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PIA REGIONAL OFFICES Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com, mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX
Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com, r10_pia@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL ADVISERS SEC. SONNY B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency EXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph Website: www.piacaraga.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - Caraga Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga SOCCSKSARGEN Region Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region COPY EDITORS FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region
NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST
THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X
LAYOUT ARTISTS
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X RAUL M. QUILAB, JR., PIA Caraga Region
NATIONAL
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DA-BFAR deploys floating assets for ‘Ruby’ response and relief ops
INFOCUS
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Block grants designed to help Bangsamoro catch up -- Ferrer
CARAGA
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DSWD Caraga augments 51, 785 family food packs for Region 8 By: Eunice Montaos LGU- Butuan creates multi-sectoral governance coalition By:Venus L. Garcia
CONTENTS Cover Story Gensan youth forge partnership with PIA, DENR for climate change campaign By: Danilo E. Doguiles and Jan Monalisa P. Castellon
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PNP Iligan chief condems killings of 8 persons, creates Task Force ‘Lumayaga’ By: Ma.Trinidad BDel Villar Signing of “Nagbago na Ako” pledge highlights campus tour series of environment symposium By: Rutchie C. Aguhob
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P500: A treasure to poor Filipino seniors
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MGB 12 proposes mineral reservation project in Sarangani towns By: Danilo E. Doguiles DOLE 12 partners with schools in monitoring of livelihood projects
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Gensan youth forge partnership with PIA, DENR for climate change campaign By: Danilo E. Doguiles and Jan Monalisa P. Castellon
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ver 100 high school and college students, out of school youth (OSYs), local leaders, and members of the Task Force on Youth Development in General Santos City have committed to join the PIA and DENR-led climate change advocacy. 4
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“To solidify our forces in battling climate change, what better way to start but to begin with the youth, the rising stars of the generation,” Locsin said.
These young people from 26 barangays here joined the “Consciousness Building and Orientation on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation” initiated by the SOCCSKSARGEN Region offices of the Philippine Information Agency and Department of Environment and Natural Resources at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center here on November 29.
Several resource persons tackled the critical state of climate change and information on the campaigns and system policies of the government in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Meanwhile, representative from the local government of General Santos City also shared the climate change and project initiatives and advocacies of the city government.
At the forum, Jomarie youth volunteer, It aimed to promote Olarte, a partnership with the youth sector asked how their sector could participate in the advocacy. on climate change advocacy. In response, Community In behalf of DENR 12 and Natural Regional Director DatuTungko Environment M. Saikol, Regional Public Affairs Office Chief Mila Locsin enunciated that the youth is a force to reckon in bringing about societal change, even on issues pertaining to environmental protection and establishing climate change resilient communities. DECEMBER 10, 2014
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Resources (CENRO) Officer Wahid S. Amella advised Olarte and the others participants to create an organization that could carry our environmental protection initiatives such as tree growing.
area,” he said. “I challenge you. Let’s see if you can do it. I will sign a contract.”
This led to the organization and election of officers of the Youth Volunteers for They may also send a letter Climate Change Adaptation and of intent with proposals to the Mitigation in General Santos CENRO, Amella said, promising City. further that the CENRO could assign at least 100 hectares Elected into office were where the youth organization Jomarie Olarte, president; Aldrin may carry out their tree-growing Cosme, vice president; Glaiza activity. Mediatrix Hervias, secretary; Jecelyn Jumawid, treasurer; “If you really want to help Rodsman Tumbaga, auditor; and join, go to CENRO. You will Abubacar Padal, PIO; and Anika initiate and organize yourselves. Jade Tabaldo, business manager. You will make a group that will plant trees. I will give you a trial
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DSWD intensifies food distribution for Typhoon Ruby survivors
MANILA -- Amid road clearing in major thoroughfares to Borongan town in Eastern Samar, which was heavily affected by Typhoon Ruby, staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) accompanied five military trucks loaded with rice sacks and food packs for typhoon survivors here.
Upon arriving in the town, they proceeded to five barangays where they distributed 189 sacks of rice for 1,575 families. These were in the villages of Bugas where they provided 60 rice sacks, Sta. Fe with 38, Canhaway with 17, Tamoso with 31, and San Santorino with 43.
assistance earlier prepositioned by the DSWD in the town.
For the whole province of Eastern Samar, DSWD has already provided 6,150 sacks of rice and 9,900 family food packs. The towns which received the 50-kg. rice aid were Balangiga 200, Borongan 200, Can-avid These are on top of the food 400, Dolores 650, Giporlos 200, DECEMBER 10, 2014
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Guiuan 200, Hernani 250, Jipapad Total aid 350, Lawaan 300, Mercedes 200, Oras 200, Salcedo 200, San Meanwhile, provision of Policarpio 400, Sulat 400. assistance in other regions affected by ‘Ruby’ continues. The Provincial Social Welfare Office was also given 2000 sacks. As of 10 a.m. today, a total of P62 million has been On the other hand, towns provided to typhoon survivors which received family food packs from the combined resources of were Llorente with 1440 food DSWD with P55 million and local packs and Quinapondan with government units (LGU) with P6 960. million. Some 5,000 food packs were Repacking of relief goods also prepositioned at the DSWD continues in the different relief Borongan Hub. hubs in Cebu and at the National Resource Operations Center Secretary Corazon Juliano- (NROC) in Pasay City. Soliman is now in Borongan to oversee the ongoing disaster DSWD-Field Office operations in the town. MIMAROPA also opened a relief hub in Batangas City as pick up Sec. Soliman said that and delivery point for Oriental 30,000 food packs will come from and Occidental Mindoro and DSWD-Field Office XI and Caraga Romblon. going to the town of Taft and municipalities north of Borongan. Evacuees
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As of press time, a total of
463,449 families or 2,065,224 persons have been affected. Some 5,193 evacuation centers, down from 5,529 at the height of the typhoon, continue to serve 369,193 families or 1,653,241 persons.
have started to return to their homes after the weather has cleared in their areas.
Members of the DSWD’s Quick Response Team in the affected regions continue to coordinate with LGUs to monitor DSWD-Field Offices in and assess the impact of the the regions affected by ‘Ruby’ disaster. (DSWD) reported that some evacuees DECEMBER 10, 2014
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DA-BFAR deploys floating assets for ‘Ruby’ response and relief ops
QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has deployed its multi-mission boats for quick response and relief operations in areas affected by Typhoon Ruby. A total of 10 units of MCS and 26 units of 30-footer patrol boats located in strategic areas along the Ruby “corridor” are ready for use in relief activities. The DA-BFAR has coordinated with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend the use of the floating assets to the said agencies for faster and more efficient delivery of relief packs and other basic services to typhoon affected communities.
government. “This is part of our proactive measures in relation to calamities like this. We want to mitigate any damage the typhoon may cause and we also want to be able to respond to emergencies at the earliest time possible,” Perez said. (DA/BFAR)
DA Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR National Director Asis Perez said that the bureau’s multi-mission boats have been secured and prepositioned early on to help in rescue and relief efforts of the
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Block grants designed to help Bangsamoro catch up -- Ferrer
PASIG CITY - Provisions on wealth sharing in the proposed Bangsamoro region are designed to give more to those who have less, said Government of the Philippines peace panel chair Prof. Miriam CoronelFerrer. “The whole idea is for the [Bangsamoro people] to catch up on development,” she said. Coronel-Ferrer spoke to an audience of more than 300 at the GT Toyota Theater in Quezon City, on November 27, at the event “Piecing a Consensus for Peace: Comparative Perspectives on the Proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).” The event was held by the University of the Philippines and organized by the UP Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law provides for an automatic appropriation to the Bangsamoro similar to the internal revenue allotments given to local governments.
The amount shall be based on a formula pegged at fourpercent (4%) of the 60 percent of the national total of revenue collection. The principle of equity forms the basis for the formulation of the annual block grant, according to Coronel-Ferrer, in order to “make equal what is not equal, to give more to those who have not been given much historically.” Other fiscal measures such as the devolution of four national taxes on top of taxes already devolved to the ARMM and the bigger share in government revenues from mineral resources are intended to make the Bangsamoro “less and less dependent on the national government and for it to eventually attain fiscal autonomy.”
iteration of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, signed by the GPH and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Ade Petranto, deputy chief of mission, Indonesian Embassy in Manila and Thomas Phipps, second secretary for political affairs and security of the British Embassy, spoke on their respective country’s experience in finding political solutions to conflict. Joining them at the panel discussion were Prof. Jean Encinas-Franco, Prof. Prospero de Vera III, and Amb. Carlos Sorreta. Give Bangsamoro a chance to exist peacefully
One question raised at the open forum was whether the peace settlement with the MILF would serve as a bad example to other groups who might take up The amount of the collection arms in order to be granted the from these new taxes to be same powers and resources as devolved and the share of the those being given to the ARMM. Bangsamoro in the government revenues from natural mineral “Our peace negotiations and energy resources shall be show that we can have change deducted from the annual block without need to wage war,” said grant, Coronel-Ferrer pointed Coronel-Ferrer. “The Constitution out. itself shows us how we can achieve these reforms , including The proposed BBL is the legal how we can change the
constitution itself, if this is what the people want.” Through the peace process, she said, “we are giving [the Bangsamoro people] the chance to co-exist peacefully. We need to give them a bigger space from which to navigate their articulated desires. We need to have a broader perspective.” Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was also at the forum to relate the process
of public consultations on the BBL, organized by the Senate Committee on Local Government that he chairs. He assured the audience that, given the schedule of the consultations, the Senate will be able to pass the BBL on time. “I am confident that we could pass it after the first quarter [of 2015],” he said. (OPAPP)
BCPO bares accomplishments on intensified law enforcement campaign By:Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY - In carrying out its
mission of enforcing the law, ensuring public safety, and maintaining peace and order in the city, the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) headed by city director P/SSupt Nerio Bermudo has illustrated positive operations on illegal logging, illegal drugs, and enforcement of special laws which mirrored the intensified police operations to counter the menaces in town.
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Bermudo revealed that for the period October 21 to November 25, 2014, a total of 522 crime incidents were recorded, 251 of these are index crimes while the remaining 271 crime incidents are non-index. Theft is the most prevalent based on the distribution of index crimes. “It indicates that our office is strictly implementing the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS), specifically the conduct of strong checkpoints and serious operation against illegalities on drugs, logging, gambling,” he said. In addition, BCPO has strengthened its anticriminality campaign through the implementation of Patrol 101 where a four squad police personnel rove at strategic locations in the city to deter lawbreakers; conduct of recoreda; distribution and posting of Philippine National Police hotline numbers; and inspection and visitation of financial establishments. According to Bermudo, they were able to arrest 14 individuals and confiscated 1,932.376 grams of marijuana with estimated value of P15,000; 106.5152 grams of shabu with estimated value of P563,100; and several drug paraphernalia. He also confirmed
that seven cases were already filed in court. On their campaign against illegal gambling, six persons were apprehended. Fruit game and video karera machines were confiscated with five cases filed in court. Also, 38.98 cubic meters logs with P920,000 estimated market value were recovered and turned over to Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). “Included also in our successful operations was the capture of 18 wanted persons, all covered with warrant of arrest. Our proactive police forces shall continue to serve and protect the people and we also encourage citizen’s participation in solving crimes in our locality,” bared Bermudo.
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DSWD Caraga augments 51, 785 family food packs for Region 8 By: Eunice Montaos
BUTUAN CITY - In response to the great need of relief efforts after the country was hardly-hit by typhoon Ruby, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has already produced a total of 51,785 family food packs (FFPs) for augmentation to Region 8 (Eastern Visayas). DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli disclosed that 24,000 FFPs already reached at Tacloban Hub, and 12,000 of which are to be distributed in the municipalities of Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, and Palapag of Northern Samar. “As of the moment, the twowinged vans loaded with 6,000 FFPs are waiting for shipping schedule at Lipata Port, Surigao City,� Brigoli added. She also bared that a winged van is currently loading 3,000 FFPs in Butuan City, and two winged vans are on their way to load 6,000 FFPs in Surigao City. The remaining 12,785 FFPs are waiting for the arrival of the four contracted winged vans. The DSWD Caraga has two repacking stations situated at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) warehouse in Tiniwisan, Butuan
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City, and at Brgy. Luna, Surigao City. Some 276 registered volunteers, together with some personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), volunteers from congressman Lawrence Fortun, civilian volunteers, and selected staff of DSWD Caraga were mobilized for the completion of the targeted 50,000 FFPs augmentation for Eastern Visayas.
DECEMBER 10, 2014
LGU- Butuan creates multi-sectoral governance coalition By:Venus L. Garcia
Butuan City - In line with the implementation of the “Vision 2020: Towards Becoming the Premiere Forest City in the Country,” the city government here led by Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. has created a Multi-Sectoral Governance Coalition (MSGC) that will encourage each member to align with the objectives as the city envisions to become a model of a sustainable forest-based economy, thereby, giving its people the highest per capita income in Mindanao by 2020.
The MSGC is the core group of well chosen representatives from key sectors comprising the academe, business and religious, among others. “The magnitude of effort
required to realize the vision calls for a unified action and pooling of resources among the government and private sectors. We encourage our partners to work with us collectively and assist us in the implementation of the various programs and feedback the development of the strategic initiatives in pursuit of the Vision 2020,” said Amante. The mayor pointed out that the MSGC is an essential element of the Performance Governance
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System (PGS), particularly for the local government units (LGUs). It was regarded as an important strategy to ensure continuity of the transformation agenda because unlike the elected leaders who are serving in specified term, the stakeholders of a particular sector do not change as often. According also to mayor Amante, the MSGC shall identify, recommend and establish policies and/or legislative measures to safeguard interest and concern of all stakeholders enrolling a particular project, and
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to keep track of the status of the vision. “MSGC members are also enjoined to participate in the preparation of Commodity Development Road Map and assist in identifying sub-strategic p r o g r a m s , projects and actions in realizing our goal,� bared Amante. The present local a d m i n i s t ra t i o n is enrolled in the PGS under the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) as its strategic action to optimize resource mobilization and poverty reduction. Thus, the city propels to implement community-based foresty projects, manage and control communal forests, establish tree parks, and other similar forest development projects like industrial tree farming and agro-forestry projects.
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85 LGUs undergo training on risk map preparation By: Julla Columba Celerina M. Pagaduan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) region 10 will be conducting trainings on the finalization of local government unit (LGU) risk map preparation on December 10-12 (1st batch) and December 15-17, 2014 (2nd batch).
Nine cities and 76 municipalities that were trained on Risk Map Preparation will be participating in the trainings, and these are: (1st batch) cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, 22 municipalities from Bukidnon, five municipalities from Camiguin and 14 municipalities from Lanao de Norte, and (2nd batch) 17 municipalities from Misamis Occidental and 25 municipalities from Misamis Oriental.
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A series of trainings on Risk Map Preparation Through the Utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) for Climate Change and Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Reduction has been conducted since last year as part of the department’s disaster program outcome that aims to enhance the preparedness, response capacity and resilience of the Local Government Units (LGUs) to disaster and adaption to climate change. This activity will ensure that the risk maps are in place and that
they shall be utilized as basis for disaster disaster risk reduction and management planning and climate change action planning activities. Meanwhile, GIS is used to map the location of natural hazards and vulnerable sectors and infrastructures in the society. It can also be utilized to analyze natural hazards and determine the options available to mitigate them and present the findings of these analyses and communicate plans.
PNP Iligan chief condems killings of 8 persons, creates Task Force ‘Lumayaga’ By: Ma.Trinidad BDel Villar
ILIGAN CITY - The Iligan City Police Office of the Philippine National Police (ICPO-PNP) extends its heartfelt sympathy to the families of the eight male persons killed at purok 6, barangay Saray, Iligan City, occurred at about 1:00 a.m. of December 7. Police senior superintendent Leony Roy G. Ga, city director, ICPO, condems the killing of these victims and assures the public to address this incident and strengthens anticriminality campaign particularly in the area of Barangay Saray by fielding uniformed personnel to conduct police presence and foot patrol. Personnel of Iligan City Police
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Station-5 responded to a call for police assistance in connection with reported shooting victims who allegedly were shot by four unidentified suspects wearing jackets with hood and bonnet that immediately fled going barangay Tibanga area using two motorcycles. Victims were identified as Bryan Cubilla of Purok 5, Canaway, Iligan City; Balong Catiloc of Purok 6, Saray,
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Iligan City; Razul “At-at” Gabriel of barangay Canaway, Iligan City; Pedro Lumayaga alias “Kidaw” of Purok 5, Canaway, Iligan City; Ariel Lumayaga of Zone 5, Del Carmen, Iligan City; Narciso “Rj” Lumayaga of Purok 5, Canaway, Iligan City; Tonio Decalan of Canaway, Iligan City and; one other still unidentified. The crime scene was processed by scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) Team of the Iligan City Crime Laboratory Office personnel and recovered the following: two fired bullet of caliber .45; five fired cartridge case of caliber .45; seven unused aluminum foil strips; one tooter; one disposable lighter; one coin purse containing three twenty peso bill and two five-peso coins and; four small heat-sealed rectangular plastic sachet of white crystalline substance believed to be methampetamine hydrochloride or locally known as ‘shabu.’ In a press conference at the ICPO headquarters, Camp Tomas Ll. Cabili, Tipanoy, this city, called by PSSupt Ga, he said that a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG “Lumayaga”) was formed to investigate solely the killings of Lumayaga and seven others, and bring the perpetrators to justice and hold them responsible for their criminal acts. SITG Lumayaga is composed of ICPO personnel, Crime Investigation Division Group, City Crime Laboratory, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Iligan City Office. We shall conduct a thorough
investigation on this case, responded PSSupt Ga when asked about setting a target date to solve the incident. We shall be very careful as to handling this because we have already the commitment from the barangay officials for their support and with some witnesses to testify, added Ga. In an initial investigation, there were already death threats received by some of the victims through text messages sent by unidentified sender. Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to join hands with the PNP-ICPO in tracking down the perpetrators who carried out the attack, said PSSupt Ga. We will exert all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and hold them responsible for their criminal acts, Ga added. The public’s social responsibility and cooperation is very vital in solving crime in the community. Thus, ICPO encourages the public to help their police by way of providing relevant and timely information with hot line number 167 or (063) 221-6699 or text Globe mobile no.0917-7127411/ Smart mobile no. 09989553538, and ICPO has social networking sites to enhance support and cooperation from the community.
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Signing of “Nagbago na Ako” pledge highlights campus tour series of environment symposium By: Rutchie C. Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Signing of the “Nagbago na Ako” pledge of commitment provided the highlights of the campus tour series of the Environmental Symposium on Climate Change held in the city, today.
Conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), region 10, the symposium focused on the theme: “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago (Times have changed. It’s Time to Change).” Participated by students and student leaders from La Salle University and Misamis University, both of Ozamiz City, the symposium was actually part of the campus tour series of the Climate Change Advocacy
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(CCA), scheduled in the province, from December 9 to 11, this year. One of the campaign strategies of the advocacy, the activity aims to orient and inspire the youth on the climate change priorities, such as, the national greening program (NGP), solid waste management (SWM) and CCA. The pool of resource speakers came from DENR in the province who discussed about the campaign priorities that contribute to climate change. These speakers included Forester Angel P. Jumawan from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Ozamiz City, who talked about NGP, and Teresa P. Digamo, Environment Management Specialist of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) in the province, who talked on SWM and CCA.
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Davao City opens its doors to IPs for the holidays By: Joey Dalumpines
DAVAO CITY-More than eleven thousand families of indigenous peoples are now allowed to ask for Christmas gifts from city residents up to December 26. Liwayway Caligdong, assistant chief of the City Social Services and Development Office said the indigenous peoples are allowed to stay in eight centers in the city where they are pro-
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vided with food, shelter, water and health services. She clarified that the IPs come here not to ask for alms but to wish residents the joy of sharing this Christmas. Caligdong said that
the number of IPs increased from 8,000 families in 2013 to 11,126 families in 2014. “We will serve all of them even those who do not come from the highlands of the city,” she said. Dolly Remojo of the City Environment and Natural Resources said their task is to ensure the cleanliness of the surroundings of the eight convergence points where the IPs have to stay for the rest of December. She said there are eight gymnasiums in the city where they have to stay temporarily particularly in the districts of Bunawan, Toril, Buhangin, Mintal, Tugbok, Calinan, Barangay 5-A and Matina-Aplaya. “Street-sweepers have to work on three shifts in every area to ensure that cleanliness will be observed,” Remojo said. Dr. Samuel Cruz, assistant city health officer said health personnel will be present in shelter-homes for 24 hours until December 26 to look after the health of the IPs. He said the CHO will provide health assistance also in three shifts. “Our guidance is that no one must die among the IPs given the outmost health care provided for them,” Cruz pointed out. Engr. Andy Lipardo of the City Engineers’ Office said the CEO will provide the mobility of the IPs from one shelter to the other, provided one shelter is already filled with visitors. He said the IPs are given up to December 26 before they are deliv-
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ered home. Lipardo said the CEO will also provide for the water needs of the IPs so that they can take baths, cleaning of comfort rooms and wash their clothes accordingly. (PIA 11Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
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P500: A treasure to poor Filipino seniors DAVAO CITY -At present, there are 20,561 beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens in Region XI.
She then started to share her plans on what she’ll buy out of the pension she just received. “Ako ni ipalit og tambal, bugas ug pagkaon para sa akong apo unya (I will buy Undayong A. Tula, 80, of medicines, rice, and food for my Marilog is one of the beneficiaries grandchildren later).” who was very delighted to receive She repeatedly thanked DSWD the long overdue monthly penfor the social pension program as sion which has accumulated to Php she considers it a really a big help 4,500.00 [covering nine months] as to her and other indigent senior the DSWD Regional social Pension citizens, as augmentation funds for Unit resumed its payout on October their medical and daily needs. 13 here. Tula exemplifies the many se Uban’s family belongs to the nior citizens in the Philippines who Ata Manobo tribe living in the uphave been struggling to make ends lands of Marilog District. Her family meet for their daily needs. depends mostly on the sales from For needy senior citizens, a farm produce, whose proceeds are divided among her children and their Php 500.00 monthly stipend can go a long way and will definitely help respective families. them finance not only their prime Oftentimes, Tula is left with only a small amount of money, which needs, but also their medicines and even for some small items they according to her, is never adequate want. to buy her food and other primary Tula doesn’t desire luxurious needs. life. What makes her happy are the Tula is conversant in Cebuano, simplest of things that a five-hunwhich is quite unusual since most dred peso bill can pay for. (DSWD/ members of her tribe do not consp/ccd) verse well in the dialect. She is also abreast with some of the latest news and technology and believes in modern medicine. As Tulas was handed her accumulated social pension of Php 4500.00. Her wrinkled eyes widened and moistened. Out of happiness and gratefulness, she proceeded to hug the DSWD staff so tightly. DECEMBER 10, 2014
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10 NorthCot AEWs receive awards from DA By: Shahana Joy Duerme
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato—Ten agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in the province were recently chosen as outstanding AEWs by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the National Quality Corn Achievers Award held at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. Eliseo M. Mangliwan, provincial agriculturist said that eight of the AEWs are from the Municipality of Alamada. They are Danilo Puno, Ellafe Lopez, Jocelyn Ragonton, Lily Flor Balos, Maria Eden Barredo, Rolando Erese, Shiela Marie Asinas, and Henie while the other two other winners Elizabeth Salao and Delina Abellanida are from Carmen and Midsayap respectively. The awardees received P20,000 each which were handed personally DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and DA Assistant Secretary Edilberto M. De Luna. Mangliwan noted that the winners were selected based on their performance, contribution and impact of their best practices to the community as corn planters. “The exceptional performances of the AEWs, organic farmers and farming advocates in the province of North Cotabato are an outcome of the effective coordination between the provincial government and the agriculture sector in implementing agriculture projects and programs. “This also includes the successful partnership of the provincial government and the Department of Agriculture in downloading funds and realizing projects for the farmers which comprise farm to
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market roads, farming equipment, seedlings assistance among others,� he emphasized. In view of this, Governor Emmylou Mendoza said that her administration will continue to support the agriculture sector knowing the great magnitude of the role of farmers in the development of the province.
She said that the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) carry on with its programs and projects for the farmers which aim to uplift their living condition and further improve and develop the agriculture sector. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)
MGB 12 proposes mineral reservation project in Sarangani towns By: Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 12 is pushing a mineral reservation project in the municipalities of Kiamba and Maitum in Sarangani. Just recently, Engr. Hernani G. Abdon, OIC chief of the Mine Man-
agement Division (MMD) of MGB 12, presented the project proposal to
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members of the Sangguniang Bayan of both municipalities in separate occasions. In these meetings, Engr. Abdon, emphasized that MGB 12 has identified a total area of 11,163.6340 hectares in the area to have a known strategic mineral reserve that can be available for mineral resources development. A mineral resources development project in these municipalities could be beneficial to the local governments since this could result in additional revenues generation, citing further increase in the payment of occupation fees and the five percent royalty share for the LGU. Abdon explained further that this proposal could address the problem of illegal small scale mining in Kiamba and Maitum areas with as much as 25 percent of the area
that can be allotted as “Minahang Bayan.” Illegal small scale miners can apply for a contract and license to the province to legitimize their operations, he elaborated. In this way, he added, small scale mining will be contained and the local government can collect the appropriate revenue on small scale mining operation. MGB 12 expects both Sangguniang Bayan to hold public hearings on the proposal after the presentation, especially involving indigenous peoples living in the area, non-government organizations, and people’s organizations. Public consultations are done at least 30 days after the notice of the proposed project is published in the local newspaper. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from MGB 12)
DOLE 12 partners with schools in monitoring of livelihood projects By: Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The SOCCSKSARGEN Regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment is employing the help of schools in General Santos City for the monitoring of livelihood projects they have distributed in the area. “On December 9, DOLE 12 will be
signing a memorandum of agree-
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ment with three schools in General Santos City for the monitoring of
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livelihood projects we have distributed,” said Regional Director Ofelia Domingo, in a recent press conference, “including the starter kits that we have give to parents of child laborers.” Director Domingo identified the partner schools as the Golden State College, Holy Trinity College, and AMA Computer College. Livelihood projects such as starter kits, NegoKarts, and others are grants, she explained, which means that recipients do not have obligations to repay the government the amount of livelihood given to them. Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), DOLE purchases the equipment, machines, and tools needed to start a small business. For other materials needed such as meat and condiments for meat processing or sugar and banana
for “bananacue” business, the recipients are given cash, which they have to liquidate with DOLE. Although prior to the distribution of livelihood projects, recipients undergo several trainings on management of the business as well as their finances, Domingo admitted that DOLE has difficulty keeping track of the progress that all the recipients have achieved. Thus, she added, the partnership with the schools is a welcome development. Under the collaboration, partner schools will deploy students who will conduct researches on the livelihood projects dispersed by DOLE 12, she said. “We do not have direct engagement with the students because the schools will deliver the results of the studies to us,” she explained further. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
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