EDITORIAL BOARD 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 and Northeastern Mindanao Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region
ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Adviser :
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
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. 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
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 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
Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo. com,ph Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga
Today’s issue...
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Palace says there are no plans to allow Americans to put up military bases in the country 306 pupils completes BJMP’s anti-drug course Jeza Mae Sarah Sanchez, Northern Mindanao
NHMFC extends penalty condonation Retchie Tolinero, Northern Mindanao
Mayor approves guidelines for IPs on x’mas visit Joey Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao
South Cotabato assured of stable supply, price of rice Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao
Central Mindanao dance groups to compete at 7th Cotabato Annual Dance Festival Oliver Ross Rivera, Central Mindanao
Surigao Norte sitio now energized Mary Jul E. Escalante, Caraga Region
Feature: Drink water, be healthy Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Caraga Region
Dipolog City, the country’s 7th top performing city Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao
63 OFWs, dependents complete 2-day Capability Building Training Mary Jane R. Amarado, Western Mindanao
Cover Story Del-C, refreshing and delicious natural calamansi juice page 4
Vol. 2 No. 62
Alma L. Tingcang Western Mindanao
Del-C, refreshing and delicious natural calamansi juice by Alma L. Tingcang
S
avor the refreshing and tasty natural Vitamin C in Del-C products! Choose from the ready-to-drink calamansi juice and concentrate, with no preservatives! Enjoy the goodness of life in the best tasting calamansi juice ever!
Enterprising young couple Ariel and Joy Arao never expected to be in this business. Joy recalls how it all begun. “We have a farm started by my parents. It was only a small farm, about a hectare, and it was planted with calamansi, managed by my brother who is an agriculturist. Our problem before was that, when there was abundant supply, the price of calamansi was low, not even worth harvesting just to be sold in the market,” Joy recounted. However, everything changed with the untimely death of Joy’s brother. When she assumed the management of their farm, it was 4
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then that she realized the need to go into processing because she thought: “what will I do with the calamansi, throw it away?” All the while the Arao couple thought that it was an easy process: – just water, add sugar and calamansi and you have a juice drink. It was easier said than done. “We had to learn a lot. We did not have
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
technology,” Joy opined. Through research, they found out that the University of the Phil. Los Baños (UPLB) offers the technology they needed and wanted. Both attended the training but their involvement was not that strong at first, but later realized the great demand to put up a processing facility. Government Support A visit to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) office assured them of support. With DOST’s encouragement the couple was able to build a processing facility, and were able to distribute their products in the local market starting from their very own business establishmentAJ Bakeshop and Food Haus. “We realized that government agencies were sincere in its efforts to help. Under the DOST/SET-UP program, we availed of P423,000 worth of equipment for our processing facility,” Ariel recalled. SET-UP is a nationwide strategy of DOST to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their productivity and competitiveness. Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Joy said, “aside from DOST, there was also DTI who partnered with us, they really helped us out when we were about to give up hope on this venture. It was a long and grueling process aside from the paper works and all the requirements.” “And it was hard to get BFAD approval because we had to come up with the standards they have set,” Ariel said. “This is a very nice program of the government which we find very heart warming. We have no previous ONE MINDANAO
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background in this venture, actually we’re neophytes. We have no one to turn to and rely upon, otherwise, where else would we go?” Joy added. On Sept 19-24, the couple went to Manila to attend the Annual OTOP Fair, now dubbed as Market Fair by DTI. “It’s nice to know that people keep coming back for Del-C. It means they are satisfied with our product,” Ariel observed.
the mall’s main office. “The good thing about calamansi is that it bears fruit the whole year round,” Joy said. The young couple ships calamansi to Cebu once or twice a week, or as need arises. To date, their calamansi farm has expanded to 6 hectares. Future venture
Participating in the Market Fair, the couple learned that lemon juice with honey is currently in demand so they would soon go into that, and even considering an advice from a friend to establish a bee farm right where the calamansi farm is located. Del-C comes in 200 ml pouches ideal for kids’ healthy “baon”, 350ml bottles and calamansi concentrate Wider market in bottles of 550ml and 1.1L. It is produced by Deli Foodline Market for Del-C Calamansi located along Rizal Street, Molave, juice is quite good though limited Zamboanga del Sur with contact only to the local market. Nos. (062) 2251-229; 0920-905 The couple looks forward to 2024;0920-90-7275. a wider market in key cities of the country. Meanwhile, Joy informed that they will soon distribute Del-C products at the Gaisano Capital (mall) pending the go signal from 6
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
ACROSS THE NATION
President Aquino witnesses signing of purchase agreement for the sale of Food Terminal, Inc. to Ayala Land, Inc.
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the signing of a purchase agreement formally completing the sale of the Food Terminal, Incorporated (FTI) in Taguig City to Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) in ceremonies held in MalacaĂąang on Monday.
The sale, paid by Ayala Land to the National Government for P24.3-billion, is considered one of the largest in the history of government privatization and can be attributed to the Aquino administration’s policy towards
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
transparency and competitive bidding. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, ALI will develop the FTI, which sits on a 74-hectare parcel of land located in Taguig City, into an integrated, mixed-use and sustainable
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business district that will offer excellent living and working spaces. It will have new infrastructure envisioned to spur economic activity in the area and will feature conveniencecentric retail, dining and entertainment offerings set within generous spaces and surrounded by pockets of greens and will promote social interaction and an active community life. Signing for the government was Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima who was joined by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Chief Privitization Officer of the Privitization and Management Office Karen Singson, FTI president Rene Fuentes and Taguig City mayor Maria Laarni Lopez-Cayetano. Representatives of Ayala Land meanwhile, consisted of its chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and president and CEO Tony Aquino. In her opening remarks, Singson said Ayala Land’s bid was chosen among Robinsons Land (P14.7-billion) and Empire East (P11-billion) for being the highest and most comprehensive.
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She said the proceeds of the sale would be used “to support the department of agriculture’s agriculture and fisheries modernization program and projects of the department of agrarian reform.” “We hope the re-development of the FTI complex will lead to a surge in economic activity and increase employment in the City of Taguig and the surrounding metropolitan area,” Singson said. PND
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Palace says there are no plans to allow Americans to put up military bases in the country
M
alacañang made an assurance Monday there were no plans to allow the return of American military bases in the country despite the announcement of the Obama administration to increase military presence in the Asia Pacific region.
“There are no basing arrangements with the Americans. That has been ruled out,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Monday during the regular press briefing in Malacanang. Allowing the US to revive its Tuesday, November 13, 2012
military bases in the Philippines is not consistent with the country’s 1987 Constitution, Lacierda said. The Philippine government will instead focus on the Visiting Forces Agreement to improve the capability
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of the Philippine military. Under the VFA, US and Filipino forces conduct joint military exercises to increase their combat readiness. The Philippine military is in the process of modernizing its military, Lacierda said, adding that during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper last weekend, the Philippines and Canada agreed for the purchase of military hardware for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. During the commemoration of the Veterans’ Day at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City Sunday, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said the US government has no plans of putting up military bases in the Philippines despite President Barack Obama’s Pacific Rim policy. Under the new US policy, the
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American military aims to refocus its forces in the Asia Pacific region. Thomas said, however, that the US military will continue giving extensive trainings to Philippine military personnel under the existing military tie up. Aside from providing the Filipino soldiers’ training, the US military is also committed in assisting the Philippines by extending humanitarian assistance particularly during calamities, he said. Under its military engagement in the Asia Pacific region, the US government has increased its military presence in Singapore and Australia. In 1991, the Philippine Senate voted to shut down US military bases in Clark and Subic. The last American forces left in 1992. PND
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Govt ready to assist MILF in translating Framework Agreement into different Muslim dialects
M
alaca単ang said it is ready to assist the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in translating and disseminating the Framework Agreement to several languages for the easier understanding of the Muslim population in the south. The MILF said it is seriously they could encounter logistical considering the translation of difficulties in mass producing the the Framework Agreement peace pact translation. into different languages In a regular press briefing acknowledging however that in Malacanang on Monday, Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Aquino government is ready to assist the MILF in raising awareness on the peace agreement by translating it into different languages. Lacierda said the Palace is ready to support initiatives that will benefit the people particularly the Framework Agreement for Mindanao peace. He added that they will consult with government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen on how the government could extend its assistance. “That’s something that we certainly would help. May mga nuances sa language so paguusapan pa ‘yun. Pero certainly it’s something that we would like 12 ONE MINDANAO
to help,” he said. Lacierda also expressed hopes that both panels will be able to come up with a decision on the annexes of the Framework Agreement. The Palace official likewise expressed optimism that both sides could immediately complete the annexes of the agreement. A comprehensive peace pact is being eyed by the government and the MILF before the year ends. The peace discussions resumes today and the government and the MILF are tackling wealthsharing, normalization as well as power-sharing concerns. PND Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Northern Mindanao bags second place in Pantawid Pamilya search by Oliver Badel Inodeo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A 14year old child from Northern Mindanao won second place in the National Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children. Praise Joy Cabura of Barangay Palilan, Jimenez in Misamis Occidental province, bested other representatives from Regions 3, National Capital Region and Cordillera Autonomous Region. A junior high school student of Jimenez Comprehensive High School, Cabura took home a plaque and cash prize of P20,000. The National Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children was launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Anti-Poverty Commission and other partner agencies of the government to recognize the exemplary compliance of the beneficiaries to Tuesday, November 13, 2012
the conditionalities of the Pantawid Pamilya program. The winners are 10 to 14 year-old beneficiaries who have set excellent examples at home, in school, and in the community. The awarding ceremony for the
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winners of the national search capped the National Children’s Congress (NCC) held last week in Manila. The NCC, attended by 500 Pantawid Pamilya childrenbeneficiaries, aimed to imbibe on children a sense of nationalism, promote awareness, and make their voices heard on issues directly affecting them. The activity was facilitated by different children ambassadors of non-governmental organizations and
partner-organizations like the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Aside from Cabural, who represented the region and the province of Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao delegates also included Princess Grace Ducao of Lanao del Norte, Ailyn Negapatan of Misamis Oriental, Noven Villaber of Camiguin and Zacarah Lastimado of Bukidnon.
306 pupils completes BJMP’s anti-drug course by Jeza Mae Sarah Sanchez
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) trained another 306 Grade-6 students of Pedro Sa Baculio Elementary School, Taytay Elementary School and El Salvador City Central School on anti-drug course under its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. The DARE program was initiated by Sr. Jail Officer-3 Orson Garcia, El Salvador City Jail Warden and a Certified DARE Officer, in coordination with local government unit (LGU) of El Salvador City, LGU-Misamis Oriental and DepEd-Misamis Oriental. “There is a need to institute a unique pro-active approach in helping students who are nearing adolescent stage, deal responsively with peer pressure and temptation to do drugs which primarily constitutes 77% of inmates’ cases in Region 10,” said SJO3 Garcia. “However, the government 14 ONE MINDANAO
cannot do this alone, you must also do your share in making this program a success,” he said before the parents present during the ceremony. In attendance also during the whole activity were Vice-Gov. Norris Babiera of Misamis Oriental as guest of honor and speaker; Danilo Guigayoma, El Salvador City Administrator; City Councilor Edgar Lignaes; Dr. Aster Gallega, PS Supervisor, District 1; Grace P. Paculba, PS Supervisor, District 2; school principals, Department of Education faculty and staff, members of the media, and BJMP personnel headed by its Regional Director, Sr. Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Supt. Marlon Cornelio Torregue. Likewise, BJMP-10 conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of El Salvador City Jail
which is expected to cater 30 inmates, serving as one of the priority projects of the Bureau for the 4thquarter of 2012.
NHMFC extends penalty condonation by Retchie Tolinero
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation Cagayan de Oro Satellite Office announces the extension of Penalty Condonation under Republic Act 9507 on October 1 to December 28 to allow borrowers update or restructure their accounts and eventually avoid the filing of foreclosure proceedings against them. With the aim to resolve a significant number of delinquent NHMFC housing loan accounts, the extension entails full updating, fullpayment, restructuring, and exclusion from RA 9507 of the borrowers, said Leonida R. Sabio, NHMFC-Cagayan de Oro satellite office head. She said the program is also a manifestation of government’s policy to provide affordable and decent housing to the underprivileged. The Penalty Condonation Program will allow the borrowers fully update their loans requiring P1,000 processing fee and full updating arrears. Full-payment only requires P1,000 processing fee and full settlement of account while restructuring permits an extension
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
of term to qualified accounts and requires 10 percent down payment of the total arrears, P1,000 processing fee, Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI) prepayment, and documentary stamps tax. The exclusion from RA 9507 only applies to accounts with no payment since take-out and to abandoned units for more than one year from the date of delinquency. The borrowers are urged to avail this final opportunity in securing their dreams of finally owning their homes. All transactions come in first come, first serve basis. NHMFC Cagayan de Oro Satellite Office is located at M/F Consuelo Bldg. Corrales Ave., fronting Xavier University.
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Banay-banay farmers go high-tech by Jeanevive Abangan
BANAY-BANAY DAVAO ORIENTAL -- Rice farmers used to recall instructions of their forefathers when solving problems on rice farming. 16 ONE MINDANAO
That however is no longer the practice of farmers in the municipality of Banay-banay in Davao Oriental. They now access the internet, search the web for information and talk to
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
experts either via videoconferencing or short messaging system (SMS). Their modern way of solving rice farming problems has made the Farmers’ Information Technology Services (FITS) Center of Banay-banay bagged this year’s Best Community e-Center (CeC) Award with a P100,000 cash reward given during this year’s 8th Knowledge e-Community Center (KeC) national conference held in Davao City. The award marks a sustained effort through the support of the municipal government under the leadership of Mayor Pedro Mejos who was recognized as a “CeC Champion” during the same occasion, for his support to the Cyber Village Project of FITS Banay-banay. FITS Manager Ester Solamo who now sits as the Municipal Agriculturist said the award came a long way from 2007 when Banay-banay FITS (a project of the Department of Science and Technology) first implemented the Cyber Village Program Phase I in rice-based barangay Caganganan in cooperation with the Philippine
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Rice Research Institute (PHILRICE), the Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture(OPAPA) based in Nueva Ecija and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). The Cyber Village Program brings internet connection at the barangay level with the barangay hall as the connectivity site where rice farmers do online research on pest management, farm input supplies and marketing. Through it, they can also directly consult experts on particular rice farming concerns either through video-conferencing, SMS or internet calls. Solamo said the Cyber Village Program has played a crucial role in improving the rice productivity of Banay-banay which has long been known as one of the major rice producers in the Davao Region. It has a total of 2,161 hectares of rice farms devoted to commercial rice and certified seeds production. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI data on best replicable practices reveals in its documentation that the Cyber Village Program Phase I resulted in reduction in the volume of fertilizer applied by farmers who were into cyber research; increase in diversity of rice varieties grown; reduction in rice diseases; 15 percent increase in average yield of rice; and 100 percent use of certified seeds among cyber farmers. The cyber program was also found of help to teachers and students who were given the opportunity to access the ONE MINDANAO 17
internet in doing their research work particularly on School Technology and Entrepreneurship of the Philippines, on fertilizer computation, on the health benefits malunggay among others. The felt successes of the Cyber Village Phase I in Barangay Caganganan gave way to the fabrication of Banaybanay Mobile Internet Cab patterned after the “Pinoy Farmers Mobile Internet Bus” (M/B) of OPAPA. Inaugurated on April 22, 2009, the mobile IT cab of Banay-banay bears a slight from its model as it is capable of carrying eight laptops, instead of only four, accommodating more community users particularly rice farmers, students and even outof-school youths (OSYs). Philrice-OPAPA provided four laptops while the four other laptops were solicited from local government officials of Davao Oriental, from the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI and from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD). While the mobile IT cab spreads 18 ONE MINDANAO
sharing of internet access among rice communities, it limits access to cyber information as it visits rice-based barangays on scheduled basis. The need for a steady access to cyber information gives rise to the idea of soliciting assistance from the National Computer Center (NCC) for the establishment of Community e-Centers, giving birth to Cyber Village Phase II which covers five more rice-based barangays of Rangay, Cabangcalan, Mugbongcogon, Calubihan and Barangay Poblacion. Initially only three barangays have been given computer package from NCC through the Philippine CeC Program which provides recipients barangays four computer units and one unit of all-in-one printer capable scanning and copying. The rests are working ways to get internet connection through the assistance of FITS. As farmers in the six Cyber Village barangays have been enabled to access the internet for information, resulting in production increase and effective pest management, upland farmers are expressing their desire to get on line and be connected with experts, as well. Taking heed of such call, Solamo said the municipal government through the Municipal Agriculture Office is planning to connect the eight other barangays to the internet to gain fast access to reliable information. “Gusto din nila maging cyber village. (They also want to become cyber villages.)” he said.
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Mayor approves guidelines for IPs on x’mas visit Joey Dalumpines DAVAO CITY- Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio has approved the guidelines for the indigenous peoples who are expected to visit the city for the holidays. The policy which will take effect from December 3 to the 23rd assures the accommodation, peace and order maintenance, personal hygiene and sanitation, use of toilet, bathrooms and cooking areas, proper waste disposal, proper behavior and information and education activities for indigenous peoples while they are in the city. She said shelter areas will be assigned according to tribal groupings where IPs from Marilog areas will be billeted in Calinan, Toril, Mintal and Tugbok while those coming from Paquibato District will stay in Bunawan, Buhangin and Bankerohan. Duterte-Carpio said that senior citizens, pregnant women, lactating mothers and children below 13 are neither allowed nor included in caroling or in shelter areas but the local government has to anticipate that they will be bringing their children since no one will be left at home to oversee them. “We expect that the parents Tuesday, November 13, 2012
will bring their toddlers,” she said. Duterte-Carpio said police visibility will be imposed in every shelter area in partnership with the barangay watchmen, with the assistance of a tribal leader to provide support and easy coordination. She underscored that no sharp weapons, objects and guns are allowed in shelter areas. “Tribal leaders should ensure that constituents follow peace and order policies in shelter areas,” Duterte-Carpio stressed. She said liquor ban and smoking ban will be observed at all times in shelter areas. Duterte-Carpio said a lumad who is making trouble will be sent home with the corresponding gifts for Christmas. “Curfew will be imposed starting at 9:00 pm for all lumads,” she said. While in the shelters, the indigenous peoples will be given lecture on farming, sanitation and environmental laws and ordinance, family development sessions, anti-smoking, health, nutrition education and sanitation and birth registration by the various offices of the city government. ONE MINDANAO 19
Stakeholders vow to uphold industrial peace in Soccsksargen Region By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Soccsksargen Region’s tripartite sectors of labor, management and government signed on Friday, November 9, a social accord that binds each sector to the advocacy of keeping and improving the prevailing industrial peace in the region.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Signed as a highlight of the 5th Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) was the 20122014 RXII-TIPC Social Accord, which Department of Labor and Employment 12 regional director Chona Mantilla said the accord was intended to foster industrial peace that “would promote a progressive and sustainable economy” in this part of Mindanao. The signing was witnessed by DOLE undersecretary for labor relations Rebecca Chato and heads of the provincial TIPCs. Peace councils in pineapple, abaca, rubber as well as in hotel and restaurant sectors also signed their voluntary Codes of Conduct. Mantilla said, the accord “is geared toward “boosting Region 12’s attractiveness to investors by increasing further competitiveness and productivity Tuesday, November 13, 2012
of industries here,” which she added “could only be achieved with government’s partnership especially with the labor and the management groups.” By signing the accord, she said, the tripartite sectors commit to promote continuous learning, innovation, productivity, gainful employment, and competitiveness toward an inclusive economic growth and industrial harmony in Region 12. Mantilla added that in the past six years, Region 12 has reported zero incident in labor strikes. It is also known as the country’s model in the use of tripartite engagement in resolving labor disputes and in mediating between parties to resolve issues within 30 days. In signing the accord, sectors vowed to support the four pillars of the Labor and Employment Plan (LEP) 2011-2016, namely: employment,
rights at work, social protection and social dialogue. They also commited to observe the principles of shared responsibility between workers and employers in promoting industrial harmony as well as strengthen the monitoring of compliance to Department Order 18-A (regarding contracting and sub-contracting arrangements), Department Order 118-12 (requiring fixed-wage scheme for public utility drivers and conductors). All parties also agreed to exhaust measures to peacefully resolve conflicts, which may be done via the single-entry approach (SENA) that requires a mandatory 30 days conciliation-mediation as well as through the intervention by the Efficiency and Integrity Board (EIB) under the RTIPC and provide emergency employment for affected workers in cases of retrenchment and closure. ONE MINDANAO 21
M e a n w h i l e , Charmaine Dawn Ladot – Sonsona, DOLE 12’s labor communications officer, explained the Codes of Conduct signed by the IPCs of pineapple, abaca, rubber and hotel and restaurant industries in the region. These codes, she added comprise of best practices that would
enhance industry level dialogues and provide venue for resolution of issues and concerns affecting both workers and management. “These codes were established via discussions of labor and management groups and other stakeholders in each industry,” she said. Common among
these codes are provisions on compliance with labor standards, implementation of laws pertaining to the employment of children, occupational safety and health, continuing education and skills upgrading, dispute resolution, and displacement program, among others.
South Cotabato assured of stable supply, price of rice By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Residents of South Cotabato do not need to stock up on prime commodities, especially rice, for the holiday season, an agriculture official here said. However, Legaste especially those who have “There is no chance for prices of rice to go up reminded rice farmers, already experienced this month until the end of this year,” provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste assured. This, he explained , is because “we are expecting at least 12,000 hectares of palay from the last week of November until the end of December.” Expected of volume of harvest from this batch of planting is sufficient for the province’s requirements for three months, he added.
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inadequate supply of water to consider planting drought resistant crops in lieu of rice as they may be affected by the expected El Nino, which could last until the first part of 2013. He clarified that the intermittent rains experienced here at present do not rule out drought that may be experienced with the phenomenon. “El Nino does not mean absence of rain,” he said, “but rainfall is expected to be below the
normal level.” Although cloud seeding could be done, this is considered as last option, he continued, “because this might have adverse effects to mango plantations that are being induced.” “For several cropping seasons, mango farmers in the province had limited harvest,” he said, “ so mango and other fruit farmers here took advantage of the dry season for flower induction,” which he said could lead to a better
season for fruit farmers in the province. In the last cropping season only about 15% of total population of mango, durian, rambutan have actually yielded fruits, “which means that fruiting buds of most fruit trees in the province are ready for induction.” Meanwhile, Zaldy Boloron, Department of Agriculture (DA) 12’s operations chief, said that P12 million has been allotted for Soccsksargen Region for El Nino operations.
Central Mindanao dance groups to compete at 7th Cotabato Annual Dance Festival By Oliver Ross Rivera
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- After a series of consultations and preparations, all is set for the 7th Cotabato Annual Dance Festival. According the the organizers, participants from different parts of Central Mindanao will join the dance fest. Groups from Kidapawan City, Cotabato City, Kabacan, Alamada, Pigcawayan and Midsayap are busy preparing for the contest. The competition is divided into four categories. Six groups will join the cheerdance, Tuesday, November 13, 2012
five for folkdance, ten for the pop dance and ten pairs for the dancesports competition. Dance festival executive director Jhon Karlo Ballentes said a coaches’ and trainers’ meeting was held last Saturday for additional suggestions and entertain questions from the participants. Ballentes is encouraging everyone,
not only the youth but also their parents and dance enthusiast to witness the biggest dance festival in the province. The 7th Cotabato Annual Dance Festival will be held on November 17, 2012 at the Midsayap Municipal Gymnasium. This is also part of the festivities for the 76th Araw ng Midsayap. ONE MINDANAO 23
Basilan sets forum on Bangsamoro Framework Agreement to correct misconceptions by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Multistakeholders composed of key officials and representatives from local government units, government agencies, nongovernment organizations, the military and police, including the media in Basilan have agreed to organize a forum on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement slated on November 24, 2012. 24 ONE MINDANAO
The provincial government of Basilan as represented by its newly installed provincial administrator Tahira Ismael, in partnership with the Basilan Communicators Network Inc. and the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., will Tuesday, November 13, 2012
gather stakeholders in a forum that will address misconceptions on the celebrated agreement entered into by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) recently. Provincial administrator Tahira Ismael has expressed concern on the growing misconceptions about the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. She said that “our people have a wrong understanding of the agreement,” fearing this might lead to further division among Basileños if not corrected. She admitted that she herself is not very knowledgeable about the agreement. Myra Alih, President of the Basilan Communicators Network Inc. and currently the provincial director of DOST in Basilan said that the “MILF (followers) has a wrong understanding of the framework, which will lead to more frustrations among our people if the agreement implementation will fail.” Akbar Mayor Alih Sali disclosed that he received information that the MILFs are already recruiting the young, luring them to join the group in view of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. He also said that the MILFs are allegedly applying for integration in the armed forces and the police. “This is the reason why we need to have people from the GPH panel and the MILF to enlighten us on the framework. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to understand the framework agreement if we talk by ourselves,” she said. The group then decided to Tuesday, November 13, 2012
tentatively hold one big forum on November 24 depending on the availability of the resource persons. The said forum will set the standard and the guide for the other fora that will follow in the different municipalities and key communities in Basilan as information and dissemination activity that will raise awareness on the framework agreement. Felipo David Malcampo of the Philippine Information Agency had proposed for a diagnostic survey to get the pulse of the people on the matter, saying that pulsing will help organizers to get perceptions of the people and the different sectors that may need answers from the government peace negotiators. The group decided to adopt the proposal as a pre-forum activity. Miriam Suacito, Executive Director of Nagdilaab Foundation said that it is also important to ask the negotiation panels on the process and content of the agreement, especially on how were they able to come up with the said agreement, the stakes of both sides, and the issues and concerns raised during the negotiations. She said that all sectors must have their voice about the agreement. While individuals and sectors may have sides on the agreement, Myra Alih stressed that “we must be very clear with our objectives in conducting the forum, which is to inform and to enlighten the citizenry, the Basileños, about the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA) so that they can make intelligent decisions.” ONE MINDANAO 25
Sectors in Caraga discuss Phl Nat’l Action Plan by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY --Representatives from faith-based organizations, business sector, academic institutions, media, civil society organizations, and government agencies convened on Tuesday for the orientation workshop on the implementation of the Philippine National Action Plan (PNAP): United Nation Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325 and 1820.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
This activity was meant to popularize and implement the said resolutions in the region, said lawyer Marylin Pintor, regional director of CHR-Caraga and Mindanao Commission on Women Agusan del norte-Butuan city core director. “The UNSCR 1325 and 1820 ensure the protection of women’s human rights and prevention of violation of these rights in armed conflict and post-conflict situations,” Pintor said. Bing Baltazar, Mother for Peace (M4P) focal person disclosed that among the objectives of the orientation workshop include the following: 1) to raise awareness on gender dimension of conflict; 2) to identify priority issues on women’s human rights, women’s participation, protection and promotion of their role in conflict prevention; and 3) to map out future activities to be undertaken by the network to implement the PNAP. In her discussion on the region’s Peace and Security situation, PSI Charity Galvez of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga said that Police Regional Office-13 is prepared to confront the challenges passed by the CNN and other threat groups to ensure the safety and security of the Tuesday, November 13, 2012
people in Caraga. “We shall likewise maintain our vigilance to keep a close watch on developments leading to the 2013 national and local elections and shall at all times be prepared to respond to any calamities that may occur in the region,” said Galvez. Also, during the workshop proper, the participants were divided into small groups and have identified priority issues for improving women’s human rights and strengthening women’s participation, protection and promotion of their roles in the prevention of conflict. Meanwhile, as advocates of the UNSCRs 1325 and 1820, the participants agreed to name the organization into “WE Act 1325 Caraga” (Women Engaged in Action 1325). Some of the participants
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were also elected as officers of said organization. The UNSCR 1325 promotes and protects the rights of women and girls in armed conflict situation in terms of the following Key commitments: 1) Participation of women in all levels of decisionmaking; 2) Gender perspective in Sec. Gen. Reports and Security Council Missions; 3) Protection of and respect for human rights of women and girls; 4) Gender perspective in conflict processes; and 5) Gender perspective in peacekeeping. The PNAP on UNSCRs 1325 and 1820 (2010-2016) has four interrelated and complimentary purposes with corresponding outcomes, indicators, time frames and key implementers. The purposes and details of the PNAP are briefly explained as follows:
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1) Protection and Prevention – To ensure the protection of women’s human rights and prevention of these rights in armed conflict and post conflict situations; 2) Empowerment and Participation – To empower women and ensure their active and meaningful participation in areas of peacebuilding, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post conflict reconstruction; 3) Promotion and Mainstreaming – To promote and mainstream gender perspective in all aspects of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding; and 4) Capacity Development and Monitoring and Reporting – To institutionalize a system to monitor, evaluate and report on the implementation of NAP in order to enhance accountability for successful implementation and the achievement of its goals.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Surigao Norte sitio now energized by Mary Jul E. Escalante
BUTUAN CITY -- Around 30 households in Sitio Songkoy, Gigaquit
will be able to enjoy the comfort brought about by electrification after a ceremonial switch-on was done Nov. 7 at the Barangay Gym in Mahanub, this province. The energization of the through the partnership of Surigao said barangay was part of the del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. Sitio Enegization Program being led by Engr. Danny Z. Escalante and implemented under President Aquino the provincial government of Surigao through the National Electrification del Norte through the leadership of Administration, aimed to bring Governor Sol F. Matugas. electricity to the remaining 33,000 The said 30 households got free sitios in the country especially in electric meter, light bulb, switch outlet, Mindanao. The activity was made possible wiring and free installation. Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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Feature: Drink water, be healthy
by Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa
Water is the most abundant component in the body since it makes up 70-75 percent of our total body weight. It aids in digestion, absorption, transport and utilization of electrolytes and other nutrients. It also helps maintain body temperature and excretes waste products from the lungs, skin and kidneys. Furthermore, it is considered as the most essential of all nutrients. Our body needs to be sufficiently supplied with water to replace the loss of water in urine, sweat, perspiration, feces, as well as through other body processes that cannot be seen. Not supplying enough water in the body can affect bodily function and can 30 ONE MINDANAO
lead to dehydration and also even to death. With this, it is just right to say that “water gives life” or without water there could be no life.” Drinking only when thirsty is not a good idea! Don’t wait until you are thirsty to decide to drink because by Tuesday, November 13, 2012
the time you are thirsty, your body is http//www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. already dehydrated. Fluid replacement should be a daily plan. The daily fluid requirements will vary with the environmental conditions, clothing, intensity and duration of exercise, and other activities. Based on the 2000 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a technical working group led by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), water or fluid requirement ranges from 10 milliliters per kilogram (ml/kg) of body weight for infants to 25 milliliters per kilogram body weight for adults which is about 3 glasses of fluids for infants and 6-8 glasses for adults. You can also get fluids from fruits, vegetables, and other beverages like fruit juices, fortified drinks and flavored sports drink, which provide additional vitamins, especially vitamin C. To be healthy, get yourself a glass of water and start hydrating your body. Drink plenty of water! For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila; Tel/Fax No.: 837-2934, 837-3164; Trunk line: 837-2071 to 82, local 2296 or 2280; e-mail: mvc@ fnri.dost.gov.ph; FNRI-DOST website: Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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Philhealth launches MOVES in Ramon Magsaysay By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY –- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Zamboanga del Sur Service Office on Friday distributed checks for the Per Family Payment Rate (PFPR) to the local government unit of Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur. Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIAWesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310
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piazampen.blogspot.com Tuesday, November 13, 2012
PhilHealth chief Estrella Manantan said PFPR checks amounting to P802,750.00 were distributed to the LGU of Ramon Magsaysay during the launching of the Mobile Orientation Validation and Enrollment Schemes (MOVES) in the 26 municipalities of the province. Manhattan said MOVES, a flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino’s administration, was conceived by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) to service the sponsored members of PhilHealth identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). Further, the PFPR checks are intended to augment the funds of LGUs in the operation of health units. “It serves as an augmentation fund for health services to answer the cost of preventive aspect of health needs of NHTS/DOH-sponsored beneficiaries,” she added. A total of 3,285 beneficiaries received the long awaited PhilHealth Tuesday, November 13, 2012
PVC (ATM type) card with 2 years availability which covers from January 1, 2012 up to December 31, 2013. RM has sponsored 1.035 indigent beneficiaries, while the provincial government has 8,500 beneficiaries and 1st district representative Victor Yu has another 98 beneficiaries.. During the activity, Manantan said an information and education campaign was conducted which included orientation on the NHIP and the profiling and enlistment of members to the Primary Care Benefit (PCB) providers. PhilHealth also distributed updated Member Data Records and entertained queries especially on the documentary attachments and Phihealth benefits. A total of 11,443 PhilHealth cards will be distributed to the indigent beneficiaries of Zamboanga del Sur. “We started distributing the cards to the 26 municipalities and we hope to finish the distribution on the 29th of this month,” Manantan reported. ONE MINDANAO 33
Dipolog City, the country’s 7th top performing city By Alfonso T. Ruda DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has confirmed that the Local Government Unit of Dipolog City ranks no. 7 among top performing cities throughout the country.
According to the DILG report, since August 12, 2012, the country’s 143 cities already included the 16 controversial cities as among the regular cities created under impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. In that report, Dipolog City ranks no. 7 among the top performing cities throughout the country, based on the Local Governance Performing Management System (LGPMS), used by the DILG in rating the LGUs . Under the LGPMS, Dipolog City registered a performance rating of 4.83 under the component city category. 34 ONE MINDANAO
Among the top performing cities are : Laoag (4.99); Naga (4.93); Vigan (4.921); Ligao (4.917); Tagaytay (4.87); Cabanatuan City (4.86), and Dipolog City in no. 7 with a rating of 4.83. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy was so elated upon learning the DILG’s report, considering that Dipolog is the only city from Mindanao which landed among the top ten performing cities in the country. Local political observers consider the latest accomplishment of the City Government as a manifestation of Mayor Uy’s good governance and strong political will. Tuesday, November 13, 2012
63 OFWs, dependents complete 2-day Capability Building Training By Mary Jane R. Amarado
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A total of 63 OFWs & dependents from Isabela City & Zamboanga City completed the training course on Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Entrepreneurship and Franchising organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office No. IX. The training, held on November 8-9, 2012 at Max’s Restaurant, Zamboanga City was aimed at recognizing roles, forging alliances and networking with partners that will be of help to the agency for effective delivery of programs and services. Heads and representatives of the different government agencies, non-government organizations and banking institutions such as the Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), PhilHealth, PAG-Ibig Fund, Mindanao Commission on Women, Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., Silsillah Dialogue Movement, Land Bank of the Philippines and Bank of the Philippine Islands. DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon imparted an inspiring message of pursuing a purposeful effort in the promotion of the welfare & development of the OFWs. “We are challenged to setup and step-up our programs and services to provide better options to ONE MINDANAO 35
our would-be OFWs and returning OFWs. We will cease from asking what better employment can our country provide so as not to send out OFWs abroad, instead, how can we capacitate our OFWs to meet and compete with technical skills and expertise globally.” ARD Bonbon said. On the other hand, OWWA-9 Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain challenged the participants to take part in every OFW-related activity, “OWWA has the programs and services but these can serve its purposes only when you yourselves will act as our partners.” Meanwhile, Noel Tarrazona, chief
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trainer of the NOTACOR Philippines Inc., was the resource speaker during the training. He disclosed the ten (10) secrets of Leadership such as: Integrity with People, Nurture other People, Faith in People, Listen to People, Understand People, Enlarges People, Navigates for other people, Connects with People, Empowers People & Reproduces Other Influencers. The training paved the way for the election of new set of officers for the Federation of OFW Family Circles in Region IX which was organized by Director Jumdain in 2008. The new set of officers will be inducted on the last week of November 2012.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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