Cover Story CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar brings the government closer to the people as he graced today’s launching of KumpaS Barangay (Kumpulan sa Barangay ni Presidente) in Brgy. Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.
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With more than 200 officials and delegates from various sectors namely youth, market vendors association, urban poor, Four P’s (4Ps), General Parent-Teachers Association (GPTA), zone leaders, and senior citizens, participating in today’s KumpaS event, the Secretary apprised barangay folks on the government’s thrusts. Moving freely during the open forum, village youth leader Benjie Mondelo said he wants to know more about the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and how will it open opportunities for them (youth) to anyhow contribute and be part of an awesome network of young innovators with brilliant ideas—with the youth partners in ASEANmember countries. In response, Andanar said the youths nowadays symbolize the face of one’s culture and society and they play great roles in achieving successful development in the community. Hence, as vital instruments in spreading good news on how ASEAN could improve young people’s lives, the Secretary urged youth leaders to be the government’s partner in advocating the ASEAN precepts.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Andanar said ASEAN really matters to the Filipino people because aside from other benefits we get, this is a key reason why Filipinos have not experienced threats of wars for decades because of harmonious relationship with its neighbors. In an interview, youth leader Benjie Mondelo lauded this ‘KumpaS or Pulongpulong sa Barangay’ event because he said “this will inspire us (youths) and challenge us on how we can be more participatory with citizens and agencies alike working together and sharing information. “Because I believed that a well-informed youth is an empowered youth,” he said. Apart from the ASEAN issues, and being the first ASEAN event in Region 10, various matters such as the government’s war on drugs, peace and order, media literacy, youth development, and education, among other concerns of Barangay Carmen were also tackled. Led by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), through Philippine Information Agency (PIA), this ‘KumpaS sa Barangay’ is part of keeping the goals of the present administration for real change by encouraging community engagement in a face-to-face interaction between government officials and villagers.(RLRB/PIA10)
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Motorela driver named Modelong Ama 2017
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A motorela driver in Mahinog town has been proclaimed as the grand winner of the Search for Modelong Ama by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
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Alfredo Nahial Jr. bested other 17 regional nominees to the national search of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) for all male beneficiaries who demonstrated promotion of gender and development by maintaining strong family ties, positive family values, and have positive impact in their respective communities.
A solo parent to four female children, Nahial serves as inspiration for all male beneficiaries and proof to the public that the program helps in achieving positive changes in the lives of beneficiaries though a gender sensitive program. Alfredo’s wife left the family when their eldest was only five years old. Since then, he raised his children
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and provided for their needs through various works in a local mill, then as habal-habal driver and recently as motorela driver, a public local transport in Camiguin. Despite financial challenges and the emotional burden of being snubbed by his wife for many years, he inculcated good morals to his children and respect for others. To date, all of his children are regular students and of good moral character with academic merits. He also supports a niece and a nephew. His children, with his eldest being 16 years old, are very much supportive
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of him and are looking up to him as their role model. He also devoted time to community activities. He is a social role model among parent leaders, majority of which are women, of the Pantawid Pamilya. An active lay minister of the Roman Catholic Church here, Nahial is also a volunteer in disaster response, a president of the Parents-Teachers Association, and a volunteer for the projects of Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan — Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services -National Community—Driven
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16-31 March 2017 Development Program Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP) of DSWD. He also attended various trainings and seminars such as on Parent Effectiveness (PES) incorporating Empowerment through Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT), Department of trade and Industry (DTI) livelihood trainings, among others. During validation and interviews, Nahial displayed his capabilities in communication and in expressing his thoughts on positive discipline, on gender equality, on various laws relating to protecting the rights of children and women. Alex Abaladejo Jr of Negros Island Region settled the 1st RunnerUp post; Benny Binando of Region 2 (2nd runner-up); Concrado Achuela of Region 1 (3rd runner-up); and Martial
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Gepte Sr of Region 11 (4th runnerup). The Search for Modelong Ama looks for an exceptional male Pantawid Program beneficiary who is a father, a husband, or a solo parent, with age of at least 28 years old. The nominee must also be free from any criminal liabilities, belongs to a household that is at least 85 percent compliant to all the program conditionalities and a recognized role model within his household and community. The Pantawid Pamilya is a national government’s intervention for poor families by investing in their children’s health and education. It also gives them access to livelihood opportunities in order to support them socio-economically.(Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy)
MASA MASID Program launched at barangay level ILIGAN CITY – The Barangay Sto. Rosario Council in Iligan City, in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the City Mayor’s Office has launched its community-based rehabilitation for wellness and recovery in line with the Masa Masid Program implementation in the city.
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The Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga or the MASA MASID Program of the Administration is geared towards President Rodrigo Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs and shall adopt a multi-sector and mass-established path. The program aims to encourage communities to take a proactive stance in the government’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality. Thus, in this launching we invited the Barangay MASA MASID Team to give a 15-minute statement of support addressed to our Reforming Drug Personalities (RDPs) or the surrenderees under the Tokhang Program, said Sto. Rosario Punong
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Barangay Angelito P. Abragan. The team composed of faithbased organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and CSO representative from the Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC) and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), City Youth Affairs Office as well as the members of the Iligan City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ICADAC). Messages of support were manifested by the government line agencies to include from the Office/ Department of Social Welfare and Development (CSWD-DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), City Health Office/Department of Health (CHO-DOH), Philippine National Police-Iligan City Police Office (PNP-ICPO), Department of
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16-31 March 2017 Labor and Employment, Department of Education (DepEd ALS), Technical Education and Skills (TESDA), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). The business sector was also represented in line with their contribution in the reformation of RDPs. DILG Iligan City Director Foster Anayron cited that under DILG Memorandum Circular 2016-116, the program has four main thrusts: information and education campaign in communities for government programs against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality; creation of a reporting mechanism on illegal drugs-related activities; formulation of community-based rehabilitation programs; and revive the spirit of
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volunteerism by creating a volunteerfriendly atmosphere for organizations that wishes to be partners for change. The event highlighted with a signing of Pledge of Support from all the stakeholders/partners in the reformation, rehabilitation of RDPs. Punong Barangay Abragan further said ‘there is life after Tokhang (Toktok Hangyo)’ and we aimed to have the 31 RDPs to be a wellbearing individuals in our barangay, through the interventions provided by our stakeholders/partners from government and non-government organizations, volunteers, and especially the support of the respective families and relatives of RDPs.(LVG/ PIA-10 LDN)
DILG 10 celebrates World Water Day 2017 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10, in cooperation with Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan, and SM celebrated 2017 World Water Day Celebration at SM Event Center, Cagayan de Oro City on 22 March 2017.
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“The World Water Day emphasizes the importance of water in our lives. This will also remind us that fresh water is a finite resource and therefore it needs to be conserved
and preserved,” said DILG Assistant Regional Director Nilo P. Castañares during the opening program of the event. The celebration aims to:
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increase the level of awareness of the public about the annual global day celebration, and advocate the protection and sustainable use of water resources through initiating various activities that promote significance of the festivity. Being one of the government agencies that advocates the importance of conserving clean water resources, Castañares lauded the program of the Department that aims in providing safe and potable water in communities, otherwise known as the SALINTUBIG (Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat). According to him, “Aside from infrastructure component of the
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water system facility, we in the department, also improves the capacity of the functionaries of the municipalities, and barangays by providing training of water system project implementation and operations and management.” The World Water Day Celebration in the Region involved video presentation on water stories, exhibit of MDGF 1919 Poster Making Contest National and Regional Awardees, and slide show on Water Source Validation of SALINTUBIG/ Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) local government unit (LGU)-Beneficiaries. Moreover, included in the celebration is the Short Film Making Contest participated by tertiary level students from Cagayan de Oro. University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) bagged the first place with their film entitled, “Pahiyum ni Junjun sa Dalagang Sapa.” Following them are entries from the Cagayan de Oro College Phinma: “Kalas” (second place), “Water” (third place), and “Ang Miduslak sa Kamatuoran Kaniadto, Karon ug Ugma” (fourth place).(DILG X)
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PH trades with China to improve economy MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – President Rodrigo Duterte, in his message during the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon province said China is a neighbor of the Philippines but he wants the country to trade with China to improve the economy of the country. The president arrived at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City to grace the annual gathering to showcase the culture and traditions of the different tribes in Bukidnon. He said that Philippines is friend with America but we are not the vassals of America. “As Filipino, we will stand on our own,” he said. During the event, the president acknowledged the presence of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua. He further asked him that whenever agricultural assistance would arrive, Bukidnon should be the priority. Around 50,000 spectators composed of tourists, residents, media and tribes from the different
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16-31 March 2017 parts of the province witnessed the President visit at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. War on drugs, President Duterte said the poor are the most vulnerable to illegal drugs because of ignorance. He said he would continue to clean up the country against illegal drugs and eliminate drug lords. He also said he is ready to face the consequences. “Who will answer for the
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because he promised to do that during the campaign/election. He said the Libingan is for Presidents and soldiers and it is fitting to bury Marcos there because he was a soldier and became a President. President Duterte said he would not tolerate corruption. In fact he has started to look into the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to stop corruption; he has fired already 92 government personnel. After his speech at the Capitol grounds, Duterte led the groundbreaking of a P700-million Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center on a five-hectare lot at Purok 17, Casisang, Malaybalay City. Once completed, the center can cater to 500800 patients. Joining him are Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. RosellUbial, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, and some Chinese delegates.(PIA10)
“As Filipino, we will stand on our own” children being killed, raped? to innocent lives?, he asked. Five years before 40 percent of the total barangays were already into drugs. Meanwhile, 77,000 have become victims to drugs, President Duterte said. President Duterte also reiterated that he allowed the burial of former President Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani
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Gov’t steps up health, education, livelihood services for women CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure that change would work for women, various programs, projects, policies and activities for health, education and livelihood are upheld by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-10, Department of Health (DOH)-10 and City Social Welfare and Development Office here.
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During the Talakayan sa PIA on March 23, Telesfora Madelo DOH-10 highlighted the breastfeeding seat policy that aims to provide comfort and convenience to nursing mothers while traveling on a bus. “The Task Force for the Infant and Young Child Feeding is now awaiting for the approval from the LTFRB on the implementation of the policy to be complied by the buses within the region,” Madelo added. Aside from that, the DOH also implements the Safe Motherhood Program to establish cost-effective approach of delivering health services and provide emergency obstetrics and newborn care. On the other hand, Nathalie Igot of CHED-10 and president of the Gender Advocates (GA)-10 said that the commission is offering the Study Grant Program for Solo Parents and Their Children to make sure that every individual is given an equal opportunity to finish his or her studies despite his or her circumstance. “The child of the solo parent or
even the parent herself or himself who would like to go back to school can apply as long as he or she can present a document that he or she is a solo parent or a child of such,” Igot said. Moreover, to empower women in the city, Jong Pamisa of the CSWDO shared that they are conducting the Urban Container Household Gardening that targets members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). “The project also aims to combat rising problems of malnutrition, poverty and solid waste management since there are about 30,000 poor households and 8-10 percent malnourished children in the city,” Pamisa explained. These and more programs and projects are among the many changes that the government has recently implemented to provide better access to health, education and livelihood services to women.(RTP/ PIA10)
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Lanao del Sur holds women’s summit MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The provincial government of Lanao del Sur conducted a one-day women’s summit on Tuesday, March 21, to celebrate the role of women in nationbuilding.
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The provincial summit was attended by gender and development (GAD) focal persons from the different local government units, line agencies, and non-government organizations in the province. Dr. Monaima Adiong, provincial GAD focal person, said it is the
responsibility of the provincial government as primary duty-bearer to provide platforms to women in the province to voice out their opinions and contribute in shaping local policies which will address their needs. The summit was a first of its kind in the province.
16-31 March 2017 Commissioner Cristita Triunfante from the Philippine Commission on Women graced the summit and discussed the highlights of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women. Other topics tackled during the summit were the UN Resolutions 1325 and 1820 and the situationer of women in Lanao del Sur. The attendees also underwent a workshop on identification of women issues and concerns in key thematic areas. Adiong said the output of the workshop will serve as the reference of the provincial GAD execom in crafting the provincial women agenda which will address the needs of the women
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sector in the province. Triunfante, on the other hand, said she will bring the provincial women agenda to national women’s summit dubbed “C.H.A.N.G.E.: A Women’s Summit (Compassionate and Harmonized Actions and Networks for Gender Equality)” on March 30-31, 2017. The national summit will bring together key stakeholders implementing the Magna Carta of Women and related-GAD mandates. It will feature relevant plenary discussions and parallel sessions to discuss how to strengthen the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women.(APB/PIA-10)
Women group in Ozamiz thrive with pastry business OZAMIZ CITY – Manabay Livelihood (formerly Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina or KALIPI of Ozamiz City Social Welfare and Development) is a group composed of women in Manabay, Catadman Ozamiz City who produces delicacies such as cheese sticks, chocolate bars and cakes of different flavors. The group started way back December 2006 with a capital of P15,000 and 30 members. From then, they were able to loan P150,000. Half of it was grow fund and half of it were given to members as capital. Up to
now, they are still continuing and growing their business. According to its president, Helen Mulet, the start was a challenge since nobody taught them to cook. Through their perseverance, they searched for
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cooking lessons and how to’s online and tried some recipes themselves. If people liked it, then they cooked some more and continued to produce. So far, their bestseller is the cheese sticks which are sold by bulk. Through this product, they now produce for retailers in Ozamiz, Oroquieta, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Pagadian, Davao, Cebu and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao. The group also has their own carenderia or small restaurant, and they even cater to events of the barangay and other local government units (LGUs) and provide snacks upon order. Now each of them earn an honorarium for working in the kitchen.
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But according to the president when they first started, there was no earning. It was just the will to do it. Women with skills Mulet underscored the importance of knowing a skill and joining women groups. She said, it is really beneficial to join government programs. Women should not only stay in their homes but to go out and join a group and learn to cook. Meanwhile, its treasurer Nenita C. Lanit says it is also important to know how to manage your time. When she first started in the group she had young kids. So she said that to simply divide your time. She said that plain housewives can earn if they render service in the kitchen. Further, what
16-31 March 2017 is nice if in a group is that members can easily go to the store to address some needs and you can depend on the group to help you in times of need. For women who want to try business, Lanit said to start business with small capital. They should try if their products click and never surrender, she said. There are times when business is really down but just continue, she said. Continue but
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years in the business, they see the amount of work and would volunteer to come to the kitchen and help out. Lanit said to always connect with your partner and healp each other if it is for the good of the family. On the other hand, women must not only stay in the house but to use their knowledge and skills. Lanit said other women still feel insecure. They don’t want to sell because they are shy. However, she said there is nothing to be ashamed of if business is legal. Women must strive, she said. Government intervention President Mulet shared that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has also helped them by providing kitchen table and mixer. However, the mixer is only used for seaweed fries, chips, pancit (noodles) which they produce rarely because of lack of market. Further, Ozamiz local government has helped them in terms of label for their cheese sticks. What they really need now, according to Mulet is heavy duty mixer and big oven for their cheese sticks and pastries they need to produce. The group started in 2006 with 30 members. Although now, they are just 16 members but the livelihood has been a great help to women. (JMOR/PIA10)
“Women should not only stay in their homes but to go out and join a group and learn to cook.” bake or cook another food delicacy. Meanwhile, if in a group, try to have more patience so that the group will be successful. Also, the president says, reiterated the need for cooperation among members. Role of women in family Husbands must understand their wives when striving for business since will also benefit the family. Lanit shared that in the first three years, their husbands could not accept why their wives come home late and usually get angry. But now, after 11
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SSS distributes relief goods to flood victims in CdO
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 1,000 families affected by the January 16 flashfloods in Barangay Lapasan here have received relief goods from the Social Security System (SSS) on March 16.
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SSS Commissioner Jose Gabriel M. La Viña personally handed the goods consisting of five kilos rice, corned beef, beef loaf, noodles and sardines to the beneficiaries at the Lapasan Covered Court. Atty. Edwin Alo, vice president for Northern Mindanao, said the beneficiaries were coming from the sitios hardest hit by the flashfloods two months ago. Ricy Etang, 48, married with
four children expressed his gratitude to the SSS for the help extended to the flood victims. Myrna Valmoria, 58, barangay nutrition scholar, said she nearly drowned when the drainage canal near her house swelled with floodwaters. “I thank God for saving my life,” she declared. Like Etang, Valmoria was also thankful to the SSS for the relief goods.
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In a related development, Commissioner La Viña disclosed that the SSS had already released the recently approved P1,000 additional monthly benefit for each qualified SSS pensioner for January and February. The additional P1,000 benefit for March would be released today. La Viña also allayed fears that the SSS funds get depleted due to the increase in benefits among pensioners. He, however, assured that “the SSS would be stronger under our watch.” Meanwhile, the SSS aims to increase its coverage and be more efficient in collection. Commissioner La Viña has vowed to run after employers who
are delinquent in remitting the SSS premiums of their employees. “We will apply the full force of the law,” he concluded.(FPG/PIA10)
Camiguin police stations heighten awareness on women’s rights CAMIGUIN – As a celebration of the Women’s Month with the theme, “WE Make Change Work for Women,” the police stations in Camiguin conducted various activities to highlight the importance of the celebration and the existence of laws for women.
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Among the key activities include the conduct of lecture on Gender Awareness and Development participated by 62 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Barangay Kuguita and 60 4Ps members in Barangay Magting. The Gender and Development (GAD) related laws and issuances emphasized by the police officers include the Republic Act 9170 or the Magna Carta of Women, RA 9262Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, RA 8353Anti-Rape Law and the RA 10354
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or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012. Various topics were also tackled on the manifestations of the State recognizing the role of women in nation building and promotion of fundamental equality before the law of women and men. Aside from a motorcade conducted during the launching of the celebration, leaflets and flyers were also distributed to the residents of the province’s seven barangays to provide better understanding of the existing laws for women.(RTP/PIA10)