Bangon Zambo newsletter bridging gov’t and IDPs Dominic I. Sanchez WESTERN MINDANAO
Page 4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 237
NATIONAL
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President Aquino honors outstanding policemen during 113th Police Service Anniversary
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WESTERN MINDANAO
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Mothers urged to support exclusive breasfeeding Gideon C. Corgue Mayor Climaco: Tungawan is relatively peaceful, calm Emmanuel D. Taghoy
NORTHERN MINDANAO
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DILG: GPBP is not DAP DILG-10 DILG to undergo training on geo-tagging for PAMANA project Ana Celeste W. Felisilda
CARAGA REGION
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BFAR Caraga to conduct ‘Fish-Sing BFAR Hymn making contest’ Shane Abeguel T. Eviota Pantawid Pamilya covers 159,075 households in Caraga Social Marketing Unit
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SOUTHERN MINDANAO
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DOST college scholarship application for 2015 to close on August 22 Michael L. Uy
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Information to Empower Filipinos
COVER STORY Bangon Zambo newsletter bridging gov’t and IDPs
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by Dominic I. Sanchez hen it was first published, the “Bangon Zambo” newsletter came under intense public scrutiny. Zamboangueños were surprised to see a local publication in Tagalog when the city is bent on promoting and preserving Chabacano.
Zamboangueños are known to take pride in Chabacano, a Spanishbased localized dialect widely spoken here. For generations, local administrations have fought to preserve it. This “tagalized” newsletter was a big blow to local cultural pride. However, decision on the dialect to be used came from the people who are the newsletter’s primary audience – the internally displaced persons (IDPs). “The IDPs, most of whom do not speak fluent Chabacano prefer Tagalog,” said Shiela Covarrubias, Zamboanga City public information officer. This is reinforced during all information caravans brought at the evacuation centers and transitory sites early this year, as Tagalog was spoken and understood during the forums between the resource
speakers and the IDPs. Also, more than 70 percent of IDPs who provided feedback to Bangon Zambo still preferred Tagalog, while the others preferred Tausog. One element in effective communication is the “tailor-fitting” of messages for the audience. If the newsletter was in a dialect that the IDPs are not fluent with, chances are they would not understand what it contains – Bangon Zambo’s purpose would be defeated. The entire publication would be a waste. While Bangon Zambo does not aim to promote Tagalog over Chabacano, still it has to adapt to the immediate needs of its audience, the IDPs – people who, in spite of different cultures, faiths and traditions, have already called Zamboanga their home. Bangon Zambo, a monthly publication contains news and development stories on the city’s rehabilitation and recovery efforts coming from the different humanitarian clusters. The newsletter aims to provide the IDPs both with information that they need and a feedback mechanism to air to government and development actors what they still need. A comments page at the back can easily be cut away and dropped in suggestion boxes scattered at the transitory sites, to be consolidated for action by government and humanitarian actors. Bangon Zambo was born 5
out of the need of IDPs from last year’s siege for accurate information with regards to their rehabilitation and recovery. Until now, thousands of families are still homeless and scattered in several transitory sites in the city. They are eagerly waiting for them to step back to their communities once they are re-built, and while waiting, they need assurance through information that efforts are on the way to get them back to their communities. “We need this information to be assured that the plans for the rehabilitation of our communities are pushing through. This is a link between us and government,” said Madz Hussin, an IDP and a Government Internship Program intern. The publication is a product of the Communications Working Group (CWG) composed of the City Information Division under the
Office of the City Mayor, various international humanitarian groups, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
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President Aquino calls for ‘sense of urgency’ in anticipating natural disasters
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III, in a recent Cabinet meeting, underscored the need for a “sense of urgency” among all government agencies and local government units in anticipating natural disasters, a Palace official has said. “President Aquino emphasized the capability building, considering the need to promote a sense of urgency country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, among all national agencies and local ” Presidential Communications Operations government units in the aspect of Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. AUGUST | PAGE 7
said in a note sent to members of the Malacañang Press Corps on Thursday. The President presided over the meeting, held on Wednesday (August 6) to discuss the Climate Change Cluster Roadmap. In attendance were representatives of the departments of environment, agriculture, interior and local government, agrarian reform, energy, and public works, the Metro Manila Development Authority, Climate Change Commission, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. The President noted that there must be broad awareness on the use of geo-hazard maps that indicate landslide- and floodprone areas in each province, municipality or city, “so that the local disaster riskreduction and management councils can respond in a timely and appropriate manner,” Secretary Coloma said. During the meeting, the Climate Change Cluster reported the occurrence
of 543 natural disasters between the years 1900 and 2014, 58 percent of which were storms and 25 percent were floods. “Responding to the challenge of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, the cluster has adopted a strategy of improving resiliency to climate change,” Coloma said. He said the cluster will focus on carbon sequestration through forests and oceans, energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy development, and greater reliance on cleaner energy sources, such as natural gas and geothermal energy. Climate change adaptation and mitigation is one of the pillars of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016. Last June, the United Nations’ (UN) special representative for disaster risk reduction assessed the Philippines’ disaster preparedness at between 6 and 7 or “above average,” with 10 being the highest. PND
President Aquino honors outstanding policemen during 113th Police Service Anniversary
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III led the celebration of the 113th Police Service Anniversary at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday. AUGUST 2014 | PAGE
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President Benigno S. Aquino III led the celebration of the 113th Police Service Anniversary at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday. During the event, President Aquino recognized several police personnel and PNP Units for their outstanding achievements. “Bilang mga alagad ng batas, malinaw ang inyong responsibilidad: Ang ipagtanggol ang ating mga kababayan at maipadama sa mga kriminal na hindi nila matatakasan ang katarungan; na sa oras na makalap natin ang sapat na ebidensya, sa oras na mahuli natin sila sa akto, mararamdaman nila ang lakas ng estado,” the President said in his speech. He commended the Zamboanga City Public Safety Company for being the first unit to respond during the Zamboanga City siege in September last year, as well as Police Superintendent Lambert Suerte of the Benguet Provincial Public Safety Company for seizing the largest camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Cordillera and capturing the group’s leader in 2013. He also cited the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, headed by Police Director Benjamin Magalong, for apprehending 3,453 fugitives, including
22 most wanted in the country, last year. He recognized the achievement of Senior Police Officer 1 Dominador Canlas, who saved three children during an operation against the NPA in Tarlac. “Ilan lamang sila sa magigiting nating pulis na kinikilala natin sa araw na ito. Sinasalamin nila ang malasakit at propesyunalismo ng iba pa nating kapulisan na talaga naman pong nagpakitang-gilas sa serbisyo,” he said. Other awardees include PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Felipe Rojas Jr., Police Chief Inspector Juanito Gaces Jr., Police Officer 2 Crissandra Aggabao, Police Regional Office 9, Anti-Cybercrime Group, Crime Laboratory and Cagayan Police Provincial Office, Abra Police Provincial Office, President Roxas Municipal Police Station, and the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force. The Philippine National Police celebrates August 8 as Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary, established in 1901, and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975. This year’s anniversary carried the theme: “Pulisya Kaagapay ang Mamamayan para sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.” PND (jb) AUGUST | PAGE 9
DOLE challenges Mindanao labor relations units to sustain ‘excellent’ performance
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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) central office challenged its labor relations units in various parts of Mindanao to sustain their mark as the agency’s productivity champion.
DOLE Undersecretary Rebecca Chato issued such challenge on Thursday during the 2014 Labor Relations Mindanao Clusters Planning Workshop hosted by DOLE Region AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
12 at the Green Leaf Hotel here. The official said Mindanao’s labor relations units currently leads other clusters in the country in terms of performance. PAGE | 10
She said their performance showed that they’ve been continually striving for excellence and working to hit their targets every year. “Mindanao is the first ISO-certified cluster in the country and we just hope that you can sustain and hit your targets through convergence,” she said. Chato was referring to the completion earlier this year of the certification of Mindanao’s six DOLE regional offices for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008. Such certification mainly signifies improved efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies in delivery their enrolled frontline services. ISO 9001:2008 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is the only standard in the ISO family
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of standards that can be certified. It can be used by any organization, large or small, regardless of its field of activity and is implemented by over one million companies and organizations in 170 countries. Chato urged their labor relations units in Mindanao to be mindful of their utilization rate because it affects the economic growth. “Let us reach out to the poorest of the poor with our livelihood programs even as we continue to face security problems in the island,” she said. The official added that the convergence between the National Conciliation and Mediation Board and the National Labor Relations Commission is imperative to maintain zero strike incidence
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Breastfeeding saves 1.3 million lives of children yearly – Capistrano By Claro A. Lanipa PAGADIAN CITY – “ The number one effective intervention to save lives of children is breastfeeding,” said Regional Nutrition Coordinator Evelyn Capistrano of the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-9 during a nutrition information caravan held at Guillermo Hotel here Wednesday, Aug. 6.
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She said the first breast milk that comes out from the mother is very rich with colostrum (antibodies), giving the infants their first immunization against diseases. Capistrano served as one of the resource speakers in the said forum, which was attended by the different Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs), representatives from government agencies, public and private hospitals and other stakeholders. It was also learned that the said activity was held in consonance with the observance of August as the National Breastfeeding Awareness month with the theme, “Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal in Life.” “In this year’s theme we give emphasis on the acronym, ‘Breastfeeding TSEK,’ with ‘T’ as Tama (correct), ‘S’ as Sapat (complete), AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
‘EK’ as Eksklusibo (exclusive),” Capistrano said. Breastfeeding is the only way that can give optimum nutrition to the infants, as they grow and develop. Breast milk has all the nutrients for the growth and development of the baby. An exclusive breastfeeding for at least six (6) is encouraged with no other food or liquids should be added, Capistrano explained. Meanwhile, Capistrano said there are already seven hospitals in the province that are accredited and given the certificate of commitment as a Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI). These are the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, Hamelarin Hospital, IZAH Medical Hospital, Cabahug Hospital and Pagadian Metro Specialist Hospital in this city and Igano Salug Medical Center & Blancia Hospital in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur. PAGE | 13
Mothers urged to support exclusive breasfeeding By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Dr. Ma. Rovelle Blancia, provincial health officer and acting hospital administrator of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, urged all mothers on Wednesday to support the government’s breastfeeding program. Speaking before the Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs), representatives from government and private hospitals and other stakeholders during the nutrition information caravan at Hotel Guillermo here, Blancia underscored the importance of breastfeeding by the mother to her baby. “Breastfeeding is very important AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
because it is recommended as a major source of nutrition for the first six to 12 months of the infant’s life. It is the first immunization of the baby and it gives more benefits to the baby,” Blancia explained. Blancia added that breastfeeding does not only give positive effects to the baby but to the mothers as well. “Mothers also reap physical benefits PAGE | 14
from breastfeeding. It is the best way to get your body into its prepregnancy state,” Blancia stresed. Blancia said breastfeeding creates also an emotional linkage, active, effectionate, and reciprocal relationship between the mother and baby. She disclosed that she was breastfeeding her five childfren and until now she can feel the bonding AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
and attachment with them even if they are already in their elementary grades,” she added. Mothers will benefit a lot from breastfeeding, said Blancia, as they would have uterine contractions so they don’t bleed heavily immediately after delivery. It also protects mothers from developing osteoporosis when “they’re old and gray.” The provincial health officer PAGE | 15
also encouraged the advocates to promote breastfeeding in their respective hospitals and schools to help decrease the prevalence of underweight children in the country.
The activity is one of the highlights of the National Breastfeeding Month this August with the theme “Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal-for life!”
Mayor Climaco: Tungawan is relatively peaceful, calm By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – Unlike before this town is now relatively peaceful and calm, said Mayor Randy A. Climaco during the recently held medical and dental mission at Barangay San Vicente here. Mayor Climaco vowed to continue informing the public that his municipality is peaceful, as the municipal leadership strives to put in place all programs aimed at promoting peace and order in the locality to counter the negative impression about the place. Tungawan was known to be the lair of lawless elements including Moro rebels. Changing the public’s thought about the municipality remains a great challenge to his leadership, the mayor admitted. As a leader, Mayor Climaco seeks to improve the quality of life of his constituents by introducing livelihood programs and inviting businessmen/ investors to come and put up their businesses in the area. As regards tourism and agriculture, Mayor Climaco said his town has great potentials. He cited AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
the scenic spots of Bangaan Island and Pulo Pinya Marine Sanctuaries, the white sand beaches of LoocLabuan and Tubo-tubo Island, the falls in Tigpalay and Makasap, and the mangrove parks and GapasGapas Island. He also said that a rare type of bat known as Golden-Crowned Headed Bats could be seen in some parts of the municipality particularly in the mangrove areas of Barangay Taglibas, Barangay Linguisan, and Barangay Tigbucay. Mayor Climaco also credited the town’s peace order condition to the presence 6th Special Forces of the Philippine Army (PA) that keeps the lawless elements at bay. Moreover, he clarified that the lawless groups were not from Tungawan but from other neighboring places. PAGE | 16
DENR 10 conducts protected area conference, governance assessment by DENR
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - To organize and share the good practices of the Protected Areas (PAs) in Region 10, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conducted the first PA Conference and Regional PA Governance Assessment at Cagayan de Oro City.
http://lapasan-myblognoel145.blogspot.com/2012/08/hibok-hibok-volcano-natural-monument-in.html AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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DENR 10 regional director Ruth M. Tawantawan said the conference will give an opportunity to know and share the different experiences of PA management and to give importance in understanding the best practices of PAs in the country. Secretary Nereus Acosta, Presidential Adviser of Environmental Protection, likewise urged the participants to support and preserve the good strategies in the management of PAs in Northern Mindanao. Acosta discussed how to attain the goals in biodiversity conservation and to give focus on the impacts of climate change towards climate change resiliency. Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park in the province of Bukidnon, Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park and Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape in the province of Misamis Oriental, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park and Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape in
the province of Misamis Occidental and Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument in the province of Camiguin meanwhile received recognition for its successful implementation as well as best practices. The participants of the conference include members of the New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (New CAPP), ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP), Protected Areas Management Board (PAMBs), Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from the different PAs in the country, private organizations, national government agencies and other stakeholders. The activities in the conference also include presentation of the different PA Management Best Practices and the display of exhibit showcasing the PAS in Region 10. Somawan Sukpraset from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in Thailand and Director Monina Uriate discussed the ASEAN Good Protected Areas Management Practices of ACB in the said conference.
DILG: GPBP is not DAP by DILG-10
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) is not under the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 10 said. AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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“This GPBP is not under DAP, the program’s funding is incorporated in the General Appropriations Act,” DILG10 regional director Rene Burdeos said during the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team meeting yesterday, August 5, held at DILG-10 Regional Office. Director Burdeos statement arises after reading the news associating the GPBP (formerly known as Bottom-Up Budgeting) to DAP and the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). He also wanted to dispel rumors that GPBP implementation will be stopped because of the issue. On the other hand, Margarita Villamala, a representative from the Department of Budget and Management Region 10, added into the Director’s explanation that “DAP is under savings” and GPBP is not. “The GPBP undergoes a budgeting process. Budget Proposals were even made to make sure proper budgeting had been followed. It went through Congress also, so strictly speaking, this is not DAP because this is not under savings and not in any nature can this be considered or associated with DAP,” Villamala said. Director Burdeos underlined the rationale that this project is a means of the President in empowering the people, giving them the chance to propose their projects and take part in the planning and implementation process. He inferred further that in order for the people to understand well what is GPBP, the participating agencies are to encourage their beneficiaries AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
to give statements and make known about the benefits they have reaped from the program. To date, 87 cities and municipalities in Region 10 has been given fund allocation this year for their respective GPBP projects totaling P1.49B. The fund will commence the implementation of various projects such as, water supply systems, sustainable livelihood programs, rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, irrigation projects, purchase of post harvest facilities, repair of classrooms, health facilities programs, among others. Last year, GPBP projects from 54 cities and municipalities in the region were funded totaling P708M. Pursuant to the DBM-DILGDSWD-NAPC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2013, the RPRAT members are expected to meet regularly not only to review, validate and consolidate the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans (LPRAP) but also to decide on certain issues that crop up during the implementation of poverty reduction projects. The meeting was participated by GPBP focal persons of NGAparticipating agencies and provincial focal persons from the National AntiPoverty Commission. GPBP is a strategy of the Aquino administration in attaining the Philippine Development Plan’s goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, and promoting good governance at the local level. It makes the planning and budgeting processes of both local and national governments more participatory through the PAGE | 19
genuine involvement of grassroots organizations and communities.
DILG to undergo training on geo-tagging for PAMANA project by Ana Celeste W. Felisilda
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Preparations are underway for the training/ workshop on geo-tagging for the regional and provincial program coordinator of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects for three regions of the country, Aug. 14-15. This is spearheaded by the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 10. The Geo-tagging technology is a web generated tool which shows the exact location of any project with corresponding pictures indicating coordinates, lengths amongst others in a community particularly in the conflict affected areas under the PAMANA. This technology ensures that there is no project duplication, no ghost projects and improve the monitoring of project implementation in an accurate way, according to regional director Rene K. Burdeos, DILG-10. The participants will be able to familiarize on the geo-tagging device,
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gain knowledge on the various kinds of PAMANA projects and their particulars and on the procedures in the use and conduct of actual geo-tagging. Resource speakers from the University of the Philippines will help facilitate the workshop on the steps of geo-tagging. The PAMANA, as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan for Calendar Year 2011 to 2016, is a framework for peace-building and development in conflict-affected areas. It is complementary track to peace negotiation. Regional and provincial PAMANA focal persons, regional project development and management unit - heads/staff and provincial directors for Regions VI, IX and X are expected to attend the training.
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DepEd encourages student to participate in ‘Yes for Peace’ campaign
By Venus L. Garcia BUTUAN CITY - – In sustaining its institutional support for the “Yes for Peace - Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran, Kasaganahan (KKK)” campaign, the Department of Education (DepEd) is maximizing the collective involvement and participation of pupils and students (10 years and older) in the continuing process for an end to the armed conflict.
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Pursuant to DepEd Advisory No.391, s.2013, the Yes for Peace campaign aims to encourage peace-loving Filipinos to speak as one and to provide a democratic people’s mandate for a comprehensive peace process. To attain the target 10 million responses to the campaign, regional directors, schools division/city superintendents and district supervisors are requested to monitor and oversee the activities of both public and private elementary and high schools in their respective areas of jurisdiction. School heads or principals of participating schools are requested to submit the Yes for Peace questionnaires and reports on or before September 15, 2014 to enable to announce additional regional summaries on September 19, 2014 during the celebration of the International Peace Day, said DepEd Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Atty Alberto Muyot.
“We aim to inculcate Bayanihan spirit to every Filipino, make them effective advocates for the campaign, and thereby help restore confidence in a transparent and participative peace process,” said Muyot. Meanwhile, Yes for Peace lead organizer Ernesto Alcanzare announces that “to catch public attention to our silent campaign and to assert our individual right to peace, we are now organizing simultaneous press conference through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Kapihan in all regional centers at 10 a.m., August 12, 2014, which is also an International Humanitarian Law Day.” The Yes for Peace guidelines, questionnaires and report forms are downloadable at http://www.yesforpeace.yolasite.com. As of July 31, 2014, there are 9,278,129 number of participating KaBayanihans already that now reached 92.78% of the goal.
BFAR Caraga to conduct ‘Fish-Sing BFAR Hymn making contest’
By Shane Abeguel T. Eviota SURIGAO CITY - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga Regional Office is set to conduct the Fish-Sing BFAR Hymn making contest just in time with the commemoration of the 51st Fish Conservation Week this coming October.
The contest aims to intensify the youth’s participation in the awareness campaign for the fisheries sector as provided in Sec. 118 of Republic Act 8550 which supports educational campaign on manageAUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
ment, conservation and proper use of the environment at all levels. The conduct of the said activity will be spearheaded by the bureau’s Information and Public Relations Group (IPRG) in coop-
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eration with Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). All high school and college students are encouraged to join and participate and be part of the historic event.
Forms and contest mechanics are now available at the Regional Office of BFAR-Caraga located at Peñaranda Street (Paradise) Barangay Taft, this city or for more inquiries, please call telephone number (086) 826-2159.
Pantawid Pamilya covers 159,075 households in Caraga
By Social Marketing Unit BUTUAN CITY - The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has registered 159,079 households (HH) in Caraga region. “The program started in 2008 covering 24 municipalities in four provinces. It is now on its sixth year of implementation,” DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli recalled. Brigoli revealed that as of the first semester of this year, the program has reached 100 percent in its aim to cover five provinces, nine Congressional Districts, six cities, and 67 municipalities in the region. Brigoli added that 1,309 barangays or 99.84 percent are covered by the program. “There are two barangays namely Urduja and Soliman which are not covered by the program for they are commercial centers within the city. Thus, there are no poor households identiAUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
fied in these areas,” she said. The majority of the Pantawid Pamilya grantees in the region are female, they consists of 142, 853 or 89.79 percent while only 16, 240 or 10.20 percent are male. These numbers are expected to get higher because of the on–going validation of the households under the Extended-Age Coverage Program and the newly registered Set 7C households. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps (formerly Ahon Pamilyang Pilipino) is a conditional cash transfer program of the natural government under DSWD that aims to eradicate extreme poverty in the country by investing in health and education of children.
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CHED cited for support to research centers CHED’s support program for the Higher Education Regional Research Centers (HERCCs) is aligned with the Aquino administration’s desire for the nation to become more inclusive and globally competitive. CHED has been funding researches of 18 higher education institutions from across the DAVAO CITY – An official of the country identified country’s recognition and adviby CHED as HERCCs. sory body on science and technol “It’s a worthy undertaking of ogy has cited the support of the the government in making sure that the HEIs have the capacity to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to a network of academe- produce individuals or work force that are productive and efficient, if based research centers. Dr. William Padolina, president really given full support. And that of the National Academy of Sci- its impact will be felt by the whole ence and Technology (NAST), said country,” Padolina stated.
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Recently this week, CHED organized the National Research Conference at Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City to present the results of 96 research efforts funded by the said agency. The conference held on August 6-8 has presented 96 researches covering a range of topics such as food security and fisheries, economics and livelihood, social sciences and cultural, research and instruction, teacher education and governance, environment and health, among others. Padolina said CHED is investing its resources in HEIs which “now are the hubs of generating new knowledge not only in the Philippines, but also globally.” “That’s very important because in less than two years time, the APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) will take effect in 2015 where borders are now open to free flow of goods, free flow of labor and services, and free flow of capital,” he stated during a press conference at the research conference. “And we’ll be challenged. So that we can now also increase the participation of Filipinos in the Asian market,” he added. Padolina said that research is undertaken “because it’s good part of innovative capacity of a country.” When asked about the state of research in the country, Dr. Napoleon Juanillo quoted CHED chairAUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
woman Dr. Patricia Licuanan as saying that “research in the Philippines is still in its infancy stage.” “Having said that, we should look that as an exciting challenge,” stated Juanillo, director of CHED’s Planning, Research and Knowledge Management. He raised the importance of tapping schools and universities as the best platform and environment of cultivating among the young an interest in research. “It’s really an environment that’s so conducive to building a research culture and cultivating it among young people. What’s unique about colleges and universities, we hold the critical mass of selected talented young Filipinos eager to learn and engage about higher education,” he stated. He said that allowing the HEIs to optimize their research function is also a way to continually produce new knowledge which generate new ones, transmit this knowledge and make sure that knowledge is utilized. The three-day conference, which bannered the theme: “Higher Education Institution’s R&D for National Development,” was also aimed at providing a venue for the academe-based researchers from all over the country to “interact and share their experiences in pursuit of new knowledge and of truth.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)
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DOST college scholarship application for 2015 to close on August 22 DAVAO DEL NORTE - - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) based on the province announced that August 22 is the deadline for the filing of application in the undergraduate scholarships for school year 2015. Rogelio Corcino, provincial
science and technology director, said that the DOST were already accepting applications for the Undergraduate Scholarship Programs for merit and Republic Act 7687 until August 22. Corcino said that the scholarships are open to public and private high school students, who wish to pursue four or five year course preferably in the field of science and technology. He added that under Merit scholarship, the student must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, who belonged to the top five percent of the regular high school graduate class or member of the graduating class of a DOST – school education insti-
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tute or Department of Education (DepEd) recognized science high school, of good moral character and in good health, and qualifier of the 2014 Science and Technology scholarship examination. Corcino said that the additional requirements for the RA 7687 scholarship were residency of a municipality or city for the last four years as attested by the barangay and family socio-economic status in poor level or not exceeding the set values based on their office’s standards. He also revealed that the schedule of examination is on September 21, 2014. He said that application forms are available at their office in USEP Compound, Apokon, Tagum City with telephone numbers 216-9189 and 216-2414 or can be downloaded at www. science-scholarship.ph. (PIA 11, Michael L. Uy)
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