The eMagazine of Philippine Information Agency 10
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016
World Vision to conduct values formation for children in NorMin
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Alarmed with the degradation of moral values among children and youth, non-government organization World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (WVDF) will embark on values and spiritual formation programs for children in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte.
According to the reports, Philippines has the highest number of children who are “smokers” in Asia while the child pregnancy rate has
significantly increased to 70% from 1999–2009. Northern Mindanao is also one of the hot spots for the human immunodeficiency virus and
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS). There are new HIV cases of children and youth (15-24 years old) across the country registered between July–October 2016 and HIV transmission rate now becomes “youth epidemic.” “Our children and youth face complex challenges today and these hinder them from attaining their full potential, “says Liza Branal, the World Vision Program Manager for Northwestern Mindanao. To help address to these issues, World Vision implements the Spiritual Nurture for Children project in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) through integration of values formation in school-based Culture of Reading. This five-year project will provide children and youth the opportunities to participate in fellowships, workshops, and camps that would promote values. Parents and caregivers will
also join seminars on responsible parenthood to develop deeper sense of responsibility and confidence to guide their children better. “The children are the hope of our future so we must work hand in hand to help them succeed, “says Branal. World Vision has designed ageappropriate modules that can be facilitated by a church worker, youth, children, and community volunteers who have the heart to nurture the spiritual well being of their target constituents. Aside from providing leadership opportunities, World Vision aims to nurture the values of our children and they would appreciate their spiritual journey together with their families. World Vision aspires to reach out to 118,000 children and youth, 4500 families, 300 churches and faith based organizations, and 120 schools in the entire country who will become agents towards nation building. (Crislyn Felisilda/World Vision)
DENR axes illegal logging in Lanao del Sur MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – At least P1.4 million worth of illegal logs were confiscated and turned over to the AntiIllegal Logging Task Group of Lanao del Sur, December 17. Approximately 28,730 board feet of premium assorted logs were seized as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENRARMM) closed three illegally operating sawmills from three barangays in Maguing town, this province.
DENR-ARMM Secretary Forester Kahal Kedtag said the operation was immediately conducted by the department after proving through a series of investigations that illegal cutting of trees has been happening in the watershed area. Massive cutting of trees in the ARMM, Kedtag said, is strictly prohibited in pursuant to the Regional Governor’s Executive Order No. 1 series of 2012 or the Total Logging Ban. Out of the three sawmills closed, only two immediately qualified for illegal logging. As for the one sawmill, “We could not yet classify this as
illegal logging kasi as we can see parang clearing lang ang ginagawa nila,” Kedtag said. “They are converting the forest land into agricultural land, but still it is prohibited since this is a watershed area”, he added. The owners of the seized sawmills are given a two-week grace period to answer before an adjudication about their operation. Kedtag said if the operations are proven indeed illegal, the seized logs will be used for government projects such as arm chairs for public schools. (BPI/PIA-10)
875 individuals, IDPs benefit from Lumbatan medical, dental mission LUMBATAN, Lanao del Sur – Over 800 individuals benefitted from the medical and dental mission sponsored by the town’s local government unit on December 13. Lumbatan town mayor Allan Lao said the activity was aimed to bring down health services to the constituents living in far-flung areas. Free health services which included medical and dental consultations, pre and post natal check-up, vaccination, deworming and laboratory tests such as blood, glucose, uric acid and septum exam for tuberculosis symptomatic were
offered during the medical and dental mission. Around 875 individuals, including internally displaced persons (IDP) from the nearby town Butig, availed of the free medical and dental services. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Abdul Barry Lao said Lumbatan is hosting 387 internally displaced families from Butig due to the military crackdown against Maute
group started. “Lumbatan is a transit point, many IDP’s took refuge here,” said Lao. Alaga Ka Foundation of the television giant TV5 also distributed relief goods to the IDP’s. “We are very thankful to the mayor for being supportive to our endeavors,” said Dr. Monalisa Disomangcop, the town’s
Rural Health Physician. The medical and dental mission was a joint program of the town’s LGU, Rural Health Unit, Lanao del Sur’s Integrated Provincial Health Office and Philippine Medical Association. (Lumbatan Information Office / PIA10)