RDRRMC Caraga confers award to Gawad Kalasag 2014 winners
Venus L. Garcia CARAGA REGION
Page 4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 232
NATIONAL
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Palace says 2015 National Budget to be funded using government revenues, borrowings
CARAGA REGION
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Oxfam Phils. implements BINDS project in Caraga Jennifer P. Gaitano Forum on youth study slated May Ann O. Escobal
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
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Water System project in IGaCoS completed
CENTRAL MINDANAO
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Book features investment opportunities in SOCCSKSARGEN Danilo E. Doguiles
NORTHERN MINDANAO
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Northern Mindanao economy grows by 5.6% in 2013 35 Danilo E. Doguiles PhilHealth members can now avail kidney transplant at NMMC Apipa P. Bagumbaran
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WESTERN MINDANAO
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SSS collection in Mindanao up by 13 percent Alfonso T. Ruda DSWD-ZN holds search for Pantawid Pamilya exemplary child Mary May A. Abellon
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Information to Empower Filipinos
COVER STORY
RDRRMC Caraga confers award to Gawad Kalasag 2014 winners
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by Venus L. Garcia
he Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) under the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has awarded the plaques of commendation to the winning DRRMCs of provinces, cities, barangays, and schools that were evaluated for the Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance during the Regional awarding of Gawad Kalasag 2014 cum National Disaster Consciousness Month Culmination Program held on Thursday at Almont Inland Resort, this city.
In her welcome remarks, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director and vice chair of Disaster Preparedness and Regional Search Committee Lilibeth Famacion said that the RDRRMC members have done a lot of humanitarian activities as response to the disaster-affected communities, as well as intensified its effort to let people be informed and be prepared in any calamities and disasters.
She also underscored the significant interventions of local DRRMCs in helping mitigate and adapt climate change. Likewise, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga regional director and vice chair for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee Mylah Faye Aurora Carino expressed her heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and all those who joined in the search for continue doing their
act of volunteerism and for the efforts of saving lives and properties. The following are the winners of this year’s annual search, honoring the outstanding performances, initiatives, and heroic acts of LDRRMCs: Provincial Category: 1st - Dinagat Islands 2nd place – Agusa del Norte 3rd place – Surigao del Norte Citation – Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur Highly Urbanized City Category: 1st place - Butuan City Component City Category: 1st place – Surigao City, Surigao del Norte 2nd place – Bislig City, Surigao del Sur 1st to 3rd Class Municipality Category: 1st place - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur 2nd place – Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands 3rd place – Veruela, Agusan del Sur Citations – Trento, Agusan del Sur and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte 4th to 6th Class Municipal Category 1st place – Basilisa, Dinagat Islands 2nd place – Mainit, Surigao del Norte 3rd place – Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte Rural Barangay DRRM Committee Category: 1st place – San Juan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur 2nd place – Bit-os, Butuan City 3rd place – Cabunga-an, Cagdianao, 5
Dinagat Islands Citations – Langag, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; San Isidro, and Crossing, Kitcharao, and Malapong, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Urban Barangay DRRM Committee Category: Citation – Brgy. 4, Poblacion, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Public Urban Schools Category: 1st place – Agusa National High School, Butuan City 2nd place – Bayugan National Comprehensive HS, Bayugan City, Agusan Sur 3rd place – Surigao City NHS, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte Public Rural Schools Category: 1st place – Marcelina NHS, Marcelina, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur 2nd place – Noli Central Elem. Sch., Noli, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur 3rd place – Claver NHS, Claver, Surigao del Norte Citations – Albor Central Elem. Sch., Libjo, Dingat Islands; Ipil NHS, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte RDRRMC chair and OCD regional director Liza Mazo bared that it is only Caraga region wherein all its provinces have joined the Gawad Kalasag Search. “The RDRRMC had a hard time screening the work of our LDRRMCs. This is not a competition but a recognition for those who worked harder,” she added.
The Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) award is given to individuals, non-government organizations, private sector and government organizations, in recognition of their initiative in helping the Filipino government uplift the standard of disaster management in the country. 7
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Proposed 2015 national budget gives priority to social services
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he biggest share of the proposed 2015 National Expenditure Program, amounting to P967.9 billion, will go to the government’s social services, a Palace official said on Thursday.
The figure covers 37.2 percent of the Communications Operations Office proposed P2.606 trillion budget for next Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said year that was submitted to Congress for during a press briefing in Malacañang. ratification on Wednesday, Presidential “The budget also focuses on AUGUST 2014 | PAGE
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delivering high-impact projects in 44 provinces with the following characteristics: those with high poverty magnitude where more job opportunities will be created; those with high poverty incidence that require adequate social safety nets; and those which are vulnerable to natural calamities,” Coloma said. Social services include basic education and universal health care. The provision for education covers the construction of 31,728 classrooms and 13,586 water/sanitation facilities, as well as the acquisition of 1.3 million classroom chairs, among others. Economic services meanwhile will have a 26.9 percent cut of the national budget totalling P700.2 billion, while general public services will get 16.2 percent amounting to P423.1 billion. National defense will receive 4.4 percent or P115.4 billion. Coloma further noted that the 2015 budget enhances the government’s accountability for the results of public spending. He said that in the 2014 budget, the performance targets were pegged against the outputs or tangible goods and services that the agencies must deliver, while the proposed budget for
2015 includes indicators for outcomes. “We continue to implement the basic management principle that each peso that the government spends must be tightly linked to measurable results,” Coloma quoted President Benigno S. Aquino III as saying in his 41-page budget message. “Hence, this budget does not only show how many households or families, for example, will benefit from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, but it also discloses how many of these beneficiaries will actually be lifted from the level of survival to a level of subsistence, and eventually to a level of self-sufficiency,” Coloma explained. In his budget message, the President emphasized that the proposed 2015 budget expands with the economy and supports further economic expansion; focuses on the imperatives of inclusive development; prioritizes the needs of the poor and vulnerable localities; increases the people’s voice in the use of their taxes; increases the government’s accountability for the results of public spending; supports the rapid and effective delivery of public services; and enhances the health of government’s finances. PND AUGUST | PAGE 9
Palace says 2015 National Budget to be funded using government revenues, borrowings
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he government will fund the proposed 2015 National Budget using government revenues and borrowings, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Thursday.
Coloma was responding to reports that Congressman Ronaldo Zamora has commented that the 2015 budget submitted by the Palace is big, prompting him to wonder how the administration would fund it. “From government revenues and from borrowings. Ang suma total po niyan, we will be able to maintain the deficit at only two percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said. He acknowledged that the proposed P2.606 trillion budget for next year is bigger than the combined revenues of the Bureau of Internal Revenues, Bureau of Customs, and other government agencies. He however said that government earnings will be augmented by borrowings. “Yung balance, uutangin natin ‘yon. Pero ‘yung deficit, ‘yung hindi nakaya ng ating koleksyon ng Rentas Internas at iba pang revenues, hindi ito lalagpas sa two percent of the GDP,” he said.
Explaining the principle behind the President’s budget message, Coloma said the 2015 budget expands with the economy and supports further economic expansion. The government has to increase its expenditure to enhance production and the overall economy, he said, adding that an enhanced economy would mean more money to fund social protection and social services. Coloma also defended the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), saying its effects in reducing poverty is based on scientific analysis and it has proven to have positive results. The CCT, he said, encourages poor families to maintain their children’s health and keep them in school, so they would have better job opportunities in the future. This is why the administration has been trying to increase the program’s coverage, he noted. PND AUGUST 2014 | PAGE
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ARMM transforms exec edifice to Malacanang for Bangsamoro
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he new political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is assured of a modern and state-of-the-art center of government, officials in the ARMM on Thursday said.
ARMM officials has opened to the public the now improved executive building here which was rehabilitated with a Php60.1 million allocation in preparation for the ARMM’s AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
transition into a Bangsamoro entity. Now called “Malacanang of Bangsamoro,” the 38 year-old building had underwent a four month general renovation using PAGE | 11
the region’s savings generated in the past two years through fiscal reforms and transparent financial transactions by the administration of Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman. Speaking to reporters, Hataman said the rehabilitation forms part of the ARMM’s preparation for the coming of the Bangsamoro government as a result of the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The building was built in 1976 by then President Marcos as the regional seat of an autonomous government called Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook (LTP) in response to quest of Moro rebels for self-governance. Now renovated and ready for the coming new government, Hataman said it was not his office but the peoples’ office. “Gusto nating iparamdam na itong opisina ay hindi lamang office ng Regional Governor. Opisina ito ng ating mga kababayan at kabahagi sila dito (I want the Bangsamoro people know and feel that this is not only the officie of the regional governor. This is the office of our people because they AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
are part of it,” Hataman said in a statement released by the Bureau of Public Information (BPI), the regional information office. He stressed that his administration is ready to turn over the edifice, also known as “Little Malacanang,” along with all other properties and assets of the regional bureaucracy to the national government and the MILF once the new political unit is established. Engr. Emil Sadain, ARMM public works secretary, said the funds used in the renovation were taken from the savings of the regional government, mostly from DPWH-ARMM. Sadain said Php35,464,657 worth of savings were released for the building repair. It was augmented with Php15,949,720 grant from Hataman’s office. Sadain said the repair works and fund disbursements for the project were made open to all civil society organizations and the Bangsamoro people. ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.
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DSWD-13 chief recognizes 2014 Gawad KALASAG regl winners, encourages them to do more By Jennifer P. Gaitano
AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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BUTUAN CITY - Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga regional director and vice chairperson for Disaster Response Committee Minda Brigoli expressed appreciation and recognition to the regional winners of this year’s Awarding of Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) 2014 held on Thursday at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. “Through the active cooperation of our information officers, they can help increase awareness; impart knowledge; and increase participation among target audiences, following a process of behavior change framework with the use of proven communication tools to appropriately communicate the goal of the RDP,” explained NEDA-Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Carino. For the ‘practicing’ step of the process of behavior change, “we want to see Fishery, Agroforestry, Mineral, and Eco-Tourism (FAME)-related industries
AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
created and that individuals, institutions, and communities are supporting Caraga’s goal of becoming the FAME center of the Philippines,” Carino added. For advocacy, it intends to mobilize partners to become advocates in their individual offices, communities, and schools. The rest of the behavior change steps will be the conduct of activities that will provide avenue for influencers to model their behavior, provide resources and support to raise individual confidence, and provide incentives and rewards for the behaviors.
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Carino emphasized that the communicators have the significant function of being catalyst of positive change in the government service and in the community. She also said that the key message is, “Be the Agent of Change,” that meaningfully encourage everyone to do noteworthy things in whatever they do and become agents of change for others to follow and emulate. Carino also appreciated the full support of the Philippine Information Agency Caraga through regional director Abner Caga to the regional development council’s endeavors in expanding awareness by utilizing PIA’s communication platforms.
AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
In her keynote speech, NEDA development information staff director Nerrisa Esguerra addressed the information officer participants to communicate credibly and clearly the revised RDP 2013-2016. Since the big step forward has been initiated, “the challenge is to sustain the growth. Growth that matters to and benefits everyone, and that reduces poverty in general,” she said. The RDP 2013-2016 is the blueprint to attain high and sustained economic growth,, increased job opportunities, sound environment, and improved quality of life.
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Oxfam Phils. implements BINDS project in Caraga By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - The Oxfam Philippines is presently implementing a 30-month project funded by the AusAID called “Building Resilient and Adaptive Communities and Institutions in Mindanao (BINDS)” in 18 municipalities, in Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Central Mindanao and Caraga regions, in partnership with local nongovernment organizations and local government units with funding support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Mindanao Coordinator Dante Dalabajan of Oxfam bared that the goal of BINDS Project is for poor women and men to realize opportunities in the midst of uncertainties brought about by climate change. “It seeks to develop a deep understanding of the nature of risks facing people living in poverty, especially women, children and people with disabilities in an attempt to develop a comprehensive set of policies and programs which will build their resilience,” he said. Dalabajan also revealed that the said AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
project makes a case that equitable and inclusive growth is possible, if local communities are prepared for the uncertainties of conflict and climate change and are supported by local and national government. “The lack of disaster early warning system is one of the top priorities identified in the adaptation and risk reduction (ARR) plan of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, a town which is frequently inundated by flash floods. The LGU in collaboration with Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and PAGE | 16
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the BINDS project has set up weather instruments and computers which generate high resolution weather data,” relayed Dalabajan. Also, Dalabajan further disclosed that one of the key thrusts of the Abaca production in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur is to develop the existing livelihoods present in the project sites in a way that the livelihood sources will be better able to cope with uncertainties. “In Lanuza, where abaca (Manila hemp) production is one of the main sources of income. The project encouraged the local community members to intercrop abaca with other cash and sustenance crops. The total trading volume of abaca fiber has reached over 65 thousand kilograms from October 2013 to April 2014. Gross sales from October 2013 to March 2014 have reached almost 2.4-million pesos,” he said. As to what needs to be done still by Oxfam, Dalabajan highlighted AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
that the BINDS Project will build from what it has started by ensuring that the systems are in place which will make the communities and the local governments better able to deal with the risks brought about by climate change and disasters. Oxfam and its partners are ensuring that the project will have enough resources to pursue the project priorities which could go beyond the current DFAT funding. “Some of these priorities include: Agriculture warning system – setting up reliable climate information centers, most especially prior to, during, and following a disaster, and establishing vertical linkages of the local data centers to PAGASA and horizontally to communities through innovative information technologies; national and local level advocacy and campaigning by Oxfam and partners, to lobby for enabling policies, gendered programs, investments and budgets, whether public or private, that promote climate adaptation and risk reduction initiatives, and finance,” emphasized Dalabajan. Oxfam is a vibrant international movement of passionate, dedicated people fighting poverty together and doing amazing work together. They have programs for the vulnerable families in the different regions of the country especially those mostly affected during calamity/disaster. PAGE | 17
Forum on youth study slated
By May Ann O. Escobal BUTUAN CITY - Recent study result of young people’s sexuality and health will be presented in a multi-sectoral gathering today, this city. The Commission on Population (PopCom)-Caraga will facilitate a dissemination forum on the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFSS 4) which revealed the reproductive behavior of the youth aged 15-24 in the country, including Caraga Region. The result will be presented by the representatives of the University of the Philippines AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Population Institute (UPPI). It was learned that the 2013 YAFSS is the 4th series which contains the same basic data gathered in previous rounds. However, YAFSS 4 has expanded in range of topics as well as added new questions to previously existing topics. PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano said that PAGE | 18
this recent study has a new topic on health and lifestyle including a short depression scale and the topic on media has also been expanded to include the new forms of communication technologies that were not yet well-developed in 2002 such as social media, cellphone use and cyberbullying. RD Makinano also emphasized the significance of the said study for it will identify the high risk factors affecting the fertility behavior of the Filipino youth on early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and childbearing. “PopCom commits to partner with youth allies to help adolescents and youth avoid risky sexual and non-sexual behaviors,” added Makinano. The Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) Study is series of national surveys on the AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Filipino youth ages 15-24 years old conducted since 1982 by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation. YAFSS is one of the primary sources of information on sexual and nonsexual risk behaviors at the national and regional levels which covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to young people. YAFSS 4 is funded by the Australian government through the UNFPA and the Department of Health – Philippines Council for Philippine Health Research and Development. This forum will be attended by the leaders and representatives coming from the different sectors of the society. PAGE | 19
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
Public school teachers become part of disaster risk reduction mgmt
DAVAO DEL NORTE- Public school teachers in the elementary and in the secondary levels of the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao del Norte Schools Division are now active components of disaster risk reduction management AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
of the province. Davao del Norte Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario acknowledged them as important part of disaster risk reduction management especially those assigned as disaster management coordinators in schools PAGE | 26
Through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), public school teachers assigned as disaster risk management coordinators in the elementary and secondary l evels attended a twoday Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Awareness with Fire and Earthquake Drill held at the GSP Building, Provincial Government Center in Mankilam, TAgum City. Aside from listening to lectures, teacher-pa rticipants got involved with fire and earthquake drills performed inside the Provincial Government Center . Governor Del Rosario highlighted the crucial tie-up of the provincial government and the public schools belonging to Davao del Norte Schools Division, in terms of disaster risk reduction and management by recalling the conduct of Oplan ANDAM (Advocacy) on Natural Disaster and Management during the Brigada Eskwela. He said it only happened in Davao del Norte that the Brigada Eskwela went on for a month before school opening as the provincial government pushed Oplan ANDAM from one school to another in towns identified as flood-prone areas. Davao del Norte established a record of “no casualty� despite the passing of typhoon Pablo and disastrous occurrences low pressure area (LPA) but Del Rosario
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wanted to heighten public safety consciousness among residents. He expected teachers not only to learn about disaster reduction risk management but also for them to become instrumental in promoting safety not only among elementary pupils and secondary students but also among residents in communities. Meanwhile, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI Regional Director Loreto G. Rirao , in the same occasion made it clear that teachers have a role to play in disaster risk reduction management as the Department of Education (DepEd) is part of the organizational set up of the National Disaster Risk Reduction s He threw the challenge for teachers to pave way of putting into practice the theories and lesson they learn from the forum they attended. DepEd Davao del Norte Schools Division disaster management coordinator Tito Binigian expected participants to organize their disaster management team in the schools where they came from and to submit their reports of their accomplishments. They were also expected to come up with disaster management plans which Binigian would be of help in facilitating understanding and approval of their school administrators. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)
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Water System project in IGaCoS completed ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL The Samal Water Sanitation (WatSan) Team chaired by City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan together with City Local Government Operations Officer Rosario Laid inaugurated and turned over the completed “Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat” (SALINTUBIG ) level II project to Barangay Aumbay, Samal District and IGaCoS Water District at Aumbay Elementary School last July 25. Island Garden City of Samal is one of the recipients and beneficiaries of the P 2 M SaLiNTubig- water system project of DILG for qualifying the requirements of the BUB program and after achieving the Seal of Good Housekeeping assessment of good local governance. About three hundred household in Barangay Aumbay were clustered and now are enjoying the level II water system which they plan to eventually make it to level three with the assistance of the IGaCoS Water District. “ I am grateful of your cooperation to the project, we are the first one to complete the implementation in Region XI” City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan said. DILG-CLGOO Rosario Laid said SaLinTubig water project was one of the Bottoms -Up Planning and AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Budgeting project identified as one of the needs of the people in the Barangay Aumbay. Laid emphasized the importance of having easy access to safe and potable water, as this could help spur development and reduce poverty. Aumbay Elementary School Principal Albuen Arig expressed gratitude to the city government for the water system project . He cited water as one important part in nutrition of the children especially for children’s hygiene, environmental sanitation and a lot more benefits that he enumerated. City Health Officer Dr. Dennis Flores, in his part, appreciated the double significant event, the nutrition month celebration and turn-over of water system which are very important to health especially to children who were vulnerable to diseases and calamity which was also given importance during the celebration. Certificate of Recognition were given to lot owners Mr. and Mrs. Donato Bijil for donating the reservoir lot, Priscilla S. Obenza, Melecio Lopez, Andoy Hebara, Donato Bijil, Rolando Obon and Gloria Seban for the water system right of way. (MTA Samal Info.) PAGE | 28
Onuk Ala Dibs Tboli Mayor Dibu Tuan cooks his version of chicken tinola “Onuk Ala Dibs” as a contestant representing his town to the cooking contest during the culmination program of the 2014 Nutrition Month celebration in South Cotabato, Thursday, July 31. Mayor Dibu won 1st prize for his dish which he gave a twist using a “secret herb.” AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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SOCCSKSARGEN bets to organic board undergo evaluation By: Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Four farmer organizations in SOCCSKSARGEN Region are vying for spots as members of the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB), according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12.
As mandated by the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10068), NOAB is a policymaking body; it provides direction and general guidelines for the implementation of the National Organic Agricultural Program. According to a report from the DA 12, members of the selection committee of the NOAB came to SOCCSKSARGEN Region on July 14 and 15 to evaluate the regional aspirants. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of DA 12, said primary objective of the team was to validate the authenticity of the documents and other information disclosed by the nominees in their respective portfolios. “We are very pleased to have at least four nominees to have the opportunity to sit as NOAB director,” Director Datukan said adding that it would be an honor if one of these national nominees be selected as a member of the organic agriculture board. Meanwhile, Dr. Lorna Vilbar, Regional Organic Agriculture Program focal person identified AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
the regional nominees for small farmer group category are the SOCCSKSARGEN Organic Bio-Con Industry Development Alliance Inc. (SOBIDA Inc.) of Banga, South Cotabato represented by Edgar Eugenio and the Prolife Farming and Livelihood Association of Matalam, North Cotabato headed by its president Lorrde Magoncia. Also nominated for the agribusiness sector are TreeLife Coco Sugar based in Carmen, North Cotabato and owned by Jerry Taray and Tupi Balangon Growers’ Association (TUBAGA) of Tupi, South Cotabato led by Jaime Jangcan. “Although NOAB will only select one representative from all over the country for the agri-business sector, we still maintain our high hopes that we will get the spot,” Vilbar said. Small farmer organizations take three seats in the NOAB. Vilbar added that the regional nominees were identified in a public consultation last May 6. The seven-man selection committee was composed of personnel from the Bureau of PAGE | 30
Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the National Program Management Office (NPMO) directed to assess the qualifications of the nominees who will represent the non-government members of the NOAB. According to Andrea Inocencio of ATI and one of the members of the validating team, they will endorse the top three nominees per category to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala who has authority to appoint the new members of the board. NOAB consists of the secretary of agriculture or his authorized representative as chairperson; DILG secretary or his representative as vice chair and the secretaries DOST, DENR, DepEd, DAR, DTI and DOH or their representatives as well three small farmer representatives and a representative each of NGOs, agricultural colleges and universities;and private sector or agribusiness firms. As a policy-making body, NOAB formulates policies, plans,
programs and projects to develop and promote organic agriculture, production, processing and trade; oversees the successful implementation of the National Organic Agricultural Program; identifies sources of financing to expand organic agriculture. The board also monitors and evaluates the performance of programs for appropriate incentives; undertake measures for the international recognition of local certification of organic products. ts functions also include calling upon any government agency to carry out and implement programs and projects identified by the NOAB and call upon private sectors, POs and NGOs and the academe to provide advice on matters pertaining to organic agriculture and conduct of capability-building initiatives to farmers, producers, extension workers, consumers and other stakeholders in agriculture sector in coordination with the Agricultural Training Institute. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with LMSalvo-DA 12)
Book features investment opportunities in SOCCSKSARGEN By: Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Trade and Industry in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DTI 12) through the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) has launched last week a book that presents business opportunities in the region. AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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The book, entitled “SOCCSKSARGEN Compendium of Project Briefs” was launched during the Big Brother-Small Brother Business Matching cum Forum and Reverse Fair in General Santos City on June 22. A report from the DTI 12 describe the book as a “compilation of business opportunities that have ready markets in Region 12.” Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN Region is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. “Prepared by private institutions, the academe (Mindanao State University-Gensan Campus), inhouse staff and DTI 12 Provincial Offices, these business opportunities are presented in project brief form to give start-up and existing businessmen with a bird’s eye-view of each business opportunity, such as the project cost and the projected sales and income, to help them decide which business to venture into,” the same report said. At least 230 project briefs are featured in the book. These cover 10 potential industries in the region, namely: agriculture (fresh and processed); aqua-marine (fresh and processed); garments/textile; creative; energy/ AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
green; handicrafts; industrial products; IVT/BPO; printing and packaging/advertising;Tourism support industries; and other industries. Projects range from banana cardava production, bamboo furniture making, oil palm plantation, milkfish production, apron making, comic detailing, composting facility and compost production using vermiculture, bleaching powder manufacturing, ICT/BPO, water bottle manufacturing, beach resort development, handloom weaving. These project briefs were identified through the office’s Supply Management thru Investments for Large Enterprises (SMILE) Program, which aims to link the region’s small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) to the large companies. This is being done through the conduct of investment dialogues wherein the large companies identify their supply/service needs. DTI NERBAC 12 then links them up with existing and potential entrepreneurs in the region who can supply their requirements. This will in effect help create new entrepreneurs and enterprises, expand existing businesses while creating new ones, as well as help generate employment for the community, the report said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DTI 12) PAGE | 32
Kalan-onon Festival in Talisayan seen to boost local economy, tourism by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A big boost to its local economy including its tourism is believed to be the impact of the Kalan-onon Festival of Talisayan town in Misamis Oriental held from July 7 to July 14, this year.
AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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Various food and native delicacies which were locally made were displayed by representative from each of the 18 barangays in their creatively crafted booths in the open field in the heart of the municipality during the week long fiesta celebration of their patron saint Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Among the delicacies featured were Ensaymada de Buko (pastry with coconut inside), Nilupak (made of mashed kamoteng kahoy (yucca root or cassava), or kamote (sweet potato) or banana saba with sugar or milk to taste, cassava cake (made with grated cassava with sugar, eggs and coconut milk), puto cheese (steamed Filipino mini rice cake made out of rice flour) saging minatamis (Banana Plantain in Syrup), puto kutsinta (made from rice flour), biko (sticky rice cake) tupig (made from rice flour and coconut strips then grilled in hot charcoal), camote cake (Sweet Potato cake) kipping (made with cassava flour, crunchy, thin crisp with coconut spread), squash maja (pudding made with squash) suman latik (glutinous rice with thick syrupy caramelized coconut cream used as a dessert condiment), and buko pie (pie with coconut filling). Robert Maestre, representative of the province of Misamis Oriental, one of the judges during the event said that he could see some delicacies that could go further and really represent Talisayan in the food industry. He said that his bet was the Ensaymada de Buko because it was the first Ensaymada he tasted with a twist of carmelized buko filling. He said it was well cooked and in terms AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
of presentation, it could compete with other delicacies in the region and even nationwide. With its sweet coconut filling, he said that this product go hand in hand with the province’s promotion and push for coconut by-products. With more enhancements on how it can stretch its shelf-life, he advised that the maker of the product through the local government seek assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the province. Meanwhile, Judy M. Aclan of DTI Misamis Oriental, a judge during the event agreed with Maestre. She said she loves the product and could compete with current delicacies more so when provided with assistance such as packaging and longer shelf-life. On the other hand, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director Thelma Oliver, as one of the judges in the competition shared that the agency can help in the promotion of the product and their event. With the social media being a big factor in the information dissemination, PIA can help spread the word. Town mayor Rommel Maslog expressed his gratitude to the judges for taking time to come to their town and shed some light in the possible ventures they could get into. He said that one of their main efforts now is to promote tourism in their municipality. With neighboring towns having their trademark product, Talisayan hopes that through this activity, they could create or improve something that could benefit the town PAGE | 34
in the future and get more tourists in the area. The town’s week long fiesta included activities such as novena, mass, fun run, Search for Miss Talisayan, Gay basketball exhibition,
inter school swimming contest, interbarangay Palarong Pinoy, Jetski Exhibition, Baroto (boat) racing contest and Sayawan og Kantahan sa Gym (singing and dancing in the gym).
Northern Mindanao economy grows by 5.6% in 2013 by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Northern Mindanao economy posted a 5.6 percent growth in 2013, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). However, the growth was lower than the 7.2 percent growth recorded by the region in 2012, Brenda Lynn M. Castro, Statistical Coordination Officer IV of the NSCB-10, said in a news conference today. Castro said the slowdown was attributed to the decelerated growths in the Industry and Service sectors. Although the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) sector experienced acceleration with a growth of 3.2 percent from 2.5 percent in 2012, she said its improved performance was not enough to sustain the region’s economic growth as the two major sectors showed decelerated growths. The Service sector grew at a slower pace in 2013 at 5.9 percent compared to its 8.8 percent growth in AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
2012 while the Industry sector slowed down from 8.9 percent in 2012 to 7.0 percent in 2013. All the subsectors in Services, except Financial Intermediation and Other services, posted decelerated growths. Financial Intermediation grew faster from 9.0 percent to 10.8 percent while Other Services expanded from 4.3 percent to 7.8 percent. Castro said the growth drivers of the Financial Intermediation subsector were insurance and other auxiliary services like the pre-need. “The expanded growth in the Other Services, on the other hand, was mainly due to the expansion of the education sector,” she added. The Industry sector expanded at the slower rate, from 8.9 percent in 2012 to 7.0 percent in 2013. All its PAGE | 35
subsectors also posted decelerated growths. Castro said the Manufacturing subsector decelerated from 10.8 percent to 9.3 percent due to the decelerated performance of the food and beverage industry. Construction also slowed down from 8.7 percent to 5.7 percent due to the slower expansion in private construction. Mining and Quarrying subsector experienced a slowdown from 9.5 percent to 3.2 percent due to the decline in sand and gravel production. Moreover, the lethargic growth of only 1.2 percent of the Electric, Gas and Water was mainly atrributable to the slowdown in power generation. The improved performance of the AHFF, on the other hand, was attributable to the accelarated growth in the fishery sector which is three times faster than its growth in 2012. Castro said this was due to the increase in production of tiger prawns. The performance of the AHFF
was not also largely affected by the 1.9 percent decelerated growth of the Agri and Forestry sector. The decelerated growth of this subsector was due to the decline in production of sugarcane and corn. In terms of share to the region’s economy, Services remained to have the largest share at 41.9 percent, slightly higher than its 41.8 percent share in 2012. Industry also had an increased share in 2013 at 33.8 from 33.3 percent share in 2012. Consequently, AHFF decreased its share from 24.9 percent to 24.3 percent share in 2013. Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao remained to have the highest per capita gross regional domestic product (GRDP) among the Mindanao regions and maintained its rank as the sixth highest per capita GRDP among the 17 regions of the country. The per capita GRDP of the region increased to P55,060, up by 3.6 percent from the P53,122 posted in 2012.
PhilHealth members can now avail kidney transplant at NMMC by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) members and dependents with kidney failure can now avail of a transplant procedure at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC). AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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This was made possible after PhilHealth Regional Office 10 and NMMC inked an agreement to ensure that patients in the region needing kidney transplant services are given financial protection and acceptable standard of care. PhilHealth-10 regional vice president Datu Masiding Alonto Jr. and NMMC chief of hospital Dr. Jose Chan signed the contract in a formal ceremony held Monday, July 21, in NMMC mini theatre, this city. Under the agreement, NMMC will provide kidney transplant package to qualified PhilHealth members and dependents in support to PhilHealth’s Z Benefit Package. The Z benefit package is offered to all PhilHealth members and their dependent to address health conditions that trigger prolonged hospitalization and very expensive treatments. Alonto said members with fatal kidney-related diseases can save up the high cost of treatment with
AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
the Z benefit package for kidney transplant. Under the Z package for kidney transplant, PhilHealth will subsidize medical expenses up to P600,000 per patient. He also said that the contract is a milestone for NMMC to widen its services and compete with private hospitals in the region. Dr. Chan, on the other hand, said NMMC can now look forward to provide kidney transplant services to PhilHealth members without reservation to the high costs. He also expressed appreciation to PhilHealth for the arrival of the kidney transplant package. He said the Z benefit for kidney transplant is just one of the many packages that PhilHealth has rolled out for them to position NMMC as the best government hospital in the region.
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Lapuyan mayor urges stakeholder to take proactive measures vs disaster By Gideon C. Corgue
LAPUYAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Over 300 participants composed of municipal officials, teachers, policemen, students and Rural Health Unit (RHU) personnel participated in an earthquake drill held on Monday by the municipal government in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) at the Antonio V. Apostol Sr. Memorial Central Elementary School in Barangay Poblacion this town.
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Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Nasrudin Ismael said the activity was held in consonance with this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration. “The drill is one of the activities that would strengthen the capacity of LGUs together with the stakeholders to build disaster resilient communities and institutionalize measures for disaster preparedness and response. In her message, Mayor Daylinda Sulong said natural disasters are happening anwhere in the world. “With this, we need to take proactive measures to mitigate its adverse effects on our residents,” she stressed. Sulong added that “natural disasters are being shown on television almost everyday, claiming thousands of lives and millions of properties destroyed. She recalled the tsunami that happened in Pagadian City in August 16, 1976, one of the deadliest natural AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
disasters that hit country, leaving more than 3,000 people dead. “I have personally witnessed thousands of dead bodies and destroyed homes along the coastal barangays, including the boarding house of my husband, Cesar,” she narrated. The lady mayor also created the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in compliance with Republic Act 10121. OCD9 training officer Engr. Angelito Casinillo delivered a lecture on Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System while PDRRMO officer Wilfredo Asoy Jr. explained the impacts of global warming and climate change including its adverse effects to human populations. Although the municipality is prone only to landslide and soil erosion, the participants were also taught to perform the “duck-cover hold” as the recommended response during severe earthquakes. PAGE | 39
SSS collection in Mindanao up by 13 percent By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - The Social Security System(SSS) has collected P3.2 billion in members’ contribution from January to April this year, registering an increase of 13 percent from its P2.9 billion collection during the same period in 2013, with nearly 80 percent overall collections from the employed sector. Atty. Rodrigo Filoteo, assistant vice president for Western Mindanao, said regular and household employers from Mindanao rose by 13 percent to P2.5 billion. “About P1.6 billion of these payments were from “large account” employers or businesses with at least 100 workers,” he said. “Meanwhile, contributions from the smaller “branch account” employers reached P959 million during the four-month period. Double-digit collection growths were attained for both large and branch employer accounts in Mindanao at 10 percent and 20 percent respectively, which attests to the sustained efforts of SSS branch offices to promote employer compliance in the area,” he noted. Filoteo, along with other senior officials headed by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros Jr, hosted the “Kapihan sa Dipolog ” media forum Tuesday with the local media at Ariana Hotel at Barangay Minaog, this city. AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
The SSS has over 135,000 registered employers in Mindanao, of which 99 percent-including some 33,000 household employers – fall under branch accounts, while 1,400 employers are classified as large accounts. In terms of number of covered employees in the area, 2.9 million members are employed by businesses, and about 7,300 more are household workers. Collections from self-employed and voluntary members amounted to P618 million, reflecting an increase of 13 percent from the P618 million within the first four months of 2013. The SSS has 1.2 million covered selfemployed and voluntary members in Mindanao. Key SSS officials were in Dipolog City from July 21 and 22 to meet employers, branch heads and employees in Western Mindanao as part of management’s continuing drive to promote closer ties between SSS and its stakeholders. PAGE | 40
DSWD-ZN holds search for Pantawid Pamilya exemplary child By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Zamboanga del Norte conducted recently a search for Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child 2014 here in the city. Von Glydel Micabalo of Siocon town bested 18 other contestants joining the said competition, which capped the recently held “Children’s Congress.” Said activity sought to promote children’s rights and showcase their potentials. “We are here to give due recognition to the children… that despite their hardships, still they are consistent honor students,” DSWDZN Officer Jose Cruz said. He added that the exemplary child awardee will compete in the National Children’s Congress to be held Manila in October this year. The provincial contestants were reminded that they were all winners because they were chosen as model children by their respective municipalities. “Children, this is the moment for you. And we from DepEd desire for all the best in your life,” said Dr. Cheryl V. Ocupe of Dep-Ed, AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Zamboanga del Norte. Meanwhile, SWADT Leader Maria Eva Avila stressed that they in DSWD believe in the spirit of convergence between and among the stakeholders. “We need our partners from local government units and the national agencies to cross-over from poverty to self-sufficiency,” Avila emphasized. She added that one of the goals of the DSWD is to increase the number of beneficiaries of Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to the level of self-sufficiency. “We congratulate the parents for their unwavering support to their children as well as the schools for serving as secondary parent of our children,” said Social Welfare Officer Elsa E. Oyanib of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in his closing statement. PAGE | 41