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
Bongao’s
administration: model for development
Photo Credit: world_armies, vixpix7
Cover Story :
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Vol. 1, No. 77
Bongao’s sound fiscal administration: model for development
By Rene V. Carbayas
NATI O NAL
8 8 10
Malacañang officials visit displace families in Alicia
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No curfew hours in Zambo. Norte, says PNP-ZN chief
15 17 18
Aquino to attend to paper works during holidays, visits parents’ grave on Oct. 31
12 CENTRAL Mindanao
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Davao City ready for undas 2011 Panabo IPs showcase culture and heritage Panabo implements “Oplan Kaluluwa” ComVal supports DepEd technology, livelihood education
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NORTHERN Mindanao
ZamboSur dad supports PNoy’s stance of an ‘all-out justice’ policy
Aquino issues Executive Order no. 62 transferring Local Water Utilities Administration from Department of Health to Department of Public Works and Highways
SOUTHERN Mindanao
21 22 22 23
contents
WESTERN Mindanao
12 13 14
26 29 27 28 29
OCTOBER 30, 2011
Daycare workers take a break IP month celebration in Sarangani promotes tribal rights
Military camp to grow seedlings for greening program Kins nabbed for illegal possession of drugs and firearms in Sto Nino, South Cotabato 50% ng Pantawid Pasada cards sa So Cotabato di kinuha ng mga benepisyaryo – DILG
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Pinoy’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program helps poor families realize their dreams
DILG tells LGUS: Mobilize cops, tanods, medics during Undas Cong. Rodriguez supports DSWD request for higher budget in 2012 NorMin 4P cash grants reach P656M in 2010 A community works the Kapitbisig way
CARAGA Region
30 32 33 34 37
Loverkada Kids gets hero’s welcome from Butuan City gov’t Multi-sectors converge for Mindanao Week of Peace celeb BGen Plaza to authorities: “Give peace a chance” New inter-agency task force formed to go after “kotong” cops, other traffic law enforcers Feature: Number of diabetics increases with age
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Cover Story Bongao’s
sound fiscal administration: model for development By Rene V. Carbayas
S
ounds like good governance, but the key is a strong administration of a leadership that has a vision for Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi.
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
An underdeveloped municipality barely a decade ago, Bongao is the capital town of Tawi-Tawi and the center for trade and commerce of the province. Life was seemingly difficult and miserable that time. Economic and social development was very slow. Prices of basic goods and commodities were high and the government was barely grasping for resources to remedy social and environmental problems. Basic infrastructure facilities were inadequate, funds were scarce and people were poor. The business sector was also hesitant to dispense their investment because of this irresponsive and dormant scenario. Likewise, the income of the municipal government was low, which made it difficult to implement priority development programs and projects that were essential to the needs of the people. Even the LGU’s customer services and civil application processes were below standards that delays office operations and transactions. This, however, is attributed to the lack of personnel, facilities and equipment, and the unsystematic local government
transactions. LGU personnel received low salaries and majority of them lack the necessary training because the budget had been limited even to sustain travel expenses in attending training and seminars. When Councilor Albert Que became Mayor of Bongao in 2000, by way of succession and later by election, changes started to take root in the municipality. Committed to uphold his role and pledge to advocate his vision Sunday, October 30, 2011
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to transform Bongao into a progressive municipality, he instituted changes, reforms and the needed development of the municipality. He drew from his experiences as a councilor and a businessman that made him aware of the potentials of the town that had not been tapped. He saw a great deal of opportunity of the town as the center for trade and commerce and its proximity to Sabah, Malaysia. As a businessman, the young Mayor Que knew that proper management of the LGU’s financial resources was very essential because funds serve as the lifeblood of every local government unit. In partnership with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the assistance of the Local Government Support Program in the Autonomous Region in Mus-
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
lim Mindanao (LGSPA), administration and fiscal reforms were among the major development thrusts that were prioritized and given more attention by the LGU. After ten years, results take shape. From a 4th class municipality, Bongao today ranks 2nd class LGU. From Php 42-million in 2000, Bongao at present has an estimated income of Php 102million. Because of the increase in income, the number of competent LGU personnel has also grown. The offices are now computerized and personnel salaries have been standardized. In effect, LGU operations have tremendously improved in terms of client services, civil application processes and financial management. Economic activities have also greatly intensified especially in the municipality’s urban center where a number of establishments have been continuously sprouting every year. In 2010 alone, the first mini-mall in Tawi-Tawi province had been opened following the earlier opening of a medium-sized department store in the downtown area of Bongao. Grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, mobile phone shops, internet cafes
and banks with ATM are sprouting that attracted streams of people everyday. This means that the business sector has already placed significant interest in their investment in Bongao seeing its favorable business atmosphere today, which obviously means a growing income for the LGU in terms of local revenues. For years, the LGU of Bongao has been implementing a number of projects either funded locally, nationally, or internationally. Its 20% development fund has been fully utilized every year to implement small local projects, while part of it is set aside as counterpart funds for the implementation of bigger projects funded by national or international funding institutions. Among the major projects implemented out of the 20% development fund over the years include the installation of 200
units street lights, acquisition of 7 dump trucks and compactor for garbage collection, enrollment of 5,000 indigents to PhilHealth, construction of Bongao Public Market building, rehabilitation and repair of various government buildings, facilities, health centers, roads, and livelihood programs. The success comes from the proper use of people funds, giving priority to what was needed most by the people of Bongao. It is about having and making plans and finding creative ways to source out the needed funds. Indeed, it takes good leadership with a vision for Bongao that propels the municipality into an LGU worth emulated—a model of good fiscal administration and management.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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Aquino issues Executive Order no. 62 transferring Local Water Utilities Administration from Department of Health to Department of Public Works and Highways
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has transferred the supervision of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
President Aquino ordered the transfer of LWUA’s supervision from the Department of Health (DOH) to DPWH through Executive Order (EO) No. 62, which he signed on October 26, 2011. In issuing EO the President cited the need for “a concerted and well-coordinated effort in formulating policies as well as planning and implementing programs and projects for the water sector.” The DPWH is “mandated to ensure that the planning, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities, such as national highways, flood control and water resource development systems, are in accordance with the highest level of safety and efficiency and
in line with the overall national development objectives.” “LWUA is hereby transferred from DOH to DPWH,” President Aquino said. He also authorized the DPWH to exercise administrative supervision over LWUA and to continue to implement reforms to ensure efficient flow of resources into the sector, thereby facilitating the implementation of projects therein. The President also tasked the Secretaries of Finance, Public Works and Highways, and Health, serving in ex officio capacity, to sit as members of the LWUA Board of Trustees representing the national government. “The foregoing ex officio members may designate their
respective alternates who shall be officials next-in-rank, and whose acts shall be considered the acts of their principals,” the President said. He likewise tasked the DPWH Secretary to convene the Inter-Agency Committee on the Water Sector “to design and recommend to the President a water sector master plan which will effectively address all the issues and concerns of the water sector.” According to the President, the said Committee will also recommend the appropriate organizational structure of all concerned agencies for the effective implementation of the water sector master
Sunday, October 30, 2011
9
T h e National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, Department of the
Interior and Local Government, the Office of the President and such other concerned agencies will form part of the Committee on the Water Sector. The DPWH, in consultation with the concerned agencies,
will formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the effective implementation of EO 62. EO 62 will take effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation. (CO)
Aquino to attend to paper works during holidays, visits parents’ grave on Oct. 31
P Saturday.
10
resident Benigno S. Aquino III will keep himself busy with paper works while observing ‘Undas’ or ‘All Saints Day’ this long weekend, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on
Sunday, October 30, 2011
The President has no official schedule beginning October 29 (Saturday) to November 01 (Tuesday) but he is expected to visit the grave of his deceased parents at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Monday, October 31. Valte said President Aquino and his family opted to schedule their visit on the 31st so as not to cause any inconvenience to the people who also have plans to offer prayers and flowers to the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and President Corazon C. Aquino. She added that the President along with his Cabinet officials and government agencies that are tasked to ensure the peace and order and public safety will not take a day off during the holidays but will instead monitor the situation in the country.
“Ang Pangulong Aquino naman po…’pag nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na walang pasok, normally either nag-uuwi ho ‘yan ng mga briefing papers niya—‘yung mga papeles, ‘yung mga paperwork… He takes advantage of the time that he has to review papers,” Valte said over government-run radio station dzRB. President Aquino will be expecting reports from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Philippine National Police (PNP) with respect to road safety and the traffic situation for the welfare of the public traveling to and from the provinces, the Palace official said. Valte also said the Department of Health in partnership with some non-government
organizations will be providing medical teams to assist people in highlycongested public cemeteries. “Hindi po maiiwasan ‘yan dahil maraming tao, mayroon hong mga mahihilo, mayroon pong baka hindi masyadong maganda ang pakiramdam so nag-partner din po ang DOH doon sa ibang mga NGO na nagbibigay ng mga ganitong klaseng assistance,” she said. Valte, likewise, informed the public that the DOTC may be contacted through its hotline: 7890 in case they would need assistance while on the road, adding that the national emergency number 117 is prepared to take phone calls for any security and emergency issues that may arise anytime. (HDC)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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ZamboSur dad supports PNoy’s stance of an ‘all-out justice’ policy by Gideon C. Corgue
Z
amboanga del Sur governor Antonio H. Cerilles on Saturday gave his reaction on President Benigno Simeon Aquino’s stance on ‘all-out justice’ instead of an ‘all-out war’ against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following the death of 19 soldiers in Basilan province and additional casualties in weekend attacks in Zamboanga Sibugay. Cerilles in his weekly radio program over dxBZ dubbed ‘Isyu nasyonal, isyu lokal’ Cerilles said even if the MILF was identified as culprits in the killing of the soldiers we should not include the whole MILF leadership, Cerilles said quoting the President. Cerilles said President Aquino‘s administration is strong in their resolve to attain peace and progress by meeting the top MILF leader Al-Haj 12
Murad Ibrahim in Japan and discussed the stalled peace talks between the government of the Philippines and MILF. “It is not because of the tragic death of our soldiers in Basilan that we immediately urged the government to declare an ‘all-out war’ against the MILF?” Cerilles asked. “Only those who are responsible of the incident should be pursued by our government forces, not the entire MILF group. The
Sunday, October 30, 2011
president was in the right track when he declared an an ‘all-out justice not an ‘all-out war’,” Cerilles explained. Cerilles said the government should pursue the peace process to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. “The gov’t should talk with the MILF and to know what are their demands. We will give peace a chance,” Cerilles
said adding that peace can never be achieved with the use of force or violence. ‘Dili ako pabor sa ‘all-out war’. Angay nga gukdon sa kagamhanan ang mga armadong grupo nga milapas sa peace process’, (I’m not in favor of an ’all-out
I
war’. I’m into an ‘all-out justice. Only those armed groups who violated the peace process must be pursued), Cerilles added. When the President gave the order to the government forces, there was no failure on his leadership as what
claimed by his critics , Cerilles said adding that he was in full control of the situation. With the ‘all-out justice’ policy of the president, justice will be served to the family of the victims, Cerilles concluded. (JPA/GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian)
Malacañang officials visit displace families in Alicia by Claro Lanipa n the aftermath of the recent clashes between government forces and the group of lawless elements in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, three (3) top national officials visited Alicia on Friday, October 28, to personally see for themselves and assess the situation of the displaced families. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman and Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles took time to visit, console and listen to the voice of some 400 displaced families temporarily sheltered in one of the evacuation centers at Barangay Naga-Naga,
Alicia. The displaced families majority of whom are women and children were given a temporary shelter in an elementary school and a Catholic Church of said barangay. They were given free medical assistance especially the children and the sick by the provincial and municipal health officials, while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office
(PSWDO) and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Alicia jointly distribute food stuffs to the displaced families. Secretary Soliman said “we are here to check and assess your situation and at the same listen and attend to your basic needs. You don’t have to worry the government is doing everything to stabilize the peace and order situation in your area.”
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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Meanwhile, during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on the same day held at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall of Alicia, Secretary Soliman turned over five (5) checks
A
for the following five affected municipalities – Payao and Alicia were given P2 million each while Talusan, Mabuhay and Olutanga were given P1 million each. These assistance
came from President Aquino’s Social Fund and is intended to help normalize the livelihood of the affected families soonest possible, Sec. Soliman stressed. (JPA/ CAL/PIA9/ZamboSur)
No curfew hours in Zambo. Norte, says PNPby Franklin P. Gumapon ZN chief lthough the entire Zamboanga Peninsula is now on heightened alert following the recent attacks by lawless elements on some towns in the region, Zamboanga del Norte and its two cities of Dipolog and Dapitan are not yet implementing curfew hours for the residents. Contrary to the text messages purportedly coming from PSSupt. Ruben Cariaga, police provincial director of Zamboanga Sibugay, stating that curfew hours have been imposed nowadays all over the region. Zamboanga del Norte police provincial director PSSupt. Ulpiano Lopez has clarified that only the province of Zamboanga Sibugay is imposing curfew hours from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. these days. 14
“No curfew hours in Zamboanga del Norte,” he said. Earlier a text message was circulated telling the public that curfew hours would be implemented in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and the cities of Zamboanga, Pagadian, Dipolog and Dapitan as well as Isabela City in Basilan because of the threats posed by the Moro rebels and other terror groups. But this
Sunday, October 30, 2011
was denied by Supt. Lopez. In a related development, the entire police force in the province is preparing for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day come Nov. 1-2. Policemen in uniform and civilian clothes will be deployed in churches and cemeteries to ensure a smooth, orderly and peaceful observance of the twin celebrations. (JPA/FPG/PIAZambo. Norte)
Pinoy’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program helps poor families realize their dreams
H
by Ruchell L. Mula
e rises up at 5:00 a.m to do the household chores and keep all things in place.
Such has been daily routine of seven year-old Juhann Orsal before setting himself for school. The fourth among Julieta Orsal’s five children, Juhann was only five when his father died. At his early age, Juhann already knows and understands the poverty situation of the family, particularly, the struggles of her mother in raising them alone, by herself. “Kung dako pa lang ko karon, magtrabaho ko aron makakwarta para itabang ko kang Mama (If only I were a grown–up, I would already be working to help my mother),” Juhann said.
mature statement from a schoolage boy, who presents himself in an obviously mature and experienced manner, but losing a father at an early age, has forced him to think and act beyond her age.
The daily familial One can never expect such a however, did not stop Sunday, October 30, 2011
struggle 15
– a dream that inspired him to study help us),” Julieta blissfully stressed. his lessons well which eventually led him to receive honors in his class. Pantawid Pamilya is a program of the National Government that aims to He still aims to do better in order break the intergenerational poverty to have a good life ahead of him and of the poorest of the poor, where all he wants is to help his family come beneficiaries receive a conditional out from vulnerability. cash grant for health, nutrition and education of children aged 0-14. Julieta does the same. She works very hard instead of wasting “Salamat kang President Aquino time in thinking about their unlucky kay iyang gipadayon ang programa. condition. Dili na si Mama maglisod ug palit sa among mga gamit sa eskwelahan A fruit vendor with a small stool kay naa na kwarta gikan sa Pantawid she personally built, Julieta sells a Pamilya (My thanks to President variety of fruits like jackfruit, ripe Aquino because he continued to and unripe mangoes and sometimes implement the program. It will no cooked viand, every day. longer be difficult for my mother to buy our school supplies because But she is lucky to be among the beneficiaries of the Pantawid we now have cash from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya),” he gladly stated.
Pamilya) implemented by the The presence of the program Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in region 10. in the family, as well, as in the community touches the hearts and The family believes that God the lives of every beneficiary as the meant them to be among the Pantawid conditional cash grants provided to Pamilya beneficiaries in their town. them eased and assisted the poor conditions of the families. “Usa ka gasa nga gihatag kanamo sa Ginoo ang programa Now, having all the needed tungod sa among dako nga pagtuo, school supplies, children beneficiaries gipadala niya ang DSWD ug gobyerno are encouraged to do well in school para mahimong instrumento nga and to study more eagerly with matabangan kami (This is a blessing their lessons, just like Juhann who from God because of our strong faith continues to make good in school. in Him. He sent the DSWD and the (DSWD) government as his instruments to 16
Sunday, October 30, 2011
DILG tells LGUS: Mobilize cops, tanods, medics during Undas By: Felix Regis
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental– Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the mobilization and deployment of law enforcers and barangay tanods in the vicinity of cemeteries to ensure a peaceful and safe observance of Undas 2011. The DILG Secretary’s directive include the memorial parks and other critical areas of the cities or municipalities in order to prevent the entry and exit of lawless elements.
immediately after Undas,” Bhagwani said.
Part of the plan should be to ensure garbage collection and clean-up of cemeteries and other public places, especially after All Robredo said cops, barangay Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, he tanods and other security forces said. should be on guard for the entire duration of Undas as criminal “While we honor our dead, let elements may take advantage of us make sure that we do not forsake the long weekend to perpetrate our environment by undertaking their crimes. clean-up efforts after Undas,” he said. Meanwhile, Regional Director Loreoto M. Bhagwani of DILG- Bhagwani said the DILG 10 said Robredo’s directive all Secretary, at the same time, called provincial governors and city/ for the setting up of help desks municipal mayors in the country with trained medics along local and to immediately convene their local national roads to provide assistance peace and order council (LPOC) to the travelling public. to formulate an Undas action and contingency plan on peace and He said local governments order and public safety. should firm up their security plans for a crime-free, stress-free and Such plan should contain the garbage-free Undas. (DILG/PIAstrategies to be carried out by 10) security forces before, during and Sunday, October 30, 2011
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Cong. Rodriguez supports DSWD request for higher budget in 2012 by Charmaine Palacio-Tadlas
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Congressman Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd District of city has supported Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman’s request for Php39 billion increase in budget for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in 2012. The legislator said that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has successfully implemented the Pantawid Pamilya having helped 2.3 million households in the country. “Per report of the World Bank (WB) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid), the Filipino household’s income level has risen up to 12% and that the poverty incidence has slid down to 6.2%, a good indicator that the Program has made a great change in the lives of the poor,” he said.
is provided for the child’s school needs and Php500 per month is given to his or her family’s health needs. In exchange for the cash assistance, however, the beneficiaries are required to do the following responsibilities: Pregnant women should get pre and post-natal care and should be attended by skilled health professionals during childbirth.
Parents and guardians must attend Family Development Sessions and children should get regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines, must “I laud Secretary Soliman attend school, and receive de-worming and DSWD for doing a great job in pills if aged 6-14 years old. implementing Pantawid Pamilya. There are valid and essential evidences that the As what Secretary Soliman said, Program has actually improved the lives DSWD is only after the welfare of of Filipino households,” he expressed. children who have the right to education and health. He, further, asserted that he endorses a higher budget from Php21 She said DSWD only focuses on billion Pesos to Php39 billion for DSWD, to giving a child the opportunity to go to help more poor families in the country. school and have a healthy life. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program provides conditional cash subsidy to the poorest families in the country for their children’s education and health needs. Php300 per month 18
Sunday, October 30, 2011
“The increase in the budget for the Pantawid Pamilya will help us get to that goal wherein children of poor families will be able to exercise these rights,” the DSWD Secretary added. (DSWD)
NorMin 4P cash grants reach P656M in 2010 by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental –- Some P656M was released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to 87,996 registered beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P) in region 10, last year. This number of beneficiaries Misamis Oriental, P48.89M or 7,5% already included the expansion of for 6,579 beneficiaries from 37 the 4P’s program in 762 or 37.72% barangays and Camiguin, P3.23M or of the region’s 2,020 barangays from 0.5% for 596 beneficiaries from five 42 municipalities and three cities (5) barangays. covered by the program, Atty. Araceli F. Soilamillo, Regional Director of Solamillo also said an additional DSWD-10, said. 124,886 beneficiaries of the 4P’s program have been targeted by She said Lanao del Norte with DWSD-10 in 2011. the most beneficiaries of 43,002 from 358 barangays had the highest cash These potential beneficiaries grant of P368.91M or 56% followed will come from Bukidnon, 47,439, by Misamsis Occidental, P141.12M Camiguin, 1,163, Lanao del Norte, or 22% for 19,899 beneficiaries from 12,141, Mis. Occ., 19,692 and Mis. 220 barangays. Or., 44,451. The cash grants in the other By the end of 2011, there will provinces were as follows: Bukidnon, be about 213,062 beneficiaries of the P93.82M or 14% for 17,920 4P’s in the region, Sollamillo added. beneficiaries from 142 barangays,
A community works the Kapit-bisig way by Noemi Marla Cordovez Cinco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Another barangay has been transformed and empowered by the KALAHI-CIDSS project of DSWD. Barangay Bel-is in Kapatagan Lanao del Norte has been awarded with a Water System Level 2 subproject of KALAHI-CIDSS. This is the fruit of their cooperation and dedication in serving their community as empowered individuals.
KALAHI-CIDSS formally turned over the sub-project to the community with a written agreement of maintaining the sub-project for it to be used for the future generations to come. Sunday, October 30, 2011
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The event was graced by Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Kapatagan Mayor Atty. Benjie Y. Baguio and the different Barangay Captains coming from the different barangays in the municipality. Of the 33 barangays in Kapatagan, nine were prioritized for the infrastructure project and Barangay Bel-is was the last barangay in line.
financial and technical support from KALAHI-CIDSS, Local Government Unit of Kapatagan and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte as their reservoir is now filled with water, supplying fifteen tap stands located in the different areas in the barangay.
In total, the community has rendered P59,000.00 worth of free service during the construction of the sub-project. Indeed, Barangay Bel-is is now a proud example of a community working like the “Kapit “Dili man diay tanan mahimong Bisig” way (working hand in hand ulahi, dili maayo, tungod kay bisan together) aiming to develop their ulahi mi natagaan gihapon mi ug way of life. tubig, ug usa kini ka damgo alang kanamo dinhi sa Barangay Bel- Since 2003, KALAHI-CIDSS has is. (Not all being put to the last is been transforming communities not bad, because though we were last only in Northern Mindanao but the we still have our water and it is a entire country. It has a unique way dream come true for all of us here of alleviating poverty by giving voice in Barangay Bel-is),” said Barangay to the people in the communities Captain Elmer Planas. and teaching them to stand on their own. For so many years the people in the community has been suffering Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan– from water borne diseases and even Comprehensive and Integrated has claimed the lives of others. This is Delivery of Social Services (KALAHIbecause the Barangay has no proper CIDSS) is a community-driven source of potable drinking water. development project that aims to empower and develop communities. Children would carry containers in their back pack every time they It is one of the anti-poverty go to the town center just to get a programs of the government authored clean drinking water. by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman But now, their effort as a and financially supported by World community paid off, with the Bank. (DSWD 10) 20
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Davao City ready for undas 2011 like the barangay police and other law enforcers. According to Davao City Police Office’s Intelligence and Detection Management Branch head Superintendent Antonio Rivera more personnel from the police and military will be deployed to cemeteries and memorial park during Undas. Task Force Davao commander Col. Rey Guerrero also said that Task Force elements will be assigned in avao City’s police office has strategic areas around the city. intensified security measures Aside from checkpoints along in time for the coming undas (All Saints Day and All Souls Day) this the streets and cemeteries, there will also be foot patrols in residential November 1 and 2 which will see areas to deter thieves and robbers. thousands of city’s residents flock Also a traffic rerouting scheme ing to cemeteries and memorial has been put in place during Undas park to remember their departed which will involve areas near cemloved ones. eteries and memorial parks. Accord Davao City Police Office chief ing to Traffic Management Center Senior Superintendent Rene Espera (TMC) chief Desiderio Cloribel around said that police visibility have been 200 traffic enforcers will be deployed intensified in airports, sea ports, starting October 31. land transportation terminals and The TMC traffic enforcers will other crowded places around the man vehicular traffic along the City city. proper and outlying disttricts like Espera said that every undas, a Bunawan, Calinan and Toril. (PIA/RG security plan is drawn up which will Alama) not just employ regular uniformed personnel but also force multipliers
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Panabo IPs showcase culture and heritage PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte – The indigenous people here showcased their culture and heritage in an Exposition and Trade Fair that the city government spearheaded to celebrate the IP month.
bo City is here to promote the preservation of their cultural heritage,” Mayaki said. Mayaki said that the IP’s cultures and traditions in the city should be maintained and be pre The IPs took pride on their cul- served, citing particularly their arts ture and heritage by displaying their and crafts which he said are significant to the young generation. typical tribal lei, corsage, costumes The Tribal Council has planned and other indigenous handicraft dur- to continue displaying their native ing the trade fair held at the Lobby products at the Panabo City Inteof the New City Hall Building. In support to the IP communi- grated Bus Terminal to provide an ties, the local government of Panabo avenue for livelihood. (CIO-Panabo/ Mark Anthony Gellor) City in coordination with the City Tribal Council joined and celebrated the IP month from October 3-28, 2011. Panabo City Tribal Council-City chieftain Datu Eliezer W. Mayaki said that the main objective was to promote the preservation of cultural heritage, salute and recognize them for the great contribution to the country’s development. “The Indigenous People’s group from different parts of Pana-
Panabo implements “Oplan Kaluluwa” PANABO CITY, Davao del NorteThe local government here is all set to implement its “Oplan Kaluluwa” for the smooth observance of All Souls Day and All Saints Day. “Oplan Kaluluwa” will set up a Help Desk in the cemeteries to ensure the pro
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tection and safety of the public. The LGU led by Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr. will also deploy additional traffic enforcers to regulate traffic flow of public and private vehicles in the major thoroughfares of the city. Several emergency assistance teams
will be detailed at the Panabo Public Cemetery and Panabo Memorial Park. The teams will be composed of personnel from the Philippine National Police, Panabo Emergency and Rescue Services (PEARS), Panabo City Transportation Management Committee (PACITRAMCO) and City Health Office. The Panabo Police has advised the public to avoid bringing to the cemetery prohibited items such as liquor, pointed objects like knives, playing cards or any object used in gambling, firearms, and videoke/karaoke machines. Personnel of the CHO will be de-
ployed at the cemeteries to attend to any emergency occurrence. (CIO-Panabo/June Geraldo & Mark Anthony Gellor)
ComVal supports DepEd technology, livelihood education NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley – Governor Arturo T. Uy who is very supportive to the empowerment and education of the youth recently handed over various corn husk supplies and materials to the Department of Education. DepEd-ComVal education program supervisor Rosita Paican received the materials which will be used for the technical and livelihood education projects of the schools in the province. To further support this endeavor, the provincial government through the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO)- Corn Production Program and the Farm Youth Development/ Provincial 4-H Club also partnered with DepEd in conducting a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Corn Husk Utilization.
Corn Husks Utilization Skills Training is introduced to the inschool youth for them to learn how to make various products out from the corn husk materials like Christmas decorations (lanterns, wreath, balls, etc.), dolls, slippers, flowers, bags, hats, leis and corsages, twines, boxes, and other items. The training could help the students prepare them to become entrepreneurs in the near future as they will develop their skills in art and boost their creative minds. A side from the livelihood opportunities, the youth will learn to see and value the importance of indigenous materials, to be responsible students and to have the eagerness to learn and explore new things. (IDS-Comval/Grace Almedilla) Sunday, October 30, 2011
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Daycare workers take a break Daycare workers from Alabel, Sarangani perform a dance number during the year-end forum on ECCD (Early Childhood Care and Development) and daycare workers’ evaluation Wednesday, October 26, at the Capitol gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
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IP month celebration in Sarangani promotes tribal rights
by Beverly Paoyon ALABEL, Sarangani – Sarangani celebrated Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Month this year purposely to recognize, protect and promote the rights of IPs within the agenda of national unity and development in relation to the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (RA 8371). The celebration recognized particularly cultural artist achievers, IP outstanding teachers, and the partners of Sarangani Province in
its IP program for their contribution to the continuing advocacy on the preservation and promotion of indigenous knowledge system,
technology and best practices of the Sarangani IPs. Annalie Edday, a pure-blooded Blaan who spearheads Quality
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Education for Sarangani Today as program manager, was among the awardees. The office of the Indigenous People’s Development Program (IPDP) explained Edday was awarded being an IP professional “who enthusiastically and genuinely inclined to bring value and larger positive impact to her fellow Blaans by engaging herself in bringing quality in the uplands wherein IPs reside.” In 2008, Edday was among the youth representatives of the Philippines to the International Youth Forum conducted by the Initiatives of Change in Indonesia. In 2009, she underwent five-week lead-
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ership training in the United States being one of the top three Young Mindanao Leaders chosen by the US Department of State. In the same year, she represented the Philippines in the International Youth Exchange Program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Edday is again one of the top nine young leaders of the country as conferred by AsiaSociety to represent the Philippines to the International Summit in New Delhi, Indianext month. Edday challenged her tribe “to encourage more leaders and advocates and to encourage as well children to be proud being IPs.” “We do look forward that from now on wala nay batang IPs nga
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mangayo ug bugas, wala nay tigulang nga mamatay nalang sa sakit nga wala nakatilaw ug paracetamol, ug wala nay IPs nga dili atimanon sa mga ospital (there will no more be IP children who will beg for rice, no more old and sick IP who will die eventually without having to experience medication even taking paracetamol, and no more IPs brought to hospitals unattended),” Edday hoped as she lamented the plight of her tribe. “Everyone of us has a right to quality of life. Let us stand up to put integrity for our tribe,” she said. The event on Friday (October 28) dubbed as “National Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Day” was in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Provincial Tribal Council (PTC) pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 issued in 2009 declaring October as the Indigenous Peoples’ Month. This celebration comes with a manifesto of support from the Sarangani Indigenous
Peoples Professionals Association, Inc., PTC, tribal elders, ministers, women, and youth, IP elected officials and mandatory representatives, local government officials, and nongovernment organizations pursuant to the mandate of the Philippine Constitution and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.
As stated in the manifesto, it “faithfully and conscientiously recognize, promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities, IPs to their ancestral lands, rights to selfgovernance and empowerment, rights to social justice and human rights and cultural integrity to ensure social and cultural integ-
rity.” It also committed “to support and bear the faith to preserve our (IP) customary laws, traditional rights, peace building mechanism and processes, compatible with the framework of national unity and development.” (PIO Sarangani/ PIA General Santos City/CTA)
Military camp to grow seedlings for greening program By Dani Doguiles and Roderick Bautista KORONADAL CITY -- A military headquarter in North Cotabato will soon be growing seedlings and producing seeds for the government’s National Greening Program (NGP). Philippine Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay San Mateo, Aleosan, North Cotabato, in coordination with the office of Cotabato First District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan and the local office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is establish-
ing a nursery and seed production area inside the army camp. The initiative is in accordance with President Benigno Aquino III’s Executive Order No. 26, implementing the National Greening Program along government policy to pursue sustainable development for poverty reduc-
tion, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Once fully developed, the army’s seedling nursery will become one of the immediate sources of planting materials for tree-growing activities in the first congres
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sional district of North Cotabato. North Cotabato’s first district includes the municipalities of Aleosan, Alamada, Banisilan, Libungan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, Carmen, and Kabacan. Midsayap Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Jerry Dalauta said their office will provide personnel of
40th IB with technical skills training on establishing and managing seedling nurseries and seed production areas to assure sustainability of the project. Lt. Col. Roy Galido, commanding officer of 40th IB, is confident the initiative will give a boost to the participation of the military personnel in the greening program because of
the sense of ownership that will be developed among them as they produce the planting materials for tree-growing activities. The government’s National Greening Program aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 hectares of public land within a span of six years, from 2011 to 2016. (PIA12)
Kins nabbed for illegal possession of drugs and firearms in Sto Nino, South Cotabato KORONADAL CITY-- The joint team of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation apprehended three (3) male family members for possession of illegal drugs and home made firearms in a barangay at Sto Nino, South Cotabato on October 27. On the strength of a search warrant issued by Municipal Circuit Trial Judge Marlo Brasales of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Norala-Tboli and Sto Nino, in Norala, South Cotabato, the joint PNP-NBI team arrested Pudi Ambalgan, 47 years old and former barangay captain of Upper Sepaka, Surralah, South Cotabato; Ato 28
Ambalgan, 20 year-old son of Pudi. Ambalgan and Tating Sandigan, 29 years and son in law of Pudi. Poice senior inspector Dennis Madriaga, chief of police of the Sto. Nino Police Station said the arrest came after a one month surveillance of the suspects who have been complained of causing
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indiscriminate firing and public disturbances by the residents of Purok Lovers, Barangay Ambalgan, Sto Nino, South Cotabato. Madriaga reported that their team confiscated 11 sachets of shabu weighing more or less 10 grams and assorted home made firearms from the suspects who did not resist
arrest. The Sto Nino chief of police disclosed that the seized firearms comprised of one (1) unit home made caliber 45 pistol, two (2) units home made
single shot with caliber M16 ammunition, one (1) unit home made Ingram with 9 MM ammunition and three (3) units home made 12 gauge rifle with three (3) maga-
zines. The three (3), according to Madriaga, were brought to Koronadal City to face inquest proceedings. (OTSUDARIA/PIA 12).
50% ng Pantawid Pasada cards sa So Cotabato di kinuha ng mga benepisyaryo – DILG KORONADAL CITY -- Kinumpirma ng Department of the Interior and Local Government ng South Cotabato na halos kalahati ng mga dapat tumanggap ng kanilang subsidiya sa ilalim ng Pantawid Pasada o Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP) ang hindi kumuha ng kanilang cash assistance. Sa isang pulong balitaan, sinabi ni DILG South Cotabato Director Josephine Leysa na mayroon dapat benepisyaryo ng tig- isang daan limampung pisong fuel subsidy sa buong lalawigan. Subalit, sa paunang ulat na kanilang natanggap mula sa mga lokal na pamahalaan maaring aabot sa limampung porsiyento ng pondong ibinigay sa mga LGU ang maaring maibalik sa national treasury ngayong hinihingi na ng DILG ang liquidation. Paliwanag ni Leysa base sa kanilang pagtatanong sa mga dapat
tumanggap pinakaproblema umano ang halaga ng nakapaloob sa subsidiya. Naging problema din ang patakarang ang may-ari ng prangkisa ang dapat kumuha ng subsidiya sa tanggapan ng lokal na pamahalaan. Aniya, ang karamihan ng may-ari ng parangkisa ay maykaya kung kaya’t naliliitan sa P150 na bigay ng pamahalaan. Ani Leysa kanila na umanong ipinaabot sa nakatataas na tanggapan ng DILG ang mga naturang impormasyon sa layong mapa-unlad ang pamamaraan ng pagbibigay ang tulong sa ilalim ng PTAP.
Ayon kay Leysa, sa sampung bayan at isang lungsod ng South Cotabato, ang mga bayan ng Tampakan at Polomolok pa lang ang nakapagliquidate. Isang daang porsiyento ang Pantawid Pasada fuel subsidy ang naipamahagi ng Tampakan subalit mahigit P200,000 na katumbas sa 65 porsiyento ng tulong ang isinauli ng bayan ng Polomolok. Halos ganito rin umano ang kanilang nababalitaang disbursement rate sa Koronadal City at nalalabing bayan sa lalawigan. (DEDoguiles/ PIA 12)
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Loverkada Kids gets hero’s welcome from Butuan City gov’t by Robert E. Roperos
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he city government recently gave a hero’s welcome to “Loverkada Kids” following the group’s feat as finalists in ABSCBN’s “Pilipinas Got Talent.”
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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
From Bancasi Airport, the group was then presented to the people of Butuan in a motorcade, proceeding to the city hall for a courtesy call with Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. According to Adelfa Nedia, manager of the group, although the kids were not able to grab the championship title
nor land in the top three, they were still thankful to the city government for the support given to the group. Nedia also said although they have a lot of bookings and guestings, their priority right now is to take a rest. During the semifinal round, the group was able to get the
highest text votes among the six contenders, enabling them to grab the 7th spot in the grand finals. Meanwhile, the group’s talent manager said that they are planning to organize a Butuan team called “Loverkada Boys” for next year’s staging of “Pilipinas Got Talent.”
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Multi-sectors converge for Mindanao Week of Peace celeb by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – Multi-sectors comprising government agencies, local officials, academe, non-government organizations, and private stakeholders convened recently at the Bishop’s Home here and discussed how to intensify its campaign for peace and development in Mindanao, in time with this year’s celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration come November 24-30, 2011. Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos stressed that Filipino people should be united since we all aim for peace. “To avoid war, let us all give love to other people despite our differences,” Bishop 32
Pueblos said. This year’s theme for the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration is “Common Word between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor”. With this, multi-
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sectors identified activities for said celebration to be held simultaneously in Caraga, which are still to be finalized and to be presented in the next stakeholders’ meeting.
BGen Plaza to authorities: “Give peace a chance” BUTUAN CITY – Brigadier General Charito B. Plaza of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 7th Air force Wing Reserve urged and recommended authorities to implement “soft and hard approach” in giving peace a chance.
This is the statement of the first lady general of the AFP after the recent and continuous attacks and firefight in the Caraga Region, Basilan and the various parts of Mindanao. BGen Plaza said by implementing soft and hard approach in giving peace a chance, there’s a need to discuss peace through a new and sincere amnesty program, with a limited timetable for those who want to go back into the folds
of the law, “as the soft approach and an all-out war for those who want to fight the government’s efforts to win the peace, in a peaceful manner.” She added just like the carrot and stick dichotomy, “We separate those who want to go back, live a peaceful life and who will opt to use violence, for their causes and interests,” Plaza further said there was a total failure in talking and in winning the peace in
the past because of the lack of sincerity of the government in complying in its many promises of reforms and packages of benefits programmed for the rebel returnees. The past amnesty program, Plaza said, other than the lack of sincerity, was bereft of too much bureaucratic red tape, with so many agencies task to handle and implement the packages of reforms and benefits. “The amnesty
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program of the past was so centralized and lacked the focus and complacency of the implementers of the program,” she added. Furthermore, the official stressed the most effective amnesty and peace plan should have a localized approach since most of the enemies of the state are all Filipinos and are residents of the different localities, who have families and relatives in the areas. “I’m sure, they
would want to be spared with the fire fights and by the economic downfall as a result of a disturbed peace,” Plaza said. Moreover, Plaza opined a timetable to avail of the amnesty to go back into the folds of the law must be established. “When the deadline comes, those who will fail to join, is a signal that these are those who will rather use violence, thus, identifying them as the real enemies of the state,” she said.
The politician and soldier lady general has a wide exposure, experience, education and knowledge in the many ways of promoting, defending and in winning the peace, having born, grew up and exposed in the many scenarios of conflicts and fights in areas of Mindanao and in her broad studies, grasps and understanding of the different milieu of peace, conflicts and war studies and exposures.(Robert E. Roperos)
New inter-agency task force formed to go after “kotong” cops, other traffic law enforcers by:Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has created two police officer-led teams as “strike force” for an Inter-Agency Anti-Kotong Task Force (IAA-TF) that would go after scalawag policemen and other traffic law enforcers engaged in “kotong” or mulcting and extortion activities in the Metro Manila area. 34
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The creation of IAA-TF also coincides with the launching of the DILG’s anti-kotong hotline (09188882749) where the public can feed/ submit information – which would be treated with utmost confidentiality – about “kotong” activities. DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said the abovementioned project was a partial compliance to a recent directive of President Benigno S. Aquino
III, after a meeting with transport industry leaders, for the DILG “to coordinate with other agencies, and investigate as well as remove from the service, those found to be guilty of extortion activities.” “The creation of IAA-TF and its strike force, and the anti-kotong hotline, are part of the President’s directive to combat all forms of kotong operation in the streets, particularly in Metro Manila. On the part of the transport leaders, I urge them to cooperate in our campaign and discipline their ranks so as to prevent traffic enforcers from mulcting them,” he said. During the consultation meeting in Malacanang, the
transport leaders raised various concerns, and they include the confusion in the issuance of traffic citation tickets by different agencies; maintenance of illegal terminals, proliferation of kolorum public utility vehicles, extortion, collection of passing-thru fees and suspension of smoke-emission testing being implemented by LGUs. The DILG is currently preparing MOA with concerned agencies like the Department of Transportation and CommunicationsLand Transportation Office, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the various local government units in the National Capital Region on the single-ticket-
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ing scheme and the campaign against “kolorum� vehicles plying or operating in the National Capital Region. The IAA-TF, aside from its strike force, will be composed of agents or representatives from the DILG, National Police Commission, Philippine National Police, DOTC-LTO, MMDA, Department of Justice and those from local traffic enforcers from various local government units in Metro Manila. Under the anti-kotong hotline scheme, the public will be asked to call or provide via text messaging their information that includes the date, time, place of occurrence, the modus operandi and the identity of the per36
petrators. All antikotong information/ reports that would be fed or submitted to the hotline will be treated with utmost confidentiality to protect the source of the information. Upon receipt of the information, a police officer-led IAA-TF team will be deployed to conduct discreet surveillance and investigations on their subjects, gather material and other documentary evidences against the perpetrators. After the IAA-TF team shall have built a tight case against their subjects, it shall submit recommendations on whether to file administrative or criminal case against the erring traffic policemen or local traffic enforcers to an IAATF steering commit-
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tee. The panel shall evaluate the recommendation and render a decision/ action whether to reprimand, transfer, and file administrative or criminal charges against PNP personnel engaged in kotong. The panel’s decision would be forwarded to the Chief PNP for enforcement and/or implementation. In the case of erring local traffic enforcers, their cases will be referred to the concerned action officers of the MMDA or the LGUs for administrative or criminal sanctions. If warranted, the IAA-TF would also pursue the criminal cases of erring local traffic law enforcers. (DILG-13)
Feature: Number of diabetics increases with age by Dr. Imelda A. Agdeppa
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iabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is being used by cells to utilize sugar for energy production. Classical symptoms for diabetes mellitus are frequent urination, increased thirst and increased
hunger. Two main types of diabetes are Type 1 diabetes, which results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, and requires the person to inject insulin, while Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance,
a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency. The causes of diabetes are attributed to both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity
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and lack of exercise. Data from the 7TH National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 present indicated that the overall prevalence of high Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) in the Philippines is 4.8 percent, based on the average FBS of more than 126 milligrams per deciliter. 38
Fasting blood sugar is a type of blood test used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood and is mainly used in screening for any pre-diabetes or diabetes. In people already with diabetes, blood glucose monitoring is used with frequent intervals to manage the condition. Data from the NNS reflected that prevalence of diabetes mellitus among young adults 20-29
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years old is 0.4%, 3.2% among adults 30-39 years old, 5.7% among older adults 40-49 years old, 9.0% among middle aged 50-59 years old and 9.1% among older persons 60-69 years old. Hyperglycemia or high FBS level increased from 3.4% in 2003 to 4.8% in 2008. Currently, the use of Hb1C is one of the best assessments to determine diabetes which is a form of hemoglobin measured primarily to identify the average plasma glucose concentration over prolonged periods of time. In late adulthood, foods need to be chosen carefully to ensure adequate nutrition without excess consumption of calories since physiological changes that accompany aging
may affect nutrition. There is actually no treatment for diabetes mellitus, though it can be controlled and still be prevented with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. A diabetic requires a lot of time and commitment in controlling the blood sugar through maintaining and achieving desirable body weight by eating the right types of food at the right time which are important in reducing the risk of complication of this disease. A diabetic diet is must have a healthy eating plan that is high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories. Inclusion of foods rich in fiber in the diet such as oats, cereals, legumes, wholegrain products, dried beans, peas, lentils, fruits,
vegetables will also help in blood sugar control and thus may reduce the risk of diabetes. A healthy lifestyle must be encouraged, such that smoking and excessive alcohol drinking should be avoided. Moreover, it is suggested that patients with diabetes should do physical activities such as walking, 20 minutes three or four times a week, then gradually increased to 30 minutes walk, then gradually increasing it to 30. Physical activities should be something
genuinely enjoyed so that it becomes a lifetime habit. For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Email: mcv@fnri.dost. gov.ph or mar_v_c@ yahoo.com Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri. dost.gov.ph.
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