Cover Story MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Biyaya ng Pagbabago caravan has reached Marawi on December 7, to drum up support for the poverty alleviation programs of the Duterte administration.
1
The caravan was welcomed by officials of the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus at the university’s administration building where they discussed the possible participation of MSU to the success of the program. The Biyaya ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Masagana at Matiwasay na Buhay Pilipino (Biyaya ng Pagbabago) program was initiated by the Office
of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS) in partnership with the Kilusang Pagbabago movement to bring various poverty alleviation programs of the national government to the communities. Director Abdulrashid Ladayo, Mindanao Cluster Head of the Office of Participatory Governance-OCS, said the program will bring the programs and services of 12 participating
agencies to the grassroots level. The agencies include the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC); National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC); National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF); National Food Authority (NFA); National Youth Commission (NYC); Presidential Action Center (PACE); Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA); Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP); and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). During the caravan, Fr. Elmer
Cajilig of the Kilusang Pagbabago stressed the importance of community participation for programs and services to reach the grassroots level. He said they are eyeing the organization of Kilusang Pagbabago members in every barangay to help the Office of the Participatory Governance in identifying the needs of people at the communities. The Kilusang Pagbabago will also serve as a watchdog in the implementation of the Biyaya ng Pagbabago program as well as in the criminality and anti-illegal drugs programs of the Duterte administration, he further said. Director Ladayo’s backed Cajilig’s statement saying that the Kilusang Pagbabago will continue to push
2
1-15 December 2017 for communities’ awareness on the poverty alleviation, criminality, and anti-drugs programs of the President. This, he cited, is the true people empowerment. Part of the caravan was the signing of manifesto of support by the MSU officials who expressed
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
commitment to the program. After the signing, the Biyaya ng Pagbabago caravan proceeded to Cotabato City. The Biyaya ng Pagbabago program will be formally launched by President Duterte on December 9 in Davao City.(APB/PIA-10)
Camiguin urges motorcycle drivers to wear helmets CAMIGUIN – To secure and safeguard the Camiguingnons, particularly the operators or drivers of motorcycles and their passengers, from the ruinous and extremely injurious effects of fatal or life threatening accidents and crashes, the provincial government in the province will strictly implement the Motorcycle Helmet Act or Republic Act No. 10054 starting January 2018.
3
During the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Fourth Quarter Meeting on December 7 at the Provincial Convention Center, PPOC Co-Chair Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said that all of the motorcycle drivers should wear helmets and minors are banned from sitting in front of a motorcycle rider. “Standard protective motorcycle helmets are appropriate types of helmets for motorcycle riders that comply with the specifications issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),” Romualdo said as he urged the members of PPOC to help
in disseminating the law on wearing of proper helmet. As for the riding minors, Romualdo said that it is unlawful for any person to drive a two-wheeled motorcycle with a child on board on public roads where there is heavy volume of vehicles, high density of fast moving vehicles or a speed limit of more than 60/kph is imposed. These rules are applicable unless the child passenger can comfortably reach his/her feet on the standard foot peg of the motorcycle and reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider.(RTP/PIA10)
1-15 December 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
ARMM holds dialogue with its devt partners MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) conducted a dialogue with its development partners through a Regional Development Forum that seeks to get insights and support for its programs and projects.
Atty. Laisa Alamia, ARMM Executive Secretary, said the forum served as venue to inform and to show to these development partners and stakeholders the milestones and accomplishments achieved by the regional government. “The 21 chapters of the ARMM Regional Development Plan (RDP) is anchored on the national long-
term vision, a living document of the region’s vision for the Bangsamoro,” Atty. Alamia said. The five-year medium-term plan serves as the blueprint for the implementation of regional priorities in support of the attainment of the ARMMBisyon 2040, which represents the collective vision and aspirations of the Bangsamoro.
4
1-15 December 2017 The ARMM drafted the longterm vision consistent with NEDA’s AmBisyon Natin 2040. The ARMM has identified six development goals as focus of its priority interventions in the RDP. These are: open, transparent, accountable and inclusive governance practiced and sustained; improved access of ARMM communities to basic services for human capital development; sustained improved environment for more secured communities; increased investments, employment and income; accelerated infrastructure development for the region’s socioeconomic growth; and enhanced integrity of ecosystems, adaptation to climate change, and disaster resilience
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus of communities. The plan follows a framework that will guide the region’s continued development while securing transparency and accountability in a society where – in the course of institutionalizing good governance and meaningful reforms – nobody will be left behind. During the forum, different ARMM line agencies of the set-up booths to showcase their department’s accomplishments. Some of the region’s best products such as cultural artifacts, hand-crafted native products, and different Moro delicacies were also placed on exhibit.(Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)
DTI Northern Mindanao launches 14 coffee brands CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of strengthening the brands of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry in Northern Mindanao launched 14 coffee brands from Bukidnon province on Thursday, December 7.
5
DTI Bukidnon Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said the brands were developed under the Brand Equity Development Program (BEDP) of the Department which targets to develop strong homegrown Philippine brands
in both local and foreign markets. “The launching is part of the promotions and marketing enhancement strategy of the BEDP which aims to enhance business opportunities and marketability of
1-15 December 2017
coffee products through effective brands and sustained income,” Abang said. The 14 coffee brands are Café Corazon, Highland Robusta, Señor Rogelio, Arabica Filipina, Café Mabuhay, Twin Creek Coffee, Kapeyapaan, Hineleban Coffee, Monk’s Blend, Café Hermano, Cincona Coffee, 7 Tribes Coffee, Café Rico, and Kitanglad Brew. During the launching, Adelina “Bae Inatlawan” Tarino, president of the Inhandig Tribal Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), expressed gratitude to DTI for helping them market their coffee beans. “Dako akong pasalamat nga nakaadto ako sa US tungod sa among kape” (I am thankful that I was able
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
to go to the US because of our coffee), she cited. The coffee beans of the Inhandig Tribal MPC won in the Green Coffee Quality Competition held in Cavite State University early this year for the Arabica category. It was the first national coffee competition that determines who produces the highest quality of coffee in the country. Another brand from Bukidnon, the Kape Maramag, also won in the competition for the Robusta category. Robusta and Arabica are the dominant coffee varieties grown in Bukidnon. Abang noted that there are more than a hundred coffee farmers,
6
1-15 December 2017 mostly indigenous people, in Bukidnon nurturing almost 2,000 hectares of highly productive coffee farms. The DTI considered the coffee industry as one of its priority clusters. Abang said the DTI is implementing several strategies to increase the profitability of all players in the coffee industry value chain and to make the Philippine coffee industry
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
sufficient and globally competitive. The strategies include plantation and post-harvest development, processing improvement, promotion and marketing enhancement, and creation of a sustainable enabling business environment through business development, investment promotion, financial access, and research and development.(APB/PIA10)
University honors troops who fought for Marawi freedom CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of this year’s Xavier University Festival Days (from November 29 to December 2) celebration, her Office of Mission and Ministry, together with the Social Development cluster, attributed the second day’s afternoon for the soldiers who fought for Marawi’s freedom from the terrorists.
7
Set on Bonifacio Day, November 30, the tribute honored the soldiers as the country’s present-day heroes for their valor in reclaiming and defending the Islamic City of Marawi from the ISIS-inspired Maute group. Lasting for nearly six months, they emerged victorious in the battle. “Xavier University pays tribute to the troops deployed in Marawi for their loyalty, bravery, and strength,” the event’s poster read. “We salute them
for the hardships endured during the Marawi Siege and for their willingness to sacrifice their lives so that others may live.” Gratitude to the nation’s heroes Gathered within the XU Peace Park (an open communal ground beneath a domed roof – a structure that resembles a shed for shelter), soldiers of different cultural and religious backgrounds paid their salute to the Philippine flag as the national
1-15 December 2017
anthem played in the background. “This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for all of what you have done for Marawi, for our people, and for our country,” said XU’s vice-president for mission and ministry Irene Grace Guitarte in her opening remarks. “Let us continue to be grateful,” Guitarte added. “Let us be hopeful for peace to be possible.” The message of gratitude was amplified by Araiz Buyog, president of the farmers’ cluster of Marawi City’s Barangay Bito Buadi Itowa, a resettlement site for refugees which was adopted by Xavier Ateneo. “Kami po mga IDPs, nagpapasalamat din kami. Hindi namin
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
malilimutan hanggang sa kamatayan (The IDPs also thank you. We will never forget this even after death),” he said. Buyog also expressed that if it weren’t for the soldiers, the civilians wouldn’t have taken refuge in safety and security when they had evacuated. Inspiring the youth As part of the tribute, students from different levels of the Xavier Ateneo community recited letters and poems dedicated to the soldiers. Ivan and Ivy Cutob, both twin siblings and six graders from the XU Grade School department, read aloud the letters which they had originally
8
1-15 December 2017
9
written. “You and your comrades are always in our prayers,” Ivan said. “Your courage and strength make you our heroes,” Ivy added. English major Nicole Rose Baculio from the university’s School of Education shared poems she was inspired to write about the tragedy of the Marawi siege. “Three shots, three lives; the ashes will rise. The shots will diminish. Marawi will rise again,” spoke one verse in her poem titled “Three Shots.” “Saang sulok man, iba’t ibang tinig ang naririnig; bata, matanda, Muslim o Kristiyano man, mga himig na naghahangad sa pag-asa para sa bayan (In every corner, voices are heard from young and old, Muslim or Christian, a melody for the nation’s hope),” declared another verse from a poem which Baculio named “Himig.” One elementary pupil also confessed in his speech that he was honored to see real-life superheroes by witnessing the presence of the soldiers; apart from the action figures he occasionally asked for as presents during his yearly birthday. Living the legacy of St Francis Xavier In his inspirational message, Xavier Ateneo president Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap SJ likened the soldiers’ undertakings to that of St Francis Xavier. “We salute you like St Francis Xavier for also being ready to be sent for a mission,” Yap said. The namesake of Xavier Ateneo
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
and one of the founding fathers of the Society of Jesus, the congregation which runs all Ateneo schools and universities all over the country, St Francis Xavier had traveled across countries he had never been prior to the admonition of his superior in order to spread the Gospel in the 16th century. According to Yap, the soldiers have exemplified the qualities of loyalty, bravery, strength, and sacrifice that were akin to Xavier’s traits in his divine mission. “From our hearts, we thank you,” Yap said. The ceremony concluded with Yap laying medals and handing certificates to each soldier in front of the applauding crowd. “Saludo sa Bayaning Pilipino! (Salute to Filipino Heroes!)” comprised the words that were engraved on the medal. “There is always a hero in everyone,” said Brigadier General Tyne Banyas of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, also the Assistant Division Commander of the 4th Infantry in his response speech. “Each of us is a hero in our own way,” he said.(Angelo Lorenzo/XU Comm)
1-15 December 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
Marawi IDPs complete TESDA dressmaking training, receives sewing machines, toolkits CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Seventy five home-based Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Marawi City graduated Dressmaking Training of Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) with National Certificate (NC) II and received sewing machines as source of livelihood on 2 December 2017 at Brgy. Balulang Covered Courts, Cagayan de Oro City.
The training in Dressmaking NC II thru the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) of TESDA started on 26 October 2017 and was provided by Lorenz International Skills Training Academy, Inc. (LISTAI). The Massive Skills Training initiated by TESDA was intended to provide a form of psychosocial support and source of Livelihood for the IDPs. This is in line with the mandate of TESDA under the leadership of Director General/Sec. Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong to ensure that the IDPs are equipped with relevant and employable skills to facilitate
rehabilitation and restoration of the affected communities. As part of their post training assistance, the IDPs also received their training allowance and their very own sewing machines and tool kits provided by TESDA apart from the free training & assessment fee. “Education and training is a very important asset, it can never be stolen from you,” TESDA-10 Regional Director Lorenzo G. Macapili said during his message to the graduates. He added, “I would like to encourage you all to apply for more training, ask for assistance from your
10
1-15 December 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
Brgy. Chairman or to the Provincial Office [Misamis Oriental]”. TESDA Misamis Oriental, one of the two Provincial Offices implementing He also expressed his gratefulness for the IDP Massive Skills Training, the excellent and significant training headed by Provincial Director Leo V. that Lorenz International Skills Velez, shall continue to monitor the Training Academy has provided. beneficiaries together with TESDADuring the ceremony, the graduates 10 under the leadership of Regional pledged to serve as role model to Director Lorenzo G. Macapili. This is to future ge nerations by demonstrating ensure that our Muslim brothers and professionalism and integrity in their sisters will be transformed into active career, thrive to find a better life for survivors and not passive victims. themselves, their family, and above all (Kimberly C. Condeza/TESDA 10) the community, people and country.
DOLE-X grants P1M for livelihood projects in Camiguin
GUINSILIBAN, Camiguin – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-X) - Camiguin Provincial Field Office (Cam PFO) handed-in the Kabuhayan Program financial grants amounting to P1,102,755 to the six organization beneficiaries of Cantaan Centennial Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CCMPC).
11
DOLE-Cam PFO Chief Emmanuel G. Toledo reported that the financial assistance was intended for the projects on motor parts (P250,000), agricultural business (P200,000), backyard piggery livelihood (P130,000), deep sea fishing (P250,000), fish vending (P110,000), and amakan making and consumer store project (P162,755). Lourdes D. Navida, one of the beneficiaries of the fish vending livelihood project said, “Salamat
kaayo sa DOLE kay niabot na gyud and among hinabang sa gobyerno aron makatabang sa among panginabuhian (We are thankful for DOLE now that we have received the assistance from the government that could help us in our livelihood).” Relying solely on her retirement pension, Navida said that she needs to augment her income to help defray her family’s daily meals, basic expenses and food for their livestock.
1-15 December 2017
Though this is her first time to receive a livelihood financial assistance from DOLE, she is hopeful that their association can sustain the project so that it could also help the community in the future. Toledo explained that the project is funded under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) that encourages self-employment
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
to provide income opportunities to deserving beneficiaries. CCMPC is an active Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) of DOLE which has already implemented nine livelihood projects to various associations and was a regional winner for the Best DOLE Assisted Livelihood Group Project for CY 2016.(Jovelyn V. Perez/ RTP/PIA10)
PH Mango growers seek to increase productivity as demand grows CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Mango Industry in the country represented by its president Virginia dela Fuente of Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc. (PMIF) explained during a press conference in the 19th Mango Congress in Cagayan de Oro City that mango growers need to prune and fertilize to boost their productivity in the next years as demand is still very high.
12
1-15 December 2017
13
During the Mango Congress from 27-29 November 2017, growers from all over the country tackled issues such as low productivity and the need to use new technologies to increase shelf life of mango especially for export. Other countries such as Vietnam have adopted a technology of producing frozen food through OctoFrost, dela Fuente said. She shared that there was a serious drop of mango output for the whole country in 2016. Two main reasons include mango growers have not done pruning and fertilization for several years. Meanwhile, Hazel Pontilan, president of Cagayan Misamis Oriental Bukidnon Mango Growers Association (CMBMANGA) shared that there is also less productivity due to climate change. She explained that mangoes are tropical fruit and they grow
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
under the heat of the sun, however, as typhoons have come in Northern Mindanao, this affected output of their mangoes. Although, in terms of help from the government, she said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) region 10 has helped them a lot in terms of training and provision of seedlings. On the other hand, dela Fuente mentioned that since mango has high perishability, their group has established fruit production insurance program. Among the projects they are also looking forward to is the establishment of demo farm for those who want to get into the mango business, they can have two weeks’ seminar and training. The Mango Industry is a big industry in the country. Dela Fuente said that in 2007 alone, the country has produced one million metric tons equivalent to P50 billion worth in
1-15 December 2017 sales. Although in 2016, only 400,000 metric tons were produced. In five years’ time, they aim to produce three million metric tons or three billion kilos worth of mangoes.
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
Meanwhile, 70% of the sales come from dried mangoes. In the entire country, Luzon produces 2/3 of the mangoes while Visayas and Mindanao produce 1/3.(JMOR/PIA10)
Project ET notice of violation to Iligan hardware stores issued
ILIGAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry’s Project ET (Execution Team) has issued notice of violation (NoV) to five hardware stores in Iligan City, spearheaded by the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB-DTI). These establishments were caught selling mandatory products like sanitary wares, sanitary pipes, electrical conduits, exhaust fans, steel wires and potable water pipes without product certification mark – PS (Philippine Standard) logo or ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) sticker pursuant to DTI Department Administrative Order 02 series of 2007 - Defining the Responsibilities and Liabilities of Manufacturers, Importers, Traders, Wholesalers, Distributors, Retailers, Service Providers and or their Agents, with Regard to Products/Services Covered by Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes. However, Ruel B. Paclipan said these hardware stores are advised to communicate with FTEB for mediation as part of the due process accorded
by law to respondents. Penalties and sanctions in violation of DAO 02:2007 include cease and desist order, confiscation/destruction of goods, and administrative fine of not more than P300,000. Likened to the anti-illegal drug operations “Oplan Tokhang,” Project ET aims to intensify the implementation of Fair Trade Laws and the Consumer Act in the provinces to further safeguard the life, safety and health of the consuming public. Project ET monitors prices, labels/markings, weight and quality of goods for consumers to get the best value of their hard-earned money. Project ET was officially launched on 01 August 2017 by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.(Angelo A. Devero/ DTI/PIA-10 LDN)
14
1-15 December 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
Roundtable discussion tackles 3Q economic performance of Northern Mindanao CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The economic performance of Northern Mindanao for the third quarter of this year was reviewed and validated in a roundtable discussion (RTD) conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday, December 5. Economic indicators on agricultural production, livestock and poultry production, meat and fishery production, investments, exports, labor and employment, tax and customs collections, infrastructurerelated development, and peace and order were deliberated by heads and/ or representatives of regional line agencies during the RTD. Engineer Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-10, said the RTD is being conducted quarterly to review how the different sectors have managed and whether their performance have contributed to the economic growth in the region.
15
The draft 3rd quarter regional economic report showed both positive and negative variances in terms of agricultural productivity. But Clarete sees a promising economic situation compared to the same quarter last year which was affected by the impact of El Nino. Growth was also noted in both DTI-monitored and SEC-registered investments. Macro indicators, on the other hand, showed a better image during the quarter. NEDA-10 will consolidate the results of the validation and will announced them to the public through a media forum scheduled next week. (APB/PIA-10)