The RDC Communicatcator
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresita Socorro C. Ramos
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Rustico M. Varela, Jr.,SSIC-SO Gemma A. Mendoza, OD Renato C. Herrera, PDIPBD Vicente S. Fabian, PMED Manolette Jude M. Mercado, PPFD Norman Jose E. Ramirez, KMD
PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Vilma M. Julian
LAYOUT AND DESIGN Daryll L. Cabico Michel R. Tulog
Left photo - Dir. Abutazil of DILG IX hands over a P2 Million check and a glass trophy to Dipolog City thru Mayor Uy for the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi; Right photo - WesMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Ardo gives a briefing on the peace situation in Zamboanga Peninsula
RDC IX Convenes 142nd Meeting
CONTRIBUTORS NEDA IX Ardi Abril T. Layugue Vilma M. Julian Ceselle C. Harina
OTHER AGENCIES RDOrtaleza, DA IX Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan DOLE, IX DOLE IX-TSSD DOST IX PIA IX JPA/CAL/PIA IX Alfonso T. Ruda, PIA IX-ZDN Cecil J. Abuy, POPCOM IX Ekeena O. Lim, WMSU
The RDC Communicator is published quarterly by Regional Development Council (RDC) IX. The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose the articles to be published due to space limitation. Articles and pictures will become property of RDC IX. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Contact: The Editorial Board NEDA Regional Office IX V. Sagun St., Gatas Dist. Pagadian City Tel. No. (062) 925-0048 nedapagadian@yahoo.com DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of RDC IX.
Marking its third year of pursuing development efforts together as a team, under the leadership of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX Chairperson and Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, the Council convened for its 142nd Regular Meeting on December 12, 2012 at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City with 28 members present and/or represented.
Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) to the RDC IX as proposed by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles. WesMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. Rey C. Ardo gave a briefing on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement and significance of peace and order efforts in the pursuit of development in the region. The In her opening message, The Council passed 11 Council recognized Mayor Uy encouraged the resolutions which include 1.) the importance, as members to continue pursuing A resolution endorsing the well as, benefits that the shared vision of the Regional CAP Action Plan for can be derived from Council for the region as it the implementation of ZamPen the participation of faces the incoming year. After RDP 2011-2016; 2.) A resolution WesMinCom in the her message, DILG IX Regional approving the RMs for the Council. Director Paisal O. Abutazil ZamPen RDP 2011-2016; 3.) took the opportunity to award A resolution approving the CY After the meeting, the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi to 2014 AIP of RLAs and SUCs in a Christmas Party and Dipolog City through Mayor the region. Solidarity Night was Uy. hosted by Mayor Uy at One of the highlights of Green kitchen, Dipolog The following were the meeting was the approval City. (Ardi Abril T. Layugue, among the national and NEDA IX) of the special non-voting regional development membership of the 1st Infantry concerns discussed: 1.) Tabak Division of the Western
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MTRDP IX Communication and Advocacy Plan (CAP); 2.) ZamPen RDP IX 2012-2016 Results Matrices (RM); 3.) Enhanced ZamPen 2014 Annual Investment Program (AIP). The Chairpersons and/or ViceChairpersons of the respective sectoral committees (SecComs) also presented their concerns which emanated during the recently concluded 4th quarter SecCom meetings.
Tatel wins ZIA Interior Design Contest
CAP TWG Convenes The Communication and Advocacy Plan (CAP) Technical Working Group (TWG) Organizational and Action Planning Meeting was held on November 9, 2012 in Zamboanga City. It was presided by the TWG Chair, Dir. Noemi Edaga of PIA IX, who enjoined the group to communicate and advocate the Regional Development Plan (RDP) as it seeks to address the twin goals of poverty reduction and economic growth.
After one month of posting the entries for the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) Interior Design Contest at the Airport’s pre-departure area, the Board of Judges declared Architect Manolo L. Tatel as the winner. Arch. Tatel ranked first based on the passengers’ votes and in the ratings of the Board of Judges (BOJ). Architect Jeffrey Nelson II K. Labay ranked second in the contest. The judging was held at the VIP Room of ZIA last October 8, 2012. The BOJ was composed of the following: Engr. Rodrigo Sicat, City Planning and Development Officer representing Zamboanga City Mayor Celso L. Lobregat, Dir. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA IX, Dir. Nilda J. Cemine of DBM IX, Engr. George G. Ledesma, the Chairperson of the RPMC IX- Ad Hoc Committee on the Contest, Manager Celso Bayabos of ZIA; Dean Domingo Abarro III of the College of Architecture of WMSU, Ms. Precious N. Tarrazona of Cebu Pacific Air Inc., Mr. Danilo J. Zapanta of Philippine Airlines, Ms. Sweden Joy Ricato of AirPhilExpress, and Mr. Rameer Tawasil, a Zamboangueno Artist. Engr. Sicat chaired the BOJ. The awarding of prizes was done on October 24, 2012. Arch. Tatel received two international
round trip tickets, Manila-Kota Kinabalu-Manila route and another two domestic round trip tickets, ZC- Manila- ZC route (Cebu Pacific) plus P30,000.00 cash prize (inclusive of the travel tax/fees required by the trip). On the other hand, Arch. Labay received one international round trip ticket, Manila-Hongkong-Manila route, and one domestic round trip, ZC-Manila-ZC route (PAL), plus P20,000 cash prize (inclusive of the travel tax/fees required by the trip). A raffle draw for the winning voting passengers was also done during the judging. The winners were as follows: 1st Prize, round trip ticket to any domestic destination (AirPhil)- Josephine Z. Puri; 2nd Prize, P3,000.00- Norman Roy; 3rd Prize, 2,000.00- Hector C. Sosing; Consolation Prizes, P1,000.00 each- Clarita O. Roda, Rolando R. Cabreros, Moh. Raffee F. Kunting, Vicente Raphael Chan, AJ Navato, and Emil J. Cruz. The winning voting passengers have to contact NEDA IX prior to claiming their respective prizes. The contest/activity aimed to come up with a master plan or blueprint of the airport terminal interior for consideration by DOTC/ CAAP in future improvement of the airport. (Ardi Abril T. Layugue, NEDA IX)
The message of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX Vice Chair and NEDA IX Director Teresita Socorro Ramos who was then attending an equally important activity, was read by her representative Mr. Norman Jose Ramirez. Dir. Ramos was glad over the timely initiative of putting all advocacy efforts in the right perspective as the RDP seeks to make Region IX as the Agri-Fisheries Corridor of Southern Philippines while serving as the region’s blueprint for socio-economic and sustainable development. To assist the Chair, the body unanimously selected Ms. Narrabelle Bue of DSWD IX to serve as the TWG Vice Chair. The selection was followed by the presentation of the 2011-2016 RDP that spells out the regional challenges, strategies, targets, and programs and projects to improve the quality of life of Region IX’s constituents. The participants were grouped into four clusters following the major sectors of the RDP. The workshop outputs were consolidated to form the 2013 Regional Communication and Advocacy Plan (RCAP). It was presented to and endorsed by RDC IX sectoral committees and subsequently approved by the Council during its 4th quarter meeting on December 12, 2012. (Vilma M. Julian, NEDA IX)
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NEDA IX Facilitates Symposium On Volunteerism The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), in coordination with NEDA IX led by Director Teresita Socorro Ramos, conducted the Regional Symposium on Volunteerism on October 4, 2012 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. In her opening message, Dir. Ramos enjoined the participants to support the campaign for volunteerism. She emphasized that those involved in volunteer work would rather work silently without much fanfare. She however, believes that their efforts should be given due recognition. Ms. Corazon Macaraeg of PNVSCA presented the salient features of Republic Act 9418 otherwise known as the Volunteer Act of 2007 including its declaration of policy; goals; modalities of volunteerism; roles of government and MultiSectoral Advisory Body (MSAB); and institutional mechanism for research, documentation, recognition and modeling of best volunteer practices. RA 9418 seeks to provide a policy framework on volunteerism that shall underscore the fundamental principles necessary to harness and harmonize the broad and diverse efforts of the voluntary sector in the country into an integrative and effective partnership for local and national development as well as international cooperation and understanding. During the open forum and workshop, some of the participating agencies shared their volunteer-related programs. They also raised their concerns on the inclusion of Zamboanga Peninsula as among the regions with security issues, the need to converge the
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volunteer-related efforts of other line agencies with that of PNVSCA, and the need to provide financial support to volunteer-related programs to sustain the efforts among target communities and groups. Mr. Manolette Jude Mercado of NEDA IX presented the highlights of the Regional Development Plan 2011-2016 to provide the participants the opportunity to explore avenues where volunteer work could be initiated. The need to establish an inventory of all volunteer-related programs/projects/activities
of agencies, local government units, and state universities and colleges; and the creation of the regional MSAB, were among the recommendations to facilitate documentation and coordination of volunteer-related activities in the region. The activity ended with the closing remarks of PNVSCA Director Joselito C. De Vera who thanked the participants for their presence and support. He emphasized the active role of the Regional Development Council in pushing for the implementation of RA 9418 at the local level. (Vilma M. Julian, NEDA IX)
RDRRMC-OCD holds year-end conference, Gawad Kalasag Regional Awards The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Office IX conducted a year-end conference and 2012 Gawad Kalasag Regional Awards in Pagadian Bay Plaza Hotel, Pagadian City.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Molave, Zamboanga del Sur as the Best Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The awardees received a plaque of appreciation and a check amounting to P30,000 each.
In his welcome message, OCD IX Regional Director Adriano D. Fuego said that it was the first time awards were given to the best prepared province, city, municipality and non-government organizations heroes in the region.
For the Best Volunteer Organization and Hospital, the Organized Radio Assistance and Communication Information Services and the Zamboanga City Medical Center were adjudged as the Best Volunteer Organization and Best Hospital (Regional & Training) respectively, and each was given a plaque of appreciation.
The Regional Gawad Kalasag Awardees for 2012 were as follows: Zamboanga del Norte as the Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Dipolog City as the Best
For the Heroic Act/Deed during emergency response and rescue operations (individual category),
the following were given plaques of appreciation; Karon Esmali, Ricky Buyser, Constantino Soriano, Jr. and Edwin Casalan all of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. OCD Undersecretary and Executive Director of NDRRMC Benito T. Ramos who was ably represented by BGen. Romeo Fajardo, Deputy Administrator of OCD as the guest of honor and speaker, congratulated Region IX RDRRMC under the leadership of Dir. Fuego for a job well done in making this fiscal year very productive for disaster risk reduction and management advocacy. “Let us heighten our watchfulness against any salient calamity, so that even it becomes like a thief in the night we shall be ready and therefore, I urge you to maintain vigilance and be proactive,” Fajardo said. (JPA/CAL/PIA IX)
PPPCP orients the LGUs in ZamPen on Public-Private Partnership The Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPCP), in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) IX, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX, and Philippine Councilors League-Zamboanga Peninsula (PCL-ZamPen) Chapter conducted a PPP Orientation-Workshop for Local Government Units (LGUs) on October 9, 2012 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. Dir. Eleazar E. Ricote, Director IV, Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service of the PPP Center presented the Philippine PPP Program, its Legal Framework (National and Local), and the PPP Center services. Ms. Clyde E. Padilla, OIC-PED of Department of Finance- Municipal Development Fund Office on the otherhand, presented the PPP Fund that aims to support the current administration in cascading the PPP down to the LGU level. She also explained the different loan terms and conditions that the LGUs may opt to access, as well as, the PPP fund application requirements to be submitted by the LGUs in availing the said fund. There were 92 participants from 50 different LGUs region-wide who attended the activity. During the workshop they presented and discussed their respective LGU Concept Notes and Project Proposals for possible project assistance/financing through PPP. According to President Benigno Aquino III, these PPP projects promise so much for our economy and for the Filipino, and private partners will play a vital role in our administration’s fulfillment of our Social Contract with our people. (Ceselle C. Harina, NEDA IX)
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DA Calls for Organic Farming The Organic Agriculture campaign of the Department of Agriculture started to advance its implementation reaching out to all organic practitioners in the Philippines. The National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) together with the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards is visiting major regions in the country, updating all organic practitioners from the nongovernment organizations (NGOs), people organizations (POs) and local government units on the implementing rules and regulations of Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (R.A. 10068) as well as its programs that are beneficial to the farmers. In Zamboanga Peninsula, the conduct of the Mindanaowide NGO-PO Forum in Dipolog City raised questions and presented major concerns that focused on program sustainability and technicalities of proposal-making for program grant. In his message read by DADipolog City Officer–In-Charge Vicente Balinguit during the forum, DA IX Regional Executive Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said “the activity supports the food selfsufficiency and nutrition security through sustainable organic and ecological agriculture in the Philippines and the production of ‘healthier’ food through organic farming.” He also quoted Secretary Proceso J. Alcala saying “our emphasis on organic farming rests on our thrust to surmount dependency on imported agricultural chemicals which not only drains our foreign exchange reserves, but also contributes to environmental and land degradation.” Rey Pedroso of the Badianagan Organic Farmers’ Association and
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Visayas Representative for Small Farmers said “The department is serious in its advocacy for the sustainability of the program but since the main thrust of DA is food security, we cannot abruptly shift from conventional to organic as it might cause food shortage in the country.” To advance the program, grants are given in the form of organic farming infrastructures, trainings/ extensions, and production support wherein the organizations are required to submit proposal for approval by the NOAB. “Slowly and patiently we are trying to win the hearts of other entities to shift to organic farming
as there is no question about its environmental sustainability and health benefits. The creation of R.A. 10068 means that you are already recognized as organic agriculture farmers, from there let’s create a common perspective,” added Dr. Charito Medina, of Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura. As part of the department’s support to farmers, Mr. Peter Andalahao, DA-RFU-IX Organic Focal Person, proposed a proposalmaking training to facilitate approval of the farmers’ requests. (RDOrtaleza, DA IX)
Dipolog City, the country’s 7th top performing city The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has confirmed that the local government of Dipolog City ranks no. 7 among top performing cities throughout the country. DILG report said that since August 12, 2012, the country’s 143 cities already included the 16 controversial cities as among the regular cities created under impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. In that report, Dipolog City ranks no. 7 among the top performing cities throughout the country, based on the Local Governance Performing Management System (LGPMS), used by the DILG in rating the LGUs . Under the LGPMS, Dipolog City registered a performance rating of 4.83 under the component city category. Among the top performing cities are : Laoag (4.99); Naga (4.93); Vigan (4.921); Ligao (4.917); Tagaytay (4.87); Cabanatuan City (4.86), and Dipolog City in no. 7 with a rating of 4.83. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy was so elated upon learning the DILG’s report, considering that Dipolog is the only city from Mindanao which landed among the top ten performing cities in the country. Local political observers consider the latest accomplishment of the City Government as a manifestation of Mayor Uy’s good governance and strong political will. (Alfonso T. Ruda, PIA IX-Zambo Norte)
DOST Provides Assistance to ZaNorte
Out of the 20 awardees from different regions, 3 came from Mindanao of which 2 were from Zamboanga Peninsula Region.
TVI, WMPC bag 8th GKK Award The 8th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) Award held at Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Auditorium in Quezon City last December 5, 2012, brought laurels to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region IX as two of its establishments garnered the DOLE Secretary’s Award of Distinction under the Institutional Category. The GKK award is a National award given by DOLE to recognize establishments which displayed outstanding performances in the field of occupational safety and health. TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc., located at Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte and the Western Mindanao Power Corporation of Sangali, Zamboanga City, made their names prestigious because of their exemplary practices on occupational safety and health programs and activities promoting occupational safety and health towards zero-accident in the workplace.
DOLE IX Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano accompanied the awardees in receiving their plaques from DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. Dir. Cano pointed out the strong partnership and engagement of the Department with the public and private sectors in promoting and sustaining occupational safety and health in the region through the conduct of trainings, seminars, orientations, and accreditations of safety practitioners. Sec. Baldoz stressed that the award will inspire establishments to continue raising the bar of excellence in workers’ protection. She encouraged the establishments to share their expertise to their industry colleagues. “Hand in hand, let us work together in realizing our goal of zero accident and zero illness in our workplaces. This is a boost to productive competitiveness,” Sec. Baldoz said. (Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan DOLE, IX /PIA IX-ZBST)
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office IX approved the project to upgrade the tablea production facility of Roteo Farm. The assistance, amounting to P131,400 is funded under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). Through the new technology introduced by Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines (CocoaPhil), the farm was able to acquire solar and mechanical dyer, fermentation boxes and shredder for cacao peels. The Regional Technical Evaluation Committee of DOST highly recommended the approval of SETUP assistance considering the management’s capability and technical knowhow to man the project, increase demand for tablea, improve profit, and create project impact. The assistance includes the acquisition of new roaster, grinder and molder. Polyfruits Inc. formally began its operation in 2007 processing mango and calamansi fruits. Marketed under the name ‘Zamgo’ the firm now includes durian and cacao tablets among its products. Zamgo has reached local demand centers in the Philippines to include Cebu, Davao and Manila and export markets such as China and Tahiti. Its products include dried green and yellow mango, pickled mango, mango concentrate, calamansi concentrate and durian jam. Polyfruits Inc. seeks to widen its market and increase production capability by upgrading its existing processing plant. Thus, it sought the aid of the DOST through its SETUP. DOST-IX’s interventions include system improvement through acquiring additional equipment such as cooling tank, pasteurizer, continued on page 8
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Zanorte: 2012 Regional Outstanding Nutrition Program Implementer The Province of Zamboanga del Norte has recently been adjudged as the 2012 Outstanding Regional Nutrition Program Implementer in Region 9. For its feat, the province received a Green Banner Award and a Plaque of Recognition in a ceremony held at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City last October 30, 2012. Zamboanga del Norte Supervising Administrative Officer Jay Adraincem, who represented Governor Rolando Yebes during the awarding ceremony received the Green Banner Award, while Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Leila Realiza received a Plaque of Recognition as Outstanding Nutrition Action Officer. Other winners from
Zamboanga del Norte include the municipality of Polanco which received the Green Banner Award as the Provincial Outstanding Municipality led by Dr. Romiciano Talaboc, who also received his Certificate of Recognition as Outstanding Nutrition Action Officer. Meanwhile, Dipolog City and the municipality of Piñan, were both adjudged as runners-up for their Outstanding Performance in Nutrition Program Implementation. Barangay Nutrition Scholar Delilah Esperanza of New Sicayab, Polanco won as Provincial Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar; BNS Marietta Calcallar of Galas, Dipolog City and BNS Florence Reville of Larayan, Dapitan City as City Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars. All
PCSO earmarks P36M for ZCMC The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has earmarked P36 million for the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) to help finance the medical needs of indigent patients starting 2013. PCSO Chairman Margarita Juico said that this was more than the P3 million PCSO provided the hospital in 2012. The P3 million was part of the P2.4 billion provided as assistance to government hospitals attending to indigent patients nationwide for the year 2012. Chairman Juico appealed to the people to patronize lottery operations to help finance and provide for the medical needs of indigent patients nationwide. There are 229 lotto outlets in Region IX of which 93 are in Zamboanga City. She explained that 30 percent of lotto earnings go to charity funds, 55 percent to
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lottery prizes while the remaining portion goes to PCSO operations. "To spread out lotto and other benefits, the PCSO will establish branches in towns and provinces in the region to as far as Jolo in Sulu to facilitate direct help to the indigents," Chairman Juico said. PCSO Zamboanga Branch Manager Raul Regondola said that he can disburse up to P100,000 per day to qualified indigent patients in 2013 without prior approval from PCSO main office in Manila. The amount given out include payment for hospital bills, chemotherapy drugs and dialysis services at hospitals. Meanwhile, Chairman Juico also donated four PCSO vehicles, one each for ZCMC, Western Mindanao Medical Center, Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital,
of them received Certificates of Recognition and Cash. Last year, Zamboanga del Norte was also adjudged as the Most Improved Province in Nutrition Program Implementation. After the submission of its Nutrition Action Plan for 2012, Zamboanga del Norte got 94% in the recent evaluation conducted by the Regional Nutrition Council. The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Nutrition Office considers the award as a manifestation of its efficient implementation of the nutrition program in the province with the support of Governor Rolando E. Yebes. (Alfonso T. Ruda/PIA9-Zambo Norte )
and Zamboanga Puericulture Lying-in Hospital, all located in Zamboanga City. (PNA Source: PIA IX ZBST Info Center)
from page 7: DOST provides...
and industrial type stick blender. Assistance for Roteo Farm, and Polyfruits Inc., both located at Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, also includes training on good manufacturing practices, food safety and basic sanitation and hygiene, and product packaging and labeling. Through this assistance they are expected to improve product quality, and increase productivity and income. SETUP, a flagship program of DOST, is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to boost their productivity and competitiveness. (DOST IX)
WMSU high schooler champs in Tennis
“CROSSROADS” crosses ZC roads
Western Mindanao State University - Integrated Laboratory School High School student Abdulqoahar P. Allian landed as champion in the Tennis Doubles category during the Batang Pinoy National Championships 2012 held in Iloilo City last December 5-8. Allian, a senior high school student, together with Francis Dominic Lanzado of Tangub City garnered the gold medal for the Tennis Doubles category of the Batang Pinoy finals. The Philippine Youth Games - Batang Pinoy is a national sports event for the Filipino Youth, mandated by Executive Order 44. It seeks to address the need for a grassroot sports program centered on values formation inherent in the practice of sports such as patriotism, nationalism, selfdiscipline and similar values. By employing such program it aims to eliminate the child’s chances of becoming a juvenile delinquent. Allian’s victory is another addition to the university’s track record when it comes to sports events. Meanwhile, the WMSU Pencak Silat Fighting Crimson Team also fared well in the 7th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games held at Koronadal City last December 8-12, 2012. The said team ranked 1st runner-up in the tournament. (Ekeena O. Lim,
The Commission on Population (POPCOM) Regional Office IX practically crossed all roads in 2012 with the showing of a full-length movie “CROSSROADS.” It is starred by Joseph Bitangcol, Mercedes Cabral, Sue Prado, Aleera Montalla, and Felix Roco.
WMSU)
The movie, produced by POPCOM in cooperation with the Integral Media Inc., is for the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program of the Commission, designed to educate the youth on adolescent health and youth development program in public elementary and high schools in Zamboanga City. It highlights the crossroads the youth encounter early in their lives and the behaviors they exhibit as revealed in the 2002 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS) survey. Among the risky behaviors include premarital sex among the youth, teenage pregnancy, and smoking/drinking/ drug abuse of the youth, parentchild communication/ relationship, school and family environment that aggravate teenage lives, influences and pressure from peers. The movie is divided into twoparts: characters were in their senior year in high school, and in their graduating year in college. The film illustrates their transition from innocence to adult life. A special movie screening and launching was held at Ateneo de Zamboanga University on August 23, 2012 as a jump-off activity for the film showings in the different schools. A total of 50 school officials were in attendance. The movie ended with viewers raising issues like how to legally deal with teenage pregnancies among students. Their concerns were fairly addressed between and among school heads themselves.
The event also served as a planning workshop as everyone eagerly tried to set a schedule for the film showing. More than 25 showings were held in the different elementary and high schools. A total of 8,020 students, parents, barangay and parent-teachers association officials, teachers and other school officials watched the movie. Some cried, others told themselves not to follow the practices portrayed as “bad influence.” After every show, a POPCOM Staff, and a Guidance Counselor or Music Arts Physical Education and Health Teacher, processed the movie. Questions were asked regarding youth behaviors in the movie, opinion on virginity, premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, and single but pregnant teens going to school. Viewers were also asked on what other challenges the youth are facing today, and what life skills a young person needs to avoid similar situations depicted in the movie. CROSSROADS is a situational dramatization of risky behaviors of the youth. The results from the processing of the movie confirm the findings of YAFS on the fertility awareness among the youth. Most of the teenage girls do not know their menstrual cycle and their fertility period, and that gender issues in a boy-girl relationship are not issues to them. The film should be viewed not only by young people but also by parents and guardians to equip them with parental skills to deal with the sexual behaviors of young people. With the Responsible Parenting project of the Commission, and the Learning Package on Parent Education on Adolescent Health and Youth Development, it is hoped that the youth will no longer reach the crossroads of their lives, but will follow the “Daang Matuwid” direction. (Cecil J. Abuy, POPCOM IX)
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DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz (right) administers the oath taking of officers and board of directors of the ITC in the ZamPen Bus Industry.
Sec. Baldoz Installs ITC Officers in ZamPen Bus Industry After the successful creation of the Industry Tripartite Council (ITC) in the Zamboanga Peninsula Bus Transport, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz officially installed its officers and board of directors last October 2, 2012 in Dapitan City. Sec. Baldoz stressed the timely creation of ITC in the bus transport industry considering that the Department has recently issued Department Order No. 118-12, series of 2012, otherwise known as the rules and regulations governing the employment and working conditions of drivers and conductors in the public utility bus transport industry. “Safety of the drivers, conductors, passengers and pedestrians is our major concern and that’s the reason our department has issued the rules that govern road safety setting the system which is advantageous to both the bus operators and the workers. The department set a standard that provides fixed rates and performance-based incentives to both our workers in the industry,” she said.
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DOLE IX Regional Director
Sisinio B. Cano disclosed that owners, workers and management representatives were capacitated through series of learning sessions on labor management cooperation, DO 118-12, rules on occupational safety and health, and anti-sexual harassment law conducted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and DOLE. Dir. Cano added that the conduct of capability building activities among stakeholders is in preparation for the eventual issuance of labor standards compliance certificate which is a requirement in securing
or renewing public utility bus franchise. In a related development, Secretary Baldoz awarded the National Certificate III (NC-III) to the bus drivers who successfully passed the assessment and certification conducted by TESDA IX. TESDA IX Regional Director Lorenzo G. Macapili apprised Secretary Baldoz that out of 179 drivers, 88 hurdled the assessment and certification. Continuous training on driving is currently administered to assist the drivers acquire the NC-III as a requirement for the renewal of driver’s license with the Land Transportation Office. (DOLE IX-TSSD)
Seclab Baldoz (3rd from right) awards the NC-III to a bus driver in Dapitan City assisted by Dir. Sisinio Cano (3rd from left), Dir. Lorenzo Macapili (2nd from left), Dapitan City Mayor Patri Chan (2nd from right), TESDA-ZDN PD Nilda Espiritusanto (right), and Fantasyland EVP Consuelo Locop (left).
The Search for RDC
IX Awardees for Outstanding Contibutions to Regional Development is on! The Incentives and Awards System is in accordance with RDC IX Resolution No. IX-06-98. It is open to individuals, whether member or non-member of the RDC belonging to Local Government Units, National Government Agencies/Offices and Non-Government Organization (NGO)/Private Sector. TYPES OF AWARDS 1. Gawad RDC IX is conferred to an individual in recognition of highly exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance.
nominee duly subscribed and sworn to before a person or official authorized to administer oath; c. Certification that the nominee has not been found guilty of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude and/or administrative offense or has no pending case of such nature against him at the time of the nomination. d. Other supporting documents NOMINATION PROCEDURES The head of the Agency or any person or persons or association
including those from the private sector may nominate an individual using the prescribed nomination form. The duly accomplished form and other required documents shall be submitted to the RDC IX Secretariat. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION All nominations must be received by the RDC IX on or before the end of the first quarter of the succeeding year. Please contact the Secretariat for a copy of the Nomination Form.
This award consists of a plaque containing the citation and a cash award to be determined by the Committee. 2. Special Awards may be grant ed to individuals in the form of certificates, plaque of recognition or appreciation. CRITERIA OF AWARDS In the evaluation of accomplishments of nominees, the following criteria shall be considered:
Exemplary Performance Impact of Achievement Reliability and Effectiveness Economy of Operation
Dedication and Commitment
REQUIREMENTS FOR NOMINATION The following documents shall be submitted in two (2) copies: a. Duly accomplished Nomination Form; b. Personal Data Sheet of the
The Secretariat RDC IX Incentives and Awards Committee NEDA Regional Office IX Ordoñez-Rule Bldg., V. Sagun St. Gatas Dist., Pagadian City Tel. No. (062)925-0048/215-4113 Email Address: nedapagadian@yahoo.com UR:http://neda9.net
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