PIA-XI drums up climate change awareness, disaster preparedness
Rudolph Alama SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Page 4 TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 220
NATIONAL
8 13 16 17 20 21
President Aquino says Supreme Court overlooked legal basis for DAP implementation
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
DavOr charts out development plan for PWD sector Carina L. Cayon
NORTHERN MINDANAO
7
Mines, geosciences bureau reiterares local gov’t roles on finding relocation sites Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
BIR tax collection drive pays off
Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CARAGA REGION
Surigao Norte town enterprise devt projects receives GPB funding from DTI Ma. Theresa Z. Calang
Bamboo devt project funding boost from DTI Ma. Theresa Z. Calang
CENTRAL MINDANAO
30 31
Cotabato’s water district mulls upgrading of services Danilo E. Doguiles
10
NorthCot IPHO extends health services to over 33,000 individuals in 1st sem
Shahana Joy E. Duerme
WESTERN MINDANAO
33 35
Gov’t, NGOs set arrangements for OSYs’ welfare in Isabela City Rene V. Carbayas
Bayog conducts earthquake drills in schools Claro A. Lanipa
12 Information to Empower Filipinos
COVER STORY
PIA-XI drums up climate change awareness, disaster preparedness
T
by Rudolph Alama
he Philippine Information Agency in Davao Region recently made its first salvo in rolling out communication activities lined up under Climate Change Advocacy. It conducted the Orientation/ Briefing on Climate Change for Information Officers from June 19 to June 21 at Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Philippine Information Agency-XI Regional Director Efren F. Elbanbuena expected only about 50 information officers from local government units (LGUs) and national line agencies to come for the event. Exceeding his expectation, about 80 came to join the activity that he designed not just for participants to listen to lectures but to learn from model Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center in Davao del Norte and in Compostela Valley. The Orientation/Briefing on Climate Change for Information Officers, however, was not the only climate change and disaster risk reduction management-related activity that Regional Director Efren Elbanbuena organized to drumbeat public awareness
on the new normal weather conditions and how these would affect human existence. Disaster Reporting Looking back, in year 2011, PIA Davao Region co-organized with MindaNews the 2nd Davao Regional Media Conference which tackled “Disaster Reporting for the Media Practitioners� hosted by the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte. In the same year, PIA 11 organized the briefing/ orientation on GeoHazards and Disaster Reporting for LGU Information Officers. During the activity,
the “Geo-Hazard Forum” . Aimed at raising awareness on the high geo-hazard risks that residents of Mt. Diwata were facing, the forum revealed the particular high-risk areas within the Diwalwal Mineral Reservation Area (DMRA). PIA 11 invited resource speakers from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and from the Director Elbanbuena announced the latest Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) innovation in short messaging system 11. (SMS) which PIA 11 tapped as a means of “real-time reporting” using the SMART Before Pablo Infoboard Solutions. In 2012, PIA 11 attempted to reach Early in 2012, through its DavComval Information Center, PIA 11 out and share the Protocol on Disaster started discussing with the Provincial Reporting with information officers in Information Office and the Provincial Davao Oriental. Due to time-constraint Disaster Reduction Management Office in in arranging it, PIA 11 was overtaken by Davao del Norte the “Protocol on Disaster the mighty gust of Typhoon Pablo which brought immense devastation never Reporting for Information Officers.” In August of the same year, the before seen by the present generation of Protocol was adopted by the PGO-IDS of Comvalenyos and Dabawenyos. Due to the long-time established Compostela Vallley which facilitated the with information officers presentation of such protocol to the 10th network Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of particularly in Compostela Valley and in Davao del Norte and its wide alliance with the Philippines. Earlier, on June 21, 2012, PIA 11 national line agencies, PIA 11 rode out braved its way to the gold-rush Brgy Mt. from the wave of difficulty in gathering Diwata, Monkayo in Compostela Valley. situation reports from grassroots level. During the continuing relief and Dir. Elbanbuena brought along regional heads of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11, the commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion of the 1001st Infantry Brigade and the secretariat of the Program Monitoring and Coordination Center of the National Task Force Diwalwal to conduct 5
rehabilitation phase in areas devastated by Typhoon Pablo, PIA 11 supported the series of “Makigsayod Information Forum” organized by the PGO-IDS of Compostela Valley conducted in Typhoon Pablo-hit towns in the province. On the other hand, with the openness and support of Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon, PIA 11 organized a series of communication activities in the province, labelled as “Pagpatigam”, derived from a Mandaya term meaning “to inform”. PIA 11 conducted in July 2013, a communication skills enhancement training for information officers and media practitioners in Mati City in tie up with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Agencies (UNOCHA) which was still then assisting Davao Oriental. It made a follow-through activity in September 2013 and conducted Communication Planning session with the same participants invited during the first Pagpatigam session in July, 2013. Before Yolanda Meanwhile, long before Typhoon Yolanda made a landfall in November, 2013 in Leyte, Director Elbanbuena made headway preparing for the “Makigsayod Information Forum for Indigenous Peoples” in Brgy. Upper Ulip in Monkayo, Compostela Valley. It was set early on November 7, a day before Typhoon Yolanda was expected to first hit Leyte but was postponed to later date on November 21 due to the typhoon. The “Makigsayod Information Forum
for Indigenous Peoples” was aimed at informing IPs in the Mt. Diwalwal Mineral Reservation site of the geo-hazard risks in their area and to educate them about the extreme changes in weather conditions caused by climate change. Two, super typhoon came and went lately. PIA 11 moved onward, rolling out its communication activities designed to raise awareness and deepen public understanding on the need to prepare for disasters triggered by onslaught of natural phenomenon made more harsh due to extreme climate changes. Due Credit PIA 11 gives due credit to funding agencies which generously share resources, enabling it to exercise its role in building disaster-resilient communities. Among its funding agencies are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which highly involves PIA in its PMCC NTFD operation and in its Climate Change Advocacy. The Department of Energy (DOE) also provides assistance for activities on energy conservation which is also a major concern in climate change adaptation and mitigation. It also recognizes the cooperation of national line agencies which have helped PIA 11 create significant impact in the communities where it holds its activities. PIA 11 also banks on the support of local governments units which have embraced the communication activities of PIA as vital aid necessary to help them achieve community preparedness amidst threat of climate change.
Across
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Nation
President Aquino to appeal Supreme Court’s decision on DAP
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III said his administration will file a motion for reconsideration at the Supreme Court (SC) regarding the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAF), appealing to members of the High Court to help his government ease the burden of the people. In a televised address to the nation on He cited Book VI, Chapter 5, Section Monday evening, the President defended 39 of the 1987 Administrative Code of the implementation of the DAP, saying the Philippines, which he said allows the it does not violate the Constitution. President to transfer savings to other projects. JULY| PAGE
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“Nakita naman po ninyo, na ayon sa batas na ito, hayagang binibigyan ng kapangyarihan ang Pangulo na maglipat ng savings sa ibang proyekto. Walang nakasaad na limitado sa isang departamento o sangay ng gobyerno ang paglilipat ng savings. Sa simpleng salita po: Hindi tayo lumabag sa batas nang ipatupad natin ang DAP,” President Aquino said. He said the Supreme Court has much to consider that it may better clarify its decision regarding the DAP, and hopefully realize its decision’s negative effect on the country. “Iaapela natin ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Magagawa po natin ito sa pamamagitan ng paghahain ng Motion for Reconsideration para magbigaydaan sa mas buo at mas kumpletong pagsipat sa ating mga batas,“ he said. The President further noted that his government does not want the two equal branches of government to go head-to-head, and eventually need congressional intervention. He expressed his belief that, like his administration, the majority of the members of the Supreme Court want only the best for the Filipino people.
“Sa mga kagalang-galang na Mahistrado ng Korte Suprema: Tulungan n’yo naman kaming tulungan ang ating mga kababayan. Balikan niyo sana ang ginawa ninyong desisyon nang may pagsasaalang-alang sa mga inilatag kong paliwanag ngayong gabi,” he said. “Umaasa po ang sambayanan sa makatuwiran ninyong pagtugon. Umaasa akong kapag nakita ninyo ang mga isusumite naming argumento ukol sa batas at sa ekonomiya, magkakaisa tayo, at titibay ang kapasidad ng buong pamahalaan na isulong ang interes ng sambayanan.” He said that in the comings days, his Cabinet, as well as some beneficiaries of the DAP, will provide more information about the program. In his address, President Aquino denied that the DAP is similar to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). “Muli kong ididiin: Mabuti ang DAP. Tama ang intensyon. Tama ang pamamaraan. Tama ang resulta. Mga boss, ipinapangako ko sa inyo: Hindi ko hahayaang pahabain pa ang pagdurusa ninyo, kung ngayon pa lang, ay kaya na nating ibsan ito,” he said.
President Aquino says Supreme Court overlooked legal basis for DAP implementation
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III said he was surprised that the Supreme Court (SC) did not take into account the legal basis for the implementation of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). JULY 2014 | PAGE
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In a 25-minute nationwide address on Monday evening, the President said the High Tribunal had overlooked the legal basis of the DAP – Book VI, Chapter 5, Section 39 of the 1987 Administrative Code of the Philippines, which he noted is in effect, “even until now”. The section states: “—Except as otherwise provided in the General Appropriations Act, any savings in the regular appropriations authorized in the General Appropriations Act for programs and projects of any department, office or agency, may, with the approval of the President, be used to cover a deficit in any other item of the regular appropriations…” “Ang epektibong paggugol ng pondo ay hindi lang po dikta ng aking konsensya, malinaw din pong nakasaad sa iba’t ibang probisyon ng isang batas na ang pangalan ay Administrative Code of 1987, at tinalakay ang paggamit ng savings,” the Chief Executive explained. “Nagulat nga po kami nang makita naming hindi naisaalang-alang sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema ang ginamit naming batayan ng DAP. Paano kaya nila nasabing unconstitutional ang aming paraan ng paggastos gayong hindi man lang nila tinalakay ang aming pinagbatayan? Hanggang sa mga sandaling ito, umiiral pa rin ang Section
39 ng Administrative Code, at ang marami pang ibang bahagi nito,” he added. However, President Aquino pointed out that he is not declaring war against the magistrates of the High Tribunal. “Ang mensahe ko po sa Korte Suprema: Ayaw nating umabot pa sa puntong magbabanggaan ang dalawang magkapantay na sangay ng gobyerno, kung saan kailangan pang mamagitan ang ikatlong sangay ng gobyerno,” said the President. President Aquino said that Malacañang will appeal the High Court’s decision, even as the magistrates voted 13-0, declaring some of the sections of DAP as unconstitutional. “Magagawa po natin ito sa pamamagitan ng paghahain ng Motion for Reconsideration para magbigay-daan sa mas buo at mas kumpletong pagsipat sa ating mga batas,” he stressed. He ended his message with the reiteration that the DAP’s intentions, processes and results were correct, as well as a promise. “Mga boss… Hindi ko hahayaang pahabain pa ang pagdurusa ninyo, kung ngayon pa lang, ay kaya na nating ibsan ito,” he said. PND
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Knowledge, research, and policy center for Mindanao pushed
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n efforts to strengthen the link between research and policy formulation in Mindanao, the creation of a knowledge, research, and policy center is being pushed to bolster policy-directed researches, as well as institutionalize development planning, and policy advocacy within the island-region. The Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation Inc. (MSCFI), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the other higher education institutions (HEIs) are advocating for the establishment of the Mindanao Knowledge, Research and Policy Center (MKRPC), an institution that will engage the academe and research institutions in conducting policy-directed researches. JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
Part of the goal of MKRPC is to provide a common database of policy researches and experts on Mindanao and facilitate identified priority research studies among academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. The center also aims to contribute to policy formulation and advocacy for Mindanao at the legislative and executive branches of the government, and will facilitate collaborative efforts in the conduct of research, PAGE | 10
studies, and other similar undertakings. MSCFI President Lourdesita SobrevegaChan said there is a need to harmonize and align researches and policy studies with the thrusts and priorities of the Mindanao Peace and Development Framework Plan or the Mindanao 2020. MSCFI is a research consortium established in 2003 that serves a clearing house of ideas and resources designed to provide solutions to Mindanao’s socioeconomic needs through research and policy studies. Currently chaired by the Ateneo de Davao University, it is composed of 14 academic institutions and research organizations across the island-region. “By aligning our researches with the goals and visions of Mindanao 2020, this will promote a culture of scientific research and development among key implementing agencies and will help us employ effective methods that will address the region’s challenges and realities,” Chan added. The Mindanao 2020 is the 20year roadmap for the socioeconomic development of Mindanao which sets the directions, strategies, and key initiatives necessary to achieve peace and sustainable development in the region. “We recognize the fact that to effect inclusive growth in Mindanao, we must utilize holistic approach in development, which requires research tools and methodologies that will provide precise methods in carrying out development programs that will respond to the region’s peculiar needs,” said Janet Lopoz, MinDA executive director. She added that Mindanao’s academic institutions are a rich source of researches and studies that if harnessed, can evolve as key directives for the region’s planners and policy makers. JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
“As the command center of a Mindanao-focused scientific research and development, MKPRC aims to provide a platform for effective knowledge management that will not only improve access to data and resource sharing, but eventually lead to the implementation of Mindanao 2020’s key development programs,” added Lopoz. A joint undertaking of MinDA and the MSCFI, the establishment of the MKRPC will also improve Mindanao’s knowledge networks with academic and research institutions abroad, as well as both local and international communities of academic scholars. In 2013, the MSCFI in collaboration with MinDA completed the Ridge-to Reef capacity assessment of key partners of the MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program, MinDA’s flagship environment program. Results of the study now serve as bases in strengthening the capacities of cooperating agencies in applying the river basin approach in planning and policy-formulation. Other studies conducted by the consortium include the Annotated Bibliography of Mindanao Studies, Check-Points and Choke Points, and the Cultural Mapping Research and School of Peace Assessment. Co-chaired by Father Saturnino Urius University in Butuan City, other MSCFI members include the University of South Eastern Philippines, the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, the Mindanao State University system, the Notre Dame University, the Western Mindanao State University, the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, the Dansalan College Foundation, and the Alternate Forum For Research In Mindanao. PAGE | 11
Davao City eyes development of Japanese heritage sites
Tourism Officer said they are planning to reconstruct heritage sites like monuments particularly in Barangay Mintal, with the city trying to source the funds from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority of which they are submitting the proposal. Among the projects include cultural-historical mapping of Japanese heritage sites and restorations of these monuments and relics. The identified flagbearer of the project is barangay Mintal which was the site of a pre-war Japanese settlement. Among identified relics included a DAVAO CITY- The City GovernJapanese-made artesian well, ment of Davao is eyeing the devel- remnants of a Japanese hospital, opment of Japanese heritage sites Japanese cemetery and a in efforts to entice more Japanese monument. visitors in the City. According to Barangay Mintal Lisette Marques, City captain Ramon Bargamento, the JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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proposal to TIEZA will include the rehabilitation of monument sites, the construction of a Japanese museum and rehabilitation of the Japanese cemetery. The proposal known as the Barangay Mintal Little Tokyo Japanese Heritage Site project will need about P50-million to P100-million grant. Marques said the city is supportive of the efforts considering that 13,000 Japanese visit the city annually. “If we want to create traffic of people to Davao we need to enhance sites such as these.” Marques said. The City Tourism Officer is also eyeing private initiatives to complement the project such as having flights
from Japan to Davao. She added that to ensure repeat visitors from Japanese tourists one must remove the hassles of going to the city. For example visitors will have to stay overnight in Manila to catch their trip to Davao. Marques also said they must also communicate to the Japanese visitors that there is something more to see in Davao which will enticed them to visit again. Davao City before World War II was known as Little Japan as it had a sizeable Japanese population in the city due to the presence of Japanese abaca plantations and other industries. (PIA/RG Alama)
DavOr charts out development plan for PWD sector DAVAO ORIENTAL—To ensure that People with Disabilities (PWD) get utmost benefit from government programsandservices, a Provincial Stakeholders’ Forum on DisabilityInclusive Development was held Thursday, July 10,aiming to chart out acomprehensive development plan for the PWD sector. Initiated by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA),the forum which hopes to promote JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
the rights of PWD,convenedlocal government units, provincial offices and national line agencies, to ensure that the PWD sector isincluded in development policies and programs. “We need to create a more responsive environment for PWD, who are often left out in the society without much access to many services,” said PWD Focal Person for Region XI, Cynthia Umbaña. PAGE | 13
During the forum, the participantscollectively identified several issues and concerns covering the area of infrastructures, livelihood and employment opportunities. In terms of infrastructures, the NCDA highlighted the importance of establishing local structures such as the Provincial Disability Affairs Office of Persons with Disabilities (PDAO) in the province as well as in all LGUs and to organize the Provincial Access Monitoring Teams. Yvette Sunga, Provincial Director of the Department of Interior Local Government, also emphasized the establishment of PWD-specialized structures such as ramps, accessibility lanes, special comfort rooms, among other facilities in public structures and government buildings. Setting up of an Employment, Livelihood and Training Committee
and Advocacy was also identified necessary for empowering this critical group for a sustainable livelihood.Agencies concerned for this area include among others, the DOLE, DTI, and TESDA. A result of the national government’s international commitment of fully realizing the Rights for PWD, the forum is directed through Presidential Proclamation 688 declaring 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of“make the right real” for persons with disabilities in support of the 3rd Asian and Pacific decade of persons with disabilities. This commitment recognizes the government’s important role as main stakeholders and stewards for these rights to lead by example and ensure that government services and programs are fully inclusive of people with disabilities. (PIO DAVAO ORIENTAL)
did you know... That Davao City was the largest producers of Abaca in the `1930s thanks mainly to the Japanese who established abaca plantations in the city during the 1900s
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DTI, LPCC Iligan monitor market price, supply by DTI Iligan
ILIGAN CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, in coordination with the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of Iligan City conducted a price and supply monitoring at the Pala-o Market, Pala-o Bagsakan 2, and Central Market, this city on July 3, 2014. http://cpcucc.org/blog/1122/cpc-immersion-trip-to-northwest-mindanao-the-philippines-2
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Products monitored mainly on rice, vegetables, eggs, sugar and oil, which were perceived of showing uptrend movement of prices for the past weeks. The results showed a slight decrease of the price of regular milled rice from a price range of P37P39 to P35-P37 following the decrease of price of National Food Authority (NFA) rice from P32 to P27. Other commodities which showed downtrend movement were garlic, from price range of P280-P300 to P240-P260 and ginger from P140P160 to P110-P150. While, prices of eggs and mango slightly increased by P2.00 per dozen and P5.00 per kilo, respectively. Supply of above mentioned products were adequate in all areas covered. Aside from price and supply situation, the monitoring team also observed a very low compliance, 39
percent to Price Tag Law (Republic Act 71), among the vegetable retailers. However, market vendors showed 91 percent compliance to weights and measures by using duly calibrated weighing scales. The team was spearheaded by the City Agriculture Office (CAG) and NFA, which are both active members of LPCC-Iligan. DTI Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Ruel B. Paclipan said LPCC Iligan whose members composed of consumer protection agencies/ units of the government, local and national, as well as non-government organizations, has been very active to do monitoring in response to hike in prices of commodities and regularly meets at DTI Office for price and supply updates, and discusses agencies’ issues and concerns.
Mines, geosciences bureau reiterares local gov’t roles on finding relocation sites by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Local government units (LGU’s) in every province, city and municipality are responsible for finding the possible relocation sites in areas highly susceptible to either landslide or flood. JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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This was clarified by Engr. Osin Sinsuat, officer-in-charge (OIC)-chief, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), region 10, during the Media Advocacy and Write Shop for Broadcasters’ Manual on Climate Change held at Midway White Beach, Initao, Misamis Oriental, last July 9-11. Participated by radio broadcasters from the different radio/TV outlets of the region, the activity was sponsored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), region 10. Meanwhile, Sinsuat said MGB only conducts the geological assessment to determine whether or not the identified relocation sites are fit for human habitation, as provided in Republic Act No. 10121 or the “Philippine Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.” In the assessment, the MGB conducts mapping in a certain municipality and studies the susceptibility of the LGU’s to landslide, flood and coastal erosion, aided by
the Global Positioning System (GPS) for accuracy of location. Results of the geohazards mapping and assessment, with the advisories, executive summary and maps are immediately presented to the concerned LGU’s for information and dissemination, as they are responsible for setting the direction, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk management programs in their respective areas. In Misamis Occidental, two public schools were recently relocated by their respective LGU’s per recommendation of MGB-10, after its geohazard mapping and assessment team found that they were susceptible to landslides as evidenced by cracks in the land within their school premises. These were the Diwat National High School in Bonifacio town and the Guimad Elementary School in Ozamiz City, Sinsuat added.
BIR tax collection drive pays off by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The intensified revenue collection efforts of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Northern Mindanao continue to pay off, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in region 10 said Thursday. JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
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Data gathered by NEDA-10 shows that BIR collected P2.07 billion in the first quarter of 2014, up by 15 percent from the P1.79 billion collected in the same period in 2013. Revenues from income taxes remain the top source of revenue at P1.27 billion, contributing 62 percent to the total regional tax revenues during the period. Collections from value-added tax amounted to P498.46 million, representing 24 percent of the total revenues. The remaining 14 percent was shared by percentage taxes, excise
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taxes, and other taxes. Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-10, said during the media forum on regional economic situationer held at RDC Conference Room last July 3, that the rise in tax collections was attributable to the improved tax mapping efforts of the BIR. He said increased revenues from the business sector and improved payment system in several local government units in Northern Mindanao also contributed to the upward tax collections trend in the region. In terms of Revenue District Office (RDO), Cagayan de Oro City RDO topped anew other RDOs in the region with P1.15 billion collections. Taxes collected by Cagayan de Oro City RDO which accounted for 56 percent of the total collections also rose by 24 percent, year-on-year. Iligan City RDO collected P332.32 million representing 16 percent of the total collections while Bukidnon RDO posted P314.56 million with 15 percentage share. The remaining 13 percent was shared by Ozamiz City RDO and Gingoog City RDO with P186.88 million and P75.92 million, respectively.
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Butuanons to celebrate Charter Day; to plant more trees By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY- As pre-activity of this year’s 64th Adlaw Hong Butuan (charter day) celebration on August 2, employees from government agencies and partner stakeholders will be participating in the Tree Planting activity of the city government in the City Piggery of Barangay Taguibo on July 29, 6:00 a.m. “It’s a weeklong affair filled with exciting festivities starting from July 27 until August 2, 2014, which includes among others, city-led activities and exhibits which highlights
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Butuan’s best, a float competition, artistic mass dancing parade, photo competition and the launching of the Butuan Forest Festival,” relayed Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr.
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Amante added that the Tree Planting activity is to launch the Agro-Forest Educational Center, a showcase for the Butuan Vision 2020 Farm and Grow Initiatives where it will be the center for indigenous and endemic species. Adlaw Hong Butuan is the Char-
ter Day celebration of Butuan. On August 2, 1950, Butuan became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 523. Said celebration is anchored on the theme, “Rooting for Butuan 20/20.�
Surigao Norte town enterprise devt projects receives GPB funding from DTI By Ma. Theresa Z. Calang
SURIGAO CITY- Three enterprise development projects of the municipality of Bacuag in Surigao del Norte received funding amounting to P650,000.00 from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) process. The check was turned over to Bacuag mayor Sheila Mae O. Cebedo by DTI-Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran and DTI-Surigao del Norte (DTI-SDN) Provincial Director Celestino L. Negapatan last June 26, 2014 on the occasion of the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting at the Provincial Convention Center, this city. The projects include the Shared Service Facility for Nipa Sugar Production of the Cabugao First Farmers Consumers Cooperative and the Shared Service Facility for Banana Processing of PayapagWomens Organization for the purchase and installation of common service equipment worth Php 250,000.00 and Php JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
200,000.00, respectively. The third project Online Business Registration Hub, with project cost of Php 200,000.00, will be implemented by the municipal government in coordination with DTI-SDN to enable online business name registration right at the Business Permit Licensing Office of Bacuag. The project aims to help local entrepreneurs save costs by no longer travelling to Surigao City just to register their business names at the DTI-SDN Provincial Office. Mayor Cebedo expressed her heartfelt thanks to the DTI officials for the financial support which is intended to help her constituents in the municipality. She is hopeful that PAGE | 20
with the funds released, the micro- on poverty reduction enterprise projects beneficiaries will through the GPB be able to augment their household process. income thereby achieving the goal
Bamboo devt project funding boost from DTI By Ma. Theresa Z. Calang
SURIGAO DEL NORTE The local government unit (LGU) of Alegria received recently P900,000.00 for a bamboo development project in the municipality under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) funding of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The project will be implemented in partnership with the United Farmers Association of Camp Edward (UFACE) at Barangay Budlingin. The project is one of two projects in LGU-Alegria’s 2014 Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) identified for funding by the DTI. Considering that GPB is intended for poverty alleviation, Director Negapatan recommended to the beneficiaries that they improve the project implementation JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
mechanism to generate significant returns in a short period of time. He said this could be done by establishing their own bamboo nurseries where they can grow and sell planting materials to other interested bamboo growers aside from using some for their own plantation needs. Mayor Esma is hopeful that the financial assistance extended to the farmers by the government can improve the economic condition of the farmer-beneficiaries and their families. PAGE | 21
Lake Sebu cleanup and rehabilitation The provincial government of South Cotabato’s efforts to clean up and rehabilitate Lake Sebu , the largest of the three lakes in Lake Sebu town has already gained momentum, said Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, provinical environment officer. The drive started with the enforcement of the policy that limits the fish cages should not extend beyond 20 meters from the lake shoreline. (photo by DEDoguiles)
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DA-MRPD earmarks P35-M for livelihood projects in SOCCSKSARGEN By: Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Additional P35 million has lately been assigned to three provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN Region by the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) for new livelihood projects under its Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of DA 12, said the fund was sourced out of the unutilized loan funds of MRDP’s rural infrastructure (RI) subprojects and realigned to implement highly-viable CFAD subprojects as well as expand on-going subprojects. Datukan noted the realignment was the result of the World Bank implementation review last March where the program came up with a priority list of subprojects which will be implemented between May and October this year. “North Cotabato province will get the biggest chunk of P20-M worth of livelihood projects,” she said. Meanwhile, he provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani were allotted P12.5-M and P2.5-M worth of livelihood projects, respectively. Included in these priority subprojects are projects that would improve rice productivity particularly black-rice production and provide pre- and post-harvest facilities. Under the CFAD component, local government units (LGUs) are required to provide a counterpart of 20 percent, JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
while the remaining funds are sourced from the World Bank loan and the national government. Lealyn Ramos, program director of MRDP, earlier said that MRDP is conducting assessments of the functionality and viability of the people’s organizations who are the beneficiaries of these livelihood projects to ensure their projects’ sustainability. The official also reported that MRDP-CFAD component has already completed 3,523 subprojects with a physical accomplishment of 92 percent totaling to P1.1 billion, or an 86-percent total fund utilization. Ongoing MRDP-CFAD subprojects are expected to be completed by August 2014, while the new subprojects are expected to be completed in October 2014. Implemented by the Department of Agriculture and jointly funded by the World Bank and the national government, the MRDP is expected to end by December 2014 and pave the way for the new Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo-DA 12) PAGE | 29
Cotabato’s water district mulls upgrading of services By: Danilo E. Doguiles
COTABATO CITY -- Metro Cotabato Water District (MCWD) in Cotabato City is considering several projects that would improve and expand its water services within the city and neighboring areas in Maguindanao Province. Just recently, officials of the MCWD joined business sector leaders and top officials of other major water districts throughout the country in the first Water Sector Forum where they discussed potential partnerships and investment opportunities in the water sector. Representing the local water district to the forum in Makati city last June 23 were Chairman of the Board of MCWD Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, Jr. and General Manager Leonora D. Gaudiano. The forum, dubbed “Innovating and Building Partnerships for Water Security” was organized by the USAID Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project, together with Philippine Business for Social Progress and WaterLinks. It aimed to encourage private sector investments such as publicprivate partnerships, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and joint ventures in the water sector, which is seen to improve water services and foster economic growth in urban areas outside Metro Manila. Important issues discussed included ways to achieve the shared goal of increasing access to water among underserved communities nationwide, and how private sector expertise and resources can help bridge the gap JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
between the growing demand for water and current supply. MCWD is currently serving at least 28,157 households in Maguindanao Province. It plans to increase coverage to 34 households in Dulungan, Tanuel, Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS), Maguindanao and 59 households at Tamontaka 4, DOS, Maguindanao. There are also other projects being planned, such as tapping for feasible water sources, particularly Simuay River; rehabilitation of pipe lines from Tanuel to Awang still in DOS; replacement of dilapidated transmission and distribution mains; and rehabilitation of the old dams at Dimapatoy, DOS. These projects intend to enhance the water supply service of the district for the benefit of its water concessionaires in all parts of the service areas, which will somehow require significant investment from public and private sector funds. The rehabilitation and upgrading program of the MCWD is expected to resolve the continuing problems of its water system, frequent pipeline breakdown and water losses due to pipe dilapidation. “Once implemented, it will be a PAGE | 30
welcome development for the Water District, thus, ensuring the public of a highly efficient water utility, rendering excellent service to all concessionaires, both in Cotabato City and the nearby Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao”, said Gaudiano.
In close coordination with Be Secure project, the MCWD hopes to engage private sector investment to help achieve the goal of reaching waterless communities and improving existing services in Cotabato City and Maguindanao Province.(DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
NorthCot IPHO extends health services to over 33,000 individuals in 1st sem By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato —A total of 33, 822 individuals from 62 villages in the province were provided with different health services from January to June this year through the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Dr. Eva C. Rabaya, officer-incharge of the IPHO said that they have reached the said number with the help of the Rural Health Units (RHUs) of every municipality and in partnership with the 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 57th IB of the 602nd Brigade of the Philippine Army as well as the 7th Field Artillery Brigade. “Among the health activities we are conducting in line with the medical-dental mission are medical checkup, tooth extraction and circumcision,” Rabaya stated adding that they are also giving free medicines and vitamins. Just recently, Rabaya revealed
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that a composite team of doctors and dentists of the provincial government performed medical and dental outreach in this city as well as in the town of Matalam. In Kidapawan City, 791 individuals availed of health services while in Matalam over 600 individuals availed of the same services. “Free medicines and vitamins were also distributed to the beneficiaries of the medical and dental outreach,” Rabaya noted.(SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta. Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)
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Social media a tool for climate change advocacy campaign, says PIA9 director By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – “Social Media is a very helpful tool to campaign for climate change advocacy,” Philippine Information Agency (PIA)- 9 Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga said during the Journalistic Writing Workshop here at Top Plaza Hotel recently.
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She stressed that “resiliency and adaptation to climate change through timely, accurate, relevant information in social media help save lives.” Accordingly, the Philippines leads the world in social media because more than 95 percent Filipinos are using social media as a tool in communication. Director Edaga urged all IP students and out-of-school-youth attending the workshop to make climate change part of their lives. “The least tool is your cellphone to receive and disseminate information worldwide,” she said. She added that PIA-9 welcomes guest writer’s works to be published on PIA website and blogspot.
Journalistic writing trainees said that they spent an average of four hours each day browsing the internet and logging-in to some social media sites. “Don’t forget to like our facebook page and to follow our twitter account PIA Western Mindanao.” Edaga told the participants. Moreover, she asked the participants to subscribe to PIA-9 online radio at www.pia9. listen2myradio.com. During the event, PIA-9 has created a new facebook page -”Youth for Climate Change” – to invite more public support, especially the youth sectors, to Climate Change Advocacy campaign.
Gov’t, NGOs set arrangements for OSYs’ welfare in Isabela City By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Members of the Out-of-School Youth Development Alliance (OSYDA) set coordination arrangements and commitments to help the sector improve and become productive members of the society. At the first meeting of the OSYDA of Isabela City last July 2, government agencies and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) have confirmed their roles and functions identified during the March vision-mission for OSY workshop to support the Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDev) program of JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
the USAID. These roles and functions will be translated into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for each member-agency and organization to be signed by August this year. Robinson M. Wee of MYDev has expressed his appreciation over the interest and enthusiasm of the OSYDA members on helping the outPAGE | 33
of-school youth become better and productive persons in society. He also cited the local government of Isabela for taking the lead in the pursuit of five-year MYDev goals in the region. He said the OSYDA in Isabela is the first in region 9 to call for a maiden meeting of the alliance. However, it took quite some months for the alliance to convene since the March 4 workshop. “During those months that the alliance hasn’t met, we are doing some preparatory activities in the 20 selected communities and or barangays in Isabela. And we have done some capability- building with our personnel and our instructional managers and other staff that are needed to implement the initial round of OSY programs,” Wee said. City Administrator Ramon Nuñal has expressed concern over the increasing number of OSY in Isabela and challenged the memberJULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
agencies to create and implement more action-oriented activities for the OSY. He was hoping that an OSY would sit as member of the alliance so that firsthand information as to their status and concerns could be directly heard. Also at the meeting, the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI) was formally introduced as the service provider of the MYDev program. NFI Executive Director Miriam Suacito updated the alliance on the initial implementation of the project in the identified barangays. NFI reported that target OSYs were already identified, including the type of training that the OSYs wanted. Difficulties in completing the target number of OSYs has been a challenge for the NFI as some OSYs refused to enroll in the training program for various reasons—could not give time due to work, domestic concerns, lack of self-esteem/ shyness, and some did not meet PAGE | 34
the required age as prescribed by the program. To complete the target number, NFI recruited from other barangays not identified as priority area for the MYDev. Among the priority barangays are Tabiawan, Busay, Sta. Barbara, Diki, Kapatagan Grande, Kapatagan Jutay, Carbon, Cabunbata, Sunrise, Baluno, Kumalarang, and Masola. These barangays are recipients of either the Alternative Learning System classes for OSYs or livelihood training on horticulture, food processing, dressmaking, and aquaculture. To provide holistic approach and to support NFI and MYDev, the alliance
has discussed the draft memorandum of understanding where each member-agency’s commitment and role are stipulated. MYDev is a peace and stability development project financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The OSYDA serves as a local body to institutionalize the participation of all sectors in addressing OSY issues and concerns and in identifying the appropriate program interventions for OSYs through planning, directionsetting and mobilizing resources to support OSY programs and services.
Bayog conducts earthquake drills in schools By Claro A. Lanipa
BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – In line with the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month, the municipal government here conducted a series of earthquake drills in selected elementary and high schools starting July 9. Early this month the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) held an orientation to the school principals/ heads of selected elementary and high schools together with their respective barangay officials and other stakeholders. The conduct of the earthquake drill started on July 9 at Damit National High Schools, followed by Bobuan NHS on July 10, Bayog NHS on July 11, Kahayagan Elementary School (KES) on July 15, Dipili ES on July 16, Seventh Day Adventist
Academy on July 17, Damit ES on July 18, Depore ES on July 22, Mataga NHS on July 23, Salawagan ES on July 24, Balukbahan ES July 28, Lamare ES on July 29 and Bayog Central Elementary School on July 31. Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa Jr. urged everyone particularly the School Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to help and support the activity particularly in the earthquake drill. (Bernadine A. Gabawan, PIO-Bayog)