
The program concept is the inspiration behind Bayan-anihan— Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) food sufficiency arm, which was established to eradicate hunger by empowering poor families to produce their own food via backyard or organic farming. It advocates for a hunger-free Philippines under the battle cry, “Goodbye Gutom! Empower the poor. Eradicate hunger.” In the presentation of the program overview and rationale, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Manolo Serafin C. Cayme explained how
the province come up with an idea of having a Bayan Anihan project. According to him, Bayan – Anihan is indeed the centerpiece of vegetable production for “food in every table”. As its main objective, Bayan-anihan (BA) aims to launch 2,500 farms in the next three years to feed at least 500,000 people for life with the aid of multi-sectoral partnership among GK and the Department of Agriculture (DA), agricultural schools, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), 22
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COMVAL on the go ... from page 21 major corporations and Bayan-Anihan will be the youth. implemented per mu This also aims to nicipality. Each municiestablish backyard veg- pality will have an area etable farms in all ba- identified by the local rangays of Composte- government. The prola Valley as part of the vincial government will common goals of ensur- extend P100,000.00 per ing food security and municipality (allotted generating jobs for hun- for 3 barangays) to deger-prone families. This fray the cost of materiwould be crucial in help- als for the project and ing government achieve the seedlings (variety of its goal of providing food vegetables) will be proon the table of every Fili- vided by the provincial pino family. agriculturist office. Iden With the inspira- tified recipients coming tion of Gawad Kalinga, from the screened poor-
est of the poor member of the council of women will work out the propagation and cultivation of the Bayan-Anihan. Anchored with PNoy’s legislative agenda and inspired by the values of Gawad Kalinga, months from now, all municipalities of Compostela Valley will have a Bayan-Anihan area both in the GK Villages and in the barangays. (Rodielyn A. Manugas-IDS COMVAL)
MAPEH teachers in Comval improve dancing skills There is more to folk dancing as found out by 307 Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) - Teachers coming from the elementary and secondary public schools all over Compostela Valley.The training cum workshop on dancing skills was held on August 26-28 at the capitol and jointly spearheaded by the provincial government under Gov. Arturo Uy and the Department of Education under Schools Division Superintendent Alfonso Gomez. No less than the members of the Philippine Arts and Culture Education Society (PACES)
such as Dance Researcher and Choreographer Mary-Angel S. Alastre, Mark P. Reyes, Bernard
Andrew R. Reyes, and their Executive Director Bennylito R. Reyes taught them on 14 dif23
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
MAPEH teachers ... from page 22 ferent Philippine Folk Dances. These are Cariñosa, Polka sa Nayon, Kumintang, Pinal-ayon, Maria Capra Palueña, Sua-Ku-Sua, Ontanay, Tiklos, Kasanduanay, Ragragsakan, Malagueña, Jota Moncadeña, Jota Batangueña, and Ilocana a Nasudi. Right on their first day, the MAPEH teachers
were taught on the basic steps on folk dancing like Contraganza Step, Brush Step, Tarok Step, Sarok Step, Salop Step, Tortillier Step, Parallel Tortillier, Mazurca Step, Waltz Step, Habanera as well as how to do different Sway Balance techniques. According to Ruben Reponte, Education Supervisor for MAPEH, the
registration fees are already shouldered by the provincial government. The 307 teachers who underwent training came from the 13 School Districts in the province, 182 of them came from Public Elementary Schools and 125 from the secondary schools. (fe maestre/ids comval)
ComVal sets activities for the Civil Service Month Celebration COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE - The provincial government has set activities during Mondays and Fridays of the Civil Service Month this September in line with the country’s 2011 celebration of the 111th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service. The province will lead the opening program on September 5 at the Capitol. On September 12, the Tourism Office will open the Culture and Arts Exhibit and on September 16, the Provincial Council of Personnel Officers (PCPO) will conduct a gift-giving activity to “Sagop Palad” Orphans. On September 19, the Provincial Social Welfare
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& Development Office (PSWDO) will spearhead the Family Week Celebration. On the 4th Monday (September 26), a Spiritual Development and Moral Recovery Speaker will guest the employees’ convocation. The culmination activity and the honoring of loyalty awardees and the retirees will be on September 30. The officials, em-
ployees, and guests will also enjoy Zumba Dance Exercises, a Latin-inspired dance fitness to be facilitated by the Human Resource Management Division, Tourism Office, and PSWDO on September 12, 16, and 23. This year’s theme is, “Championing R.A.C.E.: Public Service Excellence at Full Speed” (grace almedilla, comval ids)
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Soldier Sent to Jail for Illegal Discharge of Firearm Pantukan, CVP – An off-duty soldier from the 71st Infantry Battalion (IB) identified as Private First Class Baltazar M Ramos, accidentally pulled the trigger of his rifle that hit an 8-year old girl, September 2, 2011, at around 11:30 p.m. The incident occurred in Sitio Biasong, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province. Initial investigation revealed that Ramos had a heated altercation with another person who, along with several others, was then drinking at a nearby videoke hut. One of the members of the group attempted to hit Ramos with a bottle on his head. Agitated, Ramos took his rifle from his patrol base to confront the said person. His fellow soldiers blocked his way to pacify him. They were able to remove the ammunition magazine but not the remaining bullet in the chamber. During the pacification process, Pfc Ramos accidentally pulled the trigger of his rifle hitting the victim
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identified as Sunshine Jabinez, a resident of the same Sitio. Sunshine was immediately rushed to Pantukan District Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. According to Lt Colonel Camilo Z Ligayo, Commander of the 71st IB, “We do not condone any acts committed by our soldiers in violation of our laws. Pfc Ramos is outrightly discharged from the military service and will face appropriate criminal charges. I had immediately jailed him at the Pantukan Municipal Police Detention Cell. We will make sure that justice is served to the family of the late Sunshine Jabinez and that all of their needs will be provided by this unit.” Meanwhile, Major
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General Jorge V Segovia, Commander of 10th Infantry Division said that the culprit will be outrightly discharged without benefits and others involved may face similar administrative punishments. “The perpetrator is now in jail and the Company Commander has so far been relieved. But it will not end there. We abhor such behavior and I sincerely apologize to the family of the victim and to the people of ComVal.” He also directed the Brigade Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade to personally check the situation and determine needed assistance of the victim’s family. The three soldiers who were with Ramos were detained inside the headquarters of 71IB for further investigation. Saturday, September 3, 2011
Security tightened in Tacurong, other areas by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- Security in the entry and exit points in Tacurong City and other areas in Central Mindanao has been tightened following discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) there on Thursday. P/CSupt Felicisimo Khu, director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations - Western Mindanao (DIPO- WS) said, this is because of a still imminent threat of terroristic attacks. He said, with the discovery of the fifth IED, operatives are still looking for five more IEDs that the group of Jemaah Islamiyahtrained Basit Usman intends to plant in several target sites. “According to information there are ten bombs. We have
recovered three and two exploded in Kidapawan City,” Khu said. On Thursday, a special operations group recovered an 81mm mortar with an alarm clock as triggering device. The IED was found in a ricefield about 500 meters from a checkpoint at Purok Sampaguita, Brgy. Grino, Tacurong City. Khu believed the bomb was left after the perpetrators found tight security along the national highway from Lambayong town to
Tacurong. “Their targets are still General Santos City, Tacurong City, Isulan town, and Kidapawan City,” he said. Midsayap and Kabacan towns in North Cotabato and Cotabato City are also in the groups list of targets, he added. “I believe that the public can contribute so much in the fight against these elements, particularly by being vigilant and by immediately reporting to authorities any suspicious personalities 26
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Security tightened... from page 25
and unattended luggages and boxes,” he said. Meanwhile, SSupt. Danilo Peralta, police provincial director of Sultan Kudarat province, said a tighter security plan for Tacurong
City’s Talakudong Festival, which will begin next week, has been prepared. He said, the regional police office has already sent additional troops to augment the city’ police force.
Additional police will also be assigned to the city from the provincial police office to support the security plans of city government and the city police for the celebration. (PIA 12)
Proposed new revenue code of Tacurong gets positive review from taxpayers by Jessa Billano
TACURONG CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- Tacurong City’s proposed new revenue code elicited favorable responses from taxpayers who attended a three-day public hearings. Attendees to the public hearing included stakeholders from the business, professional, student, senior citizen, land owners, transport, and market sectors. Retired Colonel Felix Tugas, president of the Senior Citizens Association of Tacurong Poblacion, said that he felt that additional fees and charges are reasonable despite some increases stipulated in the
proposed ordinance. “We have witnessed improvements that the city government has implemented, so they have the reason to increase some of our taxes,” Tugas said. The public hearings held at the city gymnasium on August 2224 were conducted to gather the public’s sentiments on the proposed revisions to the old revenue code, which was
last revised in 2004. Josephina Pedregosa, a public school teacher, found the amendments “reasonable enough as long as the services will be delivered immediately to the people.” Mayor Lina Montilla and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) as well as heads of offices acted as panelists in the public hearing attended by more than 27
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Proposed new... from page 26 300 participants representing various sectors. SP Committee on Ways and Means Chairperson Cirilo Flores presented the salient provisions of the proposed “Ordinance Enacting the 2011 Revenue Code of the City of Tacurong.” Flores highlighted the growing need to enact a new revenue code given that it has already been seven years that the 2004 Revenue Code of the city is exercised. “So much has happened in the last seven
years. If we do not adjust our rates, chances are, the services the city government provide would be adversely affected or would not be delivered at all,” Flores said. He reasoned that compared to that of other local government units in Sultan Kudarat, the fees and charges in Tacurong’s proposed revenue code are considered minimal. He added that the projected outcome of the new revenue code
would not only enhance the services of the LGU but would also eventually sustain these services. In her message, Mayor Montilla assured the public that the taxes collected from each citizen of the city are in good hands. “I am giving you an assurance that the taxes, fees and other charges collected from you will be used wisely by the city government,” she said. (DED/PIA 12/TACURONG CPIO)
GenSan 2011 Tuna Festival opens with the 13th National Tuna Congress by CT Apelacio GENERAL SANTOS CITY, September 3 (PIA) - The Tuna Festival opened Thursday (September 1) with the 13th National Tuna Congress, keeping the tradition alive each year since it started in 1998. The Tuna Congress, one of the Festival’s week-long activities is undertaken as part of the month-long celebration of the 43rd Charter
Anniversary of this city having kicked off August 5 with the theme, “Exploring New Depths, Conquering New Challenges.”
The entire anniversary and Tuna Festival celebration will end on Monday, September 5, which is also declared as special non-working 28
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GenSan 2011... from page 27 holiday in GenSan pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 219. SocSarGen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Incorporated (SFFAII) executive director Rosanna Contreras, said the congress opened mid morning with the trade exhibit and the newly-added feature to the congress-the tuna culinary challenge at 2:00P.M. held at the Family Country Hotel here. The exhibit is joined by 50 exhibitors occupying 70 booths that showcase various products ranging from processed tuna to the latest fishing technologies and the like. Contreras rationalized the staging of the trade exhibit saying GenSan also serves as transshipment point of agricultural products of SocSarGen (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City) aside from
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being a major fish landing area in the South. Over the years, she said GenSan being situated strategically has been able to establish “trade relations with neighboring countries in the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Growth Area, Australia andMicronesia.” In the evening, Contreras said South Cotabato First District Representative Pedro Acharon Jr. hosted a welcome dinner for special guests and visitors at Rosewood clubhouse. Meriam Buguis, department head of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) said the congress also aims to present and discuss notable issues and concerns facing the fishery sector today.
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Among those included were “the industry situationer and the call for conservation for sustainable and responsible fishery; prospects of hi-value aquaculture and mariculture as alternative to capture fisheries/public-private partnership projects; impact of marine resources to livelihood/sustainability; market prospects and updates in the global market; role and direction of DFA in building international relations; Mindanao 2020; impact of power crisis in Mindanao,” among others. The congress theme anchors on “Caring for the Future: A Shared Commitment.” Congress organizers led by the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the SFFAII earlier said they are expecting to double if not triple participants this year hoping to surpass last year’s attendees. Saturday, September 3, 2011