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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 GIDEON C. CORGUE, 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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DILG to first responders: Secure your families, assume posts
INFOCUS
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Success of GPH-MILF peace negotiations contributed to reforms in ARMM -- Hataman
CARAGA
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Caraga RDC bares winners of ‘Be the agent of change’ contest
CONTENTS Cover Story Davao network says no let up on raising public awareness vs trafficking By: Carina L. Cayon
By:Sherwin E. Verdun Tandag City starts to carry out mass evacuation due to Typhoon Ruby By: Greg Tataro Jr
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WESTERN
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UNFPA reiterates commitment to help Zambo IDPs By: Dominic I. Sanchez
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All systems go for Ruby, MisOr dad declares
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DOLE X peace, industry council attend labor convention 81 By: Glenford C. Labial
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Genuine NGOs hit by impact of PDAF scam By: Rudolph G. Alama
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Davao network says no let up on raising public awareness vs trafficking By: Carina L. Cayon
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he Interagency Council Against Trafficking XI Network or IACAT-11 Network continues to intensify its crusade against human trafficking in Davao Region by declaring and launching the Human Trafficking Awareness Month starting November 12 up to December 12 when the whole world will observe the International Day Against Trafficking. The strengthened advocacy started with the distribution of campaign posters at the barangay level especially in low-income communities where traffickers and illegal recruiters target their victims – mostly women
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and children - because of their vulnerability. According to IACAT XI Network, human trafficking cases in the region have become alarming.
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immediately provided the victims the necessary psychosocial interventions and temporarily housed the minors at DSWD’s Home for Girls and Women in Maa, Davao City. DSWD-11 regional director Priscilla N. Razon reported that the agency has recorded 98 victim-survivors from January to November this year, mostly composing of female, and almost half were minors.
The most recent case involved ten minors who were rescued from Oh George Inn at Ecoland, Davao City on November 1 and during a follow up operations on November 5 by Most of the human trafficking the rescue teams of the IACAT- cases involved are sexual 11 Network. exploitation, forced labor and cyber pornography involving Assistant Regional young children, Razon bared. Prosecutor Atty. Robert Michael Razon said the minors were She said among the minor peddled for sexual exploitation victims, three children aged 0 by the accused, a private to 6 were rescued from cyber engineer, who was immediately pornography activities, while a apprehended during the rescue three-month old baby was saved on November 1. from possible illegal adoption in Bicol. A case on violation of Republic Act No. 9208 or the There were 37 minors aged Anti-Trafficking Law has been 13-17 who were rescued either prepared in court against the from forced labor or sexual suspect. exploitation and six kids aged 7-12 were saved from sexual Meanwhile, the Department exploitation, she said adding of Social Welfare and that the children are the most Development (DSWD-11) has vulnerable to becoming preys of DECEMBER 5, 2014
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back to school will be given P5,000,” Razon stated during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on November 10 which served as one avenue for the anti-trafficking advocacy campaign of the network. The IACAT-XI network has considered carrying out awareness-raising activities human trafficking. The adult victims aged 18 to from November 12 to December 56 mostly fell from forced labor 12 to continue to alarm the public about the dangers of being and sexual exploitation. trafficked. Razon said DSWD is always The Human Trafficking available to provide interventions to human trafficking victims, such Awareness Month bannered local theme stating: as residential care, protective a Pagpahigmata, services, referral assistance for “Pagmatngon, legal services, livelihood and Pagpakabana ug Batukan ang Human Trafficking (Be Aware, Be educational assistance. A Voice, Be Involve. Fight Human Under the Balik Probinsya Trafficking).” Transportation Assistance, a Human trafficking or transportation allowance worth P3,500 is given to a victim living trafficking in persons is said to be the modern day slavery. outside Davao Region. It involves an act of recruiting, transferring, Another interventions are transporting, livelihood assistance worth harboring or receiving a person P10,000 and skills training through the use of force, coercion package of P7,500 to be or other means for the purpose provided per family of the of exploiting them. victim. The forms of human include forced “Those who want to go trafficking
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their areas. “Awareness is the best way to fight trafficking,” emphasized ARP Razon. He said that there has been an increase in the numbers of cases filed in court as a result of the awareness of the people. This year, there have already been two convictions involving TIP cases in the region. The IACAT-XI Network has urged the public to report any TIP incident through hotline numbers 0917-7185588 or 3303058, or through the “Freedom App” smartphone application for a world-wide reporting. prostitution and sexual exploitation, cybersex, forced labor, mistreated labor workers, forced to be beggars or thieves, forced to drug pushing and selling of organs. Razon particularly urged barangay councils to help in the fight against trafficking by strengthening the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children and by launching various education and awareness raising activities to prepare the residents to be alert and report human trafficking incidents in
In the observance of the International Day Against Trafficking on December 12, the IACAT-XI Network will be heading a thousand advocates from various sectors in Davao Region to join hands and defy human trafficking with one voice in a campaign dubbed as “March for Freedom.” The march will pass through some main thoroughfares in Davao City, and will end up at People’s Park where a short program will take place.
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PNoy directs gov’t efforts to mitigate impact of Typhoon ‘Ruby’ MANILA President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday presided over a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting in Camp Aquinaldo to coordinate government efforts to mitigate the impact of Typhoon ‘Ruby’, which is expected to hit Eastern Visayas on Saturday afternoon. President Aquino said he wanted concerned government agencies to complete such preparations as evacuating people, putting up emergency facilities as well as prepositioning food and non-food items, before the typhoon hits land.
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said 100,000 family food packs are available at its central warehouse, ready to be airlifted if necessary to assist victims in 50 provinces that could be affected.
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(OCD) meanwhile said his office has designated first responders from other regions to take over the function of responders in affected areas who might not be able to operate once the typhoon is over. Responders from other regions will take over within 24 hours if personnel The military said two C-130s from devastated areas fail and several helicopters are ready to do their duties, he said. to transport relief and personnel if there is a need. It also said its Pama said the Department engineering battalions are on of the Interior and Local standby and ready to move in Governments will oversee the for clearing operations or repair preparations, in coordination with of major facilities. the DSWD, and the two agencies have already come up with a plan The military further said it in case Typhoon ‘Ruby’ makes will submit to the President a plan landfall on Saturday. detailing its possible response to prevent looting incidents, such as The OCD, he said, has also what happened in the aftermath mobilized regional and national of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ last year. volunteer groups from the private sector who have signified Undersecretary Alexander their intention to assist the Pama of the Office of Civil Defense government. DECEMBER 5, 2014
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Ty p h o o n ‘Ruby’, with sustained winds of more than 200 kilometers per hour, has been categorized as a super typhoon. It has slowed down but has increased its strength. A database has been set up listing these volunteer organizations, along with the kind of help and material donations they are willing to extend. Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s companies (telcos) and fuel distributors have also made a commitment to provide assistance, Pama said, adding that telcos have prepared mobile cell sites that could be used after the typhoon.
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According to the weather bureau, it will make landfall on Saturday afternoon, much later than earlier projections. Weather forecasters said rainfall will be experienced in the eastern part of Visayas and the Bicol region on Saturday. They also said that Eastern Visayas is vulnerable to storm surges as high as three to four meters. (PCOO/PND)
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DILG to first responders: Secure your families, assume posts QUEZON CITY - “Secure your families first, then man the command centers.”
This was the instruction given by Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas to local officials and other first responder units in areas located along the path of Super Typhoon Ruby in order to ensure the efficiency of local governments’ response to emergency situations. “Our first responders, including the local officials, need to secure their families first so they do not have to worry for their safety when emergency situations arise in their areas of jurisdiction,” Roxas said in a statement Thursday.
“They need to focus on their
job 100 percent especially when they man the command centers,” he added. Earlier, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered all local government units, which are expected to be affected by the typhoon to immediately convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and make the necessary preparation to cushion the impact of the typhoon.
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Secretary Roxas also ordered all personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), regional offices of the DILG and LGUs in the affected areas to cancel their leaves of absence to ensure the safety of residents there.
they are expected to monitor the movement of the typhoon and ensure that disaster preparedness measures are in place.
“Mahalaga na laging nasa command centers ang ating mga gobernador at mayor para masiguro nila na ligtas sa peligro ang mga mamamayan sa kanilang “We need to take each komunidad,” the DILG chief said. typhoon entering the PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility) “Nakahanda ang lahat ng seriously. Super Typhoon Ruby is ahensya sa ilalim ng DILG, said to be Yolanda-like in track kasama ang PNP at BFP, na and everyone should prepare for tulungan ang ating mga lokal it,” Roxas said. na opisyales para mailikas ang mamamayan sa ligtas na lugar “Our LGUs are the first at mailayo sila sa panganib,” he responders when disasters and added.(dilg.gov.ph) calamities strike. We expect our local officials to take command in cases of emergency,” he pointed out. Roxas explained that governors and mayors are mandated to man the command centers of Local DRRMCs, where
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Success of GPH-MILF peace negotiations contributed to reforms in ARMM -Hataman COTABATO CITY - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv S. Hataman recognized that the success of the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is one of the important contributing factors to the achievement of socioeconomic reforms in ARMM under his stewardship. “Ito po ay bunga ng matagumpay na usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng GPH at MILF. (This is the fruit of the successful peace negotiations between the GPH and the MILF),” said Hataman during his second State of the Region Address (SORA) held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex in
Cotabato City on December 1. Hataman related that the dreadful peace and order situation in the region before the success of the peace negotiations prevented economic investments from coming in.
“Ngayon, dahil sa ating inayos
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na burukrasya at pamamalakad sa ARMM, kasabay ang matagumpay na usapang pangkapayapaan, tumaas ang kumpyansa ng mga negosyante (Now, because of the reforms in the bureaucracy and governance of ARMM, together with the success of the peace negotiations, investor confidence has improved),” he said.
Deles affirmed that Hataman was indeed able to deliver the reforms needed in ARMM, saying that he’s proven that he’s worthy of the trust and confidence of President Benigno Aquino III who appointed him to serve as officer-in-charge of the ARMM in 2011 prior to being elected to the post in 2013. “Masaya talaga tayo na itong term ni Regional Governor Hataman... naitawid niya ng husto ang ARMM doon sa inaasam-asam na Bangsamoro (We are very happy that during Regional Governor Hataman’s term... he was able to steer the region towards the right direction in preparation for the envisioned Bangsamoro),” Deles said.
Improved services “Sa third quarter pa lang in conflict-affected areas ngayong taon, pumalo sa mataas through PAMANA na record na PHP 3.372 billion halaga ng investments, higit Hataman also gave credit doble pa ito sa naitala nating to Payapa at Masaganang investments sa nakaraang taon. Pamayanan (PAMANA), which (As of the third quarter of this is the Philippine government’s year, investments in the region program for peace and has reached a significantly high development in conflict-affected record of 3.372 billion pesos, areas. “Patuloy ang ating which is more than double pagsusumikap na makapaghatid compared to investments in the ng serbisyo, lalong lalo na sa previous year),” Hataman said. mga conflict-affected areas sa pamamagitan ng programang Presidential Adviser on the Payapa at Masaganang Peace Process Teresita Quintos Pamayanan o
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PAMANA. (We continue to strive in delivering basic services, especially to the conflict-affected areas through the PAMANA program,” he said. He presented the successful projects under the PAMANA program such as the “roads to peace” and livelihood projects which also benefited Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) communities. “Ang PAMANA ay namamahagi din ng mga suporta sa pangkabuhayan, partikular na sa mga communities ng mga kapatid nating MNLF. (PAMANA is also providing livelihood support, particularly in the communities of our MNLF brothers and sisters,” said Hataman. More opportunities reforms in Bangsamoro
for
Hataman said that despite the current positive changes in ARMM
through the reforms initiated u n d e r Hataman’s leadership, “ m a s malaki ang opportunity for reforms kung maipasa ang Bangsamoro. (there will be bigger opportunities for reform if the Bangsamoro Bill will be passed into law).” “Ibibigay sa atin ng itatayong Bangsamoro ang pagkakataong pag-ibayuhin ang mga tagumpay na ating nakamit ngayon (The establishment of the Bangsamoro will give us the chance to cultivate the successes that we have achieved now),” the ARMM governor said. Believing that the “Bangsamoro will be the realization of the Bangsamoro people’s dream,” Hataman urged the people of ARMM to support it. “Salubungin natin ito. Yakapin natin ito ng buong puso. (Let us welcome this [Bangsamoro]. Let us embrace this [Bangsamoro] with all our hearts),” said Hataman.(OPAPP)
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Agnor implements Code Blue, on heightened alert status By: Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY - Due to the inclusion of the province of Agusan del Norte to the government list of 58 critical areas of typhoon Ruby, Governor and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairperson Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba ordered the implementation of Code Blue – on heightened alert status. G o v e r n o r Matba has directed all local DRRMCs to take preventive and precautionary
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measures as typhoon Ruby has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Matba said that if the situation warrants, they are encouraged to immediately implement pre-emptive evacuation of communities in highly critical areas such as coastal, landslide-prone, etc. “Prepositioning of relief goods is a must and identified evacuation centers are now prepared,” said Governor Matba. Suspension of classes in kindergarten starts Wednesday and all classes in elementary and high school in both public and private schools will be suspended effective Thursday, said officer Erma Suyo of the PDRRMO
Also, Suyo said, all sea vessels are now strictly prohibited from venturing out in the sea. Meantime, provincial administrator Percianita Racho, in a live interview over 107.8 MHz Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network of the Philippine Information Agency Caraga region, advised Agusanons to be always ready and pray for the safety of everyone. The province Operation Center has started 24/7 operations effective Monday.
Caraga RDC bares winners of ‘Be the agent of change’ contest By:Sherwin E. Verdun BUTUAN CITY - And the winners are…
The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) led by NEDA-Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, DILG-Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion, and DepEd-Caraga regional director Atty. Alberto Escobarte announced the winners of the “Be the agent of change” Contest, Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City. The RDC was assisted by NEDA
Undersecretary for Regional Development Office Margarita Songco. The Caraga RDC conducted the Jingle-Making and Photography Contests from
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August 1, 2014 to October 31, 2014 and the On-the-spot Canvas Painting Contest on December 2, 2014. The jingle-making contest had 10 entries from all over Caraga. The winning piece entitled, “We are the agents of change� was declared winner. The winning jingle was composed by Ian Alfer Ba-al, lyrics by Mary Jane Dela Cruz, and interpreted by Girley Sagayno, Kathlyn Dacera, Irish Jay Casida, Lian Joshua Dajao, Elline Joy Ocno, Kemberly Torralba, Louisdhyl Solon, Aiza Mae Abalos, Cinesthian Alfred Ba-al. The group received P20,000.00. The finalists were From Caraga to the World composed by Reuben Rhyll Chris Garbilao; I Can (We Can) by Jonree Elmido; and Be the Change and Start the Change by Jayson Pradilla (composer and
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lyricist), Krizia Meijel Mellijor (interpreter), Al Francis Sarsate (guitarist), and Ben Jay Felizarta (interpreter). The four finalists received P5,000.00 each as consolation prize. The jingles were judged based on originality and creativity (30%), lyrics (30%), melody (30%), and overall appeal (10%). The photography contest was participated by 19 Caraganons who submitted 78 photographs in eight categories. The first prize winners received P4,000.00 each, the second prize winners received P3,000.00 each, and the third prize winners received P2,000.00 each. Ronaldo Cayomo got the highest prize amount of P18,000.00 for winning in six of the eight categories (2 first
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prizes, 2 second prizes, and 2 third prizes). He is followed by Alexis Gomez who won a total of P13,000.00 for winning in five of the eight categories (1 first prize, 1 second prize, and 3 third prizes). Kierrah Jill Tanglao followed who won P12,000.00 for winning three of the eight categories (3 first prizes). Domingo Nollora won 3 third prizes for a sum of P9,000.00. Tanglao, Nollora, and Gomez got the most number of wins – first, second, and third prizes, with 3 entries each respectively. The photographs were judged based on content (30%), creativity and originality (20%), composition (20%), and visual impact (30%). On the other hand, the
on-thespot Canvas Painting Contest was won by Philippe Erick Monares of Butuan City Schools of Arts and Trade who got P5,000.00. The second prize of P4,000.00 went to Cybelle Bugas of Cabadbaran City National High School. The third prize of P3,000.00 went to Angelica See of Bayugan National Comprehensive High School. All 6 participants received consolation prize of P2,000.00 each and their respective coaches received P1,000.00 each. The entries were judged based on thematic relevance (35%), design and creative elements (35%), technical execution (20%), and visual impact (10%).
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Tandag City starts to carry out mass evacuation due to Typhoon Ruby By: Greg Tataro Jr
BUTUAN CITY - Preemptive evacuation due to Typhoon Ruby has already started to be carried out in Tandag City, according to Vitchie Bandoy, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief. This course of action began at around 7:00 a.m. and will continue to be done until 12:00 noon today, adding that afterwards, at around 1:00 p.m., forced evacuation will follow, she pointed out. Residents in places classified as high risks areas—referring to all coastal barangays—are priority in the list, Bandoy said. Likewise, she added that identified evacuation centers for people from the Poblacion
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areas include the Jacinto P. Elpa National High School (JPENHS) and the Capitol Seminar Hall, among others. Other barangays have their own identified evacuation centers, Bandoy insisted. She stressed that Mayor Roxanne Pimentel already decided to carry out preemptive evacuation since strong winds brought about by Typhoon Ruby have already started to be felt.
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Punta NHS studes, teachers throw support for climate change advocacy
By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – More than 500 students and teachers from Punta National High School (PNHS) of this city have pledged to support the climate change advocacy campaign (CCAC) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in a forum conducted yesterday in said school. The forum, which Philippine Institute of was organized by PIA Volcanology and Seisin partnership with the mology (PHIVOLCS) DENR, Pilipinas Natin, and the Zamboanga del
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Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), presented a video documentary on climate change produced by PIA-ZamboangaBasilan-Sulu-Taw-Tawi (ZBST) Provincial Information Center.
thing that might cause fire should be turned off,” Bustillo stressed. He added that every school must have earthquake evacuation and emergency plan and to make an emergency supply kit in an easy to carry container such as a covered trash container or a large backpack. In the forum, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) also emphasized that every day should be disaster preparedness day. Before the forum ends, Ruda reminded the participants that there will be a typhoon entering the Philippine area of responsibility, international name “Hagupit” and local name “Ruby.” “We should be prepared at all times and act now in order to prevent any disaster that might arise,” Ruda concluded.
Planning Officer Ryne Bustillo of PDRRMO talked on disaster preparedness with emphasis on climate change adaptation and mitigation. “During earthquake, the door must be opened and any-
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UNFPA reiterates commitment to help Zambo IDPs By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY– The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reiterated its commitment to continue to help the internallydisplaced persons (IDPs) here, citing that many of them especially women and children need assistance.
“We remain committed to help Zamboanga and the IDPs,” said UNFPA country representative Klaus Beck during his visit here Tuesday. Beck emphasized that he recognized the efforts done by the local government and national government agencies, however, “the conditions of 25,000 evacuees still living in evacuation centers and transitory sites require durable solutions.” Among the concerns Beck enumerated include health concerns, “especially for the Badjaos whose poor health seeking behavior
and health practices lead to maternal and child mortality and morbidity.” Aside from health issues, Beck said that protection issues for girls and women in evacuation centers, especially in the Grandstand remain. “We must join hands in addressing these issues,” he said. Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development regional director Zenaida Arevalo said that “the local and national government as well as humanitarian partners have been exhausting all possible means to help the
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IDPs”, however “in spite of these efforts, we may not be able to provide for all their needs.” On Tuesday, the UNFPA turned over several birthing equipment to be used in the health stations established in the conflict-affected barangays. Women-Friendly Spaces (WFS), which is seen to be a one-stop show for women needing special services related to prevention and management of cases of gender-based violence were also inaugurated in Masepla and Buggoc transit sites as well as in Arena Blanco. The WFS will also serve as a venue to raise awareness on women’s issues. A Violence Against Women (VAW) desk was also turned over to Sta. Catalina. Barangay chairman Jimmy Villaflores said that the desk will be very helpful in dealing with gender-based violence cases in the community since he has noted that many women are victims. Meanwhile, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said that there are many cases of abuses done to women and children, especially those who are in the evacuation centers and transitory sites. “There have been cases of child abuse and even incest, and prostitution. We need all the help we can get.”
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DSWD to validate nonassessed SCs to enjoy social pension By: Recthie Tolinero-Paculba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northern Mindanao will conduct a second round validation of the 1,997 non-NHTS PR (National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction) senior citizen (SC) beneficiaries early next year to accommodate more beneficiaries to enjoy the Social Pension for Filipino Indigent Senior Citizen Program.
During the Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) on December 3, here, DSWD said that they have already validated 11,262 non-NHTS beneficiaries last May 2014 but the remaining SCs were not validated or assessed
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due to transfer of residence or death. The Department also added that only those SCs who were registered in the NHTS-PR or “Listahanan” will be able to receive the stipend. Moreover, the Department shared that for calendar year 2015, the total number of targeted SC beneficiaries will increase by 18, 385 or 94.68% from the current number. To further give importance to this sector of the country, the RIAC-SC also intends to provide an inventory of community resources to facilitate
the needs of senior citizens, regular building inspection and monitoring of accessibility features of buildings and transport facilities consumer lanes or services made available by banks, government facilities, private offices and drugstore for senior citizens. The government’s Social Pension Program (Social Pension) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development provides a monthly stipend of P500 to indigent senior citizens as mandated by Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
All systems go for Ruby, MisOr dad declares PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, Misamis Oriental - The province of Misamis Oriental says its all systems go for any eventuality that typhoon Ruby may bring. Governor Bambi said this today after meeting with all the municipal disaster risk reduction officers and members of the expanded Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC). Not taking anything lightly, the Governor said the PDRRMC is taking all 23 towns and two cities “at risk” based on the weather report mapping the whole province under code red. “We have also identified about 127 barangays at ‘high risk’ considering that these are located along the 17 main rivers that snake through the entire province,” Gov.
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Emano said. With this data, the PDRRMC was instructed by the Governor to prepare to take care of some 42 thousand persons representing about 11 thousand families. “I appreciate the active participation of our municipal disaster risk reduction teams who are ready to open their evacuation center when the situation demands,” the Governor added. He also said that food items
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and other logistics are already prepositioned should these be needed by the LGU’s. These include several hundred cartoons of canned goods and about a thousand bags of rice with 50 kilos each bag. “Yes, we are ready to augment and support our LGU’s for whatever they might need,” Governor declared. Part of its preparations, the PDDRMC has already positioned some five rubber boats in strategic towns along with some pieces of heavy equipment, emergency generators, chains saws and transportation facilities. He also ordered all provincial
hospitals to stand by with extra manpower to take in emergency cases. The PDRRMC operation centers at the Capitol and in Gingoog City will be on 24-hour operation starting tonight. The Center will issue advisories and updates three hours before the expected landfall and every three hours thereafter until the emergency is off. These are the communication lines at the Provincial Capitol: (landlines) 714-901 & 724-347; (Globe) 0917-7087-597; (Smart) 0908-8732-851.(PIO/ninja)
DOLE X peace, industry council attend labor convention 81 By; Glenford C. Labial
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Total of 14 regional officials,
representatives and members of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) and Industry Tripartite Councils (ITCs) attended the orientation and capacity-building for workers and employers on the new Labor Laws Compliance System and International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 81. Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante mentioned on a DOLE-X Monday program that over a hundred officials and members of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils (RTIPCs), representatives of labor and employers from local Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils
(TIPCs) and ITCs in Northern Mindanao area joined said comprehensive orientation on the DOLE’s new Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS) and on Convention 81. The second leg in such activity was organized and conducted by the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) and
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supported by the ILO. The Mindanao area-wide orientation was on October 24, 2014 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City. DOLE’s top officials, steered by Labor and Employment Undersecretary Rebecca Chato, the internal and labor relations cluster head, graced the area-wide action. Also in attendance were DOLE’s Legal Service chief Atty. Romeo Montefalco, Bureau of Working Conditions Director Atty. Catherine Legados-Parado, and BLR Director Atty. Benjo Benavidez. The activity aims to: (1) raise awareness on labor laws and regulations; (2) capacitate labor and employers to voluntarily comply with labor laws, (3) advocate the use of feedback mechanisms on the LLCS and the Labor Laws Compliance Officers; and (4) increaseresponsiveness on ILO Convention 81 (1947)and as well as (5) capacitating the stakeholders on the LLCS to its effective compliance, particularly among labor and employers. Under the new LLCS, the DOLE has revolutionized labor inspection through a system that encourages labor laws and regulations compliance and fosters labor-management cooperation through social dialogue. The said new LLCS is aligned with the principles of ILO Convention 81 (Labor Inspection Convention), which provides for the establishment of a system of labor inspection responsible for securing the enforcement and bringing to the notice of the competent authority in existing legal provisions
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relating to conditions of work and the protection of workers in industrial workplaces. Convention 81 is one of the four governance conventions that the ILO promotes for universal ratification. As part of the action planning, the participants did a workshop on the formulation on given scenarios that depict findings of non-compliance with labor standards. The outputs serve as guide to the tripartite partners during the remediation period. Parts of the topics presented were the Labor-Management Committee and Productivity Convergence programs; Child Labor and Family Welfare Program; and the LLCSManagement Information System using the Labor and Employment Education Services, which are contained in the LLCS Checklist. The Northern Mindanao delegates include: Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (Cannery); Pilipinas Kao, Inc.; Dole Skyland North; Dole Skyland South; Integrated Port of Ozamiz City, Trine Construction and Metal Industry Corporation; Elim Agricultural Supply (Magnolia Division); Davco Southern Fresh Products;Daima Shipping Corporation; Oro Geometric Builders, Inc. and Philippine Sinter Corporation. The ITCs of the banana;pineapple; construction and maritime were also represented.
DECEMBER 5, 2014
Steel Asia inaugurates new steel mill in Davao City By: Joey Dalumpines
DAVAO CITY- Steel Asia formally inaugurated its new plant in the region called the Davao Works Rolling Mill, the largest steel bar mill in the country in Barangay Bunawan, Davao City. The
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inauguration ceremony was graced by Former Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Secretary Gregory Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry, Pilar Yao, owner of the firm and Benjamin Yao, chair of the Steel Asia. Yao said his facility is the most modern steel bar mill, using a
ments in Mindanao and its interest of supporting the construction industry here. Yao assured in providing quality steel products in the country. “Locating a mill in Davao, Steel Asia eliminates shipping cost and will boost the construction activities in the city,” he said. Yao said with the use of the best technology, the steel mill ensures quality standard and care for the environment. Atty. Duterte-Carpio expressed pride for the operation of the new steel making facility in city. She said that the steel mill will surely generate more employment not only in Davao City but also in Davao Region. “We are certain that it will
surely benefit most the consumers,” Duterte-Carpio said. Secretary Domingo considered the facility a vital project for the country and for Mindanao. He said its presence in Davao reduces the transportation cost. Domingo said given other factors like the forecast on stable power source, and the peace working between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the steel mill will push for a good result in the economic growth in Mindanao. ”Mindanao will become a competitive place to do business that will result for a growth in economy,” he said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
facts and figures 280
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kilometers per hour (175 miles per hour) estimated wind strength of Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) when it made landfall in Baganga Davao Oriental in Decemnber 4, 2012
DECEMBER 5, 2014
Genuine NGOs hit by impact of PDAF scam
DAVAO CITY- Genuine civil service organizations (CSO) are feeling the impact of the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) scam.
for the Civil Society Week Celebration in Davao City which will be the largest gathering of CSOs in the city. The 3-day celebration will be held at the SMX Davao in SM Lanang Premiere, the event will have the This according to Paul Paraguya, project manager of CODE-NGO theme Peace and Resiliency and will highlight peace and development ef(Caucus of Development Non-Govforts in the Bangsamoro and Climate ernment Organization ) network. Change preparedness and rehabilita He said before the PDAF scam tion. (PIA/RG Alama) broke out, it was much easier for legitimate NGOs to negotiate above the table with government agencies for the implementation of development projects in the communities. The PDAF scam involved spurious NGOs being recipient of PDAF from senators a scheme allegedly masterminded by Janet Lim- Napoles, these funds were misused contrary to intended purposes. “Lisod kaayo.� (It is very difficult) Paraguya now describes the current situation with government agencies now very prudent in dealing with civil service organizations. Paraguya said though the difficulty they are still supportive of government efforts in cleansing spurious NGOs. He said CODE-NGO is very supportive of the Tuwid na Daan efforts of the Aquino administration. He said they too in the group would not tolerate shenanigans in their midst as they can account for their projects and the beneficiaries. Paraguya is in Davao City DECEMBER 5, 2014
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