VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
JANUARY-AUGUST 2006
The Lake Mainit NEWS UPDATE
The Official Publication of Lake Mainit Development Alliance—FOCAS Management Committee A FOCAS Joint Initiative
Province of Surigao del Norte Province of Agusan del Norte Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) Hassall & Associates International Sustainable Development Solutions
Inside this issue: Gov. Barbers Launches SUREP
1
An Update on Submitted FOCAS Proposals
2
FMC Conducts 10th Regular Meeting
3
PSC Meets for the Third
3
Lake Mainit FMC facilitates 2nd CSO-LGU-LMDA Meeting
4
Proposal Writeshop for AusAID-PACAP
4
FOCAS Project:s: Significant Part of PACAP’s 20th Year Anniversary
5
Monitoring and PMT Meeting at MainitCBRMI
6
Site Visits, Consultation and Site Appraisals
6
Agencia Española Visits Lake Mainit
7
Bird Flue-Free Lake Mainit
8
NRDB installation at LMDA
8
Upland Resources & Livelihood Surveys
8
FOCAS on the Move!
9
LMDA Establishes Website
10
Fact about Bird Flu
What is
Pagusi flower Page 7
Governor Barbers launches SUREP in Sison By Jay Grace S. Bonotan CCEPSD—SUREP Coordinator
H
Cooperative (SIHUMCO), in one way or another, inspires the provincial government to realize its mission in Sustainable Agriculture Program.
on. Robert Ly ndon S. Barbers, the Provincial Governor of Surigao del Norte sucMs. Gilda P. Villalba stressed that cessfully launched the Sison Upland Resource Enhancement Project the project is designed to take part in the regional development by (SUREP) August 14, improving the lives of mar2006 at the Sison Municipal Gymnasium. ginal farmers through susIn his speech, the Govtainable agriculture, thus ernor shared his experiensuring a healthy and ferences on the efforts he tile environment for preexerted in lobbying the sent and future generaproject with the Austrations. Part of the project’s lian government. Furpackage is to achieve a 15ther, he recognized the 20% increase in the annual capability of the Caraga Gov. Barbers delivers his message income of the 40 houseConsortium for Environ- on during the launching SUREP launching SUREP in Sison holds in three years time. mental Protection & Sustainable Development (CCEPSD), Moreover, it is expected to the partner Non-Government Organization (NGO) in SUREP project imple- achieve a 10% increase in the household annual income of the farmer beneficiaries mentation. in one year through Enterprise DevelopWith Gov. Barbers during the ment to augment farmers’ earnings and launching were Mr. Art Cruje, Provinfor project sustainability. cial Planning & Development Officer The Provincial Stakeholder Committee of Surigao del Norte and Chairman of the Provincial Stakeholders Commit- plays a vital role in the continued existee; Mr. Ricardo DG Soto, Jr., Provin- tence and operation of the project. Mr. cial PACAP Officer; Hon. Juancho Art M. Cruje emphasized beforehand that Maturan, Municipal Mayor of Sison; the Governor negotiated with the AustraEngr. Kaiser B. Recabo, LMDA Project lian Government to include all the MuniciDirector and Chairperson of Lake palities of Surigao del Norte for a provMainit FOCAS Management Commit- ince-wide project support from AusAIDtee ; and Ms. Gilda P. Villalba, Execu- PACAP. tive Director of the Project ManageThe ultimate goal of PACAP is to rement Team of CCEPSD for SUREP. duce poverty and to improve the stanThe Sison Hungos Multipurpose dard of living of poor communities See SUREP on Page 7
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
FOCAS Updates
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Page 2
List of submitted Project Proposals from January—July 2006 Project Name & Title
Location
Proponent/ Partner NGOs/ POs
Mainit Community Based Resource Management Initiative (Mainit-CBRMI)
Barangays of Tagbuyawan, Tapian & Dayano, Mainit, Surigao del Norte
Riverbank Stabilization & Protection Project Phase II
Alegria, Mainit, Tubod & Sison Lake Mainit Development To be presented to in Surigao Norte and Kitcharao, Alliance (LMDA) PAC Jabonga, Santiagao and Tubay Php 9,000,000.00 in Agusan del Norte
Sison Upland Resource Enhancement Project (SUREP)
Barangay Ima, Gacepan and Mayag in Sison, Surigao del Norte
Associates for Integral Approved and onDevelopment (AID) Foun- going dation Php 2,989,431.60
Caraga Consortium for Environmental Protection an Sustainable Development (CCEPSD) Community Food Security Barangay Songcoy and Cross- People’s Alternative Study Management And Cooperative ing in Kitcharao, Agusan del Center for Research and Development Project Norte and Barangay Gamuton Education in Social Develin Alegria, Surigao del Norte opment CARAGA, Inc. (PASCRES) A Project Proposal on Commu- Barangay Bunga and San Pablo Educational Discipline in nity-Managed Agricultural and in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte Culture and Area-based Environmental Development Development Services, Incorporation (EDCADS) Sustainable Alternatives in Barangays of Budlingin and Propegemus Foundation, Alegria through Integrated Camp Eduard in Alegria, Suri- Inc. Development Approach gao del Norte Enhancing Upland and Lowland Barangay San Isidro, Marga Farming Systems and Strength- and Capayahan in Tubod, ening of Local Organizations Surigao del Norte (EFASS) Community-Based Enterprise: Effecting Community Development and Economic Empowerment in Four Barangays Surrounding Lake Mainit Enhancing and Protecting an Agro forestry Area through Abaca Fiber Production
An update on submitted FOCAS proposals from partner NGOs and POs in the Lake
Status & Budget
ALTERDEV Services Foundation, Inc.
To be presented to PSC
Under review
Presented to FMC and on the process of enhancement Approved Php 2,999,940.00
Barangay San Roque & Cana- Agri-Aqua Development way in Kitcharao, Agusan Norte Coalition-Mindanao (AADC-Mindanao) Barangay Cuyago & Bangonay in Jabonga, Agusan Norte
T
Approved Php 2,999,620.00
Approved Php 2,999,610.00
he FOCAS Management Committee (FMC) Secretariat has appraised ten (10) FOCAS project proposals from partner NGOs and POs since January to July 2006. Also included is the Riverbank Stabilization Project Phase II proposed by LMDA. Nine of the proposals were presented to the FMC during its monthly meetings. The Deep-Sea Payao Establishment ( now changed to Kalinawan River & Estuary Resource Management Project) submitted last July is ready for presentation to the FMC after the process of enhancement made by the proponent with the assistance from the FMC Secretariat. Out of ten proposals submitted, six of which were proposed by AID Foundation, LMDA, Alterdev Services Foundation, AADC-Mindanao, Caraga Consortium (CCEPSD) and SIUFMULCO were deliberated by the members of the Provincial Stakeholder Committee (PSC) during their regular meetings.
Barangay San Isidro, Santiago, San Isidro Upland Farmers To be presented to Agusan del Norte Multi Purpose Cooperative PAC (SIUFMULCO)
On the other hand, PACAP Advisory Committee (PAC) in Manila approved the Mainit CommuKalinawan River & Estuary Coastal Barangays of Tubay, Tubay Fisherfolks and To be presented to nity Based Resource Management Initiative of Resource Management Project Agusan del Norte Farmers Multi-Purpose FMC AID Foundation last February 2006. The Sison Cooperative (TUFF MPC) Upland Resource Enhancement Project (SUREP) of CCEPSD and the Enhancing Upland and LowArea of Concentration by Partner NGOs & POs in Lake Mainit land Farming Systems and Strengthening of Local Organizations (EFASS) of Alterdev were also apSurigao City CCEPSD proved by PAC last April 2006. Thereafter, the Community-Based Enterprise: Effecting Community AID Sison Development and Economic Empowerment in Four Barangays Surrounding Lake Mainit of AADCPropegemus Alterdev Mindanao was also approved last May 2006. Tubod
Mainit
PASCRES
SIUFMULCO
Lake Mainit
Alegria
AADC-Mindanao
Kitcharao
Jabonga
Santiago
Approved & On-going Approved by PAC
TUFF MPC
Kalinawan River
Approved by FMC
Tubay
Presented to FMC On the process of preparation
Approved by PSC
PACAP approved a total of Php 11,988,601.60 project amount with Php 6,928,594.20 as the committed counterpart’s contribution. Based on the approved Grant Agreement with PACAP for the Lake Mainit Development Agenda FOCAS Secretariat Year 1, the Lake Mainit FMC is targeting only six (6) project proposals to be approved by PACAP. However, due to the active participation of partner NGOs and POs in the Lake Mainit FOCAS, the number of submitted project proposals exceeded its target for this year. The FMC Secretariat is expecting to have eight (8) project proposals to be presented to PSC for approval by PACAP.
Cabadbaran
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
FMC and Secretariat Operations
Page 3
FMC Conducts 10th Regular Meeting
L
ake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee (FMC) conducted its 10th Monthly Regular Meeting last July 7, 2006 held at Kapihan sa Mainit in Mainit, Surigao del Norte.
Bureau for technical enhancement was also presented. The FMC unanimously agreed to send its training design to Mr. Jojo Fajardo and other SWM Expert or consultant for additional comments and development before its submission to PACAP.
FOCAS updates, deliberation of project proposals, and FMC Project Budget Re-alignment were the main agenda of the said meeting. The FMC Secretariat presented the accomplishment report of the previous month, its latest expenditure report and the activity plan for the next month. Propegemus Foundation, Inc., through its Executive Director, Mr. Arnold Tapere presented the project proposal entitled “Sustainable Alternatives in Alegria through Integrated Development Approach�. The FMC, however, requested the Secretariat to set a schedule for a meeting with the LGU of Alegria and Propegemus to improve and finalize the said proposal.
Mr. Tapere of Propegemus (standing right) presents their project proposal to FMC.
Riverbank Stabilization Project Phase II proposed by LMDA was deliberated and endorsed by the FMC for the second time due to the additional project component of the project which is disaster preparedness component. Meanwhile, the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Training Design which was already presented to the EMB or Environmental Management
It was also during the meeting that FMC Resolution No. 09 Series of 2006 was approved requesting PACAP to allow the FMC for the realignment of the Php 20,783.19 savings from the program/office equipment component of the budget to purchase ring binder needed in packaging or filing important documents of the project. The production of FOCAS news release and the establishment of new and secured website which are among the FMC targets were also discussed during the meeting.
PSC Meets for the Third Time By Omar C. Barillo FOCAS Coordinator
T
he recent Provincial Stakeholders Committee (PSC) meeting is the third of the year. The meeting was conducted last July 17, 2006 at the Provincial Planning and Development Office Conference Hall, Surigao City. Mr. Arturo M. Cruje, the Provincial Planning and Development Officer presided the activity. It was attended and participated by majority of the PSC members, FOCAS Management Committee (FMC) Representatives and Secretariats and the project proponent NGOs and POs. The main agenda of the meeting was the deliberation of submitted FOCAS project proposals including two from Lake Mainit FOCAS and another two from Siargao Island Protected Landscapes
and Seascapes (SIPLAS). The two project proposals of Lake Mainit Focal Community Assistance Scheme (LMFOCAS) cluster presented during the meeting were the Enhancing and Protecting an Agroforestry Area through Abaca Fiber Production submitted by San Isidro Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) and the Riverbank Stabilization and Protection Project Phase II proposed by LMDA. Fortunately, the two submitted proposals were approved and endorsed by the PSC to PACAP Advisory Committee (PAC) for funding support. The PSC has approved and endorsed a total of six (6) project proposals (see list in page 2) submitted by Lake Mainit FOCAS cluster, some
of which commenced implementation after downloading of approved fund. Also tackled during the meeting was the transfer or realignment of Lake Mainit FOCAS budget to Hinatuan Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA) FOCAS cluster at the latter's request for due to insufficient budget for FOCAS projects in the HIPADA area. Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr., Lake Mainit FMC Chairman, is willing to provide and transfer funds amounting three million pesos (Php 3,000,000.) to finance one project of HIPADA either in the Municipality of Placer or Malimono which are adjacent towns of the Lake Mainit Cluster.
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
FMC and Secretariat Operations
Lake Mainit FMC facilitates 2nd CSOLGU-LMDA meeting
L
ake Mainit FMC successfully facilitated the Civil Society Organization-Local Government Unit-LMDA meeting held at the Kapihan sa Mainit. The activity was presided by Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr., the LMDA Project Director and the Chairman of the Lake Mainit FMC. The main objective of the meeting is to update the Civil Society Organization (CSO) and Local Government Unit (LGU) regarding the FOCAS project implementation of PACAP in the Lake Mainit to establish good rapport, as well as efficient collaboration that will significantly contribute to the successful project implementation.
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Project Proposal Writeshop for AusAIDPACAP a success
A
three-day Project Proposal Writeshop for AusAID-PACAP was held last March 8-10, 2006 in Balanghai Hotel & Convention Center, Butuan City. The said activity significantly contributed in the fast-tracking of “...project project proposal preparation by the partner NGOs proposals shall Participating NGOs who presented project pro- emanate from the posals that need further enhancement were required communities and shall be presented to bring relevant data for the activity. to the LGUs to On the first day of the training, i n v i t e their there were lecture series, orien- commitment and tations and open discussion. support …” The training overview, objectives and schedules were explained by Mr. Johny S. Natad, Assistant FOCAS Coordinator. Mr. Ricardo DG. Soto, Jr., PACAP Provincial Project Officer for Surigao del Norte presented the Overview of PACAP and its Strategic Guidance Framework. It was Engr. Ronald John R. Matela, Provincial Focal Person for LMDA who presented the highlight of Provincial Engagement Strategies and the Significance of Milestone and Output. The Lake Mainit FOCAS Strategy, as well as Issues and Concerns in project implementation were briefly discussed by Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr.
Due to unfavorable weather condition, there were only twenty-one participants who attended the meeting. Among them were the Mr. Soto presents the Overview of PACAP Meanwhile, FOCAS Coordinator Mr. Omar C. Baaction officers and reprerillo, explained about the Elements of A Good Prosentatives from the Local Government posal, PACAP (FOCAS) Format and the Major Process/ Flow of PACAP Units of Alegria, Kitcharao, Mainit and Proposal submission. Sison, all of Surigao del Norte. Also present were active partner- NGOs like the During the open forum, Engr. Recabo explained the issue raised Alterdev Services Foundation, Propegefrom the LGU representative that some NGO failed to present the project mus Foundation, PASCRES-CARAGA, proposal to LGU. He clarified that all AID Foundation, and Caraga Consortium project proposals shall emanate for Environmental Protection & Sustainfrom the communities and shall be able Development. The following reprepresented to the LGUs to seek their sentative of FMC members also atcommitment and support which are tended the meeting: Mr. Jerry Acero of essential for a successful project SNCAT; Mr. Felix Maglaque of MAimplementation. GRIRUWA; Hon. Alberto Garrido of IHMA-MPC; and Engr. Ronald John MaThe three-day writeshop led to tela of PPDO-Surigao. the presentation of desk-appraised Development updates of FMC and Secretariat Operations, sharing of project implementation development and experiences by partner NGOs for FOCAS ongoing projects, area coordination; and the agreement for monitoring and evaluation scheme highlighted the one-day activity.
and enhanced project proposals from partner NGOs like Caraga Consortium, Alterdev Services, PA- Ms. Glenda Alawiran of AADC-Mindanao CRES and AADC-Mindanao. The presents their proposal institutional arrangement with the eight LGUs on Typical design of Solid Waste Management (SWM) project proposal and the agreement to request PACAP for the training and See Writeshop on
Page 5
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Page 5
FOCAS Update
FOCAS Projects: Significant part of the PACAP’s 20th Year Anniversary
Au
sisted community institutions—the three People’s Organizations from the three barangays. sAID-PACAP has been working in the deIt was on April 20, 2006 when Mr. David Swete pressed communities in the Kelly, PACAP Program Director, led the project Philippines since 1986 with launching held at the Mainit Gymnasium. the main goal of reducing poverty and improving the standard of living of poor The EFASS Project communities through susMr. David Swete Kelly during the Mainit - The selected communities in Tubod, Surigao del tainable economic and social CBRMI project launching Norte along with Alterdev Services Foundation, Inc. development. PACAP has have been proudly called the other FOCAS project been proud of telling the asknown as the “EFASS Project” or Enhancing Upland and sisted communities that the FOCAS projects have been a th Lowland Farming Systems and Strengthening of Local significant part of the PACAP’s 20 Year Anniversary CeleOrganizations Project. The project areas are Barangay bration. In fact Ms. Padilla, the PACAP Program Coordinator Capayahan, San Isidro and Marga in Municipality of who led the project launching in Tubod proudly announced Tubod. that the FOCAS project launching is the significant activity of PACAP’s 20th Year. This continuing effort and initiative of The PACAP Program Coordinator Ms. Lourdes Marina AusAID-PACAP has made important intervention and contriPadilla along with SDS Manager Jonas Tetangco, Acting bution to the development of Lake Mainit ecosystem and Provincial Planning Coordinator Mr. Art Cruje, Vice Mayor communities. The Lake Mainit FOCAS is fortunate for having Felixberto Dumadag and LMDA Project Director Engr. FOCAS projects like Mainit-CBRMI Project in Mainit; the Kaiser Recabo, EFASS Project in Tubod and the SUREP project in Sison. Jr. led the
The Mainit-CBRMI Project Mainit Community Based Resource Management Initiative (Mainit-CBRMI), the first FOCAS project in the Lake Mainit, was implemented by the AID Foundation, Inc. The project areas for the project are the PO members of Mainit and SALT train- Barangays of Tapian, ing application at the area. Tagb uyaw a n a nd Dayano in the Municipality of Mainit. The project focuses mainly on agroforestry and livelihood program for the as-
EFASS project launching last August 8, 2006 at Barangay Marga Multipurpose Hall where all barangay stakeholders like the beneficiary POs and Barangay Officials were gathered and actively participated the activity.
The Symbolic Signing of Commitment. From right Mr. Tetangco, Ms. Padilla, Vice Mayor Dumadag other representatives from LGUs and POs.
The SUREP Project
Writeshop... (from Page 4) financial assistance on SWM prior to its implementation were also significant accomplishments of the said activity. An action planning for site validation and assessment of the proposed target areas was also organized with the presence of Mr. Soto, partner NGOs, POs, LGUs, FMC and Secretariat. The proposal writeshop successfully ended on March 10, 2006.
Sison Upland Resource Enhancement Project (SUREP) is another three-year FOCAS project in Sison, Surigao del Norte. Its project components deals mainly on agroforestry and enterprise development– a livelihood assistance for target PO beneficiaries in Barangay Gacepan, Ima and Mayag. SUREP project started its implementation on July 2006 while its project launching was held last August 14, 2006. SUREP is managed by CCEPSD in partnership with the SIHUMCO, the beneficiary People Organization and the LGU of Sison.
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
FMC and Secretariat Operations
Page 6
Monitoring Visit and PMT Meeting to Mainit-CBRMI Project
I
n order to validate the submitted Milestone Accomplishment Report of AID Foundation, Inc. and to assess the FOCAS project implementation, the FMC Secretariat along with the Chairman of FMC conducted a monitoring visit to Mainit-CRBMI Project last August 3 and 4, 2006 to Barangay Tapian, Tagbuyawan and Dayano in Mainit, Surigao del Norte. During the visit, evaluators Engr. Kaiser Recabo, Jr., Omar Barillo and Johny Natad examined the project site
Mr. Barillo inspects the nursery in Tapian
and nursery of the seedlings for agroforestry project. Using the M&E template designed by the LMDA, the evaluators interviewed the beneficiary POs about the project implementation and how AID Foundation worked with them. The result of the monitoring visit was presented during the Project Engr. Recabo, Jr. and Mr. Barillo present Management Team (PMT) meeting the result of monitoring visit to the PMT. last August 10, 2006 which was facilitated by the AID Foundation. The Project Management Team for the Mainit-CBRMI are represented by the PO Chairpersons, Punong Barangays, Municipal Agriculturist and MENRO as representatives from the local government unit, LMDA with FMC Secretariat and AID Foundation field staff who were present during the said meeting. Issues and concerns relative to the project implementation of MainitCBRMI were also ironed out during Mr. Natad, interviews the beneficiary PO members in Tagbuwayan during the visit. the said PMT meeting.
Site Visits, Consultations and Site Appraisals Conducted The Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee, along with its Secretariat and with Mr. Bong Soto, the Provincial Project Officer (PPO) has been conducting site visits and site appraisals to validate the submitted project proposals from partner NGOs and POs. Among the areas which are already site appraised by the PPO are: 1. Barangay Tapian, Tagbuwayan and Dayano in Mainit, Surigao del Norte for AID Foundation.
Community consultation at Capayahan, Tubod, Surigao del Norte to verify their involvement in the project planning.
Project consultation and orientation by Engr. Recabo with LGU Representatives and target PO beneficiaries at Tubay last July 2006.
The SIHUMCO members during site appraisal of the agroforestry site at Mayag, Sison, Surigao Norte.
The FOCAS Coordinator presents the process of PACAP fund flow for the beneficiaries of San Pablo, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte last March
2. Barangay Gacepan, Ima and Mayag in Sison, Surigao del Norte for CCEPSD. 3. Barangay Capayahan, San Isidro and Marga in Tubod, Surigao del Norte for Alterdev. 4. Barangay Songcoy and Crossing Continue to Page 10 Site Appraisals
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Agencia Española Visits Lake Mainit By Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr.
ENRO Designate of Agusan del Norte; Ms, Erma Suyo, PPDO Agusan he conNorte Representasultants tive; Mr. Nathaniel f r om A g en ci a Racho, DENR SuriE sp añ ol a de gao City RepresentaCoóperation Intertive; Mr. Antonieto M. naciónal (AECI) Charcos, Acting Asrecently visited sistant PPDC of SuriLake Mainit. The gao del Norte; Engr. purpose of the visit Ronald Matela, Focal was to conduct area consultation From left: Mr. Bara, Ms. Harting and Person of PPDO on possible pro- Mr. Lopez during the Area Consultation Surigao del Norte for LMDA; Engr. Elmer Tecson, Surigao jects to be funded by the Spanish GovCity Planning Officer and Engr. Kaiernment. ser Recabo, Jr., the LMDA Project The team is headed by Mr. Arturo Director. Also present were the FMC Lopez, Mr. Miguel Bara, his counterSecretariat and LMDA Staff and Ms. part in the region and Mr. Tony FlorenSally Crook, a member of the Voluntino, a Filipino counterpart . The area tary Service Oversees (VSO). consultation was attended by Hon. Among those discussed during Rogelio Gatpolintan, Mayor of Mainit; the consultation was the new proMs. Grace Harting, NEDA Representagram of AECI in the Philippines and tive; Ms. Nilda Ebron, DENR Regional in Caraga Region. The LMDA preRepresentative; Ms. Adela Antega,
LMDA Project Director
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SUREP
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LMDA Updates
Fact about Pagusi
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acred lotus or locally known as “P ag us i ” is aquatic plant of the Nelumbonaceae family. It Corbis/Susan Bishop/Papilio produces great rose-coloured flowers approximately 25 cm (10 in.) in diameter. The edible seeds and the rhizomes are particularly rich in starch. Pagusi flower symbolizes the beauty of Lake Mainit hence LMDA declares Pagusi as the alliance emblem. Microsoft ® Encarta ® Premium Suite 2005. © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights
sented various project proposals for funding consideration. These proposals are the Forest and Lake Resource Assessment, the Agroforestry Project for the eight municipalities and the Lakeshore Reforestation. The province of Surigao del Norte also presented environmental project proposals to AECI.
(continuation from Page 1)
through sustainable economic and social development according to Mr. Ricardo Soto, Jr. The project also gives emphasis on multi-level capability building in partnership with Local Government Unit, Non-Government Organizations and Peoples Organizations for multistakeholders representation to meet community initiated needs. Gov. Barbers and Ms. Villalba lead the unveiling of project signage of SUREP
Meanwhile, Hon. Juancho T. Maturan grateGov. Barbers and Ms. Villalba lead the un- fully expressed veiling of project signage of SUREP his gratitude to the provincial government and PACAP for their commitment in providing assistance to SIHUMCO farmers. "Ato mahalon an proyekto" was his challenge to the farmers in his acceptance speech. Mr. Romeo Añora, SIHUMCO Chairman conveyed his
sincerest appreciation for entrusting them the responsibilities of the three years project duration. He expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government, as well as to the Local Government Unit of Sison for giving them the rare opportuSigning of Memorandum of Agreement. nity of provid- From left: (Sitting) Gov. Barbers, Mayor ing their or- Maturan, Mr. Añora, (standing) Ms. Villalba ganization financial assistance through the grant. Another highlight of the activity was the unveiling ceremony of the project signage and the signing of Memorandum of Agreement. The program was hosted by Mr. Glen Jaen, CCEPSD-SUREP Enterprise Development Officer and facilitated by Ms. Jay Grace S. Bonotan, CCEPSDSUREP Coordinator.
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
Bird Flu-Free Lake Mainit!
Facts About Bird Flu
By Fely Grace V. Catalan
A
vian Influenza AI or H5N1 virus affecting some Asian countries has put the country into an alarming situation. Bird Flu or Avian Flu is caused by a virus that usually passes on the disease to birds, but intermittently traverses the species barrier and contaminate human.
LMDA Administrative Staff
By Fely Grace V. Catalan LMDA Administrative Staff
What is Bird Flu?
Page 8
LMDA Updates
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Only in the Philip-
→ Bird Flu or Avian Influenza (AI) is a contagious disease of birds ranging from mild to sever form of illness. → Bird Flu is caused by an influenza A virus that can cause outbreaks or deaths in poultry that may affect the poultry industry and food security. What Causes Bird Flu? → The outbreaks affecting some Asian countries have been caused by influenza A/H5N1 virus. It can also cause sever infections in humans.
(more information on the next issue)
Upland Resources and Livelihood Surveys By Sally E. Crook Volunteer, VSO
F
ollowing Eve Oatley’s rapid appraisal of fisher folk livelihoods in 2005, the Mindanao State University’s Institute of Fisheries Research and Development in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, led by Dr Wilfredo Hojilla Uy, submitted a proposal for an in-depth study of fisheries and the fish stocks in Lake Mainit in March 2006. As a result of this preliminary survey’s success, Sally Crook followed the example of her predecessor and is carrying out a rapid rural appraisal of land-based livelihoods in the upland areas of the Lake Mainit watershed. Ten barangays in the four municipalities of Surigao del Norte that lie wholly or partly within the watershed have already been assessed. This was done by means of questioning local people at meetings in their barangay halls on the natural resources in their area and how they are used to generate income. The data collected has been encoded into the NRDB. The remaining four municipalities in the Lake Mainit watershed, in Agusan del Norte, are now being surveyed and the VSO hopes to have a report ready by December. The next step will be to solicit proposals for a detailed, first hand survey of the watershed’s natural resources and their use, as was obtained for the lake resources.
At hand, the worldwide velocity of Bird Flu has detrimentally affected not only the poultry industry resulting in the devastation of millions of poultry worldwide though human physical condition as well. Bird flu remains basically an animal virus, affecting many countries in Asia like China, Indonesia and Vietnam. The Philippines is one of the Bird Flu free countries in Southeast Asia but is at high risk with the continuing outbreaks of the diseases in neighboring countries. The Philippines is exerting efforts in maintaining its bird flu-free status. Lake Mainit in Caraga Region is one of the possible entry points of Bird Flu, where migratory birds flock during wintertime and the lake will serve as their wintering ground. However, there were no reports of Bird Flu cases in Lake Mainit area. Moreover, the strict quarantine and surveillance by the authority assures that Lake Mainit remains a Bird Flu free. The LMDA Project Management Office Director Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr. has attended a series of orientation and meetings on AVIAN Influenza or Bird Flu. In fact Engr. Recabo is one of the members of the Regional Avian Influenza Task Force, whose main objective is to help maintain our country as a Bird Flu Free country. The Regional AI Task Force has conducted a Municipal AI Preparedness and Planning Workshop to the entire region.
NRDB installation at LMDA
By Sally E. Crook Volunteer, VSO
The Natural Resources Database devised in Bohol (NRDB) was installed into a computer of the LMDA by the current Voluntary Service Overseas volunteer, Sally Crook, in May 2006. This was the database created especially for the Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO) by Richard Alexander, another VSO volunteer, in 2002 and was found to be ideal for LMDA since their work is comparable to that of BEMO dealing as it does with natural resources and biodiversity. Data already in hard copy in the LMDA office has been encoded into the NRDB, and Sally has also obtained shapefiles (computer map layers) from the PPDOs of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte – the two provinces in which the Lake Mainit watershed is situated. More modern maps are being sought, since some of those on computer are out of date and showing, for example, some barangays of Kitcharao Municipality to be in Jabonga, its neighbour to the south. This database will be a great asset to the LMDA since the location of natural resources, land use, LMDA projects and other spatial data can be downloaded from GPS readings, and the results of surveys and projects can also be stored there for easy retrieval when needed.
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
FOCAS Photos
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
DSK along his wife; Mr. Tetangco; Mayor Gatpolintan; AID Foundation representatives and FMC Secretariat during Mainit CBRMI Launching.
FMC Secretariat actively participating in the Mainit CBRMI Project launching last April 2006.
At the left: LGU and CSO Representatives during the 1st CSO-LGULMDA Meeting. At the right: Engr. Matela presents the Prov’l Engagement Strategy during the Proposal Writeshop
Lake Mainit FOCAS on the move!
A PO consultation for FOCAS proposal at Brgy. Gamuton
FMC deliberate EDCADS proposal
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Ms. Lody Padilla leads the EFASS launching in Tubod with Mr. Tetangco, Vice Mayor Dumadag and Mr. Art Cruje.
Gov. Barbers (6th from left) together with notable guests at SUREP launching in Sison last Aug. 2006
Mayor Maturan on his acceptance message during SUREP launching.
Lake Mainit FOCAS on the move!
Ms. Mila of SIUFMULCO pre- Ms. Drez (right) discus with Propegemus President Mr. Hontiveros (left) during senting proposal to FMC Proposal Writeshop
Mahagony seedlings at the nursery of Tagbuyawan in Mainit
Engr. Recabo inspects the construction of gabions AID Foundation conducts SALT training for beneficiaries in Mainit for CBRMI Project in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte
PO
Gabions in Alegria and Bamboo Nursery in Kitcharao: Part of Project Signage installation for PO beneficiaries on their land preparation Secretariat and Riverbank Project for agroforestry project in Mainit. Riverbank Stabilization & Protection Project Phase I.
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Page 10
The Lake Mainit News Update
LAKE MAINIT DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE Project Management Office 3rd Floor, New Public Market Building Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte Caraga Region 13 Mindanao, Philippines Mobile Phone : 0918-4136-863 Contact Person : Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr., Project Director E-mail Address : lakemainit_lmda@yahoo.com.ph
EDITORIAL BOARD KAISER B. RECABO, JR. Chairman • RONALD JOHN R. MATELA • NIVARD S. GONZALES • • JERRY B. ACERO • EMMANUEL Z. GIDACAN • • GLENDA S. ALAWIRAN •
The Lake Mainit
• FELIX P. MAGLAQUE • ALBERTO M. GARRIDO • Members
NEWS UPDATEThe Lake Mainit refers to the 4th largest lake in the Philippines which is located in Northeastern Mindanao. Lake Mainit is classified as Class A freshwater body by the Environmental Management Bureau. The Lake News Update welcomes any suggestions or commentaries and accepts literature or development updates and information especially those which concern on advocacy, protection & preservation of Lake Mainit ecosystem and its watershed. Please send them to the Lake Mainit Development Alliance, Project Management Office, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte c/o FMC Secretariat. You may also send them to our official e-mail address at lakemainit_lmda@yahoo.com.ph.
LMDA establishes website
T
he modern way of technology transfer and global communication exchange inspired the Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) to enter into the world of computer modernization. This was proven when LMDA established its temporary website located at the www.lmda.blogspot.com. This website was designed by a dedicated Mainitnon named Mr. Peter Zimmbodillion Mosende, a Medical Demographer based in Manila. Moreover, Mr. Mosende has been also developing the www.lakemainit.com. Some significant FOCAS activities and information have been already published at the blog address with the help of Mr. Mosende. The Lake Mainit FMC approved the establishment of a new and secured website as part of the collaborative effort of FMC, the Project Management Office and the Technical Working Group of LMDA.. The proposed website will be realized after the FMC selects a webpage designer. Meanwhile, the National Computer Center (NCC) has already approved hosting of the LMDA website last April 2006.
EDITORIAL STAFF OMAR C. BARILLO
JOHNY S. NATAD
FELY GRACE V. CATALAN SALLY E. CROOK
JONATHAN M. NATONIO
CONTRIBUTOR JAY GRACE S. BONOTAN
Site Appraisals (continuation from Page 6) in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte for PASCRESCARAGA. 5. Barangay San Roque and Canaway in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte for AADC-Mindanao. 6. Barangay Cuyago and Bangonay in Jabonga for AADC-Mindanao. 7. Barangay San Isidro in Santiago, Agusan del Norte for SIUFMULCO. 8. Barangay Bunga and San Pablo in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte for EDCADS. The Secretariat, with Engr. Recabo, Jr. has visited and consulted partner NGOs and POs in target areas such as Barangay Gamuton in Alegria, Surigao del Norte for Propegemus Foundation; and Barangay Cabayawa, as well as coastal barangays in Tubay, Agusan del Norte for the LMDA and TUFFMPC project proposals. Hopefully these and other proposed areas which are still to be validated will soon be site-appraised by the PPO.
The Lake Mainit News Update is published by Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee with assistance from AusAID-PACAP