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 & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors
Franklin P. Gumapon, 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 Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X
Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :
JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency Director General
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
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Today’s issue...
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Monday, April 1, 2013
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Vol. 2 No. 155
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Cover Story
Rising from the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Basilan Rene V. Carbayas Western Mindanao
page 4
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Aquino vetoes consolidated bill that aims to remove height requirement for applicants to the police, fire and jail bureaus GSIS grants P126-M in refund for DepEd workers this April
Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao
Good governance starts with the conduct of a SAFE elections – DILG-10 Chief Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao
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Holy Week generally peaceful -- PNP Caraga Refion
Hotel exec bullish on PH prospects Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, Southern Mindanao
Dipolog opens scholarship to poor but deserving students Mary May A. Abellon, CentralMindanao
CoVer StoRy Rising from the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Basilan By Rene V. Carbayas
A
new village is rising in Basilan, which is part of the “highway of peace,� that is built from the sweat and passion of hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life within and outside the province.
At Pamucalin village in Lantawan, Basilan, some 18 kilometers from Isabela City, a small community will soon rise as 18 of the 30 houses are taking form with hundreds of volunteers actively participating in the Bayani Challenge 2013 in this 4
island province. The village is eyed to be the show window for several Gawad Kalinga (GK) projects in the country, engaging the local government unit of Lantawan Municipality and the Team Basilan to rise to the challenge of building, not only the structure (houses) but the community who will live in the area. Team Basilan is the Peace and Development Coordinating Committee of the province consisting of representatives from key government agencies, local chief executives, non-government Monday, April 1, 2013
organizations, religious sector, the military and police, and the academe to harmonize development activities in the area. The team got a glimpse of what the Bayani Challenge is from video documentaries presented during preparatory meeting with the GK representatives. And the expectations are high for the local team to exceed, if not meet the challenges posed. For Luis Oquiñena, GK national executive director, it is easy to start a project like the Bayani Challenge but admits it is difficult to complete and finish them. That is why volunteers are always reminded of its slogan of “walang iwanan” (no leaving behind) and to keep the spirit of volunteerism alive like the one in a family. Learning from his three sons, he said that the true meaning of family is “walang iwanan” (no leaving behind) especially in our quest for peace in
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this part of the country. “We need to be a family. It is important for us to feel like a family, for no one leaves a family or relative behind,” he stressed at the launching of the soon-to-rise Pamucalin GK village as highway of peace last March 26. He added that the burden of building peace does not only belong to Basilan but to the entire country as well. The same slogan was also adopted by President Benigno S. Aquino III that no Filipino should be left behind. That is why the project is fully supported by the Office of the President through the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). From March 23 to 27, 2013, Basilan took part in the nationwide Bayani Challenge and was able to gather at least 500 volunteers who signed up for a five-day test of endurance, dedication, and passion for love of country. The number 5
maybe small compared to thousands of volunteers in 33 other Bayani Challenge sites in the country, but it was already significant for the local organizers considering a peculiar peace and political realities in the area. The five-day Bayani Challenge ended on March 27 but the works have been going on to complete the 30 houses under the watch of Team Basilan and Lantawan LGU. Team Basilan has already agreed on initial guidelines with GK with regard to the selection of right and willing beneficiaries so that they may help in the construction and completion of these houses with a sense of ownership. Only 18 houses were laid out - some with five to 10 layers of hollow blocks as construction has been hampered by the lack of construction materials and supplies. Started in 2006, Bayani
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Challenge is touted to be the biggest volunteer movement in the country after successfully mobilizing 10,400 volunteers last year in the spirit of the quintessential Filipino trait of bayanihan. Driven by this year’s theme of Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan, volunteers sign-up in teams of 15 for a five-day test of courage, endurance and love for country as they engage in varied nation-building activities that include the construction and refurbishment of homes and schools, education sessions for children, treeplanting, clean-up drives, and health missions. Notably in Basilan, the youth and Monday, April 1, 2013
the military dominated the number of volunteers who participated in the event. Inept maybe of the required construction skills, these volunteers have shown unparalleled enthusiasm at the build site, inspiring other builders and volunteers. It is the spirit of joy and the smile these young faces wear – as they carry cracked stones, sacks of sands, wood, and buckets of water - that filled the build site with hope and life for the future of Basilan. Most of them are poor and strive to earn education amid financial challenges; some are victims of armed conflict. But those little limbs and arms, young, fresh,
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and fragile bodies were offered to build this community. The “Kalinga Nights” have also inspired the host community and the volunteers to aspire for a better life, a better Basilan, and a better Philippines. These moments also served as opportunities for the youth, elders, political and community leaders, and even soldiers to unveil themselves to know each other and realize that they all have one common goal: HAPPINESS. And to achieve this, everybody must first take part in building peaceful communities. If there is one learning and realization that each volunteer, including this writer, acquired from the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Basilan, it is each one must have a stake— may it be time, talents, money, and the passion for life. That is why we are called STAKEholders because we have a stake to share in every aspect of what Basilan was, is and will be. 7
ACROSS THE NATION National Economic and Development Authority reports on country’s lower imports
T
he lower overseas purchases of mineral fuels and lubricants, coupled with the drop in purchases of semi-processed raw materials, led to the decrease in imports by 8.0 percent in January 2013. In its five-page Memorandum for and lubricants and raw materials and President Benigno S. Aquino III, the intermediate goods reduced total import National Economic and Development bill in January 2013,” the NEDA said. Authority (NEDA) reported that the The NEDA noted that higher imports country’s total merchandise imports of consumer and capital goods partially declined by 8.0 percent from US$5.1 moderated the import drop during the billion in January 2012 to US$4.7 billion period. in January 2013. Petroleum crude payments also “The lower payments for mineral fuels declined by 45.3 percent during the Monday, April 1, 2013
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period on account of lower import volume and international price of Dubai crude. In particular, the volume of petroleum shipments fell by 45.5 percent while the price of Dubai crude registered a 2.0 percent year-on-year decrease in January 2013. “These made the value of overseas purchases of mineral fuels and lubricants drop by 30.0 percent (US$924.9 million) for the period from US$1.3 billion in January 2012,� the report said. Likewise, the report pointed out that semi-processed raw inputs decreased by 10.3 percent that pushed down imports of raw materials and intermediate goods by 7.8 percent from US$1.9 billion in January 2012 to US$1.8 billion in January 2013. These inputs include materials/ accessories for the manufacture of electrical equipment, which declined by 29.8 percent in January 2013. The trade-in goods deficit narrowed to US$713.9 million from US$1.0 billion in January 2012. Imports for consumer goods grew by 19.5 percent year-on-year to US$622.4 Monday, April 1, 2013
million while capital goods reached US$1.4 billion (3.0%) in January 2013. Higher inward shipments of passenger cars and motorized cycle (21.1%), home appliances (99.6%) and miscellaneous manufactures (7.8%) supported the growth in payments for durable consumer goods (22.3%). The increase in the payments for imported non-durable consumer products (16.8%) was mainly attributed to the increased inward shipments of beverages and tobacco manufactures (115.9%), articles of apparel (40.0%), fruits and vegetables (18.7%) and, fish and fish preparations (29.8%). Furthermore, the increase in import payments for power generating and specialized machines (12.2%), aircraft, ships and boats (50.6%) and land transportation equipment excluding passenger cars and motorized cycle (11.6%) buoyed the growth of payments for imported capital goods in January 2013. The NEDA stressed that the increase in payments for imported capital goods
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was supported by the continuously upbeat outlook on the macroeconomy, with the percentage of businesses with expansion plans increasing to 29.6% in the first quarter of 2013 from 28.8% in the same period in 2012. As for the source of the country’s imports, NEDA said the People’s Republic
of China had the highest share of 13.1 percent of the total value of inward shipments in January 2013. The United States of America came next with a 10.8 percent share, followed by Japan (8.9%), the Republic of Korea (8.5%) and Taiwan (7.1%). PND (js)
Aquino vetoes consolidated bill that aims to remove height requirement for applicants to the police, fire and jail bureaus
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has vetoed the bill that aims to remove the height requirement for applicants to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), a Palace official announced on Monday.
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Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday that the Chief Executive vetoed the consolidated enrolled Senate Bill 3217/House Bill 6203 entitled “An Act Repealing the Minimum Height Requirement for Applicants to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.” Under existing laws, particularly the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 (RA 8551), the BFP and BJMP Professionalization Act of 2004 (RA 9263 as amended by RA 9592) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 (RA 6975), applicants to the PNP, BJMP and BFP must comply with certain general qualifications for appointment to the service. “Whereas height is among these qualifications (1.62 m or 5’4” for male and 1.57 m or 5’2” for female), a waiver of this qualification is allowed under certain conditions. Hence, the Monday, April 1, 2013
total repeal of the height requirement among these service bureaus is unnecessary,” the President said in his veto message. The veto message was transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives last February 25. “While I recognize the noble intent of this measure to address height equality among these bureaus, I am also seriously apprehensive of the concerns propounded by the PNP and BJMP in the safety of their personnel in the performance of their duties, as well as public safety in general,” President Aquino said. “As raised by the BJMP, jail officers, by the nature of their work in guarding detainees or escorting criminals, must possess the necessary physical attributes to perform their functions effectively. Likewise, public safety is paramount in law enforcement by the PNP, as well as in fire-fighting by the BFP,” the President noted. PND (js)
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Transition Commission on Bangsamoro to meet April 3
T
he government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels will formally introduce to the public the 15-man member of the Transition Commission on April 3 during which the Transcom members will hold its first meeting.
Created by President Aquino Transcom is tasked to draft the through Executive Order 120, the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will 12
Monday, April 1, 2013
create the “New Autonomous Political Entity” to be called “Bangsamoro.” The new entity will replace the 23-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which will have its last elections on May 13. But the supposed three-year term of office of ARMM officials who will be elected next month will be cut short as soon as the Basic Law shall be passed by Congress and ratified by the people. Chaired by MILF peace panel chair Mohaqher Iqbal, the Transcom will meet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City. In a press statement, President Benigno C Aquino III’s peace adviser Sec. Teresita Deles said: “We are Monday, April 1, 2013
pleased to announce that the first en banc meeting of the 15-member Transition Commission has been set in the first week of April”. Earlier, the President requested the postponement of the March 25-27 exploratory talks to further study the remaining issues still to be resolved by both panels. While the formal talks was suspended, both panels met in an executive meeting, also in Kuala Lumpur, and issued a joint press statement saying they agreed to meet on the second week of April. Iqbal said the the supposed meeting of Transcom was scheduled last week but moved to first week of April in deference to the Holy Week celebration. Of the 15-man Transcom, eight were recommended by the MILF while the rest were named by the government. In announcing the composition of the Transcom, President Aquino said it was well represented, including indigenous peoples and women sector. (PNA) 13
NGCP guarantees reliable power transmissions in 2013 elections by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) assured the public that the power transmission will remain reliable and stable during the crucial May elections this year.
Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza NGCP spokesperson and head of corporate communications said during the Power 102 – Transmission Development Plan (TDP) and press conference here, March 26, that the company formed a special task force which will be responsible for the smooth 14
transmission of electricity and creation of contingency plans and measures during the election period. Part of the task force’s mandate is to secure the lines and substations from any threats to avoid unplanned outages. She added that NGCP had no Monday, April 1, 2013
transmission related outage in the 2010 elections and they intend to have the same set-up this year. As part of its preparations, NGCP emphasized that it will not conduct its regular maintenance activities a week before and after the elections to make all the transmission assets available for power delivery. Further, she explained that they can only guarantee that there will be no transmission-related interruptions. However, power interruption caused by other factors, such as generation deficiencies, or those pertaining to distribution utility operations, are beyond their control.
Earlier this month, the Department of Energy (DOE) created a Power Task Force intended to secure the country’s power supply for the mid-term elections. Together with other energy agencies, NGCP is also a member of the said task force. NGCP’s task force is aligned with the Power Task Force created by DOE. “We shall be in constant coordination with them and with other agencies in the power industry, to ensure that we have a power interruption free election this year,” said Alabanza.
GSIS grants P126-M in refund for DepEd workers this April by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that it will refund the amount of P126.47 million to more than 20,500 active and retired employees of the Department of Education (DepEd) beginning first week of April. The second tranche of refund represents the payment of premium contributions pertaining to the government share, which were previously deducted from the life insurance benefits of these employees. Last January, GSIS provided an initial refund amounting to P362.35 million which benefited more than 73,000 DepEd personnel. This, after the pension fund Monday, April 1, 2013
received the P3.46 billion payment of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), representing half of the total P6.92 billion in unpaid compulsory premium contributionsgovernment share of more than 800,000 teaching and non-teaching employees of the DepEd from July 1, 1997 to December 31, 2010. “The settlement formed part of a milestone agreement signed in September last year, among DBM, 15
DepEd and GSIS, which finally addressed the chronic issue on the non-remittance of premiums affecting the right of DepEd workers to avail themselves of their full GSIS benefits while in service and upon their retirement,” GSIS President and General Manager Robert Vergara said. Those covered by the refund include employees whose Cash Surrender Value (amount paid to the policyholder upon separation from the service) or Maturity Benefit (benefit payable upon maturity of the endowment policy) were deducted premiums-in-arrears for due months July 1997 to December 2010. As a result of the second tranche
of refund, “more than 14,000 DepEd employees in active service will enjoy a proportionate increase in loanable amounts and potentially, increased retirement benefits,” Vergara said. GSIS will also recalculate the benefits received by 6,530 separated and retired employees and will refund any deducted amount. Their pensions will likewise be adjusted. The refund will be released through the employees’ UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID) eCards; those without eCard will be released through checks. For any question on the refund, DepEd employees may call the GSIS hotline number (02) 847.4747.
Good governance starts with the conduct of a SAFE elections – DILG-10 Chief by Rutchie C. Aguhob
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Good governance starts with the conduct of a safe and fair election (SAFE) that serves as a test for the people to support the “Matuwid na Daan” (Straight Path) of the Aquino Administration. This was the message of Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, Regional Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10, to the more than 370 candidates for the May 13, 2013 elections in Misamis Occidental during the recent Peace Covenant Signing initiated by the Provincial Joint Security Control 16
Center (PJSCC). Foremost in the covenant was the commitment by the candidates in the congressional, provincial and municipal level to abide by all election laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The Covenant also asked Monday, April 1, 2013
the candidates to commit to the following: To conduct a high level campaign, explaining their program of government, qualifications, reasons for seeking public office and provide the people with accurate information that will help them assess the candidates’ fitness for public office. To treat their opponents as they would want them to treat the candidates and to campaign on issues, only, and that character assassination and false promises will not be part of their strategies. To refrain from using guns, goons and gold to win in the elections and to strongly admonish their followers and supporters to desist from using violence, deceit and fraud and other unfair and dishonest practices to ensure their election. To remember always that as God’s steward on earth, they must promote Safe, Clean and Healthy environment and a unequivocal reverence of life and to refrain from imploring methods that would thwart and subvert the will of the people and endanger the sanctity of the ballot.
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To avoid any and all illegal drug business, all forms of illegal gambling, extra judicial killings, vote-buying and any form of cheating in the elections, exorbitant campaigning and to abide by the decision of the majority and be magnanimous in victory and grateful in defeat. With Burdeos to witness the signing were the Election Officers (EO’s) of the different LGU’s of the province led by Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES) and Archbishop Jesus Dosado, Archdiocese of Ozamiz, represented by Rev. Fr. Arnold Daplin, Parish Priest, Holy Rosary Parish. Also present were P/Sr. Supt. David Umbao, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, Philippine National Police (PNP), Region 10, Brig. General Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad, Asst. Division Commander, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (1ID,PA) and Lt. Col. Rommel B. Almaria, Commander, 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB) representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
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PAMANA initiates peace-building interventions in Caraga by Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY -- The Payapa at Masaganang PamayaNan, known as PAMANA, initiated a list of peace-building projects for 2014 for the Caraga Region, the regional Dept. of Interior and Local Government said Wednesday. DILG Regional Director Lilibeth reconstruction and development Famacion said PAMANA is a in conflict-affected areas. national government’s peace and She said the DILG expects that the development framework to respond list of PAMANA peace intervention and strengthen the peace building, initiatives would create an
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environment for achieving lasting peace in the conflict-affected areas in the region. Based on the latest status of the Caraga region, there has been lack or absence of road connectivity, poor delivery of basic social services (particularly of health, water, education and electricity), limited livelihood opportunities, insurgency issues, presence of illegal and legal mining and logging activities, and large tribal population with lack of tenurial instrument and security in
managing ancestral domain. To address those problems and issues, the PAMANA interventions focused its priorities in improving the presence of security in highly vulnerable areas, Famacion said. PAMANA also listed policy reforms in a bid to improve the advocacy on government programs, address issues in mining and logging issues, sustainable livelihood support, implementation of access road projects, and improved delivery of basic social services. (PNA)
Holy Week generally peaceful -- PNP
BUTUAN CITY -- The traditional celebration of the Holy Week, which began on Palm Sunday, was generally peaceful, police authorities said Saturday. Monday, April 1, 2013
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PNP Director for Operations Alex Paul Monteagudo, in his report to PNP chief Director General Alan LM Purisima, said, except for the condemnable attack by communist New People’s Army insurgents on militiaman guarding a religious activity in Butuan City on Good Friday, no other major untoward incidents were reported by police regional offices. Monteagudo said “Oplan SumVac,” the police protection plan for Holy Week, will remain operational until Easter Monday when travelers are expected to trek back to the urban center after the four day holiday. “Public assistance centers put up in strategic locations along major thoroughfares and transport terminals, airports and seaports are under strict orders to remain in their posts until after the last traveler has safely returned,” Monteagudo said. For his part, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso 20
R. Cerbo, Jr. said continuing law enforcement operations during the Holy Week holiday netted more violators of the COMELEC-imposed gun ban, including drug law and street crime violators. As of Black Saturday, the PNP has arrested 2,032 gun ban violators and confiscated 1,982 firearms, and other deadly weapons more than halfway thru the 150-day gun ban period in connection with the 2013 midterm elections on May 13, Cerbo said. He added regular law enforcement operations including accounting of wanted persons continued without let-up during the Holy Week. (PNA)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Relative peace monitored in R-XI during Holy Week Lt. Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said the heightened alert observed by the soldiers paid off with the zero atrocities monitored in the countryside compared to the week prior to the Holy Days. He said the rebels could have used also the occasion to reflect and to rest. Paniza said the rebels also commemorated another founding anniversary last March 29 which was preceded by a series of harassment particularly in the province of Compostela Valley like setting up checkpoints, abduction and detonation of improvised land mines, consequently raising concern and fear among the residents. CAMP MANUEL YAN, MAWAB, He said a rebel encampment COMVAL-The military has assessed was discovered in Barangay a relative peace in all the areas Danwata, Malita, Davao del Sur on covered by the 10th Infantry Divi- Holy Thursday but no significant sion during the commemoration of encounter happened.
the Holy Week. 22
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“There was no large enemy activity during the Holy Week, though we expect them to conduct more atrocities since it is already election period and it is an opportunity to inform politicians that the rebel movement is still around and a force to reckon with in their demand for revolutionary taxes,” he said. Paniza recognized the effort of the residents and other stakeholders in the countryside to cooperate in the peace and order campaign of the police and the military. He said the initiatives of the lawful authorities would not result positively without the cooperation of the residents given the vastness of their area of responsibility. “I urge the resident to continue helping the police and military by providing accurate and timely information about the presence of armed men in your area so that we
can respond accordingly,” Paniza said. On the demand of the rebels for suspension of military operation to give way to the release of PO3 Ruben Nohapa who was abducted in a rebel checkpoint in Nabunturan two week ago, he said that there is no military operation to stop given that all basic activities of the soldiers are focused on the peace and development outreach program. Paniza remained firm that the rebels are merely using the abducted policeman as issue in their propaganda campaign. “There is nothing to suspend because we have no military operation. We are not looking or pursuing the rebels. They can release the captured policeman even without this condition,” he pointed out. (RGA/JSD/PIA XI)
DAVAO CITY- A hotel executive bared that his company is bullish on the potentials of the Philippines as an emerging hotel market in the Asia Pacific Region. “You have an expanding middle class, young and dynamic population plus the presence of low cost airlines and a growing government spending on infrastructure.” says Simon Barlow, Asia Pacific president of the Carlson Rezidor Group. The Carlson Rezidor Group
of Hotels is one of the largest hotel group in the world operating in 80 countries and employing 78,000 people in its 1079 hotels belonging to the group. It recently inaugurated its newest hotel in the Philippines- Park Inn by Radisson located in Davao City. Barlow cited the potentials of the country during his press conference held last March 22 during the formal opening of Park Inn by Radisson in Davao City. He cited the 41-million domestic and
Hotel exec bullish on PH prospects
Monday, April 1, 2013
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international tourists in 2012 which is estimated to grow by 66 million in 2016. He said that by 2016 the country would need 76,000 hotel rooms across the country to fill the growing tourism market. Barlow bared that the country along with India and Indonesia are where the company is focusing in the region. The hotel executive cited the multiple development opportunities present in the country. The Carlson Rezidor regional head said that they are focusing on midscale hotels like the Park Inn by Radisson brand as there is growing market for midscale hotels and the country has many upscale hotels in the pipeline. He said that present location 24
of the hotel in Davao City was ripe for development, he cited the combination of a convention facility and a mall is a powerful complement to Davao City being the capital city of the south. The Park Inn by Radisson Davao built by SM Hotels and Conventions is a 204-room P750million midscale hotel development it is located inside the SM Lanang Premiere which hosts a sprawling shopping mall and a 4,750 square meter convention facility, the SMX Davao. According to Barlow there are 128 Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the world across 39 countries with 68 more hotels in the pipeline, the Davao Park Inn is the first hotel of the brand in the Asia Pacific Region. (PIA/RG Alama) Monday, April 1, 2013
Mindanao power problem may end by 2015, says NGCP spokesperson By Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY – Mindanao may become power-sufficient by 2015, according to Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza, spokesperson and adviser for external affairs of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). In a recent media briefing and press conference with the local press here, Atty. Alabanza said the NGCP has nothing to do with the rotating brownout plaguing Mindanao nowadays because the problem lies
mainly in the power supply. She, however, told the media practitioners that the power problem in the island is now being addressed and it is expected to be over by 2015 with the completion of new power plants. Presently, the power consumers in this part of the country have to bear with rotating brownouts ranging from four to six hours each day except for the service area of the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO). ZANECO has been able to tap other power source to cushion the
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Monday, April 1, 2013
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impact of power rationing by the National Power Corporation (NPC) due to limited supply. Other NGCP officials attending the media briefing were Engr. Eric Vincent Cariaga, operations and maintenance head for District 1 in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Mr. Guillermo R. Redoblado, technical adviser to the NGCP President and CEO and Ms. Elizabeth Ladaga of NGCP’s Public Affairs Division. The media practitioners present
in said activity were Zamboanga del Norte Press Club president Rosemarie P. Miranda, “Kapihan sa Dipolog” program hosts Editha P. Tomong, Edgar Sorronda and Paul James Jauculan, Tingog Peninsula Editor-Publisher Eduardo de la Cerna, Philippine Information Agency (PIA)Zamboanga del Norte head Alfonso T. Ruda, RMN-dxDR manager Richard Villaronte, dxAA Manager Jett Opilac and other radio reporters.
Dipolog opens scholarship to poor but deserving students By Mary May A. Abellon DIPOLOG CITY - The city government here has granted scholarship to 833 indigent students coming from the city and other municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte. With funding from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), this scholarship program is in line with the city government’s “SWIGAPORE 2030” vision that aims to make Dipolog as green as Switzerland and as progressive as Singapore. The scholars will each receive a financial aid of P 5 thousand per semester and should enroll only at the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), as the scholarship funds shall be automatically downloaded at said school. JRMSU is the only state-run university in the province with campuses in the cities of Dapitan and Dipolog and the municipalities of Katipunan, Siocon and Tampilisan. 26
Radmoran Brylle Gonzales of Sicayab, Dipolog City and Cindy Jane Advincula of Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte have expressed gratitude for having been chosen as “Swigapore” scholars. “Although the financial assistance would not be enough, this is of great help for us to continue our studies,” they said. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, on the other hand, reminded the scholars make good with their studies and “not waste this opportunity because what they will learn will be their weapon to success.” It was also learned that more slots are coming for the second batch of said scholarship program. Monday, April 1, 2013
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AFP assists 128 displaced Filipinos from Sabah By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has continued to assist hundreds of displaced Filipinos from Sabah who are fleeing from the ongoing tension there. Col Rodrigo T. Gregorio GSC (INF), Commander PIO of Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) disclosed in a press release that on March 29, 2013, another set of displaced persons from Sabah arrived in Zamboanga City aboard a Philippine Navy vessel, BRP Apolinario Mabini. With direct instruction from WesMinCom, the said vessel picked 28
up the 128 DPS (displaced persons from Sabah) at Taganak, Tawi-Tawi last March 28 and proceeded to Jolo Pier in Sulu to drop the 55 of the 128 DPS who came from the said province. Then from Jolo Pier, BRP Apolinario Mabini set out towards Zamboanga City to ferry the remaining 73 DPS and at around 12:40 p.m. of the same day the Monday, April 1, 2013
arrived at Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Lower Calarian, Zamboanga City. Gregorio said upon the arrival of the DPS at Ensign Majini Pier, personnel from the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) BASULTA (BasilanSulu-Tawi-Tawi) were already in the area. The DPS were then transported to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Processing Center at Bargangay Talon-Talon in this city where they would be documented for proper identification. Since the tension started in Sabah, hundreds of Filipinos fled and arrived in Zamboanga in batches. The displaced Filipinos are mostly from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. These provinces have also set up crisis management teams to receive, document, and assist returning Monday, April 1, 2013
Filipinos. The AFP through the WesMinCom has been ready to provide necessary assistance to those who have been affected by the Sabah crisis, exhausting all its resources, from transportation to manpower to ensure that proper assistance is being provided to DPS. Team Basilan has also been leading the reception and assistance of returning Basileùos. The provincial and local governments, together with the local social welfare personnel and the 104th Sultan� Brigade have provided meals, relief goods, and transportation to the displaced persons. A staff from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is also around to encourage displaced Filipinos to enroll in its livelihood skills training program. 29
Hundreds of volunteers join BAYANI challenge in Tupi, SoCot and GenSan By Catherine Apelacio GENERAL SANTOS CITY--Volunteers from the municipal government of Tupi, South Cotabato trooped to “Bayani Challenge� sites in the municipality to share their time and lend a hand---all in the spirit of volunteerism.
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The Bayani Challenge which is a vital component program of the Pilipinas Natin and in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK) opened on March 23 in 37 different sites in the country. Herbert Jugador, municipal assessor said the participation of the municipal employees was an indication that they were accepting the challenge and acknowledging the importance of keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive in the hearts of the Filipinos. He said close to 400 volunteers have joined the Bayani Challenge held at the barangays of Kalkam, Bunao, and sitio Glandang, Kablon adding that there were also non-government employees that have enlisted themselves as volunteers. Volunteers, he said in the three sites where Bayani Challenge has taken place have chosen to undertake different activities. Volunteers for Monday, April 1, 2013
barangay Kalkam made some repairs and repainted the five classrooms of three buildings in Kalkam Elementary School. Mother of two teacher-in-charge Nylen Catedrilla, 44, said she gladly welcomes the Bayani Challenge in her area as “this is a big help to us up here.” “Malaking tulong ito sa amin mga guro kahit paunti-unti lamang pero kung tuloy-tuloy ang suporta sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan o ng pagtulong-tulong talagang may malaking improvement na makikita (This is a great help to us teachers. Even if the help comes in gradually but if the support is continuous you can really see there is a big improvement,” she said expressing the hope that the like of Bayani Challenge would visit her school regularly. For barangay Bunao, wolunteers have settled themselves to clean the 2.6 hectares
of resettlement area for the relocated 46 families and started making a garden in the area planting it with red squash, string beans, and okra. Eva Cagas, municipal librarian said they are happy to be volunteers of Bayani Challenge. “This is a nice event of a noble cause. It’s also good that we are able to go out once in a while of our office premises and try to be bayani ourselves by helping our fellow constituents who are needy,” she said. Volunteers from the Municipal Health Office (MHO) who are among the members of the group also conducted an IEC on health focusing on the ill effects of tobacco, prevention of filariasis, dengue, tuberculosis, importance of handwashing, among others. Dentists in the group also initiated an oral examination and distributed toothbrush for the children and the adults. The Municipal
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Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the Municipal Library Office volunteers also conducted a social activity for children such as coloring contest. In sitio Glandang, Kablon, a tree planting activity was undertaken by volunteers to preserve and protect the area being a place of sanctuary to special species of animals and plants. Meanwhile, Aimiel Agcaoili, SocSarGen Pilipinas Natin and GK coordinator said there were 350 volunteers in General Santos City helping to complete up to window level the nine houses to be awarded to the deserving poor families identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). The houses are located at the Promised Land GK Village in Mabuhay here. He said the original plan six years ago for the area was 20 houses but due to the current 32
increase in housing materials “we need to reduce the number of houses to nine only.” He said the nine beneficiaries would be selected by drawing lots and the houses may be awarded to them by May this year. But we have to meet and discuss the matter with the bosses, he said. “The volunteers are only required to complete up to window level only the rest will have to be continued by the winning beneficiaries,” he told
PIA General Santos City. Agcaoili also said the remaining 11 families will have to wait for their turn in the next projects “since this is how GK really works” saying “we are not only focused on building houses but also developing our beneficiaries into a one whole community.” He also explained that while Pilipinas Natin promotes the value of volunteerism, GK, on the other hand, nurtures on partnership.
Monday, April 1, 2013
DOE holds power forum in Gensan By Catherine T. Apelacio GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government here hosted a Power Forum on March 27, to present to the public the initiatives being done by different stakeholders to address the problem on power shortage in Mindanao.
The forum was led by the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) through the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the city government. Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla and Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, MinDA chairperson, joined as resource speakers of the forum at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center here. According to MinDA, the forum “aimed to present the Mindanao power situation and the status of MPMC efforts to address power supply shortfall” in the region. It also imparted some measures discussed and in the pipeline to help resolve Monday, April 1, 2013
power shortage and brownouts here and nearby areas within the South Cotabato 2 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) franchise, MinDA said. Earlier, the city government through the City Economic M a n a g e m e n t and Cooperative D e v e l o p m e n t Office (CEMCDO) in cooperation with the GSC Chamber of Commerce and Socoteco II also led a series of power forums for media, business sectors, and the academe. The forums stemmed from the worsening power outage which Socoteco II has been implementing early this month. Currently, SarGen (Sarangani-GenSan) area is experiencing a twice-a-day brownout
carried out either in the morning or afternoon or evening with 3.5 hours each and totaling 7-hour power outage daily. Socoteco II also serves the municipalities of Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato. In one of the forums, Socoteco general manager Rodolfo Ocat has asked the public for continuous understanding attributing the problem to the inability of the Mindanao Power Grid to produce the necessary power supply. He also urged power consumers to help cushion power deficiency by practicing “energy conservation” at homes proposing then a “3-hour daily unplugging of refrigerators” and other high-power consuming appliance. 33
Ocat also cited the law of supply and demand, saying that General Santos City’s business activities have been perking up, however the current supply of electricity which the grid is generating to the National Power Corporation (NPC) and transmitted by the NGCP is not enough to back up the city’s increasing good economic outlook thus there is a so-called power deficiency taking place. As of March this year, Socoteco has projected a power shortfall of 42 megawatts (MW). Engr. Joseph Yanga, Socoteco system planning supervisor said the coop has to contain with reduced 40MW this month from the 52MW power supply provided by NPC in January of this year. The existing supply is, however, complemented by 30MW contract with Therma Marine, Incorporated, totaling then to 70 MW for this 34
month out of the overall demand of 112MW. Socoteco is a distribution utility that is merely following the advisory from the grid system operator, Engr. Yanga explained. He said power unloading depends on NGCP’s advice as this determines how many megawatts of power that would be shaved off in a day. Earlier, NGCP maintained they are not a generation company and has nothing to do with the production of any single electricity since their focus is primarily on the transmission side likening itself to a “highway.” Meanwhile, City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio expressed optimism in the government’s efforts to look into both short and long term solutions to solve
the power crisis in Mindanao. She said there is a great possibility that GenSan’s 112MW demand would be meet soon once the Iligan Diesel Power Plant will be activated. “Inaasahan po natin madagdagan ng 12MW kung magagawang paganahin ang Iligan Diesel Power Plant sa darating na Mayo at karagdagang 30MW pagkatapos ito marehabilitate sa buwan ng Agosto (We are expecting that we will have additional 12MW upon the activation of Iligan Diesel Power Plant in May and hopefully another 30MW after it has undergone full rehabilitation by August),” Custodio told her constituents giving them a ray of hope that the flow of electricity here will soon be normalized. (CT Apelacio/PIA 12
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