Cover Story GINGOOG CITY – “We believe that a well-informed Filipino is an empowered Filipino,” Undersecretary Harold E. Clavite, director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) imparted such tenet to convey the essentials of effective communication.
Speaking in front of more than 200 youth leaders, farmers, fisher folks, barangay leaders, urban poor, senior citizens, media, and delegates from various groups during the ASEAN 2017 Multi-sectoral Forum recently held in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, he clarified different issues on responsible sharing of information, be it on print, online, or word of mouth. “The power to communicate
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nowadays is at the hands of the people—the reader, the listener, the viewer, the spectator. Their thoughts and reactions on the content they consume are so powerful, it could influence the narrative and shape the storyline of an idea,” he said. Communicating in ASEAN setting In his keynote speech, Clavite stressed that the whole of Southeast Asia has had its eye on the Philippines
since the start of 2017 as the country hosts the 50th founding anniversary celebration of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” There are ten countries in ASEAN: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. “If we add the population of each of these countries, we are talking about hundreds of millions of people. That is a lot of people. In media term, that is a lot of clients, a lot of readers, a lot of viewers. Hence, there is a need for every Filipino to be conveyors of good news that would raise awareness on things that will uplift people’s lives,”
he said. He therefore urged fellow Filipinos to be wary on the proliferation of deceptive information and refrain from becoming instruments in spreading fake news especially online and other social media platforms. Determined to work with a new breed of influencers PIA has been taking necessary steps as an agency to realize its mission and vision by making sure that the information disseminated are relevant and factual. It has been conducting events such as ASEAN university forum with youths/students, multi-sector forum, and launching of information kiosks in various towns and cities across the
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16-31 October 2017 country to work with new breed of influencers equipped with knowledge on ASEAN who will help government in grassroots communication and cross-border interactions that could deepen peoples understanding on the benefits of being part of the ASEAN community. It can be recalled that during
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the Grand Launch of the Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN early this year in Davao City, Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called on all Filipinos to take an active and constructive part by spreading the good news in this year’s hosting of ASEAN. (RLRBalistoy/PIA10, Bukidnon)
Asean opens opportunities for PH become better nation—Normin DILG chief CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) would open opportunities to local government units (LGUs) and for the country become a better nation.
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Northern Mindanao Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe cited during a culmination for the 26th Local Government Code (LGC) Month celebration in the region the opportunities that the Philippines and the Filipinos can seize as member of the Asean is vast. The culminating activity aimed to accentuate the significance of the country’s integration to the Asean Community as well as propagate information to stakeholders and the general public among others, the Federalism Program as one of the
major thrusts of President Rodrigo Duterte. Agabe further said that Asean has facilitated socio-economic benefits to its citizens to include professionals being employed without additional requirements to Asean member states. It also ensures peace and stability in the region. But why we have to advocate 50th year of the establishment of Asean? Agabe said that with Asean, member states become bigger and listened to. And this year celebration is memorable to us as we are leading our
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neighboring countries in strengthening our relationship with one another, said Agabe. In federalism, with a strong political system, political leaders will become more accountable to their constituents. Regional governments will no longer have any excuse for delays in services or projects, says DILG-10 Assistant Regional Director Edward G. Bhagwani. Roderico Y. Dumaug, Jr., Xavier University Political Science professor, talked about Federalism’s Structures, Systems, and Benefits to LGUs during the 2017 Local Government Code Month Culmination being held at Grand Caprice, Cagayan de Oro City. Dumaug said that Philippines Federalism political system is the
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ultimate political realization of the Filipinos after almost 500 years of highly centralized control that contributed to the nation’s democratic deficits. DILG-Camiguin Provincial Director Rhona Abadilla said these two, Asean and federalism are our portals to changing or bettering our position in the global environment. Meanwhile, Agabe cited the importance of LGC as a guide for local governance and provide a responsive and accountable local government structure that would ensure LGUs would be able to deliver the needed service to the constituents. He said, DILG has come up with assessment tools to assess if the LGUs are doing the right things. Tools
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16-31 October 2017 include Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), Performance Challenge Fund among others. SGLG assesses LGUs on whether they attain minimum governance standards. As a means of providing incentives, LGUs must receive the seal to receive a grant from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). LGUs that receive the seal are provided with a performance-based grant, which they can use to supplement funding for local development projects. Agabe, meanwhile, said DILG wants also to see LGUs complement the efforts of the president in the campaign against criminality, drugs, threats of violent extremism and corruption. Hence, the MASA MASID. Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus Ilegal na Droga (MASA MASID) aims to encourage communities to take a proactive stance in the government’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality. This would also ensure what happened in Marawi will not be happening in any part of the region and in the country, said Agabe. He said DILG has come up with a mechanism to strengthen the country’s disaster response operations through the provision of minimum to critical preparations checklists for local chief executives dubbed as Oplan Listo. DILG also launched the Bottomup-Budgeting (BuB) program empowering LGUs and promoting people’s participation for prioritization of projects.(EOR/PIA)
Normin advisory council gears up for PNP transformation CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Regional Advisory Council (RAC) composed of individuals from the different sectors of society took oath to guide the Northern Mindanao’s finest on their programs on transformation and development.
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Elected RAC-10 Chairperson RAC-10 Chairperson Engr. Erwin Pio Bollozos expresses commitment to support Police Regional Office (PRO)-
10 in the realization of its vision to become a capable, effective and credible police force. He called for a harmony of the police service and the
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community. The establishment of RACs is a mandatory requirement for PRO’s Certification Process in the Philippine National Police (PNP) bid to institutionalize the Performance Governance System (PGS). These councils will collaboratively act as advisory bodies in helping the PNP realize its vision. PRO-10 recognize the urgency of addressing all key strategic issues outlined in the PNP ITP-PGS or the Integrated Transformation ProgramPerformance Governance System (PATROL Plan 2030), and in order to fully implement the plans, programs and activities, PRO 10 has to organize and institutionalize the RAC. The Advisory Council shall focus on issues of strategic importance
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that are considered contributory to the successful accomplishment of the organization’s mission and attainment of its vision. It shall provide the needed external perspectives and appropriate guidance on the key issues and concerns pertaining to in the PNP, and also will act as a channel for networks (individuals and organizations) that can help PRO 10 find solutions to pressing issues. PRO-10 regional director PCSupt Timoteo G Pacleb says PNP ITPPGS is a roadmap towards the total transformation of the PNP to achieve its vision of a highly capable, effective and credible police service working in partnership with a responsible community towards the attainment of a safer Northern Mindanao to live, invest, visit and work.
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16-31 October 2017 The PNP-PGS has four stages, namely initiation, compliance, proficiency and institutionalization with the end-purpose of addressing organizational dysfunctions identified by studies and improve the quality of the delivery of police services in the country. It also aims to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and to enhance the welfare and benefits of PNP personnel. PRO-10 is set to undergo a performance audit on the Proficiency Evaluation Process on PNP Patrol Plan 2030. This to check if the office has achieved its targets and how they
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have implemented their programs to achieve these goals. For his part, PSSupt Reynaldo A. Padulla, regional chief directorial staff and chief for Regional Police Strategy Management (RPSMU) underscores the importance in the adoption of PNP ITP-PGS 2030, an adaptation of the balanced scorecard, a management tool used in the tracking the organization’s progress in attaining its vision by 2030 during the joint Regional Advisory Council for Transformation and Development Oathtaking and Technical Working Group meeting held at Camp Alagar. (EOR/PIA10)
Some 600 temporary shelters for Marawi IDPs ready by December, HUDCC Chair says ILIGAN CITY, Mindanao Hour – By the end of December, about 600 temporary shelters will already be ready for the Marawi IDPs.
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Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Eduardo del Rosario made the pronouncement during his ocular site inspection of the Transitional Shelters Area at Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City recently. He disclosed that every month around 100-200 housing units will be
constructed. “1,175 ang target... every month magkakaroon ng 100-200 housing units na macocomplete,” said Del Rosario. [The target is 1,175... every month 100-200 housing units will be completed.] Each transitional shelter measures 22 square meters with
16-31 October 2017 kitchen and sink and a toilet, he added. Common facilities include madrasahs (Islamic religious schools), wet and dry market, health facilities, barangay tanod outpost and even transport terminal. There will also be basic services like water facilities and electricity. Del Rosario also explained that good quality and durable materials are being used for the construction of the housing units. “It is made of steel panel; it is earthquake resistant na ibig sabihin ay kahit may earthquake hindi matutumba [which means, when there is earthquake, it will not collapse,” he said. According to Del Rosario, those who no longer have houses to return to will be prioritized to occupy the transitional shelters.
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He added that the construction of permanent shelters will begin in a few months’ time. “We have to be sure na ang lote na gagamitin ay safe [that the lot to be used is not], hindi very risky for flooding, risky for earthquake; that it is included in the comprehensive land use plan of the city,” said Del Rosario. Del Rosario also shared that close coordination with the local officials of Marawi is being maintained to ensure that the plans initiated are culturally sensitive. “The government, as instructed by the President, ensures na pag sila ay lumipat [that when they return], they can say na comfortable sila sa kanilang lilipatan [that they will feel comfortable to where they will be transferred ],” del Rosario concluded. (LEAntonio/PIA ILIGAN)
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DSWD-10 upholds senior citizens’ rights CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 held the Advocacy Forum on Republic Act No. 9994 or the Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens to the focal persons of the sector from Bukidnon to foster the rights and privileges of the senior citizens in establishments, offices and businesses in Cagayan de Oro City, October 19.
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Delia Maravillosa of the DSWD10 said that they have currently recorded 118,638 senior citizens in northern Mindanao who should enjoy the benefits, privileges and discounts from basic commodities and services. “There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children
as mandated by the law and it is the duty of the family to take care of its elderly members while the State may design programs of social security for them,” Maravillosa stressed. To enforce such law, the DSWD10 urges establishments to grant 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of the goods
16-31 October 2017 and services from all establishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of the senior citizen. “The computation of the value added tax on sales of goods and services to senior citizens subtracts the 20 percent sales discount from the amount of sale without VAT; then adding the 12 percent VAT based on the deducted amount,” Maravillosa explained. On the purchase of medicines, Maravillosa said that the Department of Health (DOH) has established guidelines and mechanism of compulsory rebates in the sharing of burden of discounts among retailers, manufacturers and distributors, taking into consideration their respective margins. Aside from medical and dental service discounts, the sector is also entitled with the 20 percent discount in actual transportation fare for domestic air transport services and sea shipping vessels and the like, based on the
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actual fare and advanced booking. “The senior citizen discount for these services, goods and more should be observed carefully as they are crafted to give full support to the improvement of the total wellbeing of the elderly and their full participation in society, considering that senior citizens are integral part of the country,” Maravillosa stressed. Any person who refuses to honor the senior citizen card issued by the government or violate any provision of the Act shall suffer imprisonment of not less than two years and a fine of not less than P50,000 for the first violation. For complaints and questions, the DSWD urges senior citizens to file their complaints or charges against the establishment before the Department of Justice or the provincial, city or municipal trial courts through the assistance of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).(RTP/PIA10)
CDO uplifts lives with People Empowerment Program
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To continuously improve the lives of the grassroots groups in the city, the local government of Cagayan de Oro implements the People Empower Program (PEP) to provide employment assistance and livelihood opportunities, and uphold involvement of the community to government programs, projects and services.
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A total of 200 ambulant food cart vendors in the Divisoria (Pabayo and Hayes Sts), Carmen (Cagayan de Oro College area), Cugman and Gusa (Highway) areas serve as the beneficiaries of the Improvement of Displaced Food-Handling Businesses and Foodcarts of the Informal Sector Project of the city government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10. Elmer Wabe, PEP focal person, said that the food cart project is one of the many PEP initiatives of the local government to provide appropriate mechanisms, practices and product improvement for food cart services of the informal sector to improve income. It is also created to institute food safety practices and position the
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said vendors and food stall business owners to more appropriate locations making such businesses among the tourist destinations in the city. To commence the project, City Mayor Oscar Moreno led the turn over ceremony of the 32 food carts on October 23 at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall. The total project cost is P3 million from the local government’s counterpart of P1.2 million and DOLE’s P1.8 million funding. To further uplift the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the city, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 turned over a total of P4 million to the local government for the Integrated Marketing Assistance for MSMEs Project that aims to generate P5 million in sales, provide
16-31 October 2017 200 jobs and assist 60 MSMEs. City Poverty Reduction Action Center (CPRAC) Head Jordan Apat said that the project targets to improve 60 food/non-food enterprises of the city by establishing a Pasalubong Store, conducting visual merchandising and furnishing, spearheading a capability enhancement training, and encouraging participation to trade fair. The city government’s counterpart for the project is P1
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million and the total budget for its implementation is P5 million. The PEP is a poverty reduction program of the city government patterned from the BottomUp Budgeting (BuB) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that primarily aimed to strengthen local communities’ participation in national budget formulation and budget implementation.(RTP/PIA10)
4ID activates new battalion to secure Southern Bukidnon CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City – Philippine Army activated its 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion and placed it under the operational control of 4th Infantry Division to address the threat situation in the Southern part of Bukidnon. In a simple ceremony on October 19 held at the 88IB headquarters in South Poblacion, Maramag town, Bukidnon, MGen Ronald C Villanueva, 4ID commander underlined the specific tasks and mission of the said battalion that are aligned to the current campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which is the Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan.”
He also emphasized during the program about the ultimate objective of the New People’s Army (NPA) terror group. “When we talk about terrorism, we don’t only mean Maute or ISIS, we also talk about the New People’s Army that have longed made the lives of our people in Bukidnon miserable. Not only that they burn trucks and plantations but also extort hard-
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16-31 October 2017 earned money from poor farmers and worst, recruit children to fight against the government,” said Mgen Villanueva. He further said, “I would like yo emphasize this with the presence of our local leaders in today’s ceremony that the real intent of the NPA is not to topple down the armed forces but to take the governance from you. This is the reason why we remain strong, resilient, and have improved our security stance in order to not just eliminate but to fully address this insurgency situation that have longed been affecting our Country’s development.” Villanueva said to the soldiers of the battalion that he expect them to bear the professionalism as the they execute their tasks. Build bridges from among the
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people, earn their respect and gain friends. There is no room for any Human Rights violations. We have already gained an immeasurable people’s support especially during our efforts in Marawi. Don’t let one mistake destroy what we have sacrificed for our Country. We support the intent of our Commander-in-Chief to protect the state and the people. Again I remind all of you to perform only your duty as a disciplined soldier, MGen Villanueva concluded. The activation and deployment of 88IB that is composed of 450 soldiers is part of the president’s plan to hasten the resolution of all internal conflicts in the Country. This will help pave way for the smooth implementation of all Government programs and services that would benefit every Filipinos in all parts of the Archipelago.(4ID)
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Go-Negosyo Summit in Misamis Occidental held OZAMIZ CITY – Around 1,800 students from Misamis Occidental National High School participated in the Department of Trade and Industry of Misamis Occidental (DTI-MisOcc) Go Negosyo Summit for Senior High School students in Oroquieta City Gym, Misamis Occidental on 14 October 2017 with the theme, “Tala Magnegosyo para sa Mas Maasensong Nasud Pilipinhon.”
DTI MisOcc Provincial Caretaker this magnitude to reach out and touch Jane Tabucan said, ‘’In the future, we more lives in pursuit of a better life aspire to come up with activities of for everyone right here in the city of
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good life, Oroquieta.” She added, “We likewise believe that an enterprising character is needed for Oroquieta to move forward, taking charge and making the most of your talents and resources.” Meawhile, one of the speakers, former Governor of Misamis Occidental Loreto Leo Ocampos shared tips on business and becoming an entrepreneur. Ocampos said, we should really join efforts in changing mindsets, equipping entrepreneurial-minded people with concepts, tools and strategies to excel and succeed in pursuing opportunities. Particularly the youth, they need to be encouraged and enticed to become entrepreneurs. Victor Madlangbayan, the second speaker shared about Marketing, the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. Entrepreneurship is personal because I believe that if you do what you love, things tend to fall in place, he said. Meanwhile, Oroquieta City Vice Mayor Lemuel Acosta through reading the message of Senator Cynthia Villar said, “We have been promoting Entrepreneurship as one of the most effective tools to overcome poverty since it creates jobs, knowing that unemployment and underemployment are still the major problems in our country. I myself have transitioned from being an entrepreneur to becoming a
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social entrepreneur. I used my role as a public servant and legislator not only to advance the causes of social entrepreneurship, but also establish my own livelihood programs or social enterprises. I managed to realize my other advocacies- job creation and livelihood generation while pursuing another important advocacy, that of environment protection.” She also urged the youth to consider agrientrepreneurship because there are concerns raised the Philippine farmers are getting older, so we need the young generation interested in agriculture. DTI MisOcc gathered the youth in a one day symposium to feature different informative and inspiring topics, which ranged from the negosyo basics to tips on youth concerns and interests. This also served as a venue to inspire attitude change, to present entrepreneurship as an attainable career choice and means of living, and to teach basic concepts in starting and running a successful business. (SMRN/PIA MisOcc)
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BFAR leads Fish Conservation celeb CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) spearheaded Fish Conservation Week celebration, Oct. 15-21, 2017 in northern Mindanao by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 176 to conserve and protect the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources. Anchored on the theme, “Industriya ng Pangisdaan ay Masigla kung ang Karagatan ay Malinis at Masagana,” Asuncion Maputol, BFAR region 10 director, said this year’s celebration aims to recognize outstanding initiatives and contributions of coastal municipalities/ cities to sustainable fisheries development. Meanwhile, BFAR discussed the country’s Search for the Most Outstanding Coastal Community. The Malinis and Masaganang
Karagatan (MMK) program which award coastal municipality with exemplary efforts in protecting and conserving their marine environment. To qualify, Dir. Maputol said the coastal municipality must pass on the following criteria: no illegal fishing, observance of closed fishing season, establishment of marine protected areas, clean coastal waters without domestic and industrial wastes, and effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program. The top 3 national winners for this
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16-31 October 2017 year will receive livelihood projects worth P30 million, P18 million and P10 million. In a media forum, Talakayan sa PIA (Philippine Information Agency), Evie Luminkit, officer-in-charge, Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division presented the activities lined up for the Fish Conservation Week celebration which include: mangrove planting and coastal clean-up, hands-on training on bangus deboning, tilapia dispersal, poster making contest, fingerling dispersal, aqua fair/exhibit and market matching, coastal clean-up, agri-aqua fair exhibit, harvest field day and tilanggit processing demonstration, and bottom set gill nets fabrication and maintenance. For his part, Venancio Hilomen, BFAR-10 assistant regional director, said the bureau has been giving out community fish landing center (CFLC)
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and fiberglass boats as among the interventions of the government to help sustenance of fisherfolks in the country. Hilomen also discussed about “F/B Pagbabago” Livelihood Development Program, a livelihood intervention of BFAR in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure resiliency and safety of fisherfolk at sea. Narciso D. Minguito, officer-incharge, Capture Fisheries Unit, cited the Mariculture Park initiated by BFAR-10 in Balingasag has benefited the town folks in terms of livelihood, economy, job opportunities among others. In the media forum, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) was also discussed which is established to reduce poverty incidence in the country.(EOR/PIA10)
CSWD leads graduation of SCALA project in Ozamiz
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OZAMIZ CITY – The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office of Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental spearheaded the 25th Graduation Ceremony of Sharing Computer Access Locally & Abroad (SCALA) Project of Ozamiz City Youth Information & Communication Technology Training Center Batch 46 and 47 at Chloe’s Hall, Naomi’s Botanical Garden Banadero, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.
16-31 October 2017 Thirty two (32) Graduates of Information and Communication Technology-Based Community Training Program of CSWD-Sharing Computer Acess Locally & Abroad SCALA Project- Engineers Without Borders (EWB) of Canada completed the nine months training of Ozamiz City Youth Information & Communication Technology Training Center. Vice Mayor Michael Tagal said, “I am happy that your journey has to end to face new challenges ahead in your lives. Your parents must have been proud of you. I salute your parents in guiding and caring for you to finish your studies. Your journey must have been full of memories as you embark
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on your dreams for your future.� Meanwhile, Councilor April Mecaros also shared inspiring stories about her life. She said, in order to achieved our goals in life, we have to dream for it, believe in it, plan for it, work for it and enjoy it. She added that with patience and hardwork, nothing is impossible. This program was accomplished with the help of CSWD, Local Government Unit of Ozamiz, SCALA, Ozamiz City Youth Information & Communication Technology Training Center (OCYICT-TC) and Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA).(Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon/PIA Misamis Occidental)
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