Cagayan de Oro Times (February 17-23, 2013 Issue)

The

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Your Weekly Lifestyle Newspaper

P10.00

Vol. 1 | No. 28 | Cagayan de Oro City | February 17-23, 2013

DSWD, CDO Media Tours MisOcc Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy, Editor-in-Chief

M

embers of the Cagayan de Oro media join the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Misamis Occidental to take a look and tell the stories of the agency’s programs, February 6-8.

The convoy kicked off from Cagayan de Oro early in the morning of February 6 and stopped over for breakfast at a roadside eatery with a picturesque view of the sea side in Lugait, Misamis Oriental.

A couple of hours more, we arrived at Ozamiz City via MUKAS where we had lunch as Oliver Inodeo of the Social Marketing Department of DSWD Field Office 10 gave us an overview of the threeday trip.

We also got additional reinforcement with the c o l l ab o rat i o n o f m e d i a personalities from Ozamiz

City, who joins us for the tour.

The team then headed to Oroquieta City, where we hold our base camp.

Settled and rested, the team is ready to embark on the journey, our mission: engage and listen to the stories of the people.

First Stop, the Municipality of Calamba, where an exhibition for the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program takes place.

Women beneficiaries introduce us to the different products from different barangays in the area. The most that caught my attention is the exquisitely crafted Lampirong Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program children beneficiaries of Barangay Siloy, Municipality of Calamba, Misamis DSWD|Page 2

Occidental. Photo by Shaun Uy

Villar is a UN award winner for Best Water Management Practice in the World

F

ORMER Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar says she can do more and push for her advocacies particularly her “livelihood projects out of wastes” on a national scope if she wins senator in the May elections.

Misis Hanep Buhay’s livelihood projects from wastes have gained international recognition when she was given the UN award for “Best Water Management Practice in the World,” beating 38 countries.

Since her projects from wastes have been very successful in Las Pinas and are being duplicated in other areas, Villar wants to expand their reach and provide job opportunities especially to women all over the country.

She said women should also help their husbands provide for their children.

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Millions of house-helpers protected with Batas Kasambahay- JV

By Alex Irasga “Newly-enacted Domestic Workers’ Act or ‘Batas Kasambahay’ protects the rights of 2 million household helpers and shields them from abuse” - JV Ejercito Estrada SAN Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada said the newly-enacted Domestic Workers’ Act or “Batas Kasambahay” was welcomed by many sectors because it protects the rights of 2 million household helpers and shields them from abuse.

Ejercito Estrada made the statement amid ongoing d eb a t e s t h a t c e n t e r solely on the provision of monetary incentives

JV|Page 11

JV in CEBU CITY .

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) leading senatorial candidate San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada gave Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma a souvenir campaign t-shirt during his recent courtesy call to The Most Reverend at the Archbishop’s Palace in Cebu City.

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| February 17-23, 2013

DSWD

...from Page 1

(equivalent of the Capiz shells) shell wind chimes; I bought one – for only 120 pesos – what a bargain, in my own opinion.

What caught my teammates’ palate were the shells. This Photo says it all.

Then, we are headed our way as Calamba Mayor Luisito B. Villanueva, Jr. takes us to Barangay Siloy where the beneficiaries of Pantawid

MetroSpect

Pamilyang Pilipino Program, KALAHI-CIDSS await us in an assembly.

There the team listened to the testimonies of the beneficiaries as they gave D S W D t h e i r h e a r t fe l t gratitude for the programs they implemented in their barangay which is roughly 30 minute drive from the town’s center.

A KALAHI-CIDSS subproject is highlighted in the testimonies, which is a health station in the barangay, according to Peter Anhaw, volunteer, Kalahi-CIDSS project – it is the best project they can think of since their area is far away from the nearest health center and also to maintain, if not better the health conditions of the residents of Siloy.

Anhaw is also thankful to have passed the process set by KALAHI-CIDSS for

the implementation of the project with the help of other volunteers and the residents.

On the last day, before heading home, we stopped over the beautiful old church of St. John the Baptist Parish in Jimenez.

Had a lunch stop at the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) and quick stop at Clarin to buy some pasalubong – “sayang, wa pa naluto ang chocosuman” would have wanted to taste that.

A few hours wait in Ozamis port for the barge to MUKAS, exhausting but you can see it is a thriving province with lots of people and livelihood.

The experience taught us a lot of things; my own personal learning is that – poverty can be solved through determination, teamwork, and a heart with two helping hands.

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CAGAYANTIMES d E O rO

Lampirong Shell Wind Chimes

Art in Focus

RODELSA HALL:

Home of theArts inMindanao

W

hen one thinks of music, culture and the performing arts, only one venue comes to mind- Rodelsa Hall.

Established exactly eight years ago this month, Rodelsa Hall has become the center for quality entertainment and groundbreaking performances in Mindanao. Theater Productions like Liceo U’s King and I, Sound of Music, Cinderella, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver, and Romeo and Juliet became unforgettable hits that blazed the trail in the school based productions.

Not just that, Rodelsa Hall became the center for showcasing quality European films as it partners with the European Union (EU) in bringing to the community award-winning films via Cine Europa, a free exhibition of around 21 films from the member states of EU. The festival is now on its fifth year at the hall.

Classical music concerts also became more accessible as Rodelsa Hall premiered memorable performances from great artists like pianists Ingrid Sala Santamaria, Dr. Abel Galang, Peter von Wienhardt, Carmencita Aspiras among others.

Other renowned artists that had the chance to grace the hall were tenors Sal Malaki and Dave Clark Sibonga, sopranos Evelyn Mandac, Antoni Mendezona and Daylinda Dagondon. The Kabayao Family Quintet also had the chance to perform and wowed the crowd with their engaging performances.

Others include Diomedes Saraza, the violin prodigy from Juilliard School and violinist extraordinaire Joseph Esmilla , Cellists Victor Coo and Emily Duffil (Australia).

After quite some time, Cagayan de Oro music lovers also had the rare moment to experience an orchestra concert when Manila Symphony Orchestra graced the stage with international pianist and the pride of Cagayan de Oro, Rudolf Pelaez Golez as soloist in an SRO performance last 2010.

This year, Rodelsa Hall celebrates the 58th Founding Anniversary of Liceo de Cagayan University and the National Arts Month with another groundbreaking performance courtesy of the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra, Unites the World Project Orchestra of Japan and international pianist Rudolf Pelaez Golez in a one night engagement this coming February 16, 2013. This special event is for the benefit of Safer River Life Saver Foundation, Inc. This will be the first time that the hall will gather together 50 musicians in one stage.

To know more about the concert and other upcoming performances at Rodelsa Hall, please feel free to call 09176366528 or (088) 8584093 to 95 local 109.

See you at Rodelsa Hall!

Peter Anhaw, volunteer, Kalahi-CIDSS project

Butch Enerio of Business Mirror and BusinessWeek Mindanao

At the CIRIACO PASTRANO Hanging Bridge in Oroquieta City.

Charmaine Tadlas of DSWD Field Office 10 - Social Marketing Department.

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February 17-23, 2013

d e O ro

Local Flavor

TRAVEL ADVISORY

The Picky Eater:

R

ich culture and tradition define events and festivities in the Philippines as well. Different local festivities, lifestyle, art, songs and dances may create an icon depicting Filipino celebrations, celebrations that are translated to festivals that bring more fun in the Philippines.

One of the major cultural attractions in the country is the province of Bukidnon, where seven (7) ethnic tribes reside, namely, the Manobos, Bukidnons, Talaandigs, Higaonons, Umayamnons, Tigwahanons and Matigsalug tribes. Aside from its being a natural paradise, Bukidnon is blessed with these people who t r e a s u r e d i s t i n c t p ra c t i c e s a n d t r a d i t i o n s, w h e r e a r t i s t r y a n d inimitable songs and dances attract spectators to the celebration. The colourful and intricate dress designs of the tribes are manifest of Bukidnon’s artistry and creativity. The graceful dances inspired by animal and bird movements and inspirational songs of maternal love, love for nature and even courtship remind us of our values and patriotism for our mother land, love for family and old customs.

One of the municipalities of the province of Bukidnon celebrates a festival showcasing the lifestyle of the Manobo tribe that they term “Sunggod Ta Kamanga”. This is a Grand Thanksgiving Celebration of the Manobo Tribes of the municipality of Quezon, Bukidnon which started in 2009. It is about a “traditional ethnic ritual” held prior any land preparations and other farming activities participated by the dominant ethnic clans from the 22 barangays of this municipality namely: ManoboPulangihon (those living near Pulangi river) & Matigsalog (those living in the highlands). This is celebrated

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Capt. Richie’s ‘mouth-watering’

Baby Back Ribs in a grand scale through varied presentations of different tribal rituals, songs and dances and the popular ethnic sports of the said tribes.

The Department of Tourism Region 10 is proud to announce one of the biggest celebrations of ethnic culture and traditions in the region, the “Sunggod Ta Kamanga 2013” in Quezon, Bukidnon, which will start on February 17, 2013 up to February 19, 2013. A series of activities are lined up for the celebration and will be highlighted by the street dancing and tableau competition, Paratuan Ritual (Installation & Recognition of New Ethnic Leader), Padtungan Ta Kasal Ritual (A Tribal Wedding Ceremony), Search for “Laga Ta Kiokong 2013”and Traditional Ethnic Sports participated by all the tribes of Bukidnon.

For inquiries please visit or call the Department of Tourism Region 10 office for the details of the schedule of activities. The regional office is located at the ground floor of Pelaez Sports Center, Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City or contact us through (088) 856-4048 / (0022) 723-696 / (08822) 726-394 or call the municipal tourism office of Quezon, Bukidnon through 0917722-1304.

H

i I’m The Pic ky Eater. I have been roaming around the city in search of great food at best value for my money.

Since we were all working on Valentine’s day, and the nearest ‘karinderya’ near the office just transferred to another location and payday still on the next day – whew! Ran out of options, huh? You bet.

Hungry. That was the word of the hour, while some were already on

MINDANAO PRESS ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (MINPRESSDEV)

SERVICE CENTER, PRYCE PLAZA HOTEL FR. MASTERSON AVE., CARMEN HILLS, 9000 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Welcomes delegates to its 1 ST MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY Kamagong Hall, Pryce Plaza Fr. Masternoon Avenue, Carmen Hills, Cagayan de Oro City February 22, 2013

their ‘lunch dates’.

Then somehow, through the dizzying hunger, my colleagues and I ended up at Tomas Saco – 16th streets, (the crossroad of Barangay Nazareth and Barangay Macasandig) to a small place called Capt. Richie’s Baby Back Ribs. PROBLEM SOLVED!!!

Capt. Richie’s Baby Back Ribs is an authentic Kagay-anon rib barbecue at its finest quality and the best value for your money. Capt. Richie’s spent months of creating and perfecting the flavor that suit the Kagay-anon taste buds.

This gives locals more value than what they actually pay for.

Nic, the attendant and cook at Capt. Richie’s, spoon-fed me through the process of the mouthwatering baby back ribs.

First the meat slabs are marinated then tenderized through a two-hour boiling, and then stored through sealed containers ready for grilling.

Once a customer drops in, the grills heat up and the rib slabs now sizzle giving off that distinctive

smell of flavored smoke, in sync with the sizzling sound of meat cooking.

A few minutes later, when the meat browns up and looking really, really tempting. Did I mention you can see it cooking right in front of you? Imagine the look on my hungry face.

A special sauce of your choice, hot and spicy or original, is then carefully poured onto the grilled tender baby back ribs.

Served!

The ranc h taste is simply amazing on the palate, with the tender meat melting inside your mouth – from hungry to speechless as I try to savor the flavor of the hot and spicy variant... and the original. FULL! You sure you just want to take my word for it?

Go give them a try. They do take-out, pick-up, and deliveries, call them at 0905-613-9372.

---------------------Want to help me where to have my next meal? Email me: thecagayantimes@gmail. com

For Inquiry, contact us:

minpressdev2013@yahoo.com.ph +639997990008 / +639262553215 The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09273373917 | Advertising: 09177121424

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| February 17-23, 2013

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DSWD - TESDA launches Cash for Training Project (C4TP)

KASALAN BAYAN IN CDO

Cong Rufus Rodriguez addresses the 100 couples who were victims of typhoon Sendong who were married during the Kasalan Bayan organized by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City held in the XU Covered Courts. Rep. Rodriguez gave advice on how to have a happy and successful marriage.

After which, Rep. Rodriguez serenaded the couples during their first dance as husband and wife.

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Turnover of Day Care Center in Tablon

Congressman Rufus Rodriguez leads the ceremonial ribbon cutting in this turnover over ceremony for a Day Care Center in Purok 1-A, Sitio Guadalupe, Barangay Tablon, part of the P435,000 allocation for Tablon. Witnessing this activity are Day Care Center teacher Marietta Peligrino, Barangay council members headed by Chairman Romeo Bacarro, Kagawads Bobby Jacutin, Dilly Kit Auza, Felix Wayan, and Angelo Pomar. Also in photo: DPWH ADE Cesar Hipona, Engr. Nicoline Blanco and students.

DOLE MisOr West Greens Mambuaya Riverbank with Local Folks Aloha Balhon-Jaudian

T

he Department of Labor and Employment, Misamis Oriental West (DOLE Mis.Or. West) will start a tree planting-growing project along the Cagayan river in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City this March. The Greening initiative of the Provincial Field Office is not the usual tree planting activity that left seedlings to sustain on their own. Instead, wives of the Cagayan de Oro local river guides will be tapped to care of the planted trees.

In a meeting last 2 February 2013 at the jump off-point of the water rafting,

Provincial Head Atheneus A. Vasallo explained the Greening effort as support to the 1.5 Billion trees program of President Benigno Aquino.

Bamboo trees, known to emit 35% oxygen and absorb 35% carbon dioxide, will be established along the denuded side of the river to replenish the trees destroyed

by Typhoons Sendong and Pablo.

The women will be organized into an association

by DOLE who will look after the trees to assure greater chances of survival. Livelihood assistance will be extended to the river guide dependents

CDO City Mayor Vicente”Dongkoy” Y. Emano (center), DSWD ARD Santa Purita (6th from left) and TESDA ROD Chief John D. Simborios (8th from left) together with the C4TP beneficiaries

C

agayan de Oro City – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched its new scholarship convergence program dubbed as “Cash for Training Project (C4TP)” during the flag raising ceremony of the Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro City last February 11, 2013 at the City Hall of Cagayan de Oro. During the launching, there was an awarding of scholarship/C4TP vouchers to ten (10) beneficiaries from the province of Misamis Oriental.

The awarding was headed

by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano together with DSWD Asst. Regional Director Purita Santa and TESDA Regional Operations Division Chief John D. Simborios representing TESDA OIC Regional Director Edgar A. Sales who was with TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva during the launching of “Sajahatra Bangsamoro” by President Benigno Aquino III at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute

(BLMI) in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

A simultaneous launching for the C4TP also took place at Gingoog City graced by Gingoog City Mayor Ruth L. Guingona.

The Cash for Training Project (C4TP) is a DSWD and TESDA joint program responding to the government’s thrust to provide a sustainable intervention to improve the plight and condition of the youth and empower them through skills training and assistance towards gainful employment and entrepreneurial activities. The program shall be implemented in two (2) independent components : training for wage-employment (Trabaho) and training for selfemployment (Hanapbuhay).

For wage employment, the program shall be organized and conducted in a TESDAregistered training provider, and after graduation, jobsbridging activities shall be pursued to facilitate their entry to jobs. For self-employment, the program may be conducted on-site, school-supervised or thru partner NGOs. TESDA and its accredited

training providers shall provide the training specifically designed to match the demands for wage and self employment in the area. On the other hand, DSWD is in-charge in identifying the beneficiaries.

The list duly endorsed and signed by the DSWD Regional Director shall serve as the official list of beneficiaries.

A total of 4,695 youths in Region 10 will be entitled to a free training cost, allowance, assessment fee, and toolkits (for the Training for selfemployment). The following is the slot allocation per province: Bukidnon – 1,050, Camiguin – 250, Lanao del Norte – 925, Misamis Occidental – 893 and Misamis Oriental – 1,577.

C4TP Launching at Gingoog City with City Mayor Ruth L. Guingona

“If we are going to survive we must build communities of caring and connection.”- Cecile Andrews Provincial Head Atheneus A. Vasallo meets the women group mostly spouses of the waterrafting river guides at the beginners point in Mambuaya to solicit their involvement and commitment on Project Tree Planting and Growing this March.

to enhance existing souvenir making and to finance other activities to augment their income. Existing stalls near the river will also see for some building improvements.

The women numbering about 20 are presently selling miniature paddles and rafts as keyc hains, nec klaces, and fridge magnets at the beginners point in Mambuaya.

The novelty items sold at P50 to P100 are handmade by family members using handpicked and fallen twigs.

The Office consults with the whitewater outfitters under

the Oro Rafting Association, the Cagayan de Oro Tourism Office, Barangay Mambuaya, and the women group to ensure implementation of the project. Grow a Tree Save the Future Foundation will also be invited to participate and donate 1,000 bamboo planting materials.

The same activities according to Provincial Head Vasallo will be replicated in the neighbouring riverbanks of Dansolihon, Bukidnon, and Barangay Cabula of Cagayan de Oro that were ravaged by the recent typhoons.

Miniature rafts and paddles for take home souvenirs are some of the items personally handcrafted by the river guides and their spouses.

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Around NorthMin

February 17-23, 2013

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4P beneficiaries get P18.5M seed capital

By Oliver Badel Inodeo,

DSWD/RTP/PIA10

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A total of P18,523,000 seed capital from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been released to 3,435 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino beneficiaries in Lanao del Norte province recently.

These beneficiaries come from 181 Self-Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran Areas (SKAs) in the province o r g a n i z e d by P r o j e c t Development Officers of SLP,

in coordination with Pantawid Pamilya field workers.

Under the livelihood program, beneficiaries are allowed to get loans ranging from P5,000 to P10,00 for their livelihood projects, Atty.

Araceli F. Solamillo, DSWD Field Office 10 Regional Director, said.

These loans, which are community-based that do not bear any interest and do not need any collateral, are payable in one year so that others can also borrow under the same set of arrangements, Solamillo said.

In Kapatagan town, the 57 SKAs with 1,035 members

received P5,772,000 while the 41 SKAs with 865 members in Lala were granted P4,442,000.

The Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of the interior municipalities ofNunungan, Salvador, and Sapad received P400,000; P1,330,000, and P875,000, respectively.

M e a n w h i l e, S u l t a n N a g a D i m a p o r o t ow n beneficiaries with 50 SKAs have P5,704,000 for their seed capital loan.

T h e s e b e n e f i c i a r i e s, according to their project proposal, will be engaging in different types of livelihood projects such as handicraft

10 DepEd officials and Philippine high school principals to discuss career prospects for students of German at international conference in Bangkok

T

he Goethe-Institut Philippinen invited 10 Delegates from high schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) for the 2nd International Principals Conference for Partner Schools in South and Southeast Asia in Bangkok, Thailand. The Philippine Delegate will meet 130 high officials and principals from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Australia.

Taking place from January 1819, the conference is part of the German initiative “Schools: Partners for the Future” (PASCH ). The Bangkok convention will be focusing on career prospects for graduates in German.

German companies and firms have been invited to the conference, to present the various career and development possibilities in German companies. This issue is of crucial importance within the K-to-12 reform of the Philippine education system, as its main goal is to prepare students better for the job market.

The international conference is a response to the increasingly globalized efforts in education which aim

at the preparation of students for the international job market. Not only do German companies require German speaking staff but also multinational enterprises. More than 150 companies are currently members of the GermanPhilippine Chamber of Commerce and many more multinational enterprises are operating in the Philippines, not to mention those in South and Southeast Asia.

Currently, PASCH has 11 high school partners in the Philippines which are implementing the German language program.

The program was introduced in 2011 in a Memorandun of Agreement signed with the DepEd, the German Embassy Manila, and the Goethe-Institut. As well, 36 English teachers have been attending training programs to become German teachers. 4 of them are currently on a 6-month immersion program in Germany.

This international conference will provide ample opportunities for the Philippine delegation, which is headed by the Director IV of DepEd’s Bureau of Secondary Education Dr. Lolita M. Andrada, to network with other

DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program children beneficiaries of Barangay Siloy, Calamba, Misamis Occidental. Photo taken during the recent media tour in Misamis Occidental.

Photo by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

making, hog fattening, cooking, buy-and-sell, among others.

The SKA members are all Pantawid Pamilya Set 1 grantees.

A s i d e f ro m t h e 4 P beneficiaries, qualified to borrow are those listed in the National Housing Targeting System (NHTS), Solamillo added.

To ensure the success of the SLP, a five-component

program that starts with a partnership-building with the community, local government units have been developed

by DSWD. Included in the process is the social preparation involving a Participatory Livelihood Issue Analysis and Value Chain Analysis, as well as Financial Literacy and Self-Awareness for the beneficiaries.

Capacity-building,

including a Business Development Service and three to five-day trainings for the beneficiaries follow, after which the funding for the Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) comes about.

For sustainability of the program, DSWD-10 extends tec hnical assistance and equips the beneficiaries with a management tool which the beneficiaries themselves implement.

Villar remains in winning circle

high officials in South and Southeast Asia and thereby laying the foundations for international collaborations which prepare Philippine students for the challenges in a globalized world. ....................................

For more information and the respective resolutions of the conference please contact : Falk Schleicher Head of Language Program Goethe-Institut Philippinen G/4-5/F Adamson Center 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village 1227 Makati City, Philippines Tel.:+ 63 2 8405723 + 63 2 8405724 + 63 2 8170978 Fax:+ 63 2 8170979 education@manila. goethe.org

Hiritan ng Mag-Ninang: Misis Hanepbuhay Cynthia Villar at Chiz Escudero, parehong kandidato ng Team PNoy (LP-NP coalition) ang natokang mag-tanong sa isa’t isa sa isang round ng Hiritan 2013 ng Unang Hirit.

Biniro ni Arnold ‘Igan’ Clavio bilang ‘mag-ninang’ dahil si Misis Villar ay ninang ni Chiz sa kanyang kasal.

Ilan sa mga sinagot na isyu ni Misis Villar ay tungkol sa cybercrime law, ad spending, at ang kanyang mga nagawa bilang kongresista sa loob ng 10 taon.

F

ORMER Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar says her inclusion in the Top 12 in all election surveys is due to her programs when she was a congresswoman for nine years and the advocacies of the Villar Foundation which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. She was ranked 5-6 in the latest non-commissioned “Pulso ng Pilipino” survey made available as public service of The Issue and Advocacy headed by Ed Malay.

However, “Mises Hanep Buhay” also acknowledges her being a “Villar” as another factor. Her husband, Senator Manny Villar served as House Speaker and Senate President. He was a

congressman for 9 years and senator for 12 years. Their son, Mark, is congressman in Las Pinas City’s lone district and only daughter Camille is one of the hosts in Willie Revillame’s “Wowowillie”.

SINABI ni dating Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar na pasok siya sa top 12 sa lahat ng election surveys dahil sa kanyang mga programa noong naupo siyang kongresista sa loob ng 9 na taon at dahil na rin sa mga adbokasiya ng Villar Foundation na nagdiwang ng ika-20 anibersaryo noong nakaraang taon. Nasa 5-6 puesto siya sa pinakahuling survey ng “Pulso ng Pilipino” ng “Issue and Advocacy” na pinangungunahan ni Ed

Malay, ang dating Public Relations at Media Adviser ni dating Pangulong Fidel Ramos.

Kinilala rin ni “Mises Hanep Buhay” ang kanyang pagiging Villar bilang isang malaking salik sa mataas niyang ranking sa surveys.

Ang kanyang mister na si Senator Manny Villar ay 9 na taon ding naging kongresista at halal na House Speaker bagong naging senador ng 12 na taon. Umupo rin siyang Senate President.

Ang kanilang anak na si Mark ay kongresista sa Las Pinas samantalang ang isa pang anak na si Camille ay host sa sikat na noontime show na Wowowillie ni Willie Revillame.

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| February 17-23, 2013

ALA MODE

OWEN JAEN

Points of View

The Artist’s block

T

here are times in a person’s life when we are in a dead spot, a void seems to hang over us and we feel empty and not in our best element.

When it comes to the fate of artists, they also feel the same way and even double the effect.

Writers for example experience the condition of not being able to produce something new.

They stare at their computers and for a time just sits there, the cursor blinking waiting for the writer’s next command.

The white piece of blank digital paper stares back, wondering what the writer will express or will it disregard the entire document and scrap the

The

CAGAYANTIMES d e O ro

CAGAYAN TIMES Publisher ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA General Manager SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY Editor-in-Chief RONALD MASTAIL Associate Editor | Art Director ARJAY FELICILDA CHRISTINE CABIASA DYON KARLO AGUILLON ROSELYN PAGLINAWAN MARIEL IGOT Correspondents NELSON CONSTANTINO RUEL PELONE ALLAN MEDIANTE JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Editorial Consultants John del Bando Sales & Marketing Director PINKY DOMINGO CADAVEDO Marketing Executive ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI ATTY. ROBERTO A. CANTAGO, JR. Legal Counsels The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at FICCO Bldg., Lapasan Hi-way, with the editorial office at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Cagayan de Oro City.

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whole thing.

Painters too have felt this same kind of anxiety and unable to whip out new masterpieces and the canvases are left to go dusty and brown.

For someone like me who loves to write so I can continually develop myself and make my life more meaningful, a writer’s block comes as a moment of distress.

Beating weekly deadlines adds even more to the pressure to come up with something to share on paper. However, I have come to realize that I must overcome this challenge, stand up to the commitment and find time to gather my thoughts and deliver.

By constantly pepping myself up that I can do it, the block seems nothing more than just a pit stop now - a pause from the overwhelming conundrum of my day job, my personal life and some few things in between.

Expressing my thoughts through writing has allowed me to focus.

Sharing my views has

become my avenue to hopefully inspire and perhaps enlighten the readers.

To write is definitely not an easy task. I admire news journalists and full-fledged feature writers for having so much fire in them that they continue to write constantly without losing steam.

For me, I write to express and not to please. Thus, I strive to become better in this endeavor and hopefully others who are fond of writing will also continue what they love to do and make this world an exciting time to read, share and exchange thoughts.

Never be afraid of not being able to write or express anything.

There is always one thing, one line, one instance that sparks the creative juices to flow.

So why not after you put down this paper, open your word file and start typing away.

The only limit to one’s imagination is fear itself.

Have a great week everyone. Have fun, get going and let your mind run free!

The

CAGAYANTIMES d e O ro

The Financial Doctor

By Dr. Adonis Agcopra MBA, RFC®

ESIP Step 2: Learn to Save!

“A part of all you earn is yours to keep, and if you cannot save money, the seeds of greatness are not in you.”

– W. Clement Stone As the “E-S-I-P” paradigm goes: Earn.

Save. Invest. Protect.

Once you’ve got the money you’ve strived hard to earn (which I believe everyone has the potential of learning and doing as long as one does his best to continually increase his valuable contribution to society and the marketplace), it becomes imperative as well for you to learn how to keep and save a part of it for yourself.

Saving money is not so much for the person that you are at present, but more so for the person that you are to become in the future – someone who may potentially be not as physically capable and productive as the one

Love, Love, Love... all year round

V

alentine’s Day passed, yet so much love is still in the air.

That’s the way it should be right? It’s just that we are used to celebrating the day as Hallmark and cupid made it fancy.

When the roses die, chocolate cases emptied and balloons popped reality sinks in.

Yesterday somehow we made our love ones smile so why can’t we do that more often?

Do we really have to wait for Valentine’s Day to make our love ones special when in fact what’s important is the thought that we spend time with them, appreciate them even in the simplest ways that we can.

Over the years I got used to serenading people on Valentine’s Day but yesterday was

different because my parents were around.

Even when I was upfront singing I still observed their happy gestures while listening and scanning my copy of the playlist that I left on the table.

Other families with kids, friends and couples from time to time glanced in our direction to intently listen then got back to their conversation afterwards.

One couple even requested their theme song “Can’t help falling in love with you”, I can’t also help but smile while seeing them singing it softly, good thing I can still memorize the song because I didn’t have the lyrics on hand.

Music moves people though not all will literally clap their hands to appreciate

your music, but as people slowly left the room they glanced, smiled and nodded to us in appreciation of the music we played.

Other than my family, during the day as I prepared for the event, I also got to spend some time with a close friend just catching up with our lives.

As we parted ways I felt relaxed and ready to sing for the night.

Time flied fast, when I realized that we were on our fourth and final set.

I thank God for sustaining me throughout because earlier I already nebulized with Comvubent.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day has always been a reminder to be sensitive of the love

that you are right now.

The future is definitely not ours to tell. Thus, it would be prudent to save and “pay yourself first”!

Earning money in the right and honest way is irrefutably harder than losing it. No matter how large that amount may be, spending money is one of the easiest things to do. P10M ( ~ U S $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 ) fo r the average individual ordinarily takes years and years to accumulate.

Most people may think this is quite an enormous sum, yet such an amount could be entirely gone in a blink of an eye should you decide to buy a BMW 750Li. As the old Japanese proverb goes: “Finding money is like digging in the sand with a needle.

Losing money is like pouring water into the sand.”

AGCOPRA|Page 7

WORDS & NOTES DEBBIE CABAGUE

that our love ones are giving us or the other way around.

The very essence of Valentine’s Day is LOVE... so why not make it all year round?

The material things are not necessary but it’s how you express, whether through music or other things... remember it’s the thought that counts.

Let’s show LOVE whole year round...

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CAGAYANTIMES d e O ro

Points of View

February 17-23, 2013

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TRAVERSING THE TOURISM HI-WAY

Revisiting the Caraga Region

T

HE diminutive and tireless Director of DOT Region 13, Letty Dc. Tan, who have been shuttling around the Caraga coastal regions and the Cities of Butuan, Surigao, Cagayan de Oro and Bislig City meeting special interest group of tourist and would be prospective tourism investors has no let up pushing a beautiful location in the northeastern part of Surigao del Note known as Siargao to world attention as the top wave surfing destination in Asia.

Siargao Island is a place not well recognized in the Philippines but famous among the Europeans, New Zealanders and Australians wave surfers who regularly compete in the Siargao Annual Cup during the month of October in General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

As early as September, foreign travelers and local visitors looking for a bit of excitement troop to the island sub province either for a vacation or sports fishing expedition.

Siargao has bountiful species of marine aquatics swimming around 13,000 square miles of seawater and its turbulent waves in October generated from the Pacific Ocean is one of the most challenging surfing ride in the world.

Foreign travelers to the Caraga region are jointly fueled by the mining and mineral exploration aside from the growth of ecotourism.

These two sectors do not mix well in our society; one is a source of destruction while the other is a potent force to inspire environmental protection.

They co-exist

Love

under a temporary arrangement of love hate relationship that would soon part ways if no demarcation lines are set by the government on sustainable mineral exploration.

Signs of sea water discoloration have shown in the mainland coastal communities from the mountain soils that are slowly eroded downstream.

Coastal villages formerly enjoying abundant catch of shellfish are complaining of the declining harvest with the appearance of mud siltation.

While populated areas are now frequently visited by flush floods during the monsoon season.

Expanding cities in the Caraga region have welcomed the entry of big subdivision developers.

Observed were rice

paddy fields and corn lands have passed the conversion process from agricultural to residential erasing the swamp lands, irrigation canals and small creek tributaries in many of the developed areas.

This process displaced the Fresh Water Crabs, Mudfish and the Crane Herons from their habitat.

The sounds of Frogs mating in the paddy ponds have long disappeared and now replaced by the roaring engines of the Backhoes and Bulldozers breaking the grounds for road and drainage.

There is nothing wrong with development as long as it is sustainable.

Living creatures and crustaceans such as Crabs, Mudfish, Herons and Frogs do not contribute to the cuppers of Butuan and Surigao.

The region welcomes instead the mining and

real estate developers to create more mineral exports and housing projects to increase its tax revenues and fund various government expenditures to the detriment of the environment.

Never mind if we are a signatory to the United Nations General Assembly on Eco-tourism as a key to eradicating poverty by protecting the environment.

The UN protocol calls for member countries to adopt policies that promote eco-tourism highlighting its impact on job creation and creating opportunities for conservation and sustainable biodiversity.

The local government planners who were instrumental in approving land conversions might have forgotten a maxim that whenever there is a boom a crash will follow.

But all is never too late that a non political and

nonprofit organization will hold its conference on the 22nd of February at the Kamagong Hall of Pryce Plaza in Cagayan de Oro to launch concerted information and capability building activities in Mindanao related to sustainable development issues and concerns.

The alliance of media owners and publishers, writers and broadcasters all over Region 10 with the support of A. Brown, Vjandep and the Mindanao Business Conference. Mindanao wide participants are expected to come for this event for our dear Earth.

Registration Fee is at P1, 000 with Conference Kit, T-shirts and meals.

The hotel venue, PRYCE PLAZA, is also extending a conference overnight accommodation with breakfast for P2, 555 in a standard room on twin sharing.

me to take that leap of faith, ‘What is there to lose?’ they told me more than a few dozen times. I felt maybe it was time to be bold, to do something I am unfamiliar with and move out of my comfort zone. Taking the lead is something I have never done before.

In the age of social media, yes social media changed the complexities of our daily lives in so many ways and that everything becomes less complicated. It took a click of the mouse, to find out how to get myself connected to him, while being in his presence makes me dumbfounded, online it is easy to say something as simple as ‘Hi!’ But months have gone past, and nothing really significant

happened. And the occasional exchange of pleasantries and short conversations online and offline were not of any significant value that finally I have accepted that maybe … he is just not into me.

In the words of today’s generation I have been ‘friend zoned’.

The meetings became less frequent and the saying ‘Out of sight, Out of mind’ was becoming a reality. I thought the feelings are all forgotten until comes Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day was supposed to be uneventful, but then the Universe for some reason decided to make it short of memorable.

It is as serendipitous as it was like the first meeting, at least on my part and while time has gone past, he still has this power over me to

search for words to say.

After a while, I became at ease in his presence and while the day ended without me saying a formal goodbye, the day which was supposed to be uneventful turned out to be memorable. What are the chances of being with someone you fancy on Valentine’s Day, when you all have given up on him?

As a friend who knows the story blurted out loud, ‘Why give up that easy?’ But I can’t find an answer until today and that is ‘Love chooses you’. It takes more than one for love to work and until the next time Love chooses me and just like what Anna Scott said in the movie Notting Hill, the memory of this boy lives in my heart ‘Indefinitely’.

investing. Investing levels you up higher in terms of greater potential growth, opportunities and rewards for your money. This will be tackled in the next

topic of this column.

Earn, save, invest, and protect them all.

Act now!

(Dr. Adonis Agcopra is a registered international financial

strategic consultant with IARFC and is portfolio director of AFIC Meridian Consultants.

Log in to www. aficfinancialconsultants. com.)

fter being in a long term relationship and surviving a bad breakup, I thought that I will never fall for someone again, but as they say ‘Never say never’. When one goes through a bad break-up, it takes time to heal and sometimes you don’t heal completely. But as the

days, become months and months become years, one learns to live a life void of being involved romantically.

When one starts asking this question ‘Will I ever fall in love again?’ It is a good sign that one is ready to fall in love and that question came up to me unexpectedly and

as one who believes in serendipity, it was indeed a very pleasant surprise.

It took me time to process the feeling, as affairs of the heart are something I do not take very lightly.

So what was a simple introduction to him, became to myself a day of new beginnings.

Each time I know I would see him again was something for me to look forward to.

Suddenly I found myself feeling inspired, like the Sun has started to shine a little bit brighter.

But as the days progressed, the feeling of anticipation is replaced with feelings of doubt. The question is while I feel I am ready, the question is ‘Will the feelings be reciprocated?’ Friends in the know were telling

AGCOPRA

your usual monthly expenditure parked in easily liquidated instruments. This may be in the form of special savings and money market accounts or low risk

liquid investment funds. This fund works as your buffer shield in the event a financial emergency should unexpectedly arrive.

Saving is not exactly similar to

Chooses

You @indielister http://facebook.com/Photoworldmanila

A

...from Page 6

Financial consultants will normally advise you to keep an amount equivalent to 3-6 months of

by: PED T. QUIAMJOT

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February 17-23, 2013

Features

The

CAGAYANTIMES d e O ro

Rotary-Nissan golf for charity hits record-high registration

By Cheng Ordonez

T

HE Golf-for-aC a u s e, o r ga n i z e d by the Rotary Club o f C a gaya n d e O ro in partnership with Nissan Universal Motors Corporation, intended for the victims of Typhoon Sendong, is one of the most well-attended games with 40 percent of the golfers who registered were out-of-towners, including foreigners, organizers said.

The four-day game kicked off Thursday with some 250 registered players who will be clubswaying their best to aim for a hole-in-one to drive home a Navara pick-up vehicle, courtesy of Nissan Motors.

Carlos Gorospe, Rotary Club of CDO past president and project chair of the golfing event, said they were forced to increase the number of players to 250 from a ceiling of 200 because of the huge number of golfers who wanted to join the game, being held at the world-class Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club here in Cagayan de

PDG Tinnex Jaraula, Chairman FRCCI drives the ball during the ceremonial Tee Off of the GOLF-FORA-CAUSE Tornament at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

Oro. Gorospe told media practitioners during the press conference Thursday, at the Pueblo de Oro Country Club that aside from the golfers who came from Manila, Cebu, Davao and Gensan, foreign golfers from United States, Australia, Korea and Japan were among those who will be playing in the sprawling 7,000 meters golf course here at Upper Balulang.

Proceeds of the game will go to the establishment of a training center at Idahag Relocation Site, which houses 1,700 households displaced

by Tropical Storm Sendong in 2011, Marillo Paano, club president, announced at the press conference.

Nissan Universal Motors Corporation and Nissan Cagayan de Oro will be giving away brand new Navara pick-up to the first hole-in-one winner.

Organizing Rotarians, for their part, will give away P100,000 to other holein-one winners in three par 3 holes.

“It’s time to give back to

Cagayan de Oro what it has given to Nissan, especially if it is intended for Sendong victims,” Jeff Rolida, head of Nissan Cagayan de Oro, said, referring to the success in sales of Nissan here in the city.

Justine Sugay, Brand as s i s t an t m an age r o f Nissan Universal Motors Corporation, said Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oo can expect future partnerships with the success of the golfing event and due to its purpose of helping people improve their livelihood.

“Better living condition is good for business ventures like Nissan’s,” Sugay said.

Other prizes and awards include for those with the lowest gross and lowest net (36 holes); Class Champions and Runners-up for Class A, B, C and D (18 holes) and also to the Ladies Champion.

Also at the press conference were former mayor Tinnex Jaraula, c hair man of Rotary Foundation, and Boyet Lamas, representing the Sedong victims at Idahag.

Photo by: S.UY

T

he RED CROSS MILLION VOLUNTEER RUN 2 hosted by Philippine Red Cross Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro Chapter was held last Sunday, February 10, 2013 with over 10,000 volunteer runners.

The race whic h started and ended at the RED CROSS CHAPTER inside the Provincial Capitol C o m p o u n d , C a g a ya n d e O r o C i t y h a d p a r t i c i p a n t s f ro m a l l walks of life including students, workers, businessmen, executives, and community leaders.

The city’s two main bridges: the Marcos Bridge and Pelaez Bridge, literally became seas of red as most of the participants came in

wearing the official color of the RED CROSS. “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everybody who gave their time and effort to join our run as we are so overwhelmed with the very huge turnout! Indeed the best volunteers just got better and bigger; our 4 weeks preparation looks undoable, but thank God... all things are possible! “ said Dr. Myra Yee of the MisOr Red Cross Blood Bank.

“To all sponsors, media partners, GOs and NGOs, to everyone who adopted runners and especially to the Circle Productions staff, race well done ...SALAMAT KAAYO, and see you next RUN!” she added.

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Classified Ads

February 17-23, 2013

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|9

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The

CAGAYANTIMES

February 17-23, 2013

d e O ro

Sun Cellular rolls out new, bigger Android smartphones at Sun Plan 350

S

un Cellular launches its new set of Android smar tphones with 25% bigger displays, more user-friendly features and the same great performance available under its best-selling postpaid plan – Sun Plan 350!

With the Android world moving fast and new phones coming in, Sun Cellular remains steadfast in its commitment of delivering the “must-have Android gadgets of the moment” to millions of Filipinos who are after the latest deals and coolest mobile phones.

The Android smartphones offered free at Sun Plan 350 features 3.5-inch touchscreens – big enough to play videos, display e-mail messages and show Google results without having to squint or zoom in the page.

T h e w i d e r d i s p l ay i s nicely complemented with the latest Android OS, inarguably the most popular mobile platform today that run on a broad selection of mobile devices from a wide selection of manufacturers.

Thanks to Sun Cellular’s affordable postpaid plans and hassle-free application, everyone can now own and choose an Android smartphone that

#iPhoneography: the spin-off that’s taking the digital world by storm By: Shaun Uy, Editor-in-Chief

Alcatel One Touch Glory 2 can handle their everyday needs with ease and efficiency.

For only P350 a month, subscribers have the option to get a free Alcatel One Touch Glory 2 powered by the l atest Android 4.1 Jellybean, 3.2 MP camera, WiFi and dual SIM capability; ZTE V790 which features Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 3 MP camera, WiFi and dual SIM; or Huawei Ascend Y200D, a stylish and easyto-use smartphone that has everything one needs to get socially connected including an Android 2.3 OS, 3.2 MP camera, WiFi and dual SIM. Also included in Sun Plan 350 are Sun Cellular’s

popular services namely unlimited Sun calls and texts plus 250 texts to other networ ks on top of the free Android smartphone.

Get your free Android smartphone today at any The Sun Shop and find out why many people are switc hing to “the good choice.” Stay connected 24/7 and experience what it’s like to be under the Sun – seamless communication, reliable connection, stronger signal and wider network coverage!

For more information, visit www.suncellular.com. ph or Facebook page w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / suncellularph. Follow @ suncelldeals on Twitter.

S

torming through the social networ king sites are photographs that never seemed possible to accomplish a few years back.

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras took the spotlight in recent years, bringing high quality images and even causing a mass grave of the analogues.

Polaroid was first to go followed by Kodak film, but slowly, Polaroid is creeping back into the market – and rumor has it – so does Kodak. But let’s take that up some another time. iPhone has been in the market for some time now, from the awe of millions with the first to the next generation iPhone 5 – which is pretty much hard to get

here in the third world.

The iPhone 5 boasts of highly tec hnological advancements in this recent version of the gadget – of course you cannot stop Mr. Android to contest that.

P h o t o g r a p h e r s l i ke myself would opt for the heavy, black steel with high grade optics, but in recent months when I finally got an iPhone 4S – somehow, I found what I was looking for – versatility.

DSLRs are of course, without a doubt – the photographer’s best friend.

I, on the other hand, have been wanting a smaller one especially for travelling without the hassles of excess baggage.

I travelled recently to Misamis Occidental and

brought my DSLR and iPhone – both were very useful in different situations, I think most of you who have both would know that.

The iPhone is fast that I can even do what I call as “drive-by-shooting” (photographing from inside a moving vehicle) provided we have good lighting conditions.

Focusing. Tap the screen of the iPhone on the subject of focus and it adjusts.

Take the photo, filter it through apps and with a few more touc hes – it’s viewable online on your social networking sites. Fast.

Photojournalism. I’ve read articles online and blogs of photographers who were experimenting on using the iPhone to capture news in photos – sure it has cons, but one thing is for sure, the camera is just a tool, the photographer has the “eye”. I’ve seen their works and they are absolutely stunning.

Key in a caption, tap on the email app, it arrives in the newsroom in a few seconds – bloggers have been doing this for a long time now, I think this should be the new wave of photojour nalism, or journalism in general.

SM Babies: Special Moments with Andi Eigenmann and Ellie SM Department Store handpicks young mom for formal launch of SM Babies

M

ANILA, Philippines – Andi Eigenmann has come a long way since debuting in the world of show business as a fresh-faced teenager in 2007. Now 22 years old and touted as the “Heiress of Drama,” Andi takes on the biggest role she’s ever had to play: that of a mother.

It’s for this very reason that SM Department Store, the country’s biggest retail chain, chose Andi and daughter Ellie to be brand ambassadors for SM Babies this season.

“We selected moms who are aspirational figures in their respective fields,” said Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President for SM Babies and SM Kids’ Fashion.

“Andi is a young mom and we want to show that regardless of

age or background, a mother’s love for her child is universal.”

For its formal launch, SM Babies held a photo exhibit called “Special Moments” which featured 14 of Metro Manila’s loveliest moms and their beautiful bundles of joy at the Manila Peninsula Conservatory. Andi graced the event, with the adorable baby Ellie in tow.

“SM has always been a trusted brand and I’m thankful that they chose me and Ellie to be part of this special event,” exclaimed Andi. “I’m not as experienced as the other moms but I’m fully committed to being the best mom that I can be to Ellie.”

When asked about her special moments with Ellie,

Andi shared, “Defintely the ones where I get a full day to myself and get the chance to take her out. I’m able to focus on her and see her play, smile, and laugh. Those are the moments I treasure because nothing makes me happier than seeing her happy.”

Andi also shared how motherhood has c hanged her greatly. “I’ve definitely matured a lot since becoming a mom. I’m aware that I’m not just accountable for myself anymore. I’m responsible for someone’s life and that someone depends on me completely.”

Positively glowing while talking about baby Ellie, it’s clear that motherhood certainly suits the young mom.

Andi & baby Ellie

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February 17-23, 2013

d e O ro

DA-MRDP builds more roads, opportunities in Mindanao

EX-REP. VILLAR READY TO CONTINUE LEGISLATIVE WORKS IN THE SENATE

F Better Road. Farmers and the commuting public in Kibawe, Bukidnon now has safer and faster travel as MRDP completed the rehabilitation of the four-kilometer Kikipot-Natulongan FMR that serves at least 500 hectares of farmland mostly planted to corn.(Photo by Sherwin B. Manual)

T

here are more road networ ks now in Mindanao, driving more economic opportunities for the rural people especially farmers.

Lealyn A. Ramos, Program director of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) said the program has completed a total of 489.10 kilometer farm-to-market (FMR) ro a d s a m o u n t i n g t o P995.23 million, among other projects under the rural infrastructure (RI) component.

“As the completed FMR measuring a total length of close to 500 kilometers and constructing over 800 kilometers more we are not just creating a network of community linkages but also generating jobs and other opportunities in many rural areas,” Ramos said.

I n t h e p ro g r a m ’s report during the recently conducted World Bank review mission in Davao, the rural infrastructure component reflected that 71% of its 495

subprojects were FMRs; while communal irrigation projects account for 14%; potable water systems, 8%; bridges, 6%; and posthar vest facilities mostly solar dryers and warehouses only 1%.

“These roads stimulates agricultural production by providing access to markets. It also facilitates in the transition from subsistence farming to mar ket-oriented production, whic h we expect as we scale-up famers in the value-chain of various commodities,” said Ramos, who is also the regional executive director of DA office in Northern Mindanao.

Roads, Ramos added, also increase rural nonfar m enterprise and even creates off-farm income thus providing further economic even employment opportunities.

She said that for a long time, Mindanao b a d l y n e e d s ro a d s that link communities especially the remote places to town centers, and the partnership of the local government units and the program has created impressive

impact to respond this problem.

Ramos added the infrastructure projects have benefitted over 400,000 farmers who for the longest time had to endure bad road conditions and inaccessibility.

“Despite all these, we understand more still needs to be done. The output of our partnership with the local government units and the DA regional field units as forefront of implementation are a little achievement for the bigger need of better and more road networks,” she said.

These roads have also improved the rapid and easy access of the residents to hospitals, increased attendance of c hildren at sc hool and enhanced the LGUs delivery of social services.

“Some LGUs testified that with better roads t h ey c o u l d a c t u a l l y conduct office caravans in remote areas where all the divisions of the LGU go from barangay to barangay,” Ramos said.(Sherwin B. Manual/ DAMRDP)

JV

repeated beatings of her cruel employers. Baran was also forced to sleep in the bathroom and eat cockroaches and scraps.

Baran’s harrowing ordeal was revealed when she testified before the Senate Committee on Labor in September 2012.

“The law wants to prevent incidents such as the one involving Baran from happening again. Just like any other ordinary employee or worker, household helpers also have rights which should be protected,” said Ejercito Estrada.

He noted that Article II,

Section 5 of Republic Act 10361 or “An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers” stipulates that “the employer or any member of the household shall not subject a domestic worker or ‘kasambahay’ to any kind of abuse nor inflict any form of physical violence or harassment or any act tending to degrade the dignity of a domestic worker.”

The law also calls upon the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure the protection of domestic workers hired through private employment agencies.

...from Page 1

incentives to household helpers.

The San Juan solon is vice chairman of the House labor and employment committee and is one of the principal authors of the Kasambahay Act. “The primary goal of the law is to ensure that our household helpers will no longer be taken advantage of by abusive employers,” the young lawmaker said.

The San Juan solon cited the case of 21-year old Bonita Baran whose one eye is now blind because of the

| 11

ormer Las Pinas City Rep. Cynthia Villar, one of the Senate bets of the Liberal-led coalition Party Team PNoy, is going full blast with her campaign as she promises to continue her legislative works during three-year term in the Lower House (from 2001 to 2010).

“I want to share my experience in the local level and implement them in the national level. I want to pursue my advocacies in the Senate,” stressed Villar, popularly known as “Misis Hanep Buhay”, for the livelihood enterprises that she has set up in more

than 500 communities in Las Pinas and more than 100 more all over the country.

During her term as President of the Lady Legislators of the House of Representatives in the 12th, 13th and 14th Congress, she led the passage of landmark bills upholding the welfare of women, children and families.

Among these pieces of legislations were the Magna Carta of Women, anti-trafficking of women and children, anti-violence against women, protection of children in the workplace, juvenile justice system and

the two versions of the Senior Citizens Act (2003 and 2010).

As chairperson of the House Committee on Higher & Technical Education in 2004 to 2010 or in the 14th Congress, Villar authored and led the passage of 28 bills promoting access to quality education nationwide. Among these, the University of the Philippines (UP) Charter of 2008 and the Philippine Normal University (PNU) Modernization Act of 2009.

She also bac ked advanced systems of education suc h as the ladderized approac h, distance learning and openuniversity system.

“These systems give poor and working students the opportunity to continue their studies until they earn a college diploma,” said Villar.

While “Sipag at Tiyaga” (industry and patience) are very important to conquer poverty, “Misis Hanep Buhay” noted that having a college degree is also equally important to succeed in life. “Sipag at Tiyaga” has been the campaign slogan of her husband, Senator Manny Villar whose term ends in 2013. He served as Speaker of the House and Senate President.

Aggie dept commits in becoming responsible rice consumers

“Sapat na Bigas, Kaya ng Pinas” – this is the Department of Agriculture’s battlecry as it leads the celebration of the 2013 National Year of Rice (NYR) with rice self-sufficiency as its core value.

In support to this campaign, the DA-Northern Mindanao (Region 10) led

by Regional Executive Director Lealyn A. Ramos (1st row, extreme right) has recently included the recitation of the Panatang Makapalay (Pledge of Rice)

during the office’s Monday flag raising ceremony on February 11, 2013.

I t s key m e s s a ge highlights responsible rice consumption which can be achieved by consuming just the right amount of rice and trying alternative food staples for better health at the same time reducing rice wastage.

Suc h is anticipated if the farmer-producers, consuming public and the policymakers work together.

As the DA-employees

serve as the frontliners in the delivery of services to agri-clienteles, they’ve pledged to boost the government’s commitment to the rice sector in the attainment of rice selfsufficiency by the end of 2013.

The 2013 NYR was declared by President Benigno S. Aquino, III under Proclamation No. 494, which was signed on October 18, 2012.

(Joanne L. Olson, DA-10)

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09273373917 | Advertising: 09177121424

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The | February 17-23, 2013 CAGAYAN TIMES d e O ro

PDG Tinnex Jaraula, Chairman FRCCI. Photo by Mike Mendoza

Past President and Golf for a Cause Chair Caloy Gorospe shows picture perfect form as he tees off during the first day of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro’s GOLF FOR A CAUSE. Watching closely is PDG Tinnex Jaraual and PAG Dick Aguilar. A record breaking 270 golfers registered for the four day tournament. Photo by Mike Mendoza

VILLAR PROCLAMATION with TEAM PNOY - Senatorial candidate Cynthia Villar with LP senatorial candidates raising hands with President Noynoy Aquino in the recent proclamation rally in Manila.

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