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 Skype: hnb_r9pia
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
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
NOEMI A. 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
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)
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
Managing Editor …….........
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga 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
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
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
Executive Editor …….........
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
Butuan City’s “Clean Ground , Zero Waste“ Program
Photo Credits: Daniel C. Valido Jr. www.agusadelnorte.gov.ph
Cover Story :
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Vol. 1, No. 68
Clean Ground, Zero Waste city: Butuanons’ dream soon to be a reality by Jennifer P. Gaitano
NATI O NAL
11 11 13 14
Aquino approves more funds for the country’s health care system
CARAGA Region
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Catchment basins seen for flood control: DPWH Davao City’s barangay to celebrate catfish festival
Mindanao young women leaders urged to tell people’s stories
CENTRAL Mindanao
21 23 24 25 26
Task Group Fausto joins hands with local task force to investigate the death of Fr. Tentorio
Conflicting tenurial documents hamper implementation of environmental projects
Magsasaka ng Koronadal tinanghal na 1st Runner-Up sa GAD-Rural Women Category
Pagbibigay serbisyo tuloy sa ARMM
Mantele sa mga pari: makipagugnayan sa kapulisan
Australian government to build 5,000 classrooms in the Philippines Aquino declares ‘Eidul Adha’ November 7 as regular holiday nationwide
21 29 31
contents
SOUTHERN Mindanao
16 17 18
OCTOBER 21, 2011
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16 WESTERN Mindanao
NORTHERN Mindanao
LGU-Butuan holds campaign on waste segregation Sangguniang Kabataan holds anti-illegal drugs activities Get the other croc, Bunawan chief exec says LGUs should use rationalized planning system, says DILG NYC calls for peace, mourns loss of lives in Basilan encounter
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34 34 36 38
LBK bus rolls in Gutalac town Power Plant sees PPP vital in attaining social responsibility Street children gracious to NMIS’ ‘feeding program’
40 42 43 44 45
40 “City of Friendship” showcases top products at Oro Best Expo 2011projects 15
NDA holds dairy forum in Northern Mindanao Dairy Authority’s BUILD-UP strategy to push forward the dairy industry Philippine dairy herd hits high milk yield mark Oro Best 2011 Expo boost trade, linkages of NorMindanao
Cover Story Clean Ground, Zero Waste city: Butuanons’ dream soon to be a reality by Jennifer P. Gaitano
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he City of Butuan is the regional center of Caraga, serving as an administrative region of the Philippines and is a highly urbanized city. Friday, October 21, 2011
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City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr bared that the volume of waste of Butuan is estimated at 95 tons per day. The 72 percent of this waste are biodegradable. Thus, the financial burden of waste for the city government Butuan is roughly P80 million annually. This includes the cost of the construction of the sanitary landfill over its three-year life period, the maintenance cost and the annual operations cost of garbage collection (P.37 cents per kilo or P13 million per year). Mr. Bong Alacala, Technical Consultant/External Resources Technical Working Group of the City Mayor’s Office also stressed that if this trend continues, the residents will be deprived of better social and economic services from the city government. Putting it in another way, the financial cost c o u l d
have been translated into more health care providers and medicines, more teachers, more livelihood programs, more welfare assistance, more teachers, more seedlings and trees, etc.
When will the city attain zero waste status? No one knows. But one thing is sure - time is running out, and people need to act now!
Friday, October 21, 2011
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This is the reason why Mayor Amante said it was urgent to develop a set of systematic strategies and approaches to solid waste management to spare the city from the financial cost as well as social, economic and environmental impact of waste – thus the launching and implementation of the Clean Ground, Zero Waste Program thru the ‘No Segregation, No Collection’ Policy. Implementation of this program was based on the Republic Act No. 9003 otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act” or an act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing
penalties, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes. Mayor Amante further bared that the Clean Ground Zero Waste Program is aimed to facilitate a social transformation processes among residents to manifest the desired behavior of segregating waste at source, cleaning the surroundings and converting wastes into money, and to engage massive conversion of waste into organic fertilizers (biodegradables) by the organic fertilizer production facilities and useful materials (non-biodegradables). “With coordination and unity among Butuanons, our dream of a Clean Ground, Zero Waste city will become reality,” Mayor Amante believes that nothing is impossible when all Butuanons will cooperate and be an advocate of this endeavor. Friday, October 21, 2011
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More investors will be coming in to Butuan, more jobs, and most importantly, a healthier life for all our children until the next generation. Also, Ms. Ruth Jugao, City Economic Enterprise and Development Office (CEEDO) Manager and overall coordinator of the program said that there is money in garbage. She also emphasized that the general public can earn money by way of segregating the garbage. “In Butuan, various groups, organizations producing different handicrafts out from the solid wastes are buying cellophanes, bottles, recycled papers, and empty cans. With this, the public does not only help clean the environment but also earn additional income. Wastes can also be converted to organic fertilizers,� Jugao said.
R.A 9003 (Section 48. Prohibited Acts) Republic Act 9003 states that violators of the law will be fined and penalized, such as when (1) Littering, throwing, dumping of waste matters in public places, such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros or parks, and establishment, or causing or permitting the same; (2) Undertaking activities or operating,
collecting or transporting equipment in violation of sanitation operation and other requirements or permits set forth in established pursuant; (3) The open burning of solid waste; (4) Causing or permitting the collection of non-segregated or unsorted wastes; (5) Squatting in open dumps and landfills; (6) Open dumping, burying of biodegradable or non-biodegradable materials in flood Friday, October 21, 2011
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prone areas; (7) Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized persons, and others. Meanwhile, there are many ways to do solid waste management. A highly recommended formula is to adopt the 5S - Sorting garbage and documents; Systematize; Sweeping; Standardize; and Self-Discipline, along with the 3Rs of Ecological Waste Management - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Elements and Approaches Thru this program, the city government also highlights the awarding of Clean Seals as a behavior change strategy to households, puroks, baran-
gay, classrooms, stall, business establishments, and others; Deployment of Eco Marshalls to barangays; Mobilization of existing community volunteers and employ CD strategies; Waste conversion to organic fertilizers (with national, regional and local policy and financial backup). 8
Friday, October 21, 2011
Setting up of Community-based Organic Fertilizer Production Facilities and FAITH gardens; Convergence and multi-sector mobilization (barangays, RLAs/NGAs, businesses, academe, provincial government, CSOs, media, etc.); Integration with other community “felt� concerns (dengue, anti-rabies campaign); and Meaningful community participation and massive community actions. Conceptual framework and strategy The framework for change involves the integration of social transformation strategies with economic transformation strategies. This entails continuing community education, reinforcing and recognizing good behavior, intensifying enforcement of ordinances and mobilization of eco-marshalls and community volunteers. It also includes the establishment and operations of organic fertilizer production facilities to convert waste into organic fertilizers. There are 10 operating commit-
tees in different levels for the said program namely: 1) Clean Households, Puroks, Barangays (38 communities) Committee chaired by City Dir. Romeo Solis of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); 2) Clean Streets chaired by City Councilor Dr. Virgilio Nery, Jr.; 3) Clean Schools (in 38 barangays) chaired by City Councilor Erwin Dano; 4) Clean Offices (regional line agencies, provincial government, private offices) chaired by City Vice Mayor Atty. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun; 5) Clean Business Establishments chaired by City Councilor Ryan
General Services Officer. Activities started/conducted After its significant launching on Sept. 11 with a simultaneous cleanup activity in the city’s streets and barangays, the committees also conducted the following: Sept. 26 – 1st and final meeting with the Chief of Offices in each department in Butuan City Hall for the implementation of the 5S; Sept. 29 – Orientation/briefing of the Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management (BESWM) members and eco-marshals; and Orientation and planning to community volunteers; Oct. 1-7 – Barangay level meet-
Anthony Culima; 6) Clean Airwaves chaired by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga Regional Director Abner Caga; 7) Clean Hospitals chaired by Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Asst. Regional Director Dr. Cesar Cassion; 8) Clean Public Facilities (Langihan, Airport, Terminals, Plazas) chaired by Ms. Ruth Jugao, the over-all coordinator and City Economic Enterprise and Development Office (CEEDO) Manager; 9) Clean Transport chaired by Mr. Alfredo Radaza, LTTMO Chief; 10) Clean City Hall chaired by Ms. Gemma Reserva,
ings to develop action plan; Oct. 8 – start of house to house education campaign including distribution of segregation guide by the BESWM, purok leaders, community volunteers, eco-marshals with a recorida. It can be recalled that about 7-10,000 residents participated in the launching together with the government employees, academe, youth volunteers and partner stakeholders. As of posting time, other activities are still being readied by the committees. Friday, October 21, 2011
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No doubt, this program will be sustained once the cleaning activity will become a routine and be practiced by Butuanons. The Clean Ground, Zero Waste the city government believes that this Program will be fully implemented on day will be a big start of change for all November 11, 2011 (11-11-11) which Butuanons.
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Australian government to build 5,000 classrooms in the Philippines
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd during a courtesy call at the Music Room of Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 21). Rudd’s official visit to the Philippines is his first since he was sworn into office on September 14, 2010. In photo is DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
on Friday.
he Australian government is building 5,000 classrooms in the Philippines, a major contribution to the country’s education sector, President Benigno S. Aquino III announced Friday, October 21, 2011
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The President met Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd at the Palace Friday morning. Rudd’s visit to the Philippines is important to strengthen the relations between the Philippines and Australia, the President said. “Isa sa mga gagawin nilang tulong sa atin--may kakulangan tayo ng classroom-5,000 classrooms ang nakalaang gagawin nila at itutulong sa atin next year. Marami rin
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tayong mga relasyon sa kanila lalo na sa larangang diplomasya, yung mga issue sa West Philippine Sea, etc,” the President said in his speech at the inauguration of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute’s (NKTI) Diagnostic Center Building in Quezon City. The Chief Executive said the Philippines and Australia maintain close trade and defense relations as well as cooperation on disaster risk management and education. At the same time, President Aquino said he seized the opportu-
Friday, October 21, 2011
nity to ask Rudd for a possible meeting with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Rudd, a former Australian prime minister visited the country Thursday and Friday (October 20- 21). This was Rudd’s first official visit to the Philippines since he was sworn into office on September 14, 2010. Rudd’s visit is one of the highlights of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia, which is being commemorated this year. (AS)
Aquino declares ‘Eidul Adha’ November 7 as regular holiday nationwide
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has declared November 7, 2011 which falls on Monday as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eidul Adha (Feast of Sacrifice).
The President issued Proclamation No. 276 on October 20, 2011 based on Republic Act. No. 9849. The said republic act provides “that Eidul Adha shall be celebrated as a regular holiday” The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) recommend-
ed that the observance of Eidul Adha be on November 7 and the Eidul Adha prayer be held on November 6. The Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice is observed after the Hajj -the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia. A duty of each Mus-
lim, as described in the Five Pillars of Islam, is to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime, unless they are prevented by finances or ill health. It is the second of the two major Muslim holy days. The other is Eid-ul-Fitr which follows Ramadan. (JS)
Friday, October 21, 2011
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P
Aquino approves more funds for the country’s health care system
resident Benigno S. Aquino III said he has approved the release of an additional fund intended for the improvement of the country’s health care system. This will involve the hiring of more medical professionals and improving government health facilities. “Naglaan tayo ng P7.1 bilyon para sa ating Health Facility Enhancement program upang mapabuti ang serbisyo ng rural health units, barangay health stations at mga ospital na pinapangasiwaan ng DOH (Department of Health),” the President said during the inauguration of the diagnostic center of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City on Friday. At the same time, the President said he also approved the release of more than P2.5 billion to improve the services of government hospitals like the Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Childrens Center and Philippine Health Insurance 14
Corp. (Philhealth). “Kabilang din po sa nasabing pondo ang pagdaragdag natin ng 12,000 nurses na karagdagan sa 10,000 sa RN HEALS (Registered Nurse for Health Enhancement and Local Service) eHealprogram bago matapos ang taong ito na kakalinga sa ating mga kababayan sa malalayong lugar,” the President said. This year, the government was able to deploy around 10,000 nurses all over the country under the RN HEALS program of the DOH, he said. In the coming weeks, community health teams will visit poor areas tagged by the national household targeting system to
Friday, October 21, 2011
provide free vaccination and feeding programs. Last July, with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the President said the government enrolled more than five million poor families in Philhealth. “Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng ito upang tulungang maiangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan,” he said. The government will also focus on improving maternal health and decrease child mortality rate in the country, the President said adding that he wants that modern medicine and medical services are enjoyed by the people especially the poor. (AS)
P-noy Photos
President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Health Enhancement Award to Pfizer (Thailand) Limited represented by Pfizer (Thailand) Limited Public Affairs and Communications Director and Pfizer Thailand Foundation executive director Anutra Sinchaipanich during the 10th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility Asian CSR Award and Intel-AIM Corporate Responsibility (IACRA) ceremonies at the Isla Ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday night (October 19). The Health Enhancement Award is given to a company which has implemented project with the most accomplishments in terms of improvement of health care in the local, national or international environment. In photo are DSWD Secretary Corazon JulianoSoliman and Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Chairman of the Board of Advisors Ramon del Rosario, Jr. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malaca単ang Photo Bureau).
Friday, October 21, 2011
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Catchment basins seen for flood control: DPWH
A
by Mai Gevera Macapagat
ttending the first hop of the Philippine Economic Briefing held in this city Friday (Oct 21), DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson bared plans of using this catchment model as a means of flood control.
“ With climate change, the rainfall that is suppose to be for 2 months are felt in 3 days that’s why we have excessive flood water. Thus, we need to retard that water upstream to be used for irrigation and most especially control flooding.”, Singson said. Instead of allowing all the water to flow downstream at a time, the strategy rather recommends to establish retarding basins that would temporarily hold the water for a time, put it into good use instead of having it flow at once and cause flooding in lowlands. 16
Friday, October 21, 2011
The official believed on this strategy as this has been applied in Fort Bonifacio when the place was converted into a developed area. This, too, according to Singson is proven effective in other urban settings. DPWH focuses on Davao City, looking at a river system that will have to integrate a river monitoring system with that of the PAG-ASA forecasts. “ We will be creating a model to protect the city from flooding by working together with Pag-asa.
What we have now is just a rainfall forecasting but we also hope to come up with a flood forecast.�, he added. As for the budget, DPWH relies on the convergence program of the national government involving the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Concerned agencies will all look into a
river system and have it as reference for future programs. Singson said the government could not afford to continuously experience flooding in the next five years as damage cost would definitely be higher than the cost of programs intended for these years. (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
Davao City’s barangay to celebrate catfish festival there are 36 registered fishponds in the area. These registered fishponds belong to the group Los Amigos Aquaculture Producers Organization Incorporated. He said the registered ponds net an average of 1,500 kilos of fishes a day or about 547,000 kilos annually. An equal number are estimated to be produced from non-member ponds. Aside from fishponds the barangay is also known for pantatan or hitoan, food establishments serving catfish. Santander says that there DAVAO CITY- The barangay of Las Ami- are at least 17 hitoan eateries which gos in Mintal district of this City will be line the highway traversing the barangay. celebrating their Pantatan Festival this He says that Los Amigos catcoming October 25-28. fish has become famous not just in The festival’s name is derived Davao but also across the country from Pantat the native word for catbeing one of the tastiest. Santander fish which is the prime aquatic prorecall that then Agriculture Secreduce of this highland barangay. tary Arthur Yap during his visit to Los According to Angelico SantandAmigos declared that among the hito er, barangay captain of Los Amigos he tasted from across the country, Friday, October 21, 2011
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the fishes in Los Amigo are among the best-tasting. Santander attributes the tasty catfish to the quality of water that the fishponds are using, which are spring water that comes underground. Our water are not from creeks or streams that pass through residential houses. The waters come fresh and clean from underground.
He said that the demand for catfish is growing, even the eateries along the highway are seeing an influx of visitors particularly tourists. Santander said that just last week bus-
loads of Taiwanese tourists were seen at one of the highway eateries in Los Amigos. Tour agencies are bringing the tourists here He says. Almost all Hotels and restaurants in the city are now also serving Los Amigos hito. This is driving demand for local catfish up, as Santander admits the current supply cannot yet meet the demand of the local market. He says they are still trying to concentrate on the local market before going after the more lucrative export markets. “We are trying to produce quality food for the city’s food security.” Santander said of his barangay’s market priority. Next week’s Pantatan Festival will highlight a Sugbahan sa Kalsada (Roadside Grill) where catfish catch will be grilled along the highway for residents and visitors to taste. (PIA/RG ALAMA)
Mindanao young women leaders urged to tell people’s stories DAVAO CITY- A young journalist urged young women leaders in Mindanao to assert their right to speak and tell people’s stories to bring about the desired change in their respective communities. Manila-based columnist Patricia Evangelista of the Philippine Daily Inquirer shared to a hundred participants to the three-day Mindanao Young Women Leaders Congress, the importance of storytelling which she said “could make a differ18
Friday, October 21, 2011
ence” in the society. Evangelista was the keynote speaker during the Congress that gathered women leaders from the youth sector in Mindanao. The Mindanao Commission on Women organized the Congress with the theme: “Vibrant Visions, Valiant Voices” on October 20-22 at the Garden Oases, this city. “Tell the story because it matters,” Evangelista said as she showed a few television documentaries of cases of human rights violations citing for instance
the story of activist Jonas Burgos who was publicly abducted in 2007, and whose “mother chooses to believe that her son is still alive.” “The reason we tell these stories is because we hope people will see it and tell it again,” stated the twenty-six yearold journalist who is also the executive director of ABS-CBN’s alternative news program “Storyline.” “Once you know a story, it is not your right to keep silent. It is your responsibility to tell the story,” Evangelista emphasized saying that silence means offering one’s consent to occurrences around him/her. According to a MCW press release, Evangelista is one of the movers of Move.PH that organizes multimedia and citizen journalism workshops around the country on the main theme of social media for social change. MCW chair emerita and chief executive officer Irene M. Santiago was pleased to have Evangelista as their keynote speaker saying that the latter represents the innovative and ethical leadership expected from the present generation of change makers. Santiago told the young women leaders aged 15-35 who are from diversified cultures and religions to claim being “third siders” of Mindanao – the side of the “peacemaker, the peacekeeper and the peace builder.” “You will claim it as a new breed of leaders: innovative, bold, creative, but more importantly, ethical,” she stated, saying that “This is what we expect you to be.”
Santiago explained that the Congress aimed at developing new generation of change makers from the young women leaders coming from MCW’s 21 core areas in Mindanao like Davao Region, Basilan, Zamboanga, Sulu, Misamis Occidental, Agusan, Butuan and Cagayan de Oro City. Santiago honored some Mindanao women whom she said left precious legacy to the women leaders today. She mentioned the likes of Tarhata Alonto Lucman, Bai Matabay Plang, Emily Marohombsar, Era Espana and Santanina Rasul as “brave and bold” women. Three women leaders also shared their beginnings as change makers in their respective fields at the young women leaders congress session dubbed as Conversations with Exemplary Young Women Leaders. They were Sheila Algabre, vice president for mission and identity of the Notre Dame University; Carisse Escueta, executive director of the RepubLikha, Inc.; and Violeta Imperial, founder and executive director of Nature Awareness and Conservation Club. Santiago, meanwhile, said that WMC was established to influence public policy and public opinion by incorporating the women’s perspective in peace and development with the goal “For women to be taken seriously.” “For if women are taken seriously, I have no doubt that the challenges of our era for human security and peace will be resolved with a combination of good sense, compassion, and boldness which are hallmarks of women’s leadership.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)
Friday, October 21, 2011
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REGIONAL GALLERY
Landbank of the Philippines Vice President Camilo Leyba for Mindanaopresents LBP’s regional report during the Kapihan sa PIA.
A stretch of the PhilippineJapan Friendship Higway in Carmen, Davao del Norte. Recently upgraded by the Davao del Norte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Task Group Fausto joins hands with local task force to investigate the death of Fr. Tentorio by Pops Gumana-Fruylan The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Fausto” created by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 joined hands on Tuesday with the task force formed by the local government of Cotabato to conduct investigation on the death of Fr. Fausto Tentorio. Fr. Tentorio, a 59 years old Italian priest under the congregation of the Pontifical Institute for Mission Exterarum (PIME) and the designated parish priest of Mother of Perpetual Help Parish of Arakan, Cotabato for 25 years, was shot dead by an unidentified suspect while he was inside the church’s compound on Monday morning. During the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting on Tuesday, PCSupt Lester Camba, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA)
of PRO 12 and the concurrent commander of SITG Fausto delineated the functions of the task group with that of the
Special Investigation Task Force (SITF) Fausto headed by Arakan Mayor Gerardo Tuble. Camba said “SITG
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Fausto” will be “the lead Task Group” in the conduct of the investigation” while “SITF Fausto” will be a subtask group that will support the former with any information relevant to the identification of the suspect and the speedy resolution of the case. Based on the latest development report received by the Philippine Information AgencyGensan from the Office of PRO 12 Regional Director PCSupt Benjardi Mantele, task Group Fausto has come-up with a computerized criminal composite illustration of a suspect who was allegedly asking for the whereabouts of Fr. Tentorio months prior to his death as accounted by one witness. It said the task groups is also looking into the alleged threats received by Fr. Tentorio sometime in 2005 in relation to his “Tribal Filipino Project” as disclosed by Fr. Giovanni Vettoretto, Asst. Priest of 22
the Mother of Perpetual Help in Arakan, and Fr. Peter Geremia, Parish Priest of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. The “Tribal Filipino Project” focused on elevating the socioeconomic status of indigenous people living in the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao and Bukidnon. “Fr Fausto was very active in community activities such as medical mission, mediation on ancestral domain claim of some indigenous people, and other humanitarian activities,” the two priests revealed. Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III during the 110th anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila on Tuesday vowed jus-
Friday, October 21, 2011
tice for the slain priest. “Regardless of who did the crime, they will have to pay. That has been the direction of this administration from the start. You do the crime, you will be in jail,” the president said. Moreover, Fr. Geremia revealed that members of Fr. Tentorio’s family will be arriving this weekend, but specific flight dates are still to be confirmed. He said the remains of Fr. Tentorio shall be brought to Mother Immaculate Cathedral in Kidapawan City on Oct 24, while the funeral mass and burial is scheduled on Oct 25 at the Bishop Palace in Balindog, Kidapawan City. (PIA-Gensan)
Conflicting tenurial documents hamper implementation of environmental projects By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY-- Environment officials in South Cotabato said their implementation of programs and projects in protected areas are being hampered because of conflicting tenurial instruments issued by agencies of the government. Engr. Seigfred Flaviduals and indigenous being claimed by inviano, officer-in-charge peoples. digenous peoples and South Cotabato ProvinHe said some porhave been issued cercial Environment Mantions of upland areas tificates of ancestral agement Office (PEMO) declared as protected domain title (CADT) by said, they are unable by the Department of the Commission on Into promote co-manEnvironment and Natu- digenous Peoples. agement programs ral Resources (DENR) Flaviano cited some such as communityhave also been issued upland areas in T’boli based forest managecertificate of land own- town as having such ment (CBFM) in deership award (CLOA) problems. clared protected areas by the Department of “This is quite combecause of conflicting Agrarian Reform (DAR) mon in the upland arclaims by private indi- while at the same time eas of South Cotabato and in other areas of the country,” he said. The protected areas in T’boli are part of the 102,350-hectare Allah Valley Protected Landscape covered by the National Integrated Protected Area System as provided for by Republic Act 7586. In a press conference on Wednesday, Flaviano said they have already recommended Friday, October 21, 2011
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to South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. for the creation of technical working group (TWG) composed of the agencies involved in the issuance of titles. He said the TWG should identify the areas with overlapping tenurial documents, look into the issue and resolve how to harmonize the conflicting documents. Flaviano said Gov.
Pingoy has already en- sue on executive order dorsed the creation of regarding this matter. a TWG; he expects the (PIA 12) governor will soon is-
Magsasaka ng Koronadal tinanghal na 1st Runner-Up sa GAD-Rural Women Category KORONADAL CITY, Okt 21 – Tumanggap ng parangal si Ginang Remia Apostol bilang 1st Runner-Up sa kategoryang Gender and Development Rural Women in the Philippines. Si Ginang Apostol, 51 taong gulang na residente ng Barangay Conception ang may-ari ng limang ektaryang sakahan na kanyang pinangangasiwaan katuwang ang kanyang kabiyak at tatlong mga anak. Maliban sa mais, iba’t-ibang mga prutas din gaya ng rambutan, durian, mangosteen, lanzones ang pinagkikitaan ng kanilang sakahan. Dagdag ding kita para sa pamilya ang pag-aalaga ng mga hayop gaya ng kambing, manok, baka at iba pa. Dahil sa pagsasaka, naitaguyod 24
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ng pamilya Apostol ang edukasyon ng tatlong anak. Dalawa sa mga ito ay nakapagtapos na ng pag-aaral, habang nasa kolehiyo pa ang kanilang bunso. Ayon kay Koronadal City Agriculturist Emelita B. Miguel, isang malaking karangalan para sa Lungsod ang pagkapanalo ni Gng. Apostol sa patimpalak. Dagdag pa ni Miguel, kanilang sinusuportahan ang mga Gawain ng pamilya Apostol upang ito ay tularan din
ng ibang magsasaka sa lungsod. Tinanggap kamakailan lamang ni Gng. Apostol ang parangal mula kay Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Proceso Alcala. (ac agad PIA12)
Pagbibigay serbisyo tuloy sa ARMM COTABATO CITY, – Dahil business as usual pa rin sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), tuloy pa rin ang paghahatid ng serbisyo nito sa mga mamamayan ng rehiyon. Ayon kay ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib G. Sinarimbo sa lingguhang “Tapatan Sa ARMM” na ginanap noong araw ng Miyerkules, tuloy pa rin ang paghahatid ng serbisyo hanggang sa huling minuto ng kasalukuyang pamunuan. Ito’y matapos maglabas ang Supreme Court (SC) ng resolusyon noong araw ng Martes na nagsasabing legal ang Republic Act 10153 o mas kilala bilang ARMM Synchronization Law, kaya maaaring makapagtalaga ng mga Officers In-Charge(OICs) ang Malacanang sa ARMM. Kahapon, namahagi ang Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) ng 30 bags ng palay seeds para sa bayan ng Rajah Buayan at mahigit dalawang
daang pares ng tsinelas sa mga magaaral ng Datu Botocan Abas Primary School sa Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Ang mga palay seed ay tinanggap mismo ni Datu Kuzbari Ampatuan mula kay BPI-ARMM Executive Director Ali G. Macabalang na siyang kumatawan kay Acting ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Alonto- Adiong. Pinangunahan ni Economic Zone Authority Executive Director Rosslaini Alonto- Sinarimbo ang pamamahagi ng mga tsinelas sa mga mag-aaral ng Datu Botocan Primary School. Ang pamamahagi ng binhi at iba pang mga farm inputs ay ginagawa bilang tuloy-tuloy na suporta sa mga magsasaka na biktima ng kaguluhan at ng pabalik-balik na pagbaha sa lalawigan. Ito’y bahagi ng Early Recovery Program ng Administrasyong Adiong. Ayon kay Sinarimbo patuloy ang kanilang pagsuporta sa mga mag-aaral at sa mga paaralang binipesaryo ng “Adopt A School Program” ni governor Adiong na nagsimula noong pasukan ng taong kasalukuyan. Ang Datu Botocan Primary School ang siyang unang eskwelahan na inadopt ng ORG sa ilalim ng “Adopt A School Program” nito. Sa kasalukuyan mayroon ng mahigit sampung(10) paaralan ang sinusuportahan ng Office of the Regional Governor. Dagdag pa ni Sinarimbo na tuloy pa rin ngayong araw ang pamamahagi ng mga binhi at mga tsinelas. (Moner C.Dayaan-PIA Cotabato City/BPIARMM) Friday, October 21, 2011
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Mantele sa mga pari: makipag-ugnayan sa kapulisan KORONADAL CITY -- Kasunod ng karumal-dumal na pagpatay sa isang paring Italyano sa Arakan, North Cotabato noong Lunes, hiniling ngayon ni Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) Regional Director P/ CSupt Benjardi Mantele sa mga paring nakatatanggap ng mga pagbabanta na makipag-ugnayan sa kapulisan.
Inihayag ni Mantele na inilabas niya ang panawagan para sa koordinasyon ng mga pari at kapulisan para makapagpapatupad ang mga otoridad ng mga hakbang para maprotektahan ang mga paring may banta sa kanilang buhay. Aniya kasama pa rin ang mga pari sa kailangang pangalagaan ng mga pulis. 26
Mahalaga umanong malaman agad ang pagkakakilanlan ang mga taong nagbabanta sa kanilang buhay upang maiwasan ang nangyari kay Fr. Fausto Tentorio na binaril sa loob mismo ng kumbento ng Mother of Perpetual Help Parish sa Arakan, North Cotabato. Sa ngayon nagpapatuloy pa ang imbestigasyon ng kapulisan
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hinggil sa pagpatay kay Fr. Tentorio. Kinumpirma ni P/ CSupt Lester Camba, pinuno ng Task Force Fausto na binuo ng PRO 12, na mayroon na silang dalawang testigo sa kaso at may nabuo na ring cartographic sketch na maaaring magamit sa pagkilala sa suspek. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
LGU-Butuan holds campaign on waste segregation by Malou Furia
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series of workshops and information campaign on waste segregation was jointly facilitated by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the City Economic Enterprise and Development Office (CEEDO) at the Caraga State University (CSU), in this city.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
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Butuan City generates an approximately at 95 tons daily. The first day was attended by an estimated composed of Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee members, the eco marshalls, chairmen of the barangay Committee on Sanitation and Environment, Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) Presidents and Principals of public schools of the 38 Barangays (27 urban and 11 rural bgys), Purok officials, NGOs and private organizations. Dr. Almer M. Alfonso Sr., SP Member, Valencia City, illustrated the effective and eco- friendly way of disposing garbage starting from waste segregation to producing an organic fertilizer and finally crafting some products from waste materials. 28
With waste segregation, the government will save almost 75% from its original budget covering fuel and costs of manpower not to mention the cost of the dump truck and its daily maintenance while the volume of garbage is reduced. Public School Teachers that totals to almost 300 led by Department of Education (DepEd) Education Program Specialist (Science) Ms. Lidwina Calo joined the workshop on the 2nd day while on the 3rd day Barangay Health workers, Day Care Workers, Staff from the Health Centers, CVOS, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars filled the area to learn the ABC’s of waste segregation. According to some teachers from Bonbon Integrated School, they will immediately imple-
Friday, October 21, 2011
ment and practice to segregate waste not only in schools but most specially in their homes, and they added that they are elated to know that the idea of waste segregation reached the professional sector like them. They promised to disseminate the news and inculcate the habit of waste reduction to their students. Hon. Mayor Ferdinand Amante strongly advocated a clean city and healthy people, this being the foundation of a strong community. According to him, a progressive city must have its proper waste disposal just like a home. Meantime, the mayor urged everyone to support the Clean Ground Zero Waste program as its kick-off to realizing a dream of having a clean city. (Butuan City-PIO)
Sangguniang Kabataan holds anti-illegal drugs activities by Ezhraim Jon C. Maymay
BISLIG CITY -- The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) City Federation, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), conducted recently the orientation training and planning workshop cum symposium on the effects of illegal drugs. The event was held in Florland Ventures, San Vicente, Bislig City and was participated by 138 SK Officials from the 24 Barangays of the City. The activity aimed to ensure proper implementation of youth development programs and to enhance the compe-
tencies of the members of the Sangguniang Kabataan on the basics of barangay governance and administration and be fully aware of their tasks and responsibilities. A briefing on the basic information on Katipunan ng Kabataan
(KK) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) by LGOO V Julius R. Carrido commenced the activity. SK officials were reminded of the structure and Organization of the KK and SK; the roles, duties, responsibilities and benefits of the SK officials; and the SK constitution
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and by-laws. Provincial Director Pedrito P. Alacaba geared the participants on The Call for Righteous SK Leadership, which emphasizes on the significance of leadership towards success. He also brought to light that strong moral values are the foundation of servant leadership and new politics. SK Operations Planning and Budgeting was facilitated and coached by LGOO VI Joseph G. Porgatorio. Through the
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workshop, the participants were able to craft the CY 2012 SK Operations Plan and Budget for the utilization of their 10% SK fund in line with the provisions of the LGC and their Constitution and By-laws. The Basic Parliamentary Procedures and Local Legislation was discussed by City Local Government Operations Officer Olivia P. Bagasbas to guide and equip the SK Officials on the appropriate method on holding SK session.
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Illegal Drugs and its Effects - Role of the SK in the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign via P/C/BADAC was discussed by P/ Supt Ronelo D Jaurigue, Bislig City Chief of Police (COP). The COP illustrated the detrimental effects of illegal drugs on the welfare of the youth, the warfare of the government through policies, legislations and enforcement, and more importantly, the role of the youth to attain a drugfree community. (DILGSurigao del Sur)
Get the other croc, Bunawan chief exec says by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY -- Bunawan, Agusan del Sur Mayor Edwin Elorde today said for the safety of the people especially during rainy season, Lolong’s companion must be captured at the soonest possible time. He said the local government is determined to capture the other crocodile, which was seen earlier last month with Lolong as the two reptiles attacked a carabao along the riverbank in the area. Elorde however admitted that people in the area especially those living near the riverbanks are worried and fear for their lives. “This is the reason why there is a need for the
other crocodile to be captured,” he said. The town’s local chief executive further stressed the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) agreed with the local government unit for the immediate capture of the said crocodile. “As per our agreement, we need to construct another cage before they will resume the operation to capture
the croc,” Elorde said in Cebuano dialect. With rainy season already fast approaching, Elorde said they are doubling their efforts together with the PWRCC to capture the other crocodile before December this year. Meanwhile, Elorde pointed out that Lolong is in good condition at present and has already eaten two times since he was captured last month.
LGUs should use rationalized planning system, says DILG by Ernie Y. Gultiano
BUTUAN CITY -- Local officials should make use of the rationalized planning system (RPS) in crafting their respective local development plans.
This was the and Local Govern- Burdeos to local exmessage of Depart- ment (DILG) region- ecutives during the ment of the Interior al director Rene K. 69th Caraga Regional Friday, October 21, 2011
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Development Council (RDC) meeting held recently in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. The RPS consists of systems and procedures that will harmonize existing guides to rationalize local planning. It integrates national line agencies’ sectoral concerns into the comprehensive development plan (CDP) and comprehensive land use plan
(CLUP) of LGUs. Thus,it strengthens the links of planning, budgeting, investment programming and expenditure management. It also reinforces the complementation of the province and its component LGUs on planning and budgeting. Despite the “limitation” of the Caraga Regional Development Plan due to
lack of data from local government units (LGUs) and national line agencies, the said plan was endorsed by the Council, nonetheless. “This [Regional Development Plan] can be updated every year, anyway,” said National Economic and Development Authority regional director Carmencita Cochingco. (DILG-13)
NYC calls for peace, mourns loss of lives in Basilan encounter
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by Sarah Grutas
n light of the recent incident in Basilan involving government soldiers and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the National Youth Commission (NYC) expresses its sympathy to the families of those who died during the prolonged encounter that claimed at least 20 lives.
NYC Commissioner Representing Mindanao Earl P. Saavedra, who also hails from Basilan, said it was impera32
tive to promote lasting peace in Mindanao. “To address this concern, the NYC together with the local
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government agencies regularly holds a series of peace advocacy activities involving young people in Mindanao. We
Photo by Ruel Ampatin
recently celebrated the Peace Month, culminating in a Peace Parade and a Commitment Activity on September 29, 2011 in Butuan City, where Mindanao stakeholders signed a manifesto for Peace calling for support in the peace process as part of social development,� Commissioner Saavedra adds. NYC called for a culture of peace and
tolerance among the Filipinos, especially the youth, as part of its new peace and development banner called the Mindanao 2020 youth agenda. NYC also pledged its support to government efforts in establishing peace in Mindanao and at the same time in championing the voice of young Mindanaoans. “It is important that we value the
voice of the youth in Mindanao. The youth plays a vital role in ensuring a peaceful and developed society in the future where principles, beliefs, and cultures are respected. Les us ensure that this incident will not compromise the welfare of our people in Basilan and in Mindanao,� Commissioner Saavedra said. (NYC)
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LBK bus rolls in Gutalac town
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by Franklin P. Gumapon
he final leg of the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK) of the Department of Health (DOH) has finally arrived here yesterday for a two-day health carava in a fiesta setting. Dr. Irma Asuncion, director of the DOH’s National Center for Health Promotion (NCHP) said in a press conference the LBK is a nationwide comprehensive health promotion campaign aimed at bringing quality health information and services to the communities especially the socalled geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). A customized bus with consultation and 34
examination clinics, which traveled all the way from Luzon down to Visayas and Mindanao, became the major attraction during the health caravan. All pre-natal consultations were done inside the bus. Several booths were also set up at the town plaza where the health workers held lectures on family planning, immunization program, proper nutrition, and other related topics. Mayor Mariano
Friday, October 21, 2011
Candelaria Jr. estimated the number of people who showed up for the health caravan to be more or less 2,000 individuals including infants and children. The mayor also expressed elation that
his town was chosen as one of the 10 destinations in this year’s LBK, which was launched in the province of Tarlac last March. “Hosting LBK is very advantageous to our constituents for health education is what they really need most especially that we are very far from
hospi-
tals,” he said. Candelaria disclosed that his town is now planning to put up its own hospital to give his constituents greater access to health services. DOH-IX Assistant Regional Director Nimfa Torrizo, on the other hand,
said the DOH has planned to continue and expand the LBK to other provinces and municipalities with its slogan, “Walang Iwanan sa Biyaheng Kalusugan” (No one is left in the journey toward health). According to Torrizo, the LBK health promotion campaign is in support of the health framework of the Aquino administration to address the health needs of GIDAs, and to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). (JPA/ FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)
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Power Plant sees PPP vital in attaining social by Jocelyn P. Alvarez responsibility
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ublic Private Partnership plays pivotal role for the San Ramon Power Incorporated (SRPI) in pursuing its responsibilities to the community, specially to the “host” community where the power plant is situated. The SRPI partnered with concerned government agencies for the conduct of its humanitarian mission, to give health assistance to indigent individuals. Together with the medical dental team of the Western Mindanao Com-
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mand, AFP, Task Force Zamboanga, City Health Office, Ayala Barangay officials, Philippine Red Cross (PRC)Zamboanga Chapter , Zamboanga City Medical Society, Zamboanga Dental Society and the Western Mindanao Power Corporation,
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recently conducted a health drive serving some 800 individuals of far flung communities in the city’s west coast. The beneficiaries took advantage of the free medical/ dental assistance and availed themse lves of tooth extraction, medical
checkup, blood typing, bone scanning, and free medicines. The whole day outreach program benefited the residents of the three neighboring barangays (Talisayan, Pamucutan and Sinubong) where
the proposed coal power plant will be constructed. “Hindi lng kami nagtatayo ng planta, isa sa mga social responsibilities ng kompanya is to help in the heath aspect especially of the host
community,” (we do not just build plants (power plants) , one of the company’s social responsibilities is to help in the health aspect, especially of the host community) said Francis Icao, SRPI Safety and E n v i r o n m e n t Engineer. He said, this activity would not be possible without the help from the government sector who selflessly served during the medical mission along with the private groups. (JPA/ PIA9-Zambo City)
Friday, October 21, 2011
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Street children gracious to NMIS’ ‘feeding program’ by Gideon C. Corgue
C here.
lose to 30 snotty nose, barefooted and half-naked street children on Thursday have availed the feeding program of National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS9)
The street children aged 5-13 years old, and who are working as ‘car boys’ in malls and business establishments were randomly picked up by NMIS9 staff to be part of the 39th National Meat Safety Consciousness Week (NMSCW) celebration. “Lami kaayo ang pagkaon! Busog ko kaayo!(The food is tasty! My stomach is full!),” says Genesis Bolado, 13 yrs. old of Sta. Lucia District. “Nalipay ko kaayo nga gi-apil ko ning maong programa sa NMIS(I’m happy that I was included in this program by the NMIS),” he added. Bolado, an elementary drop out said 38
he was very happy eating with his fellow street children in a long table inside NMIS saying that it was his first time to eat nutritious foods. 12 year-old Anthony Pancho of Tiguma who make sideline of working as a ‘car boy’ said it was his first time to eat nutritious foods. “Nalipay ko kaayo sa gipakita nga pagtagad sa staff sa maong opisina. Ang ilang mga pahiyom ug kadasig pagpakaon namo maoy nakadugang hatag namo ug kalipay samtang kami nagkaon ( I am very happy they have shown us their warm welcome. Their
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smiles and sincerity of feeding us gave us happiness while we were eating)”, says Pancho, whose parents are working in a school as uility worker and her mother, a plain housewife. NMIS-9 Regional Technical Director Dr. Arturo De Jesus Jr. said
we were very happy to serve these young and innocent children. “In more than 10 years of doing the program, we’ve felt the joy of sharing our blessings to them by seeing them eating happily,” De Jesus added. De Jesus said that during the event, they
were touched of the deep concern shown by some of the street children for their family by appealing them to pack some of the foods to be given to their brothers and sisters. Wide smiles and ‘thank you’ words were seen and heard by the staff as the
street children inside the service vehicle waved their hands and bade ‘goodbye’. The feeding program was one of the highlights of the observance of the 19th National Meat Safety Consciousness Week on October 1721. (JPA/GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian)
Friday, October 21, 2011
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“City of Friendship” showcases top products at Oro Best Expo 2011 eading food and agri-industrial products from Cagayan de Oro and northern Mindanao areas take center stage as the 5th Oro Best Expo opens here at SM Mall Atrium Wednesday with international dignitaries Officials and delegates from the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) took a noontime break at the start of their 3-day high-level meet to grace the opening of this year’s Oro Best Expo. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino led BIMP-EAGA officials at the 5th Oro Best Expo opening and cited the potential revenues and investment opportunities that could be generated from the event. Antonino said it is “both timely and strategic” that the expo is held in conjunction with the BIMP-EAGA 20th 40
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Senior Officials and 16th Ministerial Meeting, which had drew in over 200 delegates from within the four-country sub-regional grouping. “To date, the BIMP-EAGA side events such as the trade fairs have become strategic venues to enhance trade links, promote small and medium enterprises products and services and
with the current trends on food, lifestyle products, and services directed towards health-related consciousness, many micro and small enterprises are given the opportunity to re-align their marketing reach towards the mainstream. She added that “with the increased trade and communication activities that go beyond borders, there is greater opportunity for SMEs to tap a wider range of investments and contribute to the dynamism of Mindanao’s local economy.”
assist local producers in the expansion of market reach,” added Antonino, She also cited the role of BIMP-EAGA who is also the Philippines Signing in increasing investments with the Minister for the BIMP-EAGA. adoption of agreements that facilitate easier movement of goods, people After the opening program, the BIMP- and services through transport links EAGA delegates were toured around and harmonized rules, regulations and the various Expo booths that featured procedures in customs, immigration, the local products of Northern quarantine and security or CIQS. Mindanao that include Coco sugar, stoneware products, abaca cloth from The Oro Best Expo is jointly organized Bukidnon, seaweed snacks, herb by the Oro Chamber and Promote products, dried and processed fruits, CDO Foundation. The Expo runs until purees and jams. October 22 (Saturday). (MinDA) Apart from the booth exhibits, this year’s Oro Best Expo also slated a Dairy Forum that features information on market value of dairy products, training demonstration on milk processing, and product marketing. The forum is part of a livelihood program series lodged under the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) as a program known as the “Ice on Milk” project. Antonio
further
stressed
that Friday, October 21, 2011
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NDA holds dairy forum in Northern Mindanao by Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – The National Dairy Authority (NDA), in Northern Mindanao, in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (OroChamber), the Land O’ Lakes Foundation Phil., Inc., and the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC), conducted a Northern Mindanao Dairy Forum at the SM City Rotunda, here.
James B. So, officer-in-charge of NDA-10, said the dairy forum was aimed at promoting the development of the dairy industry in the country. He said the country’s dairy situation, including the industry’s concerns and opportunities, as well as the Philippine Dairy Roadmap were discussed by the dairy stakeholders in the region during the forum. Also, a livelihood learning session on milk products processing techniques for targeted women in the city was also held after the dairy forum. Both the dairy forum and the livelihood session are components of the Information Campaign and Education (ICE) on the Importance of Milk Project which is aimed at addressing the problems of marketing
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Friday, October 21, 2011
of dairy products, low milk production, consumption, malnutrition and the low awareness and appreciation of the importance of milk in creating a healthy population. The forum was conducted as one of the highlights of the BruneiIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines, East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Trade Fair cum OROBEST 2011 Exposition.
Dairy Authority’s BUILD-UP strategy to push forward the dairy industry by Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental--- The National Development Authority (NDA) will use the BUILD-UP strategy to achieve its goal of gaining a milk sufficiency level of 43% by 2016.
This was disclosed by Rene Martin De Guzman, manager of the Planning and Service Department of the NDA, during the Northern Mindanao Dairy Forum held yesterday at the SM City Rotunda, here. He said the BUILD-UP, which stands for Buy more animals, Upgrade local animals, Invite private-public partnership, Lighten the credit burden, Develop more dairy zones, Unify efforts of government and nongovernment agencies, and Promote the consumption of locally-produced milk is a strategic approach to push forward the development of the dairy industry in the country. De Guzman, who presented the Philippine Dairy Roadmap for 20102016, said by infusing and upgrading
dairy animals within the next five (5) years, the dairy herd will be increased to about 55,000 head and triple the daily milk output to 131 tons per day. Another component of the strategy is the development of more dairy zones and establishment of dairy breeding farms through public-private endeavors that are expected to boost economic growth and create the 22,000 jobs targeted by the NDA by 2016. The strategy is also expected to generate family income of about P500 per day per farmer from dairying and involve some 100,000 dairy farm families in active dairy zones in crop-dairy systems and dairy-related enterprises. It will likewise facilitate the setting-up of P300 Million Dairy Credit Opportunity Window (D’COW) to support the investment initiatives of the public and private sector on dairy business, as well as, in setting-up of P150M Buy Back Fund for the procurement of upgraded dairy animals and local dairy crossbreds. Moreover, the BUILD-UP strategy will help in instituting the Milk Trust Fund to ensure timely milk payments to dairy farmers serving the milk feeding projects where one (1) million malnourished children will be feed. Friday, October 21, 2011
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Philippine dairy herd hits high milk yield mark by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – The Philippine milk herd productivity performance hits an annual average yield of one ton per animal for the last five years, comparable to the world’s market productivity parameter. Rene Martin De Guzman, manager of the Planning and Management Services Department of the National Dairy Authority (NDA) announced this during the Dairy Forum held today at SM City, a side event of the BruneiIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippine East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Trade Fair cum Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) Business Enterprise Services and Trade (OROBEST) exposition. Although the country lags in terms of total milk production and number of milking cows than to its ASIAN counterparts it still continues to gain good marks in the area of productivity, from top 30 in 2008, it pushes on to top 20 in 2009. “Hindi sinasabi na kesyo maraming animals, mataas din ang produksyon, kung pagalingan sa bakang hinawakan hindi tayo pahuhuli,” De Guzman said. Given such edge, local farmers were encouraged to follow the required handling of these animals in order maximize its milk produce. In the Philippines, milk was listed among top five agricultural imports next to rice and wheat. De Guzman noted that out of the 468 million liters of milk consumed 44
Friday, October 21, 2011
only 14 million were locally produced or only one out of every four glasses is supplied locally. To reverse the current dairy trend in the country and maximize its potential the NDA crafted a dairy roadmap for the next five years that targets to double up local milk production and contribution, as well as triple the daily milk yield by strengthening its asset build up and public-private partnership, increasing the number farm families and setting up of a dairy cow financing facility. In Northern Mindanao, the current farm gate price of raw milk reaches to Php 22.00 per liter, a little lower that Luzon’s Php 25.00, while Visayas pegs at Php18.00. De Guzman emphasized that
despite the current dairy statistics, farmers in Mindanao and Visayas still earns a minimum of Php 500.00 to Php 600.00 per day, while the Luzon dairy farmers get a higher daily perks. He said the figures were not at all bad. De Guzman likewise encouraged dairy farmers present in the forum to interest and train more young people on dairy farming to ensure increase and sustained supply of locally produce milk over the years.
Oro Best 2011 Expo boost trade, linkages of NorMindanao by Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental--- The chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) commended the organizers of the Oro Business Enterprise Services and Trade (OROBEST) 2011 Expo citing their initiative as a good way to promote trade and boost linkages.
Luwalhati R. Antonino, who was the keynote speaker during the opening ceremony of the OROBEST 2011 Expo, said the trade fair is a strategic venue to enhance trade links and promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) products and services. She said the trade fair also help local producers acquire skills necessary for production and management of business, as well as, assist them in the expansion of their market reach. Organized by the de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber), the OROBEST Expo showcases the best agricultural and tourism products and services in Northern Mindanao. The four-day trade fair, which is one of the side events of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials and Ministerial Meeting (SOMM), also features product sampling, investment matching, and livelihood learning session. Antonino said the BIMP-EAGA has adopted agreements that facilitate faster movement of goods, people and services through transport links and harmonized customs processes. Given the more favorable business
climate, local producers are now gaining confidence to invest and build networks with other producers and the international market prompting us to accelerate development at a level that support trade with an enabling mechanisms necessary for sustaining growth and expansion, she further said. With the increase trade and communication activities that go beyond borders, there is a greater opportunity for SMEs to talk a wider range of investment and contribute to the dynamism of our local economy, she added. Friday, October 21, 2011
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