Butuan City official shares benefits of Page 4 planting trees Jennifer P. Gaitano CARAGA REGION
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 207
Information to Empower Filipinos
6 NATIONAL
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China’s new official map violates international law, says Palace
CARAGA REGION
13 15
RDC supports 19th Caraga Bizcon Jennifer P. Gaitano DepEd Caraga readies SHS implementation Nora L. Molde
NORTHERN MINDANAO
25 26
NCCA, CDO to draft cultural development plan Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat 12th TAYO opens NYC10
9 WESTERN MINDANAO
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Salintubig program benefits 352 families in Malangas town Franklin P. Gumapon Dipolog gears up for 101st anniversary Mary May A. Abellon
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
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Davao Oriental welcomes home delegation from UNESCO Jeanevive D. Abangan
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COVER STORY
Butuan City official shares benefits of planting trees
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by Jennifer P. Gaitano
ity councilor Virgilio Nery Jr., chair of the Committee on Environment, on Wednesday shared several advantages how planting trees help the environment and the people. “Trees provide habitats to a wide array of plants, ?owers, birds, mammals and insects. Without these vital habitats and the means to propagate and pollinate, many more of our valuable wildlife and plants would suffer as a direct consequence,” Nery said during the Arbor Day celebration at Bood Promontory Eco-Park in Brgy. Pinamanculan, this city. Nery further said that trees vastly improve the natural beauty of the countryside and parks, and complement to the building developments “and they adorn our gardens for our children to climb and shelter under.” Nery added that trees absorb
odors
a n d pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees provide oxygen, in such a way that in one year an acre
of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people. “What I’ve mentioned are just some of the benefits that living things get from the trees. Therefore, we should not stop planting trees for our next generation will also benefit from it,” stressed Nery. Government e m p l o y e e s , representatives from the private sector and environment advocates actively participated in the planting of Talisay trees in the said area. Being the lead agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) facilitated the provision of seedlings to all participating agencies and partners. Nery expressed his congratulations to all the participants of the Tree Planting activity for making it a memorable and successful one. “Thank you for your active participation and support for our usual tree planting activity especially in this year’s Arbor Day,” he said. Arbor Day in the Philippines has been institutionalized to be observed
every June 25 throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities. The necessity to promote a healthier ecosystem for the people through the rehabilitation and regreening of the environment was stressed in Proclamation No. 643 that amended Proclamation No. 396, s. 2003. Proclamation No. 396 enjoined the “active participation of all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry in tree planting activity.
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President Aquino graces 25th anniversary of Megaworld Corporation
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday graced the 25th anniversary celebration of property developer Megaworld Corporation and lauded the company for its achievements and contribution to nation building.
In his speech during the corporation’s Officer Andrew Tan for his “perseverance, Silver Tie Gala, entitled “Building Visions patience and compassion.” for 25 Years”, President Aquino praised Recalling Tan’s words when Megaworld Chairman and Chief Executive Megaworld lost out on the bid for the JUBE 2014 | PAGE
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Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) property, the President said, “Instead of barraging me and haranguing me with a litany of complaints, I was surprised when he simply told me: ‘Sir, the results are in. We lost the bid. The government gets the maximum value for the property and we will keep our cash for other projects that we are more interested in.’” “This is the complete lack of selfentitlement I have always admired in Dr. Tan—the kind of humility that I have prayed, at times, for a lot more
individuals to acquire from all sectors to replicate. That is a trait that truly should be replicated,” he added. President Aquino also congratulated Megaworld for its success “You have been blessed with a great mentor in Dr. Andrew Tan, and it is my hope that ten, twenty, and even potentially fifty years from now, as you take on even greater roles in your companies, you will continue to embody the principles and values upon which this particular company was built upon,” he said. As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Megaworld also recognized 25 Visionaries who made outstanding contributions to their respective fields, including in business, b a n k i n g , education, restaurant management, and fashion design. PND JUNE| PAGE
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China’s new official map violates international law, says Palace
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hina’s newly unveiled official map, which includes an expanded claim in the South China Sea, violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a Palace official said on Thursday.
China appears to have extended its maritime claims from the original nine-dash line to a ten-dash line, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing. “To put it simply, dinrowing lang nila ‘yon. Lahat naman ng drawing na ‘yan ay na-supersede na ng UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Coloma added. The new map shows that China’s territory is closer to the land mass of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, which are all claimants to islands and reefs in the South China Sea. He said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already made a
statement concerning the matter. “Nagpahiwatig na po ang ating Department of Foreign Affairs at ‘yan din naman ang posisyon natin doon sa buong usapin hinggil diyan. Iyan din ang posisyon ng iba’t ibang mga bansa na mayroong claims to maritime entitlements in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea, na hindi naman puwedeng ibatay sa drawing,” said Coloma. He reiterated President Benigno S. Aquino III’s position that the maritime dispute should be resolved peacefully. “Kaya patuloy pa rin ang ating paghahanap ng pangmatagalang solusyon na hahantong sa kaayusan at katahimikan sa buong rehiyon,” said Coloma. PND
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Bangsamoro law considers interests of all Filipinos, says Palace exec
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he draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) undergoes a thorough review by the Office of the President, taking into account the interests of not just the people of Mindanao and other stakeholders, but all Filipinos, Malacanang on Wednesday said.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Coloma said the proposed law will be passed by the Philippine Congress and representatives of PAGE | 9
people from Luzon, Visayas and even other areas in Mindanao that are not directly covered by BBL. Coloma said it is thus imperative to consider various issues that might be raised when the BBL is submitted to Congress. “Dahil hindi lang naman iyong tuwirang usapin ng mga direct stakeholders ang tatalakayin kundi ang interes ng buong sambayanang Pilipino, which is more diverse than the present subset of direct stakeholders,” he reasoned. The PCOO chief reiterated that the government is undertaking a comprehensive study on the draft BBL to ensure that provisions are compliant with Constitution.
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“...Narinig din naman po natin ang pagtitiyak ng mga lider ng Kongreso na kapag ito ay isinumite na sa takdang panahon, aaksyunan naman kaagad ito at matutupad pa rin iyong inaasam na pagpapasa nito sa isang plebisito,” he said. The Palace earlier said the muchawaited draft BBL would be submitted to Congress when sessions resume in July so it could finally be passed for approval by the end of the year. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said efforts have already been made to coordinate with the Senate and House leadership to ensure the proposed law is presented to Congress next month.
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RDC-Caraga works out resolutions for region’s peace and order By Venus L. Garcia SURIGAO CITY - The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) chaired by Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas has continuously taken several steps to address problems on peace and order of the region.
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In the 79th RDC Meeting held on Thursday at the provincial convention center here, crime incidence in Surigao del Norte and Surigao City has brought concern which need mediation from the proper authorities. Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office was already directed by the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNPRO) to intensify crime prevention strategies and measures to minimize occurrences of crimes. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also has to look into the alleged organization of a political group claiming to represent the Indigenous Peoples in the province of Surigao del Norte. Security plans were taken as well regarding high incidence of vehicular accidents involving motorcycles that have not been properly registered. The PNP has crafted a Command Memorandum Circular (CMC) for all task units. The CMC prescribed the policies, guidelines, and general procedure
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in preventing and suppressing the occurrence of vehicular accidents in the region and in ensuring road safety through the observance of responsible and ethical driving standards. National Economic and Development Authority Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Carino said that the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology have recenltly sat down and formulated plans consistent to the peace roadmap. Meanwhile, Regional Contingency Plan and actions undertaken for the Mindanao power situation were presented and discussed.
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RDC supports 19th Caraga Bizcon By Jennifer P. Gaitano
SURIGAO CITY- The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) has expressed support to the 19th Caraga Business Conference slated on Friday, June 27, 2014 to be held at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City. During the 79th RDC meeting Fishery and Tourism: Gearing held recently at the Provincial Up for the 2015 Association of Convention Center, this city, Engr. Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Epimaco Galero, representing the Integration,” relayed Galero. private sector, announced that this RDC chair and Surigao del Norte year’s conference is hosted by the Gov. Sol Matugas and the full Tandag Chamber of Commerce council immediately expressed and Industry Incorporated, in support to the region’s chambers cooperation with the provincial and their activity on June 27, government of Surigao del Sur as well as the 23rd Mindanao and the Provincial Micro Small and Business Conference set on Medium Enterprise Development September 1-3, 2014 in General Council. Santos City. “The 2014 conference is The governor also highlighted anchored on the theme ‘Agri- that with the business conference, JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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other ASEAN-member countries will learn how competitive the Filipino businessmen and women are, and the same way Filipinos can also learn from other countries’ trade fair. With the ASEAN Integration by 2015, free flow of goods will be realized. “The end-goal of ASEAN economic integration is the full realization of an ASEAN Economic Community, wherein the region will be transformed “into a single market and production base, a highly competitive region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy,” cited Matugas. Among the topics to be presented during the activity are as follows: 1) Social Entrepreneurship, Way to Go; 2) Cooling the Fishery Sector via the Philippine Cold Chain Project; 3) Green Eco-
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Tourism as a Tool for Sustainable Community Development and Inclusive Growth; 4) Breaking into Business Ownership with a Franchise; 5) Asian Perspective Prospects and Challenges to ASEAN Regional Integration by 2015; 6) Improving Competitiveness Index for Cities and Municipalities; 7) Renewable Energy; and 8) Financing. “Simultaneous with this oneday conference is the trade fair that will be held at the same venue while interested participants will just pay a registration fee worth P1,000.00 to defray the cost of food, kit and souvenir program,” Galero said. On June 26, 2014, participants may also have a local tour spearheaded by the Bislig Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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DepEd Caraga readies SHS implementation By Nora L. Molde
SURIGAO CITY- “Department of Education is now ready for the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS),” says DepEd regional director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte during the 79th Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) regular quarterly meeting held at the Provincial Convention Center here. Atty. Escobarte said, DepEd will pilot the implementation of SHS in school year 2015-2016 to determine the areas that would need strengthening and/or enhancement. “The results of the piloting will be the basis for recalibrating the SHS,” Escobarte said. According to Escobarte, a total of 41 schools in the region were chosen from among the 12 divisions to implement in advance the SHS. Five schools each from the Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, and Surigao JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
del Norte Divisions will implement the SHS; six from the Agusan del Sur Division; one each from Cabadbaran City and Tandag City Divisions; Dinagat Islands, Siargao, Surigao City, and Bayugan City Divisions will have three schools each; Bislig City with two schools; and four from Surigao del Sur. Escobarte said the SHS will offer four tracks namely: Academic; Technical Vocational and Livelihood (TVL); Sports; and Arts and Designs. The Academic track has four PAGE | 15
strands (Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and General Academics (GA), Escobarte added. Also, the Technical, Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) has four strands, to include Home Economics, Agri-Fishery Industrial Arts, and Information and Communications Technology. “The sports track will prepare the students for a career in sports while the Arts and Design track will offer specializations in graphic or performing arts,” Escobarte said. Of the schools prioritized, Escobarte said, Caraga Regional Science High Schools will offer the Academic track; Dapa in Siargao Division will offer both Academic and TVL; Surigao del Norte National high School will offer
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Sports Track and the 38 schools will offer TVL. Meanwhile, secretary Bro. Armin Luistro of DepEd enjoined the agency’s regional directors to implement the SHS in advance. Director Escobarte is also soliciting support from stakeholders as they will embark and arrive for the attainment of the goals of the K to 12 Program for better learners and educational outcomes. The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (RA 10533) expands the basic education system from a 10-year to a 12-year program with the addition to two years of Senior High School – Grades 11 and 12. As stipulated in RA 10533, the implementation of the additional two years or SHS will by school year 2016-2017 for Grade 11 and by 2017-2018 for Grade 12.
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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
MUST poised to become the country’s science, technology university by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - After successfully elevating the then Mindanao Polytechnic State College (MPSC) to the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Committee on Higher Education and Technical Education in Congress is now mulling the passage of a bill which proposes the conversion of the institution as the University of Science and Technology in the Philippines (USTP).
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In his visit during the inaugural ceremony of the university’s eightstorey Engineering Complex, Committee Chairperson Congressman Roman T. Romulo said this bill, together with the proposed establishment of a maritime school in Mindanao is now on its third reading in Congress and is hoped to be passed before the year ends. “This is Cagayan de Oro City and Mindanao’s fair share from the national government,” he said. He added that this serves as an inspiration not only to the Mindanaoans but also to policy makers and government officials. Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez, author of the bill, stressed that it is about time for the Philippines to have a university that will cater solely for science and technology.
MUST University President Ricardo E. Rotoras also cited that this is their way of positioning the university for the ASEAN 2015 integration. Rotoras also expressed his gratitude to the other champion who is instrumental to the university’s successes, Patricia B. Licuanan, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and MUST Board of Regents. In her message during the launch, Licuanan reminded the State University and College (SUC) to balance the infrastructure development with good programs, curriculum, quality of teaching and quality of learning. She also urged the students to go beyond the degree they longed for and be active as well in various university activities like volunteerism, social life and culture and arts.
NCCA, CDO to draft cultural development plan by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through its Taoid Heritage Program partnered with the city government of Cagayan de Oro to draft a Cultural Development Plan to enhance and develop the cultural heritage here. Rev. Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, Commissioner, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage (SCH) and Head, National Committee on Archives JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
of NCCCA, during the opening of the program here on June 20 said that their mandate is to protect and conserve cultural heritage. PAGE | 25
Through partnership with the city, they will be able to identify cultural icons and preserve the cultural heritage of the city and promote it not only in the Philippines but international arena as well. He emphasized the importance of tourism. He said that the cultural icon identified could be part of the tourism package of the city. “Promoting also means preserving what we have,” he said. NCCA will also do cultural mapping with all stakeholders in the city specifically the members of different culture and arts group to identify cultural icons in the city. He also commended the city
for having a City Archives, a first in Northern Mindanao. Finally, NCCA and the city government through Mayor Oscar Moreno signed a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of the Taoid Heritage Program in the city. Taoid is an Ilocano word for “inheritance” or “mana.” The word has been adopted by NCCA as the official name of the yearlong heritage program conceptualized, implemented and overseen by the Subcommission for Cultural Heritage (SCH) to emphasize the importance of bequeathing culture and tradition to succeeding generations.
12th TAYO opens by NYC10
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The 12th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO 12) is officially open. TAYO Awards Foundation and the National Youth Commission (NYC) will be accepting entries from all over the country until the deadline, 30 September 2014. The TAYO Search is held annually to provide duly-deserved incentives and recognition to the country’s best youth groups, thus, encouraging youth involvement in nation-building and best practices-sharing among organizations. It also maintains a yearly-updated database of the nation’s youth organizations. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
In the past 11 years, TAYO Foundation, Inc. has seen how youth organizations revolutionized society through social innovations. The works of TAYO affiliated youth groups have shed greater light on the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and children with special needs; they have allowed for controversial issues PAGE | 26
such as HIV/AIDS, prostitution, and sex to now be discussed more openly and more constructively. They have mobilized communities and resources against disaster and hunger, for the environment and education; and they have maximized their available, innate skills and talents to find sustainable solutions without the traditional, “it can’t be done” attitude. Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., the Search Presentor, grants Php 50,000 to the 10 winning organizations and Php 25,000 is granted to the other organizations that make it to the National Finals. Apart from the prestigious recognition, the winning organizations receive an especially commissioned trophy sculpted by Mr. Toym De Leon Imao. Entries will be evaluated using the following general criteria: (1) Impact of the Project Entry to Stakeholders; (2) Harnessing the Spirit of Volunteerism and Citizenship; (3) Creativity and Innovation; (4) Sustainability; and, (5) Effective Use of Resources. TAYO 12 is open to all youth groups, organizations, clubs, and societies whose membership and leadership are composed of at least 15 youth members (15-30 years old). Established in 2002, TAYO Foundation is the only known award-giving body for outstanding youth organizations in the Philippines. It aims to discover and laud exceptional youth JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
organizations that have contributed to the development of their local communities, schools, or work places, through their innovative projects. To date, more than 1000 youth organizations have joined the search and are now part of the fast-growing TAYO youth network. To know more about the search, information is available in www. tayoawards.net. An online entry form can be filled out at the TAYO website. For inquiries, TAYO Secretariat can be contacted through text at 0917 TXTTAYO (898-8296) or e-mail at tayo. secretariat@gmail.com. You may also call the NYC North Eastern Mindanao Area Office at (088) 8575895 or visit us at 3/f solid Building, Velez-Mabini Streets, Cagayan de Oro City. TAYO Year 12 is organized by the TAYO Awards Foundation, Office of Senator Bam Aquino, and the National Youth Commission. Presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, it is sponsored by SMART, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Jollibee, Philippine Airlines, SM Foundation and Lenovo.
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Pagadian turns 45; mayor urges constituents to work hard, support city leadership By Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN CITY – “I call on everyone to be diligent and support my administration for sustainable development,” exhorted Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones during the 45th charter anniversary program of the city held last June 21 at the city’s gymnasium.
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The chief executive said “the theme of our anniversary celebration is ‘Pagadian: Kakugi ug Paningkamot, Giya sa Malambuong Malungtaron (Industry and hard work, the key to sustainable development)’ is a fitting reminder to all Pagadianons that being industrious and hard working is the key to sustainable development.” “I have always maintained and upheld the tradition of my late father, then Mayor Warlito Pulmones, giving first priority to the needs and concerns of the people,” he said. “We, in the government will just do our share humble and small in the delivery of basic services to our constituents,” Pulmones added. “It is our duty to get more work done and stick to this for a longer time,” the mayor stressed adding JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
that he is certain that “we shall be able to overcome all the challenges, given the silent determination of serious response loyal to the duties and responsibilities.” He also reported that in his one year and two months stint as chief executive, the city government has appropriated a total amount of P200 million for various infrastructure projects of which 60 projects were already completed while the rest are ongoing. Mayor Pulmones also announced during the occasion that effective July 1, 2014 the city government will implement the 4th tranche of the salary Standardization Law, which met a deafening applause by the city employees and officials. On the other hand, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles PAGE | 29
who was ably represented by Provincial Administrator Frederick Anthony Padayhag delivered the governor’s anniversary message saying that “being industrious and hard working needs to come from our very own officials and employees so that we can implement good programs that will benefit our people.” “If we will be able to have our respective local government units in the most peacefully, responsible and most efficient streamlining are we able to deliver the kind of basic services that is expected of us as
government officials,” he stressed. Prior to the anniversary program, a grand civic-military parade was held with the different regional, provincial and city offices, Philippine National Police (PNP), First Intantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army, (AFP-PA), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), non-government and people’s organizations, civic organizations, academe, city officlas and employees and barangay officials as participants.
Salintubig program benefits 352 families in Malangas town By Franklin P. Gumapon
MALANGAS, ZamboangaSibugay – Three hundred fifty two families from the four identified barangays in this town are going to benefitfrom the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program being implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG has earmarked P3.5 million forthe construction and rehabilitation of the water supply system in barangays Guilawa, Sinusayan, Overland and Buntong. DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal Abutazil personally handed the second tranche check to Mayor Alfredo A. Atilano recently. “With the given fund and LGU counterpart, the construction of the water system level II in barangays Sinusayan, Guilawa and Buntong JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
as well as the rehabilitation of the water system in Barangay Overland would be completed,” said Municipal Engineer Victor L. Laguna. Laguna also disclosed that Malangas is one of the waterless municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay, as 13 of its 25 barangays are still getting their drinking water from level 1 sources like dug wells or shallow wells. It was also learned that 137 families in Guilawa would benefit PAGE | 30
from the water system project, 90 in Sinusayan, 85 in Overland and 40 in Buntong. Moreover, Director Abutazil reported that 35 municipalities had already implemented the water supply project under the 2013 Salintubig fund in the Zamboanga Peninsula. SalinTubig provides potable
water to poor communities with no or limited access to safe drinking water, as part of the government’s effort to achieve Goal No. 7, specifically Target 7C of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. (DILG9)
Dipolog gears up for 101st anniversary
By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – A number of activities have been lined up by the city government here for the 101st Araw ng Dipolog come July 1 with the theme, “Himsog nga katawhan alang sa himsog nga dakbayan (Healthy people for a healthy city).” One of these activities is the coco challenge using coconut and its by-products in the games to be played at the Coco Ville, Dipolog City Boulevard on June 27-28. The winners will receive cash prizes. Under the open category, the games include throwing ping-pong balls into the coconut bowl, coconut tree climbing and coconut husking. For the inter-office and barangay category, the games include the coconut shot put, coconut bowling, coconut relay, coconut toddy and coconut trunk rolling. Interested players are invited to register at the City Hall lobby or to contact P’gsalabuk Coco Challenge chair Chandler O. Ruiz at his cellphone number 09185556118. Moreover, nightly shows and video showing will be done at the city boulevard. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
“Panagsangka 2014” or the inter-office sports tournament like volleyball, kickball and badminton will also be held with the city employees pitting against each other to win the most coveted prizes. The 2nd Mayor’s Cup National Sepak Takraw championship will also be conducted at Plaza Magsaysay. On June 26 there will be a tribute to public servants who have shown excellence and selfless service to the public and rendered significant contribution to the development of the community. Other activities include coco salo-salo, invitational shootfest, boulevard races, executive relay and street party. On July 1, an anniversary parade and program as well as the P’gsalabuk street dance presentation will be held. PAGE | 31
Mangrove planting brings benefits to coastal community
DAVAO CITY – Mangrove planting has brought several benefits to a fishing community in Barangay Lasang, which hosts a 20-hectare mangrove plantation, the biggest in Davao City. JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Barangay Lasang Captain Allan Simuag said that since the mangrove area has been developed, the livelihood of the residents especially the fisherfolks has also been improved. Simuag cited for instance that the fisherfolks have invested in the PAGE | 32
propagation of mangrove propagules for tree planting activities mostly organized by government agencies, private sector and schools. “The mangrove area has become a source of propagules for tree planting activities. And our fisherfolks are earning from it,” he stated during the mangrove planting led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) on Wednesday in celebration of the Arbor Day. He said that with the big improvement of the mangrove area in Lasang, marine resources have become abundant as the area has served to be a habitat and breeding ground for several marine species such as fishes and crabs. Simuag took the credits to DENRXI, saying that the agency has really put so much efforts in developing the mangrove area aiming to protect the environment and the community. Eduardo Ragasa, DENR-XI’s Regional Technical Director for the Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service, said that mangrove planting along coastal zone is one of the priorities of the agency. Ragasa said mangroves protects the eco-system and serves as defense of the community from natural calamities such as typhoons, strong winds, big waves and storm surge. He cited typhoon Yolanda incident when an area in Leyte has experienced less damage because of the existence of mangroves in the coast line. The DENR-XI official emphasized JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
the need of developing coastal mangroves being breeding ground of fishes which contribute 90 percent of people’s food requirements. Barangay Lasang was one of the sites for the simultaneous tree planting that DENR-XI organized to celebrate Arbor Day, mandated by Republic Act 10176 as tree planting day every June 25. There were 3,000 mangrove propagules planted inside a fivehectare area in Lasang, while forest tree seedlings were planted within a 250-hectare area in the hinterlands of Barangay Suawan, Marilog District, also in Davao City. Said areas are among the National Greening Program sites in Region 11. The simultaneous tree planting was participated in by officials and employees of various national and local government offices, peoples organizations, private sector, civil society organizations by students from different schools in Davao City. Aside from celebrating Arbor Day, the simultaneous tree planting in Davao Region also served as a dry run for DENR-XI’s attempt to set a Guinness World Record for most number of trees planted in one hour in multiple sites in the region. The attempt aims to break the existing record of India which planted 1.9 million of trees in 2011, bared Arceli Dela Cruz, DENR-XI’s senior science research specialist. (PIA-11/ Carina L. Cayon)
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Davao Oriental welcomes home delegation from UNESCO BANAY-BANAY, DAVAO ORIENTAL- The provincial government of Davao Oriental together with the municipal governments of San Isidro and Governor Generoso and the city government of Mati this afternoon organized a program to welcome the delegates from Doha, Qatar where the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Mt. Hamiguitan as a World Heritage site. Provincial Governor Corazon Malanyaon will lead the homecoming of the delegation who will be accompanied on their way home by Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). Among the provincial delegation who went to Doha, Qatar to witness the UNESCO inscription of Mt. Hamiguitan were Mayor Justina Yu of San Isidro, Tourism Consultant Cynthia Rodriguez, Marilyn Yumol of National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Davao Oriental Provincial Office, Dolores Valdesco of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO). The Pintatagan Welcome Park (located in the municipality of Banay-Banay at the boundary of Davao Oriental and Compostela JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Valley) will serve as the rendezvous area where the delegation will be met by local government officials of Davao Oriental led by Provincial Vice Gov. Joel Mayo Almario, Congresss representatives Nelson L. Dayanghirang of District I and Thelma Z. Almario of District II. Also joining the welcoming party are LGU officials of the municipalities of Governor Generoso and San Isidro, heads of provincial government agencies, provincial directors and executives of national line agencies based in Davao Oriental. Officials of the 701st Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police Provincial Office , members of the streetdancing winning team from San Isidro National High School, heads of municipal government offices of San Isidro and Governor Generoso, barangay officials and media practitioners from Davao City are also present to witness the welcoming event. Drum and Bugle Corps from the municipal of Banay-Banay and San Isidro drumbeat the jubilant feeling of the residents of Davao Oriental for the recent inscription of Mt. Hamiguitan which is the PAGE | 34
only UNESCO Heritage Site in Mindanao and the 6th in the world to have ranked among the UNESCO inscribed sites of wildlife category. During the opening program, Governor Generoso Mayor Vicente D. Orencia is set to deliver a welcome message on behalf of the League of Municipal Mayors of Davao Oriental. Gov. Malanyaon will give her message before she will lead the unveiling of the Mt. Hamiguitan banner. The welcoming party will then the take the Doha delegation led
by Malanyaon and Sec. Antonino to a motorcade joined by about 50 vehicles mobilized by the provincial government, San Isidro, Governor Generoso and Mati City. The motorcade will take route to Banay-Banay Poblacion, to Lupon Poblacion, to San Isidro Poblacion to Governor Generoso Poblacion then proceeded to Mati City where participating groups will all proceed to Subangan Davao Oriental Provincial Museum for the opening ceremony of Lantaw Dayaw (Tourism Exhibit). (PIA 11/ Jeanevive D. Abangan)
regional gallery
The famed bonsai forest of Mt. Hamiguitan Range. The mountain was recently inscribed in te UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
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