PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail : r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Skype : hnb_r9pia
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail : pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail : efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Central Mindanao (SOCSKARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail : r12_pia@yahoo.com pia_xii@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor …….........
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Managing Editor …….........
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors …...
NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
features the mangrove forest in Del Carmen, Siargao Island
Photo Credits : smallislander delcarmen-sdn.com
Cover Story :
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Vol. 1, No. 64
For Del Carmen, Mother Nature comes first by Roel D. Catoto
NATI O NAL
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Aquino cites National Sectoral Assembly’s role in fight against poverty
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Aquino administration remains open to dialogues with JudicialExecutive Council
‘Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’ is capital for country’s future, says Aquino Malacañang vows government’s effort to curb human trafficking Malacañang defends promotion of Sarangani Congressman Pacquiao to lieutenant colonel in AFP
WESTERN Mindanao
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DTI implements Fair Trade Law, charges 20 establishments
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Ipil imposes new parking fees
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So Cotabato’s LBK bus version to feature more health services DA to put up livelihood and infra projects in Malungon, Sarangani
GenSan public school receives 10 computers
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CARAGA Region
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Lumad PWDs receive wheelchairs, crutches from ALLUMAD DOLE-Caraga approves P15 wage increase
Maternal mortality rate down by 50% in Surigao del Sur, says Gov. Pimentel TUCP, WDFI to train youths on CBA negotiation
Butuan cops seize truckloads of ‘hot logs’
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Libreng LET review para sa mga guro ng Maguindanao Workshop sa early recovery and rehabilitation sa Central Mindanao ginanap
NORTHERN Mindanao
Parents urged to support newborn screening
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contents
CENTRAL Mindanao
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OCTOBER 17, 2011
SOUTHERN Mindanao
New Cag. de Oro flyover opens to commuters, today PCOO Sec. Coloma talks to Sr. Info Ministers of BIMP-EAGA
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26 Balik-Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay graduates receive financial aid
EEPSA accepting applicants for Environmental and Resource Economics Course BSP conducts the Mid-Year Phil. Eco Briefing to RDC-X members
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DENR on target for National Greening Program
Carmen to haul Klinika sa Purok to flood-damaged areas Pride Campaign to focus on IGaCoS vanishing islands DA outlines strategies against banana disease Recipients clamor Pantawid extension, expansion
Cover Story For Del Carmen, Mother Nature comes first by Roel Catoto
T tourism.
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he local government unit of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, has stepped up efforts for environmental protection and conservation as it seeks to carve a niche in adventure
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Mayor JR M. Coro believes that environmental sustainability is the linchpin of a successful tourism campaign, and goes hand in hand in maintaining a robust income opportunities for the local folks. Home to some of Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring wonders, Del Carmen is home to what is considered the largest contiguous mangrove stand in the country. Its unique biodiversity has attracted many nature-lovers and biologists, including former DENR secretary Angel Alcala, who brought along with him experts from the National Museum in a recent visit. “Del Carmen has many species that have yet to be discovered. Its marine ecosystem is teeming with life, and experts from the National Museum are poised to probe more because they were intrigued during their first visit,” the young mayor said. But challenges remain Mayor Coro said much
has to be done to avoid environmental degradation. Upon assuming office in June, the mayor’s first order of business was to gather all stakeholders to confront a host of environmental issues. “I told them that if we want to attract tourist and improve and improve the livelihood of our residents, we have to step up campaign efforts to preserve the environment,” he said. “It’s the number one requirement.” One of the town’s major concerns is proper waste disposal –a problem so common among riverbank settlers. The mayor plans to centralize garbage collectionn in a partnership scheme that involves the town’s 30 barangays. Another option, he said, is to fully enforce Republic Act 9003, also known as the Solid Waste Management Act – the garbage problem persists. Toward this end, the young chief executive said he has already asked the support of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)
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to choose his town as a pilot area for planned solid waste management facility. All these plans and visions,
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the mayor said, are geared towards protecting the town’s flora and fauna and, by extension, the life of the town itself.
Aquino cites National Sectoral Assembly’s role in fight against poverty
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III cited on Monday the important role of the National Sectoral Assembly in the government’s campaign to rid the country of poverty. Monday, October 17, 2011
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In his speech keynoting the National Sectoral Assembly (NSA) at the Philippine International Convention Center Tent in Pasay City, the President said the NSA is an effective tool in bringing the basic sector and government together to discuss anti-poverty strategies. “Naniniwala po akong malaking hakbang itong National Sectoral Assemblies natin sa krusadang maibsan ang gutom at kahirapan sa bansa,” the President said. “Maliban sa pagiging behikulo para maipaabot ng ating mga batayang sek-
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tor ang kanilang mga pananaw at hinaing, mekanismo rin ito upang matalakay ang mga bagong estratehiya at paraan upang magdulot ng positibong pagbabago sa mga sektor at sa buong bansa,” he added. “Ang pagbubuklod-buklod po nating ito ay susi upang mas maging epektibo ang pagpapatupad at pagpapalaganap ng ating mga inisyatiba kontra sa kahirapan,” the President said. The NSA, which is organized by the National Anti-Poverty Commission, brings together 1,300 representatives of basic sector organizations from all over the country in a threeday convention from October 17 to 19 at the PICC Tent.
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The basic sectors considered the most vulnerable to poverty nationwide are: artisans; fisherfolk, children; farmers; indigenous peoples; non-government organizations; persons with disabilities; senior citizens; urban poor; victims of disasters; women, formal labor and migrant workers; workers in the informal sector; youth and students. This year’s assembly, with the theme “Sa NAPC, may boses ang Boss,” will have participants select members of their sectoral councils and their representatives who are envisioned to be frontrunners in the pursuit of their respective sectoral agendas. (RCK)
‘Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’ is capital for country’s future, says Aquino
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rresident Benigno S. Aquino III said the government will continue to implement the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as one of the major government strategies to reduce poverty in the Philippines. The President said that aside from being an initial answer to the needs of the poor, he saw the
4Ps as a means to secure the future of all Filipinos. “Simple lang po ang nais kong idiin
sa programang ito: bukod sa paunanglunas, sa pagsalba at pagtugon sa mga pangunahing pangangai-
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langan n g pinaka-nangangailangan nating kababayan, ituring niyo po itong puhunan para sa kinabukasan,” the President told participants in the National Sectoral Assembly organized by the National Anti-Poverty Commission on Monday at the PICC Tent in Pasay City.
“Sa paninigurong may pagkain sa hapag-kainan; sa pagtitiyak na napupunan ng kabataang Pilipino ang bawat upuan sa mga silidaralan; sa pagtutok sa pagbibigay ng atensyong-medikal sa ating mga kababayan, nasisiguro din natin na ang kanilang mga anak ay magkakaroon ng mas magandang pagkakataon upang makaahon sa kahira-
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pan,” he added. The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14. (RCK)
Malacañang vows governments effort to curb human trafficking alacañang assured the government’s uncompromising efforts to curb the problem of prostitution and human trafficking through the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the main law enforcement agencies of the country, specifically the Philippine National Police (PNP).
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In a press briefing at the Palace on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the Aquino administration has been exerting all-out efforts to address this problem. “We’ve always maintained doing our best to curb not only prostitution but also trafficking because its part and parcel… we have never turned a blind eye on that and that is the reason why the Department of Justice has been very determined in its efforts on trafficking,” Lacierda said. In a press briefing at the Palace on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the Aquino administration has been exerting all-out efforts to address this problem. “We’ve always maintained doing our best to curb not only prostitution but also trafficking because its part and parcel… we have never turned a blind eye on that and that is the reason why the Department of Justice has been very determined in its efforts on trafficking,” Lacierda said. “Nasa DOJ po iyan (efforts to curb prostitution and human
trafficking), kasama po ng PNP inaayos po yan … you curb corruption, you curb trafficking and there are certain police operations that are ongoing, DOJ operations that are ongoing,” Lacierda added. He said that, these actions by the government to solve prostitution and human trafficking, has taken out the country
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Malacañang defends promotion of Sarangani Congressman Pacquiao to lieutenant colonel in AFP
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a l a c a ñ a n g defended the basis of the promotion of Sarangani Congressman and Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao to lieutenant colonel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) reserve force amid criticisms from groups questioning his qualifications in earning the rank. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, during a regular press briefing at the Palace on Monday, said that there are corresponding ranks for government leaders who are also military reservists whether they are ap-
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pointees or elected officials. “The position of Congressman Pacquiao, who was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, was due to his position as a congressman, yun po ang recommendation ng AFP…” Lacierda said.
Monday, October 17, 2011
“May mga basis po yan sa AFP… it was not for no other reasons that he (Pacquiao) was promoted, it was because of his position as congressman… and as a reservist and a congressman he is entitled to the position of
Lieutenant Colonel,” Lacierda added. When asked if Pacquiao was commissioned through “palakasan” system, Lacierda downplayed the idea as he stated the basis of the Filipino boxing champion’s promotion. “Wala pong palakasan, just to give you an example of the elected officials and their ranks… a senator, congressman, provincial governor… they have the rank of lieutenant colonel, presidential appointees, department secretaries, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals Justices and the members of the Constitutional Commission, the ambassador… they also have the rank of lieutenant colonel,” Lacierda said. “Kapag undersecretary major po, MTC, RTC judges… major,
ang city mayor po is also a lieutenant colonel if he is a mayor of a highly-urbanized city and then ang city vice mayor major din po, so there are corresponding ranks po to the positions that you have in government, so wala pong palakasan ito,” he further noted. Lacierda said that criticisms on Paquiao’s promotion by several groups may stemmed from lack of the necessary information. “I think hindi po na-explain ng maayos ito… that is the reason why may mga ganoong klaseng criticisms kung bakit ang laki ng promotion ni Congressman Pacquiao,” Lacierda said. Pacquiao was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel from Senior Master Sergeant, which took effect last September 21, based on the recommenda-
tion of the Army. Pacquiao was first enlisted in the Army reserve force with the rank of sergeant on April 1, 2006 on the recommendation of Brig. Gen. Alexander Yano, who used to be a brigade commander in Sarangani. Yano served as Armed Forces chief before retiring in 2009. Six months after his enlistment, Pacquiao was promoted to the next rank of technical sergeant and on Oct. 7, 2007, then he was promoted to master sergeant. He was elevated to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant on May 4, 2009. (JCL)
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Aquino administration remains open to dialogues with JudicialExecutive Council
he Aquino administration remains open to hold dialogues with the Judicial Executive LegislativeAdvisory and Consultative Council (JELACC) regarding the issues concerning judiciary, a Palace official said on Monday. “Certainly, we are open to having a JELACC on important issues that govern our nation and govern the relation between the judiciary and the legislative branches and we have done that the past year,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday. Lacierda averred, “But while we are willing to hold a dialogue, insofar as the budget of the judiciary is concerned, I think that 14
should be addressed to the sound discretion of the legislative branch...the Executive branch proposes, the Legislative branch approves or disapproves the budget.” In response to the issue on unfilled positions in government, Lacierda said Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad had already issued a statement regarding the executive branch’s position on the matter. “This is already
Monday, October 17, 2011
a settled issue. It is not out of lack of respect for the Judiciary and the Constitutional and Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG), nor is it an insidious attempt to undermine their independence, that this budget reform measure is being proposed. On the contrary, it is out of the government’s commitment to pursue transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, including its concern over the repeated failure of agencies of
government to fill up items that they had proposed for funding by Congress,” Lacierda said as he quoted Abad’s statement. Abad said all officials and agencies of government—whether they enjoy fiscal autonomy or not— have a responsibility to account to the people on how they have used the precious tax money entrusted to them. The Congress moved the P4.97-billion for 14,554 unfilled positions of the CFAG
back to the agency budgets of the CFAG, which were earlier segregated into the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF). The proposed MPBF for 2012, which now totals P109.462 billion under the House-approved General Appropriations Bill, is composed of P54.59 billion for the requirements for salary increases under the third and fourth
tranches of the Salary Standardization Law 3; P18.46 billion for unfilled positions of the military, educational institutions and hospitals; P13.50 billion for funding requirements for the creation of new positions; and P22.91 billion for the payment of other personal benefits. (JS)
P-noy Photos President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Basic Sector’s National Sectoral Assemblies: “Daupang-Palad ni PNoy at mga Batayang Sektor” at the Forum II of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday (October 17). The National Sector Assemblies (NSAs) of the 14 basic sectors are vital to the whole process of institutionalizing basic sector representation in NAPC. NAPC envisions this year’s NSAs to serve as a launching pad of the present administration’s empowerment agenda for the basic sectors, which is a key ingredient with the anti-poverty strategy and anti-corruption thrust of the government. In photo are NAPC Lead Convenor Jose Eliseo Rocamora and DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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So Cotabato’s LBK bus version to feature more health services By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- South Cotabato’s replica of the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK) bus of the Department of Health will be delivering more health services and information to hard-to-reach villages in the province, a heath official said. Provincial Healh Officer, Dr. Rogelio Aturdido said, the local LBK bus will be true to the original bus’s concept of delivering services and health education on maternal and child care in a festival mood. “According to our partners in the Probe Team Foundation, we can innovate. They said we can include other priority health care programs of the provincial government in line with the delivery of universal health care,” Aturdido said. He said implementation of a local version of the LBK concept would not be difficult because this is similar to the bi16
South Cotabato will soon have a smaller version of this LBK bus
monthly outreach program of the provincial government to under-
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served communities. For this purpose, the Integrated Provincial
Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr
Health Office (IPHO) will be using the underutilized Erapmobile clinic, which is undergoing “re-wrapping” to look like DOH’s LBK bus; the facelift is funded by the Probe Team Foundation. The facilities and equipment of the mobile clinic would not be changed to fit with the services that the local health team will conduct. It has an x-ray unit, a consultation/examination unit, a room for minor operations and a laboratory for simple tests. Dr. Aturdido said, he is asking for an addition budget for information, education and communication (IEC)
Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr
materials in support to the health education activities since the original budget for the mobile clinic was only for medical services and supplies. “I have already requested for 40-inch television and video player so that will consultations and medical services are on-going other residents are entertained with health information,” he said. Aturdido is confident that like the LBK activity in the Barangay Aflek, T’boli on October 5 and 6, private partners will also fully support the local initiative. He said he is assured of support from the government agencies in South Cotabato
but added that a stronger private-public partnership in the delivery of universal health care services can be achieved once the local LBK version starts rolling. Among the private partners that helped in the Aflek activity were Dole Philippines, Mahintana Foundation, and Sumifro (Philippines) Corporation. He said they are also hoping to involve more private partners in the planning of the implementation of the local LBK. Among the those being considered are the local chamber of commerce and the medical and dental associations in the area. “We have so many private partners that we can tap for health care services in the province, which is in live with private-public partnership that Gov. (Arthur) Pingoy is pushing. Aturdido expects the local LBK version to start rolling off in December. “Our partners in HealthPRO (Health Promotion and Communication Project) have promised to attend the first trip of the local LBK bus,” he said. (PIA 12)
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DA to put up livelihood and infra projects in Malungon, Sarangani GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will be putting up a Php9.725-M worth “livelihood and infrastructure projects” in the far-flung villages of Malungon, Sarangani, according to information officer Isagani Palma. He said he learned the news from the town’s agri-flagship director Nelson Sadang who disclosed the details of the project. The DA will be allocating a Php7.725-M to jumpstart the farm-tomarket road project in the area particularly in the barangays of Malabod and Kiblat through the Mindanao Rural Development Program= (MRDP). Barangay Malabod had been once known as lair of outlaws especially banditry and cattle rustling. The project, said Sadang “aims to provide better access to farmers” in some of the town’s remote villages which are not easily accessible to government’s delivery of
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basic services. “This 50-50 concrete and all-weather road project will not only benefit farmers but likewise school children who usually walk for hours, cross the river and trek along muddy trails to go to school,” the Malungon Information Office quoted Sadang as saying. Aside from the FMR project, the DA-Community Fund Agricultural Development (CFAD) has also earmarked Php2.5-M livelihood project for five barangays: JP Laurel, Banate, Kawayan, San Miguel and San Roque. The beneficiaries, according to Palma will come from the poorest families and will be organized into “people’s organization” as project
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requirement. The five barangays will be receiving Php500,000 each. Comprised of livestock and crops, the livelihood project will also adopt the soil conservation technology or the sloping agriculture land technology (SALT), which will protect and preserve the quality of soil while being utilized for farming. Town mayor Reynaldo Constantino believes the MRDP-CFAD project implementation in Malungon is an indication that the town is peaceful and his constituents are empowered partners to help achieve the town’s longterm vision for progress. (CTApelacio/PIA General Santos City)
GenSan public school receives 10 computers by Chris Sulit & CT Apelacio
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The public-private partnership (PPP) is taking off even in the education sector with the implementation of private sectors’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in various public schools here. Recently, the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) went beyond its commitment to address the social and economic development needs of less privileged communities and members of society through its CSR projects. The foundation, in cooperation with the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO) II signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education for the turnover of ten brand new computer units to New Guadalupe Elementary School in barangay Conel here. Department of Education (DepEd) GenSan schools division representative Mario Bermudez, city councilor Margareth Rose Santos, Conel barangay captain Jose Santos and the school principal Yolanda Tagaban served as witnesses to the occasion.
Bermudez said DepEd is thankful to Aboitiz and SOCOTECO for taking their social responsibility seriously. “We are looking forward to more assistance on computer literacy,” he said. In her message, city councilor Santos, also chairperson on education expressed her sincerest gratitude to the foundation for giving importance to the significant role of new technology in uplifting the quality of education in public schools. “Quality education is a tool in the fight against poverty,” she said. Together with the faculty, Tagaban also committed to take care of the equipment so that it will also benefit other students in the future. “We also expect the barangay council to help us in the maintenance of the computers by providing
air conditioners that we can use in the facility to help prolong the computers’ lifespan utilization,” she said. Barangay chieftain Santos said he will initiate the sourcing out of funds along with the entire barangay council for the air conditioners in support of the needs of the students. The computerization project in public schools was just among the many milestones that the AFI has implemented in the ground to attain its goal under CSR branding and promote public-private partnership. In 2010, it has also donated to public schools here and in Sarangani several sets of computers to boost the knowledge of students and teachers in the field of information technology (IT). (CPIO/ PIA General Santos City)
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Libreng LET review para sa mga guro ng Maguindanao COTABATO CITY - Sasagutin ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang gastusin para sa pagre-review sa Licensiure Examination for Teachers (LET) ng libulibong guro nakatalaga sa prubinsiya ng Maguindanao,ito ang ibinalita ni Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangundadatu. Ang hakbang na ito, ayon sa gubernador ay bahagi ng programa ng lalawigan sa sektor ng edukasyon bilang suporta sa isinusulong ng gobyerno na itaas ang kalidad ng edukasyon at literacy rate sa lugar. Umaabot sa humigitkumulang tatlong libong guro sa lalawigan na underboard ang makakabenepisyo sa libreng LET review na isinasaayos ng Maguindanao Schools Diivision office para sa pagsasagawa ng review classes. Ayon kay Mangundadatu, ang libreng LET review ay isang paraan upang matulungan ang mga guro sa lalawigan na underboard para mabigyan ng permanent teaching position.
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“Napansin natin na 3,000 guro sa Maguindanao ang underboard kaya ating napagisipan nai- sponsor ang LET review para makapag-concentrate para pumasa sa teachers’ board,” pa-
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hayag ng gubernador. Kaugnay dito, ipinamahagi rin sa mga guro ang mga libro at ibang babasahin na magagamit sa gagawing pagre-review sa LET. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)
Workshop sa early recovery and rehabilitation sa Central Mindanao ginanap COTABATO CITY – Upang maging handa at tama ang implementasyon ng mga proyekto na ipatutupad sa ilalim ng programang Early Recovery and Rehabilitation for Central Mindanao (ERRCM)-ARMM Desk sa mga barangay na apektado ng kaguluhan noong 2008 sa lalawigan ng Maguindanao at Lanao del Sur, ginagawa ngayon ang ERRCM-ARMM Desk Pre-Deployment Workshop for Responsible Partners dito sa lungsod ng Davao simula ngayon ,October 17 -20, 2011. Ayon kay Suharto Abas, project officer ng ERRCM-ARMM Desk ang nasabing workshop ay ginagawa upang maging handa ang mga partners mula sa mga lokal na Non Government organizations o NGOs na syang magpapatupad ng mga proyektong katulad ng pabahay, rehablitasyon o konstruksyon ng mga eskwelahan at mga barangay o health centers, patubig at pagbibigay ng mga trabahong pagkakakitaan o ang food for work. Dagdag pa ni Abas may direktiba si ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo na syang regional project director ng ERRCM ARMM Desk na simulan na ang implemtasyon ng mga proyekto sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng tamang orientasyon sa mga taong magsasa-
gawa ng programa sa mga kumunidad sa lalawigan ng Lanao del Sur at Maguindanao. Sa nasabing workshop, may labing tatlong local partner NGOs ang lalahok kung saan sampu ang mula sa Maguindanao habang tatlo naman ang mula sa Lanao del Sur ang syang nakuhang magpapatupad ng tig apat na proyekto sa mga barangay sa mga nasabing lalawigan para sa taong 2011-2012. Pag-aaralan sa nasabing workshop ang mga alituntunin para sa tamang assessment para sa site preparations at mga requirements nito, ang mga standards on Psychosocial interventions, monitoring at evaluation ng mga proyekto, baseline data collection, processing,analysis at report preparation at financial liquidations.
Pag-uusapan din ayon kay Abas ang partnership agreement sa pagitan ng mga partner NGOs at ng ERRCM-ARMM Desk. Ang pondo na nagkakahala ng apat na milyong euro para sa rehabilitation program para sa Maguindanao at Lanao Sur at para din sa mga lalawigan ng North Cotabato at Lanao del Norte ay mula sa European Union. Ayon kay Abas pasisimulan kaagad ang konstruksyon ng mga proyekto pagtapos ng makuha at kumpleto na ang lahat ng mga kinakailanganing mga impormasyon at dukomento ng mga proyekto. Samantala, isasagawa dito ang paglalagda ng partnership agreement sa tatlong partner NGOs mula sa Lanao del Sur. (MCD PIA-Cotabato City/BPI-ARMM)
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Lumad PWDs receive wheelchairs, crutches from ALLUMAD by Robert E. Roperos
ome members of the Differently-abled Entry Pinoy, an organization of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Butuan City received today four wheelchairs and 13 crutches from the Alyansang Lumad Mindanao (ALLUMAD) as part of the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
In a simple ceremony held at the ALLUMAD office, chairperson Julius Mabandos a.k.a. Datu Mamakow Makapandong personally distributed the wheelchairs and crutches to the beneficiaries. ALLUMAD is a lumad group based in Caraga Region representing the 31 lumad tribes in Mindanao, particularly in Region 9, Region 10-Northern Mindanao, Region 11Southern Mindanao and Region 13 – the Caraga Administrative Region. In his speech, Mabandos said ALLUMAD understands that lumad PWDS needs be able to continue their routinary activities, especially in performing their livelihood activities. Mabandos added the PWDs must be supported so that they can also feel their importance in the society. Mabandos further acknowledged the efforts of the private sectors which also played important role in the realization of the activity.
Meanwhile, Celso Dinalo from Brgy. Buhangin of this city is thankful to ALLUMAD for the wheelchair he received. The teary-eyed Dinalo said he has been longing to have the said gadgets which is a big help for him and his family. He added, he is grateful to ALLUMAD for the concern given to PWDs like him. “Mapasalamaton ko sa ALLUMAD tungod sa ilang concern alang sa mga PWDs sama kanako. Ang maong mga kahimanan dako gyud og ikatabang sa among pang adlaw-adlaw ng buluhaton” (I’m thankful to ALLUMAD for their concerns to PWDs like me. The gadgets given to us is a big help to our daily activities), Dinalo said. Also, Differently-
abled Entry Pinoy President Ranita Noya also extended her gratitude to ALLUMAD for the donation. She added the organization will treasure the assistance given by ALLUMAD. Moreover, Mabandos said another set of PWD beneficiaries will receive some gadgets on Friday. ALLUMAD is the first from Caraga Region to be recognized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to be included in the party-list nominations during the 2010 national elections. ALLUMAD is the first from Caraga Region to be recognized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to be included in the party-list nominations during the 2010 national elections.
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DOLE-Caraga approves P15 wage increase by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Caraga has approved a P15 wage hike increase. “After the conduct of public consultations and hearings, the Board immediately deliberated the petition on minimum wage adjustment and unanimously approved the issuance of Wage Order No. 11 on Sept. 22, 2011 which provides Php 15.00 increase, 11.00 to basic wage and 4.00 to Cost of Living Allowance (COLA),” said Ofelia Domingo, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga Regional Director. She said that the RTWPB has conducted a series of public consultations/hearings in 24
the provinces of Caraga region in the month of September 2011. Domingo also recalled that last Sept. 23, the public consultation on wage was conducted in SanFrancisco, Agusan del Sur; Sept. 16 in Surigao City; and Sept. 22 in Agusan del Norte. For Agriculture, the daily minimum wage rate for the Plantation is Php 248.00 (231.00 basic wage; 17.00 COLA); Non-plantation is Php 228.00 (211.00 basic wage; 17.00 COLA). For Non-Agriculture, daily minimum wage rate is Php 258.00
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(241.00 basic wage; 17.00 COLA) while for the Retail and Service employing 10 or less is Php 228.00 (211.00 basic wage; 17.00 COLA), and Php 258.00 (241.00 basic wage; 17.00 COLA) for those employing more than 10 workers. Meanwhile, Domingo also said that in line with the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ of the city government, RTWPB is currently providing 5S (Sort, Systematized, Sweep, Sanitize, SelfDiscipline) for Good Housekeeping Seminar to different offices/departments of Butuan
City Hall as part of the Productivity Month celebration. The seminar started on October 3 and will end on November 9, 2011.
It was also learned that as its partial accomplishment, eight offices/departments were already given the 5S Training with 391 total
numbers of beneficiaries/trained LGU-Butuan employees, and 12 pending offices/departments.
Maternal mortality rate down by 50% in Surigao del Sur, says Gov. Pimentel by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY -- Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel said in a recent TV interview that the maternal mortality rate in Surigao del Sur has been reduced to 50 percent after a three-year implementation of the Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood (WHSM) program in the province. Pimentel said the provincial government invested P50 million to upgrade hospitals and facilities, with municipal and city governments sharing operation expenses. Several halfway houses near the birthing clinics were also
established in selected municipalities where pregnant mothers can stay in a short period of time while waiting for their due date to give birth. The Provincial Health Office also said it also undertook a campaign to inform the
public about a provincial ordinance banning traditional healers or “hilot� from delivering a baby at home. With these developments, the province was one of those who received the National Galing Pook Awards in the previous years.
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TUCP, WDFI to train youths on CBA negotiation by FEAbkilan
SURIGAO CITY -- Some 25 young trade union leaders and advocates from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will converge in Cagayan de Oro City for a seminar on Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The workshop, entitled “Introduction to Collective Bargaining for Young Trade Union Leaders,” will be held on Oct. 19-20, 2011 at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), and Workers Development Foundation Inc. (WDFI)
spearheading. Former Senator and TUCP Gen. Secretary Ernesto Herrera said the training aims to provide young trade union officers and members with appropriate guidance, information and skills to help them bargain effectively. “The activity also
aims to develop a pool of trained and oriented young CBA negotiators and further improve the TUCP’s CBA program for the young people,” Herrera added. The said activity is also assisted by the International Trade Union Confederation-Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP).
Butuan cops seize truckloads of ‘hot logs’ by SPO4 Rey V. Poloyapoy
BUTUAN CITY -- Elements of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) recently seized an abandoned truckload of 66 suspected ‘hot logs’ of unknown species.
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Initial investigation indicated that early Friday morning, PInsp. Rodolfo C. Ledesma, Officer of the Day, received a report from a concerned citizen of the presence of a suspicious truckload of sawn logs at Purok 6 Barangay Banza, this city. Acting on the said report, PI Ledesma coordinated with Police Chief Inspector Ferdinand B. Dacillo, Company Commander, Butuan City Public Safety Company of BCPO. PCI Dacillo immediately dispatched a team of PNP person-
nel to the said area and, while approaching, the responding lawmen saw from a distance a a slighted tilted Saddam-type truck beside the barangay road loaded with sawn logs. They also noticed that some laborers were working to reload scattered fletches believed to have been accidentally unloaded when the truck tilted on one of its sides. But as the lawmen came closer to the truck, the workers scampered away and left nobody to answer verifications from them. The police imme-
diately coordinated with the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Office at Baan Km. 3, which sent them personnel and equipment to load the scattered fletches and to bring the six-wheeler truck for proper disposition. The truck and its cargoes were brought by the DENR to the Butuan City Police headquarters while waiting for any claimants. Further investigation is being conducted to determine its legality and to file possible charges to its owner if the situation warranted. (BCPO)
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T
DTI implements Fair Trade Law, charges 20 establishments by Jocelyn P. Alvarez rade and Industry Department is strictly enforcing the Fair Trade Law (FTL) to protect welfare of local consumers here.
DTI Provincial Director Engr. Rolando Acuña said the office has filled formal charges against almost 20 erring business establishments for several violations of the DTI FTL. Acuña said, the department’s enforcement team went out of their way last week for the conduct of a round up check on various establishments selling mandatory products, retailers dealing helmets, electrical products and appliances. It was during the
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operation of the enforcement team that DTI found out of some erring establishments violating the FTL. Few of the violations discovered include
no Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker, no license, no price tags on commodity and con-
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ducting sales promo without permit from DTI. The said establishments are now undergoing mediation handled by the DTI. Acuña explained, in case the issue will be resolved in the process of mediation, each of the establishment in question will pay a fine of Php 20,000 and should comply with the requirement. If in case the issue will not be resolved, a formal hearing process will commence. “We are going to penalize them f0llowing
the department order,” Acuña assured. The enforcement operation is timely as the country observes National Welfare Month this October. “We are urging business owners and operators to be conscious on the welfare of the consumers by selling quality and reliable products,” Acuña was quoted as saying. (JPA)
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Ipil imposes new parking fees by Paulnazer Lontua
o earn some income and help decongest the traffic here, the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office (MEEDO) of this town has recently implemented new parking fee rates and traffic rerouting scheme at its public market in Barangay Don Andres Under the new parking schemes, all public utility tricycles shall park in a single line at the designated parking area while the private single
motorcycles shall also park diagonally at the parking reserved for them. Meanwhile, all fourwheeled vehicles and delivery vans are
also given designated parking areas. MEEDO also imposes no loading and unloading of goods at said public market between 5:00-8:00 am
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and 3:00-7:00 p.m. along the road toward the east exit gate and along the entire stretch of the road in front market stall toward the west exit gate.
I
The new parking fee rates and traffic rerouting schemes have been implemented in pursuance of Municipal Ordinance No. 6-1732003, the market and
slaughter house code of this municipality. Violators shall be meted out corresponding penalty. (JPA/FPG/P. Lontua/Sibugay)
Parents urged to support newborn screening - ligtas ang inyong mga anak mula sa mental retardation. (save your children from mental retardation)
This was the tagline of this year’s Newborn Screening Week which was observed October 3-8. To drum up public awareness of the importance of newborn screening, the Municipal Health Office (MHO) personnel and staff here have conducted a series of discussion and orientation sessions to parents with newborn babies. According to MHO staff Mildred Oxeño, it is very important that parents understand the
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importance and value of newborn screening. “Parents must have an idea about it because we are trying to prevent
Monday, October 17, 2011
children from becoming mentally retarded in the future,” said Oxeño. MHO nurse Catleya Daño who served as one
done to avoid mental retardation or early death. Daño also disclosed that newborn screening should be done from 48-72 hours after birth but it can also be done after 24 hours from delivery. During newborn screening, few drops of blood will be taken from the baby’s foot and will be placed on a special paper called “filter card” to be sent to the Newborn Screening Center (NSC). Results will be known after 7-14
working days. Newborn screening assesses conditions like Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) which could lead to mental retardation if not screened and treated in the early stage of the babies, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) which could lead to death if not treated, Galactosemia (GAL) which could lead to cataract or even death, Phenylketonuria (PKU) which could lead to severe mental retardation and G6PD
Deficiency which could lead to severe anemia kernicterus. The MHO under the supervision of Dr. Adnilre Verzon, is now intensifying its campaign on newborn screening to increase public awareness on its importance hoping that the parents would heed the call to submit their infants for newborn screening to protect their babies from mental retardation and/or early deaths of babies due to some congenital disorders. (JPA)
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New Cag. de Oro flyover opens to commuters, today By: Elaine O. Ratunil
T
he C.M. Recto-A. Velez Flyover has been completed and may now be used.
This was the good news that Mayor Vicente Y. Emano shared with the commuters, in today’s inauguration of the said flyover, which was constructed in the amount of Php105,464,922.46. The project was started last June 23 by the UKC Builders, Inc., for a target 32
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completion of 120 days ending on Oct. 20, this year. Meanwhile, the Mayor has issued Executive Order No. 081-2011, “Restricting the passage of vehicles along the C.M. Rector-A. Velez Flyover and allowing the passage of some vehicles, and prohibiting
the passage of others.” initially restricted and some vehicles and Despite the completion of the flyover, all pedestrians must be prohibited from the passage of vehicles needs to be using the flyover for their own safety and welfare, Engr. Nonito A. Oclarit, Assistant Department Head, Roads and Traffic Administration, said. As provided in EO 081-2011, vehicles that may use the flyover are the following: light-type vehicles only, cargo trucks and trailers that are not heavily loaded and public utility (PUJ’s) carrying passengers and traversing C.M. Recto Avenue from east to west and vice versa. Those that are prohibited from using the flyover are the following: motorcycles, motorela, trisikads and motorized sikads, bikes and carts, trailers carrying heavy equipment and pedestrians, Oclarit added.
PCOO Sec. Coloma talks to Sr. Info Ministers of BIMP-EAGA By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communication and Operations Office (PCOO) is scheduled to arrive in the city, tomorrow, Oct. 18. Coloma will be the resource speaker during the Brunei-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines, East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Media Forum, set from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Xavier Sports and Country Club (XSCC), here. Participants of the forum are Senior Information Ministry Officers and chief editors from the BIMP-EAGA-member
countries. Romeo Montenegro, Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Media Affairs, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said a BIMP-EAGA Communication Strategy and the establishment of a network of the BIMP-EAGA Media are the expected outcomes of the forum. Meanwhile, some 250 estimated
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delegates are scheduled to arrive in the city, today, Oct. 17, for the 20th Senior Officials Meeting and 16th Ministerial Meeting (SOMM), from Oct. 19-21, 2011, at the XSCC. The delegates are expected to arrive earlier than their Ministers due to their participation in the BIMP Investment Conference (BIMP I-Con) at the Pryce Plaza Hotel on Oct. 18. Other activities held on Oct. 18 are the BIMP-Local government Unit Bilateral Discussion and the Meeting of the BIMPEAGA Heads of Customs, chaired by Commissioner Ruffy Biazon with MinDA and the Bureau of Customs, region 10, providing the technical preparations. Montenegro said the SOMM activities on Oct. 19, will deal with key projects that the Philippines is pushing for EAGA that are doable in the immediate terms, this year
until the first quarter, next year, such as the following: Hybrid rice seeds production and expansion of hybrid corn seed production, establishment of air linkages for Davao-Manado and Puerto PrincesaKK, establishment of sea linkages for Zamboanga, Muara, Brook’s Ooint-LabuanMuara and Glan-Tahuna-Bitung routes. Conduct of BIMP-EAGA Airlines Summit back-to-back with BIMP-EAGA Travel and Tourism Expo 2012 , special arrangements for airlines servicing EAGA routes, like total waving of airport charges and overtime fees for a particular period of time until market becomes stable. Equator Asia marketing and promotion and JTD Philippines to host the BIMP-EAGA Airlines Summit and the BIMP-EAGA Travel and Tourism Expo, next year. (MinDA)
26 Balik-Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay graduates receive financial aid By Nestor E. Flores, Jr.
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental– Some 26 former Household Service Workers (HSWs, from this province, received an additional amount of Php5,000 each, as financial assistance granted by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO). Regional Director Petrona M. Bergado of the Overseas Filipino Workers Administration (OWWA), region 10, said the financial assistance was given to them, after they graduated from the Balik-Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Livelihood Skills Training
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Seminar for Native Snack Preparation. She said the checks were distributed to the beneficiaries at the Provincial Capitol Function Hall in Oroquieta City, last Sept. 19 The BPBH Program is one of the income augmentation strategies of the Department
Labor and Employment (DOLE) by providing livelihood opportunities through skills training and starter-kits. The livelihood projects under this program shall be funded by the NRCO through its direct administration or through accredited OFW cooperatives, family circles and other associations under the supervision of OWWA Regional Offices in Partnership with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Offices and other training institutions. Present in the said event were Misamis Occidental Provincial Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, Regional Director Allan M. Macaraya of DOLE, region 10, DOLE-Mis. Occ. Provincial Head Leonard G. Rodrigo, and OWWA-10 Regional Director Petrona M. Bergado. Meanwhile, some 10 former HSWs in Misamis Oriental received starter kits worth Php13,596, each from NRCO. Bergado said four (4) of them have
undergone the Candle and Soap Making Training in Medina, Mis. Or., last June 1-2, and the other six (6) from Hair Cutting & Beauty Care Seminar in Gingoog City last June 22-23. The said event was held during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony of the Province of Misamis Oriental at the Capitol Grounds attended by some members of the Sanguniang Panlalawigan led by ViceGovernor Norris C. Babiera, Municipal Mayors of Mis. Or., Provincial Governor Oscar S. Moreno. During the Provincial Press Interview, Juvy C. Aves, one of the recipients of the grant burst into tears, as she expressed her gratitude to the partnership formed by the Provincial Governor Oscar Moreno and OWWA-10 who were responsible for her repatriation some years ago back from Bahrain.
EEPSA accepting applicants for Environmental and Resource Economics Course By: Elaine O. Ratunil
Photo Credits: http://4.bp.blogspot.com
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental- The Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) is now accepting applicants for a 3-week intensive course in environmental and resource economics, starting in February, next year. Regional Director Alfonso Alamban of (DOST), region 10, said the course is intended the Department of Science and Technology primarily for researchers and university
Monday, October 17, 2011
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lecturers, to prepare them to teach the subject, to conduct research, and to respond to requests for analysis from government agencies. He said participants will learn how to apply the principles of economic analysis to environmental problems and develop a research proposal after the course for submission to EEPSEA at its bi-annual competition. The course topics are as follows: Module 1, Feb 20-25: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Pollution Control Economics, Module 2 , Feb 27-Mar 3: Valuation Tools, Module 3, Mar 5-9: Natural Resource Economics and March 10-11: Presentation of research proposals. Alamban said since, this is an advanced graduate-level course, participants should be proficient in English and have at least a Masters Degree in Economics. Applicants are invited from nationals of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, China, Papua New Guinea and Mongolia. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae,
listing current and previous employment and post-secondary education and date of birth, a transcript showing marks from the most recent degree, photocopy acceptable, and a 2-3 page outline of a research proposal. The proposal should describe an environmental problem the applicant would like to address and the economic research methods to be applied. It is expected that this proposal will be developed into a full-blown proposal over the duration of the course. The quality of the proposal is a major consideration in acceptance to the course. Guidelines for preparation of proposal can be obtained from www.eepsea.org. Full support, to include travel, accommodation and living expenses, is offered to accepted applicants. Only those accepted will be contacted. Alamban said applications should be sent to: eepsea@idrc.org.sg, Alamban added. Deadline for application is December 15, 2011.
BSP conducts the Mid-Year Phil. Eco Briefing to RDC-X members By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental– The Investor Relations Office of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will be conducting the Mid-Year Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) Domestic Roadshow for members of the Regional Development Council (RDC), region 10. Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, Chairperson of RDC-X, said the briefing will take place at the Platinum Ballroom of Mallberry Suites, this city.
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“Anchored on the theme “The Philippines: Reaching for Investment Grade through Good Governance,” the PEB will focus on communicating the Government’s
initiatives toward good governance underpinned by its strategic development framework. This framework is focused on improving transparency and accountability, strengthening the macro-economy, financial and capital mobilization, and facilitating infrastructure development, as well, as the results achieved, thus far, he said. Cruz said the Regional Economic
Situation and Regional Development Plans and Priorities will be discussed during the forum that hopes to involve the private sector. Also to be presented during the briefing are the Plans, Programs and Initiatives of the National Competitiveness Council to boost the country’s competitiveness, Cruz added.
Photo Gallery
Mayor Paulino Emano of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental receives some P250K worth of dental and medical equipment from Steag State Power, Inc. Comrel Manager Ghaye Alegrio during a simple turn-over rites at the town’s plaza as part of the company’s continuing support to its hosts communities’ various human development programs.
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DENR on target for National Greening Program DAVAO CITY Oct. 17 (PIA)The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-XI is confident in meeting its 2011 target for the National Greening Program.
Alfredo Zarasate DENR-XI Forestry Resources Management Division chief said that of the 5,504 hectares replanting target for the region under this year’s NGP. They have already covered 4,952 hectares or 83% of the target. “With still three months to go, we are confident of hitting the target.” Zarasate said. About 2.2 million of seedlings mostly forestry and agro-forestry species have been planted from the target of 2.7 million for 2011. Most of the areas targeted for reforestation are Community-Based Forestry Management (CBFM) areas. Most of the species planted were coffee, cacao, abaca, rubber, mahogany and narra which are requested by the CBFM beneficiaries. The planters consisted mainly of CBFM beneficiaries and other volunteers, mostly stu-
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dents, government employees and private entities which have also adopted replanting sites. Zarasate said that for 2012 the target will be about 9,500 hectares and aside from CBFM areas the NGP will now cover ancestral domain and protected areas. He said that seedling materials are still sourced from the DENR clonal nursery in Tagum City which supplies about 80% of the seedling needs while the rest are sourced from the CBFM beneficiaries who have been tapped to look for other seedling sources. (PIA/RG Alama)
Carmen to haul Klinika sa Purok to flood-damaged areas
services of participating municipal government offices Valle said the Klinika sa Purok is one of the flagship projects of Perandos who has wanted to provide Carmen residents with services “from birth to death.” CARMEN, Davao del Norte Oct. 17 (PIA)---The “We have services for pre-natal care, municipal government of Carmen in Davao del early childhood, marriage, parenting. We also Norte is prioritizing flood-damaged areas in roll- have dayong,” he said referring to funeral assising out its Klinika sa Purok (mobile clinic) starting tance. (Pepe Dalupe, municipal investment prolast week. motion officer with reports from jmda/PIA 11) Project coordinator Octavio Valle said the project was launched Oct. 13 in Brgy. Salvacion but he said the municipal government intends to cover all puroks in 20 barangays through clus- Pride Campaign to focus on tering those near each other. IGaCoS vanishing islands Giving priority to puroks which are heavily affected by floods, the Klinika sa Purok will run starting this month until December this year By Mai Gevera-Macapagat and will be held every other Wednesday of the DAVAO CITY Oct. 17 (PIA)- Sanipaan Marine Park of month. Adjacent to Braulio E. Dujali Municipal- the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS),dubbed ity, Carmen town is a low-lying area in Davao del as rich in coral reefs, is the focus in the Pride CamNorte. It has been frequented by floods especially paign, an initiative that inspires residents to do during occurrences of heavy rains in the upper their share in marine management and protection. portion of the province. To be launched tomorrow, the Pride CamParticipated in by all municipal offices, the Klinika sa Purok not just brings medical and paign is in cooperation with Rare, the leader in dental services but it also caters birth registration and correction of birth data services, anti-rabies vaccination and registration of farm animals particularly carabaos. During its launch in barangay Salvacion, vitamins for livestock and poultry were given away to residents who came to the project site, aside from various vegetable seeds. During that day, barangay residents who availed of the Klinika sa Purok services were also served with hot arrozcaldo. Valle said the administration of Municipal Mayor Marcelino Perandos has started rolling out the Klinika sa Purok during the mayor’s first term in office. Perandos is now on his second term. “Tuyo nato ani nga dalhon ang serbisyo social marketing for biodiversity conservation. sa munisipyo sa taga-baryo. (Our aim is to bring This non-profit organization the municipal services at the barangay level.),” he has proven efficiency as it partnered with more said. Valle explained that the municipal gov- than 50 countries and provided assistance to help ernment is spending less for the outreach project out community folks help themselves pre because offered services are part of the regular Monday, October 17, 2011
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serve marine biodiversity. As it will launch the campaign, Rare is set to train and support leaders from the world’s top environmental organizations, local grassroot groups and government units. IGaCoS information officer Noel Daquioag explained that this campaign is anchored in social marketing, considered and used by the private sector as a marketing tactic to better understand audiences and promote positive community behavior. “Pride campaigns focus on inspiring local communities to take control and ownership over their resources to secure the benefits for current and future generations.” Daquiaog said. Tomorrow, the local government of IGaCoS will unveil its Scallop Shell Mascot as its partner in the promotion for marine resource conservation. Also, the Pride Campaign song and jingle will be first heard by the Samaleno as local officials will launch the said jingle at Barangay Beach Park. Scheduled in the afternoon are support activities like collection of Crown of thorns, Scubasurero, Swimming and Shoal clean up. All these activities are aimed at telling not just local fishers but everyone in the community to take ownership in and understand the benefit of no-take-areas and support essential management activities. (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
DA outlines strategies against banana disease
vascular system and obstructs the uptake of water and soil nutrients resulting to wilting and death of the pants. Parawan said the DA through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) has already organized a task force that will work on implementation of quarantine measures and information drive. “The task force is a composite team from national and local government as well as from the private sector particularly PBGEA [Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association] and MBGEA [Mindanao Banana Growers and Exporters Association],” he said adding: “Mapping and surveillance of severely affected areas is on going to properly identify and assess the extent of the damage.” While there is still no economical method to eliminate the fusarium wilt, Parawan said prevention is the best defense. Parawan said stricter quarantine measures
must be enforced particularly the setting-up of footbaths in local farms and interconnecting roads to prevent the spread of the disease. DAVAO CITY- The Department of Agriculture (DA) “We urged our LGUs partners to help us in has outlined strategies to control fusarium wilt, a putting in place necessary quarantine measures destructive fungal disease reportedly ravaged ba- and in pushing for issuance of local ordinances for nana plantations in Mindanao. farmers and the public to comply,” he said. DA regional director for Davao Region The DA-HVCDP recommends local ordiOscar Parawan said his office is currently work- nance must be issued for farmers to refrain from ing with private companies and local government moving planting materials such as suckers and units (LGUs) to save the local banana industry. rhizomes out of infected areas. It will also stress Fusarium wilt which is also known as Pan- properly disposal of infected plant such as burning ama disease, since it was first discovered there them within the area with rice hull. is one of the most destructive plant diseases. It Farm hygiene must be also strictly ob is a soil-borne fungus that attacks banana plant’s 40
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served as the pathogen can attach itself on footwear, farm equipment and machinery used in an infested soil. Cultural practices such as plowing and hoeing could also cause the spread of the pathogen. Parawan said an information campaign on the detection and prevention of the disease must be also intensified as lack of information among our farmers would only make the disease more prevalent. According the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) usual signs of fusarium wilt infestation
yond five years so our children can finish college)” prays Divina Labos of Brgy. Amorcruz, Laak. “ “Unta madungagan ang beneficiaries sa 4Ps kay naa pay uban naglisod (I wish more beneficiaries can avail of 4Ps as there are more needy people)” Janebeth Engalan, also of Brgy. Amorcruz implores. Divina and Janebeth are just two of the 5792 Pantawid Pamilya recipients of Laak. Both also benefited from DSWD’s Self-Employment
Assistance-Kaunlaran Program (SEA-K), KALAcould be confusing such as the yellowing of the HI-CIDSS and Rice Subsidy Program. leaf margins of older margins which could be sus- Divina, 46, supports her family through pected as deficiency. All of the leaves of infested buying and selling of slippers and school supplant wilt which can also be a sign of senescence plies, earning an average of P150 a day. She or growing old. is married to Sergio, 51, who takes a Job Or Internal signs are more pronounce and can der work with the provincial government and be seen by slicing off the lower portion of the corm assigned in Laak as carpenter and mason. He horizontally until the transverse is cut about one- makes P3320 every 15 days. fourth of the way up to the corm. The vascular tis- “Niangat ang among kinabuhi tungod kay sues in the roots and corm are discolored, making naa nay kapanginabuhian sa adlaw-adlaw. Kathe vascular stands in the pseudostem turn either hibalo na mi mangita og kuarta (Our lives have yellow, red or brown. improved because we now have a daily source “Banana is a major dollar earner of the of income. We have learned to earn),” Divina country and any threat such as Fusarium wilt must shared. be promptly addressed,” Parawan said. (Noel T. Janebeth, 31, conveyed her gratefulProvido – DA XI) ness with the programs. “Naa nay assistance sa school. Ang akong bana naay trabaho. Hinaypud naayo ang balay (We have schoolRecipients clamor Pantawid hinay ing assistance. My husband is employed. We are extension, expansion also improving our house).” Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are learning many important things from the Family DeLAAK, Compostela Valley –“Unta dili lang five years and subsidy para maka-graduate gyud sa college velopment Sessions (FDS) held every month that ang mga bata (We hope the subsidy will last be- they Monday, October 17, 2011
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would want the program to continue and expand. Various sessions on Skills Enhancement, Capability Building, Entrepreneurship, Project Management and Sustainability, among others, conducted through SEA-K and KALAHI-CIDSS have been proven valuable as well. “Dako kini og natabang sa pagpalambo sa adlaw-adlaw nga relasyon sa mga anak ug pamilya, unsaon pagdumala sa mga anak. Gina-apply namo ang natun-an sa pamilya. Napun-an ang among kahibalo(It has helped much in improving family relationships, dealing with my children. We apply what we learn. Our knowledge have been enhanced),” explained Divina Joan Emely Duran, 28, also of Brgy. Amorcruz asserted, “Daghan og natabang kon unsaon pag manage sa pamilya. Anam-anam na abri ang hunahuna. Nahagit ko nga kahibalo diay ko (It
helped me manage my family. My perspective has broadened. I also realized my potentials).” “Nadungagan ang kahibalo. Kon wala ko kaapil sa SEA-K, wala pud ko kahibalo pag-process sa bangko(I am more knowledgeable now. If not for SEA-K, I wouldn’t have known how to transact in banks),” admits Janebeth. From Barangay Mabuhay, farmer Felix Sotto, 60, who is father to seven children claimed, “Nakatabang kini sa pagtudlo sa sakop, pagdisiplina, pagpasunod sa mga bata, pagtudlo sa religion sulod sa pamilya (It helped me educate my family, disciplining my children and teaching them spiritu42
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ality).” “Ang additional knowledge i-share sa grupo, give and take dili lang sa pamilya but even sa kagrupo nimo, naa jud give and take (What I learned I readily share it with my group not just with the family. It’s a matter of give and take),” shared Emma Lodia, 31, of Brgy. Sto. Nino and a mother to three young boys. Meanwhile in Talaingod town, Maribeth Tibay, 31, expressed, “Unta magpadayon ang programa, madungagan pa og lima ka tuig (I hope the program continues, to extend to five years more).” Maribeth is a Pantawid Parent Leader and Treasurer of SEA-K Association in Sto. Nino. “Dagdagan pa unta kay nakatabang dyud. Ug alang pud sa uban nga wala pa ma-apil (I hope for extension since it has really helped and so others can also avail),” Susan Campa, 36, said. Susan is a Barangay Health Worker, a Pantawid Parent Leader and President of SEA-K Association. Conchita Lagoy, 51, also a Barangay Health Worker said, “Apil pa unta ang 15 years old sa education subsidy (I wish the education subsidy will cover upto 15 years old).” While Lilan Libayao, 42, President of SEA-K Association, a Parent Leader of Pantawid and President of a GKK (Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban) suggested, “Ihatag napud sa lain kay nakatilaw na man ko. Nakapanukad naman ko. Nakaavail nakog daghan benepisyo (Give it to others because I already have availed of a number of programs).” In 2010, DSWD started to bring together in one community its three major poverty reduction programs –Pantawid Pamilya, SEA-K and KALAHICIDSS. This came to be known as The Convergence Strategy which aims to maximize the impact of the programs. As Secretary Soliman stressed earlier, Convergence is a strategy of DSWD so that the family beneficiaries will not only benefit from the Pantawid Pamilya conditional cash subsidy, but will also access livelihood opportunities from the SEA-K Program, and their community to also benefit from DSWD’s Community-Driven Development approach –the KALAHI-CIDSS. (DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron)
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