One Mindanao
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 MARY MAY A. ABELLON, 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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Fiscal deficit for Oct 2014 contracts to P2.5 billion
INFOCUS
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Chiz: P24 billion to boost ARMM development
CARAGA
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Concrete seawall in Butuan coastal barangay inaugurated
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NHA, Dinagat Islands LGU conduct shelter program orientation By: Jane A. Mayola
CONTENTS Cover Story Teachers Day a photo exhibit By: Rudolph Alama
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WESTERN
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AFP pursues welfare programs for IPs By: Gideon C. Corgue
NORTHERN
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Burning of dangerous drugs highlights Drugs Abuse Prevention Control Week By: Lorry V. Gabule
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University cancels ‘Araw ng Pagbasa’ in celebration of the National Information Month due to Queenie By: Rutchie C. Aguhob
SOUTHERN
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NGO calls on LGUs to activate barangay council for children’s protection By: Carina Cayon
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A decade of regional imaginations By: Rudolph Alama
outed as the longest running indie film festival in the country today, the Mindanao Film Festival will be staged for the 10th year this coming December 3-9 at the Gaisano Mall Cinema 6.
T
The festival was first started as an offshoot of the Guerrilla Filmmaking Workshops organized by Dax Canedo and Drei Boquiren. The workshops taught interested participants with a crash course on lowbudgeted film production dubbed
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as guerilla filmmaking. The participants were told to make films as part of their finishing requirement for the workshop, these films would be exhibited on the Guerrilla Film Festival held at the Gaisano Mall.
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is Adjani Arumpac’s critically acclaimed documentary “War Is A Tender Thing.” and Charliebeb Gohetia’s Tchoukball documentary “Kung Giunsa Pagbuhat sa Binisayang Chopseuy (How to make a Bisayan Chopseuy). Artist filmmaker Bagane Fiola’s “Sonata ni Maria.” Will also have a special screening during the festival. In 2005, the organizers decided to open the festival to alumnus of the Guerrilla workshops and other non-workshoppers. Thus the Mindanao Film Festival was born. 68 films About 68 films from across Mindanao will be shown during the 10th Mindanao Film Festival that will be held this December 3-9 at the Gaisano Mall Cinema 6.
Making its presence felt in the film festival is a batch of short films from Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province which was shown in the town’s Nabunturan Indie Film Exchange (Nabifilmex).
“It goes to show that filmmaking is expanding to the countryside to communities rather in the past when the movement was confined in Mindanao’s urbanized areas like Davao, Zamboanga and Cagayan “We have set another de Oro cities.” Alama said. record for the number of films submitted, last year we had “We are really going to 55 films. This means that the essence of why Mindanao the filmmaking movement in Film Fest was created that is to Mindanao is growing.” Says showcase our local culture, local Rudolph Alama, festival director perspective to show the stories of the 10th MFF. of our communities.” The festival director added. Among the films shown DECEMBER 2, 2014
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The festival will also show the finished works of the participants to the first Guerrilla Filmmaking Competition, which saw six filmmaking teams racing across Davao City to create their films using Lumia 1020 mobile phones. The filmmaking competition was ably supported by the City Tourism Operations Office of Davao.
is a documentary of a school in Nabunturan who creates a garden in the hope of inspiring others to help in restoring mother nature.
Among these films include Lugdang from Cagayan de Oro, Hope in the Garden and Pangindahay from Compostela Valley, Abiso from Zamboanga City and Paraiso from Davao.
Many of the 68 films will be vying about 18 awards in the festival. The awarding ceremonies will be held on December 8 at 7 pm at Gaisano Mall Cinema 6.
“Pangindahay” is a tale of two siblings orphaned after their parents were killed during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo, “Paraiso” is a documentary that centers around the famous Climate Change films environmental song composed The festival will also have by Ryan Cayabyab. “Abiso” is a block of films that tackle an animated short about the the environment and climate typhoon Yolanda. change. The film is screened with The film program titled the support of the Philippine “Nagbago na ang Panahon” Information Agency-XI (Times have changed) is under their joint climate composed of documentaries, change advocacy campaign in live-action short films and an conjunction with the Department animated short that tackle of Environment and Natural climate change issues. Resources.
“Lugdang “ is a story of college classmates searching for their missing classmate in the aftermath of typhoon Sendong, “Hope in the Garden”
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DECEMBER 2, 2014
Secretary Coloma keynotes Papal visit communications workshop in Malacañang MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. on Monday underscored the importance of unity and solidarity in covering the highly anticipated visit of Pope Francis in the country next month. Keynoting the Papal Visit Communications Workshop at Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang Palace, Secretary Coloma said the pontiff’s visit carries a message of mercy and media agencies who attended compassion to all Filipinos, the workshop. regardless of denomination. “We will agree that as we cover the papal visit, we must endeavor to reach out to all Filipinos, especially the last, the least and the lost,” he told representatives of various
He said the papal visit must be seen as “inclusive” rather than exclusive, as all religious groups are welcome to participate in programs scheduled for the Pope’s visit from January 15 to 19.
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“All Filipinos of all faith stand in solidarity for peace and prosperity for all. Even while acknowledging and honoring our differences, we can work together for a more humane and just society,” he said.
underlined the importance of communication in bringing people closer and creating a sense of “neighbourliness.”
The Palace official said the visit of Pope Francis should strengthen faith, unity and Coloma cited the message cooperation among Filipinos. of Pope Francis where His Holiness reflected on the parable Aside from Coloma, other of the Good Samaritan, which guest speakers at the workshop he called “a parable about were Father Francis Lucas, communication”. president of the Catholic Media Network; Father Lito Jopson, He said Pope Francis executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media; and Father Nono Alfonso, executive director of the Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc. Father Lucas emphasized that the overall goal of the papal visit coverage is to have a comprehensive, seamless and
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widest coverage.
importance of doing research, providing context, and having He appealed to the press balanced and accurate news not to focus on negativity and reports. maintain the solemnity and sacredness of the visit. The workshop was attended by representatives of major media Father Alfonso meanwhile networks, among them ABS-CBN, said all media networks should GMA-7, TV-5, 9 News, PTV-4, constantly dialogue and set aside and the Philippine Information competition to be able to execute Agency. their mandate well. The event was hosted by Father Alfonso, a former Assistant Secretary Virgilio journalist, reminded the media Nadal Jr., executive director of to observe journalism ethics and Radio Television Malaca単ang. standards in their coverage. (PCOO/PND) He also underscored the
Fiscal deficit for Oct 2014 contracts to P2.5 billion MANILA - The National Government (NG) registered a P2.5 billion fiscal deficit in October, 77% lower than the amount posted in the same period last year as expenditures continued to grow at a slower pace than revenues. DECEMBER 2, 2014
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a lower increment, raising P101.8 billion for the month, 7% higher than last year’s level. Total BIR collections as of end-October amounted to P1.1 trillion, up by 11% from the same period last year. BOC sustained its monthly double-digit yearon-year growth with a 23% increase in actual collections for October amounting to P34.2 billion. Year-to-date BOC revenue has increased by 19% year-on-year, In a statement, the National registering at P299.9 billion. Economic and Development Authority yesterday said Total Bureau of Treasury total revenues for the month income contributed the highest amounted to P152.3 billion, or year-on-year increase among a growth of 13% compared to the NG’s sources of revenues the same month last year. This with a P5.8 billion inflow in brings year-to-date collections October, up by 62% from the to P1.6 trillion, 13% higher previous year. over the comparable period last year. The sharp increase is largely due to the higher interest BIR collections continued its income earned on NG deposits year-on-year growth although at
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with the BSP. Cumulative Total BTr Income grew by 21% yearon-year with the January to October actual collections of P87.1 billion already exceeding the full-year target of P56.2 billion. Collections from other offices also posted a significant year-on-year growth of 44%, with P10.5 billion for the month. On a year-to-date basis, collections have reached P92.0 billion, indicating an 11% or P8.9 billion improvement over the same period last year.
reduction in domestic payments. Total IP of P274.2 billion for January to October is lower by P4.4 billion over comparable figures from last year. Netting-out interest payments, NG recorded a P14.2 billion primary surplus for October, surpassing the primary surplus for the same period last year and bringing the cumulative primary surplus for the first ten months of the year to P240.6 billion, up by 45% from its 2013 level. (NEDA)
Government disbursements amounted to P154.8 billion in October, 6% or P9.2 billion higher than comparable figures last year. Year-todate NGexpenditures is at P1.6 trillion, 6% higher than spending for 2013. Interest payments (IP) for the month declined by 18% year-onyear to P16.8 billion from P20.5 billion in 2013 mostly due to DECEMBER 2, 2014
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Chiz: P24 billion to boost ARMM development PASAY CITY A 24-percent increase to P24 billion has been allotted for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2015, a spending package envisioned to respond to the needs of the community and push the much-needed development in the region, according to Senator Chiz Escudero, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. As the ARMM prepares for its transition to Bangsamoro regional government, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) received P10.642 billion out of its total appropriation for next year in order to focus on construction of infrastructure
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broken down as follows: roads and bridges, P8.106 billion; water systems, P765.816 million; ports, lighthouses and harbors, P670 million; and flood control, P561.630 million. On money
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the other hand, earmarked
for various ARMM programs amounted to P12.394 billion, which will be used for the agency’s administrative operation, provision of staff support, and budget for regional departments, Legislative Assembly and the Offices of the Governor and Vice Governor. Three ongoing ARMM projects got P11.906 billion or 48.9 percent of the region’s total budget allocation. Appropriation for Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Synergy (HELPS) almost doubled to P1.02 billion to finance construction of barangay halls, community learning centers and multipurpose buildings, public markets and terminals. About P76.5 million was set aside for the implementation, monitoring and supervision of the projects.
Another project, the ARMM BRIDGE (Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Sustainable Growth with Equity), was allotted P120 million to serve as the transition program for the Autonomous Regional Government (ARG) to prepare communities for the Bangsamoro government. Out of the 57.4 million Capital Outlay for BRIDGE, P50.4 million will be distributed to Tuburan, Basilan; Tagoloan, Lanao del Sur; Pandag, Maguindanao; Panglima, Sulu; and Sibutu, Tawi-tawi, each getting P10.080 million for their Community Based Infrastructure. However, the 2015 budget for Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program (PAMANA) was substantially cut to P655.502 million from P2.660 billion in 2014. (OSCE)
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DOLE celebrates 81st anniv By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga is celebrating its 81st anniversary with this year’s theme “Higit pa sa Tagumpay at Reporma, ang DOLE mas Makabuluhan, mas Nadarama.” The department, together with the memberagencies of the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) has prepared weeklong activities for the workers’ welfare. DOLE-Caraga regional director and RCC chair Atty. Johnson Cañete announced during a press conference that
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the department and the RCC conducted a fun walk and Zumba exercise early morning on Monday dubbed as
“Productivity is the Way, Let’s Zumba All the Way” held at DOLE-RCC hall. Said activity was also sponsored by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-Caraga. Cañete expressed his thanks to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and all media partners for its untiring support and religiously disseminating the agencies’ programs and services to the public. “Together with the Regional Coordinating Committee, we would like to thank you our media partners for your support and information dissemination of our programs and services. We are the only DOLE regional office nationwide conducting a monthly press conference to update you from time to time of our activities and programs for the welfare of the workers in the region,” he said.
“Join with us this afternoon as we will conduct the ‘Diskwento Caravan’ at Butuan City Hall Lobby. Tomorrow, we’ll be holding the One-Day Construction Safety Orientation to be held at the Budget Foods Convention Center, this city. These are just among the lined-up activities we prepared for our partners,” added Cañete. Cañete further bared that during the Construction Safety Orientation, the participants from various construction companies will be briefed on salient topics which include the following: Construction Site Safety for Workers; Measures for Good Housekeeping; Safety Signage; Excavation Safety; Scaffolding Safety; Electrical Safety; Prevention of fall when working at heights; Equipment Safety; and Medical Handling and Storage Safety, among others. “The workers’ rights and responsibilities; employees’ compensation program, and occupational health for construction workers will also be tackled during said activity,” he said. It was also learned that other activities are set in
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line with their 81st anniversary celebration which include the following: Dec. 3 - Orientation and Forum with Private Recruitment Agencies; Dec. 4 - Caraga OFW Entrepreneurs Capacity Building; Dec. 5 - Tree Planting activity; Dec. 8 (Anniversary Day) Awarding and Recognition of
DOLE-RCC Caraga stakeholders, employees, social partners, and beneficiaries; and Dec. 9 - Award-giving on Labor Laws Compliance, and the conduct of Angel Tree Program: Gift-giving to Children. All said activities will be held in Butuan City.
Concrete seawall in Butuan coastal barangay inaugurated
Butuan City - To beef-up disaster preparedness and mitigation especially in coastal communities in the city, a concrete seawall was successfully completed at Brgy. Lumbocan. The said seawall was formally opened to the public, after a brief ribbon-cutting and turn-over ceremony Thursday afternoon. 16
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The said seawall construction was seen as opportune and timely as well, given the disaster risks faced new by coastal areas along Brgy. Lumbocan. The month of November to February in the country has been marked as typhoon-prone season, with increased risks due to climate change and environmental degradation. Early this year, the city has experienced one of the most intensive floods since 1980s and affected thousands of families especially those living in the lowlands and coastal areas. The said infrastructure project is hoped to mitigate risks from sudden sea-level rise and minor typhoon surge. In the long run, the
newly-constructed seawall is also expected contribute to building disaster-resilient and adaptive community. Funding for the said construction was pushed for by Rep. Lawrence Fortun, and was implemented by DPWH-Butuan City District Engineering Office. In attendance during the brief ceremony were Rep.Concree Fortun, Engr. Alipio Grana and Engr. Cesario Alegado from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Punong Barangay Shirley Reyes and members of the Council of Brgy. Lumbocan, Butuan City. (LAWig Katawhan/ PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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NHA, Dinagat Islands LGU conduct shelter program orientation By: Jane A. Mayola
AGUSAN DEL SUR - The National Housing Authority (NHA) and the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recently conducted an orientation on the Housing Materials Assistance (HOMA) program held at the Provincial Guest Center here.
The activity aims to orient the beneficiaries about HOMA program and the proper implementation of the P14 million worth of funds for housing materials assistance to the victims and survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the province. A total of 2,520 families from different municipalities of
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the province will benefit from the said funds. NHA Caraga senior livelihood officer Titus G. Ipanag presented the proper procedures and guidelines on implementing the program. Ipanag also presented other programs under the NHA which include the Resettlement Assistance Program for local government unit, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP), and the housing program for uniform and non-uniform personnel of AFP, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP). It was learned that the NHA team has already conducted a survey in the municipalities of Dinagat and Loreto.
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‘Pascua na Zambo’ kicks off By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez Dec. 1 ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Christmas festivity in Zamboanga starts today, Dec. 1, as the city government formally opens the annual “Pascua na Zamboanga” (Christmas in Zamboanga) with a bang. The opening salvo will be highlighted with the traditional ceremonial switch-on of Christmas lights that adorn every inch of the more than a hundred year old colonial-era building. Switch on will happen tonight at 6 p.m. “Mayor Beng Cli-
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maco will lead city government officials and employees in the different activities in City Hall and Paseo del Mar,” said City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias. “Every year, the landmark is transformed into a huge
Christmas sight where lights adorn every corner depicting the nativity,” she said. The ceremonial switch-on extends to the giant Christmas trees and decors at Plaza Pershing, Plaza del Pilar and Paseo del Mar. “Shortly after the switch on, the City Government parade follows at 6:15p.m. from the City Hall grounds down to Paseo del Mar where the opening program will be held at 7p.m.,” Covarrubias said During the program, the various departments of the city
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government will showcase their talents and battle their way to “stardom” through a fun-filled show-choir competition. “Today’s opening salvo ushers in the merry month of the year where numerous activities including contests have been lined up to ensure public participation and enjoyment,” Covarrubias said. “Pascua na Zamboanga is one of the most celebrated festivals and celebrations in the city that makes the celebration of the
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birth of the Lord Jesus Christ even more meaningful. Pascua means Christmas, the celebration of the nativity of Jesus Christ.” With “Paz” or peace as the underlying theme, City Hall as well as the major streets and landmarks is decked in blue and silver Christmas lights and decorations indicating harmony and goodwill,” Covarrubias said. Other activities during the Pascua na Zamboanga festival include the torch parade on Dec. 3; best barangay Christmas landmark competition Dec. 1012; Noche Navidades at Vista del Mar on Dec. 12, 13 and 14 starting at 6pm; Doce dias de Hechos de Zamboanga from 3pm-12mid-
night on Dec. 12-13 at the Ecozone, Dec. 15-21 at the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca and Dec. 20-21 at the Mercedes Church premises; Open lantern competition on Dec. 15 at 6pm Paseo del Mar; Canciones de Pascua on Dec. 16 at 4pm at the Paseo del Mar to be followed by the awarding ceremony for the open lantern and best barangay Christmas landmark competition at 7pm also at Paseo del Mar; 2014 Christmas Holiday Fashion Extravaganza on Dec. 22 at 7pm at the Crystal Ballroom of Astoria Hotel and 118th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on Dec. 30 at 8am, Plaza Rizal.
AFP pursues welfare programs for IPs By: Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has established government welfare programs for the most vulnerable sectors of society, according to Capt. Frank Suelto, chief of the 1st Tabak division’s Public Affairs Office. Representing BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. in a press conference held at the conference room, Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPO) here, Suelto disclosed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is
now attending to the indigenous peoples (IPs) within Tabak’s area of jurisdiction. He said the AFP had established an IP desk in the line units particularly at the Civil Military Operation (CMO) to assist the
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IPs. “We have implemented the cultural sensitivity program. In the program, we conduct orientation, seminar-workshop to our soldiers who are socially immersed in the Subanen community to respect the right to self-determination and to respect their cultural integrity as well,” Suelto explained. “Our soldiers assigned in the remote areas have provided the IPs basic services through medical civic action program (MEDCAP),” he added. The AFP has fully supported the implementation of Republic Act 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. In fact, Suelto said, the AFP gives opportunity to IP children who wish to join the organization, giving them five percent of the quota in the hiring of soldiers.
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“In 2003 candidate soldiers recruitment, 50 of the 500 recruited soldiers were IP children,” Suelto disclosed. Meanwhile, Suelto said many of the rebel returnees who are IPs have availed themselves of the AFP’s Comprehensive Livelihood Program (CLIP) through the “Guns for Peace,” giving cash incentives to members of the New People’s Army who would voluntarily surrender to the government along with their firearms in exchange for livelihood programs. The press conference was one of the lined up activities during the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration starting Nov. 27-Dec. 3 organized by the Interfaith Forum for Peace and Solidarity.
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Iligan City joins 18-day END VAW campaign By: Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Women leaders in the city joined END VAW (Violence Against Women) campaign with a kick off education session activity on Republic Act (RA) 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 and RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
The campaign organized by the Gender and Development Office (GAD), Office of the City Mayor conducted a Forum on Violence Against Women & Children (VAWC) at the session hall, Barangay Saray, this city. The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women started from November 25 and will end on December 12, 2014. This is in cooperation with the Local Council of Women in Iligan City, Barangay Saray / the Iligan City Council of Women, the City Social Welfare
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Development (CSWD) Office, and the Philippine Against Child Trafficking (PACT). In a message from the Philippine Commission on Women Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa said that violence against women still persists in many forms, and it is our duty to ensure that their best interests are served by creating better initiatives to secure their health, safety, and prosperity. As the tag line says “End VAW Now, It’s our Duty” may this event heighten our awareness of their plight and inspire us to remain vigilant in our on-going quest for social inclusiveness, Verzosa said. “We are one with the United Nations in the advocacy to ‘Orange your Neighbourhood’. We are wearing orange today (Nov 25) to show that we want to give light for a brighter future and give hope to the victims of
violence against women and children,” said Verzosa. Atty. Emmanuel Salibay, the Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee Chair on Civil, Political, Economic, Human Rights and Responsibilities was one of the speakers, so with City Administrator Atty Dexter Sumaoy, and police authorities from the Women’s Desk, and some concerned citizens who support the campaign. Meanwhile, all government agencies are encouraged to organize, engage and participate in the activities of 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, a global campaign to raise awareness to end and eliminate VAWC per Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular. Republic Act 10398 declares November 25 of every year as the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.
Burning of dangerous drugs highlights Drugs Abuse Prevention Control Week By: Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY - Members of the Iligan City Anti-Drugs Abuse Council (ICADAC) chaired by the city mayor, in cooperation with the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region X, led the burning of the dangerous drugs on November 21, 2014 at the Hall of Justice ground, Tubod, Iligan City. `The destroyed 7.05 grams of has a total value of P49,350.00. metamphetamine commonly called The shabu along with some paraphernalia
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order of destruction was signed by Executive Judge Albert B. Abragan of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, this city, and a certificate of compliance under Section 21 of Article ll of Republic Act 9165 issued and signed by regional director Emerson L. Margate of PDEA X. Media personalities who witnessed the burnin were informed of the 148 cases and apprehensions on hand at the Regional Trial Court, with 3,368.48 grams total weight of drugs, totalling P 38,338,243.50 estimated value within 2013-2014, with Judge Albert Abragan who turned over a copy of the list to PIA representing the media. Meanwhile, ICADAC has aligned activities for the country’s weeklong observance of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week from November 17-21, 2014. It started with a soft opening of the Iligan City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center located at Barangay Abuno of Iligan on November 10. Full operation of the rehab center will be on the first week of December, this year. The launching/kick off took place during the flag raising ceremony at the city hall’s amphitheatre followed by a motorcade around the city thoroughfare on November 17. In his message, city mayor Celso G. Regencia said the support of the community, the parents to keep track of their children and who their peers are, would likely make Iligan a drugfree city. A whole-year round
drugs symposium is conducted to different schools at the secondary level and other plant industries as well as some sectors in the barangay in the city who wished to be conducted with the forum. Speakers composed of ICADAC members from the Iligan City Police Office and some trained from the speaker’s bureau of the local government. ICADAC has driven students from the private and public schools to show their talents in the On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest anchored to this year’s theme, “ A Message of Hope: Drug Use Disorders are Preventable and Treatable,” held at the city public plaza. The celebration capped with a culmination program at the city plaza where the signing of Pledge of Commitment/Support from the stakeholders to support the government’s program to combat the use and proliferation of dangerous drugs. Representatives who signed came from the parents, concerned citizens and the community leaders, including the media. The signing was led by the representative of PDEA 10 who also read the message in behalf of the regional director. A march rally participated by the students, barangay officials, and members of the ICADAC who brought along placards with messages addressing problems on the use of dangerous drugs by not only the youth but the middle-aged persons
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who resort into using these at the city plaza followed by a closing prohibited drugs to comfort program. themselves. The rally converged
University cancels ‘Araw ng Pagbasa’ in celebration of the National Information Month due to Queenie By: Rutchie C. Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - La Salle University (LSU), here, has cancelled its “Araw ng Pagbasa (Day of Reading),” set on Nov. 27, as classes for the day, from pre-school to high school, have been suspended in the city, due to Tropical Depression (TD) Queenie. The ‘Araw ng Pagbasa’ was supposedly conducted thru storytelling to emphasize the importance of reading in line with the celebration of November as the National Information Month (NIM), Monaliza Mugot, Director, LSU Libraries and Media Center, said. Meanwhile, the suspension of classes in the said levels was issued by mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., following the guidelines of Presidential Executive Order No. 66, signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Prescribed Under EO 66 are the rules on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices, due to typhoons, flooding and other weather disturbances and calamities. Section 2 of EO 66, gives the Local Chief Executive (LCE), the authority to cancel or suspend classes as Chairperson of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
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Council (DRRMC). On the other hand, Mugot said the other activities set for the day, relative to the NIM, will continue, since these will only involve the tallying of scores by the library personnel. Such activities include the final judging of the Book Tower Challenge, whose main objective was to help the student be acquainted with the latest books’ titles acquired by the library and test their quickness in finding the right books. Another is the Library Trivia of the Day, a daily posting of questions in the Library Bulletin Board and anybody who knows the answer will just have to write their answer, name, course and year, in a one-eight (1/8) sheet of paper and drop it in a box located in the University Library, Circulation Area.
DECEMBER 2, 2014
ARENA-XI brings gov’t services to IPs in Kapalong
By: Michael Uy
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – The national government agencies in the region directly brought a multitude of services and programs to the indigenous people in Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong, this province. Thousands of IPs of the Ata-Manobo tribe in said barangay and from its neighboring sitios flocked Sunday’s one-stop shop of services dubbed as “Serbisyo Caravan” spearheaded
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by the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI (ARENA XI). Engr. Mariano Alquiza, ARENA XI president and regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said that more than 20 national government agencies offered
their services in the caravan. “We bring the government closer to the people and this is the aim of our caravan,” Alquiza said in local dialect. Among the highlights of the caravan was the giving out of 20,000 tilapia fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and indigenous specie seedlings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed 4,500 food packs to the residents and some crutches to qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs). The Department of Agriculture provided high valued seedlings, pet’s nutritional supplement, and antirabies vaccines, while the municipal government of Kapalong distributed sports supplies to selected recipients. Medical and dental services have also been provided during the Serbisyo Caravan, a flagship program of ARENA-XI which started in 2011. Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario and 10th Infantry Division commanding officer Major General Eduardo Año graced the caravan. Del Rosario said that the IPs in Kapalong were so very fortunate to have been chosen by the ARENA-XI as recipients of the caravan services. “I was also happy that I visited again this place after quite some time now, to talk to you personally
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and to deliver our services,” he said. The governor also led the launching of the P225 million Patel Bridge which will connect sitios Patel and Kapatagan, both part of Brgy. Gupitan. Meanwhile, the tribal leaders in the area were given the chance to air their concerns to the governor, regional directors, and provincial department heads. Among the concerns raised include potable water system, improvement of roads, safety and security, agricultural equipment support, livelihood and lighting system. Their concerns, which were stated in a resolution signed by the tribal leaders, were given to the concerned agencies for proper action. On the concerns raised, Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol declared that he will assign one tractor to be used for farming in Gupitan starting next year.
DECEMBER 2, 2014
NGO calls on LGUs to activate barangay council for children’s protection By: Carina Cayon DAVAO CITY– A non-government organization seeking to address children’s concerns will have to intensify and widen the rounds of advocating among the barangay government units in the region to activate their Barangay Council for the Protection of Children. The Child Alert Mindanao, Inc.
intends to beef up its advocacy for barangay councils to be reminded of their mandate to establish their respective BCPC and put effect programs ensuring for the protection and promotion of children’s rights. From the workshop results conducted by Child Alert in its 12 project areas, only one barangay emerged to have functional BCPC with activities being felt by children in the community. The workshop involving children and youth leaders from five barangays in Davao City and 7 barangays in Davao del Norte, aimed at gathering children’s perception on their situation in relation to the fulfillment of their rights. Child Alert executive director Bernie Mondragon said BCPC’s presence being hardly felt in the communities come out as one of the relevant observa-
tions during the workshop which was conducted days before the celebration of the 25th year of implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. “We really need to strengthen our advocacy for the enforcement of BCPC and push for the dissemination of the workshop results,” stated Mondragon in an interview. He said the workshop results also showed that there is “lack of programmatic response to the needs and issues affecting children and responses are more on individual initiatives.” “It also came out from the views of the children that existing programs in their barangays do not address the needs of the adolescent children aging 13 to 18 years old,” Mondragon bared, stating that “existing services are focused on infants and young children such as feeding program and immunization.” He said the children also listed drug abuse, child abuse, substance abuse, child labor, parental neglect, teen pregnancy, gambling and sexual abuse that still remain as major concerns confronting the children up to this time. According to the workshop re
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sults, these concerns have been causing the children to experience dropping out of school, health problems including mental problems, anti-social behavior such as taking on vices and involving in robbery, trauma until adulthood, parent neglect and working instead of attending school. The children and youth leaders have called on the government, particularly all barangay councils to implement program intended to uphold and protect the children’s rights. The workshop results were pre-
sented in a children’s forum recently spearheaded by Child Alert in Davao City, which tackled the status of most Filipino children after 25 years since UNCRC was implemented in the country. Children and youth leaders, parent leaders and BCPC representatives from Child Alert’s project areas in Davao del Norte and Davao City attended the forum.
did you know that current Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte is the son of the last Governor of the undivided Davao Province Vicente Duterte.
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