MSMEs, driving force of the Philippine robust economy Page 4 Danilo E. Doguiles CENTRAL MINDANAO
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 202
Information to Empower Filipinos
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NORTHERN MINDANAO
NATIONAL
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President Aquino presides over National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting
CARAGA REGION
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Gov Plaza bares PGAS’ plans, programs for sustainable development David M. Suyao MinDA chair eyes SurSur as ‘future’ tourism hub Greg Tataro Jr.
WESTERN REGION
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Dipolog media urged to support breastfeeding, climate change advocacy Franklin P. Gumapon Ms. Beautiful Buntis wows Dumalinao folks Alma L. Tingcang
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Major players in wholesale, retail supply chain open branches in Oroquieta Ana Celeste W. Felisilda OPAPP, DILG orient Comprehensive Local Integration Program for Mindanao cluster Ana Celeste W. Felisildan
CENTRAL MINDANAO
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N. Cotabato prov’l government sends more help to cholera-affected village Shahana Joy E. Duerme New MIST-- taking a bold step into a brighter future: Mayor Caoagdan Aida C. Agad
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
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Sta. Cruz LGU intensifies clean-up drive vs dengue Julius R. Paner
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COVER STORY
MSMEs, driving force of the Philippine robust economy
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Indeed, it has now come to pass when micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) are considered second fiddle to huge businesses. Today, the MSMEs have continued to thrive to become individual drivers of Philippine robust economy. According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), they account at least 99 percent of the total registered enterprises. Recognizing their growth and undeniable existence, the General Santos City Small and Medium
by Danilo E. Doguiles
one are the days when people treat a small business losing even before it has begun.
Enterprise Development Council, Incorporated (GSC-SMEDCI) organized the 1st MSME Regional Congress on June 17-18, 2014 at the KCC Convention Center here. It was participated in by some hundred different MSMEs all over Region XII and as far as other regions in the country. Rosanna Bernadette Contreras, GSC-SMEDCI president and congress chairperson pointed out the importance of the event and that was to “advance the lot of MSMEs and advocate for their further enhancement.� She said it is important that government and other institutions
start prioritizing the needs of MSMEs by providing them the mechanisms and support to even grow and advance in doing business. As the r e c o g n i z e d backbone of the economy, Contreras said MSMEs must be provided with the right information to enable them to understand government’s development initiatives for them both in the local and national arena. The event has also reflected in a way the actual realities confronting MSMEs as they hoped to generate the needed back up and support in terms of technical, financial, and logistics. With its theme, “Yabong Maliliit na Negosyo sa Rehiyon 12,” the congress was poised to develop a “stronger linkages and collaboration among MSMEs,” a kind of bond that will ascertain their fates toward an even more improved MSMEs outlook in the region and in the country, as a whole. Contreras believed that by doing so the business environment of MSMEs in Region 12 would
solidify and strengthen. On the first day, keynote speaker Joji Ilagan-Bian, founder of Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation, Inc., shared her experience in creating a business of her own describing it as “hard and difficult at first.” Now a successful businesswoman, Bian encouraged the MSMEs especially the microentrepreneurs not to be disheartened with the challenges but to rise above them, just the way she has done it. “You may be swimming with the sharks considering you’re surrounded with huge businesses but don’t be discouraged because with determination and the right attitude you’ll prevail,” Ilagan told them. Speaking on government agencies’ initiatives in support of MSME, DTI-12 assistant regional director Dorecita Delima attributed the “positive economic outlook” of the Philippines to the strong presence of MSMEs. While acknowledging that the huge corporations have steered such remarkable growth, the MSMEs have also been putting in considerable numbers to help stabilize the country’s economic 5
upswing, she said. At the local scene, Delima cited MSMEs to fuel demand through job creation and resiliency thus making them such a powerful driving force for promoting “inclusive economic growth” that is the battlecry of the Aquino administration. DOST-12 regional director Zenaida Hadji-Raof Laidan has also described the event as timely as the country prepares for “ASEAN Integration” by 2015. These MSMEs play a major role and are potent force toward that integration, she said. Meanwhile, Mayor Ronnel Rivera said the city government has always been supportive of MSMEs assuring them that he welcomes their growing number in GenSan. With all the topics tailored-fit to the need of MSMEs, G S C SMEDCI n o t e d that the 1st MSMEs congress as part of the 12th Yaman GenSan
celebration was a success and hopes to have another one in the next years. Other topics discussed in the event included the Overview of Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Region 12; RA 9178Barangay Micro Business Enterprise: The Law and its Application; Local Government Unit’s Initiatives in Support of MSME Development; Social Media and MSMEs; Financing Options For MSMEs; NDBRCFI Initiatives and the MSMEs; GSC SMEDCI and the MSMEs; and Industry Updates: Opportunities, Challenges, Issues and Concerns. The congress also came up with its first ever resolutions asking government, big business establishments, private sectors, and local government units for support and assistance on different areas to make MSMEs in the region even more competitive.
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Government monitoring prices of other food staples, says Palace official
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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has begun monitoring the prices of basic commodities other than rice, garlic and ginger, in an effort to stabilize food supply and prices, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
“Ayon kay DTI Undersecretary Vic Dimagiba, pati ang presyo ng baboy, karne, ‘yung mga daily food staples, ay mino-monitor na rin nila para mapigilan ‘yung maaaring pagsasamantala,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio
Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing. He warned that the DTI will strictly enforce anti-profiteering measures on retail outlets. Coloma further said that the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) is slated to meet Wednesday JUNE| PAGE
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afternoon to discuss the food supply situation and come up with concrete actions to protect the public from unreasonably high prices. The NPCC is made up of the DTI, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, National Economic Development Authority, and one representative each from the consumers’ sector, agricultural producers’ sector, trading sector, and manufacturers’ sector. “We would like to get inputs from all stakeholders in this process and to assure that we have reliable data and information on food supply and food prices,” said Coloma. On garlic supply, the Communications Secretary reported that according to the Department of
Agriculture, locally produced garlic reached 8,308 metric tons last March. “This is more than adequate to meet the current levels of demand,” he said, adding that the meeting thus aims to find out if the reported shortage in rice, garlic and ginger is artificial or if traders are manipulating the prices. “Kaya nga magpupulong ang National Price Coordinating Council… to be able to size up the situation based on realities on the ground,” he said. PND
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President Aquino presides over National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III presided over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the meeting will be divided into two parts. In the first part, the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC), headed by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and NEDA DirectorGeneral Arsenio Balisacan, will discuss the development, operations and maintenance projects being done by the Department of Transportation and Communications in the country’s airport. The ICC will also discuss the Light Rail Transit Line 1 project, also known as the Cavite extension project, which is part of the Aquino administration’s public private partnership. The government is studying the extension of the train
line up to Dasmariñas, Cavite, instead of the initial plan to make Bacoor City as the final station. The Cavite extension project is expected to serve around four million commuters of Parañaque and Cavite province. The rebidding of the P65-billion LRT 1 extension project was set last April 28. Secretary Coloma said that in the second part of the meeting, the NEDA board will review four projects: the infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Metro Manila and Laguna Lake Shore; the irrigation projects of the National Irrigation Administration; the roadmap for transport infrastructure development in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon Region and JUNE| PAGE
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Calabarzon Region; and the government integrated financial management information system, which enables the government to plan, execute and monitor the budget more efficiently. and is ongoing as of this writing. The last NEDA Board meeting presided over by the President as chairman, was held last May 29. The meeting, which lasted 11 hours, approved nine projects worth P62.3 billion. Also present at the meeting were Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Secretary Coloma, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Agriculture
Secretary Proceso Alcala, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Head Julia Andrea Abad. Also in attendance were Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines President and Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr., Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Undersecretary Celia Alba, Tourism Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Managing Director Wilhelmina Ma単alac, Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Assistant Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Sabater Caguioa. PND JUBE 2014 | PAGE
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Tawi-Tawi, Malaysian traders reach deals in 1st ARMM int’l business confab
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he two-day 1st Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) International Business Conference has paved the way for the forging of joint ventures between local and Malaysian business stakeholders in the aspects of tourism and employment.
More than 500 local and foreign business as well as tourism stakeholders attended the business conference that reeled JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
off Tuesday and ended Wednesday with a resounding success. The Tawi-Tawi Divers Club and AS SAAH Picasso International PAGE | 11
SDN, BHD have forged a joint venture in tourism promotion. The Tawi-Tawi Divers Club is engaged in the protection and conservation of the marine resources and all dive sites through diving programs while the AS SAAH Picasso International SDN, BHD is engaged in tourism business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the divers club will provide travel assistance to tourists especially in dive tour activities from Malaysia coming to Tawi-Tawi. The signatories of the MOU is Tawi-Tawi Divers Club president Rosendo Reyes and AS SAAH Picasso International SDN, BHD Managing Director Hamali Rahmat. The Mahardika Institute of Technology, Inc. of this town has forged an MOU with Agensi Pekerjaan Pimpinan Murni, SDN, BHD of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Stipulated in the MOU is that the Mahardika Institute of Technology, Inc. will train, screen applicants and assist in the documentation of travel documents of trainees cum applicants while the Agensi Pekerjaan Pimpinan Murni, SDN, BHD will facilitate the documentary requirements of Filipino workers JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
to work in Malaysia and deploy workers to respective job applicants. The MOU signatories are Mahardika Institute president Sambas Hassan and Agensi Pekerjaan Executive Chairman Dato Naufal Jumadil. The MOU signings were witnessed by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Tawi-Tawi Provincial Director Nazrullah Masahud, Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president for external affairs Prof. Romeo Taup and Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Business Council-Malaysia Chairman Datuk Roselan Joahr Mohammad. DTI-ARMM Sec. Sakiran Hajan noted that the objective of the business conference which is to showcase the business potential of ARMM was realized within the two-day conference. “Business matching have been conducted and yielded positive results,” Hajan said. He invited the business conference’s businessmenparticipants to invest here in ARMM. The two-day business conference is anchored on the theme: “Strengthening PublicPrivate Partnership towards economic stability in ARMM.” (PNA) PAGE | 12
BCWD aims for ISO certification
By JenniferP. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY - As the company aims to achieve quality management system (QMS), the management and personnel of Butuan City Water District (BCWD) will participate in the two-day International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Orientation/Awareness Seminar on June 19-20, 2014 at Dottie’s Place Convention Hall, this city.
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BCWD general manager Anselmo Sang Tian said they are aiming for ISO 9001:2008 QMS certification through setting-up, knowing and conforming to the requirements set for said ISO certification. “We are determined to fulfill the ISO certification on quality management system and we will be there soon. With this two-day orientation/seminar on ISO by the Ace Training Services, we will do our best to comprehend the processes in ISO and comply with all the needed requirements,” expressed Sang Tian. Sang Tian further bared that ISO 9001:2008 QMS is an internationally accepted standards applied by many companies aiming to satisfy its customers through continual improvement of its system. “We are not perfect but we believe that by doing the right process or system in our management, we can continuously provide the quality services which our JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
concessionaries deserve,” Sang Tian pointed out. Also, it was learned that the benefits of being and ISO 9001:2008 QMS certified include the following: 1) Involves Top management in the improvement of the Quality management System; 2) Facilitates the organization to become a customer-focused organization; 3) Ensures sustained customer satisfaction by producing, delivering services and providing support functions that meet customers’ needs and expectations; and 4) Increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization through continual improvement in systems and products /services quality. PAGE | 14
Gov Plaza bares PGAS’ plans, programs for sustainable development By David M. Suyao
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Governor Adolph Edward Plaza lay down the provincial government of Agusan del Sur’s (PGAS) strategies on how the province bagged the honor and prize having awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping, including his administration’s plans and programs that will uplift the economic condition of the Agusanons. In his State of the Province Management Survey, we have Address (SOPA) delivered on better understanding on what Tuesday at the Naliyagan Cultural specific programs and projects our Center (NCC) during the 14th people need, and that is the time Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), our intervention comes in because Plaza said it not enough that the Agusanons have different needs. government will be giving the The delivery and implementation people what they think is good of our pro-poor programs always for them but it must be what the come in timing, from education, people need most. livelihood, health, infrastructure “Thru the Community Based and other programs that include JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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environment protection, so that recipients will have the sense of ownership,” Gov. Plaza said. According to Plaza, his administration is giving emphasis on the Upland Sustainable Agroforestry Development (USAD) Program so that farmers can produce rice even in the upland. “Construction and repair of our farm to market roads are included in our USAD program and are now on-going, in order that our farmers have easy access to market their products,” Plaza added. Plaza also said his administration is doing its best in order to access to funding institutions to finance lined up priority projects that the provincial government have lined up. And because of this, there are big programs of the provincial government that are funded by four funding institution and one of them is the PAMANA program that has almost P500 million funds. “Right now, I am challenging the Department of Agriculture that if they have programs JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
and projects to be implemented here in Agusan del Sur, we can arrange it even tomorrow because we have a standby surplus fund of P100 million ready for our counterpart,” Plaza said. On education, Plaza said the province have presently 374 scholars for this school year 2014-2015. “We have already hundreds of graduates as products of our scholarship program and many are now working with the provincial government as doctors, nurses, teachers and managers. This scholarship program will continue to increase until there are qualified students who want to avail of it,” Plaza added. Plaza’s oral presentation of his SOPA is backed-up by a multimedia presentation presenting figures and graphs.
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MinDA chair eyes SurSur as ‘future’ tourism hub By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY-- Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Luwalhati Antonino has seen Surigao del Sur as the “future” tourism hub of Mindanao, especially in Caraga region. Speaking before a jam packed Antonino, who was the guest crowd during the opening of honor and speaker for the program of the 54th Araw Ng occasion, taking the place of Surigao del Sur celebration DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, whose held at Tandag City Gymnasium trip was suddenly cancelled due Tuesday morning, she said that to reasons Governor Johnny there are still “a lot more to be Pimentel did not bare, made discovered” in the province, mention of the more familiar apparently referring to tourist places in the province being spots. frequented by visitors—TinuyJUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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an Falls in Bislig City, Enchanted River in Hinatuan, and Britannia Islands in San Agustin. The MinDa chair, who admitted to have gone to the province for the third time, vowed to pour in more funding support for Surigao del Sur. Specifically, she asked “asap” for the comprehensive plan of the Enchanted River, adding that restaurants and other facilities can be put up like parking area. Aside from putting premium on tourism matters, she also shared her insights on agriculture, energy generation, and infrastructure. In the agriculture sector, Antonino urged farmers to use “intercropping” in coconut plantations by growing coffee and cacao to increase their income. On energy development, she assured that by 2016, Mindanao will be “better off” than any region in the country as this JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
year the power supply problem is being addressed to; and that, accordingly, in 2015, excess power can already be attained. Citing the importance of highways, secondary roads, and lateral ones, Antonio stressed that “soon Mindanao will have a complete road network,” since she is working hand in hand with DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson. Antonino, who is also the board chair of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), said earlier that Mindanao is now truly becoming the “Land of Promise.”
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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
Spiritual Tabligh gathering to gather 1,000 followers in Zamboanga By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Approximately 700 to 1,000 followers of the Tabligh Islamic Religious Movement coming from the neighboring towns and this city will converge here for a gathering that aims to promote renewed spiritual cleansing on June 23-24.
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Professor Jawali Mandain in a press conference Monday said that the two-day assembly will be held in Masjid Lanjang in barangay Recodo and will have participants from Sibuco, Sirawai and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay province. “This is mainly a religious activity, where we promote selfrectification along the practices of Islam,” said Professor Mandain. He explained that during the gathering, the members will be organized into volunteer groups; one group will be staying in one mosque in the city for three days, another will visit mosques in the different parts of the country, while the last group will visit mosques outside the country such as in India and Bangladesh. These stays are part of the spiritual process that hopes to transform a person for the better. “Our focus is to discuss the importance of the movement, which is spiritual development within the individual so that they will become peaceful, productive and spiritual citizens,” he emphasized.
According to Professor Mandain, there are approximately 500 mosques in Zamboanga City alone, however, only 30 of them participate in Tabligh. “We want to revive the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the mosques, down to the homes,” he said, adding that the Tabligh followers will also be conducting home visits to inspire more to have a spiritual cleansing. The followers of the Tabligh, said Professor Mandain include engineers, judges, professors like himself, and even some members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “Anyone is welcome to this group since this is about self-rectification and promoting peace.” Meanwhile, Police Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca of the Zamboanga City Police Office said that the group had already coordinated with them to ensure security for the whole duration of their stay and “checkpoints will be established in key points.”
Dipolog media urged to support breastfeeding, climate change advocacy By Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY – Media practitioners here have been asked to help promote breastfeeding among mothers in a media forum held by the Department of Health (DOH)-9 yesterday at Camila Hotel 1 this city. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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Health Education Promotion Officer Virgie Galarreta and Regional Information Officer Tess de la Cruz of DOH-9 took turns discussing the importance of breastfeeding especially to the mothers and children. Galarreta also presented the salient provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10028, otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Act of 2009. Under this act, business establishments are also encouraged to set up lactating stations where mothers can breastfeed their children. Ms. Tess de la Cruz also told the media practitioners that breast milk is best for babies, as it reduces incidence of allergens. It also contains JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
adequate amount of antibodies to protect the babies against diseases. Studies have shown that breastfeeding results in fewer neonatal infections. In the same forum climate change advocacy campaign was also discussed by Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9. Edaga said climate change is the new normal requiring proper understanding of all and sundry. She then appealed to the press to help weaken public’s apathy to climate change by drumming up people’s awareness on this phenomenon. “We need to generate active cooperation and participation in this campaign for our own protection,” urged the PIA-9 chief. PAGE | 28
Ms. Beautiful Buntis wows Dumalinao folks By Alma L. Tingcang
DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur - The Search for Ms. Beautiful Buntis, a bustle of surprise for local folks on the celebration of the 58th Araw ng Dumalinao, wowed the audience as beautiful and sexy pregnant women paraded onstage at the municipal covered court last June 15. Ms. Junaflor S. Cerilles, first lady and provincial RIC-WEM said the pregnant women represented the different barangay health stations of the town. “This is one way to encourage pregnant women to maintain proper grooming to boost their self-confidence that, in spite of being pregnant, they still look good and beautiful,” she remarked. Ms. Beautiful Buntis was bagged by Cherry May Lahoy of Sebucao winning P10,000 cash prize; 1st runner-up with P8,000 cash - Elaine Campomanes from the Main Health Center; Stephanie Belogolo of Upper Dumalinao winning P5,000 – 2nd runner-up; Edelyn Valles of Sumadat with P3,000 – 3rd runnerup. Consolation prize of P1,000 each was also given to the contestants and “buntis kits.” Mayor Ace William E. Cerrilles said that during the 58th Araw ng Dumalinao, a bloodletting activity was also conducted by the Philippine Red Cross and the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center to help dengue patients who need blood. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
“Barangay officials, bantay dagat, LGU employees and concerned citizens donated blood as a way of helping patients who need blood transfusion,” the mayor said. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Patrick Kean Toledo said there were several reported cases of dengue in the province and this is one way to be able to help. “Blood is life and the donors were more than willing to donate. Our principal in Dumalinao Regional Pilot School, Dr. Evelyn Lopez Reyes was among the first who responded.” Medical and dental services were also given to some 80 patients in partnership with the Junior Chamber International (JCI). Mayor Ace thanked everyone for the successful celebration and vowed his undying commitment to help his constituents to the best he can. The 58th Araw ng Dumalinao celebration carries the theme, “Kabatanonan ug Kinaiyahan Atimanon aron Kalambuan sa Komunidad Magpadayon.” elebration. PAGE | 29
Pres. Aquino okays increase in EC benefits by ECC-Regional Extension Unit X
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - President Benigno S. Aquino III recently approved the increase of Employees’ Compensation Funeral Benefit from P10,000 to P20,000 for both the employees in the private and public sectors and 10% across-the-board increase in EC pension for all EC permanent partial disability, permanent total disability and survivorship pension in the private sector. “The increase in benefits will not have a significant effect on the SSSmanaged and GSIS-managed State Insurance Fund,” she said.
Labor and Employment Secretary and Chair of the ECC Board Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz explained that Executive Order No. 167 approved on 26 May 26, 2014 is based on the actuarial studies conducted by the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
“The EC SIF has the capability to finance the increase in funeral benefits for employees in both the private and public sectors from P10,000 to P20,000 even without corresponding increase in the EC contributions from the employers, both private and public,” Baldoz clarified. Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said that ECC is continuously reviewing policies to improve its benefits. “The funeral benefits for employees in the private sector was worth P3,000 since 1975, it was increased to P10,000 in 1993, and increased again to P20,000 this PAGE | 30
year,” said Banawis. For the public sector, the funeral benefit was only P3,000 in 1975. It was increased to P10,000 in 2013 and again increased to P20,000 this year. “It is high time for ECC to enhance its benefits,” Banawis expalined. “The average funeral service cost nowadays is P43,000, so we see the need of increasing it to P20,000 to alleviate the financial burden of the families of the deceased workers,” added Banawis. In addition to the increase of funeral benefits, a 10% across-theboard increase in the EC pension for all EC permanent partial disability, permanent total disability and survivorship pension starting in September 2013 for the private sector has also been approved by the
President. The increase to EC pension in the private sector does not require an increase in the EC contributions from the employers. ECC provides benefits to employees who met accident, sickness or death in the event of workconnected contingencies. The Employees’ Compensation Program benefits are loss of income, medical, carer’s allowance, rehabilitation services and death benefits. The funeral benefit given by ECP is in addition to the funeral benefit given by the SSS provided that the cause of death of the covered employee is work-connected.
Major players in wholesale, retail supply chain open branches in Oroquieta by Ana Celeste W. Felisilda
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least two major players in the wholesale and retail supply chain industry recently opened branches in Oroquieta City thereby boosting the city’s economic conditions. These are the Cebu-based Prince Warehouse Club Incorporated that intends to serve the Mindanao market through their wholesale and retail merchandise and the CamSur Department Store that features an array of consumer goods and grocery items, city mayor Jason P. Almonte, said. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Prince Warehouse Club formally opened its 2,300 sqm. superstore facility in the city, last Dec. 14, in the morning, and Novotel of CamSur chain, its hotel operations in the afternoon, of the same day. CamSur’s three-storey building is equipped with an escalator to make shopping comfortable and comes with PAGE | 31
a comfortably luxurious but affordable hotel, the internationally famous Asia Novotel, located on the 3rd floor, just overlooking Iligan Bay. Almonte, who led the twin opening ceremonies, personally welcomed and
thanked the said big businesses for their investments and contribution to the economic development of the city and the job opportunities it provided for its people.
OPAPP, DILG orient Comprehensive Local Integration Program for Mindanao cluster by Ana Celeste W. Felisilda
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will jointly conduct an Orientation-Seminar on Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) and Former Rebels Information System (FRIS), on June 16 to 18, 2014 here. This event will discuss the provisions of DILG-OPAPP Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2014-01, as the system that will provide socio-economic interventions to former rebels and their families and to facilitate the healing process including the management and disposal of surrendered firearms, according to Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10. The CLIP focuses in the integration program for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front who have decided to abandon armed struggle and be mainstreamed into society. The provincial/city directors of Philippine National Police, DILG JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
provincial/HUC directors, provincial/ city Social Welfare and Development Officers in the five regions of Mindanao are the participants of the event. It will be graced by the presence of DILG-Undersecretary for Local Government Austere A. Panadero and the OPAPP-Undersecretary Atty. Maria Cleofe Gettie C. Sandoval. Among the topics that will be discussed are Government’s Thrust on the Peace Process, Security Briefing and CPP/NPA/NDF Organizational Structure, CLIP DILG-OPAPP JMC 2014-01 and Administration and Processing of Financial Assistance to Former Rebels, Pertinent Accounting Rules and Regulations, Guidelines for the Disposition of Firearms, Explosives and Ammunitions for CLIP beneficiaries. PAGE | 32
TACEA Oathtaking Members of the Tacurong City Employees Association Council of Representatives (TACEACoRe) take their oath before Mayor Lina O. Montilla on June 17, 2014. Each LGU office appoints an employee to act as representative to TACEA CoRe. The CoRe helps in the dissemination of information to TACEAns. It also acts as a consulting body of the Executive Board led by TACEA President Amelia Bochorno. Newly-elected members of the TACEA Executive Board took their oath on May 30 during the celebration of TACEA’s 20th foundation anniversary.
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P2.5 B investments poured in ARMM in 1st sem 2014 By: Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has amassed P2.52 billion worth of investment since January this year, according to the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI).
In a press statement, RBOIARMM told Philippine Information Agency 12 that in the first six months of 2014, they were able to register seven firms with a total investment valued at P2.52 billion, which it described as “a phenomenal growth,” considering that the amount is 72 percent higher than the P1.463 billion investments in 2013. Atty. Ishak V. Mastura, chairman and managing head of ARMMRBOI said this is the first time that ARMM investments reached this amount, which is expected to reach P3 billion by end of this year. Several investment projects are already undergoing evaluation by the board. According to the report, two new projects were approved during the joint RBOI Board of Governors and Management (MANCOM) meeting on June 14 in Davao City; another one is placed on provisional status. Approved ventures include biomass power plants of Green Earth Enersource Corporation, JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
a subsidiary company of Agumil Philippines Inc., and the Philippine Trade Center, Incorporated. Meanwhile, provisional approval was granted for the importation and distribution of petroleum products and construction of oil depots by Power Up Ventures Inc. In the past six months, top investors in the region are into biomass energy projects, the report noted. Lead energy investor this semester was the Lamsan Power Corporation (LPC) based in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. The pioneer biomass renewable energy project is worth P921 million for a 15-megawatts (MW) capacity power plant; 11.5 MW of its production will be sold to the Mindanao grid. Green Earth Enersource Corporation intends to invest P366 million for a 4.5-MW biomass power plant. The power plant will support the energy needs of Agumil’s milling and crushing plants in Buluan, Maguindanao, while the excess power will be sold to the national transmission grid. PAGE | 34
Philippine Trade Center is also putting-up its own power plant to fuel its existing cornstarch milling plant at Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Said plant with a capacity of 3MW has an investment value of P486 million. Since its milling plant only consumes 1.3 MW, the excess 1.7 MW will be sold to the Cotabato Light and Power Company. On the other hand, PowerUp Ventures plans to construct five oil depots in Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao valued at P50 million. These depots will have a total capacity of 5 million liters . The company’s registration was provisionally approved by RBOI since it still has to comply with some requirements. As such, they will only be given incentives after complying the additional documents and at the start of their commercial operations. Other investments registered with RBOI in the previous months included the SR Languyan Mining Corporation’s P520 million nickel ore mining project in Brgy. Darussalam, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi; Agumil Philippines’ P170-million oil palm kernel crushing plant in Buluan, Maguindanao; and the P10 million import-export trading business of ABSCOR Multi-Trading Company based in Port Holland, Maluso, Basilan.
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The seven firms registered with RBOI recorded a total of 1,784 jobs created in half of this year. Mastura said the major investments on renewable energy are “very timely since we are experiencing power shortage in the country, particularly in Mindanao.” “The power industry is the foundation of economic growth and there is a direct relationship between increasing energy use and strong economic growth. These investments in power plants mean that ARMM can look forward to more economic activity as we are starting from a low base after decades of armed conflict which is now in the process of winding up after the signing of peace agreement between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front early this year,” he added. Meanwhile, ARMM Regional Governor, Mujiv S. Hataman said: “The good news of more investments in the ARMM, Central Mindanao, provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur means that as the situation there stabilizes, I can give more attention to the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. We hope that as ARMM government’s presence and activities increase in those island provinces, more private sector investments will follow”. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
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N. Cotabato prov’l government sends more help to cholera-affected village By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme
ALAMADA, North Cotabato—To augment the assistance which was extended last month, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of North Cotabato has recently distributed second batch of help to Barangay Dado, Alamada,which was affected with cholera last month.
Marchita Capilitan, focal person of the PSWDO said that around 69 families were given relief assistance, including a sack of rice and bar soap. Capilitan noted that the second relief mission was aimed at giving additional assistance to cholera victims who are still recuperating from the sickness that hampered their work and livelihood. The PSWDO has coordinated with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and the Special Action Force (SAF) of the PNP in the distribution of the relief goods. The PSWDO also extended the relief distribution to the 41 health workers based in Alamada Community Hospital. Capilitan recalled that the provincial government in partnership with non government and private organizations, schools and other concerned groups have provided food and distilled water to affected residents of Alamada last month. At present, the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of the municipality continues JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
to monitor the health condition of many families in Barangay Dado. Governor Emmylou Mendoza has also tasked the IPHO to retain some health personnel in Dado until the end of June to continuously monitor the health condition of the residents. Meanwhile, Jessie Enid, focal person of the IPHO, reminded the residents to help maintain the cleanliness of their surrounding especially their water system to ensure that the outbreak of cholera or any other sickness will be avoided. “It is important for the villagers of Dado and other affected barangays to be cautious and help their officials in their potable water source safe. “The IPHO is doing everything to restore the health condition of the victims of cholera and it’s good that they have almost fully recovered by this time,” Enid stated. (SJDuermeP I A12/ JSt a.C ru z &VBac arat- N . Cotabato Provincial Government)
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New MIST-- taking a bold step into a brighter future: Mayor Caoagdan By: Aida C. Agad MAKILALA, Cotabato – With classes officially starting on June 16, “the new Makilala Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) is taking a bold step into a brighter future,” said Mayor Rudy Caoagdan. At the launching program of the LGU-run institution Monday, Mayor Caoagdan, said that “MIST opens the door of fulfillment of the dreams and aspirations of every parent in Makilala.” The launching program of MIST starts with a Eucharistic celebration at 7:00 in the morning. This is highlighted by the awarding of the Permit to Offer degree programs in Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture by Regional Director, Dr. Maximo Aljibe of the Commission on Higher Education 12. “This college institution will provide wider opportunity for their children to pursue higher education because it is free for all Makilale?os. It is high time that we need to lay the ground work to establish the solid foundation of our young generation that they may have a brighter future by acquiring higher education,” the mayor said in his message. The establishment of MIST providing free college education will give them equal access for training and developing competence for better job opportunity,” Mayor Caoagdan emphasized. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Mayor Caoagdan assured that MIST will provide relevant degree program and ensure that quality and competent graduates are produced in the context of the Philippine Higher Education Reform Agenda and the National Development Goals. The newly crafted Mission of MIST says it will vow to pursue excellence in instructions, research and extension programs in producing skilled and competent human resources for the social and economic transformation of Makilala and its surrounding communities. MIST also envisions of a dynamic and sustainable institution that will provide accessible, quality and responsive education for self –reliance and social transformation. Aside from being the first LGU – run college in region XII, MIST is also the first government tertiary institution in the entire country to offer full scholarship benefits to all students, mayor Caoagdan stressed. Cotabato governor Emmylou Taliño – Mendoza is the keynote speaker of the launching program held at the Municipal Gymnasium. (AC Agad PIA12with reports from ODeseo-LGU Makilala) PAGE | 37
Banana takes centerstage in Davao Trade Expo by Rudolph Alama
DAVAO CITY- The banana industry will be the focus of this year’s Davao Trade Expo (DATE) which will be held this coming November 19-22 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
The annual trade expo returns its focus on the banana industry, which was once the spotlight in the 2010 staging of DATE.
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Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Antonio dela Cruz said that every staging of the DATE an agricultural industry is given focus. Last year’s DATE had the 5 Cs (Coconut, Cacao, Coffee, Corn, Cassava) for 2015 they are planning to bring back the livestock industry. The coming DATE is a vital event as it hinges closer to 2015, which is the date of the implementation of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) integration, that sets for more liberalized trade among the ASEAN member countries. Dicky Puyod, chairperson of DATE 2014 said the banana industry is one of the agricultural industries which is most ready for the integration. “We have the most competitive product.” Puyod said referring to the country’s banana exports. Puyod said no ASEAN country has extensive banana plantations compared to the Philippines, although Malaysia and Indonesia
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are also growing bananas. Mindanao alone has about 200,000 hectares planted to Cavendish bananas employing about 800,000 to 1-million workers. He said that though there are banana exports to Indonesia and Malaysia however these are only sufficient enough to maintain their presence. Once tarriffs are lowered due to ASEAN integration, Puyod estimates exports to these countries increase. An International Bananay Symposium will be held backto-back with the DATE. Guest of honors are Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Various issues concerning the banana industry will be tackled in the DATE. Among these include; marketing opportunities for other banana varieties, impact of climate change, updates on Sigatoka and Fusurium Wilt disease, shipping trends among many others. (PIA/RG Alama)
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Sta. Cruz LGU intensifies clean-up drive vs dengue
STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR – Sta. Cruz Mayor Atty. Joel Ray Lopez has directed all municipal officials and employees to intensify cleanup drive and observe the 4:00 o’clock habit in the fight against dengue.
The mayor issued the directive in Memorandum Order No. 280 signed on June 13, 2014, of which mandate also included barangay officials, barangay health workers and public and private elementary and secondary school administrators. The 4:00 o’clock habit includes
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the following activities: search, destroy and eliminate all possible b r e e d i n g and resting places of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is the main vector that transmits the viruses that cause dengue. M a y o r Lopez further enjoined to disseminate the said information and undertake appropriate activities for the control and prevention of dengue. The memorandum is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1204 “Declaring the Month of June of Every Year as National Dengue Awareness Month. The celebration this year banners the theme: “Eskwelahan, Simbahan, Barangay, Palengke at Buong Komunidad, Sama-Sama Nating Sugpuin ang Dengue.” (CDIOSta. Cruz/Julius R. Paner)
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