today’s news
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Overall SSS web-based transactions breach 5.5-M mark in 2015 OPAPP lauds inclusivity of TJRC report on addressing Bangsamoro grievances, reconciliation Oro dads endorse PEZA accreditation of BPO Northern Mindanao
CDO mayoral bets present programs to University Economics students Northern Mindanao
Coast Guard bats for responsible holidays RG Alama ,Southern Mindanao
DOLE assists 84 repatriated workers
Danilo E.Doguiles ,SOCCSKSARGEN
PENRO SurSur spearheads International Day of Forest tree planting activity Johny S. Natad, Caraga
Cover Story
AgNor ARB orgs bag national recognition Gil E. Miranda, Caraga
Peace covenant shows stakeholders’ adherence to the rule of law
The making of a “dream weaver” By Alma L. Tingcang
Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao
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One Mindanao 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 & Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region
ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
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 VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region
SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region
LAYOUT ARTISTS
GIDEON CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII
PIA Regional Offices Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0919-9994516 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com, mimibern17@yahoo. com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz
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
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 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
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
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
Cover Story
The making of a “dream weaver” 4
By AlmaMarch L. Tingcang 22, 2016 One Mindanao
March 22, 2016
One Mindanao
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A“
family of weavers I grew up watching my “ina,” my aunts and siblings weave mats. As kids, we played with the leftover materials that they discarded and made it into rings and bangles,” says Shariffa Dakula, one of the cultural masters that Zamboanga del Sur is proud of.
“I was not taught how to weave, I just became so interested in what they were doing, fascinated by the colors and the intricate designs they have made to create a masterpiece,” she related.
sisters. “When I was in Grade 4, I started weaving mats, simple designs that I could sell to earn money. At that time, the price of a 54 x 75 mat was pegged at P12-15,” she fondly recalled.
For Shariffa, weaving was a One day while watching way of life that she shared with her mother, Hadji Sitti Mariam her siblings; one brother and 7 Dakula at work, she said in awe, “My mother’s own made mat! I’m beyond blessed to grow up seeing her weave really exquisite mats, so I made an oath to myself that someday I will weave mats just as beautiful and creative she can.” In high school, she already learned different
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designs and even t h r o u g h college, she was weaving mats because she got orders from her landlady and other boarders. One fateful night in 2007, Gauden Sireg, a family friend and now chairperson of Dumendingan Arts Guild slept over at their house. He saw the mats they made and suggested that they submit a project proposalto the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). And they got a positive feedback. Teaching the young
“I
am
grateful
to
because they discovered my talent and our craft,� Shariffa recounted.
With funding support from NCCA, the School of Living Tradition (SLT) was then established in Kumalarang with 30 children who were trained into the intricacies of weaving. After school, they went to the SLT to have their lessons and spent their free time learning everything NCCA that the cultural masters taught March 22, 2016
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them. “We encourage the children to finish school, although they earn enough for their needs, we still urge them to finish schooling,” Shariffa said. “Even in the family, we also inspire the younger generation like our nieces, nephews and cousins to weave. Not just copy the designs but they should create
their own design. They should learn to be ‘dream weavers.’” This according to Shariffa, is the greatest legacy they would leave behind to the younger generation. Local and foreign exhibits As a cultural master/weaver, Shariffa never imagined that she would go to places like Zamboanga, Manila and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Shariffa participated in several exhibits at UP Diliman, La Salle and UST, demonstrating her craft and sharing her passion in weaving. They showcased their cultural masterpiecesin trade fairs such as Manila FAME. More than just a trade fair,it is the undisputed design and lifestyle event of Asia held on March 2012, where Senator Loren Legarda saw her works. In October of the same year, she was again invited by the senator to attend the Manila FAME.
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Shariffa was
sent
to
Kuala Lumpur for the International Craft Festival exhibit sponsored by NCCA. She was the only representative from the Philippines and it was such a great opportunity for the cultural master. “I was so excited because even if I’m not popular in my place, I have gained a name for myself in Manila and abroad.” She also participated during the Habi Fair in Glorietta, Makati on October 2015, where she shared her expertise with other weavers from all over the country. It was actually a cultural exchange wherein they find their artwork intertwined. Teaching or weaving Shariffa, now 38, is a graduate of Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED) and taught for one year in a far-flung barangay. However, she quit teaching when her mother got sick and needed special care and attention.
Asked if she has regrets of not being able to teach, she replied “I don’t have any regrets. Because if I was into teaching, I would be bound to my classroom from 7 am to 5 pm, and I would be making lesson plan at night. So I would never have the chance to go abroad. If I pursued teaching, I would still be stuck in the barrio, in the mountains of Kumalarang. This is my fate, and this gave me the opportunity to show my talent to the world. I get the chance to travel abroad without spending anything because it is the NCCA who sponsors all my foreign travels.”
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She best expresses her work of art and masterpieces in the complexity and beauty of her creation which has reaped for herself and for the country, such honor and fame.
unique from other tribes and it has greatly helped in providing a modest income for them,” said Tremedal. Products made by the cultural masters are now being marketed by Lazada.
NCCA support
She said one thing noticeable when you go to the SLT centers is that they have improved quality of life. Because they are being paid, they are able to buy parcels of land. Aside from that, NCCA also extends support through product development to improve their craft.
“We are focused on the promotion and preservation of indigenous arts and craft,” said Ms. Renefe M. Tremedal, NCCA coordinator, adding that Zamboanga del Sur has 9 SLT centers located inBayog, Lakewood, Kumalarang, Dinas, Lapuyan, Labangan, Josefina, To the dream weavers, Tabina, and Pagadian City. dream on, pursue the idea of the mind weaving dreams, dreams Asked why the SLT was of a brighter future, a better life. sustained since 2005, she said, “It’s because of workers factor, we really go to the ground to closely monitor and evaluate the progress of the SLTs. The cultural master is also being paid to teach.” “We have the Likha Raya, the master’s creation or the work of a cultural bearer. They make projects
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Agencies ensure safe travel for Holy Week photocredit : gma.network
QUEZON CITY - With an increased number of travelers expected in the coming days due to the annual observance of Holy Week, the Department of Transportation and Communications has launched Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Semana Santa 2016 last March 18 to ensure the safety and reliability of various modes of transportation. All transportation agencies have been mandated to implement heightened security measures at terminals, which include the deployment of additional personnel in airports, sea ports, bus
terminals, and highways. Public assistance desks, first-aid stations, additional seats, and charging stations, have been set up to address passenger needs and emergencies.
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More frequent inspections will be done on aircrafts, ships, and buses to make sure that they comply with safety standards. Random drug and alcohol testing will also be done. Air travel The Manila International Airport Authority has instructed airline companies to deploy more personnel at check-in counters for efficient processing, shortening queues. Travelers are reminded not to bring prohibited items to the airport and to stow all belongings in one’s carry-on baggage for faster processing at the screening checkpoints.
provincial buses in order to meet the expected boost in passenger demand. The Toll Regulatory Board reminds expressway operators to strictly implement traffic rules and regulations in order to avoid any unfavorable incidents. Roving teams will be deployed in areas where stoning incidents and vandalism of right-of-way fences occur, and for fast response to motorist emergencies.
Point-to-point bus services will be suspended from March 24 to 27 to give way to preventive maintenance works, while airport bus services will continue to run during Holy Week with the The Civil Aeronautics Board exception of March 25 (Good reminds airlines to abide by the Friday). policies under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights, which sets out the The Light Rail Transit Line 1, minimum obligations of airlines Line 2, and Metro Rail Transit Line to their passengers in case of any 3 operations will be suspended untoward incidents in relation to from March 24 to 27 to allow heavy their flights. maintenance works. Operations will resume on March 28. The Land travel Philippine National Railways will likewise suspend stop operations The Land Transportation from March 24 to 26, but will Franchising and Regulatory resume on March 27. Board has issued special permits for 832 additional
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Sea travel Maritime agencies will be conducting rigorous security checks at port facilities and of passenger ships prior to their scheduled departures. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will continue patrolling the seas and be on standby for rescue
operations, if necessary. The department reminds all travelers to be cautious and alert in order to minimize accidents, and to abide by all safety rules and regulations, which will be strictly implemented by law enforcement agencies. (DOTC)
Overall SSS web-based transactions breach 5.5-M mark in 2015
QUEZON CITY - The Social Security System’s (SSS) total website transactions increased from 3.64 million by end2014 to 5.55 million by end-2015, reflecting a growth of 53 percent driven by the rising number of members and employers using the online facility as a faster and easier means of transacting with the pension fund. SSS Officer-in-Charge of Service Delivery Department Renato N. Malto noted that the year-end number of webregistered users grew last year across the various types of SSS members, with the highest rate of increase recorded among regular employees and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) both at eight percent. Malto said the overall number of web-registered
members increased by eight percent from 3.24 million in 2014 to 3.50 million in 2015. Meanwhile, the number of employers with SSS web accounts jumped by 32 percent from 187,152 in 2014 to 247,385 last year. “The SSS website is more than just an online facility for viewing general SSS information. Members and employers can also check their personal SSS records
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and perform several online transactions thru the website, providing a convenient alternative to over-the-counter transactions at SSS branches,� he said. Launched in 2008, the SSS website (www.sss.gov. ph) was upgraded in 2011 to allow the online submission of salary loan applications and maternity notifications by individual members, and reports of newly-hired workers, employee maternity notifications, contribution and loan collection lists and
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certification of employee salary loan applications by employers. In September 2015, the SSS website started accepting online sickness notifications by employers as well as technical retirement benefit claims by members and applications for Social Security (SS) numbers. “The bulk of the 5.55 million overall online transactions or 5.41 million were from employers using the SSS website to submit their employment and collection reports, salary
March 22, 2016
loan applications of employees, and sickness and maternity notifications to facilitate the benefit availment of their workers,” Malto said. Of these, 2.77 million transactions involved employers’ online submission of the SS Form R1-A or Employment Report for reporting new workers to the SSS. Submission of the SS Form R-3 or Contribution Collection List, which specifies the amount remitted for each employee, totaled 1.16 million as of end2015. “Approval of employees’ online salary loan applications, with over 931,000 transactions recorded as of last year, is also frequent among employers using the SSS website. Other employer transactions include the submission of SS Form ML2 or Loan Collection Lists and sickness and maternity notifications of employees,” Malto added.
launched only on September 29 last year, followed by salary loan applications with 22,103 transactions. SS numbers issued through the SSS website are tagged as temporary but can already be used for employee reporting and contribution payment by employers. To convert it to a permanent SS number to allow the availment of loans and benefits, the member would have to present any accepted supporting documents such as their birth or baptismal certificate or valid passport to any SSS branch. “We encourage employers and members who are not yet registered to start creating their online web account for faster transactions with SSS. If they need assistance, they can always call our hotline numbers 920-6446 to 55 which are open 24/5, or email member_relations@sss.gov.ph or onlineserviceassistance@sss. gov.ph,” said Malto. (SSS)
As for individual members, online issuance of SS numbers was the top website transaction by end-2015, totaling 95,862 despite being
March 22, 2016
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OPAPP lauds inclusivity of TJRC report on addressing Bangsamoro grievances, reconciliation
MAKATI CITY -- The enactment into law of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) remains the top recommended action as a means to close the decades-old Bangsamoro armed struggle, according to a report released by the Swiss-led Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). In a recently held public and institutional infrastructure launch, the TJRC report stated that pursuant to the Comprehensive the legislation of a Bangsamoro Agreement on the Bangsamoro law that provides for a political (CAB) could guarantee the non-
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recurrence of armed conflict.
the
Mindanao healing and reconciliation among the conflict-affected communities in the Bangsamoro. The said “The TJRC recommendations TJRC report was a product of cannot replace a durable consultations with more than 210 peace agreement and its legal Moro, indigenous, and settler framework,” TJRC chairperson communities in Mindanao and the Mô Bleeker said. “Solving the Sulu archipelago, involving some Bangsamoro situation in a 3,000 community members and durable manner offers a unique local officials. opportunity for a modern State to manage the diversity inherent On her remarks delivered in any modern democracy in a at the Cotabato City launched, constructive manner.” Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, “Similarly, the Bangsamoro said that Executive Secretary aspire to a political framework, Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. issued which will enable them to practice a memorandum of instruction good governance, to develop to the OPAPP to put the their region and their people, recommendations in the TJRC to proudly assert their identity, report in motion. and to ensure a constructive engagement with their own According to Deles, the multiethnic constituency.” memorandum included the following instructions: The TJRC also emphasized that the implementation of (1) endorse the TJRC Report to the CAB “is a unique and the relevant agencies for the extraordinary opportunity not agencies’ review and assessment; only for Bangsamoro, but also (2) convene and coordinate with for the whole Filipino nation”. the agencies to work towards the adoption and implementation of As stipulated in the CAB, the recommendations; the TJRC was mandated to undertake a study and to make (3) identify and mobilize resources recommendations, based on to support the programs that consultations and expert’s may be implemented. studies, with a view to promote March 22, 2016
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Meanwhile, Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel Abhoud Syed Lingga also noted that there could be a challenge in implementing the recommendations of the TJRC because the BBL, which was a pre-requisite in the execution of the CAB, was not passed. “Although implementation of other provisions of the agreement, including that of the recommendations of the (TJRC) report, cannot replace the BBL. It will be useful in pursuing the peace process that the report’s
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recommendations will be carried out,” Lingga said. The report was first launched publicly in Cotabato City earlier this week in an event that was attended by Secretary Deles, Government of the Philippines (GPH) chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Moro MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, together with more than 200 individuals, organizations, and representatives from local, regional, national, and international entities. (OPAPP)
Enactment of Rare Disease Act hailed By: CDO Sangguniang Panlalawigan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Cagayan de Oro City vice mayor hails the enactment of a law which will promulgate a comprehensive policy in addressing the needs of persons with rare diseases.
“People are the most important resources we have. We must care for them in every way we can. I believe Republic Act 10747 or the Rare Disease Act of the Philippines is one of the ways we can look into this,” Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas cited.
Under RA 10747, patients with rare diseases will be considered as persons with disabilities and will be granted benefits and privileges such as priority programs and discounts as mandated by the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.
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The law was enacted to “improve the access of patients diagnosed to have a rare disease, or a patient highly suspected of having a rare disease, to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information to help
them cope with their condition.” The vice mayor said he is hoping that the newly-enacted law will be effectively implemented in the city and the whole country.
Oro dads endorse PEZA accreditation of BPO CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– Supporting the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Cagayan de Oro, the 17th City Council during its regular session adopted Resolution No. 12318-2016. The resolution interposes no objection and endorses the application of Monte Carlo Realty and Development Corporation to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for the declaration of its eightstorey building located at Corrales, this city, as an Information Technology (IT) Center and BPO building. The application of the firm was submitted to and thoroughly studied by the committees on commerce and trade, on finance and ways and means and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Edna Dahino, President Elipe and Ramon Tabor, respectively. DETAILS In a letter to Councilor Dahino, Monte Carlo General Manager Jude C. Uy cited that the project is anchored on the company’s corporate philosophy that, among others, gives priority to Northern Mindanao development in
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terms of use of resources. He said this is in tandem with the project team’s ambition to bring back efficient and highly qualified BPO agents who now work and serve the needs of other cities. According to Uy, at bare minimum, the building will have eight-storeys, 9,076 square meters more or less of BPO and BPO-supportrelated and common area spaces. The company is said to considering a twolevel expansion for a basement and a roof deck-cum-function area. The general manager of the BPO firm said the building project is estimated to cost P80 million. SUPPORT According to councilor Dahino, the application of Monte Carlo was discussed thoroughly in her committee and everything was found to be in order.
For his part, councilor Elipe said the company has opted to be accredited with PEZA rather than avail of the incentives offered by the city. “It is actually their call where they want to be registered,” he stressed, citing that he sees no reason why the city should hold on to them considering that the move will be beneficial to their business. Councilor Tabor attested that every member of the legislative
body was furnished with a copy of the perspective and concept of the proposed IT building. “I went through it and I feel proud that investment of this nature has risen in this city. Our city is blooming and it will really be beneficial to our city in so far as the business community is concerned,” Tabor stressed. Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas said he was informed that the BPO will have 4,500 call center agents. (CdeOSP)
CDO mayoral bets present programs to University Economics students
By: Jhon Louie B Sabal
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Candidates for Cagayan de Oro City’s top post presented their respective platforms and plans before the AB Economics and BS Business Economics students of Xavier University in the recently concluded 6th Coffeenomics Series held at the Museo de Oro grounds. The event was held as part of the XU Economics Week Celebration with the theme “Principal-Agent Challenges in Economics: Reconciling Public Interest and Political Agenda in Cagayan de Oro City.” “Xavier is supportive of such discussions and we hope that we can really enlighten our students to take their duty and right as citizens and exercise it in the best possible
way,” XU president Fr Roberto Yap SJ said. He encouraged students to be “principled partisan,” to support a candidate who promotes social justice for the advancement of the common good. Addressing local issues The mayoral bets did not face off but were invited to talk about their platforms separately, each headlining one session of the Coffeenomics
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Series. They were asked about their proposals to address some of the major issues in the city. On informal settlers Former Mayor Vicente Emano couldn’t make it to the event because of a prior commitment, but he was represented by erstwhile City Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya. Nacaya touted the Piso-Piso Program for enabling the poor and homeless to have their own housing lots for only P1. The program, which their party plans to continue should Emano win, will facilitate the establishment of various resettlement sites across the city, Nacaya said. Incumbent Mayor Oscar Moreno of the Liberal Party emphasized the developments in localized housing being initiated by his administration for the past three years and said that he will distribute land titles to the beneficiaries of the Piso-Piso Program. For Second District Representative Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, the problem of the growing informal settler in the city is linked closely with unemployment. He plans to address unemployment by setting up a one-stop shop to ease the process of acquiring business permits. As well, he said that his administration will implement “progressive taxation” to make sure that the wealthy get to have a bigger share in taxes. Rodriguez also bared plans for the city government to pay for 90% of the land for the informal sector, alongside providing funding for livelihood programs such
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as handicrafts and rug making. On traffic woes Rodriguez plans to form the Traffic Advisory Council to create a multi-sectoral solution to the problem of worsening traffic in the city. He is proposing to tap the barangay tanods and raise their monthly honorarium by P1,000. He urged the civil society groups’ support to help the Road and Traffic Administration (RTA) and barangay tanods. The construction of new bridges and rural highways is on the agenda of Emano’s team should he be able to mount a successful comeback. Nacaya said these are the Pelaez Bridge, South Diversion Road, Kagayan Bridge, Puntod-Kauswagan Bridge and 17 other rural bridges, and two fly-overs in the city. Moreno sees “honest-togoodness policy implementation” as solution and plans to continue the Hapsay Dalan campaign if re-elected as mayor. On the environment The incumbent mayor is confident that the proposed closure of the dumpsite will finally be realized if candidates for the city council from his ticket will be elected. However, Moreno took pride in having a stronger City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council under his administration. New equipment, such as including early warning devices have been installed in disaster-prone areas. Rodriguez, too, said that he would
empower the local DRRM council and declare CDO as a mining-free and logban zone to help mitigate disasters in the region. On health issues Moreno presented the development of the JR Borja Hospital under his term. He said that the City Hospital is already earning up to P120 million compared to P10 million before he was seated as mayor. He also plans to expand the Philhealth coverage in the city, emphasizing that under his term, 45 health centers have been accredited under the maternal health package. He is planning to add six more if re-elected. Rodriguez intends to “nationalize” the City Hospital so that funding can be outsourced from the annual budget of the Department of Health. He also plans to double the capacity of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) by improving its equipment and to establish hospitals in Tablon and Lumbia to cater to the needs of constituents from far-flung barangays. Meanwhile, Nacaya said that in order for our hospitals to grow in number, the emphasis must be in attracting investors. Students’ questions Each of the candidates was asked questions by XU students and some faculty members. One of them is on Moreno’s dismissal as mayor in line with the Ajinomoto tax adjustment fiasco earlier this year. He claimed that what
happened was a misunderstanding of the initiative to make tax collection and income generation in the city comprehensive. He acknowledged the efforts of city treasurer Glenn Bañez, who was also included in the dismissal order. When asked to rate his performance as mayor, Moreno replied that the answer lies in the people. What he knows is that he did his best as mayor for three years. Rodriguez was asked to comment on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which he said is “already dead and waiting for whatever plans of the new president.” He clarified that there are provisions in the BBL that are unconstitutional and need to be revised and amended. Rodriguez said he will support any move for the resumption of peace talks with the National Democratic Front. Emano’s health condition and whether he will be healthy enough to actively campaign and serve should he win confronted Nacaya who assured the students that the former mayor is in good shape to govern the city. Nacaya also shared Emano’s plans to negotiate for Build-OperateTransfer projects that will redevelop Carmen and Cogon markets and the City Abattoir. In addition, he said that they plan to revive the Divisoria Night Café.
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Ateneo De Davao to deploy poll volunteers
DAVAO CITY-Ateneo De Davao Universitywill field volunteers to ensure honest, orderly, peaceful, free and credible elections. Atty. Arnold Abejaron, executive secretary, University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council said during the elections, the ADDU will deploy volunteers in coordination with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the EChamp of the Davao Association Catholic Schools. He recalled that since 2013, the ADDU had spearheaded the Blue Vote voters’ education both inside their campuses and onward to the communities. Abejaron said that in March 17, a voters’ education for the persons with disabilities was conducted, where their rights as PWDs during elections were highlighted. “We remind them that polling places must be accessible to them during the Election Day,” he said. He said for several occa-
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sions, the ADDU served as an offsite biometric registration for voters. The “Blue-Vote 2016-ADDU,” a university-wide electoral survey was carried out in late February and early March this year on two campuses at Jacinto and Matina, respectively and off-campus sites in Catigan, Toril and the St. Ignatius Spirituality Center in Samal island to provide the ADDU community with high quality empirical data concerning its electoral preference in the May 2016 local and national polls. The respondent were mostly pupils from the grade school and students from the high school of the Matina campus, college students, faculty, administrators and office-based non-teaching staff from the Jacinto Campus and the off campus sites. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
Coast Guard bats for responsible holidays DAVAO CITY- In time for the Holy Week where many would also spend their summer vacations during the long break, the Philippine Coast Guard has urged the public to be responsible for their safety.
Lt. Commander Dan August Cari単o, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Sta Ana Station urged vacation goers to be mindful of their safety during the holidays. He urged people not to be intoxicated or drink lots of alcohol when they plan to go swimming in the beaches. Cari単o said they had responded to many drowning incidents many of which involved drunken people. He said last year four people died in Samal Island during the holy week period, almost all who drowned were intoxicated. Aside from swimming in the sea while drunk, other cause of injuries were diving along the cliffs while under the influence of
alcohol. Aside from religious pilgrimages and return to their hometowns for the long weekend, People will be flocking the beaches particularly in Samal Island and Talikud Island for their annual vacation. The Coast Guard is on heightened alert during the holy week, aside from protecting the beaches, they are also enforcing maritime safety regulations. About 100,000 people will be traveling in vessels and seacrafts during the holy week period. The PCG will be deploying 50 personnel complemented by a K9 team, sea crafts and patrol vessels during the period. (PIA/ RG Alama)
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DAR-Sarangani reinforces farmers’ knowledge on self-reliance, financial independence By: Catherine T. Apelacio
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 22---The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Sarangani has reinforced knowledge of farmers in Sarangani by holding a series of training on Self-Reliance and Financial Independence.
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Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Felix Frias said the training was aimed at strengthening the capacity of farmers in increasing productivity and income especially the DAR-assisted Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs). “Trainings such as this would help farmer beneficiaries understand the principles of managing personal resources and increase their ability to provide the necessities of life for oneself and one’s family members,” Frias said. The training which was conducted in General Santos City and the municipalities of Sarangani benefited 320 farmers who were members of ARBOs based in Sarangani. These included the Kawas People’s Water Association; Malandag Communal Irrigators Association; Barangay Agrarian Reform Council and Farmers Association; Kablacan WINDS; Tuguis Tambilil Irrigators Services Association; Kalaneg WINDS and KALOM Irrigators Association; and Vineyard Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative. Meanwhile, Rene Pido, chairman of Malandag Communal Irrigators Association of Malungon 1 Agrarian Reform Communities
(ARC) conveyed that the training enlightened him on many aspects specifically the importance of savings and budgeting. Also, he said it enabled him to gain new insights on how to prioritize resources according to need while increasing his knowledge on basic management principles and strategies including self-reliance. According to resource speaker Mary LuzvimindaTagle-Herezo, the training “would serve as a motivation to the farmers to utilize meaningfully their resources, experiences and seminars; and aid them in devising problem solving strategies to alleviate their financial challenges.” Among the topics discussed during the sessions were the principles of self-reliance; resource management; needs vs wants; financial literacy and independence; types of income; cost-cutting measures and budgeting; and savings and investments. Frias said he was happy with the outcome of the training hoping to replicate it to other farmer beneficiaries soon. (AR Torino, DAR-Sarangani/CT Apelacio, PIA-12 General Santos City)
March 22, 2016
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DOLE assists 84 repatriated workers By: Danilo E.Doguiles
ALABEL, Sarangani, Mar 22– Eighty-four overseas Filipino workers repatriated from Jakarta, Indonesia have received aid from the Department of Labor and Employment. According to a report from DOLE 12, the help was accorded to the returned workers by the DOLE-Sarangani Field Office through the agency’s Assist WELL program and in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development office and Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons (PIACAT). DOLE XII-SARFO Head Alma Borela said the repatriated workers who were debriefed and profiled were residents of the coastal towns of Alabel, Malapatan, Maitum and Glan, this province. “Most of these repatriated workers were illegally recruited for work for fishing companies in Indonesia,” Borela said. Some were crew members of fishing boats owned by Filipinos who were apprehended by Indonesian naval authorities after encroaching Indonesia’s fishing grounds.
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“Sadly, she added” they were abandoned by supposed to be employers following their detention in Indonesian prisons.” Borela said. The report added that two household service applicants were promised jobs in Lebanon and other countries but have to pass via “back door” through Indonesia where they were apprehended. Those who were imprisoned were given reprieve through the help of the Philippine government and some NGOs, Borela said. Repatriated workers went home through planes with airfare provided by the government and through Philippinesowned naval boats. Data indicated that Sarangani recorded 38 repatriated workers in 2013, 14 in 2015 and already 32 this year. DOLE 12 opened its Assist WELL Program Processing Cen
ter to ensure a synchronized and systematic delivery of assistance to returning or repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Returning or repatriated OFWs may immediately coordinate with DOLE XII-National Reintegration Center for OFWS (NRCO) located at 102 Acepal Building, Mabini Extension in Koronadal City for processing. The Assist WELL program is a package of reintegration assistance and services to address the Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood needs of repatriated workers. The center’s services would include stress debriefing or
counseling, local employment referral or placement, overseas employment placement, livelihood assistance, legal assistance/conciliation services, and competency assessment and training assistance. The processing center management committee is composed of personnel from DOLE, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, National Reintegration Center for OFWs and other Regional Coordinating Council member agencies. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
March 22, 2016
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Farmers in AgSur receive biosand, iron removal filters
By: Josette Simbajon and Randy Dapar
PATIN-AY, Agusan del Sur– Farmers in Barangay Mahagkot, Esperanza, this province recently received Biosand and Iron Removal Filters from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Barangay Mahagkot is one ty-Managed Potable Water Supof the recipients of Communi- ply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CP-
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WASH) Project. It is under the regular fund scheme in which the barangay local government unit (BLGU) and DAR shared their respective counterpart. Mahagkot provided their share for the materials of the facilities, while DAR gave capability development assistance. Two water facilities were successfully constructed recently, namely bio-sand filter and iron removal filter through a training which was participated by farmers/para Engineers. The resource person and the foreman of the activity
were from Barangay San Isidro, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. After the physical project completion and hands-on construction process review, a turnover was conducted recently in Brgy. Mahagkot, Esperanza handing over the project to the ARBs of Esperanza with expression of commitment and project sustainability on their part. This was a way of fulfilling the mission of the DAR to extend support services to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries.
March 22, 2016
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PENRO SurSur spearheads International Day of Forest tree planting activity By: Johny S. Natad
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur– The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Surigao del Sur under OIC PENR Officer Raul A. Rosales led a tree planting activity at Ihawan Creek Community Watershed in Barangay Awasian this city in commemoration of the International Day of Forests. More than 70 participants PENRO nursery and 210 cacao joined the activity coming from from TWD were planted the onethe PENRO Surigao del Sur per- hectare lot within the said watersonnel, Tandag Water District shed area during the activity per (TWD) staff, and students of Ja- information from PENRO NGP Focinto P. Elpa National High School cal Person Nanette E. Quiùonez. (JPENHS) Students Supreme OIC PENR Officer Rosales, Government. who personally led the tree plant Some 500 indigenous and ing, was delighted and thankful agricultural crop seedling spe- for the support of PENRO officies comprised of 140 bagrass, cials and employees who actively 150 and white lauan raised from participated in the activity. De-
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spite the hardship encountered by them due to old-age, these personnel are very energetic as they walked towards the forest planting site. He also lauded the grades 7 to10 student representatives and their advisers for joining the activity. “The PENRO commends the men, women, old and young who participated the successful tree planting activity in celebration of the International Day of Forests. We encourage everyone to actively partake the call and action to continue protect, conserve, and manage our environment and natural resources especially to our forests and watershed area which is the source of our potable water through tree planting and other environmental initiatives and advocacies,” OIC PENR Officer Rosales said. “We need to save our forests and wetlands which supply 75 percent of the world’s accessible freshwater,” he added. Meanwhile, JPENHS students and teacher earmarked to support DENR and TWD in conserving and protecting the forest and watershed. JPENHS teacher Loida E. Salcedo believed that the environmental work is not an easy task. “It is not easy to climb to
the mountain and plant trees to maintain the preservation of our forest watershed. Therefore, I extol and support DENR, TWD and even young students who contributed to this crucial role,” she said. “I hope I can visit this forest watershed next time and plant more trees,” said JPENHS student supreme government officer Cliford S. Sucalit. Tandag forest watershed commonly known as “Ihawan Spring Community Watershedl,” the location of the planting site, was declared protected area per DAO 2007-14 dated July 12, 2007. The watershed has a total area of 786 hectares. The International Day of Forest (IDF) 2016 is celebrated every March 21 to raise peoples’ awareness to the significance of forest and trees in sustaining and protecting the earth’s living creation including the human race. This year’s IDF theme “Forests and Water” focused on the understanding about the key role of forests as the planet’s supplier of freshwater, which is vital for life to exist.
March 22, 2016
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AgNor ARB orgs bag national recognition By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY-- Two Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries organizations in Agusan del Norte recently named by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) as excellent performing associations based on their outstanding 100 percent repayment of their loan under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) during the 2nd National Agri-Fisheries Credit Program Assessment and Planning Workshop for Visayas and Mindanao held in Cagayan del Oro City.
During the ceremony, Baleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA) and Taguibo Integrated Pest Management Irrigators’ Association (TIPMIA) were made awardees as good borrowers of APCP from Caraga Region. The said awarding was led by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, DAR Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong and Land Bank Board Gerardo Bulatao. BOFIA Chairman Wenifredo Maldo and TIPMIA Chairman Romy S. Lasco received the awards on behalf of the farmer-
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organizations. “The award we received is now a great source of pride for our association. It signifies our dedication to serve farmer-beneficiaries of CARP in Jabonga town,” said Maldo. APCP aimed to address the credit needs of the farmer-organizations. A capacity development program of the DA, DAR and Land Bank will ensure that the credit fund provided will put to good use by the farmers.
March 22, 2016
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PNoy inaugurates Basilan Circumferential Road By Franklin P. Gumapon
SUMISIP, Basilan – Circumferential Road
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After 20 years the Basilan (BCR) is now complete.
March 22, 2016
President Benigno S. Aquino III came here yesterday to lead the inauguration of the 131.18-kilometer circumferential road, which starts in Isabela City and traverses Lamitan City and the municipalities of AlBarka, Tipo-tipo, Unkaya Pukan, Sumisip, Maluso and Lantawan then goes back to Isabela City. In his briefing before
Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) disclosed that the project, which costs the government P1.825 billion, involves the improvement, upgrading and concreting of 51.56-kilometer road section of BCR including the construction of four bridges.
President Aquino also said the completion of the road would reduce the travel time around Basilan from three hours and 45 minutes to two hours, benefiting around 450,000 residents. Jocelyn Abasto, 43, a resident of barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip town told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that she used to travel from Tumahubong the President, local officials, to Lamitan City for two hours teachers, students, farmers before, but now it only takes her and other stakeholders, one hour by a passenger van to March 22, 2016
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go there. Students and teachers alike also expressed their gratitude to President Aquino for giving the BCR construction a priority in his administration. In her message, Basilan Governor Jum Akbar said that no other President who gave so much attention to the province in terms of infrastructures and social services than President Aquino. Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao also bared that the Aquino Administration had
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already given Basilan Province P37.1 billion since 2012 to the present for the construction of roads, ports, water systems and other infrastructures needed by the people. President Aquino said the construction of the circumferential road was hampered by the presence of the lawless elements in the area. But the national government in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the local government units proceeded to implement the project until its completion.
Peace covenant shows stakeholders’ adherence to the rule of law By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office hopes that there will be peace in the upcoming national and local elections on May 9, 2016. Darius Dasmarinas, election officer of Dumalinao who represented Atty. Ellis M. Miguel, provincial election officer in his message during the peace covenant signing said, “Let there be peace this coming elections
and let this start from each one of us.” “We are about to embark on another momentous event in our history. As a nation, we once more take hold of the opportunity to shape the future through the
March 22, 2016
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indomitable power of our ballots,” he added. He stressed that as a nation, we have to ensure the free exercise of our right of suffrage, recognizing that it is a solemn act of sovereignty and it shall be at all times protected by laws governing elections. “All candidates and stakeholders manifest their adherence to the rule of law, election rules and regulations and maintenance of cordial relations with each other,” he said. Meanwhile, mayoralty candidate Roseller L. Ariosa of the AKSYON Party expressed his deep gratitude to the conveners of the event. “We, the AKSYON party team, united for peace and progress in Pagadian are Godfearing, peace loving, lawabiding citizens, vow and swear before this Holy Bible and to you Msgr. Emmanuel Cabajar, the lead convenor of Inter-Faith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, COMELEC, PNP, AFP, DILG, and
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media that we will support the conduct of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections,” Ariosa said. “We will neither employ any form of violence nor engage in vote buying because we respect the dignity of Pagadianons. We will not commit cheating because we respect the sanctity of the ballots. And above all, we will uphold the sacred right of every citizen of Pagadian,” Ariosa pledged. Incumbent mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, who is running under the Liberal Party said “we are here to abide by the covenant and to be sincere after signing the pact. I hope that our city will remain peaceful until after the elections,” Pulmones concluded. Also present during the program were 53rd Infantry Battalion commanding officer LtCol. Virgilio Hamos of the Philippine Army, PNP provincial director Sr. Supt. Michael Nicolas, City PNP director Supt. Michael Palermo, acting City Election Officer Anacleta Balinton, and City DILG officer Paulina Gadiano.
March 22, 2016
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