One Mindanao - October 1, 2013 by PIA Mindanao

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OUR COVER

Experiencing Kampo Juan

Recthie T. Paculba Northern Mindanao

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Today’s news...

Page 7 NATIONAL

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Malacanang appeals to Filipinos to take time to review facts about the Disbursement Acceleration

WESTERN MINDANAO

DTI conducts rubber tapping management training Claro A. Lanipa

CARAGA REGION

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DOH exceeds targets in setting up ‘BnB’ in Caraga region DTI-Caraga organizes Diskwento Caravan in celebration of Consumer Welfare

Atty. Maria Aurora Curaza-Maquiling/Marson Jan S. Dolendo

NORTHERN MINDANAO

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DILG holds constituency dialogue in NorMin Rochelle D. Dagang

Misamis Occidental expands PPOC membership Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

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Local film development council for Davao eyed RG Alama

CENTRAL MINDANAO

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4Ps beneficiaries in Sarangani to undergo skills training Danilo E. Doguiles

SOUTH Cotabato LGU collects nearly 44,000 cc of blood in bloodletting activity Shahana Joy Duerme

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013 Vol. 3 No. 33

COVER STORY

Experiencing Kampo Juan By Recthie T. Paculba

asayang-masaya! It’s really more fun in the Philippines!” exclaimed Gary Feliciano, who at 60 still tried riding the Anicycle—an aerial bike placed at 90-meter high above the ground with a distance span of 200 meters.

Rousing adrenaline to its hype Riding on the Anicycle seems scary as the way it looks but as you get your feet on the pedal and take control of the ride, you’ll get the cool feeling of being on top of a remarkable lush of Bukidnon. Unlike the zip line, The Anicycle, the only one of its kind in the country, is noted as one of the breathtaking adventure trips in Kampo Juan at Barangay Dicklum, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon aside from the two zip-lines that travels at a combined distance of 840 meters with a height of 100 meters.

Anicycle along with the two zip lines and a hanging bridge adventure only costs P600 and if you want to experience the thrill of going down from the mountains, you can try the Kampo Juan rappelling adventure. This and the three other adventure trips only costs P1, 000.

the Anicycle enables you to view the wonders of Bukidnon for as long as you want since you have the control to pause in the middle of the ride through holding the brakes of the bike. You can also speed up if you feel like you want to reach the other end fast by simply moving the bike’s pedal. Prior to riding the Anicycle, professional guides will give instructions on how you’ll keep safe all the time and enjoy the ride. If you want to bring along your camera to document your whole Anicycle experience, it’s absolutely possible. You may also experience the ride with your son or daughter since there is a harness intended for children. As of September 2013, the

Origin and features of the Camp Kampo Juan, according to Camp Manager Noriel Agulay, was named after Dr. Juan C. Acosta— an agriculturist-farmer and scientist who has contributed immensely to Philippine agriculture, plant breeding and genetics, economic development and food security especially in the rural sector. It was established in April 15, 2011 providing a good venue for an immersion with nature as a way to relieve stress. Prior to reaching the entrance of the adventure park, one could see the historical Gen. Douglas McArthur landmark of the World War II Airfields of the United States Air Force. It is the very spot where the famous general uttered the words “I shall return” before his departure to Australia on March 1942. Kampo Juan also serves as the home of the major varieties propagated by Dr. Acosta. Some of these varieties include the Ulam Pineapple, Cherry Tomato, Rambutan and other horticulture plantation. If you are looking for a quiet yet beautiful place for relaxation, the camp features cool tree house and green 5

cottages where you can sit back and enjoy as well as witness stunning sunsets. The Guided Trailing Tour is also one of the best offerings of Kampo Juan especially to those who love to get acquainted with exotic flora and fauna species. It is an hour walk along Kampo Juan’s walking trail facilitated by their experienced Mountain Guides. The adventure starts with a farm tour, crossing on the hanging bridge, climbing down the cliff of Kampo Juan ravine, crossing the Yellow River and ends with climbing the 30-feet Juan’s Beanstalk. Inclusive of welcome drinks, snacks, service vehicle (from Cagayan de Oro City

only), Juan’s Beanstalk and one-way Anicycle ride, the Guided Trailing Tour costs P600 (as of September 2013). If you are planning to stay for a night or two in Kampo Juan, you can try their Klima-Kubo cottage camping and bamboo cottages which cost around P1,000 good for two persons and P2,500 good for seven people (as of September

2013). Whether you are in for an adventure or simply to relax, Kampo Juan can surely give in to your desires. With all its amenities, fun-filled activities and great display of nature’s bounty, Kampo Juan can surely make you say, “It’s more fun in the Philippines!”

President Aquino declares October 28 as special non-working day for Sychronized Barangay Elections

resident Benigno S. Aquino III has declared October 28, which falls on a Monday, as a special (non-working) holiday throughout the country for the Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections, a Palace official said. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang Palace on Tuesday that the Chief Executive issued Proclamation No. 656 on September 25. President Aquino noted that it is important to give the people the fullest opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to vote. “Wala pa ang bill on postponement that’s why, it says “Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections”....I would refer you to the special pay rules issued by the Department of Labor (and Employment) on pay rules for special non-working holidays,” Valte said. The President earlier directed the law enforcement agencies and other concerned agencies to coordinate and cooperate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 28. The directive was issued by virtue of Memorandum Order (MO) No. 56 signed TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on July 23. The Comelec, through its Resolution No. 9731 (s. 2013), resolved to request the concurrence of the President in the deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies, in connection with Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. “Pursuant to Section 2 (4), Article IX-C of the Constitution, the COMELEC is empowered to deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections,” the MO read. The Chief Executive concurred with COMELEC Resolution No. 9731, deputizing AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies, to assist COMELEC in ensuring the free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible conduct of October elections. PND

Malacanang appeals to Filipinos to take time to review facts about the Disbursement Acceleration

alacanang appealed to Filipinos to take time to review the facts on the Disbursement Acceleration Plan (DAP), which it said had been in operation since 2011. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the DAP, a program that identifies fast-moving government projects that could be accorded additional funding from savings, was used to fast track disbursements and push economic growth in light of the global slowdown and the onslaught of recent calamities. “Perhaps, at this point, it would be good to point out that while some are attempting to paint DAP with the same brush as they have done with PDAF, it’s

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good to just go through the information that we have already released on this, since the inception of the DAP in 2011,” Valte said. She added the idea that the initial tranche of P72.11-billion of the DAP approved in 2011 went entirely to lawmakers is a misconception. “That is a misconception because I can tell you now that a very big percentage of the fund was actually coursed through the implementing agencies themselves; meaning, agencies in the executive,” Valte said. PND

Mindanao business sector still upbeat on Mindanao economy following Zamboanga crisis

indanao’s business sector expressed confidence that Mindanao’s economy will bounce back following the resolution of the Zamboanga crisis, particularly that situation in the city is now returning to normalcy. Daniel Lim, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) said that Mindanao would definitely overcome the negative effects of the Zamboanga siege. “We will certainly survive from this crisis. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

This may slow down our growth, but it will definitely not stop Mindanao from growing,” he said while adding “the incident may have caused Mindanao to step back in terms of economic growth, but we will move forward again.”

He said that there is no guarantee that this incident will not happen again, but believed that development will prevail with more people favoring peace and economic stability, after seeing the effects of the crisis in Zamboanga. DCCCII was the lead organizer of the recently concluded 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) held in August this year, which gathered the region’s business chambers and convened more than 800 key business players from across Mindanao. “Business chambers should be vocal against and must not be cowed by acts of terrorism, Lim said while adding “chambers must be more upfront in condemning these acts, and express full support to other cities whenever similar incidents happen.” Efren Uy, president of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CDOCI) said “Mindanao’s economy will take a rebound from the crisis with members of the region’s chambers working as one powerful force.” “As long as members of the chambers and the private sector will seriously commit for the continuous promotion of Mindanao and its investment attractions, we will surmount this crisis,” he added. DCCCII’s Lim also applauded the Philippine government for its successful handling of the Zamboanga incident and admired its deliberate intent to solve the crisis with a lesser number of casualties among civilians. “I commend the government in handling the crisis in the most humane manner that may have required them a longer time to solve, but ensured the safety of the most number of civilians,” he said. Ricardo Juliano, vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) supported Lim’s assessment of the handling of the crisis and said that the siege was managed decisively. “I am glad that the government didn’t give a ‘free pass’ to the rebels similar to what happened during the Kabatangan hostagetaking incident in 2001, also in Zamboanga TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

City,” he added. Rodolfo Menes, regional governor of PCCI Northern Mindanao said the PCCI and local chambers are now focusing on investment promotion initiatives towards a peaceful Mindanao. “We will collaborate with the Aquino government in ensuring that what we have gained for the past years will not all be lost because of this incident,” he added. Raymund Salangsang, president of the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GSCCCII) calls for Mindanawons to pursue the quest for peace in order for Mindanao for fully achieve its economic potentials. “We must be serious about the peace process and secure lasting and sustainable peace in the region for us to move forward and secure our economic gains,” he added. The GSCCI will be hosting next year’s MinBizCon, which promises to also showcase the vast business potentials and opportunities in Mindanao, particularly the Socsksargen Region. “As for our part, we will continue to deepen our engagement and development efforts for the best interest of our city and region, as we push for a more peaceful Mindanao,” he said. Mindanao Development Authority Chair Luwalhati Antonino said that focus right now will move towards rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged communities in Zamboanga City. She added that MinDA is looking at the larger picture in pushing for long-range development in the area, which just last year posted the highest economic growth rate among 17 regions in the country. Based on earlier reports, the city suffered an estimated economic daily loss of P331.37 million pesos due to the crisis that also resulted to damages that cover total or partial destruction of physical assets existing in the affected area.

Zambo City recovers from 3-week crisis By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - On an ordinary day, Zamboanga Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traffic congestion is bad â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bumper-to-bumper. Most of the roads are too narrow to accommodate thousands of vehicles plying daily. Rarely has there been a day when motorists and public utility vehicles would not be stuck in traffic, sending many to complain as if it would miraculously ease the congestion.

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But 23 days following one of the most publicized tragedies in Zamboanga, the people have grown to see traffic in a new perspective. It isn’t as bad, after all. On Oct. 9, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels infiltrated the city, taking several residents of the barangays Sta. Catalina to Rio Hondo area hostage. The otherwise cheerful Zamboanguenos were shocked at such an occurrence. For days and nights on end, shots and explosions could be heard. Over a hundred thousand people have left their homes for evacuation centers. Homes have been burned down. Lives have been lost. Mayor Beng Climaco was quoted as saying that “Zamboanga will never be the same again,” But she remained optimistic that the city could rise above its present condition. As soon as the last shots have been fired last Friday night - when all the hostages have been rescued, and a few remaining MNLF fighters being pursued by the government troops - shops and business establishments opened up. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

People are anxious to get back with their normal lives. All of them are raring to catch up and earn a living. For one, bank branches that opened up were increasing day after day. Zamboanga Bankers and Financiers Association President Alma Paculanan disclosed that of the 61 bank branches, only six banks have remained closed until today. These six branches are within the clearing area designated by the authorities. The long queues in ATMs commonly observed last week, have now become sparse. The Zamboanga City Hall, the seat of the city government, is operating with most of the employees reporting back to work. Mayor Beng Climaco led yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flag-raising ceremony, and emphasized that the pole will only fly the Philippine flag. The flag, however, is raised in half-mast, in honor of those who died in the three-week conflict. It is tattered and frayed on the ends because it stayed flying at the pole for the whole duration of the crisis. Several malls within the downtown areas have also opened. Southway Square and the Gateway, located less than two kilometers from the conflict zone are now open, along with the Shoppers chain of stores. Mindpro Citimall, which is TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

a little bit farther from the two malls, has been open since Thursday. But security remains stiff, and the police and military presence remains. As of this writing, the government troops have only sealed the areas within the immediate vicinity of barangays Sta. BarbaraSta. Catalina-Rio Hondo. Police Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca said that they are still conducting intensive clearing operations to rid the area of explosives. Meanwhile, buses can only leave the city until 5 p.m. The curfew outside the immediate areas of concern has been moved from 8 p.m.-5 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also announced that it has now shifted from relief operations to rehabilitation. Relocation sites for the families whose homes have been devastated are being studied. Mayor Climaco has also instructed the local officials to swiftly define the areas of resettlement. The DSWD, together with the local government of Zamboanga, will address the immediate and long-term needs of the more or less 100,000 individuals who have been displaced by the three-week conflict in Zamboanga.

DTI conducts rubber tapping management training By Claro A. Lanipa

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – To provide the participants the correct rubber tapping technology, a four-day Rubber Productivity and Quality Improvement Training on rubber tapping management was conducted on Sept. 24-27, 2013 at the Timbermines Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TIMMULCO) building in this town.

The training, which was attended by 30 rubber farmers, is a convergence project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), TIMMULCO in coordination with the municipal government. Reynaldo Beduya of DA-ATI taught the participants proper rubber tapping techniques with hands-on rubber tapping and latex collection, while Noli Camocamo of the same agency conducted an assessment on the skills acquired by the participants. Meanwhile, Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr. expressed his profound thanks to the sponsoring agencies saying, “Bayoganons will now be able to augment their income with this newly acquired technology.” He added that the LGU will soon TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

operate its own rubber processing plant to get the “price level” stable to the benefit of both rubber traders and farmers. Babasa said: “The technology that is transferred to you will absolutely help you earn more with your right attitude. DOLE provided the starter kits composed of three tapping knives, boots, two hand gloves, helmet, two masks, two pieces raincoats (trouser and pants). TESDA also provided P500 to each participants to cover their assessment fee (practicum, written and oral assessment), while the DTI and TIMMULCO provided the school supplies, and food and accommodation, respectively. Reynaldo Pintacasi Sr. Trade and Industry Development Specialist, DTI-Zamboanga del Sur said the same training was also conducted in Josefina last Aug. 27-30 and Dumingag last Sept. 10-13.

CRIP awards regional peace ambassadors by Johny S. Natad

BUTUAN CITY -- The Caraga Regional Institute of Peace (CRIP) awarded on Monday its first Regional Peace Ambassadors for their valuable commitment and efforts in the promotion of peace in the region.

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CRIP chairperson and executive director Rex F. Ybañez led the awarding of Dr. Adrilene Mae J. Castaños, 1Lt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez and Pastor Recto T. Labrador for their exemplary character, knowledge, and perseverance which made an impact in their communities during the Regional Peace Education Contest Conference at the AVR-2 of Fr. Saturnino Urios University, this city. Castaños is currently the university director for National Service Training Program (NSTP) of Caraga State University. She has served as focal person on Gender and Development Office (GAD) from 2001 to 2006 of Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST) (presently Caraga State University). Her major effort is on the promotion on gender education, gender equality and participation of women in developments. Castaños has made significant contribution in many researches and publications such as Violence Against Women and Children and Child Trafficking; Pilot Study on VAWC and Women and Gender Child Trafficking Incidence And Magnitude; Women in Conflict Areas of Mindanao; Regional Program to Promote Gender Equality in Political Participation in the Philippines; Political Participation Of Women in Caraga: A Case Study Regional Program to Promote Gender Equality in Political Participation in TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

the Philippines. She is the networking coordinator on various peace education and gender education programs on Paz Y Desarrollo–Women and Gender Institute. Her researches and publication have been presented before various conventions and conference, and have published by Paz Y Desarrollo – Women and Gender Institute. 1Lt. Joe Patrick Martinez is the Commanding Officer of the 42nd Civil Military Operations Company, Camp Bancasi, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte of the Philippine Army. A mission-oriented Army Officer with pro-active work ethic, Martinez is known for his peace advocacy in the most dangerous areas around the region. The Philippine Army awarded him with Military Merit Medal and Military Commendation Medal for his excellent contribution in the resolution of conflict in the community. His work made to the peaceful resolution of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Barangay Luna, Surigao City. He and his company successfully supported the concerned

stakeholders in facilitation of supports to be given to the affected families and later on facilitated the safe return of the said families to their communities in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. He also contributed to the peace intervention during the attack of NPA in Mining firms in Claver, Surigao del Norte. Martinez conducted series of dialogues, symposiums, and houseto-house visitations to the affected families. Provided right information to the general public and to the defense department on the current situation of the people and facilitated the support to be given to the affected families. He also was responsible for the peaceful resolution of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Barangay Emadejas, Butuan City and helped facilitate the safe return of the said families to their communities in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. Pastor Recto Labrador is a community development worker known for his passion in nurturing street children on living peacefully and righteously. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

During his tenure as a Church Pastor, he worked as a Campus Worker/Minister to High School students in so many places. He is connected to an Interfaith base Campus ministry called Shalom Friendship Global Network (SFGN). He is the Chairman of the Christian Muslim and Lumad Interfaith Organization in Agusan Del Sur. Recto is presently ministering Street Children of Butuan City for eight years feeding the children with Good Moral Values, Biblical Interfaith education and food to supplement the needs of the children who are less fortunate. He choses to reside in a Muslim and Christian area of Barangay Ong Yiu, Butuan City, where he teaches peace principles and feed more than a hundred street kids. He is also a delegate of the International Interfaith Conference for Peace held in Davao City and Sultan Kudarat sometime last 2012, the volunteer lecturer of Caraga Region Institute of Peace, True Love Waits and Caraga Youth Leaders Network and the volunteer in the Moral Recovery Program of Butuan City Government.

DOH exceeds targets in setting up ‘BnB’ in Caraga region

Butuan City-- The Department of Health (DOH) exceeded its target in the number of “Botika ng Barangay” (BnBs) or village drug stores established in Caraga region to provide safe, effective and affordable medicines to the people in the region, especially the poor.

Hayde Senaca, BnB coordinator, said that as of June this year, the DOH has established 159 or 126 percent over the target of 126 BnBs in Agusan del Norte. In Agusan del Sur, Senaca said 252 BnBs were established or 160 percent above the target of 157 BnBs; Surigao del Norte, 183 BnBs while the target was 167 or 110 percent accomplishment; Dinagat Island, 75 BnBs established or TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

150 percent to the target of 50; and Surigao del Sur, 228 BnBs set up as compared to 155 target or 147 percent accomplishment. Senaca said they aimed to set up a coordinated drug outlets in areas, particularly in most remote, to make available and accessible safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines for the majority of the people in the region.

DTI-Caraga organizes Diskwento Caravan in celebration of Consumer Welfare by Atty. Maria Aurora Curaza-Maquiling/Marson Jan S. Dolendo

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga will be organizing two Diskwento Caravan this October for the benefit of consumers of Butuan City in celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month. DTI-Caraga Regional Office is holding a one-day Diskwento Caravan today, during the opening day of the month-long celebration at the Capitol Grounds, Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol, here. Consumers will get another chance of buying basic commodities at discounted prices as DTI-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office will be holding TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

its own Diskwento Caravan on October 30-31, 2013 at the Happy Wholesaler and Supermarket Grounds, S. Calo Avenue, Brgy. Obrero, this city. This year’s lead agency of the Consumer Welfare Month celebration is the Department of Health and has the theme, “Health Product Quality, Efficacy, Safety & Transparency – Everybody’s Concern.”

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SSS encourages habit of saving by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Social Security System (SSS), Northern Mindanao division explained during Talakayan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here that one of their priority programs is to encourage people, especially in the informal sector the habit of saving.

Lawyer Josefina M. Olan-Fornilos, assistant vice-president, Northern Mindanao division of SSS cited an example of a tricycle driver with five family members earning more or less P10,000 a month would have a big TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

burden paying even the minimum contribution of SSS per month. There are so many bills to pay, tuition for the kids, food, daily expenditures and so on, she said. However, with the AlkanSSSya

program of SSS, a tricycle driver for example will simply deposit P10 a day to an SSS designated alkansya or piggy bank and in one month, the depositor will have an accumulated P312 minimum contribution. In Cagayan de Oro, this has already been started in Barangay Carmen. In fact, the SSS has collected much from this and we see it really effective, Atty. Fornilos said. Other plans and priorities of the SSS include Service Partnership Agreement (SPA) wherein they partner with microfinance corporations and cooperatives to accept SSS payments. Another is subsidy to farmers and agricultural workers. Atty. Fornilos also stressed that they want to bring in rich contributors, particularly those professional groups. She said they might not see the need to contribute to SSS because they are financially well-off but their contribution can greatly help to subsidize poor members.

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SSS also welcomes the Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) and of course the household helpers. They are also enhancing their service delivery such as creation of service offices in strategic areas. Meanwhile, Atty. Fornilos said they are going to open an office to receive payments and contributions in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental to cater

members in the eastern portion of the province. Further, they have forged an agreement between Robinson’s Shopping Center to have a service office for SSS. For enhanced service delivery, SSS also has electronic self service transactions, website, Text SSS and electronic banking transactions where a member can pay electronically.

DILG holds constituency dialogue in NorMin by Rochelle D. Dagang

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10, will hold on October 10, a Constituency Dialogue entitled “Talakayan ng Pamayanan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan,” in celebration of the 22nd Anniversary of the Local Government Code of the Philippines here. Through Presidential Proclamation No. 63, October was declared as the Local Government Month, with the second week of October as the Local Government Week and the 10th day of October as Local Government Day in the country, in line with the signing of the Local Government Code of 1991. This year’s theme for the celebration of the 22nd LG Code Anniversary is “Kilos Progreso, Makilahok sa Pag-asenso” embodies a call for united and concerted action for national progress. United action entails transparency (advocates accountability and open governance), TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

vigilance (intensifying citizen’s engagement) and volunteerism (strengthen people’s participation) on the part of the people in governance, cited Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, DILG 10 Regional Director. He added the Constituency Dialogue, which is conducted simultaneously nationwide in various local government units, will serve as a venue for discussion on the following topics under the theme “Pakikilahok sa Pamamahala ng Barangay:” Mga Batayan sa Pagpili ng mga Tamang Kandidato and Citizens Volunteerism in Barangay Governance. All local government units are

encouraged to celebrate and showcase good governance examples in their own localities based on the national theme, with special focus on good barangay governance. Other suggested activities are launching of new projects; forging of

new partnerships among the leagues, civil society organizations and nongovernment organization; Grassroots Participatory Budget Process (GPBP) launching; barangay assembly, and; media activities.

Misamis Occidental expands PPOC membership by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Misamis Occidental Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has expanded with the acceptance of three law enforcement agencies as regular members.

The expansion answers the need for closer cooperation among all law enforcement agencies of the government involved in the enforcement of general and special laws, Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, PPOC chairperson, said. It also ensures the unified directions and integration of effort throughout the province in the suppression of criminal activities on a day-to-day basis, particularly at the operating levels. Threats to peace and order posed by criminals require the dedicated efforts of all government TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

officials and citizens and need to be fully coordinated to effectively prevent and suppress criminality, the Governor said during a recent PPOC meeting in the city. Meanwhile, Sanivier G. Patoc, Provincial Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the new regular members of the Expanded Misamis Occidental PPOC, are the following: 101st Brigade, Philippine Army, whose military operation is based in Pi?an, Zamboanga del Norte, the Joint Task Force Panguil, Pnilippine National Police (PNP) based at the Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal (IBJT), Ozamiz City and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) based at the Provincial Capitol, Oroquieta City. Photo by http://www.ugnayan.com/ ph/MisamisOccidental/Oroquieta

Digos City takes lead role to continue Army’s internal security effort by Carina Cayon

(Sept. 30) during the flag-raising ceremony at the city hall lobby, the tasks and responsibilities of the LGU through the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) in carrying out the internal security operations. Following the handover was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the 39th IB represented by commanding officer Lt. Col Norman S. Zuniega and the city government and CPOC headed by Mayor Joseph R. Peñas. The MOA explained that the DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – The 39th IB recommended the handover Local Government of Digos City of the ISO responsibility lead role to has taken the lead role of ensurthe Digos City CPOC in view of the ing the continual implementation existing peaceful security situation, of the peace and security program and after the Army cleared the city of the Philippine Army in the city of the Local Communist Movement through the Internal Security Ef(LCM) influence. fort (ISE). In the MOA, the CPOC The Army’s 39th Infantry committed to provide appropriate Battalion of the 10th Infantry support for the operations and Division handed over on Monday capacity building activities to the TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies, which would be necessary for the maintenance of peace and order. The Council would also conduct other activities aiming to prevent resurgence of the LCM, and would ensure that community development efforts and people empowerment would also be undertaken. The 39th IB, on the other hand, committed to ensure effective functioning of the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) to support the CPOC in the implementation of ISO, and to actively support its capacity building activities. Digos City information officer Roberto Zamora said in an interview that Mayor Peñas was thankful for the trust and confidence of the 39th IB to the Council to head the implementation of the internal

security efforts. Zamora explained that the handover of the ISE was not a total pull out of the Army’s interventions and assistance to the city. “There will still be detachments to be retained. The Army’s interventions will only be minimized,” he cited. I n Section II of the MOA, it was stipulated that “the handover of ISO lead role responsibility does not preclude the AFP units from taking parts in ISO even take the lead, should there be a need.” The MOA also specified a commitment from Digos CPOC to create a Sub-Committee to be chaired by the 39th IB, within a month after the approval of the MOA, aiming to monitor and periodically assess and submit a report to the CPOC Chair of the prevailing internal security situation. (PIA-11/Carina Cayon)

facts and figures P160,000

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Worth of complete mountaineering gears and equipment recently turned over to the Sibulan Mt. Apo Porters Association as livelihood assistance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI).

Local film development council for Davao eyed DAVAO CITY- A Davao City Councilor is proposing through an ordinance the creation of the Film Development Council of Davao City. The resolution was introduced by first district Councilor Leonardo Avila during the October 1 Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council) session. According to the resolution of Councilor Avila, there is already a thriving film industry in Davao City which has become a favourite destination for location shoots, both for national and international films. Last August, a big South Korean film production company shot several important scenes in Davao City and Davao del Norte which starred popular Korean stars, with the support of the Department of Tourism which is marketing the region as an alternative film location for the lucrative South Korean film industry. Aside from film locations, the Sineng Pambansa (National Film Festival) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) was held last year in Davao City, aside from the Sineng Pambansa, the city also hosts the Mindanao

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Film Festival which is the longest running independent film festival in the country. According to Avila, there is a need for the local government to support film industry and harness its potentials. Last year the City Government and the FDCP unveiled the Davao Cinematheque, a 120seater theatre aimed at showing world cinema and Filipino movie classics to the public for free. One of the guests at the City Council session was renowned film director Brillante Mendoza who who during a session recess urged the City Government to support the proposal of Councilor Avila noting the enthusiasm of many Dabawenyos for cinema. Mendoza, the only Filipino director to win the best director prize in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival is currently on a tour among Davao City schools. Avila’s proposal which was treated as the resolution’s first reading was given to the City Council’s Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Arts chaired by Councilor Maria Belen Acosta for further hearings. (PIA/RG Alama)

Philhealth pilots expanded primary care package with DepEd 12 personnel By: Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Teachers and non-teaching personnel of Department of Education in Soccsksargen Region (DepEd-12) can now avail of Philhealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary care benefits even before they get sick. Philhealth 12, in a press statement, be opened to DepEd 12 personnel announced that effective today, as part of its pilot-testing outside of October 1, the expanded Primary original beneficiary sector. Care Benefit 1 (PCB1) package will At least 23,069 teachers as

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well as non-teaching employees of DepEd 12 are set to benefit from the package. Initially launched in 2000, the expanded PCB1 is an enhancement of the outpatient benefit package covering only the members under the sponsored programs such as indigents subsidized by the local government unit, private individuals and corporations and members of Congress, among others. It also covers beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, identified through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction. Under the expanded PCB1 package, DepEd 12 teaching and non-teaching personnel can already avail of primary preventive care including consultation, screening for cervical cancer, regular blood pressure measurements, periodic clinical breast exam, counseling for healthy lifestyle and smoking cessation, and digital rectal exam. Diagnostics like complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum microscopy, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and chest X-ray as well as medications for asthma including nebulization services, acute gastroenteritis with no or mild dehydration, minimal or low risk upper respiratory tract infection and urinary tract Infection are also provided. Under the PCB1 package, members could avail of blood pressure measurement once a month while female members, 25 years old and over, could also avail also of free clinical breast exam and visual TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

inspection with acetic acid once a year. “I am definitely assured that the Magna Carta for Teachers will finally be realized, “Luz Lalli L. Ferrer, Education Program Supervisor II of DepEd 12,said in response to the announce. “I am a teacher through and through,” she said. “When a teacher is diagnosed with illness, a teacher does not ask: Am I still oblige to teach? Because even at the brink of death, a teacher teaches that is why “we are grateful to PhilHealth for expanding PCB1.” Given the option to choose their PCB provider, according to their personal and family needs and living arrangements, DepEd personnel and their qualified dependents are assured of continuity of care. PhilHealth is also confident that quality health care is attainable with the adequate number of providers that the region has. “All the RHUs (rural health units) in region 12 are PhilHealth accredited including 10 health centers in General Santos City. And we also have authorized hospitals to provide PCB1 services such as South Cotabato Provincial Hospital and Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, to name a few,” explained Dr. Antoniette M. Ladio, medical specialist IV and head of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Section of PhilHealth 12. At the moment, she said, the ratio is one provider to more or less 200 employee-members per municipality. For DepEd 12 personnel to be able to avail of the said benefits

soon, Ferrer, in behalf of DepEd 12 Director Allan Farnazo promised to immediately provide Philhealth 12 with masterlist of DepEd personnel and their assigned PCB1 providers. “At the end of the school year, we require our teachers’ clearance. And they won’t get cleared without undergoing medical examination” she shared, to ensure that all personnel would avail id the PCB1 services. Meanwhile, PCB1 providers are required to assess the general health status of DepEd personnel-members

and qualified dependents at least once a year using the Individual Health Profile form. The profile shall contain the demographic data, past medical history, personal/social history, immunizations, reproductive health history and pertinent physical examination findings. Payment shall be based on number of personnel enrolled, enlisted, profiled and services given (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with A Sequito, Philhealth 12).

4Ps beneficiaries in Sarangani to undergo skills training

By: Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Several skills trainings are being prepared for conditional cash transfer beneficiaries in Maasim and Malapatan towns in Sarangani to boost their capability to generate income for their households.

Recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 inked a partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 12 for the conduct community-based skills trainings for 4Ps families in the mentioned municipality. DSWD-12 Assistant Regional Director Gemma Rivera explained the initiative is part of the agency’s commitment to provide communitybased capacity building through Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to further improve the plight and condition of the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the region. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

“The skills training is one way to empower our beneficiaries and as part of the agency’s assistance towards gainful employment or self-employed activities for their sustainability after the shortterm assistance through Pantawid Pamilya,” Rivera said. Initially, 375 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are set to undergo skills trainings including massage therapy, nail care, fish processing, banana chips making, housekeeping, food preparation, carpentry and masonry. The beneficiaries, according to Rivera, will undergo 7 to 25

days of training depending on the course qualification chosen, which will be simultaneously conducted in said towns until November. Meanwhile, Noraida Busran, regional project coordinator of SLP, revealed that aside from the skills training, the beneficiaries will be provided with post-training assistance to facilitate employment and entrepreneurial initiatives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the help of local government units, TESDA, business sectors and other agencies our assistance does not just end after skills training. We have to synergize our efforts to pave the way for them to become future entrepreneurs or employees in which we believe an as ultimate way out of poverty,â&#x20AC;? Busran added. Busran revealed that the agency has also signed partnership agreement with Sarangani Energy Corporation for the provision of classroom facilities, equipment and other assistance for Carpentry and Masonry in Maasim. The said company also committed to help qualified trained beneficiaries to be employed in their different TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

projects after training completion. Along with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) forms part of the three-pronged antipoverty convergence programs of the national government that are implemented by the DSWD. SLP is a multi-stakeholder program that aims to improve the socio?economic status of beneficiaries particularly of Pantawid Pamilya to generate greater impact on poverty reduction. 4Ps beneficiaries in Maasim and Malapatan comprised Set 1 of the CCT beneficiaries in the Soccsksargen Region, which besides Sarangani province also covers South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat

and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato. As Set 1 beneficiaries, at least 2,253 household beneficiaries in Maasim and 3,667 households in Malapatan will “graduate” from the program in December this year, which means that their conditional monthly financial support will be terminated. n an earlier interview with

Philippine Information Agency 12, ARD Rivera emphasized that although the CCT support for the graduates will cease, other interventions such as livelihood and employment opportunities will continue for the beneficiaries with aid from other government agencies and local government units. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with LBlanza -DSWD-12)

SOUTH Cotabato LGU collects nearly 44,000 cc of blood in bloodletting activity By: Shahana Joy Duerme KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Some 43,500 cc of blood was collected duing the bloodletting activity spnsored by the local government unit of nearby Tupi town last week.

The activity was headed by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) in collaboration with the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital InHouse Blood Bank. Corazon Taneza, medical technologist II of Tupi MHO said that from more than 100 volunteers who came to the event, only 87 were qualified to become blood donors, following an assessment that determined whether the donor is fit to donate blood. “Everyone can donate but the state of health should be assessed first,” Taneza explained. She also emphasized that the collected blood would still undergo TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013

furhter analysis at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) Laboratory to ensure that these are free from diseases such as hepatitis, malaria, HIV and others. This is also to ensure that the blood is safe for future transfusion. Meanwhile, she said that blood donors will have access to borrow or withdraw blood in future cases of blood loss, and other medical interventions which call for blood replacement. The bloodletting activity which was anchored in the theme, “DOHnate Blood, Save Life,” is now on its 11th year of implementation. (SJDuerme-PIA12/Tupi LGU)

Dominga Mallonga DOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.ph DOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph

Dominga Mallonga DOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.ph DOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph