PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
EDITORIAL BOARD
P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Region-IX
Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
Associate Editors …….......
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
Central Mindanao (SOCSKARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA
Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur
features
Money in
Corn Husk litters
Photo Credit:dailyridge.com
15
National
In This Issue...
Wednesday,
Vol. 1 No. 94
Sibugay solons approve P676,000 for war-displaced families
NBE/P. Lontua, PIA Region IX
16
BFAR readies for closed fishing season implementation
18
Info from civilians help 58IB troopers win against the rebels
19
Mambajao teachers get free makeover as early Christmas treat
21
DOST XI will launch “Juan Time” during inventors meet
Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ...............................
09
Philippines, US seals partnership for growth initiative ..............................
11
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX
4CMO, PIA Region X
Cover Story
Money in corn husk litters by Cathy Apelacio
WESTERN MINDANAO
Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X
page 14
DOST-11, PIA Region XI
22
DTI assures Davao commodity prices manageable
26
Padlocked tunnels in T’boli, So. Cotabato re-opened
27 29
Mahigit 200 bags ng illegal na nakuhang copper ore nai-turnover sa SoCot PENRO
30
PSWD continues to implement its various programs
Carina Cayon, PIA Region XI
NORTHERN MINDANAO
page 17
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Dani E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII
Ac Agad , PIA Region XII
DAR turns over water system to Tubod
page 20
CENTRAL MINDANAO
page 23
Joie L. Ceballos, PIA-Caraga
Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton, PIA-Caraga
CARAGA REGION
page 28
Cover Story
Money in corn husk litters by Cathy Apelacio
C
orn husks are everywhere!
First they are found in lit- are turned into decorative crafts ters. But most of them now have showcased in different shelves found their way in artworks. They at homes, offices and stores. 4
ONE MINDANAO
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Most of these corn husk litters can easily be turned into fat money. Corn husks can be made “into dolls, twine, corn mache, apparel, bags, slippers, wedding giveaways, artificial flowers, table organizers, placemats, baskets, home and Christmas decors, and even fashion accessories.” Trendy items made of corn husks have become a rewarding alternative livelihood among people in General Santos City, according to Mrs. Rue Rivera-Ramas, president of the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers in General Santos City. Ramas, an agri-businesswoman who founded
Corn Husk Association of the Philippines (CHAP) even described it then as “sunrise industry.” According to her, CHAP has conducted a study on the many uses of the “balat ng mais” in order to come up with a variety of designs. The association aims to boost the income of family using corn husks and other corn parts. Ramas said other parts such as tassels, corn silks, stalks, and roots can also be
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 5
turned into lucrative gains. She said that “it only takes creativity and imaginative mind” to make a good living out of corn husks. Those who are creative enough and want to set a trend in the fashion world have even dared to turn corn husk into a fashionable gown “that won an award in the Philippine Fashion Design 6
ONE MINDANAO
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Competition in 2005.” “You know, the corn husk industry is strong in cornproducing areas such as Regions 10, 11, and 12. It’s booming fast, with many people interested to learn the craft,” Ramas quipped, stressing that General Santos City’s proximity to these regions makes it as viable hub for corn husk industry in SocCSKSarGen. Cornhusk crafters produce different items in bulk and sell them to local buyers, which in turn export them to Australia, Japan, Germany, and even in some parts of Asia, Europe, and the USA. Ramas expressed the highest confidence that the
business will ultimately be carving its own niche in the global market especially with exporters and buyers abroad demanding more corn husks products. Supporting it is the Corn Husk Business Center launched here in Jan 2006 which rationalizes corn husk business activities in this most livable city in the Philippines. C o r n husk business hopefuls also believe that success for this industry is never f a r- f e t c h e d because the
city government supports and appreciates the initiatives the industry keeps on undertaking as it helps boost government’s income and generates job for the meager Generals. In essence, the association in its little way has also contributed to government’s improved economic growth and job creation for the country, as a whole. So the next time you’ll find corn husk litters in the streets or in your backyards do not throw them away, pick them up for money surely lurks in it to save or spend for the rainy days.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 7
Aquino set for bilateral talks with fellow leaders during the 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III is set to discuss regional issues and programs that will further strengthen the decades-old diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Thailand in a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during the 19th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which formally opens on Thursday, November 17 at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, here. 8
ONE MINDANAO
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The bilateral talk between the two leaders will take place after the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Summit which will be followed by a plenary session. Yingluck is Thailand’s 28th Prime Minister after assuming office last August. She is Thailand’s first female Prime Minister and is the youngest Prime Minister of Thailand in over 60 years. Apart from Prime
Minister Shinawatra, President Aquino will also meet with United States President Barrack Obama on Friday. The two leaders share several advocacies that are mutually beneficial not only to their people but also to those in the Southeast Asian region. The President is also expected to present the advocacies of the Philippines with leaders of the other ASEAN-
member states. Also in attendance in the annual event will be the leaders of ASEAN dialogue partners led by President Obama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, among others. (JCL)
Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III conferred Order of Lakandula with rank of Bayani on visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Malacanang on Wednesday. Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 9
In receiving the award, Clinton thanked President Aquino and Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario for extending a warm welcome for her visit to the Philippines. “I’m grateful for the people of the Philippines for the Order of Lakandula. This is an honor that I will always treasure,” she said in thanking the President and the Filipino people. The Order of Lakandula is an order of political and civic merit awarded in memory of Lakandula’s dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage a n d re10
solve in the service of one’s people. The Order of Lakandula is conferred upon a Filipino or foreign citizen who has demonstrated by his life and deeds a dedication to the welfare of society and has a life that is worthy of emulation by the Filipino people. The Grand Cross or Bayani rank conferred on Clinton is being given to individuals who have devoted their lives to the peaceful resolution of conflict and to individuals whose lives are worthy of emulation by Filipinos. It is also being awarded to a crown prince, vice president, Senate president, speaker of the house, chief justice or the equivalent, foreign minister or other official of cabinet rank, ambassa-
ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, November 16, 2011
dor, undersecretary, assistant secretary, or other person of a rank similar or equivalent to the foregoing. Clinton, who arrived in Manila Tuesday, had a bilateral meeting with President Aquino Wednesday and signed the Partnership for Growth (PFG), an economic partnership agreement between the Philippines and the United States. Clinton also joined Wednesday the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) highlighted by the signing of the Manila Declaration with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on board the USS Fitzgerald in Manila Bay. (AS)
Philippines, US seals partnership for growth initiative
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed Wednesday the signing of the Partnership for Growth (PFG) between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario in Malacanang.
The signing ceremony on Wednesday of the PFG officially launched the implementation phase of the economic initiative. President Aquino and Secretary Clinton had a bi-
lateral meeting on several issues prior to the PFG signing. In her message, Clinton said Filipino leaders have laid the ground work for the implementation of the PFG by
making reforms to improve t ra n s p a r e n c y and tax collection and create more inclusive prosperity in the country.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 11
“The United States wants to support these pro-growth reforms and help unlock the Philippines’s best economic potential to improve the lives of your own people, to drive regional prosperity, and to create more high-paying jobs so fewer Filipino citizens have to travel distant countries to support their families,” Clinton said explaining the PFG. After the signing, a team from the US will come to the Philippines to work with Filipino officials to 12
help improve the Philippine economic landscape, to make it attractive to investors, and to strengthen the rule of law as well as to fight corruption. “Together, we hope to deliver an array of benefits to the people including more foreign investments to create new jobs, a more streamlined court system that can deliver justice and protect local businesses, better services and more resources to fight poverty,” she said. The PFG initiative is a joint Philippine-US undertaking promoting and supporting broadbased economic growth of emerging markets like the Philippines. It aims to as-
ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, November 16, 2011
sist selected countries to achieve higher and sustained economic growth through a more transparent, predictable, and consistent legal and regulatory regime. PFG also supports a more open and competitive business environment, assists countries to strengthen their rule of law that is grounded in an efficient court system as well as supporting their fiscal stability. The Philippines is the only one in Asia to be included in the PFG initiative and one of the four pilot partner countries selected by the US. The selection of the Philippines as a PFG partner country in January
2011 was based on the country’s track record in partnering with the US government and its potential for continued economic growth. The PFG initiative is an effort to put into practice US President Barack Obama’s presidential policy directive on global development. Clinton, who arrived in Manila on Tuesday, also
joined the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the USPhilippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). She signed a Manila Declaration together with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also on Tuesday. The visiting US Secretary of State thanked President Aquino for his warm welcome and extended the
greetings of US President Barack Obama and the American people. Clinton’s visit is her second trip to the Philippines as a US Secretary of State, the first was during the Arroyo adm i n i s t ra t i o n . (AS)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 13
I
PHL Gov’t returns 7 confiscated Vietnamese fishing boats
n consideration to the close diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam, the Philippine government has ordered the release of confiscated Vietnamese fishing boats back to Vietnam government. The 6th Civil Relation Group of the AFP reveals that in a letter issued to WESCOM by Undersecretary Ronaldo A. Geron, dated November 09, the Office of the President has ordered the release of the seven fishing vessels used by the 122 Vietnamese nationals who were caught earlier this year illegally fishing within the territorial waters of the Philippines off the southern part of Palawan. In its decision dated August 26 this year, the Regional Trial Court of Pal14
ONE MINDANAO
awan and Puerto Princesa But “as an act of City Fourth Judicial Re- goodwill and liberality on gion Branch 51 awarded the part of the Philippine Government,” it has transferred “by way of donation” the ownership of the fishing vessels—five of which are under the custody of the Provincial Government of Palawan while the other two under the Western Command (WESCOM)— to Vietnam by virtue the ownership of the said of a Deed of Conveyance fishing vessels to the Phil- signed by Executive Secippine Government after retary Paquito N. Ochoa it has found the Vietnam- Jr. and Vietnam Ambassaese fishermen guilty of the dor to the Philippines, His crime of violation of Sec- Excellency Nguyen Vu Tu tion 87 of R.A. 8559. on October 25, 2011.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The agreement aims to “further deepen and invigorate the relations between the two countries.” Both countries are claimants to the internationally disputed Spratly
P
Archipelago which is believed to hold vast reserves of oil and gas. The Office of the President has directed WESCOM Chief LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP to coordinate with the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines on the immediate release of the fishing vessels. The seven Vietnamese fishing vessels in question were confiscated
after Philippine authorities arrested 122 Vietnamese nationals fishing about two nautical miles off the coast of Tamburok Island in the municipality of Balabac on May 30 this year. RTC Palawan sentenced the accused to collectively pay a fine of US$100,000 for each group in each vessel but they were relieved of the obligation after the court subsequently granted a motion to declare them insolvent. (JPA/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
Sibugay solons approve P676,000 for war-displaced families by Paulnazer Lontua
rovincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Chief, Cherlita Garate, submitted a request for financial support to the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for the recently war-affected families in Zamboanga Sibugay and the latter approved it during its recent Regular Session. The approved budget reached the amount of P676,000 based on the estimated initial needs of the displaced families of the municipalities of Alicia, Payao and Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay. According to Garate, food and livelihood are the twin problems that currently beset the
displaced families here. Garate underscored that the support and aid of the provincial government is very much essential in such times. “We really need to ask the support of our provincial government during these times because we are the frontlines of making
sure that our people, though displaced, are sustained to survive”, said Garate. A total of 2,167 displaced families from Payao, Alicia and Talusan municipalities fight for daily survival. On October 16 at around 9:00 o’clock in the evening, an encounter between government
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 15
troops and lawless elements transpired in Sitio Talaib. The tragedy started the number of encounters between the government troops and lawless elements
T
that resulted in the evacuation of families to safer grounds. To date, many displaced families temporarily stay at designated evacuation
centers and Local Government Units (LGUs), while few decided voluntarily to return to their homes . (NBE/P. Lontua)
photo courtesy of pinoyprogress.com
BFAR readies for closed fishing season by Jocelyn P. Alvarez implementation 2012.
he Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is set to strictly implement the closed fishing season on sardines starting December 1 this year until March 1,
During the threemonth closed fishing season, there will be no catching of sardines on the specified months. Any person, association or corporation caught catching sardines in the conservation area will be subject to fines and penalty. Conservation areas include East Sulu, Basilan 16
ONE MINDANAO
Straight and Sibugury Bay The imposition of a closed fishing season is to allow the fish species to spawn. BFAR said December to March are the months when mature sardines reproduce. To ensure compliance of the regulation, BFAR has dispatched three vessels
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
to guard the concerned conservation areas. Atty. Asis Perez of BFAR said penalty for violators include imprisonment of 6 months and one day to 6 years or fine of P6,000 and confiscation of the catch and cancellation of fishing boat and gear license. (JPA/PIAZBST)
A
Bukidnon’s top NPA leader surrenders By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
top New People’s Army (NPA) rebel leader operating in Bukidnon has surrendered to Gov. Alex Calingasan inside the headquarters of 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), 3rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (403rdBde), Philippine Army, based here, Nov. 15.
Gov. Calingasan announced that Salusad has decided to give up, together with 80 of his regular and mass-based members, because he wants to live a normal and peaceful life with his family. “Salusad’s surrender would entitle him to avail of the provincial livelihood program, aside from
the Social Reintegration Program (SRP) of the national government,” the Governor said. Meanwhile, Col. Romeo Gapuz, 403rd Brigade Commander, said Salusad, alias “Kumander Nonong” is the Commanding Officer of the Provincial Operational Command (POC), Guerilla Front (GF) 6 of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) operating in the Northeastern part of Mindanao. On the other hand, Lt. Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander 8IB, said Salusad’s surrender would be a big blow to the communist movement in the area and shows the worsening situation among the rebel leaders and the ranks in the underground movement. “Salusad’s surrender is the Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 17
result of the efforts of the Bukidnon Provincial Government and the Army’s sincerity in the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” endeavor that has attracted not only the low key armed components but
also top ranking leaders,” Cuerpo said. This is the 17th NPA surrender event to 403Bde and the biggest number of members who returned to the fold of the law in 2011.
Info from civilians help 58IB troopers win against the rebels GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental - Information from residents and other concerned individuals in the community led to the successful conduct of combat operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, here, Nov. 14. This community endeavor led the troopers from the 58th Infantry “Di Malulupig” Battalion (58IB), 3rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (403rdBde), Philippine Army, to engage some 20 fully armed NPA rebels in Barangay San Miguel, this city, at 5:45 a.m. Believed to be members of Guerilla Front (GF) 4B, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), the NPA rebels were conducting extortion activities in the area. Lt. Col. George Banzon, 58IB Commander said the scout platoon led by 2Lt. Karl Jan S Devaras, responded to reports coming from the civilians, who claimed that they were victims of the enemy’s extortions, themselves, and have gotten tired of the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front/NPA (CNN’s) evil deeds in their community. After the firefight between the government troops and the rebels, one (1) unidentified CNN rebel was killed while two (2) claymore mines, 18
ONE MINDANAO
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
one (1) hand grenade and one (1) laptop, each, and other subversive documents were recovered from the encounter site. The body of the rebel killed in the encounter was already brought to the Gingoog Funeral Parlor for proper disposition and identification, as of press time. Elements of the Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) of the same city are now collecting evidences and other information that will support the investigation and proper filing of cases against those rebels involved in the encounter. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, 4ID Commander, thanked the civilians for their help in feeding information to the government troopers. These civilians said that it is about time that they should do something to stop the rebels from taking undue advantage over people like them who are weaker and incapable of defending
themselves against these fully armed goons in the countryside. He also encouraged other civilians to take an active part in putting an end to our fight against insurgency and assured the people that 4ID will keep the identity of these civilians and treat this information with utmost confidentiality He asked our other brothers and sisters to cooperate with the soldiers and to
give our operating troops relevant and timely information that could be helpful in pursuing the rebels. Furthermore, he instructed all unit commanders of 4ID to intensify all efforts to end insurgency in its area of responsibility (AOR) and to put additional security to the communities to prevent the rebels from conducting any more atrocities in the area. (4CMO)
Mambajao teachers get free make-over as early Christmas treat By Jorie C. Valcorza
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – Some 300 teachers in Mambajao received early Christmas treat as the local government’s “Makanunayong Serbisyo Alang sa Katawhan” (MSAK) program reaches out to honor them. Both public and private school teacher gets free dental and medical care, as well, as undergone cervical screening at the provincial convention center, here, with a free make-over to totally complete the treat. Mayor Maria Luisa Romualdo feels that teachers deserve such kind of appreciation and attention, and she hopes that the activity gives them the needed boost. The early Christmas treat also serves as a tribute for the teachers in the recently concluded world teachers day celebration. Romualdo intends for this program to go on every year and become an integral part of the of its
outreach services. The MSAK is a regular delivery of basic services from one (1) priority barangay to another and its name can simply be translated as a continuing service for the people, especially the poor, as its services are tailored to its clients’ needs in the area. Aside from the medical dental outreach the local government also facilitates the late registration of new born babies, feeding, and the distribution of seeds or fingerlings to the farmers and fisher folks. At present, the scheduled outreach is down to the Sitio level in order to ensure that its services reach right at the poor man’s doors. Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 19
Sec. Alcala to lead harmonization of DA-LGU engagement
T
tion of DA’s programs and services. The activity will be held at the Marco Polo hotel today, November 15, 2011 to lay down strategies to improve delivery of services based on model programs. Agriculture Sec. Proceso J. Al The model program seen to cala is set to lead the department’s harmonization of systems and proce- achieve such objectives are the process flow and procedures of the dedures as it engages with its partner, partment’s Mindanao Rural Developthe Local Government Units (LGUs) ment Program (MRDP). in the delivery of agriculture and MRDP, the poverty-alleviation fishery services. initiative of the DA in Mindanao joint The joint meeting of Regional ly funded by the World Bank, the Executive Directors and banner national government and the local program coordinators from across government units, aims to provide the country aims to institutionalize agribusiness opportunities and ima system that promotes a greater prove incomes of small farmers and transparency in the implementafisherfolk and other vulnerable sectors of society. The department has noted on the improvement of LGU and DA relation in terms of delivery of services and rural development objective in the past years of the programs implementation. MRDP Program director Lealyn A. Ramos said she is happy that the department has noticed the great impact the Program has done in
he Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing to further improve its partnership with the local government units.
20
ONE MINDANAO
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
terms of creating improvements in rural development with strong partnership with the LGUs. “Incorporating some of the program’s process flow and procedures would greatly enhance the current manner of DA-LGU engagement as partners of development while upholding stronger LGU participation, greater transparency and accountability,” said Ramos who is also the regional executive director of DA – regional field unit in Northern Mindanao (Region X). In the span of four years since its launch in 2007, MRDP has introduced innovations efficient project and financial documentation, stronger information and advocacy drive, geotagging and in gaining broad-
based support to rural development. Part of the discussions during the meeting will be on the proposed Central Philippines Rural Development Program (CPRDP). The multilateral financing institution World Bank (World Bank) has agreed to set aside $200 million to fund CPRDP that seeks to assist the government in implementing developmental projects in five regions in Southern Tagalog, Bicol and the Visayas. Sec. Alcala said the CPRDP calls for implementing developmental projects in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas. (Sherwin B.Manual/ MRDP)
DAVAO CITY- What time is it? Is your time the right one? Is it the standard time?
during the opening of the 1st Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) on November 17, 2011 at the Ground Floor Activity Area of NCCC Mall, Matina, Davao City. DOST XI Regional Director, Dr. Anthony C. Sales said that the regional launching of “Juan Time” will change the “Filipino Time” mindset of the people. “With “Juan Time,” Filipino time will come to mean “on time” and nobody will be late,” Dr. Sales added. The promotion of the use of the PST will set one common time among Filipinos across the archipelago’s more than 7,100 islands.
DOST XI will launch “Juan Time” during inventors meet
The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. XI will launch the Philippine Standard Time (PST) dubbed as “Juan Time”
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 21
On the other hand, sixty-seven (67) entries from the local inventors, researchers, and students will vie for the six invention contest categories: 1) Invention Category (Tuklas Award); 2) Utility Model Category; 3) Industrial Design Category; 4) Creative Research Category (Likha Award); 5) Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award) for High School; and 6) Student Creative Research Category (Sibol
Award) for college. The 1st Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) theme is “Imbensyon at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Pag-unlad.” A cash prize ranging from P10,000.00 to P20,000.00 awaits the winners of each category. First prize winners of each category will represent the region to the National Invention Contest and Exhibits in July 2012. (DOST-11)
DAVAO CITY– An official of the Department of Trade and Industry here assured that prices of basic commodities in Davao are manageable so far, saying that DTI keeps a tight watch on price move as the holiday season is fast coming. DTI regional director Marizon Loreto said of this assessment based from her monitoring as of Tuesday night where she noted a downward trend of prices in almost all products. Loreto attributed the price decrease due to the competition among traders who are mostly selling same products. She said that local traders are in fact offering their products in sets or packages that would benefit a customer a free item, which she said is a form of product promotions that every Filipino anticipate especially during Christmas season.
Loreto said that DTI monitoring teams have been vigilant in keeping an eye on the prices not only of the basic goods, but also of Christmas items and construction materials. In the implementation of the suggested retail prices (SRPs) as of November 03, 2011, Loreto clarified that SRP only covers Noche Buena products such as hams, cheese, mayonnaise, sandwich spread, elbow and macaroni pasta and spaghetti sauce. The DTI official said that if an increase would be effected, the mark up would be minimal at the rate of P5 to P10 to cover for the promotion and freight costs. Loreto said that DTI has not received so far any report of local traders violating the SRP. She ascribed this as due to DTI’s vigilant monitoring and intensified information drive.
DTI assures Davao commodity prices by Carina Cayon manageable
22
ONE MINDANAO
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
JeepneEd drives thru Sarangani schools By Beverly Paoyon
ALABEL, Sarangani --- A jeepney-turned-science laboratory has started unlocking new ideas for grades five, six, and first year high school students in five public schools in Sarangani. Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 23
JeepneED, a mobile science laboratory that runs on used vegetable oil, is an engaging outdoor learning area equipped with 10 netbooks, 3G hub for internet connectivity, and basic science materials. Sarangani is JeepneED’s pilot site for this first-ever science mobile and technology laboratory in the country. Governor Migs Dominguez said JeepneED had rightly chosen Sarangani as its pilot site because communities (here) are “hungry for innovation, hungry for development, and most importantly hungry for new opportunities that come their way.” The governor said JeepneED is “not only to deliver opportunities through a laboratory on wheels. However the real message here is, we have to continuously innovate.” Shaina Tantuico, JeepneED co-founder, said the project sought to address gaps of science teaching methods in public schools where teachers usually resort to 24
ONE MINDANAO
lectures only due to unavailability of resource materials and other exposure activities. The mobile laboratory, Tantuico said, would stir students’ interest to discover new things from indigenous materials. She pointed out these learning activities “can be integrated into (the students’) lessons in schools.” Launched on Monday (November 14), the JeepneEd has started serving Malandag Elementary School in Malungon, Alegria Elementary School in Alabel, Rogaya Integrated School and Mangelen Integrated School in Maasim. Lamlifew Elemen-
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
tary School is also among the pilot community sites. JeepneEd would initially drive thru these five schools and plans to expand to other schools in Sarangani. JeepneED is a Philippine-based non profit program that partnered with Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) and Condrado Alcantara Foundation, Inc. to address deficiencies of science laboratories and teaching methods in Sarangani. All activities generated from the mobile laboratory would be based on the competencies of teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd). JeepneED only supports teachers by
providing appropriate resources to be integrated in their curriculum. Based on research, Tantuico noted “that the very small solution can really affect students’ performance throughout time,” which she linked to access of books and internet and a mentor to make education relevant, and a really good support system. “How we can make these solutions to as many students as possible and the easiest answer was to put it on wheels,” Tantuico said. She explained science was chosen because it “connects us to something both academic and vocational, something that
is book-based but also creative and it also connects mathematics and literacy and with all that in a truck that runs on used vegetable oil.” The mobile laboratory runs an average of eight kilometers per one liter of used vegetable oil. Erika Pineda, another co-founder of JeepneED, calculated that the P5 per week fee from a student would cover the cost of materials for repairs and future upgrades of the mobile laboratory. “The five pesos allows us to build a system for sustainability so hopefully next year with 2,000 students at five pesos per week a simple JeepneEd will run without any out-
side donors.” With the help of QUEST and DepEd, “we will be able to reinvest our resources in making more interventions for quality education,” Pineda said. DepEd superintendent Allan Farnaso said JeepneEd is “one ingenuity-thinking innovation and effort that serves us Sarangans and that we can do better than what we have already accomplished.” Farnaso admitted that most of the schools in the province “lack equipment for laboratory.” Jenielyn Lariosa, JeepneED facilitator, said “one good thing about having handson activity is that students have this retention.” “When we first had this experiment and then we came back a week after, the students still remember what they did and what they learn. With that retention makita natin yong learning sa mga activities that they do.” (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 25
Padlocked tunnels in T’boli, So. Cotabato re-opened By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- Mining tunnels in Barangay Kematu T’boli, South Cotabato, which were padlocked on October 27, are back in operation. South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., who also chairs the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) yesterday led the ceremonial opening of at least 50 tunnels in the 21-hectare Minahang Bayan, after their operators were issued permits to operate in the gold –rich mountain. The tunnels are part of about 300 tunnels that Gov. Pingoy ordered closed last month until the operators have sorted out their conflict with the Maguan Clan on land claims and the issuance of Free and Prior Informed Consent and until they have secured from the provincial the necessary permit to operate. Engr. Siegfred Fla26
ONE MINDANAO
viano, acting provincial environment management officer, confirmed that operators of the tunnels opened yesterday have finally complied with the requirements and have been issued permit to operate. “Stoppage order remains in effect for the more than 200
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
tunnels whose owners have yet to secure permits to operate,” Flaviano explained. More tunnels covered by the closure order are expected to open in the next few weeks with other tunnel operators now processing necessary documents to be able to legally operate in
gold-rich mountain. Gov. Pingoy expects the provincial government to earn P5 – P10 million in annual revenues from once operations of the 300 tunnels in the Minahang Bayan in Barangay Kematu are made legal. “Hopefully income from the small-scale mining can help increase provincial rev-
enues especially with the reduction of our IRA (internal revenue allotment) next year,” he said. In 2010, the provincial government only earned about P250,000 from the Minahan ng Bayan, Pingoy said in an interview before the implementation of the closure order. To monitor activities in the mining site, the
provincial government is putting up a detachment in Barangay Kematu. The 21-hectare Minahan ng Bayan in Kematu is part of the 85-hectare gold and silver mining site being developed by the Tribal Mining Corporation and its partner, the Canadian firm Cadan Resources Corp.
Mahigit 200 bags ng illegal na nakuhang copper ore nai-turnover sa SoCot PENRO KORONADAL CITY – Mahigit 200 bags ng illegal na nakuhang copper ore ang kasalukuyang naka-imbak sa tanggapan ng South Cotabato Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) kasunod ng pagkahuli ng pagtatago nito sa Barangay Liberty sa bayan ng Tampakan. Ang nasabing barangay ay bahagi ng pinagmiminahan ng dayuhang kompanyang Saggitarius Mines Inc. (SMI). Subalit ang kompanya ay mayroon lamang hawak na permit para sa exploration ng mina at wala para sa production at extraction ng copper at ginto sa bayan ng Tampakan, ayon sa opisyal ng Mu-
nicipal Environment and Natural Resources Office. Binigyang diin din ni Eillen Estrada, MENRO ng Tampakan na walang na-isyung “production permit” ang MENRO o PEMO sa alinmang kompanya o indibiduwal para sa extraction ng copper at ginto sa bayan ng Tampakan. Ang SMI, ayon pa kay Estrada, na mayroong
“rights” sa mineral resources ng bayan ay mayroon lamang umanong hawak na “exploration permit.” Ito na umano ang pangatlong pagkahuli ng malaking volume ng “illegally extracted copper ores” mula sa mga bundok ng bayan ng Tampakan, ayon sa mga awtoridad. (ac agad PIA12)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 27
EMB, DENR spearhead Nat’l Environmental Awareness celeb in Butuan by Jennifer P. Gaitano
I
n line with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga will spearhead river clean-up and tree planting activities on November 18, 2011, 6:00a.m. at the Marcos Bridge, Barangay Libertad, this city.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
28
ONE MINDANAO
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
According to EMB-Caraga OIC-Regional Director Ester Olavides, the activity is pursuant to Republic Act No. 9512 otherwise known as the “National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008,� an act to pro-
mote environmental awareness through environmental education. Government agencies, non-government organizations, academe, and partner stakeholders will be participating in this activity.
Dir. Olavides called on participants to bring their own cleaning and planting materials during the activity. The EMB-Caraga office can be reached at telephone numbers (085) 341-3826; 3425332.
DAR turns over water system to Tubod by Joie L. Ceballos
BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over Tuesday a potable water supply system to Brgy. San Isidro in Tubod, Surigao del Norte.
Costing P3.34 million, the project which includes installation of 34 units of communal faucets will provide clean drinking water to about 248 households of Tubod Agrarian Reform Community (ARC). The project is under the Agrarian Re-
form Infrastructure Support Project-Phase III (ARISP-III) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Tubod, Surigao Norte. DAR Regional Di-
rector Faisar Mambuay expressed his gratitude to all partners --- Hon. Congressman Guillermo Romarate Jr., Hon. Gov. Sol Matugas, Hon. Mayor Cristina Arcillas for the support in realizing this project for the agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 29
PSWD continues to implement its various programs by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton BUTUAN CITY-- The Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Office in Agusan del Norte is continuing its efforts in implementing various programs.
PSWD Officer Gloria L. Pabellore revealed that one of their priority programs today is the launching of medical outreach into the far flung barangays of the province. This initiative aims to promote a healthy life by giving free health services 30
ONE MINDANAO
to the poor people. The official added that the Agusan del Norte PSWD is also constantly giving financial assistance to the poverty-stricken residents of Agusan del Norte through the implementation of Integrated Social Development Assistance
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Program (ISDAP). However, the official said that it is inevitable that some people who are not residents of Agusan del Norte will ask for assistance. But the Agusan del Norte PSWD cannot refer such cases to the DSWD Regional Office.