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OUR COVER
Environment reporting workshop: Telling boundless ecology stories in Bukidnon Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy Northern Mindanao
Today’s news...
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Aquino government welcomes UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s commendation for Philippine support to peacekeeping in the Golan Heights
WESTERN MINDANAO
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DOLE turns over P150-T Negosyo sa Kariton projects in Ramon Magsaysay Alma L. Tingcang
CARAGA REGION
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FSUU to spearhead the 2013 Save Taguibo Watershed Green Summit Jennifer P. Gaitano
DTI-Caraga to hold Diskwento Caravan this October Billy A. General
NORTHERN MINDANAO
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Lanao Norte conducts coastal clean-up Gov’t hastens construction of damaged bridge in Bukidnon Recthie T. Paculba
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
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DavSur town strengthens ‘kakanin’ production through SSF project Jen Mendoza
CENTRAL MINDANAO
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60 firms in Soccsksargen Region get Bagwis awards Danilo E. Doguiles
Cotabato City LGU pursues P15-M halal slaughter house Perlita B. Changco
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 Vol. 3 No. 32
COVER STORY
Environment reporting workshop: Telling boundless ecology stories in Bukidnon By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
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ews media in Bukidnon play a vital role in inspiring and moving people to work together in protecting the province’s grand forests, gleaming lakes, rivers, watershed, and wildlife. prevailing hydrological and watershed protection issues in the province such as mining, timbering, and a reported surge of unlawful exploration of the wilderness for mineral wealth. Ecology news and media A random quick response survey showed that deeper understanding They are the key ingredients in raising awareness to save environment as they could adeptly convey messages and shape public opinion about government’s ecological policies. This, however, posed a challenge for the media as available data appeared that nature story-writing and environmental reporting seems to weaken, despite
Environment in Bukidnon: Issues and Opportunities for the News Media,� aims to encourage stories and more reports on floods and denuded forests, garbage mismanagement, mining issues, climate change adaptation, and watershed management.
on environmental issues is one of the core problems why some shy away from telling ecology stories, noting that nature writers and broadcasters must have a deeper understanding of scientific language, knowledge of historical environmental events, the flair to keep abreast of environmental policy decisions, and the ability to communicate scientific language and information to the public, in such a way that it can be easily understood despite its complexity. The partnership In a move to secure greater environmental news coverage, the Bukidnon Press Club (BPC) through its president and online news publisher Walter I. Balane teamed up with the Decentralized Framework for Sustainable Natural Resources and Rural Infrastructure Management, Philippines (TA 7716-PHI) project in the conduct of a two-day seminar-workshop on environmental reporting at Pine Hills Hotel in Malaybalay City. The seminar, titled “Reporting the
Telling the story of environmental reporting In his lecture, science columnist and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) consultant Dr. Crispin Maslog, emphasized the best ways of telling ecological stories and how these relate to Bukidnons in order to track environmental trends overtime and make informed decisions. Maslog, a retired journalism professor at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and environmental activist, imparted practical tips for covering press conferences and panel discussions that could outline reporting details. He cited real-world examples to illustrate the techniques needed in writing complex but compelling stories. This ought to provide vital primer for newcomers to the field, and veterans alike, he said. He provided the format and style, explaining that reporters should avoid scientific terms so that readers will not be forced to consult a dictionary every now and then because one of the responsibilities of a reporter is to make it easy--for his readers-- to read his story. Gender specialist Dr. Carolyn 5
Sobritchea of theAsian Center, University of the Philippines also discussed Gender and Indigenous People (IP)-sensitive reporting. She stressed the importance of considering policy guidelines in technical reporting citing the core principle of ethics in language to “Do no harm” in communicating women and IPs. “In producing Gender and IPfair stories, the content, accuracy, balance, sources, and integrity are factors to be considered thoroughly. The 1987 Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, expression or of the press but that can be subjected to some regulations of the state. Hence, we should advocate the need for self-regulation in the practice of our profession,” Sobritchea said. Likewise, “Datu Sangku-an” Jemuel Perino, Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe Kapoonan To Mga Datu (BUKDA) Chair, conveyed how to produce IP-fair stories in Bukidnon tribes’ context. Dr. Rex Navarro of the Decentralized Framework for Sustainable Natural Resources and Rural Infrastructure Management also talked about the Social Mobilization for Environmental and Watershed Management in Bukidnon, which seeks to do more in-depth reporting taking in the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation. The key focus are writing, broadcasting, and reporting, but participants also dived into all forms of modern journalism, from social media to
books, blogs, and video presentations, all prepared in close collaboration with highly accomplished professors who are leaders in science journalism namely: Climate change specialist Dr. Rosa Perez, watershed management specialist Dr. Manuel Bonita, and Louie Tabing, chairperson of the Philippine Foundation for Rural Broadcasters. For his part, online news publisher Walter Balane facilitated the action planning workshop for wider and deeper environmental news coverage. He presented a quick review of the “ecology” content in newspapers circulating in the province and suggested that news outlets set up an environment beat to come up with special reports aside from daily stories. Sponsored by Primex and Asian Development Bank, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, ARMDEV, and Bukidnon Press Club, the activity is another step taken towards equipping journalists with guides and techniques to produce unlimited ecological news.
Malaca単ang says government moving to assist in the rehabilitation of Zamboanga City
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alacanang said on Monday that the government was moving all concerned agencies to provide assistance and help the people of Zamboanga City get back on their feet. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
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The city was thrown into chaos after the members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction stormed the coastal towns last September 9 and engaged government troops in a threeweek long gun battle. In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said government agencies such as the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Health, Labor and Employment and Education have pooled their resources together to provide the necessary aid needed by the people such as food, water, medicines and shelter. “For the Department of Social Welfare and Development, it has allotted 99.5million pesos for food assistance, nonfood items, financial assistance, cashfor-work in the operation of community kitchen, hygiene and sanitation, and meal distribution,” Lacierda said. “Personnel were deployed to assist the management of evacuation centers and warehouses, media coordination, and data information management operations. We’ve also established a computerized profiling of displaced families,” he added. “For the Department of Health, we MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
have established stress debriefing posts and medical clinics in evacuation centers. We have also deployed personnel for the medical needs of those affected and operating rooms were established at the Western Mindanao State University,” Lacierda said. “For the Department of Labor and Employment, we have provided dental supplies, assorted supplies, medicines in evacuation centers. Department of Education, we have conducted psychosocial intervention for teachers and schoolchildren,” he said. Lacierda said the Department of Trade and Industry is “coordinating with private institutions to ensure the supply of basic goods, and they continuously monitor prices of basic commodities, imposed suggested retail prices for different establishments.” He pointed out that security forces “have facilitated the airlift of emergency supplies and equipment” while social institutions such as Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG), the Social Security System, and the Government Service Insurance Syten (GSIS) “have granted calamity loans to those affected.”
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“The Philippine Navy is also accepting relief goods and construction materials for the rehabilitation of different barangays of Zamboanga City. The BRP Benguet will start loading relief goods and construction materials intended for Zamboanga City on October 1 at
the Naval Base-Cavite, Sangley Point in Cavite City,” Lacierda said, adding those who want to help and provide additional assistance may contact: Ensign Chester Ross Cabaltera at mobile no.: 0915-7908459 and 0939-384-1279. PND
Aquino government welcomes UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s commendation for Philippine support to peacekeeping in the Golan Heights
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he Aquino government welcomed the move of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commending the Philippines for its decision to maintain Filipino peacekeepers in the United Nations Disengagement Force in the Golan Heights, a Palace official said on Monday. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
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“It is an acknowledgement of the work that the Philippine peacekeeping forces have done in the Golan Heights and also in the other areas,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday. The UN Secretary-General conveyed his gratitude to the Philippines through Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario during his meeting with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in New York, United States of America on September 26. Ban publicly commended the P h i l i p p i n e government for its support to UN peacekeeping and described the Filipino peacekeepers “as being extremely courageous in performing an outstanding necessary task.” Del Rosario had MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
recommended to President Benigno S. Aquino III to allow the more than 300 Filipino peacekeepers from the Golan Heights to stay after the United Nations agreed to meet all the conditions set by Manila to ensure greater protection for the Philippine troops. “May mga concerns po tayo doon for our continued stay and ina-address po ‘yan ng United Nations. Nakikita ng United Nations ang katapangan at kagitingan ng ating mga peacekeeping forces at saka ang commitment ng ating pamahalaan doon,” Lacierda said. PND
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Northern Mindanao stakeholders draft strategies for biodiversity
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t the latest, by 2020, biodiversity (biological diversity) values (shall) have been integrated into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting system.� This is one of the targets that They also crafted strategies to address stakeholders in Northern Mindanao, the state of biodiversity in this part of during a workshop conducted by the the island. Dept. of Environment and Natural The workshop was in consonance Resources, focused on. with the Philippines’ involvement in the MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
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Convention on Biological Diversity, in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, which adopted a 10 year strategic plan, and outlined achievable targets better known as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The strategic plan is to inspire broadbased action in support of biodiversity in the next decade by all countries and stakeholders to mitigate the continuing biodiversity loss, particularly in the country, in exchange of progress. The output of the workshop is expected to validate inputs, information, and recommendations based on regional and local context, realities and observed trends for the country’s own biodiversity strategy and action plan. Norma Molinyawe, officer in-charge of the Biodiversity and Management Division, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, pointed out during the workshop, the issues confronting the ecosystem with regard to economic development. She cited, for instance, the importance of forest cover where if undisturbed a dipterocarp forest intercept at least 35 percent of rainfall and a logged over forest intercepts only less that 20 percent and a tree plantation only about 12 percent. A preserved forest of three million hectares contains 307 million tons of carbon and can sequester 4.1 million tons per year. Second growth production forest with the same area contains 253 million tons of carbon but losses one million tons a year, while tree plantations and agroforestry farms can contain 20 tons and MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
sequester only two tons a year. If fully functional, the country’s watersheds and aquifers could supply 146 billion cubic meters of water annually for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses. She pointed out that the Philippines ranks second among the 16 ‘extreme risk countries in the world’ identified as vulnerable to climate change. The 2005 World Bank Study reported that the Philippines vulnerability to natural hazards cost an average P15 billion annually or more than 0.5 percent of the gross domestic product, in direct damage. DENR also said that Philippine mangroves can income more than US$ 500 per hectare a year. “Fish is a second most important staple food of Filipinos. Every square kilometer of coral reefs can supply up to 35 tons of edible and economically important fish per year,” the DENR said. The record shows that between 2004 and 2010, agricultural and fisheries sector exports rose from $ 2.5 to 4.1 billion. The country’s top agricultural exports, in terms of value are coconut oil, fresh bananas, tuna, pineapple, tobacco, and seaweeds. Some of the gains that the DENR cited are the provisional services a country like the Philippines is bound to lose if the ecosystem will be taken for granted due to the absence of sustainable development strategy where biodiversity concerns are at the forefront.
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Clearing operations vs. lawless elements complete – DND Sec. Gazmin By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao ZAMBOANGA CITY – Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin declared that the clearing operations against the MNLF-Misuari faction is now complete as the government forces had secured all hostages after 20 days of firefight.
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In a flag ceremony last Saturday, inside the Western Mindanao Command (WISMINCOM) honoring the fallen and wounded men in uniform, Sec. Gazmin said: “The primary objective of the operation was for the safe recovery of the hostages. Security forces have so far rescued 195 hostages. We believe we have accounted for all of them.” Gazmin also pointed to the massive loss from the MNLF-Misuari side. “The operation resulted in the loss of an estimated 183 on the side of the lawless elements and caused the surrender or capture of 292,” Gazmin reported. However, the government troops have also suffered losses from the skirmishes. “We grieve the loss of 23 AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel, three of whom are AFP officials, and the wounding of 183 others,” the defense chief said. Gazmin said the second phase of the clearing operation would involve house-to-house searches for booby traps, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms and other
pertinent materials which the rebels might have left behind. “This will be undertaken by the PNP, the local government officials, and other concerned agencies to ensure that the operation is done properly,” Gazmin said. He also expects that the city government’s plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction will come into action. He added that security forces will still remain until everything is cleared. The military has already started clearing operation with the checking of the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) which was greatly affected by the war. ZCMC chief of hospital Dr. Romeo Ong said the hospital immediately evacuated 472 patients on the second day of the crisis to the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) gymnasium, which was converted into a satellite hospital. Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said the hospital would be prioritized for clearing as “medical services are of the essence.” The hospital was cleared for operation yesterday (Sept. 29).
DOLE turns over P150-T Negosyo sa Kariton projects in Ramon Magsaysay By Alma L. Tingcang
RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently turned-over 10 Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-Kart) projects in Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
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DOLE Chief LEO Lourdes B. Amores said beneficiaries of the program are ambulant vendors who trade their goods or services without the necessary permits in sidewalks, buses, and public places. Nego-Kart is a livelihood initiative of the government designed to help raise the financial condition of rural residents by providing deserving beneficiaries with livelihood grants though the provision of a pushcart, tools, equipment and raw materials to serve as their working capital According to Mr. Camilo A. Encila, project in-charge, it also aims to assist ambulant vendors in making their livelihood undertakings profitable and sustainable. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
“Each beneficiary is given a Nego-Kart worth P13,000 and a seed capital of P2,000 with a total project cost of P150,000. The selection of beneficiaries is made in coordination with the local government unit. Encila said the 10 beneficiaries of the Nego-Kart are as follows: Deminiano L. Siaboc, Ryan P. Tulawe, Arlene A. Taguibar, Mercy Y. Pitogo, Randy D. Borongan, Jerry J. Sumagang, Jerry B. Mecca, Roy M. Dindin, Isabel M. Bayhonan and Socrates F. Abellana Jr. The turnover ceremony was held at the municipal gymnasium witnessed by Mayor Leonilo Borinaga
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ANHS, DENR-13 sign MOP on mangrove planting by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- The Agusan National High School (ANHS), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga signed the Memorandum of Partnership (MOP) on the conduct of Mangrove Planting/reforestation for a cause set on November 16, in Barangay Lumbocan, this city.
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“We are gathered here today to witness an important occasion which is the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership between the DENR and ANHS Class 1990 on the planting of mangrove for a cause in support to the National Greening Program of President Aquino,” said Mr. Eric Herzon Gallego, Regional Information Officer of DENRCaraga in his welcome message. Gallego bared that the National Greening Program (NGP) aims to plant trees on some 1.5 million hectares starting in 2011 up to the year 2016. “The DENR is off to a good start, having already planted million of seedlings in over 232,000 hectares nationwide. The President has promised that his six-year administration would meet a reforestation target that took the DENR 25 years to meet,” he said. Mr. Richard Recososa, Program Director of ANHS Class 1990, emphasized that taking care of our environment also means giving ourselves the chance to live longer. “We are contributors to what is happening in our environment today. We must also take responsibility by doing activities that will protect, rehabilitate our environment,” he said. Also, Ms. Cherry May Busa, ANHS Class 1990 Executive Director and
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Acting President, assured that after its conduct of the Mangrove Reforestation in Brgy. Lumbocan, Butuan City on November 16, 2013, the ANHS Class 1990 will be monitoring and protecting the area to ensure that the planted propagules will live and grow as desired by doing active coordination with DENR’s Barangay Off Site Office. “We will visit the actual site twice a month,” she added. Brgy. Captain of Lumbocan Ms. Shirley Reyes recognized the efforts of the ANHS and the DENR for choosing their area as beneficiaries of said activity. She also promised to regularly monitor the planted propagules and its maintenance. “In the implementation of the National Greening Program in Caraga region, the DENR-Caraga has targeted 100,000 hectares to be planted until 2016. We are confident to achieve this number through our concerted efforts with partner stakeholders,” said Regional Executive Dir. Nonito Tamayo of DENR-Caraga. Other officials who signed the MOP are the following: Agusan del Norte PENRO Paterno Olivera and LLUMPA chairman Eleazar Accompanado. Said activity was witnessed by local tri-media and representatives from government agencies.
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FSUU to spearhead the 2013 Save Taguibo Watershed Green Summit by Jennifer P. Gaitano
Butuan City-- The Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) headed by University President Fr. John Christian U. Young, will be spearheading this year’s 2nd Save Taguibo Watershed Green Summit on October 16, at the AVR-1 of FSUU main campus, this city. Fr. Young said the Save Taguibo Watershed Green Summit in 2011 was a milestones event on environmentalism in Butuan City. “The experience taught the people that positive things and actions happen when different stakeholders come together and commit time to resolve a common and central environmental concern, that is, the protection of the Taguibo Watershed,” said Young. Young added that the summit gave birth to the Taguibo Watershed Pilot Project (TWPP) which made it possible for the government, civil society organizations, and community to unite their efforts toward the central goal of protecting Butuan City’s vital source MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
of water – the Taguibo Watershed. It was also learned that the objectives for this year’s second summit includes the following: 1) update the different stakeholders on the accomplishments of the TWPP; 2) provide and assessment report on the implementation of the TWPP; 3) determine the resources needed and how to raise them in order to fully accomplish the TWPP; and 4) affirm and strengthen the commitment and support of the stakeholders in accomplishing the TWPP. Participants of said summit are the following: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Butuan City Water District (BCWD), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine National
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Police (PNP), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), members including the local government National Commission on Indigenous of Butuan officials, and punong People (NCIP), non-government and civil barangays within the watershed area. society organizations, and other TWWP
DTI-Caraga to hold Diskwento Caravan this October by Billy A. General
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga Regional Office will hold a Diskwento Caravan this coming October 1-3 at the Provincial Capitol grounds, Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol, this city. The activity aims to provide an opportunity for consumers to buy select commodities at very low prices with discounts varying from as low as three percent to as high as 30 percent. This is made possible through the coordinative efforts of the agency and the major retailers and distributors in the region particularly those located in Butuan City. These commodities include canned fish/sardines, canned meat such as corned beef, beef loaf and luncheon meat, toiletries, bath and toilet soaps, among others. Food products from the CreateFood members, an association of food producers across the region, will also be displayed and sold during the said activity. Consumers will be able to have a taste of local food MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
delicacies that have been sold and are gaining attention in the various regional and national food fairs. This activity is also part of the opening ceremony on October 1, 2013 for the month-long celebration of the 2013 Consumer Welfare Month this October. This year’s lead agency is the Department of Health and has the theme “Health Product Quality, Efficacy, Safety & Transparency – Everybody’s Concern”. This will be the 14th Diskwento Caravan activities conducted by the regional office and the provincial offices for this year across the region. As of July 30, 2013, the said project has generated more than one million pesos in sales and has benefited more than 4,000 buyers/consumers.
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Dominga Mallonga DOST-Caraga Regional Director
for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.ph DOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph
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Key shelter agencies in NorMin hold Housing Fair 2013 by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Key housing agencies of the government led by the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) is conducting a Housing Fair from September 27 to 29 in Limketkai Center, this city.
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The three-day event formally opened with an awarding ceremony to local government units (LGUs), project beneficiaries and members of homeowners associations who are partners of the government in providing a secure tenure and housing to Northern Mindanao residents as well as ensuring the rational use of land. Awarded letters of guaranty for the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) Expresslane Project were Blessedville Home Owners Association (HOA), Bonbon United Neighborhood HOA, Grandville HOA, and Monsanto HOA. Designed to hasten the processing of community associations’ loan application, the Expresslane Project of the CMP will benefit 828 memberbeneficiaries affected by typhoon Sendong. A total of 81 transfer of titles (TCTs) were also distributed to beneficiaries of four CMP projects located in the cities of El Salvador and Cagayan de Oro. Moreover, 251 certificates of house and lot award were given to beneficiaries of the National Housing Authority (NHA) CDO Bayanihan Village Phase 1. The said village is a resettlement project for families affected by tropical storm Sendong. It has a total land area of 4.7307 hectares and will generate 426 housing units with 50 square meter lot size and 21 square meter floor area. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
Sixty LGUs were also awarded with plaques and certificates of completion under the CLUP Zero Backlog Program. The other highlight of the opening ceremony was the oath taking of the officers of the Federation of HOAs in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental with 11,061 member-beneficiaries. The awarding and oathtaking was graced in by Vice President Jejomar C. Binay who gave assurance that the horrors encountered by the Sendong survivors will not be repeated. He also challenged LGUs and other organizations to ensure that the people in their communities will all have homes. Binay is the chair of the HUDCC. Meanwhile, the Housing Fair 2013 features exhibits from ten private developers and builders, six construction materials suppliers and two banks on their new housing projects. The three-day event aims to provide an opportunity for developers and allied industries to showcase their products. It is also a venue for the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) and Pag-IBIG Fund to dispose their acquired properties to interested buyers.
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Lanao Norte conducts coastal clean-up by PIO-LDN
Tubod, Lanao del Norte – More than 20 employees of the Lanao del Norte LGU spearheaded a coastal clean-up on September 25 at barangay Pigcarangan, in the capital town of Tubod. The activity is in support of the annual International Coastal Clean Day. More than 500 meters stretch of coastline situated at Purok 6, Brgy. Pigcarangan was cleaned up by the provincial employees from the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO). “We are here to show the people especially those living near the coastlines that it is important for us to take care of our seas and to join in the battle against marine trash, Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Head Ramon Serapio said.
Among the items collected by the group were food wrappers, glass and plastic bottles, plastic bags, disposable diapers and coconut husks. The clean-up drive was also participated in by representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and barangay officials. This environmental campaign is done simultaneously by other local government units (LGUs), concerned government agencies, and peoples’ organizations in various coastal areas of the country.
Gov’t hastens construction of damaged bridge in Bukidnon by Recthie T. Paculba
TALAKAG, Bukidnon - The Department of Public Works and Highways10 (DPWH) together with Bukidnon First District Representative Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba conducted a project monitoring on September 15 on the work being done in Uguiaban Bridge to address the problem encountered by farmers and traders in transporting their produce. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
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According to Sandra Flores, DPWH-10 Information Officer, the government has already allocated P52.7M to reconstruct the 12-year old bridge which was damaged by debris and floodwater as super typhoon Pablo hit the city on December 2012. She also added that the contractor of the project promised to finish the reconstruction by October 30 this year and if they fail to meet the deadline, “duna’y posibilidad nga basig ma-terminate ang proyekto kung dili makahimo o maka-meet sa promise ang atong contractor (there is a possibility that the project will be terminated if the contractor will not be able to keep their promise),” Flores said. Flores mentioned though that as of now, the workers have already accomplished a lot in the reconstruction of the bridge with the constant monitoring of DPWH-10 Director Evelyn T. Barroso and also with the help of Rep. Alba. Furthermore, Rep. Alba expressed that the reconstruction of Uguiaban Bridge is an urgent project which should have been completed by July this year but has been delayed due to weather disturbances. She also said that with the extension given to the contractor, they (together with DPWH) are hoping that the project will be accomplished soon so that the farmers and traders in the area will no longer have a hard time transporting their goods to their respective markets. “We will fully support Region 10, the DPWH, we are in close touch with Regional Director Barroso and whatever we can to help monitor this MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
project, my office is willing to help out. Actually this is [already] in the hands of the contractor but we are here to closely monitor together with the DPWH,” Rep. Alba said. As of August 31, Engr. Evelyn Barroso said that the project is now on its 57% completion rate and the towns affected with the loss of bridge include Baungon, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Talakag, Cabanglasan, Lantapan, San Fernando, Quezon, Maramag, Impasug-ong, Pangantucan, Kibawe and the two cities of Malaybalay and Valencia.Temporarily, residents in the said area use the old bridge for transportation which only has 10 tons loading capacity.
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16 govt agencies joins Government services expo by Joey Dalumpines
showcased the services of government through the agencies which participated in the activity. He looked forward that the exhibition will be done simultaneously nationwide next year. “We are inspired that despite of our number, we are able to bring the government closer to the people by making them aware of DAVAO CITY-A total of 16 national the agencies which are government agencies joined in the willing to help them,� Guillen said. Kabisig: Philippine Government Earlier, Annabelle Roselle, Expo 2013, an exhibit of governregional director of the Civil Service ment line agencies, their respecCommission 11 called the activity as tive programs and services as it very timely as their agency will be culminated today at the SM City covering more government offices Mall, Matina. in the Anti-Red Tape Act report card Daniel Guillen, chair of the survey. Kabisig said the exhibition has She lauded the exhibition as MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
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a tool for informing the people about the services offered by every agency of government. Roselle also recalled September as the anniversary month of Civil Service, backed in the year 1900, when the civil service system was established in the country. “It’s good that as we celebrate our anniversary, we have this expo where we can interact with the public,” she said. Roselle urged all civil servants
to work hard in reinforcing the trust and confidence of the people in the government. She urged government workers present to always take the opportunity to inform and apprise the people of their respective programs and projects. “The report card survey will also help the agencies improve their services,” Roselle said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
regional gallery
A finished road project along Bo. Obrero in Davao City connects the USEP Gym, a MICE facility along major thoroughfares. The infrastructure project is part of the Dept. of Tourism Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP)
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DavSur town strengthens ‘kakanin’ production through SSF project STA. MARIA, Davao del Sur – A group of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) here are keen about making their kakanin (delicacies) business big in the future. The Women’s Organization of the PCEC KUMASSIE Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PKEARBAI) of Brgy. Basiawan thought of venturing into kakanin business after realizing that their almost 60 hectares of cacao farms are no longer productive. PKEARBAI chair Gil A. Ramos said that between 1982 and 1985, their cacao farms were earning well since those were the time when the cacao trees’ productivity was at its peak. However, their cacao trees are now more than 25 years old, which is their maximum productive life. Thus, the coop has to face the annual 30 percent mortality rate of their trees. Due to this scenario, the nine women members of the cooperative looked for other avenue where they can help their families earn a living. These members, along with the wives and daughters of the PKEARBAI members, form the Women’s Organization, an offshoot of the cooperative. In April 2012, these women members started producing bibingka (rice cakes). MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
“ We have a grinder granted by DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) which we used for our cacao tableting project before but with the low yield of our cacao, we quitted. So in order for the equipment not to be taken away from us, our women members engaged into bibingka production,” he said. Women’s Organization board of director Cecilia Baclay shared that despite having no skills on bibingka-making, they still took the challenge with the help of DTIDavao del Sur. Baclay said the agency gave them a training on bibingka-making for free, the first step that encouraged them to really pursue their kakanin project. Baclay said their bid for making their kakanin business big someday was further boosted when DTI-Davao del Sur awarded them an SSF project worth P150,000 last June 18. The said SSF project includes a wood-fired oven, wood-fired pugon, coconut grinder, coconut milk extractor, electric rice grinder/ mill, steamer, stainless steel work table, stainless steel ladle, stainless steel basin, and stainless steel vat. (DTI-11/JenMendoza)
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Gov’t pours in over P500-M for tourism road projects in Soccsksargen Region By Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Access to tourism sites in Soccsksargen is seen to improve soon as the national government implements over P500 million worth of tourism road concreting projects in the area.
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 12 in a press statement told Philippine Information – 12 that they are currently implementing six road projects in South Cotabato, Sarangani, North Cotabato , and Sultan Kudarat that would enhance access to destinations being developed as tourist attractions. Targeted in these projects are potential tourism sites in the region, namely: Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; Tawsuvan Falls in Magpet and New Israel zipline in Makilala in North Cotabato; white beaches in Glan and water tubing in Maitum, Sarangani Province; and, Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City. OIC Regional Director Reynaldo
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Tamayo of DPWH 12 said these projects were planned in cooperation with Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 to provide local and foreign visitors convenient travel to isolated spots as well as improve the lives of residents in the areas who would also be given economic opportunities as tourism activity peaks up. Besides, he added, the projects would prove that the national government is working to reach Filipinos in remote areas. These projects, involving local, unclassified, or national secondary roads, were endorsed by DOT 12 in 2012. In Lake Sebu, DPWH-12 will build a 9-km concrete road that would provide easy access to the three lakes in the area, namely:
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Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit, and Lake Seloton as well as the famous Seven Falls and its 1.16 –km, over 600-ft high zipline. The national government has initially allotted P100 million for the project. In North Cotabato, DPWH 12 is implementing 10.289 km Kidapawan – Ilomavis tourism road leading to Tawsuvan Falls in Barangay Bongolanon in Magpet, Cotabato. The site has become popular for picnic and camping. It is also one of the preferred routes for more experienced mountaineers who would like to conquer Mt. Apo, the Philippine’s highest peak. The project has an initial budget of P150 million. Another project in the area would build a 4.6 km concrete road that would connect Barangay New Israel, in Makilala to the Davao – Cotabato highway. The barangay is the location of the North Cotabato provincial governmentowned zip line which has a combined length of 2.4 km, the longest in Asia. Moreover, access to Sarangani province’s white beaches and water tubing adventure site are also being enhanced with two road concreting projects. A 1-km road project will connect the white beaches of Gumasa, Glan to the Junction National Highway of Sarangani – Davao del Sur Coastal Road; this has an initial budget of P23 million. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
Another project, with a length of 8 km, will also improve travel from the Sarangani – Sultan Kudarat coastal road to New La Union in Maitum, Sarangani where the Pangui River, a prime destination for water tubing adventure is located. Some P94 million has initially been allotted for the project. DPWH 12 is also implementing a concreting project for the 7.5 km road connecting the junction of the Makilala – Allah Valley Road to the Baras Bird Sanctuary Road in Tacurong City. About P129 million has initially been allotted for this project. Baras Bird Sanctuary is home to over 20,000 black night herons and cattle egrets and has recently become a popular destination because bird watchers could observe the birds at close range and even without the aid of binoculars. OIC Director Tamayo has expressed confidence that while the DPWH 12 is primarily committed to accomplish the directive of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson to pave the national arterial roads by year 2014, and the national secondary roads by year 2016, all the six 2013 proposed tourism roads will be completed on or before 2016. He also disclosed that six more tourist road projects have been endorsed by DPWH 12 for funding in 2014. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/DPWH 12 Information Unit)
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60 firms in Soccsksargen Region get Bagwis awards By Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Sixty business establishments in Soccsksargen Region will receive “Bagwis” seal, proof that they provide customer-friendly products and services.
Bagwis seal, formerly known as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certified Establishment Program (CEP), gives recognition to exemplary business establishments that uphold customer rights and welfare and foster ethical business practices, and practice self-regulation. Entrepreneurs assessed under the program were evaluated based on the following criteria: presence of consumer welfare desk or recognized customer service counter, compliance to fair trade laws, practicing social responsibilities, and complying or aligning to
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International Standards. DTI 12 Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel, DTI 12 said, “It’s not only the establishments that committed to comply with the fair trade laws of DTI benefiting from this program but also the consumers being guaranteed of the best value for their money.” Of the 60 awardees, four will be given silver “Bagwis” seal, namely: Soc Hardware of Sarangani Province as well as Ntrprising Motor Corp., Honda Cars General Santos Inc., and MTL Gensan Motors Inc. Meanwhile, among those that
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will be accorded Bronze “Bagwis” seal include 29 establishments in South Cotabato; 10 in Sultan Kudarat; 5 each in Sarangani, North Cotabato, and General Santos. Awardees from South Cotabato are: LCJL Marketing, D.M. Hardware, and Coral Grain Store in Surallah; CNCH Hardware and Motor Parts in Norala; Top Gold Auto Parts, Juanzo Mini Mart, Orcullo General Merchandise, Five-M General Merchandise, and Dosche Enterprises in T’boli. Baldon Hardware and Construction Supply in Tampakan; RV Genuine Enterprises in Koronadal; Alocada Enterprise, Starel Store, and CM Segumalain Construction Supply in Sto. Niño; Mary Grace Hardware and Allied Services in Tupi. Danson’s Hardware, R & C Paint Center, J Mac Electrical Supply and Installation Services, Aklanon Hardware, Electrical and Auto Supply, Pacificar Hardware, 8 Menstar Marketing and Auto Supply, Gerson Divinigracia Store, Ampo Marketing, Tres Kairos, Lucky Blue Star Merchandising, Quickhands Business Center, Jusmar Marketing, Dai-Jel General Merchandise, and MGU Pharmacy and Grocery Store in Polomolok. Bronze awardees in Sultan Kudarat province are: Febros Technology, H D Battery and Tire Supply, Jireh’s Marketing, EGT Electrical and General Trading, LNP Bike Shop and General MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
Merchandising, R.S Parreno Store, and Viche General Merchadise and Services in Tacurong; Frabvil Family Commercial in Isulan; and JM Glass Supply and General Merchandise, and Alinette 4A Golden Ace Hardware in Esperanza. In North Cotabato, awardees are: Superama Supermarket in Kabacan; and J Marketing Corp, Survive Marketing Warehouse, Gaisano Grand Mall of Kidapawan, and Davao Central Warehouse Club, Inc in Kidapawan City. In Sarangani, Bronze awardees are Cycle In Motor Parts, SCM Shine Classic Marketing Corp., Value Mart Inc., BJ-JR Enterprises, and Maitum CF Mart, Inc. while those in General Santos City these are EMVA Engineering Services and Parts, Emcor Inc – National Highway, KCC Mall of Gensan; Supervalue Inc. and Motortrade Nationwide Corp. Awardees in Cotabato City are Citi Hardware Gensan Inc and LCT Hardware Co. Inc. Evaluation of the establishments was done by the Regional Certification Committee comprised of representatives from DTI, Federation of Consumer Council, and private sector, Major supporters of the program are Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation (PPSQF), Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association
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(PAGASA), Philippine Association of Supermarkets, Inc. (PASI), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI). Also promoting are the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FFCCCI), Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), and the Nationwide Association of Consumers, Inc. (NACI) “Since the program started back on year 2006, the DTI 12 was
always been at the forefront in the campaign for consumers to patronize DTI Certified Establishments or recipient of Bagwis seals,” Director Guiamadel added. As one of the highlights of this year’s celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month, the awarding of BAGWIS Seal will be done on October 10 at SM General Santos City. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with BFMaganaka-DTI12)
Cotabato City LGU pursues P15-M halal slaughter house By Perlita B. Changco
COTABATO CITY - A new facility will soon rise in Cotabato City as construction of a multi-million modern project starts seen to boost socio-economic growth in the area at its adjacent localities. A ground breaking ceremony and the halal slaughter house project with signing of the Memorandum of Agree- equity from the city government. ment (MOA) was held Sept 25 between Seen as center for the halal industhe city government and the National try in the region, Guiani is optimisMeat Inspection Commission (NMIC) tic the benefits the community and and witnessed by Halal Industry fo- nearby areas could derive from the cal person Dr. Norodin Kuit, Dr. Danda modern facility particularly attracting Juanday of the business community investments to come in and generate and other local officials signaling the job opportunities that would further start of the project implementation. enhance the city’s economic growth. Mayor Guiani said, the P15 million Meanwhile, Guiani has likewise disproject, the first modern halal slaugh- closed the plan for the construction ter house in the country, will be con- of another slaughter house with fastructed in a one-hectare lot located cilities at barangay Kalanganan, this in barangay Mother Tamontaka, this city, to cater to the growing need for city. a permanent structure and area purGuiani said, funds received from the posely for hogs and swine dealers. Seal of Good Housekeeping is allocat- (PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City) ed to finance the implementation of MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
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RP, US showcase partnership for growth By Rene V. Carbayas
MANILA – The United States-Philippines Partnership for Growth was showcased recently at the Kapihan sa Embahada with US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. Various programs and initiatives funded and supported by the US in partnership with the Philippines were set on display at the Raffles and Fairmont in Makati as one of the highlights of the seminar on regional media held here at the US Embassy. Ambassador Thomas said in his message that “four countries where he (Obama) looked at and said we MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
can help at economy here—four countries with the potential because governments here wanted to fight corruption.” “There are models like the late Jessi Robredo whom we all admired and salute,” he added. “What we are trying to do with partnership of growth which is almost P40 billions of assistance, more important than the money
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is President Obama selected the Philippines as one of the four countries to be a partnership-forgrowth country,” he said. The Partnership for Growth (PFG) is a whole-of-government effort emerging from the Presidential Policy Directive on Global Development, which focuses on fostering economic growth in countries committed to good governance. The US Embassy said that in November 2011, former Secretary Hillary Clinton and Secretary Albert del Rosario signed a Statement of Principles that reflects both governments’ mutual goal to place the Philippines on a path to sustained, more inclusive economic growth, and elevate it to the ranks of high-performing emerging economies. As PFG partners, the two countries agreed to take a comprehensive approach to development that reaches beyond traditional foreign assistance. Thomas said both countries affirmed a five-year Joint Country Action Plan (JCAP) that prioritizes fostering a more open and competitive business environment; strengthening the rule of law and anti-corruption measures; and improving fiscal performance. The PFG aligns with Philippine Development Plan reform priorities, according to the embassy. Since 2011, the Philippine Government has made significant progress in implementing the policy and institutional changes that it agreed to undertake in the JCAP. Along with US government’s support under the MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
PFG, remarkable improvements in GDP growth, competitiveness, tax revenues, and sovereignty debt ratings have been achieved. “The key challenge is for both countries to ensure that the growth generated is inclusive,” Thomas said.
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