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 EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X RAUL M. QUILAB, JR., PIA Caraga Region
CONTENTS
NATIONAL
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Palace commemorates Bonifacio Day
INFOCUS
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Future Bangsamoro can enact laws for protection of Lake Lanao
SOCCSKSARGEN
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South Cotabato assures sustainable livelihood for former illegal miners By: Danilo E. Doguiles
Cover Story Returning to home while at home (A story of a former rebel) By: Michael Uy
CARAGA
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By: Nida Grace P. Barcena Vegetable Harvest Festival set in By: Venus L. Garcia AgSur
WESTERN
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Hinatuan MDRRMC gears up for 2014 Gawad Kalasag field assessment
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Sulu Gov seeks more cooperation with the AFP on crisis situations By: Rene V. Carbayas
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NORTHERN
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Misamis Occidental bids out rehabilitation of provincial roads in Clarin By: Rutchie C. Aguhob Fireworks highlight opening of Christmas Symbols Festival 2014 in Tangub
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SOUTHERN
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Mindanao Film Festival to show films about climate change By: RG Alama
ARMM ARMM cooperatives can now avail Pag-IBIG loans LGU Balindong launches website to boost transparency By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran
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Returning to home while at home (A story of a former rebel) By: Michael Uy
igamit ko. Gibayaran ko. Nahadlok ko. (I was used. I was paid. I was afraid.)
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These were the words NPA, his face grimaced. of a tribal chieftain in Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong when Wrinkles started he described his ordeal to assemble in with New People’s his forehead. Army (NPA). He readied himself to an As he came interview approaching, he knew Datu Lirab that it will Lirab (an alias again relive he took in some of his the military camp) was in high spirits. He nightmares. even smiled to He was focus his fellow tribal on the subject chieftains, shook not minding the hands with the officials busy atmosphere and greeted some familiar at the riverside of Sitio locals. But as we started our Patel, Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong. conversation on his life as an
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It was Sunday, November 30, the day the iconic Andres Bonifacio was born 151 years ago. It was also the day the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI or ARENA XI spearheaded a one-stop-shop of services dubbed as Serbisyo Caravan in the area. And most of all, it was the day that more than 200 NPA members including Datu Lirab Lirab pledged back their allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and its constitution.
Datu Lirab Lirab was just new in the NPA. He recalled that it was just last August 5 that he was kidnapped by a group of armed men. “Gi-ingnan ko nila na insultuhun nako ang mga sundalo nga naga operasyon dinhi sa among lugar. Dili naman unta ko dapat maka-ingon ana kay tiguang naman ako, pero isip na gi-kidnap ko nila, ako silang gisunod,� he said. (They told me to slander the military, who are operating in our area. I should
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against Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol and Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario. “Gi-ingnan ko nila na insultuhon apil si Mayor ug Governor kay nganong walay gibuhat aron papahawaon ang mga sundalo sa Gupitan.” (They told me to defame the Mayor and the Governor because of doing nothing to pull out the military have not acted that way because in Gupitan.) I am already old, but since they kidnapped me, I just followed.) He also remembered explaining to the NPA that he was He recollected the day he was not the President of this country deployed to a radio station in to tell the military to pull out and Davao. say anything against the officials. But the NPA members rebutted Following the rebel’s that this was a revolution. He instructions, he walked miles did not dispute that with a towards their assembly area, little knowledge on the said then ride a motorcycle going to revolution. Tagum. He said that from Tagum, a different group brought him to “Pagkahuman, gihatagan ko Davao. nila ug P 1,000, mao ra,” Datu Lirab Lirab said. (Afterwards, It was his first time to set they gave me P-1,000; that’s foot in Davao City. He said that it.) For more than two months in he barely left Kapalong. He went the NPA, he said that he never to Tagum only if there were received any assistance other assemblies. than the money given to him to insult the military. In the radio station, he badmouthed the military and “Pasalamat nalang ako kay requested them to pull out of gidakop pud ako sa mga Bagani.” Gupitan. He said that the NPA (I was just thankful that I was even ordered him to speak ill seized by the Bagani.) Datu Lirab
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Lirab was captured last October by the Bagani, a group of tribal warriors who are against the presence of the NPA in the area. The Bagani knew that Datu Lirab Lirab appeared on radio stations in Davao to speak against the military. “Kung dili sa mga Bagani, dili ako kabalik sa karaan nakong gobyerno.” (If not because of the Bagani, I cannot return to my previous government.)
family would live with him in the camp. Datu Lirab Lirab said that he is happy now with the military. He still lives in Gupitan, the biggest barangay in the Kapalong covering a land area of more than half of the municipality and one of the most NPA infiltrated areas in the province. He said that he is happy not because the war is over, in fact it is far from over. He is happy because he now returns to Republic, which he describes as his previous government.
Datu Lirab Lirab and his family now live in a military camp in Kapalong leaving his house and corn field unattended. “Mahadlok na ako mobalik didto kay basig kidnapon napud ako sa mga NPA.”(I feared that if I go Nevertheless, he is hoping back there, I will be kidnapped that sooner or later, the again by the NPA). His fear grew insurgency will end. that he even pleaded that his DECEMBER 3, 2014
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President Aquino vows to strengthen fight vs corruption MANILA - President Benigno Aquino III has pledged to strengthen and rationalize government’s reform measures in weeding out corruption during the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) held in Malacaùan Palace on Tuesday.
In his speech, the President said he has approved the proposal to draft an executive order to institutionalize an Integrity Management Program (IMP) in government agencies based on the UNCAC. The Joint Technical Working
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Group, compose of the Office of the President (OP) and the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), posed the request to the President. The IMP is the first joint anti-corruption program of
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Aquino said. He said while the technical working group ended its review of the UNCAC, the government is more driven to institutionalize good governance and push further the administration’s vision of treading the straight path. Also present during the the technical working group, event were Ombudsman supported by the World Bank. Conchita Carpio-Morales, The program is envisioned Supreme Court Justice Maria Sereno, Senate to be the primary national anti- Lourdes Franklin Drilon, corruption prevention framework President and House Speaker Feliciano of the government. Belmonte. (PCOO/PND (jb) “We are working to rid the Philippines of the corruption that has tainted its reputation and plagued it for so long; we are working to institutionalize a legacy that finds its roots in the mindset of our countrymen, who will never again settle for anything less than true public service,” President DECEMBER 3, 2014
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APEC 2015 logo reflects country’s vision of a more inclusive Asia-Pacific region
MANILA - The 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which the Philippines will host, will focus on the need to make member economies part of economic growth, as reflected in the logo and theme launched by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday evening. 10
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The logo’s circular form represents a more connected, more integrated, and more dynamic global community, whose direction for growth is increasingly shaped by the APEC member economies. These economies, both advanced and emerging, have in recent decades served as the In his message during the APEC’s major drivers for shared launch, President Aquino said development. that as delegates arrive for the first APEC 2015 meeting next The logo design also shows week in Albay, the government the common waters that link the would ensure the success of the different member economies, country’s hosting of the APEC. forming a geographic bloc of inclusive prosperity and The APEC 2015 will carry meaningful opportunity for more the theme, “Building Inclusive than 40 percent of the world’s Economies, Building A Better population and the rest of the World.” global community. The APEC 2015 logo reflects the vision espoused by the Philippines in treading the path to a more progressive and equitable Asia-Pacific by building inclusive economies for a better world.
The logo’s blue, red and yellow triangles meanwhile represent the bloc’s 21 member economies. (PCOO/PND (as)
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Bangsamoro vital to 2015 ASEAN integration PAGADIAN CITY - The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be crucial to the participation of the Philippines in the anticipated economic integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2015. “It is important for us to ensure the security and stability of Mindanao, because geographically, it is our gateway to our ASEAN neighbors,” said Undersecretary Jose Lorena of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
by the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL in this city on Friday, November 28.
“The success of the Bangsamoro peace process— through the enactment of the Lorena was addressing an BBL—can bring us closer to that assembly of local municipal goal,” Lorena said. and barangay leaders from Zamboanga del Sur at a public G o v e r n m e n t hearing and consultation staged chief negotiator
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Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the Bangsamoro aspiration is built around the ideals of peace and progress that is shared and enjoyed by all, regardless of one’s religion, ethnicity, and even political affiliation.
d e v e l o p m e n t intervention jointly implemented by the government and the MILF, has been mobilized to improve the delivery of basic services (through health, education, and livelihood programs) to MILF “We—the entire nation—all communities. stand to gain from the peace agreement that our government The SBP is an initial has forged with the Moro Islamic dividend of peace launched Liberation Front (MILF),” she in 2013 after the signing of said. “When we achieve peace the Framework Agreement on in the Bangsamoro, we will the Bangsamoro. However, accelerate progress in an entire under the Comprehensive region whose growth has been Agreement on the Bangsamoro stunted through four decades by signed this year, socioeconomic armed conflict.” development has been identified as a major component of the This regional development, normalization process and will be in turn, will be vital in boosting undertaken for the rehabilitation, the national economy, according reconstruction and development to Coronel-Ferrer. of the Bangsamoro. In particular, socioeconomic programs will be The government chief instituted to address the needs of negotiator also explained that the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed collaborative programs and Forces members, internally mechanisms are already being displaced persons and povertycreated and set in motion in order stricken communities.(OPAPP) to support conflict-affected MILF communities towards a smooth transition into the Bangsamoro era.
The Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program (SBP), the socioeconomic DECEMBER 3, 2014
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760 Grade 9 teachers undergo TESDA Competency Assessment By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- A total of 760 Grade 9 Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have undergone Competency Assessment and Certification of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The two-day activity, simultaneously conducted at the TESDA- accredited Assessment Centers located throughout the provinces and cities of the region, was carried out in line with the National Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Competency Assessment and Certification program of the TESDA. TESDA 12 regional director Zeus P. Ampuyas noted that this undertaking is also in relation to the K to 12 program of the government wherein Section 13.2 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 expressly provides that teachers who will teach specialized subject in the secondary education shall possess the necessary certification issued by TESDA. Ampuyas also emphasized that TESDA has been closely coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd 12) in the purpose of ensuring that all TLE teachers handling Grade 9 must have been assessed and certified as mandated under Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2014 issued on September 9, 2014.
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“TESDA XII would see to it that it will do its best to greatly contribute for the success of the implementation of K to 12 program in this part of the country,” the regional director stated. Meanwhile, among the TVET qualifications assessed were the: Beauty Care NC II, Caregiving NC II, Cookery NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Front Office NC II, Household Services NC II, Animal Production NC II, Crop Production NC II, Food Processing NC II, Horticulture NC II, Automotive
Servicing NC II, Carpentry NC II, Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Masonry NC II, Plumbing NC II, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning NC II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II, Computer Hardware Servicing NC II, and Technical Drafting NC II. (SJDuerme-PIA12/RPalencia-TESDA12)
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LGU Makilala Barangayan project to start anew in 2015 By: Aida C. Agad MAKILALA, Cotabato – Although the Barangayan project of the Municipality of Makilala ends this month, residents here are assured more of the same activity in 2015, a local government official said. Out of the 39 barangays of Makilala town 33 have received basic services from the LGU’s Barangayan Governance Approach that culminates this December and will start anew in 2015. “Barangayan is our approach in bringing basic government services to our community and involving our local department heads and personnel including line agencies cement a strong rapport and understanding between the employees and the people whom they served,” Mayor Rudy Caoagdan said. Mayor Caoagdan added that the Barangayan approach is an expression of good governance and participation of the local government unit of Makilala, emphasizing that it is now the LGU that is reaching out to the community and reminding them that all the services that that they are benefitting during the activity are always available for them. Through the Barangayan the LGU was able to provide services on infrastructure, agriculture, health and medical, support to basic education and other services. Under the Infrastructure sector, the Iength of barangay roads rehabilitat-
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ed totaled to 46.2 kilometers, while the barangay roads openned reached 4.6 kilometers. The LGU’s Agricultural Services includes provision of Vitamin for 1,220 heads of large animals; dispersal of 3,570 Pawakan breed chicken and 17 piglets and distribution of 1,700 fruit seedlings. For health services, Medical Check up and Consultation 1,983 Adult and 1,367 Children; Dental Check up and Extraction for 974 adult and 288 children; health services for 625 Senior Citizens; distribution of 320 units toilet bowls and 184 pieces of Mosquito nets. A total of 184 pieces of school bags were distributed under the Support to Basic Education services. The project was also able to process 1,021 Delayed Registration of Live Births and officiated Kasalan ng Barangay benefitting 334 couples under the Local Civil Registrar Services. (AC Agad PIA12/with reports from OCDeseo LGU Makilala)
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Agnor PDRRMC prepares for Typhoon ‘Hagupit’ By: Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY - The province of Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba is now ready for the possible entry of Typhoon ‘Hagupit (International Name) to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), says PDRRM Office chief.
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According to PDRRMO officer Erma Suyo, PDRRMC chair Matba has issued an Executive Order No. 39 Tuesday activating the PDRRMC and the Incident Command System (ICS) Incident Management Team of the province effective immediately. “The province is now implementing Code White – Monitoring and Alert Level,” said Suyo. All vehicles are now on standby for possible deployment, Suyo said. Also, according to Suyo, governor Matba has already directed all the local government units of the province to activate their respective Local DRRMCs as well as their Emergency Response Teams. Officer Suyo also said that
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a preposition stations have been identified by the PDRRMC, for areas covering the municipalities in the East, the Council and the Villahermosa Department Store in Cabadbaran City signed a Memorandum of Agreement to use their warehouse for the relief goods and immediate access of their grocery items if needed during the entry of typhoon ‘Hagupit.’ For the municipalities located in the west, relief goods are now ready at the Operation Center (OpCen) located at the PDRRMO in Butuan City. “A Standardized Protocol to all barangays has been observed and practiced every time a disaster or a calamity is experienced in the province,” Suyo added. Meanwhile, as per Memorandum Order No. 44 issued by the local government unit of Las Nieves in Agusan del Norte has already activated their ICS for implementation of all the DRRMCs within the locality, Las Nieves Emergency Response Team (LNERT) and other volunteers. Operations at the OpCen are now 24/7.
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Hinatuan MDRRMC gears up for 2014 Gawad Kalasag field assessment
By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
SURIGAO DEL SUR - The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) of Hinatuan this province chaired by mayor Candelario Viola is now gearing up for the field assessment and validation for the national selection committee slated on December 3-5, 2014. The said assessment and validation is in connection with the municipality’s nomination and inclusion in the top 3 for the prestigious
“Gawad Kalasag 2014” under the first and third class municipality category for the national level, said Gemma Millan, community development information officer
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(CDIO) of Hinatuan. “Up for grabs are first, second and third places,� she added. It can be recalled that Hinatuan DRRMC was awarded first place for the Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance during the Caraga Regional awarding of Gawad KALASAG 2014 in time of the national Disaster Consciousness Month Culmination held in Butuan City last July this year.
Accordingly, Hinatuan town was placed second and first in year 2012 and 2013, respectively in the national level competition under the same category. Meanwhile, the Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) award is given to individuals, private institution, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government organizations, in recognition of their initiative in doing humanitarian activities as response to the disasteraffected communities, as well as intensified its effort their interventions in helping to mitigate and adapt climate change and disaster resilient community.
Vegetable Harvest Festival set in AgSur By: Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY - As an affirmative outcome of the projects implemented by international non-government organizations in Caraga region, East-West SeedsPhilippines together with Winrock InternationalPhilippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) jointly led in organizing a Vegetable Harvest Festival which is set on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at Brgy. Dakutan, Esperana, Agusan del Sur. 20
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According to Winrock International-Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) chief of party Dan Gudahl, the Vegetable Harvest Festival is a gathering that brings together the vegetable producers, industry experts, traders, processors and input suppliers. Opening of booths, products showcase and market opportunity presentations will start in the morning, and a raffle of seeds in the afternoon. “The festival will also highlight the Farmer Field School (FFS) graduation, production of FFS producers and potentials of Esperanza municipality and Bayugan City for
vegetable production,� said Gudahl. He also mentioned that the event will address production issues and optimize opportunities to enable the v e g e t a b l e p r o d u c e r s maximize their income. W i n r o c k International is a non-profit organization that works with people in Caraga region and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. On the other hand, EastWest Seed International has continued to develop and produce high quality seeds for Asian farmers over the years. Aside from its principle that success in vegetable production starts with high quality seeds and good genetics, it also believes that the right technology and cultural management practices will help farmers attain the maximum benefit out of good seeds.
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Schools urged to support climate change advocacy, environmental protection By Franklin P. Gumapon
PAGADIAN CITY – In keeping with the national government’s campaign for climate change adaptation and mitigation, Schools Division Superintendent Felix Romy A. Triambulo of the city schools division here has called on the students and teachers to actively participate in promoting a green environment. S p e a k i n g in yesterday’s awarding ceremony for most sustainable and eco-friendly
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school at Tulawas Integrated School in this city, Triambulo encouraged the students and
teachers to sustain and maintain the programs and activities that enabled their school to win the search for sustainable and eco-friendly school in the region. Tulawas Integrated School emerged as regional winner of the Nestle Water Leadership Award in the 2013 Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools. It could be recalled that the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), an attached agency of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) had launched in 2009 the search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools with Buenavista Elementary School in Gulatalac, Zamboanga del Norte and Sulangon National High School in Dapitan City as regional winner. The search has been conducted every two years since then.
In 2011 Siayan National High School in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte and Universidad de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City emerged as regional winners. For 2013, the regional winners were Ayala Elementary School in Zamboanga City and Manukan National High School in Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte together with Tulawas Integrated School in Pagadian City for Nestle Water Leadership Award, and Sicayab Elementary School and Dipolog National High School of Dipolog City for Meralco Leadership Award. Sustainable and ecofriendly schools are schools that have initiated and integrated the promotion of a green environment in their instructions, programs and activities.
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Tulawas Integrated School is recipient of eco-friendly school award By Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN CITY - Environmental protection and raising the awareness on climate change adaptation and mitigation among its students and the community, the Tulawas Integrated School in Barangay Tulawas in this city was awarded yesterday a plague of recognition as one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly schools in the region. PIA Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga, represented by Assistant Regional Director Franklin P. Gumapon, together with Pagadian City Schools Division Superintendent Felix Romy A. Triambulo handed the plaque to Mr. Japhet Monsion, school head of said school. Gumapon said the search
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for most sustainable and eco-friendly school, which is being spearheaded by the Environment Management Bureau, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), started in 2009 and it is being
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City and Sicayab Elementary School in Dipolog City. The other schools are Universidad de Zamboanga and Ayala Elementary School in Zamboanga City and Tulawas Intefgrated School in Pagadian City. Speaking on behalf of Director Edaga, Gumapon expressed his appreciation to
conducted every tow years. Since 2009, there were nine schools in Zamboanga Peninsula that were awarded of such recognition. Six schools are from Zamboanga del Norte,namely, Buenavista Elementary School in Gutalac town, Siayan National High School in Siayan municipality, Manukan National High School in Manukan town, Dipolog National High School in Dipolog City, Sulangon the efforts initiated by the school National High School in Dapitan at preserving and protecting the environment. “The search for the most sustainable and eco-friendly school aims to encourage the schools to get actively involved in environmental concerns, and to encourage active participation among the teachers, students and parents to initiate programs towards greening the environment,� Gumapon said. DECEMBER 3, 2014
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Scubasurero project at Mis. Occ. Aqua-Marine Park caps 5th Pas’ Ungko Festival By: Rutchie C. Aguhob
SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental - A “Scubasurero” project, here, capped the monthlong celebration of the 5th Pas ‘Ungko S’g Misamis Occidental Festival and 85th foundation anniversary of the province, on Nov. 30. The project involved the cleaning, not only of the coastal areas, but also of the debris at the seabed of Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP), operated by the Provincial Government, in the municipality, Gain Paul De Barras, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer, said. Doning their scuba diving gears, the combined personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), 1001st Maritime Police and members of the Ozamiz City and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) conducted the project. Meanwhile, De Barras, who is the
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concurrent Provincial Tourism Officer, said the celebration of the Pas’ Ungko Festival included other environmental projects like the 19th Malindang Ascent aimed to marvel at the proud and mysterious beauty of Mt. Malindang Ranges and Natural Park, a heritage site of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The activities of the Pas’ Ungko also included the following: AgroIndustrial Trade Fair, AgriAqua Day, the distribution of certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) to beneficiaries and distribution of agricultural and fishing paraphernalia to farmers/fishermen of the province. F r e e
Legal Clinic, Job Fair, Renewal of Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) licenses, Philippine Statistics Authority services, GO HERMIE Football Cup, La Salle UniversityOzamiz City’s 9th Culinary Congress, Smoke-Free Youth Summit, and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) American Colonial Architecture in Mindanao Exhibit. Launching and signing ceremony of the Ugnayang Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) and the Joint Resolution Declaring Misamis Occidental as Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready Province and the conduct of the 1st Congress of Mindanao Liga ng mga Barangay Presdents 2014.
De Barras said providing a new twist in the beauty pageant was the selection of a Festival Queen based on the inclined fashion of a Dalagang Filipina and Dalagang Misamisnon, instead of the usual “Mutya ng Misamis Occidental” and the street dancing competition and showdown which were all based on the Subanen culture.
1,000 individuals attend ‘Let’s La Salle-Sa’ project OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Some 1,000 individuals participated in the “Let’s La Salle-Sa” project of the Parents Auxiliary Board (PAB), La Salle University (LSU) Integrated School, here, last Nov. 29. Held at the LSU Deportivo, near the University Oval, the project aimed to raise funds for the construction of the “Balay sa PAB” and for other greater purposes, Jane Marie L.
Tabucan, Vice-President for Upper Grades of LSU-IS, said. The 3-hour fun exercising and heart-pumping fun involved action of Zumba fitness, moving to Taihian
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drums and reggae, hiphop Beats, Soca, Samba and Merengue, Mambo and Salsa dance steps. The Latin-inspired dance fitness program also blended with red-hot international music, Tabucan said. Meanwhile, Tabucan said the
P290 registration fees for the project, already included the singlets/t-shirts, which the parents agreed to be made compulsory through the PAB Resolution No. 15 and 15A, series of School Year 2014-2015. (JLTabucan/ RCA/PIA-Misamis Occidental)
More than 500 youth leaders attend Mis. Occ. Smoke-Free Summit By: Rutchie C. Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - More than 500 leaders of in-
school and out-of-school youths from the different local government units (LGU’s) of the province gathered for a smoke-free summit, last Nov. 28. Particularly, the summit called the 1st Smoke-Free Anniversary Celebration with the theme: “Working Together for a Smoke-Free Oroquieta,” was held at the Associated Barangay Captain (ABC) Gymnasium, this city. Among the activities of the 5th Pas’ Ungko S’g Misamis Occidental Festival, a month-long celebration of thanksgiving that coincides with the 85th foundation anniversary of the province, the smoke-free summit was conducted to inform the youth of the issues on cigarette smoking. “It was also aimed at updating them of the efforts of the Provincial Government and other concerned sectors to address such issues of anti-smoking to make the young and those who the who feel young, it’s illeffects on a person’s health,” Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, said.
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Meanwhile, the activity started with a parade of the participants from the City Health/Integrated Provincial Health Office and Provincial SmokeFree Task Force and students from the different high schools of the province. To spice-up the summit, contests on anti-smoking jingle, poster making and mascot contests was also held, Chayla Marie L. Beniga, Provincial Anti-Smoking Coordinator said. The activity was highlighted by the awarding of certificates of recognition to the LGU of Oroquieta, the Oroquieta City Police Station (OCPS), Oroquieta City Traffic Managemtent Bureau (OCTMB) and the Oroquieta City Health Office (CHO) for the successful implementation of the Anti-Smoking Campaign in the city.
DECEMBER 3, 2014
200 NPAs surrender in Kapalong By: Joey Dalumpines
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte- More than 200 rebels, who were mostly indigenous people of Ata Manobo origins, surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong. During the Serbisyo
Caravan of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI (ARENA
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XI), 216 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) pledged allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and the Constitution on Sunday (November 30). The Balik-Loob Ceremony was witnessed by 10th Infantry Division commanding officer Major General Eduardo Aùo, Davao del Norte Gover
nor Rodolfo del Rosario and Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol. Major General Año encouraged the indigenous people to continue in supporting the army to end the insurgency problem in Barangay Gupitan. “Sa atong mga kaigsuonang lumad dinhi, pagpatuloy niyo ang magsuporta sa ato para once and for all matapos na ang problema natin sa CPP-NPA sa lugar na ito,” he said. (To our Lumad brothers, continue your support to us to, once and for all, end our problem in CPP-NPA in this area.) Año assured the people that the military will serve 24 hours a day to ensure peace in the area as well as in the whole province. Meanwhile, Datu Lirab Lirab (not his real name), a tribal chieftain in one of the sitios in Brgy. Gupitan, recalled in his testimony his ordeals while he was kidnapped by the NPA. “Gigamit ako sa NPA para dauton ang mga sundalo, pati among Mayor ug si Governor,” Datu Lirab Lirab said. (I was used by the NPA (New People’s Army) to speak ill against the military, including our Mayor and the Governor.) He emphasized that he was directed to broadcast in radio and press conferences to pull out the military in Brgy. Gupitan. “Gipa-apil pa nila kanako ug pagdaot si Mayor ug Governor kay nganong wala daw gibuhat aron mapahawa ang mga military,” he
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said. (They even included in my slander the Mayor and the Governor for doing nothing in pulling out the military.) Datu Lirab Lirab also expressed his happiness for pledging back his allegiance to the republic. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)
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Sajahatra Bangsamoro to include Muslims and Christians in conflict affected areas By: Joey Dalumpines
DAVAO CITY-Representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government in the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program cited the inclusivity of rendering basic services to the communities even extending beyond the Bangsamoro areas.
no III and MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Japan, two years ago and the subsequent signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the peace panels of the MILF and the government. “The program is enjoyed by both the Muslims and Christians in the once conflict-affected areas,� Ki Speaking at the Hermes Club kay said. press briefing at the Waterfront In Hadizer Birowa, director of the sular Hote, Dr. Taugan Kikay, team Sajahatra Program under the Ofleader of the project management of fice of the Presidential Adviser on the MILF in the Sajahatra Bangsamthe Peace Process said under the oro Program said the services of the program, a total of 11,000 now enprogram extend to both Christians joy insurance coverages through the and Muslims to ensure that they see Philippine Health Insurance Corporaand experience the caring hands of tion. government especially in the once He also said that the Cotabato conflict-affected areas. City Sanitarium Hospital is undergo He said the Sajahatra Program ing repair in order to cater to the simply puts to life its real meaning in sick. the languages like Maguindanaowon, Birowa also said that more than Malaysian and Arabic implying brac16,000 children are now placed uning for peace and development. der the supplementary feeding pro Kikay observed the program gram of the Department of Social gets good acceptance even to the Welfare and Development while 639 Muslim communities due to the bastudents enjoy scholarship grants sic services in education, health and from the Commission on Higher Edulivelihood assistance. cation. The Sajahatra Bangsamoro followed immediately following the dialogue between President Benigno Simeon AquiDECEMBER 3, 2014
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He said that through the Department of Education, reading, writing and arithmetic are now integrated in the education system of the Madaris. “We also cater to place outside the conflict-affected areas like Mati City, Davao Oriental, Munay, Lanao del Norte, Butig, Lanao del Sur, Tun-
gaoan, Zamboanga Sibugay and in areas like Magcawa, Albarca, Basilan, Bongao, Tawi-tawi, Jolo, Sulu and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao,” Birowa said. (PIA-11Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
regional gallery
Members of the media pose at the tarp of Art Talk Media Forum. The Art Talk hosted by Park Inn by Radisson Davao celebrated its first year anniversary, it promotes interaction with the local media and the artists behind Davao’s dynamic arts and culture scene.
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Govt officials, CSO’s hail Hataman’s SORA
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overnment officials and civil society organizations hailed the second State of the Region Address (SORA) of Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for its substance and concrete indicators of reform happening in the region. Father Eliseo “Jun” Mercado, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) lauded Hataman for his passion to bring the people to a unified direction through a
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solid roadmap. “The SORA was very impressive. Pinakita niya kung saan siya nagsimula, kung ano ang pinatutupad, at kung saan siya patutungo. Yun
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a n g p i n a k a i m p o r t a n t e ,” F r. Mercado said, underscoring the concrete milestones achieved under the Hataman administration. Gauging the Hataman leadership on a performance scale of one to 10, Fr. Mercado said Hataman deserves a 9. Guiamel Alim, chairperson of the Consortium of the Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), also commends Hataman for introducing reform and building the foundation for change in ARMM governance. “The social contract with the civil society is continuing. We laud the Hataman administration for the instituted reforms,” Alim said. Meanwhile, Mohaquer Iqbal, information chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said “all systems go” for the establishment of the Bangsamoro new political entity. “We will build on the gains of the ARMM under Hataman, then, we’ll see to it, that when the Bangsamoro is established, there will be much improvement as far as the life of our people is concerned,” said Iqbal. On the challenge posted to continue the reforms, Iqbal said “that remains a challenge to cope with,” affirming that the ARMM has moved forward with the Hataman leadership. Secretary Teresita “Ging” QuintosDeles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process said the ARMM administration records and accomplishments attest that Hataman has carried the responsibilities
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expected of him. “Masaya talaga tayo na itong term ni Regional Governor Hataman from the time na na-appoint sya na OIC and his elective term na iyun na nga ang ginagawa, ang maitawid ng husto ang ARMM doon sa inaasamasam na Bangsamoro,” she said. Deles, together with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, were among the national dignitaries present during the delivery of the SORA. (Bureau of Public Information)
DECEMBER 3, 2014
ARMM cooperatives can now avail Pag-IBIG loans MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Members of registered cooperatives in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) can now avail programs and benefits from the Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Fund.
This was made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) inked on Friday, November 28, by ARMM’s Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and Pag-IBIG Fund’s Cotabato office. “Ito ay bahagi ng pagtutulak sa dapat ma-avail na services ng mga cooperators tungo sa pagkamit ng ARMM na masagana’t mapayapa (This is part of our efforts to provide cooperators the services they should be able to avail towards a prosperous and peaceful ARMM.),” said CDAARMM Administrator Abdulrashid Ladayo, Sr. Members of the
six thousand registered cooperatives all over ARMM will now be registered to Pag-IBIG and be able to avail of its services. Services i n c l u d e p r o v i d e n t savings and various loan schemes like calamity, salary and housing and others. “I commend the efforts of the present administration for always aiming to improve the lives of their constituents,” said Manolito Olegario, Pag-Ibig Southwestern Mindanao Area Head. He said the agreement signed will not be affected even if ARMM will be replaced by Bangsamoro government. “All our efforts are geared towards the coming of Bangsamoro,” Ladayo added. (Bureau of Public InformationARMM)
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LGU Balindong launches website to boost transparency By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The local government unit (LGU) of Balindong has launched its official website in an effort promote transparency and improve its relationship with its constituents.
The website, www. watobalindong.gov.ph, aims to provide quick access to information about the LGU’s programs and services. “For a term and a year now, our administration has been providing for the needs of our constituents, be it hard or soft projects. We have been catering to their priority needs but still many are not aware of our efforts due to poor information dissemination,”
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said municipal mayor Raysalam BagulMangondato during the launching held at the municipal hall on Monday, November 17. She said the website will serve as a communication tool as it allows the public to be informed about what the local government is doing and track the implementation of its various
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It also showcases the rich historical background of the municipality, its sociodemographic profile, local officials, department heads, and barangay officials, including the history of its 38 barangays. It will be managed and regularly updated by the Municipal Information Office. Aisah Ponce Macabuat, municipal information officer, said the website contains a “Contact Us” window for those who want to get in touch with the local programs and projects. The website contains valuable government. So visit www.watobalindong.gov. information about Balindong including financial reports, budget allocations, ph and take a look of what’s in store for you. and utilization of funds.
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